A Taste of Past Reflections

Julie Finch had always left a sheltered life, from attending catholic school to the no boys rule.  Now at seventeen and the verge of womanhood she is looking at life through different eyes.  First love is painful enough but picking up the pieces of a broken heart prove even more difficult when there is no closure and tragedy strikes!

-      ~ -

 

For all of her young life Julie had played by the rules.  She was never one to buck the system but when she had met one of her older brother’s friends something suddenly changed.  Instant crush!  Scott Rourke was older and worldlier but he was also definitely interested.  They met in secret and Julie fell in love. 

When Julie gets into a car accident that leaves her permanently scarred it seems as though Scott uses that as a chance to back away from her.  Not too long after that they go their separate ways but Julie never quite gets over Scott.

Some time later she gets an opportunity to become a camp counselor and jumps at the chance to get away for the summer.  Maybe a change of scenery will help her get over her feelings for Scott once and for all.  Everything else in her life seemed to be falling into place.  But there was that one little lie that seemed to dog her.  Julie had lied about her age to secure the position and it looked like now it might come back and bite her.

Meeting Kevin had started her heart to come alive again.  However, he was a junior counselor and that made him off limits.  Seeing Kevin would be against the rules.  She knew she had some choices to make and Kevin had made it crystal clear where he stood.

Through all of the serenity Camp Wiskle offered the memories of Scott had followed her.  Not only was she battling those old feelings but she was falling for a young man who wouldn’t take no for an answer.  While her heart and head are waging a war tragedy strikes and suddenly there are no choices left to make. 

 

 - ~ -

Past Reflections is a teen love story that will take you on a whirlwind of different emotions.  From first love to loss to love again.  Julie Finch is a determined young woman who comes to learn that breaking the rules is not always a bad thing!!

         

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving – Blessing, prayer, thanks

 

Such a simple definition.

 

This pretty much sums it up.  I love that word.  We need to give thanks more as well as be thankful for what we have.

 

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Writing Is Like Going to the Gym (Part I)

By:  Phillip Tomasso

 With January fast approaching, I am hearing more and more people talk about New Year Resolutions. If most people are like me, resolutions are declared, started and then quickly forgotten—or better still—purposely ignored. One resolution I make, year after year—I mean, every year I make it. I see gym and fitness ads running on TV throughout December. So, I know I am not alone. My goal is always to get in shape. Always. I know, one of these years I will stand-fast and commit to actually exercising, eating healthier and making a difference in my physique. One of these years.

Of course I have the classic excuses Not To Exercise. My work schedule. My family responsibilities. My sleep schedule. I can argue to death why these three responsibilities alone are reason enough never to step foot in a gym. I’d be lying to you, the way I lie to myself daily.  But with myself, I’ve fully convinced me that I am telling a solid truth. That exercise just isn’t possible in my immediate future. That, however, I have plenty of time to get to it, and will be so happy and satisfied once I commit.

Believe it or not, writing is very, creepily similar to working out. Uh-huh. Absolutely true. I thought about the best way to present comparisons. Tried narrative.  Seemed okay. But, I believe the readers here will appreciate bullets. Direct correlation between the two. Makes my metaphor more impacting, and visible. Regardless, it was too long a topic to limit to a single blog. Be sure to stop by my blog page for the conclusion to this topic.

--You Need to First Realize You Want to Get in Shape

This is not a blog about alcoholics. But if you don’t first admit there is a problem, there can be no clear road to improvement. I am out of shape. I need to exercise. I need to turn fat into muscle. It would be awesome to wear a shirt and not feel like I HAVE to tuck it in, or blouse it in order to give the illusion that my gut is actually not gut at all, but excess cotton ballooned at the waistline. Abracadabra!

Anyone I ever talk to tells me they want to write a book. Many want to give me their life story so I can weave it into some unbelievable tale that—they assure me—will be a best seller. My answer is always the same. If you have a story, write it. They don’t know where to begin, how to create characters, dialogue, chapters, etc., etc., etc.

--Get Around To Joining A Gym

One piece of advice I share is to join a writing group. Many bookstores and libraries have them. For free, no less. A gathering of writers sharing tips, full of questions that need answering, offering critiques and guidance. I’ve belonged to one or another since I was fifteen years old. The time spent with other writers has been priceless in my career as a novelist.

The second piece of advice is to read. If you want to write a horror novel, read every horror book you can get your hands on. Study the genre you seek to conquer. Note what you like and hate about the books read, what was done well, and what you would do differently. See how the plots unfold, the characters are developed, the tension is paced.

