No Time For Hate

by Jena Galifany

Hate is an emotion I'd rather not think about. The negativity can destroy lives. I have better things to do with my life than think about hating someone or something. Even in my writing, I've not focused on the hate emotion. It is there but I don't focus on it.

In ShadowsForge 1: Three Times a Hero, Alexis is running from her abusive boy friend. She's scared and trying to be brave about her situation but focuses on the new man in her life, Ty Synclair.

In ShadowsForge 2: Trials on Tour, there is a hater. He wants the band dead because his woman was with one of the band members. I focused more on his inability to fulfill his purpose.

In ShadowsForge 3: Retaking America, there is a conflict between two of the band members over an obvious issue: a woman. I focused on the competition.

In ShadowsForge 4: The Long Way Home, we find out about Brian's history and conflict in his teen years due to hate. The story shows how much a bad history can make a mess of a current situation.

Shyanne's Secret has a case of hate that costs a man his life, so to speak. (I don't want to spoil the story). Most of the story is about the recovery of the girl who lost her mind due to her father's hate.

Okay, so I guess I have spend some time with the hate factor. But, how can we know the joy of love without knowing the pain of hate? It is relative. (Thank you, Mr. Einstein.)

I must confess, I hate inactivity. I hate writer's block. I hate waiting for something to get done and usually jump in and do it myself, just so it is finished. I hate a lack of writing time when I have a new story knocking around in my brain. I also hate the fact that I let my group down by forgetting to post last month. =(  Sorry!

I feel better now. I can go on and live my life without hate...unless it needs to rear its ugly head in a new novel. I guess that would be alright.

For more information and excerpts from the ShadowsForge Series and Shyanne's Secret, stop by Whiskey Creek Press and read the first chapter of each book for free.

Hope your Valentine's Day was wonderful. I know mine was.

Cheers,
Jena

More Madness? I Think Not!

By Jena Galifany -

Let's recap from the first of March.

Issue #1: I was facing a court issue. After shuddering at the thought of going to court to take care of a frustrated competitor of my answering service, I found that I didn't have to go myself. My attorney said he would be going and  I could remain at home, fretting. He told me not to worry but I decided that fretting would be a good focus for my time. It's in my nature.

Outcome: He went. I stayed home. That was two days ago and I'm still wondering what happened. I didn't get any indication that I have to close my business so we are taking it that no news is good news. I do so wish the attorney would let me know what happened though. I guess there is a chance he is still stuck in Los Angeles traffic. It gets pretty bad at times.

Issue #2: The imminent release of my nineth book, Day Labor.

Outcome: And still I wait. I've not heard from the editor again so I suppose we are still in limbo at this time. No cover art has been yet offered, either. I know what it takes to get a book edited and properly "dressed" for it's first public appearance, so I will wait. I'll spend any free time I have (though that is not much) working on another book, another crocheted afghan for my store, another list of prospects for my answering service. Day Labor will come in it's own sweet time.

Issue #3: Jen's 21's birthday.

Nick and Jen at a banquet 2010

Outcome: Undetermined. It's not until the twenty-third. What she wants: a $1200 drawing tablet or $60 worth of online gaming cards. What her father wants to give her: a one way ticket to Texas to where her boy friend lives. Steve told her the other night that he'll send her there if she'll send back pictures of her wedding. LOL I know he was kidding... I think.

I'll probably opt for the gaming cards. Less worry involved, not to mention cost. I'll know where my baby is, sitting in her room on her computer, emailing back and forth with the love interest, and working in my stores during the day. I dread the day she leaves me. Really. I do. Just don't tell her!
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In the hopes that it won't be too much longer, I've decided to post the opening for "Day Labor". This is unedited so please forgive any typos, etc.

Chapter 1 – 2005

Mark Langston stood in the doorway to the Chief of Detectives, Grant Langston's office. Grant took his time in responding to Mark's knock. Obviously annoyed, he tossed down his pen and leaned back in his large leather chair as Mark entered and closed the door.

"What do you want?" As usual, Grant showed no pleasure at seeing Mark.

Mark pulled an envelope from his pocket. He held it up, and crossed the plush carpet in the large office. As he reached the mahogany monster of a desk, he tossed it onto the surface, and watched it slid to a stop at the edge of the blotter. "I want an explanation."

