http://mycrazzycorner.blogspot.com/2015 … 0999697238
Go read this one. It's short.
826 2015-05-27 14:38:09
Topic: tips for sneaking reading time (0 replies, posted in Writing Tips & Site Help)
827 2015-05-27 13:30:34
Re: Grammarly (20 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Share that link, penang. JP, grammar can be fixed in edits. Yes! Just write and let the editors/proofreaders help with the grammar. BUT if you DO know how to do it correctly (note-use of adverb) do so the first time. I'm referring to narrative. Dialogue is a different animal altogether.
828 2015-05-26 21:05:07
Re: Grammarly (20 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Just remember Spell check in the U.S. is different from the Queen's English. AND!!!! It often gives you the WRONG grammar. I don't know how many times it's underlined it's to tell me to make it its. But it's supposed to be the contraction. The program is only as good as the programmer. Dunecan has a point--Sometimes you want your grammar to be off for emphasis or some other reason. And there are totally free online dictionaries. I still have my unabridged big old hard cover dictionary, but it won't have any new words that the online one will have. The OED adds words every year. And just be sure to get proofreaders and/or an editor. We editors can make a world of difference!
829 2015-05-26 15:15:55
Re: Creating an ideal world for conservative Christians. (3 replies, posted in Spirituality & Religion)
I think just for the sake of a wee bit of evolution of mores that they would treat gays like they have a disease, like a leper, and ship them off to live in a colony of sorts, but it's a really hard existence. One reason Christian keeps his sexuality under wraps. And this would be the step after they try to realign thinking by some sort of "therapy."
830 2015-05-25 00:06:51
Re: Creating an ideal world for conservative Christians. (3 replies, posted in Spirituality & Religion)
1. New Bethlehem expects people to be self-reliant, not expecting a handout from government. How far should I take that? What would conservative Christians do to support the sick and the poor without making them dependent upon government? I've currently written it so that the sick/poor live in "havens" created around major churches, which provide support through charitable contributions. In this case, the churches struggle because there are always people in need.<< I might have the churches requiring the people in the havens to work to grow their own food. Thinking about Paul saying basically, "If you don't work, you don't eat."
2. - In an ideal conservative world, would there be universal health care funded through taxes? Medicare and old-age pensions from the government? Mandatory unemployment insurance? Universal daycare with the expectation that able-bodied adults work? Would there be welfare?<<If the "church" ministered to the needs of its people, there would be no need for welfare. (ideally). I would make the church desperately trying to meet what they consider the Biblical mandate to care for the widow and the orphan, but struggling b/c of the widespread poverty. Still, they don't want "government" handouts b/c they would no longer be a separation of church and state.
3. What amount should the "haves" of New Bethlehem give to the "have-nots"? 10% of income? More from the rich than from the poor? Mandatory or optional? If the church is unable to support those in the havens, should government step in and use tax dollars to fund what politicians deem necessary? That's how entitlements got started. What role should the Prosperity Gospel play in the ideal world I'm trying to create? Is it heresy?<<See above answer
4. - Would divorce be allowed? What if it involves an abusive spouse? If you imprison the spouse, there goes at least one income. Where does the remaining spouse turn if there isn't sufficient income to support the family?<<Don't get me started here. In my personal experience with fundamental and ultra-conservative church, women have no rights. Many even act as if it's all right for the husband to beat his wife if she's not "submissive." Just saying, it's a chauvinistic, woman-belittling existence. Most likely, the wife would be expected to stay home and raise the kids. You can go and read my piece, that I think you've already ready.
5. - What societal punishments should there be for violating the various Ten Commandments?<< Read up on how those were punished in the Bible. I'd try to stick close to that. Deuteronomy might give you good info.
6. - Would there be corporeal punishment for some behaviors? Kids getting spanked at Future-Mart? Adults getting caned? What about capital punishment? Under what circumstances (murder, treason, child molestation, ...)? What about older practices documented in the Bible such as stoning? Should New Bethlehem rule one out but not the other? I use public hangings in my current draft. I figured if society's going to kill people, it should be very public, so everyone once again learns the lesson it's supposed to teach. I extended that logic to make the hangings live across the planet.<< I say, yes, to the corporal punishment. Read up on Puritan practices.