--Start Out All Gung-Ho

Like anything new—relationships, cars, going to school, joining a gym—we always tend to start out with all pistons firing; it’s all we talk and think about; dream of; try to get others on board with. When I’ve joined (and eventually quit) local gyms and fitness clubs, I spent hours of the first several days working out. I’d get up early and hit the treadmills. After work, I’d make my way through the Nautilus equipment, or free weights. I’d drape a hand towel (from the kitchen) over my shoulders to swipe at the rolling beads of sweat, and carry around a water bottle to hydrate my dehydrated body. I’d even cut back on smoking, because working out and not smoking seemed to go hand in hand!

Writing is the same way. That idea we came up with gets fleshed out in long hand on a pad of legal paper. Characters sketched. Concept plots outlined. Possible settings reviewed. We fall asleep at night with a notebook by the bed, wake up re-reading senseless sentences scribbled out during twilight hours.

At some point we realize we’ve compiled a ton of stuff. There aren’t exactly heads or tails to be made from any of it. But we’ve started. We’re writing. It lacks clear direction, lucidity, flow, but gosh-darn if we haven’t leapt and landed with both feet in the heat of drafting something that might, that could, that if we’re lucky, will be considered a working manuscript-or-something-or-other!

--Unused Muscles Get Sore And Achy

And the reality sets in. Usually it’s not the very next morning. It’s two-days later. Reaching for your coffee cup is an impossible task. You triceps, biceps, wrists, knuckles – refuse to work. The idea of bending over to fit socks over your feet scares you into uncontrollable sobs. You groan and moan and cry, literally shed tears, as you shrug your arms into your coat. Don’t even bother with aspirin. It won’t work. Nothing will. You are certain a painful death is all you have to look forward to!

Writing is no different. If you go from never (or not often) having written anything, to writing up a storm there is bound to be some pain. Maybe in your brain, maybe from straining your imagination. But more than likely it will be evident in the writing itself.

I suggest take a breath. A step back. Set the initial material aside. The thing about writing is, you wrote it. So it will generally look good, or right to you when you re-read it. Nothing wrong with that. Well, there kind of is. Regardless – you need a day or two off, to take a break. Believe it or not, when you go back a few days later, reinvigorated and hopefully well-rested, you will be more objective in sorting through the pages and pages of … stuff … that you’ve written. Going Gung-Ho for days and days is strenuous. Necessary sometimes, and more seasoned (in shape) writers can perform better under different circumstances – the endurance is just at a higher level…it’s where we should all aspire to be, the summit to reach, the (insert cliché here) …

. . . Hopefully you want more, to see what happens next in this exciting metaphorically relatable blog.  The conclusion to this cliffhanger of a writing segment will be posted on my blog (in its entirety) prior to Thanksgiving. 

Sandra – thank you so much for inviting me to guest blog. Greatly appreciated.  I wish you so much success in your writing, and hope you will stop by and blog on my blog for blogging’s sake!

Take care, and Happy Holidays everyone!

Phillip Tomasso

My Blog: http://chasingnickles.blogspot.com/?m=0

Twitter: @P_Tomasso

 

Pulse of Evil: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZK0W4Q?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

I HATE COMMAS, COMMAS, AND MORE COMMAS!

By:  LILLIAN DUNCAN 

I gladly admit that I hate commas. I much prefer to ignore them when I write. Those kind souls who critique my writing are always pointing out my comma failings (and I so appreciate them).

So, I’ve decided to do something about it. Since I needed to write a post about writing tips, I decided to improve my own writing in the process, or so I hope. Instead of writing about what I know I’m on a quest to find out what I don’t know about commas!

I asked some other writers to give me rules about commas as a first step. Here’s what they’re saying:

Linda Samaritoni gives us RULE # 1: Use a comma in direct address, meaning names.

EXAMPLE : I'm here to help you, friend.

Gail Kittleson, author of Catching Up With Daylight (to be published 2013), gives us RULE # 2: Use a comma after a subordinate clause used as an introduction to a
sentence.

EXAMPLE: After we watched our team lose, we headed to the malt shoppe.


Louise M. Gouge, author of A Suitable Wife, December 2012, tells us about RULE #3: Use a comma to separate independent clauses (complete thoughts) when they are joined by these transition words: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

EXAMPLE: We wanted to go to the movie, but none of the films caught our interest.

Amy Cattapan, aspiring author and a middle school English teacher, gives us RULE #4: When including a full date in a sentence (month, day, and year), put a comma after the year as well as between the day and the year.

Example: The conference held on September 21, 2012, was a great success.

I give you RULE #5: Use commas to separate a series of at least 3 objects or events.

