Hello, my long neglected blog... sorry if you felt abandoned. I've just been busy. For the last few days, I've been busy in Texas at the Romantic Times Booklover's Convention in Houston.
It's wonderful to be here. To steal a phrase from Madness, "there's always something happening and it's usually quite loud". I've made wonderful networking connections, especially with my fellow Phaze authors. I've also met and enjoyed the time I've spent with other authors like Tawney Taylor, Lillian Feisty and Ally Blue.
I'll try to keep notes and fill in when I return to the west coast... but I fear this is all going to end up a blur. Scattered memories of regal white-dressed Queens and dark, dusky fairies will remain... not to mention Can Can Girls and perhaps some saloon skulking Vamps from tonight's Vampire's of the Wild West party.
I'll also remember hearing that I was being talked about in the ladies rest room... I know it shouldn't affect my ego that much... but it does. My business cards (which feature the same image as this blog and my MySpace page) have apparently become quite popular. *Grin*
Friday, April 27, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
ArtiFactual Now Available At Phaze.com!
The writing duo of Alessia Brio & Will Belegon will see their latest release hit the 'net as Artifactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique becomes available for purchase from Phaze on April 8th. Soon after that it will hit bookshelves as Artifactual will be the first work from the team to be put into print by Phaze.
Included in Artifactual are Alessia's Erotique, the Preditors & Editors Poll winning Switch, the archeologically adventurous Amichu and the latest sexy drama to star Bruce Winfield and Amanda Long, Closing Arguments.
If you haven't read any of this dynamic team's releases, this is the perfect start. See why the notoriously hard-to-please Mrs. Giggles says "I believe these two authors are actually some of the few romantic erotica authors capable of writing erotic stories that actually make me curl my toes...."
Carrie White of Sexography says, "Hauntings, erotic, passionate scenes and intrigue are just a few of the treats awaiting you from one of the finest writer collaborations in the Erotic genre." Find out for yourself. Artifactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique will be available April 8th at Phaze.com.
Included in Artifactual are Alessia's Erotique, the Preditors & Editors Poll winning Switch, the archeologically adventurous Amichu and the latest sexy drama to star Bruce Winfield and Amanda Long, Closing Arguments.
If you haven't read any of this dynamic team's releases, this is the perfect start. See why the notoriously hard-to-please Mrs. Giggles says "I believe these two authors are actually some of the few romantic erotica authors capable of writing erotic stories that actually make me curl my toes...."
Carrie White of Sexography says, "Hauntings, erotic, passionate scenes and intrigue are just a few of the treats awaiting you from one of the finest writer collaborations in the Erotic genre." Find out for yourself. Artifactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique will be available April 8th at Phaze.com.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Baseball's Back!
Yeah, I'm a fan of the grand ol' game. Always have been. I played it up through my mid-twenties when I found out that a slider that comes at you with the same speed you are used to seeing from a fastball is a very scary thing. Not because I was afraid of getting hit by one. But because I looked like a fool as I swung at them. Once opponents figure out you can't hit a certain pitch, you're done.
So now I indulge my baseball addiction as a fan. A fan of my local team, a fan of the game in general and a fan of my son. I coached his little league team last year, but with my new job that just isn't an easy option this year. So I'll stay an observer and try to restrain my competitive nature and let him enjoy the game without Dad screaming at him from the stands.
But at the downtown ballpark, I hope to be letting out a few screams. My team is the San Diego Padres. I've been a season ticket holder for ten years and before that I used to buy a chunk of my parent's tickets. Last year, my team won it's second consecutive division title, something that had never happened before. This year, our pitching is better and we've gotten younger. Are we better overall? Time will tell.
Baseball is different than the other sports. There are no gaudy winning percentages or records like 14-2 or 65-19. The very best teams still lose 40% of their games...at least. If you are successful in one third of your attempts in baseball, you go to the Hall of Fame. In football or basketball, you do that and they talk to you about "life after sports" and suggest you buy a car dealership.
Baseball is about perseverance, patience and dealing with failure. It's a team game that depends on a series of individual competitions. It's a game where you have to be able to take a long view, not allowing momentary setbacks to affect you. In football, if you lose a game you dwell on it for a week. In baseball, there are 162 games in six months.