7. - From a fairness perspective, should the state be required to provide the same financial resources to defendants as it does to prosecutors? Not everyone can afford O.J. Simpson's defense team.<< Not a religious issue. I say, make the defense attorney a state appointed position. for every defendant.
8. - What should be the minimum age for capital punishment? Some crimes by juveniles are so atrocious they get transferred to adult court, with the possibility of a death sentence. The youngest person ever sentenced to death in the U.S. was 10 when sentenced (killed at 19). The youngest person actually executed was 14, by electrocution. I went with 14 for the scene as currently written, for his role in treason that could have caused the overthrow of New Bethlehem by its enemies. << Bar mitzvah is 13. In many societies that is considered adult. I think 14 is good.
9. Obviously, abortion is out. Would abortion be allowed if a pregnant mother's life is at stake? What about birth control? The Catholic Church says no. Who takes care of unwanted children? What if there aren't enough willing adoptive parents? The government again?<< Id say that the father would need to petition the court if his wife might die. And, maybe these folks can find some form of natural birth control. Then, again, I'd advise about tackling all social issues in one story.
10. How should New Bethlehem intervene in the growing instability between the two major powers in the galaxy (one of which it is a member of)? New Bethlehem's population is 100 million people in a galaxy of tens of billions, but is a resource-rich world and constantly threatened with conquest, so it spends staggering amounts on defense. Should it be interventionist, near the vanguard of all galactic disputes, thereby building and maintaining influence that may help it survive, or should it step back, allowing more powerful worlds to lead, trying not to draw attention to itself from among its potential enemies?<< The government would go with the one that would benefit them the most or fall most in line with their beliefs.
11. - How would this society appproach environmental questions like Big Oil vs Global Warming? Should the government use tax dollars to provide subsidies for oil drilling, solar energy, both, or neither? Should the government provide subsidies for farmers to support farms in bad years? A subsidy for one person may be seen as pork to another. And subsidies have a bad habit of becoming permanent because politicians want to get re-elected.<< Another social issue. I say make them good stewards of what they have and willing to conserve if it doesn't cause hardship.
12. - Should women on my world submit to their husbands? This comes up primarily because the current monarch is a queen and her husband is a prince, like Queen Elizabeth & Prince Phillip. Whose decision should dominate in such a relationship when the Queen disagrees with the Prince about a matter of state? Like Queen Elizabeth, my story's queen is a legitimate descendant of King David. <<Make this an ongoing argument. Make the Queen actually vocal about this issue. See what I said about women earlier. And do remember how God raised up Deborah and Esther.
13. - How should New Bethlehem deal with homosexuality? Should it be illegal? What about those who claim to have been born that way? Should they be required to undergo reparative therapy if the parents want it? Since Joseph will be homosexual, is it a sin if he has homosexual thoughts even if he resists any temptation to act on them?<<If this is a fundamentalist/conservative world, they would stone them. It would be a crime and one punishable by death. Joseph would soooooooooooooo try to hide his sexual orientation. You could make it so that they are allowed to live, but outcast to something akin to a leper colony.
Just my thoughts. Hope it helps.
Funny how you have 13 things!!!
831 2015-05-24 04:38:38
Re: Capitalization conventions? (10 replies, posted in Writing Tips & Site Help)
I'm going with caps for the Fleets and just be consistent. U.S. Navy would be caps. So would Army, Marines, Air Force. For the smaller ones you might consider IF1 and RSF1. I like the nickname of "Flock." You could even refer to certain ships as Doves and Ravens, you know, Biblical references. A huge transport could even be call an Ark. LOL! All joking aside, Capitalize. It feels right.
832 2015-05-22 15:53:06
Topic: Romance vs. Sexmance (0 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)
Romance vs. sexmance.
This is an excerpt from For Richter or Poorer. It is a couple of love scenes. Opinions?