Grant didn't look at the envelope. His gaze locked instead on Mark, his jaw clenched and released before he spoke. "Now that you're married, I wanted you to know that you will receive nothing from my estate in case of my death. You have no part in my will. Just so you can let that new wife of yours know it."

"Why would Beth care? She has her own money. She doesn't care about yours." Mark burned with anger at the insinuation. Beth had more money than Grant Langston ever dreamed of having.

"So my name and my status didn't get you a bride? Congratulations." Grant commented in bored monotone.

Mark slammed his hand on the desk as he leaned toward his father. "I've done everything I could my entire life to please you. I've worked my ass off through school and college to be the son you'd be proud of. I've solved several cases that were beyond anything even you've ever handled. Now, after one of my greatest successes, I get this letter. What kind of a father are you that you’d expend so much energy hating your son?"

Grant carefully weighed his words before he let them spill from his lips. "The kind of father who only has a daughter." He smirked, and rocked back in his chair, his trained eyes watching Mark's face for a reaction.

Mark felt as if he'd been kicked in the stomach. "What are you saying?" He knew damned well what was said but couldn't wrap his mind around the words, or believe them. Not after thirty-five years. Why wouldn't Grant, or at least his mother, have told him before?

"You’re the fancy detective. Figure it out." Grant leaned his forearms on his desk, and continued before Mark could respond. "Do you recall a local incident some thirty-six years ago. A criminal was shot during a home invasion. You probably read the case file when you studied local issues."

"The man was into pornography and drugs." Mark thought back to the case. "Rape, too, I believe."

Grant nodded and clapped his hands with sarcasm. "He gets the gold star."

"What? Rape?"

Grant folded his hands on the desk. "The man had taken a gun from the home office and attempted to shoot the homeowner when he walked in on him. It was a cut and dried case of self-defense."

"What's that got to do with rape?" Mark was confused. He saw by the look on Grant's face that the older man took pleasure in traveling the long road to where he was going.

"What the report didn't say – because it was covered up – was that the bastard raped the man's wife. That woman was your mother and that bastard that I took great pleasure in shooting was your father. I don't think he left you anything in his will either." 

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Thankfully, there is no new madness. I can handle what I have now. I hope this month finishes out on a good note. I know it will be wonderful celebrating Jen's birthday followed by Steve's birthday on April 1st. I know that "Day Labor" will find it's way to a release date. And with God's blessings, all will be fine.

Cheers!

 Jena

Check out my back-list at Whiskey Creek Press and Red Rose Publishing.

 

 

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Love: Oh, How It Can Be Difficult Sometimes by Jena Galifany

Have you notice that LOVE can be difficult sometimes? It's never easy to begin a new relationship. Meeting, getting to know one another, knowing how quickly to move each step of the way. Thank God that I have Steve and don't ever have to go through any of that again. I've caught my limit.

But for those who are still in the game, I wish you the best of everything in the newness of discovering that special someone.

Geoff Richards, on the other hand, starts a new meaningful relationship nearly every night. He's the lead voice for the 80s British rock band ShadowsForge, and he falls in love at least once every twenty-four hours... until he meets the one woman who doesn't fall for him in the first moments of their meeting. Now it's imperative that he make Valerie fall for him. His ego is at stake.

Before long, he falls into his own trap. The love bug has taken a bite out of him but how will he change his ways and remain faithful to the woman he loves?  He's doing his best, keeping to himself, until one week after the band leaves Valerie in London and heads across the pond to the U.S.A. for more tour dates, Geoff falls off the fidelity wagon. At least he thinks he did. Why else would Diane, the wardrobe lady for the band, be in his bed when he wakes up. What will Valerie think of him now? If only he could remember what happened the night before.

Geoff has a surprise as he tries to sleep in the back bunk of the tour bus while on the way to the next venue.
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“Geoff?”

Geoff awoke to the thrumming of the road beneath the wheels.  It sounded like Valerie calling his name.  He felt a twinge of guilt as he looked around for her.  Setting up, he pushed aside the curtain, looking forward.  Valerie wasn’t there.  Puzzled, Geoff dropped the curtain, turning over to return to his pillow.