No time limits, and no ties...you play until someone wins, no matter how long it takes. And you always have a chance to come back. My team won in the bottom of the ninth tonight. The most storied franchise in the game had the best player pull them out of a hole earlier. They were one strike away from defeat and A-Rod hit a grand slam. See, you always have a chance to come back while the game is still being played. No garbage time, no such thing as an insurmountable lead. If you're down by five scores entering the last two minutes in football, you're done. It's over, but not so in baseball. Because an out is equivalent to two minutes, seeing as you have 27 of them to play with...a football game is sixty minutes. But I've been present to see the Padres score five times with only 1/27th of their allotted outs available.
Three-quarters of the teams don't make the playoffs in baseball, like basketball and hockey. Four teams per league, and two of them are done after a maximum of five games. No second season that lasts two and a half months. Half of the teams gone in less than a week, after 162 struggles.
Bart Giamatti said "The game is designed to break your heart." He was right, and that's what makes the successes so special. I love it.
So now I indulge my baseball addiction as a fan. A fan of my local team, a fan of the game in general and a fan of my son. I coached his little league team last year, but with my new job that just isn't an easy option this year. So I'll stay an observer and try to restrain my competitive nature and let him enjoy the game without Dad screaming at him from the stands.
But at the downtown ballpark, I hope to be letting out a few screams. My team is the San Diego Padres. I've been a season ticket holder for ten years and before that I used to buy a chunk of my parent's tickets. Last year, my team won it's second consecutive division title, something that had never happened before. This year, our pitching is better and we've gotten younger. Are we better overall? Time will tell.
Baseball is different than the other sports. There are no gaudy winning percentages or records like 14-2 or 65-19. The very best teams still lose 40% of their games...at least. If you are successful in one third of your attempts in baseball, you go to the Hall of Fame. In football or basketball, you do that and they talk to you about "life after sports" and suggest you buy a car dealership.
Baseball is about perseverance, patience and dealing with failure. It's a team game that depends on a series of individual competitions. It's a game where you have to be able to take a long view, not allowing momentary setbacks to affect you. In football, if you lose a game you dwell on it for a week. In baseball, there are 162 games in six months.
No time limits, and no ties...you play until someone wins, no matter how long it takes. And you always have a chance to come back. My team won in the bottom of the ninth tonight. The most storied franchise in the game had the best player pull them out of a hole earlier. They were one strike away from defeat and A-Rod hit a grand slam. See, you always have a chance to come back while the game is still being played. No garbage time, no such thing as an insurmountable lead. If you're down by five scores entering the last two minutes in football, you're done. It's over, but not so in baseball. Because an out is equivalent to two minutes, seeing as you have 27 of them to play with...a football game is sixty minutes. But I've been present to see the Padres score five times with only 1/27th of their allotted outs available.
Three-quarters of the teams don't make the playoffs in baseball, like basketball and hockey. Four teams per league, and two of them are done after a maximum of five games. No second season that lasts two and a half months. Half of the teams gone in less than a week, after 162 struggles.
Bart Giamatti said "The game is designed to break your heart." He was right, and that's what makes the successes so special. I love it.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Damn...So, We Saw the Advance of the RT Review...
So...I was gonna do some whining and bitching in here. See, we got a look at the advance of our review for Artifactual from Romantic Times today.
It's not what I was expecting or hoping for at all...but in order to say why, I have to put the review out here. I need to tell all y'all whats blowing it for me. And I really don't want to do that until the issue comes out. Which will probably be good, because it will calm my indignation down. It's just common courtesy...if you give me a sneak look at something you're gonna publish, even if it's about me, it is wrong for me to publish it first.
So I'll wait. And tap my fingers. And tell myself that anger leads to the dark side.
We can talk about other things right? We can talk about Idol; how I'm even more in lust with Gina after those sweet-as-hell boots and the way she sang and her attitude. About how Haley has me thinking thoughts about her the last couple of weeks that certainly are not appropriate for television...at least, not network television. About how Blake is the one who is going to come out of this and sell the most records, because he can sing, he can beatbox and he has style. But I still say it's a race between Melinda and Lakisha, even with Blake and Jordin working so hard to put themselves in contention.
