Arlene Webb

CLICK-GET FREE READ-Yippee, My Rank Climbs-Thanks!

2012-02-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

Amazon Link
Offer a novel for free, people snap it up and then the story rises above a zillion others for a few glorious hours so more people notice it.
Please help on Thursday and Friday, Feb 23 and 24^th, assuming I didn’t screw up with the setting in the Kindle Direct Program, and click yes, you want to buy Splintered Energy for $0.00.
I’d love more tags and likes while you’re there as well.
Here’s the blurb I may use for the print book:

Dawn breaks—literally.

Energy sparks across the horizon, power grids go down, and a few hapless humans fall dead. A moment later, hearts regain their beat.

California. A widower's twelve-year-old son is rather young to bring home a woman, especially a collapsed green beauty too frightened to open her eyes.
Arizona. A divorcee blinks hard, but the gorgeous guy stepping in front of her car is still red—hello, ditch. When she comes around, she wonders which layer of hell she's fallen into.
Ohio. A teen also fears he’s dealing with the demonic, but no matter how dangerous things become, he’s determined to stand by a man with inhumanly blue eyes.

Sentient beings, trapped in human form, can’t recall a past other than a blissful haven. Only one learns to hide his unique skin color, and he assumes the identity of the victim, Malcolm James. Malcolm has a goal: return to wherever it is he belongs—ASAP. News clips show the escalating violence. He predicts those who cross paths with color, himself included, will become permanently scarred or worse, killed because he's certain concerning one fact. Living light does not belong grounded.

LINK to AMAZON
I hope anyone who grabs a copy of Splintered Energy, you get a chance to read it and you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Wow and Wow Again. Second Place Winner!

2012-02-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

http://backwardmomentum.blogspot.com/2012/02/flowers-for-valentines-day-by-arlene.html

On a day I was too busy to even comment on D L Jackson's celebration of two sci-fi romance writers joining her blog, a panel of judges checked out the posts and geez, I won a gift certificate to thinkgeeks dot com.
Shrug. It's obvious these impartial judges must have had a few drinks.

I Adore Release Days!

2012-02-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

Decadent Publishing

Ask for the Moon-This is What I Get

2012-02-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

I love my friend Chris. She's brilliant at photography. Not quite the moon I'd hoped for, but perfect nevertheless.

The Home Invasion Multiples

2012-02-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Being the lamest cook on the planet, I don't have much in the fridge and you'd think what little I have wouldnt be in a plastic bag for months. Sept 28, I purchased two turnips. January 31, I pulled them out and cursed.

Why do somethings fight so hard to survive?

For months, since May I think, I've brooded about a frickin' sweet potatoe that refuses to rot, die, content to live in a ceramic dish without water or soil. In December, I thought to show compassion. I laid the damn thing across a pot of moist, fresh soil giving this concentration camp survivor full assess to at least a four star restaurant. Sigh. January 31, I lifted it. No roots, no rot, just strong turgid leaves and stem. Well, now it's a race to see if turnip decays, kills, mates with, or ignores sweet potatoe who will obviously outlast the cockroachs when armageddon happens.

Liebster blog award!

2012-01-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

Seriously, how cool is this!

I must thank the wonderful author Chrystalla Thoma for awarding me the Liebster Blog Award. Unlike me, Chrys isn’t a native speaker of English. She hails from the island of Cyprus, and writes amazing novels but she also has a talent in art, creating some of her own book covers. Check out her books on Amazon and MuseitUp (and check out her website for many more publications!)

The Liebster Blog Award originated in Germany. Liebster means dearest or beloved, and Liebe is love.

In accepting the Liebster Blog Award, I agreed to:
*Thank the person who gave them the award and link back to that person’s blog
*Copy and paste the award to my blog
*Reveal the 5 blogs I’ve chosen to award in turn and then commenting on their blog to break the news.
I know my awesome friends-authors-bloggers are aware they’ll suffer consequence, be bombarded by things like tumbling puppies, Julia Andrews singing on a mountain, kittens rolling in yarn, instead of brilliant plot twists for their work in progress if they in turn don’t pay it forward or accept and then pass on this prestigious award to bloggers they’d like to honor.

My blog winners are all fellow writers, renowned or on the brink of being so.

Barbara Elsborg

DL Jackson

Fred Vrabinec

Karen Cote

Laurie Green

Check out their blogs and you’ll know why I chose them – for their wit, talent, wonderful stories and most of all, their loving ability to become a most cherished friend.

Thanks again to Chrys for including me in this fun blog tour.

Zentangle: There is no Order or Disorder Not even a Spoon (Matrix)

2012-01-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

The art of using patterns to encourage mediation and right brain activity.

“You have to come,” said Good Friend. "I sent you the real cool invite."

“Er…on a Saturday? Close work early? Hell yes,” said the right side of my brain.

“Idiot, she’ll expect you to follow directions, pay attention and frickin’ draw,” said the little used left side of my brain.

“Go back to sleep,” said right side to left. “I dominate, I control flights of fantasy and zentangle encourages that, meaning you, dear logical and precise mathematical left side are screwed. Once I rule the entire brain, chaos will reign. We’ll have ice cream for dinner, as well as breakfast. We’ll make word patterns out of back-white dullness, float like a leaf in the wind to better worlds whenever blah blah yaks at us, pretend to care and…lose what little train of thought we ever held to. ”

“Crap,” said I. “All that from just making some doodles over and over and over?”

The setting was delightful, thanks to attention to the most intricate details.

My masterpiece.
Hm, head isn't humming. Does that mean right and left hemispheres have put down the swords? If so, the theroy behind zentangle pumping up right brain function is off, as far as this brain is concerned. There is a certain stillness, calmness in knowing patterns exist without confinement, and from a basic grid, curve, open or closed circle, hell I bet I could sneak in squares, comes whatever choas the pencil stroke wants, and at whatever speed. Fast and thin worked for me. Others had alot of white space and damn, their patterns didnt look like they'd each had a shot of vodka, but hey whatever it takes for me. Brain waves cooperating predicts the electric bursts, repetition of the stress of the day can be confined to a little square tile.
Which, by the way, comes in black as well.

1-6-2012, Let it Rain!!!

2012-01-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

Lin Holmes, Blog Trailer

A wonderful author over at MuseitUp has blogged about the series, Lacey's Lamp, which I'm lucky enough to kick off the year long, 12 author anthology.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

To old friends, Barb, Fred, Cate, Laurie, Dawn, Chrys, Chris, Alicia, Julie, everyone at CC, SFP, Museitup, a zillion others, and to new friends at Decadent, FB,GR, and a zillion others, thank you!!! for being in my life.

12-21-11 Happy Release Day for Taking Down Mistletoe!!!

2011-12-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

This has been one whirlwind month with Rebel showing Christmas through an unique point of view, House of Seven bringing the color series closer to a finale, and last but not least my first release with Decadent Publishing has me thrilled from cover to end line.

Decadent Publishing

An End in Sight--Happy Release day for book 3 of the Color series!!!

2011-12-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

Amazon

Word Cloud! House of Seven

2011-12-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

There's this program you can insert a word doc, such as a 115K novel, to see if you over use words.
Couldnt figure out how to save, so I took a picture of the screen.
Damon's pissed he's only a bit larger than Mal and Aaron and he's (snicker) green.
Like, back, hand, arm seem to be words for me to watch out for.

Happy Release Day for Rebel!!

2011-12-07T02:34:00.000-08:00

The story that opened the first door into the publishing world for me is out there again.

I wrote it for a friend who I worked with in a greenhouse of course, years ago.

After reading this short and strange tale, it's pretty certain you'll not look at plants the same.

Amazon

Hot Angels & Cold Demons Blog-hop Continues

2011-11-27T03:04:00.000-08:00

From writings scratched on papyrus, manuscripts of cloistered guys with ink and quill, to famous authors like those on this tour, humans have been fascinated with polar opposites. Yin &Yang. Good & Evil. Dark & Light.

Sparkling creatures of goodwill and decency would be taken for granted and become seriously boring without evil to contrast with. Monsters filled with twisted desires who concentrate on self-centered survivalism would be mundane without anything better to compare them to.