“Geoff?” Valerie knelt on the bed beside him.  He was startled to find her so close, not knowing how or when she had gotten there.

“Val.”  His heart thumped hard in his chest.  “I missed you.”

“That’s not what Nigel told me.” She wore a sad look in her eyes that raised a lump in Geoff’s throat.

“What did Nigel tell you?” He raked his fingers through his hair, hoping that the manager hadn’t told her everything.  “You know how much he likes to embellish things for the sake of publicity.”

“He told me that you attacked someone.  That you took a girl to your room and forced her.”  A tear escaped, making its way down her silky cheek.

“Do you believe him?” Geoff tried to play it off.  He wasn’t exactly sure what he had done, making it difficult to defend himself.  He'd puzzled for the last day and a half, trying to remember but nothing was clear.  Now his foolishness was causing the lady he loved heartache and he didn’t know what to do about it.

“You lied to me.” Her voice was low, ominous.  “You loved me.”

“I do, Baby.” He tried to reach out to her.  He ached to hold her, to show her how much he loved her.  She pulled away, anger clouding her blue eyes.

“You don’t know what love is.”  She spat the words out, point blank.  “You sing about it every night but you have no idea what it is or how it works.”  Geoff could see her rage building.  He pulled himself to his knees facing her, trying again to reach for her.

“Let me explain…”

“NO.“  She pulled a butcher’s knife from the edge of the mattress.  Geoff felt the blood drain from his face.  She stood on her knees, wild eyes targeting him.  “You love me.  No one else.”  She slashed the knife at him, barely missing his chest as he fell back. 

“Val, listen to me.  I drank too much.  I was missing you.” He tried to explain, afraid to run; afraid she would stab him in the back if he attempted it.  The words poured in a frantic string from his lips.  “I don’t know what happened.  I didn’t even know who she was until morning.”

The words rolled off his tongue with the hope that she would understand how drunk he was.  If she knew that he wasn’t coherent enough to know what he was doing, perhaps she would forgive him. He wanted to make a go of this relationship, hating himself for making such a mess of it. 

“I was too drunk to walk straight so I had someone help me to my room.  I don’t remember anything after that.  I swear.  If I did anything to her, I don’t remember.”  His heart tried to pound its way out of his chest.

“You swear that you didn’t know it was Diane?”  Valerie lowered the blade to a less threatening angle.

“I swear it, Baby.”  Geoff stood on his knees, spreading his arms in surrender, hoping she would believe his sincerity.  He felt even worse that she knew it was Diane.  She worked his words over in her mind.  Her eyes softened and the hint of a smile touched her lips, inviting him to relax.

“No.”  Lightening crackled in Valerie’s eyes.  “I don’t share.”

Before Geoff could react, Valerie lunged at him blade first.  He panicked as he felt the blade slice along his ribs.  He threw himself backward through the partition.
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Geoff has trouble with many women, but he truly wants a real relationship Valerie, a relationship with one woman like his band-mate Ty Synclair has with his wife, Alexis. He's finding out that love can be difficult but will it be worth it in the end?

Geoff and Valerie meet in ShadowsForge 2: Trials on Tour and continue their relationship in ShadowsForge 3: Retaking America. Both are available at Whiskey Creek Press, along with the rest of the ShadowsForge Series.

I hope your love situation is more simple, more sincere, and less complicated than Geoff Richard's situation with Valerie and Diane. I hope that your Valentine's Day was everything you dreamed it would be... and more. I hope that you find love in the little things as well as the big things in life.

Cheers!
Jena

First Love by Jena Galifany

 February is the month of Love. Every one knows it and everyone embraces it (with the exception of many grade school aged boys). While researching the holiday of Valentine's day, I've seen in one place that men spend the most money and another that says women hold that distinction. But does money need to play an important role in showing someone your affection for them?

It can sometimes be a difficult thing to show your love for another. There are many levels of love. My first love was at the age of four. I fell in love with an actor named Guy Williams. I saw him in a movie titled "Captain Sindbad". He was the most wonder man I'd ever seen and growing up at the movie theater, I'd seen many in the first four years of my life. Five years later, I found him again in the Walt Disney version of "Zorro". Again I was thunderstruck.