Sanjaya....*sigh* I can sing better than that. You sucked tonight, dude. Well, you've sucked a lot. But your smile and your hair have kept you around. Maybe this will finally end that...but I doubt it. You need to go, dude. It's just silly now.
We can talk about how I want to go see 300 and how I haven't because I don't have anybody to go along and I don't want to take the time away from my family or my other endeavors. My wife would spend the whole movie looking between her fingers, my daughter would hide under the seat and my son would either get nightmares or start chasing people with my 8" Chef's Knife tied to a pool cue. Neither option appeals to me.
Can we talk about how I can't seem to get rolling? I'm writing 250 words here, 300 there. No decent progress and none of the 2500 word spurts that happen when I'm at my best. Arrrrgh. I so want to get a couple of WIP's finished!
Baseball's coming...*Grin* Yes, I'm a sports geek. I admit it. I can't wait for opening night.
Okay...watch this space. As soon as that magazine hits the shelves, I'm ranting! I mean, imagine how Dan Brown would have felt if the the first major review he got was in the Vatican Observer. That's kinda how I'm feeling tonight. Like I opened a new steakhouse and they sent a Hindu vegetarian to do the restaurant review. Like Heath Ledger waiting to talk to Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson after they watched Brokeback Mountain for the first time.
I feel cheated.
It's not what I was expecting or hoping for at all...but in order to say why, I have to put the review out here. I need to tell all y'all whats blowing it for me. And I really don't want to do that until the issue comes out. Which will probably be good, because it will calm my indignation down. It's just common courtesy...if you give me a sneak look at something you're gonna publish, even if it's about me, it is wrong for me to publish it first.
So I'll wait. And tap my fingers. And tell myself that anger leads to the dark side.
We can talk about other things right? We can talk about Idol; how I'm even more in lust with Gina after those sweet-as-hell boots and the way she sang and her attitude. About how Haley has me thinking thoughts about her the last couple of weeks that certainly are not appropriate for television...at least, not network television. About how Blake is the one who is going to come out of this and sell the most records, because he can sing, he can beatbox and he has style. But I still say it's a race between Melinda and Lakisha, even with Blake and Jordin working so hard to put themselves in contention.
Sanjaya....*sigh* I can sing better than that. You sucked tonight, dude. Well, you've sucked a lot. But your smile and your hair have kept you around. Maybe this will finally end that...but I doubt it. You need to go, dude. It's just silly now.
We can talk about how I want to go see 300 and how I haven't because I don't have anybody to go along and I don't want to take the time away from my family or my other endeavors. My wife would spend the whole movie looking between her fingers, my daughter would hide under the seat and my son would either get nightmares or start chasing people with my 8" Chef's Knife tied to a pool cue. Neither option appeals to me.
Can we talk about how I can't seem to get rolling? I'm writing 250 words here, 300 there. No decent progress and none of the 2500 word spurts that happen when I'm at my best. Arrrrgh. I so want to get a couple of WIP's finished!
Baseball's coming...*Grin* Yes, I'm a sports geek. I admit it. I can't wait for opening night.
Okay...watch this space. As soon as that magazine hits the shelves, I'm ranting! I mean, imagine how Dan Brown would have felt if the the first major review he got was in the Vatican Observer. That's kinda how I'm feeling tonight. Like I opened a new steakhouse and they sent a Hindu vegetarian to do the restaurant review. Like Heath Ledger waiting to talk to Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson after they watched Brokeback Mountain for the first time.
I feel cheated.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
I Admit It : I'm Hooked On Idol (& Gina)
So up until the finals last year I had never watched a single episode of American Idol. My greatest exposure to Simon Cowell was the bonus clip at the end of Shrek 2.
Now I'm hooked...a former co-writer of mine is going to laugh her ass off when she sees this because she only told me I would like this show about three seasons ago. I love seeing people's dreams come true, I love watching the way people react and grow. I'm not too fond of the "let's watch the train wreck" stuff in the early auditions. If I want to hear someone butcher a popular tune I'll record myself in the shower, OK?
I watch the guys and it's alright...I'm mystified Sanjaya is still around and I think that Chris Sligh has an awesome attitude, decent voice and one of the best senses of humor I've ever seen on a celebrity. The comment on the cut down day in Hollywood, where he walks into the room...the three judges are sitting there...they are about to dash his hopes or make his dream come true...as much pressure, as many nerves as any of us will ever have to deal with, ever. So he pulls the chair back and says, "I guess you're all wondering why I called this meeting..." Classic! This dude has cajones!
