IS MURDER ON HER LIPS? ...

HI, All,

Welcome to another installment from the Romantic Friday Writers. Yes, I know I am a bit late posting, but I did start to write this last night. LOL.

For today's challenge ... I Should Have Kissed You! Word count - 500

I hope you enjoy my entry. Don't forget to drop by the other RFW writers for their interpretations. You can find them here.

Have a great weekend everyone!

A darkened room lit by only one generic fixture illuminates a single smoke ring mingling with the hot, steamy, air.

Sweat trickles from his forehead, down his cheek, and lingers at the base of his neck, glistening next to an open crisp, white collar. His adam’s apple bobs as he attempts to swallow what little saliva coats his throat.

Ruby-red lips part and another smoke ring joins the former, disappearing into the haziness of the room. A milky-white hand with matching manicured nails flicks the ash from the end of a jeweled cigarette holder. A large brimmed hat shadows most of her face as she silently takes another drag.

Papers shuffle. A callused hand picks up a day-old cup of coffee. He drains the cup, licks his stubbled lips, and clears his throat. Under heavy brows his eyes dart from her long crossed legs toward her curved hips, full breast, and finally lock on her full, glossy mouth.

Standing, he steps over to the door to catch a non existent breeze. The once starched shirt clings to every muscle defining a broad chest, and powerful arms and shoulders. A weathered black leather belt cinches the soaked fabric around a narrow waist. His hand runs through thick dark hair as he clears his throat again and faces her.

“I’m waiting, Miss Donavan,” he says in a husky voice. “Where were you tonight between the hours of eight and midnight?”

She tilts her head. Moist lips shine from the harsh light, but remain silent. The wall clocks ticks and with each passing increases in volume. Yet, the silence of the room is deafening. 

“We found Charles Sinclair dead in his office. Murdered.” He took two steps toward her. “A letter-opener through his heart.” He leans against the desk and crosses his arms. “You are, or should I say, were his secretary and the only person in contact with him today.” He looks down at her.

In an effortless movement, she opens her purse and takes out a silver case, not once making eye contact with him. She taps a thin butt into the holder, draws the cigarette to her, and ignites the lighter. A puff of smoke escapes, veiling her from his intense stare. 

A heavy hand slices through the cloudy air. “Miss Donavan. Your silence only adds to your guilt.” Beads of sweat shimmer on his brow as he takes another step toward her. The lines in his face soften. “I’d like to hear your side of the story ... please.” 

The shadows shift. A soft scent of lavender, tobacco, and sweat permeate the musty air.

Crouching down before her, drawing ever so close, he focuses on her perfect rose-petal lips. 

Her chest rises, straining the mother-of-pearl buttons of the skin-tight linen suit. A pink tongue glides across the soft curves of her plump lips. 

His eyes widen. 

Emerald eyes lock on his.

He moves in closer and her lips part.

“I murdered Charles Sinclair.”

INSECURITY .... WHY NOT TURN IT INTO PROSE? ....

Hi, all,


Well, as you can see it is time for another segment for the IWSG. For those of you who are not familiar, this is a support group to help writers once a month vent, give advice, piss and moan ... you get the idea.

As each month blends into the next, it is hard sometimes to keep positive in our lives AND with our writing. Even creating this post once a month sometimes lends to anxiety ... What will I say? How can "I" possibly help someone else, when I can barely get through the day myself?

You can AND you will. WE are all on the same journey, some of us further along than others. BUT, that's okay. I chose "In Time ..." for my blog title because I TRULY believe that IN TIME we will achieve our goals. Naturally we have to endure life's obstacles, and some of them can be horrific. Just last week a very close blogger friend of ours Roland Yeomans was hit by a uninsured driver! He was hospitalized and now has to pay for it himself. As you know times are tough for many. Most of us are just barely squeaking by, Roland is no exception.

Such a kind a wonderful soul he has; helps everyone in the blogosphere with his incredible writing advice, links to help become a successful self publisher, mind-blowing prose, and yet so humble. If you can please drop in at Roland's blog and lend some support I would so appreciate it. And whatever you do DON'T tell him I sent you. He'll get upset with me because he is a proud southern gentleman.

Check out his array of amazing books with THE most gorgeous covers: he has like TWENTY! Let's cheer him up as he's recouping from his injuries. After all we are family. Our community is strong and keeps getting stronger each day.

We have all had tragedies in our lives. I read how one blogger friend almost died giving birth, another overcoming a crippling disease. You've read them too I'm sure. BUT with so much hardship there is joy. Family, friends, lovers, children, doggies, kitties, the beauty of nature surrounding us.