Thankfully in this awesome era, more and more authors are messing with the grey areas.

Just because the angel emits white light when being killed, doesn’t mean the angel isn’t a dick.

The conflicted demon who’s portrayed as stunningly beautiful, despite the horns and tail, makes for one sexy read.

I wrote a series based on a concept where white is evil and black is good. With twisted physics to back this up, there were so many options for humor and subtle sarcasm when a bar of white soap sends fear rocketing through the hearts of superbeings.
Because my angel and demon story is in the submission process, I decided to pimp book one in my color series which introduces a hot character who’s seriously pissed when everyone who meets him cries that he’s a demon, even when his burning eyes are hidden behind shades.

Despite Damon’s reluctance to sit around and chatter, he agreed to a character interview:

What’s your name and are you happy to be here?

My name’s been Demon, Freak, Red, Monster, and nine more too mean to say to anyone I’m not knocking unconscious. I answer to Damon. No, I’m not happy to be here.
How did you first meet your writer, Damon?
I have a writer? Where? I’m trapped in a man’s body without a clue. I’d like to strangle her.
Did you ever think your life would end up in a book?
I don’t belong in a book or on this Earth. I don’t understand how to go fast enough to find my home.
What are your favorite scenes: action, dialog, romance?
Forget action. Jaylynn ruins the fun. She has a problem with dead people. It’s not easy. Everyone’s fragile, very slow, afraid. Makes me want to kill them.
I don’t like excessive dialog. Finally, Jaylynn played language tapes. I learned 988, 966 words. I use them sparingly, but she understands me better.
Romance? That’s love. My favorite is when Jaylynn rubs my hurting head under a pine tree. Says to imagine where I should be. I want to be there. With her.
What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere?
Shower. Feels right. Helps bullet wounds. Or holding Jaylynn under a red blanket, my hand over her mouth so she can’t yell about what I did wrong.
Are you currently engaged in a relationship?
Not sure. I’m between one and three days old in book one and Jaylynn, she’s a woman I forced to teach words, water, fire, things of great value, takes forever to explain one word. Attraction. She’s frightened of how I’ll react.
Are you happy with the genre you’re in?
Yes. If romance means Jaylynn isn’t afraid of my demon eyes. If science means I can return to where ever I came from. If suspense means I can…talk to police and confiscate all weapons.
If you could rewrite anything, what would it be?
Don’t know. The story isnt over. There’s four books.
Do you like the way the book one ends?
No. I should be driving to this place where answers are. Jaylynn and Caream yell I’ll break the car. It’s difficult not to break them.
Would you be interested in a sequel?
Try to listen. There’s four books before I find out why this has happened to me.
Do you believe you are suitable portrayed in electronic books or would you rather be in paperback?
Electronic. I belong in a world moving at lightspeed. But paper is easier to hold. Metal problems like computers, cellphones, steering wheels break in my hands.
Did you have any input into the book cover design?
No. Or it’d be my face instead of an ugly blue man.
What’s the lamest characteristic your writer has attributed to you?
I’m the strongest on Earth. She also gave me tremendous hearing. Hurts my head. I know when words ring false. But the lamest thing, I don’t understand nuance. Jaylynn yells I’m like an impatient caveman, which isn’t fair. I’m not a cave, not a man, and I wait two, three long seconds before I break a liar’s jaw.
If you could give yourself a superpower, what would you choose?
My writer says I have superman sydrome already, and not to give me more ideas. Thanks for talking with me. Bye.

A big thank you to all the authors who participated in this demon and angel get together. Make sure you check everyone out, and comment for a chance to win some fun and fascinating reads.

Jay Di Meo http://jaydimeo.wordpress.com/
Ellis Carrington http://elliscarrington.wordpress.com/
Daniel Christian Juris http://dcjuris.blogspot.com/
JK Coi http://www.jkcoi.blogspot.com/
Kiki Howell http://authorsbyauthors.blogspot.com/
Michael Mandrake http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com/
Angel Martinez http://www.freewebs.com/angelwrites
Marie Dees http://mariedees.com/
Sara York http://sarayork.blogspot.com/
Barbara Elsborg http://www.barbaraelsborg.blogspot.com/
Hayley B. James http://www.hayleybjames.com/
Ryssa Edwards http://www.ryssaedwards.net/blog
Andi Anderson http://andiandersonauthor.blogspot.com/
Kiernan Kelly http://kiernan-kelly.blogspot.com/
Tour Wrap Up Jay Di Meo, Misty Malone, & Marie Dees http://jaydimeo.wordpress.com/

Fantastic News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11-13-2011 is a much anticipated birthday. Look what just released from Jay Di Meo:

Buy Link

Smile. After you've clicked on a fantastic author's latest, Idriel's Sin, check out these links. Like and a review down the road if you buy would be sweet.
Splintered-Energy
The R Word
House of Seven...coming soon!

Yes! A Great Review from a Science Fiction Reader

2011-11-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

Sift Book Reviews

This review site is swamped. I've been patiently waiting for months, and am thrilled to have a reviewer who understood the mix of science and romance is a character driven journey involving some intense word count. I've also had the covers tweaked so it's now clear this is a series, and yippee book two, The R Word sits in their que.

MuseitUp Booksigning/Family Reunion. Montreal Nov 2011

2011-11-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

Lea. An remarkable woman, the founder of this Muse family.

There's Litsa, co-founder of Muse, the gorgous brunette at the end of the table. Karen Cote is looking at Lea and the other lovely brunette directly behind Lea is Natisha, an editor who's known Lea forever and finally they got to meet in person.

Kevin has a fantastic smile. He wrote a young adult, Summer on Fire. He and his wife are fascinating Canadians I was lucky enough to be seaten close by at dinner the second night.
Barbara, the blonde who looks like a movie star wrote, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor. She sold a zillion copies and had one young reader return after going home to read the book in order to get her picture taken by Barbara's side. It doesnt get any sweeter than that with the fans.

Nancy, author of Laurel's Miracle is one of the nicest women I've had the honor of getting to know. Professional and thoughtful, her work organizing authors helped to made this event so special.

I dont know how many times Karen heard, oh my god, you're a goddess who looks exactly like your avator. Her husband, Cody sits behind her. The pair are not only adorable, I really hope they host next years event. Karen has a laugh that comes straight from the heart and a smile that looks like she swallowed a sunbeam. If you havent seen her website, the avators she's created of Lily and Jet, two hot characters from the pages of Erotic Deception, are so worth checking out in Karen's lounge.

Below, Joanne Elder holds a copy of her book, Spectra, one I can't wait to read and yippee, I have a signed print copy. Her husband Jim is as brillant as she is and we had such fun riding to the comedy club with them. If they hadnt been kind enough to offer us a ride, Natisha and I would certainly still be driving in circles in downtown Montreal.

Christine London is a romance writer. If you're ever heading out to a comedy club you must have her with you. Funny and sharp, she knows exactly what to say. No wonder she sells so many books.

Madeline had us all spellbound at dinner on Saturday, telling us of her childhood in rural Canada. She delighted me with the occasional eh at the end of a sentence. She should have smacked me when I giggled, instead of laughing.

Sara Durham is someone I can't wait to meet up with again. She sold way more copies than I did and didnt even get mad when I said damn werewolves and witches after each of her sales. Lycan Moon is on the top of my pile to be read, asap. Her daughter, Michele is as sweet as she is beautiful. I had a picture of Michele in the red (yes red, not pink) dress she wore to the comedy club but it sizzled right out of my camera.

This stunning girl, Alex, is Lea's youngest daugher. And yes, she's wearing a tutu and wearing it well.

Good thing Ashes has a photogenic cover!

For some reason the shots I had of Heather Haven, Murder is a Family Buisness, and a good dozen or more amazing Muse authors who made the booksigning seem to have disappeared. I blame it on the picture of Michele in that red dress that burnt up a good portion of my pics it seems. I wish all the couple hundred in this family could have made the trip but maybe next year.

And the best for last. Litsa and Lea. The pair who make so many dreams come true.