52
I Want to Know What Love Is
"What do you want to say to me?" Amy asked after Mac left her and Alain alone.
"Say it. Say it now that I'm awake."
"I love you."
Alain closed his eyes. "The one song you haven't sung to me yet is Foreigner's 'I Want to Know What Love Is.' I might be a hillbilly, but I know more music than country and bluegrass."
"Maybe you could sing that one to me."
He opened his eyes. "Do you know it?"
"Yes."
"That's how I feel, Amy. I wanna know what love is. I want you to show me."
"I plan to as soon as you're able."
"I don't mean just sex, Amy."
"Neither do I. Scoot over. I've been up all night."
Alain scooted to give Amy room to lie beside him. He grunted for every muscle ached. She stretched out and covered Alain with her arm. Both slept.
Mac came in with a food tray for Alain. "Uh-hum! This is not a hotel. It's a hospital."
"This is good medicine, doc," Alain joked.
"Could be, but you need to eat right now. Amy, go home for a while. The rain has stopped."
Amy kissed Alain. "I'll be back later. I need to let your family know you're fine. I love you. You just keep remembering that."
"I'll try."
Amy made three trips to the new house to take her things. On the final trip, she took Elvis to his new home. She rubbed the Bassett hound's long ears. "Alain's just about perfect, Elvis. You are gonna love him. I love him. I love Alain Richter."
Amy hugged her dog. "Elvis, I think I've always loved him. I've just been so scared of being hurt again. I really wanna know what love is. Alain and I were meant to be. I feel so free."
Amy showered and changed into a bright red tank top and jeans before she went back to the hospital. Mary was with her father when Amy came in. She hugged Amy.
"That's nice," said Alain. "My two favorite ladies."
"Well," said Amy, "the younger lady needs to go with Uncle Calvin so she can get a good night's sleep and go to school tomorrow. He's waiting."
"Yes, ma'am. Good night, Papa."
"Good night, darling."
Mary went to get some rest. "Mmm," sighed Alain. "Do I sense some bonding between you and my daughter?"
"She's wonderful. You've done a good job with her and Matthew."
"Thanks."
Mac came in again. "Are you gonna stay the night, Amy?"
"Absolutely."
"It's not necessary. Rocky has the night shift."
"Mac, I'm staying with my husband. I would be lost out there in the dark in that king-size bed all alone." Amy winked at Alain.
"I hear you."
"When can I take him home?"
"A couple of days. I'll take his drainage tube out in the morning."
"Did anyone get Fay on the phone? I talked to Matthew. I made him stay at school."
"Thank you," said Alain.
"Jess talked to Fay," said Mac. "She convinced her not to cut her honeymoon short."
"Good," grunted Alain.
"Grouchy," teased Amy.
"I hurt all over," Alain complained. "I wanna sleep in my own bed with my wife."
"I get it," laughed Mac. "You are newlyweds. When I release you, there will be restrictions."
"Like?"
"Take it easy."
"Oh, come on! Surely sex will not be off limits."
Mac chortled. "We'll see." He handed Alain a couple of pills. "Take these and go to sleep. Amy, feel free to snuggle up with him. Good night. I'm leaving you to your brother-in-law. Rocky and Glenda still amaze me. They're like oil and water, but they seem to work, just like you and Amy."
Alain fell asleep quickly, and Amy stepped out. "Mac?"
"I'm leaving."
"Hold up. What restrictions?"
"No driving for two weeks. That's so the anesthesia can get out of his system. No operating machinery. He'll have to stay away from the brewery. You can have sex if he has no trouble breathing. I was teasing him."
"Good."
Mac laughed. Amy sighed. "We haven't."
"Why not?"
"Did Tipper tell you about us?"
"Yes, I know."
"Well, I guess I still feel dirty."
"Don't, Amy. It wasn't your fault."
She crossed her arms across her chest and rubbed both upper arms vigorously as if she were freezing. "Did he tell you Roscoe raped me?"
"That, too. He was a bastard. Talk to Sunny."
"Why?"
