by Sarah | Apr 13, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Me, Story of Me
Once upon a time, around 1999, I was a single mother.
Living with my parents in Maryland.
Maryland, where I was just a few short hours from New York City.
From Broadway.
So every chance I had.
Even when my parents didn’t know.
I went.
*
One weekend they packed up my son to go camping.
All weekend long.
I stayed behind.
And packed myself and a friend up.
And went to the city.
I saw a matinee of Cats.
I hung around with friends.
Had dinner.
Went back to the car to take my friends and myself home.
In a super expensive parking garage I got my car.
Drove it to the exit to meet my friends.
Opened the trunk.
We dumped our stuff in.
Slammed it shut.
*
Two minutes I climbed into the driver’s seat.
No keys.
10PM at night.
In NYC.
In a parking garage.
I locked my keys in the trunk.
*
Parking garage employee called a “locksmith.”
One with skillz.
Capability.
Know-how.
Or not.
Couldn’t open the trunk.
Had to rip out the lock.
Brutishly.
I got my keys.
The man with the skillz taped the trunk shut.
I drove home.
*
The story I gave was similar, but didn’t take place in NYC.
But Baltimore.
Had my lock replaced so my car wasn’t duct-taped shut.
My parents never knew the true story.
And I never locked my keys in the trunk again.
*~*~*
The A-Z Challenge has over 1900 participants, all blogging from A to Z this month. Check them out and see if you can’t find a few new favorites!!
by Sarah | Apr 12, 2013 | Books, Challenge, Holiday, Sweet Saturday Samples, Writing
I thought another meme was in order to give my blog some life on the weekends. Thankfully fellow SCP author, Jean Joachim pointed out this new meme to show of samples of our stories.
Sweet Saturday Samples are samples of any story, published, unpublished, whatever you like. Any genre is welcome of any heat level – but the samples themselves are all rated PG-13, so yes, all samples are safe for innocent (or not) eyes.
I know this week I already did a sample of Santa, Maybe with my Hump Day Hook, but I wanted to show a more cheerful sample of the story. Again, this is an unedited WIP that I’m writing for a submission call. I hope you enjoy it. And don’t forget to check out Sweet Saturday Samples for more samples!
She sighed and placed another kiss to the top of his head. “You’ll never guess who found me online last year.”
The change in subject relaxed his tight hold on her and the tension drained from his shoulders. “Who would that be?”
“Dolf.”
“No way.” That proved enough to reenergize him and he propped himself up on his elbow to face her. “Not the Dolf Biermann from 4G.”
“Yes. The very same.” Out of the sadness of a few minutes ago, they both started to grin. Her cheeks grew tight from her smile. “The one that used to play the accordion every night at 3:30AM on the dot.”
He started to chuckle. “And there was no soundproofing in that place. My God, do you remember that apartment?”
Laughter burst from its seams and she nodded fiercely. “Are you kidding? It was our first home! Not that I’d call it an apartment. It was a postage stamp.”
“And we barely scraped by on rent.” He nestled into the covers, his hand slipping along her stomach in a familiar and comfortable gesture. “You worked your ass off.”
“You had school.”
“And you had work and lessons. I still don’t know how you did it. Or how you managed to cook anything on that—well, I can’t call it a stove.”
“It was a glorified hot plate.” Tears started to form, her laughter grew so strong. “And that landlord. He was such a peeping tom. I swear he bore holes in the walls to look in on his tenants.”
“He was so creepy.” Alan shook his head. “I hope that guy doesn’t still run a building. He’s probably figured out how to install those small cameras all over the place.”
She shuddered. “Ugh. I wouldn’t doubt it. Creepy doesn’t begin to cover him.”
“Sad that I miss that place sometimes.”
“Looking back is always easier. It was a wonderful time in our lives.”
by Sarah | Apr 12, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Me
I tried it when I was young.
Failed rather spectacularly.
I took up crochet instead.
It was, and is, easier…but my relationship with it ebbed and flowed.
Then.
Several years ago I determined to pick up the dual needles again.
This time I succeeded.
Knitting is now a beloved pastime.
It’s soothing (well, until I screw up).
And I’m finally knitting for myself (all my first projects were for others).
by Sarah | Apr 11, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m pleased to welcome Layna Pimentel to the blog today. She agreed to an interview, and a little peek into her book A Gift From Fate.
*~*
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m married and have two daughters. I’m a geek/bookworm and I’m proud of it. Hmm…what haven’t I shared yet with people? I’m terrified of flying, my Achilles heel is a good red wine, my nickname used to be zappy. I can’t believe I just announced that. My husband is going to have a field day with that. LOL
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Both if you can imagine. I almost always start every book plotting first, and then my muse rears her ugly head and says “No! There will be none of that. I want it to go this way.” Dang muse.