EXAMPLE: She woke up, brushed her teeth, ate breakfast, and then left for the day.

I’m checking out the Chicago Manual Of Style, which is what many fiction writers use as the ultimate grammar and punctuation resource. I’ve spent more than an hour reading questions about commas and CMOS answers on their website.

A few things have become clear to me.

Commas are troublesome to lots of people not just me.

There are lots of ambiguous situations concerning commas, but the CMOS people have a consistent answer. If the comma helps to clarify a situation use it. If the sentence doesn’t need clarifying then don’t use it.

In many situations, commas can or cannot be used, and either way would be right. That makes me feel better. I guess it comes down to personal preference and what your editor prefers.

The CMOS website points out that good editing smoothes the way for the reader. And I guess that’s why writers need editors. My job is to create the story, and the editor’s job is to smooth out the bumps.

But I’m hoping my editor has a few less commas to add in my next story!

YOUR ASSIGNMENT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT: I purposefully left out some commas in the above post and possibly a few accidentally. Leave a comment if you find a sentence that needs a comma with an explanation why. You may refer to the above rules to make it easier.

BIO:

LILLIAN DUNCAN writes stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem. She writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com

Her latest book DARK ALLEYS (Lost and Found Books) was released in September. She will also be releasing a novella just in time for Christmas-THE CHRISTMAS STALKING (Harbourlight Books).

About DARK ALLEYS: Being innocent and proving it are two different things, especially when a powerful politician is involved

Tessa’s life spiraled out of control and she finds herself in a dark alley on a cold wintry night. After she witnesses a murder, she almost becomes his second victim, but manages to escape—just barely.

Homeless and alone, she knows the authorities won’t believe someone like her, leaving her only one option—to run.

TRUE COLORS and Domestic Violence

by:  Grace Peterson

 

I always believed I could see people for who they truly were.  That had been until I had fallen in love with the wrong guy.  And nothing had been the same since.  I didn’t know what Domestic Violence was.  It had never existed in my world until Mitch.

When it first began I thought that I was imagining things.  Making issues out of nothing.  At least that is what Mitch had led me to believe.  So one by one – little by little I shrugged them off.  I didn’t realize that by doing this that I was allowing myself to be beaten down a little at a time.  I didn’t want to fight about all those little things that Mitch would throw at me.  I was ten minutes late because I missed the bus.  It seemed an easy enough answer.  After all, it was the truth but Mitch would accuse me of meeting another guy.  As though I had time when he seemed to monitor my every move.  Every detail of my life needed an explanation. 

My cell phone had quickly become my leash and I became a quick learner.  To some degree I had also become a pretty good liar.  Not by choice but rather by necessity.  The truth became a battle ground where I could not survive so it just became easier to lie.  I didn’t like it but I will admit that it made my life easier. 

When I discovered that Mitch had been monitoring my phone account, checking my messages – yes I had ignorantly given him all of my passwords to gain access to them just to avoid a fight that had only been a temporary fix at the time.  I was beginning to realize that I was in over my head and was going under fast.  I needed to get away from Mitch and he wasn’t letting go easily. It seemed that over the course of six months Mitch had become so deeply imbedded into my life that I felt like there was no escape.  We had foolishly moved in together so now I was faced with yet another dilemma.

Throughout everything no one in my small circle knew anything.  No one accept my dearest friend Drew who I had grown up with.

It was funny how Mitch and Drew had never seemed to hit it off.  One thing I had decided was that Mitch didn’t need to know every detail of my past.  All he knew was that Drew and I had gone to school together.  He never knew that we were as close as we were and I had purposed that he never would.  It wasn’t because I was hiding this big dark secret.  Drew and I had never gone beyond friendship.  We loved each other dearly and been through some tough times together.  Drew was the type of guy that was always there.  Through good times and through bad times we had drawn strength from each other.

When Drew and his girlfriend had separated Mitch had gone through the roof once he had found out.  Of course he had accused us of sleeping together even more than before.  Nothing that I said would change his mind.  Everything I said, everything I did became suspect.  I had to admit that my life was spiraling quickly out of control.  I had to take my life back again.  It wasn’t going to be easy but it was something that had to be done.

With Drew’s help and over the course of six months, I had finally gotten the nerve to move out.  Asking Mitch to leave had been a joke in itself.  He wasn’t going anywhere.  Fine with me.  One of us had to leave so it was me.

No, it wasn’t easy.  I had to change my number a couple of times, and even my mom had to change hers but it was well worth the aggravation.  The changes may have been small but my ultimate goal of being free has finally been achieved.