"She was raped in college. You need support. You, Sunny, and Fay should sit down together."
"I need Alain. When we started to have sex, I had flashbacks to Roscoe. Is that normal?"
"Yeah, but Alain loves you. He would never hurt you."
"I love him, too, Mac."
"So, go into the city and buy some sexy lingerie and knock him off his feet. Show the man how much you love him."
Amy hugged Mac. "You really are our homegrown healer, aren't you?"
"I suppose. I know this—you belong with Alain. Remember when we were thirteen and you told me you wanted Alain and I pretended to kiss you because your mother was watching?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Even at thirteen you loved him. Amy, honestly, did you ever think of him when you were with Tipper?"
"A few times."
"So, open your heart all the way. Take the plunge. It's worth the risk."
"I wanna know what love is, Mac. For me, only Alain can show me."
"And only you can show him."
53
A Real Marriage
Amy slept beside Alain that night. The arrangement was tedious, but she refused to leave. The next morning Mac examined Alain thoroughly.
"Well?" asked Alain impatiently.
"One more day at least. You still have a little rumble in your chest."
"I'm fine."
"Really? Take a deep breath and hold it."
Alain breathed as deeply as he could.
"Uh-hum," the doctor gloated
Alain let the breath out. "You sadistic bastard. Now I hurt."
"One more day if you can breath well enough." Mac handed his patient a breathing machine. "Ten deep breaths now and ten again this afternoon and tonight. Take the pain meds I gave you."
"Stop arguing with your doctor," asserted Amy. "I want you healed."
Alain grinned. "Yes, Mac, this is a real marriage. She's nagging."
Amy folded her arms across her chest. "Mac, if I hit him and he gasps hard will that help him heal?"
"I wish it were that simple. I'd hit him."
Amy kissed Alain. "Listen to Mac. I have some errands. I shall return."
Amy drove into Wilmington. First, she met with Alain's insurance agent. The Camry had been totaled. She then set about finding a new car for Alain, settling on a black Escalade to be delivered that afternoon.
Next she visited the attorney who had drawn up her divorce papers and got him to help her with a will. Alain's close brush with death made her aware of the need to have her affairs in order. As a part of putting her finances straight she visited a different insurance agent and took out three life insurance policies, one with Alain as beneficiary, one with her children as beneficiaries, and one with Tipper as beneficiary.
With the serious, yea, morbid, tasks accomplished, Amy turned to a pleasant endeavor. She booked her and Alain on a Caribbean cruise to sail in two weeks from Miami. By then, Fay and Ira would be back to care for Mary.
In anticipation of a belated honeymoon, Amy shopped. She bought appropriate clothes for the cruise for both herself and her husband. Then, she bought lingerie: a long, slinky, scarlet negligee; a teddy in royal blue with black lace trim; a pink silk baby doll pajama set; and a black leather bustier complete with garter belt, thong, fishnet stockings, stiletto heeled knee-high boots, and riding crop made of satin. As an afterthought, she bought two long black silk scarves. She also bought silk boxers in red, blue, black, and green for Alain. She chuckled. "You wanted sex? Boy! Are you in for a surprise?"
The clerk commented, "That's a variety."
"Honeymoon."
"Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Amy got back to Possum Holler at dusk. "Where have you been?" Alain demanded. "I was worried a damned deer ran in front of you."
"Nope." She kissed him and handed him the tickets for the cruise. "I was arranging our honeymoon."
Alain looked at the tickets and read the brochure. "What if I get seasick?"
"Mac'll give us some Dramamine. We'll have fun and be back before Harvest Fest where I want a private hayride."
"Planning a trip?" Mac asked as he checked on his patient.
Alain passed over the brochure. "Amy wants to get me in the middle of the ocean."
"Looks like fun. You'll be ready by then."
Mac let Alain go home Friday afternoon. Mary accompanied her father and step-mother. Once to the house, Amy ensconced Alain in their bed and settled Mary in one of the girls' rooms.
"When will your girls come, Momma Amy?"