Another Awesome Cover

2011-10-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

How lucky can a girl get?
I have three spectacular publishers (Shadowfire Press, MuseitUp, Decadent) and a seriously talented artist (Greg Elsborg) for my inde-published series. Each of my covers has been special and my latest doesnt disappoint. I love how the title slants, a tie in to what the story's about and yep, mistletoe heading south isn't easy to take down.

5 Author Anthology. Very Cool

2011-10-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky enough to be included with 4 of my favorite authors. We each wrote a 3000 word short. Angels, gargoyles, dragons, magical little girl whose head must spin, and vamps that don’t even come close to glittering. This is priceless to me, so after no debate at all, we agreed the price would be free.

CHECK IT OUT

Nov 4, 2011 MuseitUp Book Signing/Get Together

2011-10-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

Check List:

1) Get all the damn flower debris out of car
2) Find your passport
3) Remember your passport
4) Go back in house and get your kindle
5) Go back in house and get Myles Logan. Hide him under the seat
6) Idiot. Put the box of print copies of Ashes in the back, under overnight bag with hopes customs doesn’t read a page and cart you in for questioning
7) Remember, canadian guards nice, american have no sense of humor. Do not mouth off. Try to let Natasha, editor for MuseitUp, do all the talking
8) Yippee!!! 7-8 hours across NYS, and then meet some awesome people in person. Life doesnt get much better

World's Collide

2011-10-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Very cool to meet up with an online crit partner of five years or so.
DL Jackson is a lovely friend, amazing writer and a great person to tromp around a mall with while discussing plots, publishers and life in general.
The weekend doest get any better when I can spend the evening and a morning with my son, and then he goes off to watch some football game while I head to B&N.

Of course, next time I swear the camera battery won't be dead, or I'll at least have a spare AA or have figured out how I'm not turning the damn thing off correctly and draining it.
Maybe I'll even have a pen to sign the print book, and then Dawn won't blush all prettily when she pulls out one with bubble gum wadded through out it.
One thing I’m sure of, there will be a next time. Just a state between us, and so many worlds to chatter about.

Love The Latest Book Cover

2011-09-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

I havent gotten the edits or the release date yet, but I do have a sweet cover for a novella releasing from Decadent. This is a rewrite of a story that Shadowfire did a fantastic job with a few years ago, so the edits will be just on any tweaks I made.

Got a cool banner, too

Fact or Fiction?

2011-09-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Betelgeuse, one of the brightest stars in our galaxy is losing mass, indicating it is collapsing. Once it runs out of fuel, it’ll go supernova and a second sun will shine on humanity. For a time there should be endless day (vamp hunter heaven) and either a black hole or a neutron star will form.

If Betelgeuse does go supernova, Earth will be showered with harmless particles, according to Dr. Brad Carter, Senior Lecturer of Physics at the University of Southern Queensland. "They will flood through the Earth and bizarrely enough, even though the supernova we see visually will light up the night sky, 99 per cent of the energy in the supernova is released in these particles that will come through our bodies and through the Earth with absolutely no harm whatsoever,"

No harm? Hmm. If Splintered Energy has its roots in solid science, it may be proven otherwise. Sweet. Well, that is, if you’re not one of the fallen when a fractured arc smacks into your skull.
This could happen as soon as next year, 2012. Two suns, a couple weeks of endless day, and the year to see the color series finally wrapped. Oh my. Life is good.

Yippee

2011-09-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

After 6-8 years of work, 9-11 and 9-13th past, an hour to get the !@#$ file to load, not sure if the cover is on the doc like it's supposed to be, lame blurb, can't remember if I want dram stuff but said no, I just clicked publish.

The R Word releases any day now, and book three weighs in at a sweet 112K with an awesome cover in the works.

Book 2 has a Cover!!!

2011-08-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Greg Elsborg, an artist who can take an author's ramblings and turn them into reality.

2:10 AM 8-12 Welcome Son.

2011-08-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Every August I look to the night sky and think back. My son burst into my life and has been a sparkling delight ever since.

One year I lay on top of a car roof, Gates Pass in Tucson, and watched a zillion stars streaking.

In the year of 2011, the Perseid meter shower will be muted, accompanied by howling four and two legged creatures. I do hope my son isn't one of them. Shrug. Always the chance he'll catch a falling star one of these b-days, right?

Sweet. Pages 10 & 11 Rock

2011-08-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.wix.com/cocktailsmagazine/fictionandgossip#!issue8

Update: Demise of the Nut

2011-07-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Coconut sounds empty inside. Mold means it's going into the silver can to the side, and then off to the dumpster.

Crap. Why won't it die? The damn spud isn’t even soft. No water, no dirt, it's not normal. And, sigh, with this much determination to flourish, I'll either soon have to admit it deserves more than a green bowl, or remember I don’t have roots. I could abandon this home to the potato, pack up my laptop and hit the road.

Chatting Tuesday

2011-07-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

It's wonderful how many fun, interesting people I've meant on this difficult and relentless journey as a writer, and Rebecca Rose is someone who makes your smile grow wider and wider, you can't help but have a sparkling day if you're lucky enough to be invited to visit with her.

Chat with Rebecca

Contented Realism nestles beside Sci-fi. Romance in a Bowl.

2011-07-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

The coconut doesnt care. It's not branching out, surviving on who knows what, or reaching for a different level of being.
I can't begin to guess who'll rot or go sour first. Hard skinned nut who's happy to simply exist, or exploring sweetie who tries for infinity and beyond.

Is A Picture Worth 92, 000 Words?

2011-07-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

No doubt in my mind. There I am, on Main St, USA.

Dreams do Come True. Ashes in Print.

2011-07-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, I faced the tragic truth I’d have to shop when I found my green apple dish soap was completely gone, and yep, no back up bottle. Forced myself to leave dishes in sink, not use laundry soap.

Went to grocery store after work.
Got home. Unpacked. Had forgotten soap. Swore. Went to garage to store case of water.

Found two boxes. Heart stopped. Cell rang. Dad had tractor crisis, needed ride home.

Debated opening boxes. Didn’t. Ran Dad home.

Came back. Held my first print book with my name on it. Sat down for a private moment with the Logan twins. Thought, I wrote that? Interesting. Maybe I’m possessed.

Time froze. Don’t know how long, until I realized I hadn’t stolen dish soap from parents.

Went to nephew's. Not home. Debated breaking in. Didn't. Left copy of Ashes for nephew's girlfriend propped against door.

Drove to friend’s home near my parent’s house. Said sorry for disappearing at her daughter’s wedding the other day and popping home to edit 40-50 pages of a beta read for a crit partner. Put a copy of Ashes in her hands, made her smell the scent of a freshly made print, and to swear not to let her mom read it. Forgot to steal her dish soap, but remembered to take cookies.

Went to parent’s, left copy of Ashes and told them not to read it. (blush) Took their dish soap and went home. Sat down with the twins. Thought, I did write that.
It’s been a good night.

Inde! A Fan! Life Rocks!

2011-07-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

It's happened. The moment I've worried about, the reason I have yet to hop into Create Space where print books are set up, and figure out what the hell a wrap around cover is and how to spell out the formatting, whatever to my wonderful cover artist. I got a text a few minutes ago.

Can u fix an error end of chapter nine. The word, through, the r is missing.

I have a fan who cares. He's reading Splintered Energy, found a typo, and he made his wife text me, under the assumption I can do something to fix the problem.
Of course I can't. But I didnt give birth almost 27 years ago for nothing, and my son will surely figure out how to stick one letter in a word so I can reload it on Amazon. But I'll wait in case there's more text messages to come.
The main thing is, I have at least one reader who not only claims to love the book so far, he gets that need to strive for perfection to the very letter.

Gulp. Ashes, coming soon in PRINT

2011-06-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be a writer but I find myself at a loss for words. Not good, right? But what's right around the bend seems as unreal as a guy being staked in the Nevada desert to die, close to myrrth scented scrubs. I know the future isn't electric, the present is. The digital age is here, now! Yep, I've come to love my kindle. Yet the jitters in my stomach tell me I will feel like maybe, honest to god, I am a writer, once I hold my first print copy in hand.

Publisher said final formatting is done, Lightning Source is contracted, the press will be clicking, ink splattered to make legible a world that used to be only in my head. How cool, and strange, and wild, is that???