It has been close to three years now.  Mitch has moved on and had actually moved away.  I have dated on and off and I like the fact that I don’t have to explain to anyone what time I walk in the door after work.  Drew and I are still the best of friends and we still spend a lot of time together.  Just the other day we had gone out with some friends and they were suggesting that we should try the couple thing.  We both cracked up laughing saying it could never work.  But later that same night as Drew walked me to the door after a fun night out he took my hand and looked deeply into my eyes.  We didn’t say anything but instead shared a moment of mutual silence, an understanding between two close friends that had been through the fire together.  I don’t know what tomorrow might bring but I do know that Drew will always be a big part of my life.

 

Grace Peterson writes short fiction stories.  Writing a book is a dream but a dream that might not be out of reach.

Next up to the plate...
November 7- Lillian Duncan

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Please note:  Peter Lyons couldn't make Wild Wednesday this week.  We hope and pray all is well.  

Since it is Domestic Violence Month - Here is a story with a dark element of reality which touches on Domestic Violence.

It’s purely Midnight Magic…                                       

 

Meet Nick Roland, or perhaps you’ve already met him in One Enchanted Evening.  If not, get ready to see this heroic white knight jump into action in Midnight Magic.  Romance had burned him once before and with his best friend Jessica always trying to set him up with the perfect date it was a wonder he had time for anything else.

He’d heard the rumors about lovely Victoria Benson, however he could only surmise truth from fiction as they shared a landlady who liked to talk.  He didn’t need complications of Victoria’s kind.  No way was he going to get involved with her and her estranged boyfriend, Max who had been noted to be trouble with a capital T.  However, one look in those haunted emerald green eyes had him stepping up to the plate as the white knight role he’d perfected.  Only this time he found his heart getting tangled up in the process.

 

Victoria Benson wasn’t looking for a relationship.  She’d just been burned big time and there was no way that she was laying her heart on the line again.  When Max up and left her with an empty apartment, a bounced rent check, among other things; she knew it was as good as over.  And it was just as well as he’d put his hands on her for the last time.  Of course, the order for protection she’d filed against him during their stormy relationship wasn’t worth the paper it had been written upon, and according to Max, was worthless. 

 

Enter Nick Roland.  This guy was every woman’s dream.  This handsome prince knew how to treat a lady just as well as he knew how to rescue one.  She could definitely drown in Nick’s deep blue eyes and she found herself drawn to him as a moth is drawn to the flame.  However, it was the fear of the fire, which had her backing off.

 

Then Victoria’s world is turned upside down and she no longer feels safe in her own home and it’s Nick to the rescue.  She trusts Nick with her physical safety but it’s no secret that she doesn’t trust him with the key to her heart.  However Nick is willing to lay his heart on the line just as he is willing to risk the scorching flames for a chance to be with Victoria.

 

While the flames of desire are burning you also get to check up on the antics of Jessica and Ben Brookes (One Enchanted Evening).  

 

So, buckle up for the ride of a lifetime with Nick and Victoria at the wheel.  Hold on tight for an explosive conclusion that will leave you positively reeling, once you catch your breath, that is…


Next up to the plate...

October 31 - Grace Peterson
 

Confessions of a Plot Junkie

By: Sherri Fulmer Moorer

I’m not ashamed to admit it – I’m a plot junkie. I don’t read to see pretty words strung together, or even descriptions of rich settings. I want action. Give me a plot that sticks to my head and characters that I believe will bleed if I scratch the page, and that’s my kind of story. As an independent author, I endeavor to give my readers that same thrill of high action and flesh and blood characters that I expect in the books that make my heart quiver.

For all of you literature lovers out there that think I should be ashamed of it, I’m not. Your trash is my treasure. I don’t read or write to gain a better understanding of society and the ways we can use the English language to articulate the issues of today. I read and write for entertainment and self growth. I want stories that speak to readers. I want characters that are real enough to be neighbors, friends and colleagues.  I want a world that mirrors our own and gives us glimpses of how to better deal with reality. And if it can’t do that, it can at least help us escape it for a while.

I’m not saying that literature doesn’t have it’s place. It certainly has merit and is well suited for some audiences. I just don’t believe those who love it should look down on those who appreciate commercial fiction. Literature may live through the ages, but commercial fiction speaks to the masses through entertainment value. It sells. It offers an escape. And now, it’s ushering in the new age of publication through ebooks, which give more writers an opportunity to skip the bronze doors of the traditional publishing industry and reach directly to readers that are their friends, neighbors and peers through online outlets.