But let's face facts....except for maybe Blake, the girls are all stand 10 feet above the boys. Melinda & Lakisha especially. Those two are the best singers on the show.
But I do have one that is clearly my favorite all around, and I admit it has to do with more than her voice. And no, it is not the little girl from New Jersey whose continued presence on the show despite her weak talent has nothing to do with anything other than her conformity to some Cindy Crawfordian ideal of feminine attractiveness. My choice has more meat on her bones and ten times the appeal of little miss Antonella.
But she's edgy, she rocks and I fear she'll be gone soon. Her song choice tonight was so her, so energetic and so fun to watch. And maybe too close to the beloved demons of sex, drugs and rock & roll to get enough votes to outlast a girl with half her talent.
I'd rather have Gina in my bed for one night than a month of Sundays with Jersey girl. Gina would rock your world while Antonella would stare at the ceiling and do her nails over your shoulder. Gina would sweat with you, roll off the bed to land on the floor while never missing a beat. Pull out the handcuffs and the riding crop on a Saturday afternoon and show you that there is more action when you turn the TV off.
Antonella is heir to the throne vacated by Annette Funicello and Shirley Temple. Gina brings to mind Joan Jett, Janis Joplin and Courtney Love (when she was powerful instead of pathetic.)
Gina won't win. That's already a two person race. But she is way more genuine and sexy then the girl she's likely to get voted off in favor of.
Now I'm hooked...a former co-writer of mine is going to laugh her ass off when she sees this because she only told me I would like this show about three seasons ago. I love seeing people's dreams come true, I love watching the way people react and grow. I'm not too fond of the "let's watch the train wreck" stuff in the early auditions. If I want to hear someone butcher a popular tune I'll record myself in the shower, OK?
I watch the guys and it's alright...I'm mystified Sanjaya is still around and I think that Chris Sligh has an awesome attitude, decent voice and one of the best senses of humor I've ever seen on a celebrity. The comment on the cut down day in Hollywood, where he walks into the room...the three judges are sitting there...they are about to dash his hopes or make his dream come true...as much pressure, as many nerves as any of us will ever have to deal with, ever. So he pulls the chair back and says, "I guess you're all wondering why I called this meeting..." Classic! This dude has cajones!
But let's face facts....except for maybe Blake, the girls are all stand 10 feet above the boys. Melinda & Lakisha especially. Those two are the best singers on the show.
But I do have one that is clearly my favorite all around, and I admit it has to do with more than her voice. And no, it is not the little girl from New Jersey whose continued presence on the show despite her weak talent has nothing to do with anything other than her conformity to some Cindy Crawfordian ideal of feminine attractiveness. My choice has more meat on her bones and ten times the appeal of little miss Antonella.
But she's edgy, she rocks and I fear she'll be gone soon. Her song choice tonight was so her, so energetic and so fun to watch. And maybe too close to the beloved demons of sex, drugs and rock & roll to get enough votes to outlast a girl with half her talent.
I'd rather have Gina in my bed for one night than a month of Sundays with Jersey girl. Gina would rock your world while Antonella would stare at the ceiling and do her nails over your shoulder. Gina would sweat with you, roll off the bed to land on the floor while never missing a beat. Pull out the handcuffs and the riding crop on a Saturday afternoon and show you that there is more action when you turn the TV off.
Antonella is heir to the throne vacated by Annette Funicello and Shirley Temple. Gina brings to mind Joan Jett, Janis Joplin and Courtney Love (when she was powerful instead of pathetic.)
Gina won't win. That's already a two person race. But she is way more genuine and sexy then the girl she's likely to get voted off in favor of.
Monday, February 26, 2007
For A Switch, The Academy Awards Rewards YOU!
What's a dollar buy anymore? A tall (means small) cup o' joe from Starsmucks? Nope. Need some silver. Candy? A Baby Bottle Pop is $1.39!