"Tipper and I decided to wait until Alain and I get back from our trip."
"Will we all be here at one time?"
"I hope so. We can drive your papa crazy with all kinds of girl stuff."
"Like painting fingernails and toenails?"
"That's just one thing. Betsy's starting to wear a little makeup. You should, too. We can buy new clothes and have a fashion show. We can play girl games."
Mary laughed. "Are you and Papa gonna have a baby?"
"Maybe."
"Momma and Daddy Ira can't. Momma says he was sick. Is it because he's too old?"
"No. He had mumps when he was young."
"Then, how did he have you?"
"I was a gift he accepted."
"Is that what y'all were talking about the night Papa got hurt?"
"Yes."
"Momma Amy, is Tipper your brother?"
Amy was quiet for a moment. "There are no real secrets in Possum Holler, are there? Yes, he is."
"It doesn't matter. Betsy's my best friend, and, I think, one day she might be my sister-in-law because Matthew really likes her."
"That'll be just fine. I like you and Matthew."
"Momma Amy, do you think Daddy Ira and Momma might be able to have a miracle?"
"You know"—She patted her stepdaughter's hand—"Dr. Mac might be able to help. I'll talk to Fay when they get back. Mary, do you realize we never got to eat our cookies? Let's make some more and share with Papa."
Smelling the aroma of chocolate chip cookies, Alain ambled to the kitchen.
"What are you doing?" Amy scolded.
"Mac didn't say I have to stay in bed, just take it easy. I'm sitting in a chair. I'm waiting for a fresh, hot cookie."
While the cookies baked, Amy made BLT's for supper. Then, the three of them wolfed down a plate of hot cookies with cold milk.
Amy shooed Mary to bed at ten and forced Alain back to bed. "Alone at last," he said.
"Not quite alone. Mary's upstairs."
"Oh, no. You don't get off that easily. That door has a lock on it."
"Alain! You can wait for our honeymoon."
Alain scowled. "I'm so damned rusty, I need the practice."
Amy laughed. "Pouting will not work on me."
"Do you really want to wait ten more days?"
"You need a shower."
"I'll need your help."
"Uh-hum."
"What if I should get dizzy? Or have trouble breathing?"
"Oh, play it up." Amy held out her hand. "Come on."
Alain let the hot water beat on his back. "This feels good. Mmm. The vision before me looks good."
Amy scowled. "Take your shower. I'm sorry, but seeing those bruises reminds me of a rafting trip."
Amy lathered her hands and began to wash Alain. "Oh," he moaned when she touched him. "I remember when you did that on my fourteenth birthday."
Amy kissed Alain's chest. "I remember. Mmm." She smirked. "It appears the little worm grew."
"Worm? This worm needs a little tunnel to hide in."
"You must be a poet with all the metaphors."
They stepped from the shower. Alain maneuvered Amy backward toward the bed.
"Grab a towel," Amy said.
"No." Alain gently pushed Amy onto the bed. Once again his mouth found her breasts and trailed down her torso until his tongue probed her soft folds and he found her throbbing clitoris.
"Oh, my God," breathed Amy as a warm tingling spread over her.
Alain's tongue found the perfect rhythm, and he added fingers to his seduction as Amy tilted to match his cadence.
Amy felt as if she were floating, and a meteor shower took place around her as she exploded with passion. She could hardly breathe as she stuttered, "Alain! Now!" And he was inside her. Each stroke intensified as the yearning of a lifetime came to fruition. Amy bit into Alain's shoulder to keep from screaming as her entire body jerked as if an electrical shock pulsated through her at the same moment Alain throbbed in her in climax and buried his face breathlessly in her neck.
Half an hour later, Alain lay beside his wife and caressed her body. "Am I dreaming?" he whispered.
"If you are, I am. Don't wake me. Nothing has ever felt so perfect."
"Mmm. I'd like to volunteer for seconds, but I'm exhausted."
"We have a honeymoon coming and ten days before that. You definitely need practice."
Alain chuckled. "I promised not to die before I fucked your brains out."