So the next time insecurity hits you, in whatever form, use it in your WIP or create  short story around it! Turn the negative into a positive. We are writers after all. What's a little more drama, right? You'll get so into it, the anxiety you WERE stressing about will melt away into the keyboard, re-ignighting your positive flow. And who knows, this might turn out to be a NaNo project!

Well, everyone that's all for today. I'd like to thank you for your great comments yesterday about fitness. I hope you all will join me in the fight to stay healthy. Believe me, there is NOTHING more important than your health.

Stay well everyone and don't forget to visit the other IWSG writers ... they may have the answers you need.

SUMMER MAY BE CLOSING ... BUT ... IT'S STILL NOT TOO LATE FOR FITNESS ...

Happy Labor Day everyone. I hope your weekend was full of fun and surprises.

Now that we are down to our last holiday BBQ, it's not too soon to think about autumn and winter and the pesky pounds that go along with it. As the temps drop, so does our energy. All we want to is to stay in, nice and cozy, with a hot chocolate, a crunchy biscotti, or a nice Starbucks coffee with a slice of their pumpkin bread. YUMM! And what about those DELICIOUS pumpkin frappaccino's, chai tea latte's, etc ... you get the picture along with hundreds of grams of sugar.

Don't you think it's time to take charge before IT happens? Time to get a head start on creating a program that works for you? Time to incorporate healthy eating and easy fitness routines into your limited time slots? I say YES! You deserve thirty minutes a day to take care of YOU. That's the best place to start ...

So, today, I am pleased to announce the launch of my new health and fitness bi-monthly post ... so many of you have enjoyed my health and fitness posts in the past, so I have decided to make it a permanent part of my blog.

And so you don't just get my take on this subject, I will also feature guest bloggers with their helpful hints for staying in shape during their LONG hours of writing. We are all writers, we all fall into bad eating habits, and we ALL neglect ourselves for our craft.

I am LIVING proof of that. My story is a common one. For all my new friends who don't know, let me explain. (please forgive me for those who do)

When I started my journey to publication almost four years ago, I was in shape and feeling great, but then IT happened. I became so obsessed with writing my first novel that I gave up going to the gym and didn't even think about what I shoved into my mouth as long as it was fast.  I packed on twenty-five pounds that winter without even realizing it.

I continued for another obsessed year of editing ... and yes, another 25 pounds! Not only did my waistline increase so did my blood pressure. I was the typical overweight middle-aged man with hypertension and if I had continued down that path, the road would have led to diabetes too.

My obsession for writing was literally killing me, so in the spring of 2011, a few months before a monumental birthday, I decided to take my life back, one small step at a time. I began to move, starting with just a thirty minute walk on the beach.

This first small step, put me on the road to a healthier body and mind. In life balance is the key. 

Tip # one ... BALANCING. 

Writing and movement time should be balanced like our novel and short stories. It's the key for success. It's a delicate choreography to create just the right rhythm, BUT it can be done with good planning. Yes, pantsters, you too can benefit from a LITTLE planning.

Tip # two ... MOVEMENT.

This could be done in any form AND at any time. First thing in the morning, after your first cup of coffee, early afternoon, or even after diner(which is good for burning up those heavy calories.) And no, you certainly don't need a gym membership ... you don't even have to leave your house.

My advice is to do something you like. Walk, swim, treadmill, elliptical, or even the dated work out tape/CD. Whatever it is, just move. 

For me, I wake up, grab a coffee, check my emails and a few blog posts ... THEN I drop to my living room floor for a little stretching and ab work. For my arms I use two water bottles and do a few sets of fifty.(they are only nine pounds). But you should have a set of two, five, or ten pound weights available depending on your fitness level. Start with three reps of twelve with a comfortable weight... You don't want to pull anything. 

This is a great way to wake up and stimulate your body to burn fat. For those who have to rush to work, it takes only fifteen minutes to jump start your body. Or if you feel you want something a bit more stimulating .... for those of you who have stairs available, why not, do twenty to fifty flights. I know it sound like SO much, but when I was stranded without a gym in Florida, that's what I did to stay in shape and it WORKED. In twenty minutes I did fifty flights. Yes, it could get boring, but crank up your stereo or iPod and get moving. I suggest starting with just ten flights and work up from there. 

Remember twenty-to-thirty minutes of activity is excellent for your lungs, heart, and overall circulation. Writers can get very stiff from sitting for hours on end. 

Another tip is to seriously walk away from your computer every two hours. Stretch, run in place, do a few flights of stairs, run around the house a few times (inside) or, if the weather is nice walk around the block a few times. It doesn't take long and it will help clear your mind as well.