Commemorative Lapel Pin Aug. 2, 2001

My love of Guy lasted many years. I've written fan-fiction for his version of Zorro. In 2001, I had the privilege of working with a group, along with Guy Jr., in getting Guy his posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

I was further working on getting Guy "Legend" status at Disney via letting the powers that be know that Guy was as huge part of the building of Disney Land in California in the 50's by proceeds raised from Zorro merchandise. We wanted them to know that after all of these years, Guy as Zorro was still encouraging writers, artists and young people. We compiled and submitted two books of fan-fiction, artwork and letters confirming his continued inspiration.

I had to leave the group due to work restrictions. This second honor was bestowed on Guy in 2011. I have no regrets at being a part of these projects to honor my first love, Armando Catalano, better known as Guy Williams.(Zorro, Prof. John Robinson of Lost in Space).

I can't spend so much time talking about love and not mention my husband of twenty-two years, Steve. When we met, he told me that he was not a romantic person. Over the years, he's shown me that the statement was not altogether true. He's made a few fabulous shows of romance. One spectacular example is the piece he wrote for ShadowsForge, Retaking America, book three in the series. Lead singer Geoff Richards is trying to decide how to propose to Valerie Leonard. I hope you enjoy it:
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Geoff dropped the ring into his pocket, squared his shoulders, stepped up to the door and knocked. An eternity passed before Valerie answered with a smile.

“I’ll be right with you.” Valerie went to the table, shutting down her laptop as Geoff waited in the doorway. She was wearing the same outfit she had worn at the interview, navy blue slacks that fit every curve, blue blouse and black heels. We’ve come full circle.

“I thought we’d eat in my room, if that’s all right with you.”

Valerie nodded. “Sounds good to me. I’m ready.” She stepped past Geoff, allowing him to pull her door closed.

Geoff put his arm around her as they walked in silence down the hall to his room. Valerie smiled when he opened the door for her. The lights were dim. The drapes were open, providing the backdrop of a starry night sky. A table had been set up, dinner for two. Candles, white tablecloth, champagne, and a single white rose.

“This is beautiful. Not exactly your style but I love it.”

She moved to the window. While she enjoyed the view, Geoff took the ring from his pocket, hoping the perfect opportunity would present itself. He stepped up behind her, trying to think of the right words as he palmed the ring.

She glanced up at him. “I wish I could hold the stars in my hand.”

He couldn’t have asked for a better opening. “Would you like me to get them for you?”

Valerie looked over her shoulder at him. “You’d do that for me?”

He smiled his media smile. “Watch this.” He wrapped one arm around her, pulling her back against his chest. He swept the star field back and forth as he gathered every twinkling light. Holding them tight, he showed her his closed fist. Reaching around her with both arms, he worked to compact the stars, tucking in any escaping starlight between his fingers. He wrapped his arm around her again, opening his hand. The ring sparkled in his palm, reflecting the candlelight. “The stars—for you.”

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Being an ex-roadie, Steve gives me the technical guidance for back stage with ShadowsForge but I believe he gave me the most romantic moment in Retaking America.

 Expressions of love don't have to cost money. In my opinion, I'd rather have kind words softly spoken than pink verse mass produced with a single name signed at the bottom. I'd rather have a circle of warm arms embracing me than a cold piece of metal to adorn my skin. Give me the scent of a real man, not the fragrance of dying blossoms. Time with the one that I love is what I want most on St. Valentine's Day or any day of the week, month or year, for that matter.

 Zorro fan-fiction can be read HERE.
More on the history of St. Valentine's Day can be read HERE.
More ShadowsForge can be found on my WEBSITE.

Cheers,
Jena' Galifany

How Quickly the New Year is Flashing By by Jena Galifany

Am I the only one noticing how quickly January is slipping by? Didn't we just have New Years Eve and now we are half way through the month? I told my husband I need a hobby that I hate. He wanted to know why. I explained that when I am doing something I hate, the time goes by a lot slower.

This year I plan to make a few new beginnings. I want to write, not one but two books this year. I have the beginnings of a dozen story lines and would like to see if I can get more than one out by the end of 2013. The hard part is deciding which story line to pursue first. Would you like to take a peek and help me decide?
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#1 Media Lies (Contemporary Romance) - A married couple, Ben deeply in love, Constance falling out of love.  Their marriage has become the greatest roll they've ever played, keeping their fans from knowing the trouble their relationship is in.