Virtual Interview!! How Cool is This!

2011-06-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.karencote.tv/?page_id=814

I was lucky enough to be invited to Karen's website. Karen, a MuseitHot author releasing in October, guided me every step of the way and made this 90 second clip of me chattering about my debut novel, Ashes so much fun.

Published! Book One of the Color Series

2011-06-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, Splintered Energy.
Speechless and thrilled pretty much sums it up for me, and the pressure is on. Book 2, Rain Word follows in (gulp) August.

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/66190

amazon buy link

SSS. Splintered Energy. Sci-fi Suspence

2011-06-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

“Good Lord, son, can’t you find pretty shells like normal people?” Aaron dropped to David’s side.

“She wasn’t completely in the water, but shouldn’t her skin be bluish? Why’s she green?”

“Maybe she’s an actress or something.”

Erotica no less, starring Aphrodite dipped in food coloring. Her skin wasn’t Exorcist-vomit pea soup, nor gingerbread-trim lime, but a soft, immature apple—almost the same shade as the shirt David wore.

http://www.sixsunday.com/

Thank you for the comments, they mean the world to me.

SSS with a Twist. On Friday. Featuring Chosen, by Barbara Elsborg

2011-06-03T03:38:00.000-07:00

Before she’d finished turning the handle, the door slammed open and sent her crashing to the floor, flowers raining over her. The door closed and the blond guy dropped to his knees at her side. Kate opened her mouth to scream, and he smiled.

“Marry me, Kate.”

Shock killed the scream in her throat. “What? Who are you?”

“Your future husband.”

###
http://www.spacefreighters.blogspot.com/

Barbara will see your comments here, but why don't you pop over to the above blog link? You'll have a chance all weekend to win an e-book. After all, we're celebrating an author who just released her 20th novel. Yes, that is not a typo. 20 novels, each a masterpiece.
I, for one, can't wait until Barbara adds another 0 and hits 200 novels!!!

Here's the link to all the other awesome SSS players (who are taking a website remodeling break this sunday, June 5th) but will be live on Sunday, June 12.
http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

SSS. A clip from current release, Ashes

2011-05-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the SSS players. Your remarks mean the world to me. In this bit, Renold, a very confused man, is being lectured.

“Lyle has gifted me, a solitary being, more heartache than all my lives combined. I don’t like it when he yells, it frightens me, like your unhappy fingers do. I know he’s a twittering gosling lost in a gale, in need of his brother, but only pea-brained lemmings would assume a phoenix is capable of harm. Not ever…except…well, I have breathed in an occasional insect. They don’t always flutter when I spit them out.” Why was it going on like this? Bennu didn’t need to explain itself to a dirt crawler.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Debut Trailer is #1

2011-05-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ashes Won!

My trailer will be posted for the month of June over at You Gotta Read Videos!!

Got Cover? Nah, Got an Awesome Cover!!

2011-05-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

Coming January, 2012 from MuseitHot

Released!!!! A Paranormal Romance by Barbara Elsborg

2011-05-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Rock
Desired by men and women, Eli’s good looks make sexual conquest easy until he attends a party at the Supernatural Museum, where they land him in deep trouble. He says no to the wrong women, and his punishment is to learn the ultimate meaning of loneliness.

The Stone Maiden

Much to her family’s disappointment, not only is Pepper single but she works a hard and dirty job as an apprentice stonemason. Pepper loves bringing stone to life with her chisel but struggles with the isolation that comes with being different. Then there’s her attraction to her boss, Alessandro, who appears to prefer men. When Eli materializes out of nowhere, Pepper can hardly believe her eyes. Now she’s caught between a rock and a hard place.

The Hard Place

His hands hardened by years training to become a master stonemason, Alessandro is an expert at his craft, but not in matters of the heart. A daily frustration when he’s in hopelessly in love with Pepper and the man of his dreams has disappeared. As Alessandro’s team begins to restore the Supernatural Museum, he, Pepper and Eli are drawn into the building’s secrets and risk losing everything they hold dear.

###

Rocked has one of the best plot lines, ever. Add in unforgetable characters, and Barbara has created yet another extraordinary world.
I'll add the Amazon link when they get it out there.

http://www.loose-id.com/Rocked.aspx

SSS. Bennu

2011-05-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

A few lines of dialogue between Renold (human) and Bennu (non human).
Ashes released! on Friday!!

###
"Unlike you, I’m extraordinarily unique. Thousands of years have shown me that cannibalistic seagulls, tool using crows, parrots counting for a cracker, there’s not a feathered being as self-centered as the non-feathered—or as violent.”

“Now I’m selfish, stupid, and vicious?”

Bennu’s next inhale proved it correct on all three characteristics. Renold had forcibly relaxed his hands, but his scent steadily showed increasing aggression. He no longer smelled deliciously protective, but dark and dangerous as a cornered panther.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Please Vote

2011-05-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/

Please consider number 2. Polls are open until May 26th

Release Day!

2011-05-20T03:24:00.000-07:00

Ashes

Raw thirst dominated Lyle’s fantasy. Cracked ribs, battered leg, ankle bruised by the shackle, three broken fingers, deep slashes along inner thighs, and bone jutting through muscle in the left arm—it all lay crushed under the need for water. Images of shimmering droplets danced behind his crusted eyelids.

How long did it take for a male in his prime to die? The metal rod had been staked deep into the desert soil of Las Vegas. Lyle no longer struggled against the chain, tried to shelter his skin from the searing heat, or screamed for a soul with a shred of human compassion to help him.

Surrounded by low shrubs with a pungent crisp scent, there had to be reason he continued to draw in their aroma. His daydream with denial began to weaken as his thoughts hardened from despair into anger. Lyle pressed against his brother’s stiffening body, but no amount of friction created a response. Reality intruded with more stomach spasms and he grunted, shifting aside.

He willed himself calm, and focused on the message traced in the sand. He trailed his finger to edge the outline of the heart beside his name into a stronger, thicker image. The “L” blurred into an “M,” nausea clogged his throat, and the moisture in his mouth jarred him toward clarity.

The truth? Lyle was no longer part of a binary system. He wasn’t the half that needed water and medical attention hours ago. He was the worthless bastard who had to dig six inches further down, pull up a steel bar, and carry Myles home.

An imaginary hand stroked his head, the firm touch of male flesh soothed the tears on his cheek and his dead brother’s voice whispered in his ear, “Sorry, Lyle. Permanently separated—how weird is that? You mustn’t follow me. Move your butt. Find them instead. Avenge me.”

“Sure.” Lyle spat blood through his cracked lips. “I’ll get right on it.” Impetuous and irrational, Myles had always been the weaker. But Lyle, older by three minutes, managed to rescue his younger bro from every sociopath that befell him.

Not this time. Myles headed for a pine box.

Lyle headed toward damnation as soon as he stopped pretending he was Myles. The chain didn’t hold his leg tight, no sharp object had opened his veins, and not a bone in his body had been smashed. Lyle lay facedown in the dirt, alongside his twin, imagining over and over what it must have felt like to die like this.

How much guilt can a heart take before it goes quiet? And who dared to approach, interrupting his snuggle with the dead? A ripple of dust and a fluttering irritated Lyle. Hot air and cinnamon hit his face. He snapped open his eyes and jerked to his feet.

A dying buzzard? More like a deathly ill, midget flamingo. The creature that landed in front of Lyle appeared deader than Myles.

http://tinyurl.com/5wr2fun

1 Day!!

2011-05-19T04:37:00.000-07:00

http://tinyurl.com/5wr2fun

2 Days !!!

2011-05-18T04:08:00.000-07:00

http://tinyurl.com/5wr2fun

SSS. Bring on the Sarcasm

2011-05-15T04:35:00.000-07:00

“Whacked as Logan sounds, Des, I’m pulling rank. Ignore us, fetch ice cream, and I swear, someday I’ll spill it.” The cop’s lips twitched, attention back on Lyle. “So there’s a pathetic microscopic amount of grey matter, an area of doesn’t matter, and a lot of inactive matter inside your skull?”

“Yes. I can give you the pie chart analysis if you’d like.”