The world is growing and its commercial fiction that’s ushering in the new age, but I don’t think fans of literature need to worry. Many classics in the public domain are available for free, and I’m sure that people will give them a chance. And as for new work, well, I’m sure that literature will capture the essence of this age as well as it has every other.

 By day, Sherri Fulmer Moorer is a humble program assistant in professional licensing. By night, she's an independent author with several published novels and stories. Her most recent title, Anywhere  But Here, is a mystery novel about a young woman that battles the demon of depression – literally! She has written titles in several generes, including mystery, horror, science-fiction, and non-fiction.You can find more on her at http://www.sherrithewriter.com/ .

Next up to the plate...
October 24 - Peter Lyons
October 31 -  Grace Peterson

Abbott and Costello and Breast Cancer

My husband has kept me laughing throughout our marriage, and we’ve had a fun life together. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 after finding a suspicious lump, I didn’t shed a tear. Instead, I asked my dear hubby to keep me laughing. Humor would get us through this treatment and healing process.

He took his assignment seriously. All negative input was taboo; no nightly news, no depressing movies, no sad television programs. We watched comedies and more comedies. When I began chemotherapy, I spent most of my days lying on the sofa. That’s when he went online and ordered me a set of vintage Abbott and Costello movies.

Each evening we watched Bud and Lou, laughing at their routines and antics. Predictable and corny? Perhaps. But I chortled and giggled through every one. There were the military movies, like Buck Privates and In the Navy, and the creature features, like Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy. Mystery comedies like Hold That Ghost and Who Done It? featured other talents of the era, such as Joan Davis and Don Porter, respectively. In Time of Their Lives, Abbott portrays a psychiatrist haunted by the ghost (Costello) of his ancestor’s nemesis. Some of the gags were the same, but they didn’t get old. Good classic comics.

Laughter is good medicine. I breezed through chemo without getting horribly sick, and then I weathered thirty-five radiation treatments. My attitude stayed positive and my husband kept me laughing about things like hair loss and his less-than-stellar cooking skills. My friends and family supported my humor therapy by sending funny cards and e-mailing jokes or cartoons.

Soon I completed all treatment and gradually regained my health. My doctors seem pleased with my progress, especially when I passed the two-year mark. I may not be out of the woods yet, but I’m optimistic. I give credit to the comedies that keep me laughing and positive.

Joking aside, do those monthly self-exams and annual mammograms. You have a one-in-eight chance of having breast cancer in your lifetime.

Cheryl Norman celebrated two years as a cancer survivor in 2012. She is the author of romantic suspense novels, including the Mustang Sally series RESTORE MY HEART, RECLAIM MY LIFE, and REBUILD MY WORLD, and RUNNING SCARED and the upcoming RUNNING OUT OF TIME. She also writes cookbooks, including RECIPES FOR RECOVERY. Visit cherylnorman.com for more information.

 

 

Next up to the plate...
October 17 - Sherri Fulmer Moorer
October 24 - Peter Lyons

 

Story of a Multi-Tasking Maniac

Welcome to my very first Wild Wednesday Blog!  At first I didn’t know what I wanted to blog about and then I thought about it for a little while…  And a little while after that.  BLANK.  I was drawing a blank.  I wanted something really good – something that could kick some serious butt.  BLANK.  We’re talking about a major launch and nothing!  Nada!  Not an idea in sight!

Then something inside of my head clicked.  I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had time to relax.  Even my Staycation this year had been hectic.  I had done things that did not allow for me to relax.  Sure most of those things had been fun but before I could even begin to unwind or even blink twice - once again I was tossed back into the thick of things. 

So I decided to write about something I excel in, at least it's something I think I excel in.  Multi-Tasking!  I am a multi-tasking maniac.  Although I complain about ALL of those little things that need to be done, secretly I have come to the realization that I love all of those little things.  I can keep house, work a full time job, and write a novel all at the same time.  I believe that I thrive on all of those little details that make my life complete.  The diversity certainly does not make life boring.  Who can surf the internet, cook dinner, flesh out a couple of characters, and do a load of laundry simultaneously?  The multi-tasking maniac that’s who!

Unfortunately I have come to realize that there is one disadvantage to all of this.  I have found that it is hard to be a perfectionist while multi-tasking, although I do admit to coming close ;)  These are the little things that make life pretty interesting in the Bonaldi household!

So, as I sit here contemplating the next task on that never ending list that is constantly growing inside of my head, I am thinking about the next item that I am ready to tackle.  Actually, if I hadn’t had that encounter with a dangerous looking brown speckled spider while pruning back the fig tree I may have actually completed that task!  Oh well, tomorrow is another day…

Happy Halloween!!!