Benjamin Chandler and Constance Remington completed the scene with a long, breathtaking kiss – H.E.A. all the way. 

The director shouted, "Cut! That's a wrap! Fabulous!"

Ben and Connie took their time separating from one another. His dark eyes sparkled as he gazed at her, his fingertips stroking her jaw line. She lowered her chin, and a shy blush colored her perfect face as he pulled away, but only slightly. They slowly smile, obviously pleased with their performances, and with each other. The lovers lingered in their own world for a moment longer, and only then noticed the entire crew watched them. Connie broke the spell first, offering a bright smile to the crew as they burst into applause.

Ben offered his hand to Connie. He pulled her gently close once again. He moved to her side, held her hand as he presented her to the crew to take her bow. She tried to present him, but he refused, again directing the glory to her. After thanking the crew, Ben escorted his lady to their private trailer.

* * * *
Enter dressing trailer. Lighted make-up mirror, two fabric chairs, a table with champagne in a bucket, full size bed with a mountain of pillows in the corner.

Connie entered the boxy trailer, the smile still on her perfect lips as she moved to the center of the room and turned around. Ben followed her in, and closed the door. He wore his media smile until the door clicked closed and locked. His face relaxed as he turned to Connie.

She frowned, stepped forward and slapped him across the face. He laughed, and caught her hand before she repeated the assault. Indignant, she tugged her hand free. "I hope you enjoyed that kiss because it's the last one you'll ever get."
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#2  For One Kingdom  (Fantasy) - Erin wanted to find out about the winged creatures that were reported to live in the distant caverns in the desert. In a world where no one in their right mind would leave the safety of a locked building after dark, Jaycee and Erin settle an argument in the worst possible way. When one of the winged creatures takes off with Jaycee, Erin has to rescue her friend when their challenge goes awry.

Ashur - For One Kingdom

Jaycee narrowed her eyes.  "You knew I didn't want to go out there.  You just had to make me look bad, didn't you?"

Erin grinned.  "You make yourself look bad.  I don't have to do it for you."

"You're a bitch!" Jaycee lept from her perch, hands on hips.

"You're a coward… and a liar." Erin folded her arms and leaned against the counter.

"You'd like to think so." Jaycee looked close to tears.

"I know so.  Prove otherwise." Erin offered a lopsided grin.

Jaycee straightened her back and narrowed her eyes again.  "No problem.  Outside.  Now."

Erin stood, and dropped her arms to her sides.  "Get serious. That isn't courage. That's stupidity."

"What’s the matter, Erin? Too scared?" Jaycee headed for the door. 

Erin pulled her door closed as she ran after the red haired woman. She fell into step beside Jaycee as they reached the lift. "This is going to be rich."

"You have no idea." Jaycee paled as the lift carried them to the roof.

A klaxon sounded as the lift stopped at the top.  "Warning.  You are approaching an open area after Black Out is in effect. No protection is available beyond the doors." The metallic voice repeated the warning twice before Jaycee grinned and punched the button to open the doors.

The cool air rushed into the lift as the two women looked out at the night sky.  Erin drew a deep breath, amazed at the sight of so many stars.  She couldn't remember how many years it had been since she'd seen the night sky. With the black out, every star displayed its brilliance, and competed for her attention.

"Let's go," Jaycee prompted. Her whispered voice pulled Erin from her over-awed preoccupation. She stepped cautiously out of the lift, and looked both ways before she took too many steps. Erin followed, unable to take her eyes from the glittering display overhead.

The rooftop was quiet and dark. Shadows fringed the edge of the roof, and the black continued all the way to the city's outer walls.  Since all of the community houses were the same height, they appeared connected by black walkways, and tempted Erin to walk to the edge of town half a mile away.

"A lot of good it does to black out the town," Erin commented. "The stars light up everything anyway."

"Shh. I know. That's how I saw the creature grab that woman. I admit it scared me. It would have scared you, too. Three Commitables were stalking her. I knew they'd catch her. She tried to keep to the shadows, but they saw her when she crossed the alley. She had to be an innocent that got left out, the poor thing."