“Just tell me what’s stewing in the dark matter.”
###
Ashes releases on Friday!!! May 20th. http://tinyurl.com/5wr2fun

Check out all the awesome six sentence lines. http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Best Son in All the Universes

2011-05-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Perfect card, if you own a florist shop and haven't spent a minute in over eight days on debut novel, awesome new book cover, only four chapter left to crit of fantastic novel of Barbara’s, and your dad coming home today after having a stint placed in the main heart artery, thus avoiding flower deliverys except for five, one of which placed him near a drug store where he popped a nitro pill and proceeded to take a four day break.

A Hiatus From SSS

2011-04-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to any SSS devotee (or any friend for that matter) stopping by. I'll comment whenever I can and plan to resume playing as soon as work slows down.

SSS. Lyle Wonders if He Hallucinates

2011-04-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from Ashes. MuseitHot. May 27th 2011

A dying buzzard? More like a deathly ill, midget flamingo. The creature that landed in front of Lyle appeared deader than Myles.
Three feet tall at most, a foot of height added by its scrawny neck, the bird angled its head as if it were blind, wobbling on decrepit legs. Two feathers—faded crimson and gold—clung to its hairless, grey form. It looked like it should be hanging from the fist of a voodoo queen.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Many thanks to all of you who've commented on the SSS posts!!

Meet Lyle, in Six Lines

2011-04-10T02:23:00.000-07:00

Lines from Ashes, releasing next month.
Set up: Vegas sheriff is driving. In the backseat, Myles' lover holds Lyle forcible on his lap. Suspected of fratricide, out of whack without his twin, Lyle thinks he's headed to jail.

Lyle squirmed under Renold’s thick arm, unwilling to stop the crap pouring from his mouth. “You should find a real fairy to give you a lap dance. Why didn’t Sheriff Dickwad handcuff me and have you ride up front? He’s hoping we’ll make out back here? Pervert sheriff belongs in a porn theater. I belong behind bars. You belong behind a guy’s butt that’s not mine. This is your gay weekend getaway, right?”

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Meet Lyle's Identical Twin--Myles, in Six Lines

2011-04-08T04:41:00.000-07:00

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

But Myles wasn’t mentally deficient, just so giving of himself and his belongings. A stranger would admire his shirt, and he’d take it off and hand it to him. An adult woman of any age would eye him. He’d grab her shopping bags and walk her home, chattering about her life with her. Pimps, crackheads, thugs, anyone with a spark of decency watched out for him. Threaten any stranger who’d ask Myles for some loose change, but then not move on after he’d emptied his wallet with a smile.

Ashes. Muse bookstore

Latest Release from My Favorite Author

2011-04-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Barbara's son, Greg, is the genius behind the logo and newsletter. Who cares the kid won't read extraordinary erotic romance written, shudder, by his mom. He's a keeper.

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9245-an-ordinary-girl.aspx

Yippee. SSS. Again. Here's Opening Lines for Ashes (May 2011)

2011-03-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

Raw thirst dominated Lyle’s fantasy. Cracked ribs, battered leg, ankle bruised by the shackle, three broken fingers, deep slashes along inner thighs, and bone jutting through muscle in the left arm—it all lay crushed under the need for water. Images of shimmering droplets danced behind his crusted eyelids.

How long did it take for a male in his prime to die? The metal rod had been staked deep into the desert soil of Las Vegas. Lyle no longer struggled against the chain, tried to shelter his skin from the searing heat, or screamed for a soul with a shred of human compassion to help him.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Commas , Hesitations ... Oh My

2011-03-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Line edits for Ashes are back in the hands of my abused line editor.

Maybe, just maybe, I've learned more about the most dreaded obstacles known to illiterates.

But my lines always seem to go racing out of control, thanks to characters constantly being distracted by the basic urges, such as lust for survival and...er...you know.

HEA: Six Last Lines to Father's Embrace

2011-03-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

She’d come to accept my humans. To my delight she lured her pack, all ten of them, to bow to Father, with me behind him, despite our disease.

The changing grew even harder on Father as he aged, but in this moment he swaggered on four legs, a proud grandfather nuzzling my mewing offspring. In a few hours, little Gerranne and five cubs would be embraced in his arms, and my heart swelled with happiness.

I glanced to the sinking sun. Yellow as Gerra’s lovely eyes used to be, the rising moon always claimed dominance, glimmering with the memory of those we’d lost and illuminating those we found with affection.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Hugh Laurie Rocks

2011-03-19T13:52:00.001-07:00

Spring Landed on the Icy Pond Today

2011-03-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Don't Argue With a Wolf Trying to Save Your Life. SSS

2011-03-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Carrying a gut-shot man out of the mountains isnt hard for a wolf wearing the body of a man. Getting the guy to understand he should take the wheel to find aid is much more difficult.

“Oh g-g-god, I can’t do this.” Teeth chattering, Jones’s shrunken skin reflected shades of blue.

“You can.” Father slapped Jones’s hands onto the wheel. “Sleep—I bite. Die—I eat.”
###

Father's Embrace is available here: http://tiny.cc/b7126

Players for Six Sentence Sunday here: http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Six Sentence Sunday: Father's Embrace

2011-03-05T16:26:00.000-08:00

Their's only one way a couple of wolves can easily carry the man shot by another man and seek aid. They've eaten from the corpse of a wolf-human, sister and daughter to them, to catch her illness.
####

The tremors slammed into me before dusk, intensifying with the darkening shadows. Father grabbed me, knocked the paws out from under me and rubbed my forepaws, then my hindquarters as I spasmed. His strong fingers and angry grunts eased the intensity of bones elongating, skin stretching, and my tail pushing its way into my backside, making me yearn for ten bears mauling me instead.

In my father’s arms, I became a man.

He lifted me as I tried to straighten on all fours, and eased me upward onto two.

“You’re one ugly human, son.”

I'd like to say thanks for all the wonderful comments these past couple months. It's been a priviledge reading clips from so many fantastic authors. I havent been able to comment on all (sunday's my only day off the paying job), but it's been alot of fun trying.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Paranormal and Fantasy Month

2011-03-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a lovely host, Cheryl, my interview splotlighting Ashes is up at Books, Products & More today.

http://booktoursandmore.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-paranormal-and-fantasy-event.html

Rijo Watches Gerra Turn

2011-02-27T03:59:00.000-08:00

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

I twisted in a panicked side step—her lovely tail had disappeared, her bottom was smooth and rounded. My tears splattered onto my paws as I noted her muzzle had flattened into a tiny jaw and her soft nose had lost its color. All that remained of my sister were her yellow-black eyes—wild and full of fear.

She flinched from my rumbling growl, a continuous threat pulling from behind my clenched teeth. Whimpers burst from her pale throat and she collapsed to her knees, submissive and anxious for me to taste her lifeblood.

Raw terror spiraling though me, anger shook my hind legs and I lunged.

Six Sentence Sunday and Father's Embrace

2011-02-20T04:41:00.000-08:00

I wrote this paranormal novella for my dad. Here's the first six lines:

The moon had yet to rise the night my mother died and my sister’s fate was sealed. Mother took the invader down, ripped through clothing, skin, muscle and slammed her incisors into bone before the man managed to slash his weapon across her throat.

Metallic. Salty. Arousing. My first scents of human and wolf blood had me reeling.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

The Thought Process

2011-02-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

Words of wisdom to contemplate when scrubbing down, editing a work in progress for the zillionth time.

Six Sentence Sunday--Oops!

2011-02-13T05:01:00.000-08:00

It's that time again. Alot of outstanding writers involved this week:

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Without an arrow to the heart, she had to understand that a world renowned playboy wanted to bed her and her alone. He had to entangle Cheia so tightly she’d not only forgive him, she’d prove to them both that she could love him for himself, not the persona his parents and the media perceived him to be.

Cu had never felt this way before, and he knew there’d not be another he’d let wrap their hand around two of his fingers like Cheia did now—except—last night as he peeled off his spent condom, the only one he had with him, an infant’s face filled his mind. The intensity of joy that had seized him as he imagined her eyes, her dusty skin color to match her mother’s, he’d gotten so hard he jumped right back on top of Cheia again. He had pulled out in time? Of course he had.