Next up to the plate...

October 10 - Cheryl Norman
October 17 - Sherri Fulmer Moorer

WILD WEDNESDAY

Every Wednesday I will feature what I am calling a Wild Wednesday where you will get a chance to meet some of the talented authors in my circle.  There will be articles, stories, and some really great teasers!!!

Hope on board and follow my blog!!!  Look for Wild Wednesday to begin the first week of October.  I look forward to meeting you here…

Excerpt - Past Reflections

The fire was roaring when they arrived. Everyone seemed to be scattered about. No one seemed to notice that they had arrived together. Hopefully no one would. But if they did, Julie would be ready. “We can sit over here.” Kevin took her arm gently. “Mike brought a blanket. He won’t mind if we sit there.” They walked over together and Mike looked up.

“Hey, Kev. What’s up?” He gained his feet respectfully. “And you’re Julie, right?”

She nodded. “Sit down. Kev, get your lady a drink.”

Julie almost choked at that remark. “Unless you’d prefer a beer.” Mike had lowered his voice significantly. “I have a few tucked away for safe-keeping.”

“No thank you.” She took a seat at the edge of the red heavy blanket while Kevin went to get their drinks.

“You’re Tracey’s friend,” Mike said taking a pull of his beer. “Nice girl, that Tracey.”

If Julie didn’t know better she would have thought that Mike had one too many of those beers he had tucked away. She knew that whole scenario rather well. After all, she’d been through it enough times with her mother, to know. Marie Finch, at one point, had a major drinking problem. However, that was something that Julie didn’t even want to think about now. She was far enough away that Marie’s drinking couldn’t touch her. Physically anyway.

“Is punch all right with you?” Kevin sat down beside her.

“Thanks.” She took the cup with a smile. The punch was excellent, like nothing she had ever tasted before. Although it had an unfamiliar twang it had a nice mixed berry taste. It went down cool and was refreshing. She drank it all down rather quickly, actually within seconds as she had been quite thirsty. “Can you get me another?” She met Kevin’s eyes.

“That good, huh?” He handed her his cup. “Drink this one nice and slow.” He scrambled to his feet. “I’ll be right back.”

As Julie watched him walk away she took another sip. “Did that come from Jake’s private stock?”

“Excuse me?”

At that moment Mike leaned over and peered into her cup. “He makes the best berry punch around.”

“What’s in this?”

“Probably a little bit of everything.”

Julie looked into the cup. “You mean alcohol?” She whispered, brown eyes wide.

“Yeah.” He gave her this odd look as if to say, ‘haven’t you ever had a drink before?’ Well she hadn’t and she had no intention of starting now. If Rob knew what was going on he’d have all of their hides. No Alcohol! Rule Number One. They were breaking the rules.

“Did you miss me?”

“There’s alcohol in here.” She whispered before he sat down. “That’s against the rules.”

“What Rob doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

“Oh really?” She wanted to be serious. In fact, it had started out that way. Only now she felt airy and light. So instead of telling him what she had at first intended, she sighed. She felt too good to argue with him. Why bother with it now. They were here. They were together. “Sit back and relax. Tracey is right about one thing,” he placed an arm across her shoulders. “You worry too much.”

She leaned into his embrace. He was so warm that she snuggled even closer. “This is nice.” Kevin took a sip of his own drink. “Being here with you.” His breath was warm on her neck. He was so close and for once in her life she felt completely at ease. “I like spending time with you, Julie.”

“Yeah?” She met his eyes.

“I like you.” He whispered. “And more than just a friend.”

Julie was hypnotized by those blue-green eyes. “I like you too,” she returned softly, meaning every word. If it weren’t for their current predicament she might be able to fall in love with him. However, at this point in time that was definitely out of the question. Not under these circumstances. The time wasn’t right. Then again, when love came knocking, would the time ever be right?

http://www.wings-press.com/Bookstore/Past%20Reflections.htm 

Interviewing Dana Pratola

Hi Dana and welcome. I am so glad you could join me here at Sandrastuff. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Hi Sandra, thanks for having me! I have about seven projects going now, but the one I’m working on now is a four book series. The first of the series is almost ready for publication.

I can hardly wait, please keep us updated!

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book? Who did you call first?

I don’t remember celebrating that, but I did celebrate the release day with champagne and Chinese food!

Do you find it easier to write with a deadline or without?  How do you feel when you write “the end” - are you ready to send your characters on their way?