Jaycee settled on her belly at the edge of the roof, waved Erin to join her, and pointed down.  "There. That's where she was." Jaycee curled her hair behind her ear as she gazed down at the street five stories below. "The Commitables were only a few steps from her and she was screaming her lungs out."

Erin sat beside her, wary of the darkness around them as she chanced a look down.  She gathered her long hair, and twisted it into a cable to keep it out of her face as she scanned the street. 

"She ran into a dead end, didn't she?"

"She should have stayed on the main street. She would have had a chance to get away." Jaycee pointed toward the far end of the alley. "She ran about half way to the end when he showed up.  He skimmed over the rooftop and dived into the alley. He landed right in front of her.  His wings blocked the alley."

Erin took measure of the alley with her gaze. "He must have a ten to twelve foot wingspan. That's amazing."

Jaycee nodded, and licked her lips, an excitement in her eyes. "He was amazing.  He was only wearing shiny black trousers. I think they were leather but not like his wings. His wings were dull, thick. I could hear them beating from here."

"What did he look like?" Erin felt the excitement grow in her as Jaycee shared the experience.

"He had dark eyes and the longest hair I've ever seen on a man. It flowed around him as if the wind swirled it, like liquid silver." Jaycee locked her gaze on Erin.  "There was no wind that night, though. Strange."

"Really strange," Erin agreed. "How could you tell he had dark eyes from here?"

"I saw them when he took off with her. He flew right over me, right here." She rolled on her back, looked up, and screamed.

Erin rolled to look up into the face of the man Jaycee had described.

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Decisions, decisions. And that is only two of my new beginnings. I'd love to hear your views on these excerpts. It may help me decided which way to go in this new year. I'd appreciate the help. Either way, I plan on writing these stories and many more, enjoying each new beginning that comes my way.

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If you'd like to see more of my work, visit my WEBSITE.
My books are available at Whiskey Creek Press and Red Rose Publishing.

Cheers!
Jena

JERRI'S LITTLE MUSE!

ANOTHER NIGHT FALLS
COMING OCTOBER, 2012

Jerri's Little Muse

I write what I feel. It’s probably the reason I usually have more than one book going at a time. At the moment, I’m revising Whispers of a Legend, Time of the Nuxvenom, but at the same time I’m about half way through on a regency romance, Broken Legacy, and in the back of my mind, I have Winds of Betrayal stirring within me. Most authors don’t write like this.

It’s just how I write. The story lives inside of me. It’s almost like I have someone whispering over my shoulder telling me what to write. My muse perhaps? Has to be because sometimes I wonder where I come up with my ideas.

I’ll give you an example. When I wrote Patriot Secrets, it was titled Before the Sun Sets and was way too long. When I sent it to my publisher, she told me to cut it into two books. Last year, I picked up the second part to revise for Winds of Betrayal. I hit the second chapter and I had to stop. Something just didn’t feel right. There was something missing.

The whispers began again. I went back and read over Patriot Secrets. There it was. Rebekah who was barely mentioned in Patriot Secrets now because the heroine in Ruse of Love. My bridge book between Patriot Secrets and Winds of Betrayal emerged.

Ah…then I have Sumner Meador. When I began the Tides of Charleston series he was nothing more than the half-brother of Cathryn Blankenship. Now Sumner is the hero in my next release with Whiskey Creek Press. If you have an affinity for alpha male heroes, you’ll gonna love Sumner. The epitome of an American hero! A cowboy before there was cowboys. Pays to listen to my little voice…Another Night Falls is due out October 1^st!

So what kind of stories does my little muse give me. You can get a chance to find out. Since we’re giving away freebies this month, here’s your chance for a copy of Ruse of Love!  

Let me know if you think I should continue to listen to my little muse! Leave a comment and win a copy. 

Have a good one! Keep reading!

RUSE OF LOVE

The tides of war have shifted. When all eyes turn south, Doctor Jonathan Corbett finds himself once more thrust into the war’s turmoil. On assignment from General Washington, the dashing doctor discovers his mission has taken him straight into a conflict where the British are not the only ones to be feared.