Six Sentence Sunday. Parents--for Better or Worse

2011-02-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

From preferred weapon to more complex issues such as pleasing Mother, our hero has disagreed with Father from day one. Born of a nympho and a warmonger, taking on the job of forcing others to fall in love seems fated.
Another clip from:
Joy's Creation

#
“Going somewhere?” Dad grunted.
“Yes.” Cu squeaked.
“After that sexy little thing wearing your shirt who just left in a cab?”
No oxygen to help him speak, Cu nodded.
Dad dropped him. His brows slotted into killing angles, the six foot eight inch giant—looking damn sharp in a tuxedo—glared at the gawkers. They fled while Dad grasped Cu’s ear between two fingers and dragged him along to the nearest door. One blow of Daddy’s fist and it wisely yielded from its hinges.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Men Behaving Badly. Six + Sentence Sunday

2011-01-29T16:42:00.000-08:00

Joy's Creation
Setting:
Valentine gala. Son of a love goddess, so forced to attend. Private room. Our hero is a liar. He does not have a tattoo. He is dusted to appear like a greek statue and wears only a mask, loincloth, and a custom made condom with a unique pattern, fitted for a god and undectable as such.

# # #

Cheia focused where the pattern began, below the head of his bobbing, grinning, drooling ‘oh so happy to see her’ dick. Touchmetouchmetouchme—pleasepleaseplease— damn woman.
Outlined in black, two dozen red stars glittered down each side. Dainty red hearts at his base formed the arrow tip, pointing at his balls.
Tension jittered through him, making him harder than the Statue of Liberty. Cu fell so deeply into the turquoise eyes peering up at him—he knew he’d never be the same again.

“Didn’t getting a tattoo like that hurt something terrible?” she asked.

“Yes. Hurts just talking about it. Kiss me to make it all better?”

# # #

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Six Sentence Sunday--Joy's Creation

2011-01-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

My round 3 of SSS calls for 3 pictures. All adorable, but not even close to the doctor's league.

Dr. Cu must hide his identity as the world's most eligible guy, the son of a love goddess and a warmonger, or he'd never get out of his office. The following is from my M/F erotica, Joy's Creation, in the Be My Naughty Valentine series.

****

Dad was a caveman, and Mom wanted him to target faster and more often, not relish in the dance more than the actual penetration. Cu was a sick pup, he knew it and so did Mom, and he’d never break his habits.
From the smell of his sweat to the exertion required, Cu got off on wood. When he pulled the string back, he used compressive force on the inner section of the bow’s limbs as well as placing the outer section under tension. The stored energy was then transformed into rapid motion when the string was released and the arrow shot free. The same basic physics applied from heartwood to his dangling dickwood, and he never failed to increase the intensity of climax when he recaptured the moment the string snapped and released.

http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Purchase Joy's Creation

It Doesn't Get any Better!

2011-01-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/eostresharebyarlenewebb.html

Sweet, OMG, Oh MY,Yippee, doesnt seem to be enough.

6 Sentence Sunday--Round 2

2011-01-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

Take down the human race before Christmas, or concentrate on getting a philandering guy to accept monogamy? What’s a plant to dew....
Here's a few lines of thought from Settia, in the story Rebel published in my Love Grows Wild in the Dark anthology awailable from Shadowfire Press.

'My vine would never hire a scum-toad lawyer to chew him free, strangle me dead, or creep off in pursuit of petunia. I’d make him forget the cheap, double-blossomed plants ever existed. I’d mold my little branches into his thickest one, as wide as I could reach, big, swollen hunk that he is. Bonded in eternal bliss, we’d watch hell day dawn together. Without a bipod alive, there’d be no one left to torture us for some obscure, human holiday again.

A horrid noise, footsteps heavy and familiar, shattered me from my happy place. With a poof, my fantasy exploded into tiny fragments of get it together, or I’d never see Vinesun down on one tendril in front of me.'

.

Reluctant Heros

2011-01-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

Here's to you, Roger.

Quote from The Telegraph, Jon Swaine, Tucson 14 Jan 2011:

Roger Salzgeber was the first voter in the queue to see Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at a Safeway supermarket in Tuscon to come forward and restrain Jared Lee Loughner as he shot.

While those who assisted him have recounted their roles – resulting in praise from Barack Obama – Mr Salzgeber, 61, retreated and refused to talk to the international media camped on his doorstep.

After he watched Mr Obama's speech at the University of Arizona, however, he was persuaded to recall his act of bravery – and explain why he had shunned the limelight.

"I'm just that way. I don't wear the hat of 'hero' real well at all," he told The Daily Telegraph. "I just came to see my friend and my congresswoman, that's all. Then all hell broke loose."

Quote from Settia ( character in Rebel):
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Geez, I posioned one guy, this grower named Roger. Not like I tried to wipe out the human race or something."

Six Sentence Sunday

2011-01-09T04:05:00.000-08:00

The following is my first post of 6 lines, taken from the middle of my historical romance, Eostre's Hare, an easter submission published in 2010. Authors slap lines up on Sunday for readers and peers to check out. SSS is such a fun idea, started by Sara Brookes.

Plumes of black smoke had shown them the way. Curved peaks and then the sea behind them, Gwynedd Wales had been a gorgeous locale to raise an abbey.

It now lay in ruins. Shattered towers, broken main archway, the horses shied from the bodies heaped everywhere along the long, entrance pathway. Hundreds of men, throats slit, chests gutted, their white robes stained red. Trumpets, prayer beads, lay tumbled beside splayed fingers.

How Sweet is This Trailer???!!!

2011-01-04T06:26:00.000-08:00

Video created by my talented sister, Mary Kay.
Ashes made possible by my awesome publisher, http://museituppublishing.com/
Problems in Vegas, thanks to Lyle Logan.

Help

2011-01-01T10:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml

I'm in the running for pick of 2010 in the romance category for Eostre's Hare. Polls close Jan 14th.

Celebrate Good Times

2010-12-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

At 5:06 PM, EST on the last day of 2010, I hit send. The edits for Ashes (MuseitHot, May 2011) are off.

B&A

2010-12-06T17:12:00.000-08:00

December 3, 2010, I seized the opportunity of a lifetime. I hopped for a weekend from snow to sun and fed multi-grain bread to a pair of majestic creatures.

Oh yeah. Meeting the person who knows every word I've written (including the way too many I shouldnt of) for the first time in real time-space wasn't bad either.

Hippity Hoppity!!!

2010-11-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010 will be remembered as special in more than one way for me, thanks to a pair of reviewers at Diana's Forbidden Bookshelf.... http://www.theforbiddenbookshelf.com/

Eostre's Hare is one of the most original erotic romances I've read this year. It's a historical menage story based on the origin of the Easter Bunny. Set in early 7th century Britain during a time of conflict between paganism and Christianity, the story begins as Gareth, a young man studying to become a monk, rescues a 15-year old abused orphan called Gwas. Gwas, which means servant, was raised in seclusion by a group of women who despised him because his birth was the result of a rape of one of their sisters.

Gwas is immediately drawn to his beautiful rescuer. Gareth renames him Harey and takes him to live in his brother's kingdom where they intend to make him a sacrifice to the goddess of spring, Eostre (from where we get the word "Easter".) Harey lives with Gareth's lover Maura, and he becomes her protector when Gareth is away at the monastery. Gareth is torn between a life as a monk of the new religion or embracing the old ways. Both Maura and Harey love Gareth, and as time passes they long for the day he will return to them. When religious turmoil brings tragedy upon them, they suddenly see clearly what is most important in their lives.

When I started reading this book, I simply did not know what to expect from a historical erotic romance inspired by the origin of colored eggs and bunnies in springtime. It took me a few chapters to get into, but overall it was an enjoyable, unique and sensual story. Throughout the story, homoerotic overtones are prevalent as the relationship builds between Gareth and Harey, though they never truly act on their passion without Maura present. The characters were well written, and it was obvious the three of them cared deeply for each other. And the grand finale menage scene was very hot! What I loved most was the author's take on how and why the first Easter baskets filled with eggs were hidden in the spring. It's something I've not thought much about, but now I'm curious to learn more!