Without. I HATE deadlines. I stress myself out so much I’m basically useless. The first time I wrote THE END I cried. It was such a relief to be done and I knew I had written the best story I could at the time. Also, I was optimistic about moving onto the next work right away. Definitely mixed emotions. As for sending the characters off, I don’t think that ever happens. It hasn’t for me anyway. With marketing, interviews, reviews, etc., Gunnar and Tessa are still very much present.

If you could have a maid for a day or day at the spa, which would you choose and why?

I would take the maid, absolutely, but not for my whole house, just my stove. Cleaning the oven/stovetop is the single worst job for me. I’d gladly pay someone to do that.

When finishing a project, are you ready to move on to the next one, or do you take a bit of breather first?

I haven’t breathed yet, LOL. I’m working on a few at a time right now. I can lend more attention to one story, but I’m always thinking of the others, adding notes, scenes, lines, to one or more as I think of them.

Summer is in the air!  What signals summer for you?  Do you do the fun in the sun thing at the beach?

Barbeque smoke is a good indicator that summer’s here, LOL. As soon as I inhale that first whiff I know it’s time to dig out all my sandals and flip flops. I get to the beach as often as I can but not as often as I’d like =-/

Name the one bug that will have you run screaming from the room?

Hmm. That’s a hard one since in my family, I’m the executioner. Everyone – and I mean EVERYONE - comes to me to kill things. One day I’ll figure out why that is. But I don’t like things that sting, and I hate those spiders that jump AT you instead of away from you.

I know those little black hairy spiders.  I call them “Jumpers”. 

Do you edit as you write, or finish the first draft and then begin editing?

Unfortunately, I’m an edit-as-I-go writer. I get little done and it turns out it doesn’t help in the end anyway – I have to edit just as much.

When first beginning a new project, how do you begin? Do you know the names of your characters right away?

I’ve started projects from every angle. I’ve started from a rough idea for a character, I’ve started from scenes, movie lines, “what ifs”… Quite a few are started from songs. I listen to a song and it might spark a whole scene in my head and I go from there.

When did you first know you just had to be an author?  Do you remember your first writing project?

For me there’s never been anything else I’ve wanted to do. I’ve always loved to read and writing was just a natural progression. It became obvious that it’s God’s will for me. He said He’ll give us the desires of our heart. That’s because He puts them there in the first place.

Amen to that.

What does you're writing space look like? If you could, what would you change about it? 

I’m usually at my kitchen table but I have an “office” in my husband’s walk-in closet. I have a desk in there, even pictures and a candle.

Is your desk organized or complete chaos?

Organized. But it’s the only part of my life that seems to be, LOL.

What kind of pets did you have while growing up?  Do you have any now?

I always had dogs – usually two at a time. I had guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice – okay, basically anything from the rodent family. I also had fish, ferrets, ducks, chameleons and cats. My brother had snakes, a tarantula and a scorpion, so I was always exposed to unusual creatures. Wow, this is like therapy! I think I just figured out why I’m not afraid to kill bugs =-)

Wow!  Now that’s what I call an array of different animals.

Have you ever experienced the dreaded writer's block, and if so how did you overcome it?

I get blocked like most writers. I usually just quit and watch TV. Not very helpful for getting a story down though. When I want to get serious about it, I might try writing a random scene, something I have no intention of using, just to get things flowing again. Often, if I like it, I wind up working it into the story somewhere or it goes into my notes to be tweaked for another story. It also helps to write characters into scenes they wouldn’t normally be in. For example I might write Gunnar as a ballet teacher, or Tessa as a prison guard.

I could never imagine Gunnar a ballet teacher!

What is the best way to spend a quiet evening at home?

Writing. If not that, watching TV. I’m waiting for Flashpoint to come to DVD beyond season 1 ;-)

What screensaver do you have on your computer at the moment?

Just the Toshiba blue field.

Do you listen to music while you write? Have a favorite beverage or snack by your side?

I can’t really work to music unless I’m being distracted by other noises, like family, etc. Then I put on my headphones and listen to something instrumental, like Dave Matthews Band #34 from Under the Table and Dreaming. I’m always eating or drinking something. It’s part of my procrastination process.

There are many stories and movies about superheroes. What in your view constitutes a real-life hero?

Someone who gives to the greater good, with little or no thought for their own sacrifice. 

Do you prefer sunsets or sunrises? 

Sunrise. The promise of more to come. …unless I’m really tired, then I’m looking forward to bed.

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question:  what is your favorite comfort food?

I can’t possibly answer that. Maybe some kind of pasta.