Rebekah Morse has no time to contemplate the exploding war around her. Caught up as a pawn in a deadly conspiracy, she finds her only hope lies with her old friend, but things have changed since they last saw each other.Yet destiny has not intervened in their lives without cause. Rebekah’s strength, courage, and breathtaking sensuality sets within Jonathan a desire he swore never to feel again. When Rebekah’s life is threatened, Jonathan is determined to save the stubborn woman whether she wants to be saved or not. Now Jonathan and Rebekah must face the perilous threat together—only to discover a passion they never imagined...

Can't Get There From Here!

I went home for Mother's Day and surprised my mother. It was wonderful. She never suspected because in the twenty-six years I've lived up here, I never have been home for Mother's Day! A quick trip down home- much needed I might add. I was without a computer for three days! Three days! A break. An adventure. Well for some of us sitting waiting at the airport is an adventure. The good news is that I got to read...a lot!

Got up at 3:30. The first flight went fine; the second not so much- a two and a half hour delay- but I got home, surprised my mother and had a wonderful weekend. Living in a rural part of Mississippi doesn't make for easy travel, but it does make for a great trip. Going home brings back a simpler time for me. I loved growing up in the country on a farm. One of my favorite things was lying back in the grass and looking up at the wide blue sky and make people and animals out of the clouds- big fluffy clouds. The exact kind of clouds I found myself flying through over Texas when I  was coming home to Boston.

Now you may ask what I was doing flying over Texas. I asked myself the same question when I got to Huntsville Airport after driving from Northeast Mississippi. It was one of those 'Can't get there from here!' moments. According to the board, my flight was on time, but in reality it was late- at least an hour if not more. There wasn't a chance I was going to make my flight from Washington, D.C. to Boston in time and it was the last flight out. Now this is why I love the South. Instead of asking me where I wanted to spend the night either Huntsville or Washington (driving back another 2 hours home wasn't an option), the lady behind the counter went on her computer. The next thing I know I'm on a flight that was leaving in 20 minutes...to Dallas, Texas. The lady didn't even tell me what she had done. I was handed a ticket and told to get to the gate as soon as possible. Looking down at my tickets, I couldn't believe I was going to Dallas. Just didn't feel right. Going backwards to go forward. Can't get there from here you know! My husband laughed. But do you know - it worked! I guess sometimes you can get there from here! I got to Boston just a little behind when I should have. I know people have horror stories to tell about the airlines. I know I've lived through a couple, but this time I really appreciated the efforts both United and American Airlines made to make sure I got back to Boston even when I thought I was going to get stuck in Dallas. I could just see me trying to explain that one!

THE PROMISE

So it keeping with this spirit of adventure- I have a new release. The Promise, Part II of the Tides of Charleston Series.

Blurb

Cathryn Blankenship Eversleigh suffered greatly in England. Returning home to Charles Town widowed and with child, she seeks safe haven from the heartache she left behind. She quickly finds that much has changed since her departure. Now she is caught in the midst of the rebellion against the Crown. Jake Pennington is determined to convince Cathryn to return to England. Rekindling the flames of their love, Jake promises Cathryn he will return for her. Only now the tide of war has shifted and Cathryn lives in constant danger. Can Jake keep his promise to Cathryn before it's too late?

THE JUDAS KISS

If you missed the first part, The Judas Kiss, here it is! The third part, Another Night Falls, will be released in September!

Southern by the Grace of God

        Confederate History Month. Do I have a choice but to write about Confederate History Month? Not really. Not with my Southern roots.  I grew up with the saying American by birth, Southern by the grace of God. I am proud to be Southern…always have been.

        Those damn Yankees….

        Where I grew up, you considered yourself Southern as much as you considered yourself an American. It’s in your blood. My great-great-great grandfathers fought for the Confederacy. Oh, I get lost in the greats, but you can get the picture. A couple of them died in the war; a couple of them were considered deserters for a short time. It was the only way you could check up on your family. They would leave the army for a brief period of time and would go back. When my grandmother talked of the past, she still carried a grudge against carpetbaggers.

         But I guess it was my great-great grandmother’s account of growing up during the Civil War that had the biggest impact on my feelings about the war. The tale turned from the frontlines to the home front which  included what it was like to live through the Civil War. She was born in the foothills of Alabama; the oldest of four children. Her daddy died from a wound inflicted at the Battle of Shiloh. She wrote of the hardships of surviving the war. As most of the deep South, her family was poor; lived in a log cabin, and barely got by after her Momma died from an illness. One of the most telling accounts was hearing cannon fire in the distance and knowing it was a battle.