How about some award-winning entertainment? No, not a ticket to see the Best Picture winner. For a dollar? Hello, McFly? Someone has to pay for the black hair dye for Marty Scorcese's eyebrows! Besides, now that George is the only one of the old gang without a golden statue, they're gonna raise some money to pay the salaries for him to direct something set in England starring Kate Winslet in a corset and Leo with a new look in scraggly facial hair. Something without a Stormtrooper in sight.
No, I'm talking about the Preditors & Editor's Winner for Best Mainstream Short Story of 2006 . Thanks to the Academy and their choices, "Switch " is on sale for 50% off! Already own it? Check out the other Surges that were released along with it…they also are 50% off! This limited offer will expire Friday, March 2nd…So act now!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Switch Is A Winner At Preditors & Editors
So, I'm at my niece's birthday party...completely overwhelmed by noise, overcarbed and needing an escape. We've done cake and ice cream, we've done Diet Coke/Mentos fountains, we've done funny animal balloons. I need a Calgon moment. I run away to my sister's bedroom and decide I'll kick it with the laptop and go to Lit and have some adult conversation...
And I follow a link...and I'm looking at the standings for Preditor's & Editors poll for General Short Stories...and I know that we had a shot at the top ten. But I didn't expect this.
Number One. I reload the page. Still number one. It's real. Wow.
I run to the other room, grab my phone, call my co-writer. She knew already, hers was the link I followed. It's almost 11 months to the day from when we learned that Switch had been accepted for publication. We laugh and giggle a little. She tells me how she had gone and looked and started to be disappointed, thinking we got bumped down. It didn't occur to her to look
above the banner at the top spot. I talk about validation and proof and she gently teases me about how I shouldn't need this to know how good we are together. She's right, of course. But it is a part of me to look outside for proof, just like it is a part of her to not need that outside point of view. Just one of the differences that make us a strong team.
Wow. This feels great.
And I follow a link...and I'm looking at the standings for Preditor's & Editors poll for General Short Stories...and I know that we had a shot at the top ten. But I didn't expect this.
Number One. I reload the page. Still number one. It's real. Wow.
I run to the other room, grab my phone, call my co-writer. She knew already, hers was the link I followed. It's almost 11 months to the day from when we learned that Switch had been accepted for publication. We laugh and giggle a little. She tells me how she had gone and looked and started to be disappointed, thinking we got bumped down. It didn't occur to her to look
above the banner at the top spot. I talk about validation and proof and she gently teases me about how I shouldn't need this to know how good we are together. She's right, of course. But it is a part of me to look outside for proof, just like it is a part of her to not need that outside point of view. Just one of the differences that make us a strong team.
Wow. This feels great.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
What Does Price Say To You?
A discussion about e-books and promotion over at Mrs. Giggles blog got me thinking. (Yes, I am aware that this can be a dangerous thing to do during the work day. I mean, what if I actually accomplished something intelligent? They might *gasp* expect me to do it again tomorrow!)
At one point a comment is made to the effect that $3.00 for a 30 page read is on the pricey side. Admittedly, I bristled for a second because the comment seemed to cast a small shadow in the direction of my publisher and I am nothing if not loyal. But now I want other opinions.
Artistically Inclined is just over 13,000 words. At $3.00, that works out to 4,333 words to the dollar. Most New York publishing house novels run in the range of 80,000 words, I'm told. So we're talking $6.99 or $7.99...call it $7.50 and 80K? That is 10,666 words to the dollar. Double the value if you are relying on straight stats.
But any sports geek, and especially any baseball geek like me, knows what lies can be perpetuated by statistics. Mark Twain's line rings true here.
So the question comes down to the value in the words. A very subjective area at best. Personally, I think I give pretty good return on investment with my words. Certainly I don't feel as though I fit the profile of someone churning out stories to cash a check. Nor is there a lack of investment on my side. The new story in Artifactual (the Bruce & Mandy anthology to be released by Phaze in April) is about 30,000 words and took the better part of 10 weeks to write. True, I have a "real job" and have to write in my "spare time". But even so, there is a lot of "sweat equity" in my published work.
Do any of you have beliefs about the perceived value of an e-book based solely on it's price? Would you pass up a book because the $2.00 sale price tells you it must not be that good?
At one point a comment is made to the effect that $3.00 for a 30 page read is on the pricey side. Admittedly, I bristled for a second because the comment seemed to cast a small shadow in the direction of my publisher and I am nothing if not loyal. But now I want other opinions.