When I started writing Harey's story, I didn't know what to expect either. My first historic romance,first M/M/F, and yippee, my second review for EH was as sweet as the first.

Increasing Odds

2010-11-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

42%

Ok. I need guns, tons more food in the house, to move to a larger city, get past blowing bullet holes into relatives, learn to run faster, and stop opening the door. Hm, I suspect the ultimate means to avoid having your brains eaten is to edit over and over a story line you've worked on for so many years you're now seriously disfunctional and not even the living dead will touch your grey matter.

No, I won't post the link to the quiz. I must resist temptation and get back to the work in progress.....hey, is that a bloody dust bunny in the corner?

Oh, to have a daughter...

2010-11-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

J & J at the rally in Washington, DC last week.

Thanks to being a working stiff, my plans to join son and niece at the Colbert-Steward rally to restore sanity fell through. There should have been one more person to add to the over 300,000?? crowd, but my lovely niece was thoughtful enough to send pictures.

On another exciting note, as of this week there's one more certified lawyer in our capital filled with over 300,000?? lawyer wantabes.

In conclusion, regardless of the gender of my only child who never thinks to send his only mom pictures, I have it made. A niece to bail the son out (or keep him behind bars as needed), and a nephew with a doctorate as a professor of Psychiatry able to save him (or commit him to the padded room as needed).
It's not easy to restore sanity, loose fear, get out of jail, but with cousins like these, the nutball son who knows the feel of handcuffs (hopefully only in a police station) doesnt stand a chance.

E-Reader. Yippee!

2010-10-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

Finally unpacked, charged, and found the on button. I have alot of stories, never read and ones calling for a reread. Should have gotten one of these a long time ago. Good night, laptop.

Life is Good

2010-10-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

The owner of Shadowfire Press shared this. Despite dogs baying, customers pesturing you in a flower shop, there's some things worth stopping for.

One Picture worth a Zillion Words

2010-10-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

May 2011

Whatsup, Creator?

2010-09-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

Lyle Logan: “Why? Give me one reason I should believe this crap? I think, therefore I am. I don’t need some frickin’ deity to tell me—”

Arlene: “Yes, you do. Without me, you can’t form words. And, son, you will watch your mouth on this blog. Understand?”

Lyle: “No. I don’t understand a god@#$% thing. Because you’re bored, the sweetest guy on—where the @#$% am I? Cyberspace? Right. Anyway, my twin suffers a horrible death and it’s my fault?”

Sigh. “I’m not infallible.”

Lyle: “Just a self righteous, under worked florist who makes me hold the knife to the sacrificial goat.”

Arlene: “Idiot. Myles is a lamb, not a goat and if you’d called his lover, the cop still wouldn’t have been able to save either of you. Sorry.”

Lyle: “Screw you. Bring on hell. It’d have to beat listening to you.”

Arlene: “Myles, you there? Talk to your brother, will you?”

Myles: “Yes, God. What should I say?”

Lyle: “Hey, MyMy? Whaddya get when you cross a wimp with a puss?”

Myles: “I’m not a wuss, am I, God? But I am dead, right? Not a zombie who’s gonna eat Ren’s brains out.”

Sigh. “How many times does Lyle have to explain? No vamps, no zombies, you’re a sweetheart without a backbone. If I ask you to say no to the next predator who wants to jump you when Lyle’s not around to terrify them, can you do it?”

Myles: “Yes.”

Arlene: “A bisexual slut will remain true to one man?”

Myles: “Yes. I love Ren.”

Arlene: “You’re painting in the park. A lonely cougar eyes you. She asks you to carry her bags, walk her home, come in and step into her bedroom, what will you say?”

Myles: “Yes. Right? I mean, I’m strong and I like helping people. Can I ask you something?”

Lyle: “Give it up, God. He doesn’t have a safe word. Only one way to save him, leave me and mine alone. Stay the @#$% out of our business. Don’t you have flowers to sell? Paperwork to do? Other bastards to torment?”

Sigh. “Myles, you didn’t answer. Can you say no?”

Myles: “Yes.”

Sigh. “What’d you want to ask me, son?”

Myles: “Why vanilla? Can my favorite flavor be hard spicy mango, thick sweet pistachio, a threesome with chocolate and strawberry, so many lovely things. And, am I seriously D-E-A-D? Murdered in Vegas? Where—exactly—am I? Lyle can’t die too, but he also won’t leave me, right? It’s fact. We’re binary. Can’t be separated—or, I’d die. Where’s Ren? Am I a bad man? What happened to me?”

Sigh. Hey, I didnt post that cloud formation to start. Lyle Logan, I told you this is general audience blog....

Ashes. May 2010. MuseitHot

Wanted: Condo on the Sun

2010-09-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

Ten Reasons To Live On The Sun
By Myles Logan.
1) Too hot for most people. Housing would be cheap.
2) Too hot for broccoli. We’d have to live on ice cream.
3) Too hot for Dad. If he looks up, he’d put on sunglasses and never see us.
4) Too hot for Mom. She wouldn’t make it far before she needs a drink. I don’t think they sell vodka on Venus.
5) Too hot for church. No one will look for boys burning in the sun instead of hell.
6) Just right for fires. My brother holds the spotted dog. I sit on the fireman’s lap and steer the truck.
7) Just right for rockets to bring supplies. NASA doesn’t hire stupid people. They’d send the best books for my brother to read.
8) Just right for me. The earth revolves around the sun. I’d paint a different picture every day.
9) There’s really only one reason to leave earth. That’s number ten.
10) Mom and Dad could never never never touch my brother again.
My name is Myles Logan. I am eight years old. So is Lyle. He’s my twin and we’re moving on January 3rd.

ASHES. May 2011. MuseitUp

Outgoing Alert--Back to the Keys

2010-08-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

My Very First Review!!!

2010-08-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

From Seriously Reviewed

Story: 8.5

Presentation: 8

Total: 16.5

Publisher: Shadow Fire

Historic ménage erotic romance

To Purchase

Blurb: Gwas can outrun a horse, knows how to hide and steal, but he's ignorant of the ways of men. The last thing he expects when he is rescued from a miserable existence by a blue eyed, blond haired angel is to be promised as a Druidic sacrifice to Eostre.

Maura knows Gareth is no angel but she adores him with a passion that time and loneliness can't dent. She opens her heart when Gareth brings her the abused orphan known only by his title, Gwas, meaning servant. The love between the three of them grows so strong Gareth will defy man and gods to embrace it.

The clash of old and new religions puts their lives in peril, but when hatred and murder confront enduring love, winter gives way to spring and a colorful myth is born.

Review: I admit, at the onset, I didn’t think I was going to enjoy Eostre’s Hare. I just had a hard time getting into the story. But that was a short feeling. I read on and am so glad I had the opportunity to read this story. There is depth and meaning in the simplest of actions. The love between Maura, Gareth and Harey is pure—but not easy.

Once I had a clear picture of what was happening and the characters involved, I was invested. They are all so tortured with what is expected and the fear of going after what they want. There was risk and redemption. Betrayal and self-sacrifice. Oh, it was all just so engaging. This is a story that is going back into my stack of TBR titles because I think the second time through I’m going to appreciate the strength of the foundation at the beginning. I can see that many aspects of the story might have been uncomfortable and hard for me to accept without the knowledge of where Maura, Gareth and Harey came from. The dynamics of their relationships grow through the story and what starts as a comforting and compassionate loves, blooms into a passionate and all-consuming need. This is one to pick up and read…then read again.

http://seriouslyreviewed.blogspot.com/2010/08/eostres-hare-by-arlene-webb.html?zx=94309beb034113a1

And They're Off....

2010-08-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

clippity clop…wow….come on…you bastard…damn.

Yep, my picks 3 and 5 neither won nor showed. And 5 managed to come in last. but yes!!! we beat the odds.Parked 4 blocks or so from the entrance they missed ticketing the car.

The son didnt win either, except for a lovely weekend with his mom.