        Kinda explains why we Southerners are a stubborn lot; why we hang on to the past the way we have. When I met my husband (yes…he’s one of those damn Yankees), he didn’t have a clue that we were still fighting the war.

         My first writing contest I entered was when I was in the fifth grade. The whole of my school had to write an essay about the Civil War, I won second place. Of course, the judges told Momma I would have come in first if I hadn’t said that the South should have never seceded from the Union. Probably didn’t help either that I wrote that Abraham Lincoln was my favorite president.

         Differences of opinions are another trait we Southerners have. We’re born with the innate ability to debate and we are never…never wrong. But in reality, it’s who we are as Southerners. We feel things with passion and attack things in the same manner. Good people. Really and truly. 

         I’ll leave you with one last little antidote. When my son was six, he flew down to visit his cousins in Mississippi a week before the rest of us followed. When I walked in Momma’s door after a week, I could see immediately he had something to tell me. As soon as I could, I pulled him aside and asked what was wrong.

         “Momma,” he said exasperated. “They keep calling me a Yankee. A little Yankee.”

         Trying to suppress a smile, I answered, “Honey, it’s okay. They don’t mean anything by it.”

         “Well, I told 'em,” he answered me.

        “Told them what?” I asked, now slightly confused.

        “Told I’m wasn’t a Yankee. I’m a Red Sox.”

As a writer, I do have a manuscript I am revising on the Civil War. At one point it was called Whispers of a Southern Heart. I've since changed the name to Belle of Charleston. Honestly, Belle of Charleston will probably be the only Civil War book I write...but I love to write about the South. I have a series with Whiskey Creek Press, The Tides of Charleston. This series deals with the Southern Campaign during the American Revolution. The Judas Kiss has already been released. The Promise is due in May followed by Another Night Falls. 

The Judas Kiss

COMING SOON!

The Meaning of Success and a Book Give-A-Way by Jannine Gallant

One of our topics this month is Expect Success. I started thinking about what that means, exactly, and whether or not I’m successful in my writing career. The first thing that popped into my mind was Success = Wealth. Hmmm… When it comes to book sales, let’s just say I’m not laughing all the way to the bank. So I’m going to skip hastily past point number 1 and on to point number 2 Success = Happiness. I can honestly say that writing makes me happy. Taking an idea and turning it into a story with a beginning, middle, and happily ever after end makes me glow with accomplishment. Editing until my work sounds smooth and professional gives me a thrill. Even the promotion, though at times a little frightening and time consuming, is rewarding. So, yes, writing makes me very happy. Point number 3 Success = A Favorable Outcome (I cheated and looked that one up in the dictionary!) Has the outcome to my writing been favorable? I’d have to say yes. Reviews of my work have been positive. Getting feedback from a reader who thought my book was wonderful does more than boost my ego. It justifies all the hours I spend writing. I’m making people happy, and to me that spells success!

I hope my latest book, Bittersweet, (released yesterday!) will make readers happy. I wrote this story years ago, put it through too many rewrites to count, and am happy to say it is now available through Whiskey Creek Press. Out of all the books I’ve written, this one holds a special place in my heart. There is just something about these characters that grabbed me and held on tight from the very beginning. They wouldn’t let me give up until their story was told. I hope you’ll feel the same way.

Blurb:

Eight months after her husband is killed in a train robbery, Tess Moran knows she must pick up the pieces of her shattered life and build a future for herself and her infant daughter. Daniel Moran’s love for Tess is bittersweet. Acting on his feelings for his sister-in-law will betray his dead brother’s memory. Watching her search for love elsewhere may very well destroy him.

In 1880, life in rural Colorado is filled with hard work and simple pleasures, but trouble looms on the horizon. Together Tess and Daniel battle drought and the outlaw who killed the man they both loved, but the greatest challenge of all is finding solace for their battered hearts.

I’m pleased to give away a PDF copy of Bittersweet to one lucky commenter. Tell us what success means to you and leave your email address in the comments if you’d like to be entered into the drawing.

For more information on my other titles visit my Website, friend me on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Wishing you all a successful day!