Artistically Inclined is just over 13,000 words. At $3.00, that works out to 4,333 words to the dollar. Most New York publishing house novels run in the range of 80,000 words, I'm told. So we're talking $6.99 or $7.99...call it $7.50 and 80K? That is 10,666 words to the dollar. Double the value if you are relying on straight stats.
But any sports geek, and especially any baseball geek like me, knows what lies can be perpetuated by statistics. Mark Twain's line rings true here.
So the question comes down to the value in the words. A very subjective area at best. Personally, I think I give pretty good return on investment with my words. Certainly I don't feel as though I fit the profile of someone churning out stories to cash a check. Nor is there a lack of investment on my side. The new story in Artifactual (the Bruce & Mandy anthology to be released by Phaze in April) is about 30,000 words and took the better part of 10 weeks to write. True, I have a "real job" and have to write in my "spare time". But even so, there is a lot of "sweat equity" in my published work.
Do any of you have beliefs about the perceived value of an e-book based solely on it's price? Would you pass up a book because the $2.00 sale price tells you it must not be that good?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
I've Been Giggled!
There’s always a certain mix of trepidation and anticipation to getting reviews. I’ve had plenty by now and although I have developed confidence in how my work will be perceived I still get a little bit of nerves.
But now I’ve been “Giggled”.
One of the more prominent reviewers in the e-romance genre is Mrs. Giggles. Actually, it’s not just e-books. The infamous one will take a shot at just about anyone. She’s tough, not afraid to speak her mind and has no fear of being passed over by publishers for giving bad reviews. (If you don’t think this happens then you aren’t paying attention. Even the worst movies find a reviewer to call them “exciting” or “stupendous”. It happens in publishing too.)
She’s the Simon Cowell of romance. And she just reviewed Switch. So I was nervous, especially because Switch is not a romance when viewed outside of the greater context of the Bruce & Mandy storyline. It’s a sexual romp, albeit with a twist. I knew she would mark us down for that. I think she did, a little bit.
But overall, I am very relieved and quite pleased. Hey, if I can take a Mrs. Giggles review and have this for the last line?
“Naturally, it succeeds in doing so, which is why this story is pretty cool.”
I’ll take that from an honest and tough reviewer EVERY time. *grin*
You can find the full review at www.mrsgiggles.com .
But now I’ve been “Giggled”.
One of the more prominent reviewers in the e-romance genre is Mrs. Giggles. Actually, it’s not just e-books. The infamous one will take a shot at just about anyone. She’s tough, not afraid to speak her mind and has no fear of being passed over by publishers for giving bad reviews. (If you don’t think this happens then you aren’t paying attention. Even the worst movies find a reviewer to call them “exciting” or “stupendous”. It happens in publishing too.)
She’s the Simon Cowell of romance. And she just reviewed Switch. So I was nervous, especially because Switch is not a romance when viewed outside of the greater context of the Bruce & Mandy storyline. It’s a sexual romp, albeit with a twist. I knew she would mark us down for that. I think she did, a little bit.
But overall, I am very relieved and quite pleased. Hey, if I can take a Mrs. Giggles review and have this for the last line?
“Naturally, it succeeds in doing so, which is why this story is pretty cool.”
I’ll take that from an honest and tough reviewer EVERY time. *grin*
You can find the full review at www.mrsgiggles.com .
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
A Tribute To A Friend
Veteran Jazzman and long time music teacher Jimmy Cheatham left this world last friday after 82 years of lightening hearts. As I had not seen Jimmy in about six months, I found out only today when his obituary hit the paper.
Jimmy played with Count Basie and Duke Ellington, among many others, and the man with the spark in his eye and shine in his smile could make a trombone evoke a plethora of images and emotions. He was as talented as they come and he took great joy in helping others find the music they had trapped within them and bring it out for the world to share.
The lights of San Diego's clubs are a little dimmer without him and the music of the night is a bit more subdued. Jimmy would tell us not to mourn him, but to celebrate the love he showed and tell us how lucky he was to share joy with us and to have spent so long in the company of his beloved Jeannie. Jeannie has asked that if you know of Jimmy or his music and want to remember him, donate to those who help teach others to discover music's power.