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
We could be here all day if I went into every detail, but the key problem I had was finding the right critique partner. Thankfully, my crit partner Jessica Subject has been there through thick and thin, and I’ve been eternally grateful for her help and infinite wisdom.
4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
I don’t really have a favorite chapter. I loved writing this book from start to finish.
5. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Don’t be afraid to follow your instinct, if you don’t think you’re in a critique group/have a partner that fits, save yourself the unnecessary stress of parting on bad terms and walk away. Mind you, don’t give up either. Keep trying and you will find the right person for you. Think of it as dating. Also, don’t be afraid to invest in a freelance editor either, in the event you still don’t find that perfect match. They’re worth their weight in gold, and they’re a valuable resource to reach out to.
6. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
Well if you love mythology as much as I do, then you’ll love that the story is written around one of the nine muses—which we really don’t hear too often about. Plus, I added in my own fictional twist with the Fates and their hate on for Zeus. *wink wink*
7. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
I’ve been reading tarot since the late 1990’s. Oh! And I’m also a huge fan of siege weapons. So guess what I’ll be building this summer in between projects? A trebuchet. Of course it will only be a scaled down version, but it’ll be big enough to scare off those pesky pigeons in my backyard. I warned you that I was a nerd. 😉 Aside from that, video games is another thing that I enjoy. If it’s a RPG like Oblivion, or The Witcher, I’m all over it like white on rice.
8. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I do have another fantasy erotic romance short coming out this month through Secret Cravings Publishing. So check out my blog for more details about Hardened Desire. Also, this summer my historical erotic romance series Pleasure Garden Follies launches. Scandal at Vauxhall is tentatively scheduled for July, A Sinful Education in September, and Her Deviant Lord in November. It’s been a busy year.
9. How many books can we expect to see in your series? Is the number tentative or set?
A Gift From Fate was originally intended to be a standalone book, but I do have two other books planned. I mean who knows, with nine muses you never know what those girls are up to.
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00BHLTBVA” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Barnes & Noble | Secret Cravings | All Romance Ebooks | Bookstrand |
Blurb:
After colliding with a stunning vision in white, retired Staff Sergeant Brent Daniels offers to drive the beautiful stranger to a hotel for the night, but instead discovers he’s with one very lost creature. He’s bewitched by her sinful curves, her dark and mesmerizing eyes, and the pull at his soul with each minute passing. Nevertheless, he can’t shake the feeling she’s hiding something.
Melpomene, daughter of Zeus, finds her handsome rescuer resembles the man who has continuously haunted her dreams. Before long, she’s in his arms, wanting more. Knowing their days are numbered, desperation leads her to reach out for help by an unlikely ally.
Just how far will these two lovers go, and what will they sacrifice to be together?
EXCERPT
“My name is Melp—Mel Pomene.” She’d nearly given herself away. Zeus, her father, would have heard had she whispered her name. Her father. Heavens, he’d turn the mortal realm upside down if he suspected she was here. And right now, she desired nothing more than to stay a little longer. With any lucky, I’ll return before he notices.
“Well, Mel, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your last name is rather unusual. I assume you’re not from these parts?”
His question silenced any thoughts drifting through her mind at that moment. A new kind of tension rose within her. She couldn’t disclose her origins or who she was. Guilt settled in her stomach for leaving her sisters behind, but she wasn’t given a choice. The Fates dropped her here, only mentioning an experience for three days…provided Zeus didn’t find out. Only the Gods knew what he’d do if he found her cavorting around without a proper escort.
“Earth to Mel? Are you all right?”
“Yes, I am. I’m just thinking of home, which is Greece. I’ve come to the United States for an adventure, it would seem.”
He chuckled before she’d finished speaking.
“What is so amusing?”
“The mere mention of seeking adventure after getting lost is rather comical, nothing else, sweetheart.” He removed his right hand from the wheel and petted her knee. The warmth of his hand stirred an unfamiliar emotion within. This was the man from her dream. Those hands had touched parts of her body no mortal would have dared, and here she sat, wishing he’d do more than pat her.
WHAT AM I WORKING ON NEXT
I’m working on the second installment of my Pleasure Garden Follies series, A Sinful Education. The series takes place in the regency era and is going to be super hot. The first book Scandal at Vauxhall will be releasing this July, so make sure to stop by my site for latest updates.
BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.
Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut. For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:
www.laynapimentel.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+
Once upon a time, around 1999, I was a single mother.