I've had some of my best ideas come to me during exercise, especially during my power walks on the lakefront. Which brings me more advanced workouts. If you have more time, get out of your home to do your routine. The fresh air will stimulate your senses on all levels. Again, thirty to forty-five minutes does wonders for relieving the stress and tension created by life or plots points that are just no jelling. Walk, jog, run, stroll, hike, or just do plain calisthenics, but make sure to breathe deeply. It's amazing how great you'll feel.

Now, don't you think you can find that thirty minutes of YOU time? Sure you can. 

As a final tip, remain positive. With so much negativity around us, it's an easy trap to fall into ... avoid it at all costs. It will do more damage to you than that Crispy Creme donut.

So, tell me ... do you have any great tips to give? I'd love to feature them in future posts. And if you like this feature, please let me know...

Keep well and enjoy your Labor Day everyone! Stay tuned for my wonderful new friend, Morgan Shamy, ex-ballerina turned Y/A writer, and her health and fitness tips on the 17th.

A NEW AGE ... ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

At the dawning of a new day, a serpent slithers, reaching the first of many etched stone steps reaching toward the sun. Adorned in a kaleidoscope of feathers gently blowing in the warm breeze, he advances with great determination. 

Robed in the whitest of fabrics, the crowds gather with tablets in hand, their eyes dart, following each and every movement from all who surround the temple.

The journey is long, inch-by-inch he coils around each glistening stone. All is silent as his tongue licks the air. A keen eye glances downward. All are breathless.

As the light gently shifts and the temple shadow bathes the crowds in the north, the serpent reaches the final step. He raises, and the vivid plumage pierces the azure sky.

"I have a revelation .... I am lifting the veil ....  a new discovery. It will transcend an renew — "

Jaws drop as he utters the astounding news.

The clouds swirl, lightning flashes, images form into a massive picture. Paralyzed, the crowd holds their breath. 

"Today I reveal to you ..... HEATHER McCORKLE'S NEW COVER!"

The crowds gasp.

"Now go, and add this to your Goodreads list. I will know if you have not. So take heed."


Hi, everyone, as you can see from my unusual intro, this week my good friend and amazing author Heather McCorkle revealed the cover of the final novel in her chandler series. Below is all the info to enjoy this fun event. Drop by Heather's blog, lots of wonderful things happening there.

Congratulations Heather! All the best with you newest novel. It will be available soon, so keep an eye out for it.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

It's finally here, the cover reveal for Heather McCorkle's Rise of a Rector, the final novel in her channeler series (due out this October). To celebrate Heather is giving away two copies of her historical fantasy novel, To Ride A Puca.

To add it to your Goodreads lists click here. If you'd like to check out the rest of the channeler series (her novella Born of Fire is now FREE on Amazon & B&N!) you can do so on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. To win an eBook of To Ride A Puca, all you have to do is help Heather spread the word. There will be two winners! To enter fill out the form below.

MY COMPUTER'S BEEN TAKEN OVER .... WHAT THE ....?

Hi all,

Well, it's Tuesday, sunny and warm, with a hint of a breeze gently waving the green summer leaves. No, this isn't a weather report, just a pleasant observation as I'm writing this post ....

"OMG, the sunlight is diminishing at rapid speed. All of a sudden, it's dark, ominous .... the only light in the room is coming from my computer screen ...  GEEZ, now it's flashing! What's going on here? Is blogger freaking out again?! 

 "Now what happened to my post? This is insane!  Somethings downloading ... HOLY SH--!!!!" Eyes blinking feverishly. "WHOA! LOOK at this!"

Blood Fugue, Moonsongs Book 1 by E.J. Wesley

Cover Reveal Party

Author E.J. Wesley is throwing a blog party to celebrate the release of his new book cover and wants you to join in the fun. Jump over to his blog to learn about how you can win some awesome prizes, including $50.00 toward a cover of your own and advance reader copies of Blood Fugue.

Cover work by Sketcher Girl, LLC - http://sketchergirlstudios.com/

What's the Story about?


"Some folks treated the pas like an old friend. The memories warmed them with fondness for what was and hope for what was to come. Not me. When I thought of long ago, my insides curdled, and I was left feeling sour and wasted.


Sounds amazing, doesn't it?  Well, what are you waiting for ... head over to EJ's blog The Open Vein- http://the-open-vein-ejwesley.blogspot.com and join the party!

I hope you all enjoyed my bit of melodrama for this intro .... Let's all wish EJ the best with his new novella and spread the blog love and enter ....

Have a great day everyone! See you over at EJ's ....

AH, ARE YOU READY FOR A LITTLE ROMANCE THIS WEEKEND? ....

Hi, all,

Well, I was hoping to have this post up yesterday, but you know how life is ... unpredictable, unrelenting, and far from understanding.