Play on, my friend. The next world's band just had a huge boost in soul.
Jimmy & Jeannie Cheatham
Jimmy played with Count Basie and Duke Ellington, among many others, and the man with the spark in his eye and shine in his smile could make a trombone evoke a plethora of images and emotions. He was as talented as they come and he took great joy in helping others find the music they had trapped within them and bring it out for the world to share.
The lights of San Diego's clubs are a little dimmer without him and the music of the night is a bit more subdued. Jimmy would tell us not to mourn him, but to celebrate the love he showed and tell us how lucky he was to share joy with us and to have spent so long in the company of his beloved Jeannie. Jeannie has asked that if you know of Jimmy or his music and want to remember him, donate to those who help teach others to discover music's power.
Play on, my friend. The next world's band just had a huge boost in soul.
Jimmy & Jeannie Cheatham
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Celebrating Creativity
If you saw and enjoyed the Saturday Night Live & Justin Timberlake song parody "My Dick In A Box" you might enjoy this.
Equal time for the sexes and, no offense Justin, but much prettier in my opinion. Really, J.T. man, don't take it personal...it's just the gender thing, OK? I mean, if I was gay I might choose you...ok, maybe after Johnny Depp and Adam Ant...and Ewan MacGregor...and A.B. Guye & Carson Sheppard...but you could be on the list somewhere. I promise, if it ever happens I'll find a place for you.
Oh, and reportedly, the major prop from the video is on sale at E-Bay now and the girl singing is from the U.K. and the girl in the video is from the U.S. That just makes the boy-band parody part more funny for me. C'mon, New Kids On The Block had so much more street cred, ya know? *wink*
Equal time for the sexes and, no offense Justin, but much prettier in my opinion. Really, J.T. man, don't take it personal...it's just the gender thing, OK? I mean, if I was gay I might choose you...ok, maybe after Johnny Depp and Adam Ant...and Ewan MacGregor...and A.B. Guye & Carson Sheppard...but you could be on the list somewhere. I promise, if it ever happens I'll find a place for you.
Oh, and reportedly, the major prop from the video is on sale at E-Bay now and the girl singing is from the U.K. and the girl in the video is from the U.S. That just makes the boy-band parody part more funny for me. C'mon, New Kids On The Block had so much more street cred, ya know? *wink*
Friday, December 29, 2006
Hey, I Missed This One!
Terrie Figueroa reviewed Artistically Inclined for RRT Erotic on October 25th and it took the detective work of my co-writer to notice it. Good review, too! Instead of the more common "star" system, RRT uses a more descriptive tag. In this case the story is rated "Multiple O's- Oh baby, I'd go back for more!". Now that's music to an aspiring pornster's ears there.
The review is not extensive, being part of what RRT calls their "Nibbles" but it is still nice to know that the work was appreciated and enjoyed by the reviewer. You can read the full test of what Terrie had to say here. She enjoyed the finish and she notes that she felt the sexual tension immediately.
Artistically Inclined is available from Venus Press for the incredibly affordable price of $3.98!
The review is not extensive, being part of what RRT calls their "Nibbles" but it is still nice to know that the work was appreciated and enjoyed by the reviewer. You can read the full test of what Terrie had to say here. She enjoyed the finish and she notes that she felt the sexual tension immediately.
Artistically Inclined is available from Venus Press for the incredibly affordable price of $3.98!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Happy Holidays!
No matter how you choose to celebrate...whether you are lifting a glass with family, herding children around the couch while playing basketball with wrapping paper balls and a trash bag hoop, warming your feet before a Yule log, lighting candles or just smiling while you think of absent loved ones...
I wish you all the peace and love in the world. May this day be one of light and laughter, and may your troubles recede into the background for a few hours.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
I wish you all the peace and love in the world. May this day be one of light and laughter, and may your troubles recede into the background for a few hours.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
A Sale! A Sale!
Coming Christmas Eve !!!
It's Christmas eve...everything is finally wrapped, the bicycle is put together and the tree is decorated...the kids are snuggled up and dreaming desperately of morning. But you have to wait until you're sure their asleep and you've got time on your hands...why not snuggle up with a treat for your intelligence and your libido?