Amy gurgled, "I still have my brains. You have lots of work to do. I love you. Sweet dreams, darling."
54
The You I See
On Monday, Fay and Ira returned. Amy hated to see Mary leave for she had enjoyed sharing Alain's family.
As they at supper alone Monday night, Amy commented, "I see so much of you in Mary and Matthew."
"That could be Fay you see."
"I don't mean physical appearance, although Matthew is your spitting image. You've instilled excellent qualities in them."
Alain chuckled. Wearing jeans and a green and black striped polo shirt, he pushed back from the table as Amy cleared the dishes. "Leave them. Come here." He patted his leg for Amy to sit on his lap.
Amy sat on Alain's lap and laced her fingers around his neck. He kissed her softly. "What do you see when you look at me? What would you paint if you painted me?"
"I plan to paint you on the beach in Jamaica. You'll have to wait to see."
"All right, but tell me what you see."
"A gift from Heaven crafted directly by the hand of God. You eyes are like emeralds, and when I look into them, I feel fresh like new spring grass. I can taste the delicate sweetness of caramel when my lips brush against your hair." She paused.
"Continue, please. You sound like a poet."
"You're my inspiration, my love."
"As you have always been mine."
"Your skin is like golden filigree on marbled muscle. Your lips are sweeter than honey and more refreshing than the early morning dew."
"Mmm. You're giving me ideas."
"Oh? Would this stimulate the process of those ideas into actions?" Amy unzipped Alain's jeans and slid her hand inside. "My world explodes in a kaleidoscope of joy when I feel you inside me."
"That's it." Alain carried Amy to bed.
At the end of the week, Amy and Alain dropped Elvis at the Campbell residence and drove to Miami to meet their cruise ship. When the captain realized he had an internationally acclaimed artist and a best-selling author, as both Alain's books were on the New York Times bestsellers' list, Amy Dent and Alain Richter had dinner at the captain's table the first night.
Amy wore a crimson crepe evening dress to Alain's tuxedo. "My, you clean up well," Amy complimented.
"Thank you, ma'am, and I do like you in red. You set me on fire."
"Later. Let's get this over with. Did you wear the red boxers?"
"Yes, dear. I can take a hint."
"That way, we match."
"My love, we are a perfect match—period."
Alain struggled through the social nuances of dinner until he realized everyone at the table expected him to be eccentric since they thought most authors were, especially if the author was married to an equally eccentric artist. They had no idea that he simply did not know which fork to use. To escape people he considered downright weird, Alain escorted Amy to the dance floor.
"Whew! How many times have I stuck my foot in my mouth?" he laughed.
"They think you're charming. You are charming. Are you ready to make an exit?"
"As soon as I show you what Felicia Norton taught me." With the reggae music, Alain turned in an acceptable samba to Amy's delight.
Back in their cabin, Alain quickly doffed the tux in lieu of only a pair of silk boxers. Amy exited the bathroom wearing the scarlet negligee.
Alain looked her over. "So we match?"
"So I can set you on fire."
It seemed the room exploded with spontaneous combustion.
Not being tied to a social engagement for the rest of the cruise, Alain and Amy chose the casino and dressy casual clothes for one evening. Amy had laid out Alain's royal blue boxers and surprised him with the blue teddy. "Damn, woman! Do you plan to keep this up when we get home?"
"For the rest of your life."
"I pray for a long life."
They had a three-day stay in Jamaica in a private beach house. The first night there, Amy laid out the green boxers on the bed for Alain. "I could bypass these," he teased.
"But I like the way they feel against your skin," Amy said from the bathroom.
"In that case, I'll give up all other kinds."
"Mmm. Then, I won't be able to keep my hands off you."
Amy wore her pink baby doll pajamas. "Oh," breathed Alain. "Are you trying to project innocence?"
"Pink and green complement so well."
The next morning, Amy pulled Alain from bed early. "Up!"
"Why? Let's sleep in."
"I have painting to do."
"What do you want me to wear?"
"Your skin."
"Nude?"
"Yes."
"Are you gonna show it?"