Interview-Lyle Logan-Ashes

2010-07-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sheriff Garvin
LVMPD
Clark County

Murder Interrogation. Tape: 1-23B
7PM Friday

Suspect: Lyle Logan. 6 feet, brown hair, blue eyes, Caucasian male, twenty-six, no visible tattoos. California resident, Los Angeles, valid driver license, no outstanding warrants

Victim: Myles Logan. Identical twin to suspect. ETD: 3pm this afternoon. Pending autopsy: femoral arteries cut, broken arm and ribs

Garvin: ‘Tell me what happened between you and your brother. How’d you know where to find him?’

Note: no reply, no eye contact, picking at dirt and blood under fingernails, both hands badly cut

Garvin: ‘I am sorry for your loss. A woman just got here from LA. Claims she’s your sister. Same blue eyes. A man’s with her, maybe her husband. I can tell…well, it’s clear Myles Logan was much loved. We have a serious problem here in Vegas. The perp who did this is most likely stalking another…’

Logan: ‘Fag. Say it. I don’t care.’

Garvin: ‘And I only care if this is a hate crime. You know anything about hate, son?’

Logan: Stop calling me that. I’m not your son. Of course this is a hate crime. What else could it be?”

Garvin: ‘Homosexuals aren’t hot news anymore. Hell, it’s understood that up to ten percent of the population prefers their own gender. Sexual orientation aside, explain how you knew where he was.’

Note: hesitates, no eye contact, picks up soda

Logan: ‘I implanted a chip in his right tricep.”

Garvin: ‘Excuse me?’

Logan: ‘Muscle above his inner elbow.’

Note: suspect drinks, spits and drops soda. Sits back, hostile body language

Logan: ‘Tracking device under the epidermis, the size of two grains of rice, encapsulated in glass. Emits an individual radio frequency identification code. The mate’s inside my keychain.’

Garvin: ‘You tracked him like a criminal?’

Logan: ‘I assume you know what a submissive is. My brother is…was…a man without a filter. Incapable of saying no. From his shirt off his back to sex of any form, he didn’t have a safe word. He loved humanity indiscriminately, and the only person he dodged pleasing was the one he loved utmost. He refused my pleas to shelter him from the lonely parasites who sucked him dry, taking advantage of his simplicity.’

Garvin: ‘He knew you followed him?’

Logan: ‘Always. He counted on me to save him. I failed.’

Garvin: ‘But he was aware you had this tracking chip?”

Logan: ‘Not sure he believed me. The doofus thought with me being the stronger twin, I’d automatically know where he was. He rarely drank and drugs made him loopy, but I popped ecstasy into his mouth. When he was drooling and giggling, I implanted it.’

Garvin: ‘Care to explain the blood traces in your jeep?’

Note: shrugs, narrowed gaze

Logan: ‘Cut myself.’

Note: fists clenched, eyes lowered

Garvin: ‘When did you last see him alive?’

Note: looks at wristwatch

Logan: ‘Twenty-six hours, fourteen minutes, eight seconds ago. Six last night, Myles smiled at me and went out the door. He’d promised Renold could take him for the weekend at the Casino Royal Roll.’

Garvin: ‘Renold?’

Logan: ‘Detective Michael Renold works vice in LA. Married, he’s not come out and—He. Did. Not. Kill. Myles. If anything, he’s devoted himself to keeping Myles safe these past four months. If there’s a man with my stepsister, he’d be Renold. Her husband and our dad, they’d both be at their church, giving thanks there’s one less of that ten percent in the gene pool.’

End tape one.

Note: exhausted but coherent, dislike of authority, voice tones angry and reluctant
Primary conclusion: guilty, first degree homicide

ASHES. May 2011. MuseitUp

Yes!!! It's A Wrap for Book One

2010-07-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

Splintered Energy book one of the Color Series weighs in at a respectable 112,000. I'm confident, thanks to the best editor in the world, renowned author of 14 published novels, it's polished and ready to sit, frozen in cyberspace waiting for book two.

Rain Word is down on the pages, coming soon to a que, and ready to lose up to a whopping 10K.

I swear to treat the reader with respect. Just enough repetition from book one to make a new reader comfortable, but tweaked to differ so those that prefer to read a series in order won't feel the need to skim. Alot of work to do.

Thoughts on Father's Day

2010-06-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

WD-40 is for things that don’t move but should.

Duct tape if it moves and shouldn’t.

If you can’t fix it with a hammer, it’s an electrical problem.

Stop worrying. Deal with it.

Moving dirt from one spot to another is therapeutic.

A favorite section of my bookshelves

2010-05-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

Creative Award!!!

2010-05-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

A drum roll from Jon Bonham (Led Zepplin)....

Jon Stewart (Daily Show) announcing....

"It seems the lamest blogger of the year, some doofus named Arlene Webb has been awarded the creative writer...." Jon cocked his head. "What's that? Oh. My mistake. She's been awarded a creative liar award. There isn't anything these bloggers will do for attention, and she's giving away some prize that she conveniently doesnt say what. The rules are simple, so simple that no one understands them except drunken rock stars."

Jon Bon Jovi: "Did Jon Stewart call me a drunk? The bastard. Well, rules really are simple. You have to decide which one of seven statements is the truth. What's Josh Groban doing here?"

"Yeah, yeah, my first name isn't Jon, but I'm cute," said Josh. "Let's get to the statements, shall we? Then call the cops. One of the five friends she passed this chain thingee on to has undoubtably put a bullet in Arlene's skull, but no worries, I'll pick a winner."

1) Arlene is twenty-eight years old.

2) Arlene is a dumb blonde.

3) Pigs can fly.

4) Arlene's son loves to cook, mow the lawn, take out the garbage, he's a damn good kid.

5)Arlene once tried to clean her keyboard with a shop vac and sucked off half the keys.

6) Tor, Samhain, DDP and ten other publishers are in a bidding war for Arlene's latest novel.

7) Arlene loves chain letters.

Go ahead, comment, I dare you. Winners will be announced on Sunday, but only if you include an email with your comment. I mean, this contest is hard enough, right?

(Yes, the preceding closing was plagiarized directly from Kiki's blog.)

Oh yeah, Barbara Elsborg, Laurie Green, Dawn Jackson, Cate Masters and Rebecca Leigh are the next five victims, seeing as Kiki set the trend of four, not seven, I went with five. I think I'm supposed to post their links, but what the hell, maybe it'll end here? Their links are on my sidebar, and Dawn can be found at Backward Momentum.

It Gets Better

2010-04-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hunt begins Again

2010-04-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

7 months, 4 published novellas later, time to pound the keys.
My first picture from cell, to email, to blog. Blurry, but photography and reality have never been a passion.

Incoming Alert

2010-04-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

150 years ago, Eta Carinae was where a cloud burst. One of the

brightest stars in our southern sky survived this explosion that formed into two billowing clouds of gas and dust. Nasa just released these pictures.

Charm oozing from every pore, De grinned. "Darlin, no worries about petty thievery. Eta Carinae--Carina--Rina you belong in a distant galaxy with the highest luminosity of any giant yet known to ron. Don't fry Caron for drooling. He does that alot. You could both jabber. Explain everything about you."

Multi-user Blogs

2010-04-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

"It's been time consuming and fun learning about group dynamics and many writers bloging together," said Arlene an hour ago. "Wonder what'd happen if I send a spy out...."

"Anyone know where my mom went? Does this mean I don't have to come visit for mother's day?" said Arlene's son.

Working on Chapter by Chapter Synopsis

2010-04-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Heinlein's Rules condensed:
1)Write. Buy the time and do it.

2)Finish.
3)Don’t rewrite it forever.
4)Market until it sells. For every rejection, send it out again.
5)Work on something else while filing the rejections.

One man's 'magic' is another man's engineering. 'Supernatural' is a null word."
- Robert Heinlein, Time Enough for Love

Just Dandy

2010-04-16T07:01:00.001-07:00

2010-04-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

This lovely picture of characters from one of my stories, Rebel, is thanks to Chris. I really appreciate the time she shares with me.

Inspiration

2010-04-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

My backyard once upon a time.

A rain-word not to be found in a colorful series.

Overated show offs, prone toward fratricide upon hatching.

A picture of a stalker that doesnt want to delete. Guess I best write about him next.