Thank you for sharing with us Dana.  We’re looking forward to your next series…

Past Reflections - a contemporary first love story that transcends time!

http://www.wings-press.com/Bookstore/Past%20Reflections.htm

Julie Finch had always led a sheltered life, from attending catholic school to the no boys rule. Now on the verge of womanhood she is beginning to look at life through different eyes. First love is painful but picking up the pieces of a broken heart prove even more difficult when there is no closure and tragedy strikes!

Struggling and Adversity

Just when you think you’ve got the meaning of life figured out you get blind-sided! There are things that are well within our control and some that are not. I have thought long and hard about some of those things. Thought about ways to change them. Have, in fact, racked my brain with many different scenarios on how a scene might play out and then return to nothing at all. I guess the bottom line is to never take anything or anyone for granted. We’re all guilty of it! The question is – will we admit it?

However, it takes two to make a relationship work! And if you’re being fought at every turn you tend to back away. I know – been there – done that. I try to see the glass as half full but there are times when it looks more than half empty.

I’ve raised three children and I remember struggling in those early years. I remember how buying a gallon of milk had seemed monumental. We had macaroni more suppers than not but we survived. God always provided. And those things may have been small but we needed those things to survive.

Remembering the struggles brings tears to my eyes even now. We are talking more than twenty years ago – but those struggles had been necessary to survive. A little adversity never hurt anyone. It made you come out stronger. It made you realize that when you got a little extra that you were grateful for it and didn’t take it for granted.

There’s more to life than giving your children everything they ask for. Just as there is more to life than making money. All I had ever wanted to instill in my children was my love for God. Integrity, morality, and loyalty. Traits that I felt defined who I was. Who I am today. When we ask God for something and He doesn’t immediately deliver do we turn our back on him and try to get what we want another way, or do we wait? I’m choosing to wait this time. When my reward comes it will have been worth the wait!

Forever Purple Flowers

Remembering a special place...

Every year around this time my heart feels that ache. A little bit more this year because I'm doing second round edits for Past Reflections.

Forever Purple Flowers...

Past Reflections

Julie Finch had always led a sheltered life, from attending catholic school to the no boys rule. Now on the verge of womanhood she is beginning to look at life through different eyes. First love is painful but picking up the pieces of a broken heart prove even more difficult when there is no closure and tragedy strikes!

Coming Soon (May 2012) Wings e-press

A dream come true

I believe I became an actual writer before I had acknowledged that truth. I mean seriously – I had been writing since I had been twenty. My youngest had been barely three months old. The words that had been trapped inside of me for so long had begun working their way out. I felt as though I couldn’t get them down on paper fast enough. The steady rhythm began straight from my heart to the paper with the pen becoming the medium.

When I was writing I was creating my own world - My own happiness - My own fairytale – My own Happily Ever After. I could write the story any way I wanted.

Enter - Past Reflections
It had taken me close to a year to get the book down on paper. It was written longhand in a spiral bound notebook. Through it all, I knew the story was special. After all, there was so much of my heart in that book – I knew the story inside and out.

I was bothered that I didn’t have a title. I had written the entire book and no title. And then the title came to me in a dream. I believed it was God’s way of letting me know that Past Reflections was real in every sense of the word.

For a while there… Long while… My life had been as crazy as a roller coaster. But even a roller coaster has to stop sometime and it had landed with a couple of bumps along the way.

When I left my first husband all I had been able to take were my children. Once I was able to return for my belongings I had discovered I no longer had any belongings. My clothes had been destroyed and my writings for the past four years, including Past Reflections had just vanished into thin air! Devastated had to be an understatement for what I had been feeling!

Writers have a tough skin. We need to with all of the criticism we receive on a daily basis. I had always known that I would write – rewrite – and yes rewrite Past Reflections again. That story was in my blood. Twenty-seven years after the fact – Past Reflections is getting published.

Here is the moral to my story - Never – Ever let go of your dreams. Believe in who you are and you will succeed. With God on my side I knew I was destined to get this dream realized! And I haven’t begun to scratch the surface on my potential.

Past Reflections

Past Reflections - Pending Publication Date - May 2012


Taking a position at beautiful Camp Wiskle was anything but relaxing. Julie Finch longed to get away and forget about her complicated life. When it finally looks like she might be able to pick up the pieces of her broken heart memories of a first love invade her every thought. Meeting Kevin gave her a reason to smile but it was memories of Scott that had her holding on to something she wasn’t sure she had ever let go of in the first place.

Breaking up had been hard and time was not making it any easier. Just when Julie summons the courage to put her cards on the table with Scott tragedy strikes. Through it all Kevin is there. Can Julie look ahead to some kind of future with Kevin or will the memories of Scott prevent her from moving ahead?