"Possibly, but I'll never sell it."
Amy positioned Alain so the sunrise would be at his back. "Yes! Just like I envisioned it."
After an hour, Alain asked, "Do I get a coffee break? I'm starving."
"Don't move."
Amy brought a tray of croissants and fruit with coffee. Alain had not flinched. "How am I supposed to eat?"
"Take a break."
"Thank you, oh, slave driver."
After midday, Alain went on strike. He refuse to pose without payment. Payment took the rest of the day.
Amy re-posed Alain the next morning, but she had breakfast waiting. Afternoon brought payment. She lay in Alain's arms that night. He asked, "Is the painting finished?"
"No, but I can do the rest when we get home."
The three days back on the ship were spent by the pool. The last night aboard ship, Amy and Alain visited the karaoke bar. Alain kissed Amy's hand and bounded on stage. He selected Chicago's "You're the Inspiration."
You know our love was meant to be
the kind of love that lasts forever…
He went into the crowd to kneel by Amy and serenade her. Caressing her thigh as he sang sent warmth over her body.
You're the meaning in my life
you're the inspiration…
Alain stood and walked to the other side of his wife as the song progressed.
When you love somebody 'til the end of time
When you love somebody, always on my mind
No one needs you more than I.
The crowd erupted with applause at the conclusion. As Alain returned the microphone, to the stage, an older lady beside their table said to Amy, "That was sweet."
Amy nodded. "We're on our honeymoon."
"Congratulations. You should return the compliment."
"Yes, I should."
Amy kissed Alain as they passed each other. She picked up the microphone and started to scan the repertoire of songs, but shook her head. In a sensuous á cappella she stood beside her husband and sang Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."
The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes…
The bar patrons were perfectly quiet as she whispered to Alain at the end of the song, "I love you so much."
They left the bar wrapped in each other. "What do you plan to wear tonight to match my black boxers?" Alain asked.
"Just wait."
When Amy appeared in her mock dominatrix lingerie, Alain's mouth dropped. "Whoa!"
Amy forced him onto the bed and swiftly knotted one scarf around one wrist and tied the other end to the bed.
"What are you doing?" Alain teased.
"Having my way with you."
"The four-poster would be better for this."
"Scared?"
"Bring it."
Amy sighed as they drove into Possum Holler. "It feels good to be home."
"Wear the black tonight."
Amy laughed.
As Alain checked in at the brewery and came home to begin Honor Bound, Amy finished her painting of him. She propped it on the dresser and went to the den to wrap her arms around her husband. "I have something in the bedroom to show you."
"That sounds promising."
"Come see."
Alain stared at the painting entitled "The You I See."
"You can't be serious," he murmured.
"That's how I see you."
The golden glow of the sunrise on the Jamaican beach formed the background for a bronze angel with piercing emerald eyes and caramel hair. In the perfectly chiseled muscles could be seen fine, thin battle scars where the angel had taken the punishment for those he loved. The feathery wings added to the aura of warmth, comfort, and safety. Though the angel's body was bare, the connotation was not sexual, but ethereal.
"I am no angel, Amy."
"You are to me." Amy slip Alain's shirt off his shoulders. With her index fingertip she gently traced one of the fine white scars from where he had frequently been beaten as a child and either the switch or the strap had cut the skin. She whispered, "'By his stripes we are healed.'"
"Those were not my stripes."
"No, but your love has healed my broken spirit. I can't imagine the suffering you endured."
"You upheld me so often. When you touch me, all my scars fade to oblivion."
"Then, let me touch you. Let me love you."
Softly and tenderly, Alain and Amy found a moment of Heaven.
833 2015-05-21 21:14:31
Re: Short Story Contest (25 replies, posted in Cop Shop)
Edited my humble offering if anyone wants to look it over again. Janice is chomping at the bit to get to these.
834 2015-05-21 14:20:34
Re: Short Story Contest (25 replies, posted in Cop Shop)
I've read all the entries except Don's updated tale and the person's whose I cannot access. Two are really jumping out at me right the second. So, I now need to read Don's!!!! It's a bit longer, so I have to find some really spare time. To do that, I printed it out. Thank you, Sol, for giving me a printable version.