I must say that last Friday/weekend I had a ball with the WHAT IF .... Twisted fairytale blogfest. If you need a good laugh, scroll down a few posts and take a look at my entry, BUT not until you finish reading this weekend's post. LOL.

Two of my most favorite bloggers buddies, Denise Covery and Donna Hole, host a bi monthly(every other Friday) writer's exercise and critique in ROMANCE.


So if you are up to a challenge and want to stretch your imagination to write something new in 400 words or less, that is if you are not a romantic writer like me, why not drop in on these wonderful ladies and join in the fun. Here is the direct link to Romantic Friday Writers ....  Each event has a different prompt for you to follow...

Today's is a romantic picnic.

I was inspired by Chicago's lovely lakefront and a young romantic couple kissing on the grass dunes, as I powerwalked by them yesterday. I hope you like my entry, I decided to express my more poetic side today...


At three hundred and seven words here is

A Special Kind of Love 

    As the curtain slowly closes on this lazy day of summer, a gentle, cool breeze skirts Chicago’s lakefront. The sun peaks high, sending its warmest rays to illuminate a vibrant mix of jade and sapphire in the tranquil waters.

Abuzz with activity, many city dwellers basque in outdoor activities. A whirlwind of  neon flashes from cyclists, rollerbladers, and runners. Jingling silver bells break through the sound of subtle waves lapping, as peddlers sell the sweetest of confections.

Arched lacy bridges, covered in a kaleidoscope of flowers, welcome strolling couples and families to the lake’s sandy shores.

A sudden gust takes a young woman’s waist-length hair by surprise along with the edges of a red and white checkered tablecloth clinging to a patch of green earth. 

Agile boy-like fingers quickly reset the paper plates and knocked over bottles as she twists the mane away from her dark eyes and glossed lips.

Angling her head, she stares into her lover’s captivating eyes, and like a stroke of a dove’s wings, their delicate fingers interlock. Her mouth parts as a breath escapes into the dancing blades of grass, gently caressing the insides of her legs.

An unexpected rush of air unravels her ebony strands, swathing the young sweethearts away from the world. Tender polished fingers weave through shiny cropped hair, and two pairs of soft, wet lips meld and become one as the zephyr calms. 

After a brief slumber, the tempest awakens with the couple’s passion and sweeps across the lake, inviting a wave to crash against the concrete barrier, showering the lovebirds. Lips part and curl into smiles. 

A whisper of “I love you,” slips from her quivering lips.

As she holds her breath, a flush of red, a raised brow, and loud gulp are the only response ... until a scratchy voice replies, “I love you, too.”  

How sweet is this.? Ah, young love.  Please feel free to let me know what you think and  if you have  any romantic plans for this weekend.  And don't forget to visit the other Romantic Friday Writers ....

A COUPLE OF NEWSWORTHY EVENTS ...

Hi, All,

I hope your week is going well. I had spent some time yesterday surfing the blogosphere and catching up on some news ...

Several post/articles caught my attention on several different levels.

I had stopped by Janet Reid's blog. She had posted about the the candidate for the US senate in Missouri and his UNBELIEVABLE statement about "real rape." Now as you all know, I keep my blog VERY positive, but reading this post and hearing about it on the news while working out last night, makes me positive this candidate is not right! So drop over to Janet's blog for the post here.  You will be outraged too!

On a much more "writerly" note, Writer's Digest and Guide to Literary Agents' Chuck Sambuchino are hosting the "DEAR LUCKY AGENT" contest, now through Aug. 27th, so you still have plenty of time to enter. SO all you M/G writers get your ms's polished and shoot over your first 150-200 words of your finished book-length manuscript along with a one-sentence logline.

There are a few things you need to do as well. You must mention this contest in two media's or one media and hop over to Amazon and like Chuck's newest humor book ... This contest is well worth the effort so get right to it M/G writers. For entry click here and get whisked away GLA.

Now for a healthier note... As most of you know, I am a health and exercise nut, Equinox Gym sent this article in my inbox yesterday, so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Eat Like an Athlete by Elmear Lynch is about  swimmer, Olympic gold medalist,  Garrett Weber Gale. He shares his secrets to keep in shape. Ten easy do's and don'ts.... He has some great tips, so check it out here if you get healthy and stay that way, especially with summer winding down and clothes covering more of us, we need to be well aware of how the pounds can SLOWLY creep up on us. Remember the holidays are just around the corner and most Americans put on five to ten pounds of unwanted weight.

Also stay tuned for workout tips on how to keep moving with easy winter exercises to stay in shape when the temps drop.

Have a great day everyone!