835 2015-05-15 18:00:03
Re: Release date (10 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Share on FACEBOOK and I'll put it in all my groups.
836 2015-05-15 17:58:34
Re: No feedback AT ALL (9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
I know I have reviewed you. I would be nice for you to acknowledge and respond and then recip. That's how this site works. You will get if you give.
837 2015-05-15 17:56:59
Re: Be back soon (15 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Let yourself heal. You're in my prayers.
838 2015-05-15 14:13:54
Topic: Apryl Baker's hottest guy contest (0 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)
https://www.facebook.com/events/726125750817061/
It's HOTTEST GUY DAY ON APRYL'S ROMANCE BLOG FEST! GET IN HERE AND VOTE FOR RAIFORD GAUTIER UNDER MY NAME!
Just click the link, find my name and check it! I'm way behind since I had trouble uploading the postcard. GET BUSY GANG! His identical twin, Raiford Reynolds, won last year. BUT RAIF IS NOT A "guy." He's a MAN.
839 2015-05-14 18:17:25
Re: No feedback AT ALL (9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Review and you get reviewed. Dagnee is telling you the truth.
840 2015-05-14 13:20:37
Re: Spacing (6 replies, posted in Writing Tips & Site Help)
Just know that double/single space extends to colons as well. Oh, but we're never to use colons in fiction.
841 2015-05-14 03:18:32
Re: Romance blog fest (1 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)
Go here to vote for my post!
https://www.facebook.com/events/726125750817061/
842 2015-05-14 00:52:22
Topic: Spacing (6 replies, posted in Writing Tips & Site Help)
843 2015-05-13 23:36:13
Re: (Newbie peeks around the corner into the Room ...) (11 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Welcome! Listen to your kid. My first novel in print came because my daughter took the first three original chapters, threw them across the room (literally) and said, "Momma, if you make Ray a killer, I'll never read another thing you write." Thanks to her, mu foray into multiple personalities took a hard turn and explored the link between twins even separated at birth. I now have 4 books in the series, 3 in print.
844 2015-05-13 23:32:53
Re: Essential Elements of Writing Crime (5 replies, posted in Cop Shop)
Characters you either hate or like and then a crime.
845 2015-05-12 16:02:47
Re: Strongest Start Results Delayed One Day (2 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Still holding my breath.
846 2015-05-12 15:23:56
Topic: Romance blog fest (1 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)
Come join the fun and vote for me!
Which author has posted your favorite blogpost so far? Don't see your favorite? Just add them!
You can see them all here:
http://mycrazzycorner.blogspot.com/
847 2015-05-11 13:36:18
Re: List of No-No words (11 replies, posted in Writing Tips & Site Help)
A habit I'm still trying to break is using first and last names after the initial introduction. I'm entering Mountain Moonshine in the Faulkner competition this year. Novels over 100,000 words are double the entry fee. I was over by 497 words. Went back and took out 90% of the places I used first and last names; and then did a THAT search and now, I'm under 100,000 words. WHO'D A THUNK????
Speaking of-----I need to go and disable Mountain Moonshine.
848 2015-05-11 03:48:16
Re: MY APOLOGY (7 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
JP, I'll hit all your stuff as soon as my world calms down. Just write. Never apologize.
849 2015-05-06 21:13:07
Re: Print added to content pages (13 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
yay
850 2015-05-06 14:21:23
Re: taking the Lord's name in vain (9 replies, posted in Spirituality & Religion)
In your last example, you are talking about curses--proclaiming a damnation. What you're asking about in the beginning is cussing. Le's face--people cuss. Even good Christians cuss. Point being--even is your characters cuss and then feel guilty about it, that's when a pardon is received from God. A good point is this: It's no so much the actual words that are spoken as the intent. My sweet boss would NEVER say the F word. But when he gets upset, he says, "Fiddlesticks!" It's the same intent. Look at intent when using an expletive.