Or it's Christmas day...the kids are outside riding their bikes or deep into the Playstation 3 zone. Dinner is done and you just want to escape. The glass of wine or Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Schnapps is helping...but you want to find yourself on the beach in San Diego, or visiting Easter Island, or having a bedroom picnic...
Good News then. Phaze is having a sale! December 24th and 25th, got to the Phaze bookstore and enter the code SANTA50 and you'll get 50% off!!!!!!
If those days are just too crazy? But you still want to start the new year with a bang? From December 26th to the 30th, you can get 25% off by entering the code SANTA25!
So this Christmas, take a little time to treat yourself...and save while you're at it!
It's Christmas eve...everything is finally wrapped, the bicycle is put together and the tree is decorated...the kids are snuggled up and dreaming desperately of morning. But you have to wait until you're sure their asleep and you've got time on your hands...why not snuggle up with a treat for your intelligence and your libido?
Or it's Christmas day...the kids are outside riding their bikes or deep into the Playstation 3 zone. Dinner is done and you just want to escape. The glass of wine or Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Schnapps is helping...but you want to find yourself on the beach in San Diego, or visiting Easter Island, or having a bedroom picnic...
Good News then. Phaze is having a sale! December 24th and 25th, got to the Phaze bookstore and enter the code SANTA50 and you'll get 50% off!!!!!!
If those days are just too crazy? But you still want to start the new year with a bang? From December 26th to the 30th, you can get 25% off by entering the code SANTA25!
So this Christmas, take a little time to treat yourself...and save while you're at it!
An Update of Sorts...
Just to let all y'all know what's going on out here in the southwest corner.
Alessia and I finished the new Mandy and Bruce adventure that will be the climax and key selling point for Artifactual, The Erotique Collection. The title of the new story is Closing Arguments and it is the longest and most complicated story in the Erotique universe so far. We introduce a couple new characters and explore in more depth some of the things about the museum and it's artifacts, things that really had not been touched on since Alessia wrote Erotique.
No exotic locations this time...except Philly. To some that is exotic. But lots of twists and turns and some very natural and realistic growth from the characters. I think that if you have enjoyed any of the earlier adventures you will love this. Plus you get all of the stories in one book.
I'm now writing a piece for a spring anthology for Phaze, my first piece for them solo. I admit I'm still going to Alessia for plenty of advice and support, but all the writing is mine this time around. I'll be interested to see how my Phaze audience reacts to solo Will.
Candace Gilmer is giving away a new version of the first Alessia & Will story as part of her Useless Movie Knowledge Holiday Edition, so check that out. The link to her blog is on the right over there and you can navigate to her web site from there.
Many of you are aware that I am a huge Charger and Padre fan. Actually, I write for both teams under a different name. Both have already had division championship seasons and the Chargers are still going, so that is also taking up my limited writing time.
Finally, I really do intend to finish not only many of my WIP short stories, but the novel that continually preys on the edges of my mind. I'll let you know when that happens.
Just in case I don't post again before Monday, Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it. Happy Hannukah to those already celebrating. A Blessed Yule or a Joyous Kwanzaa! Or if none of those apply? Well, how about Happy New Year!
Be Naughty!
Will
Alessia and I finished the new Mandy and Bruce adventure that will be the climax and key selling point for Artifactual, The Erotique Collection. The title of the new story is Closing Arguments and it is the longest and most complicated story in the Erotique universe so far. We introduce a couple new characters and explore in more depth some of the things about the museum and it's artifacts, things that really had not been touched on since Alessia wrote Erotique.
No exotic locations this time...except Philly. To some that is exotic. But lots of twists and turns and some very natural and realistic growth from the characters. I think that if you have enjoyed any of the earlier adventures you will love this. Plus you get all of the stories in one book.
I'm now writing a piece for a spring anthology for Phaze, my first piece for them solo. I admit I'm still going to Alessia for plenty of advice and support, but all the writing is mine this time around. I'll be interested to see how my Phaze audience reacts to solo Will.
Candace Gilmer is giving away a new version of the first Alessia & Will story as part of her Useless Movie Knowledge Holiday Edition, so check that out. The link to her blog is on the right over there and you can navigate to her web site from there.
Many of you are aware that I am a huge Charger and Padre fan. Actually, I write for both teams under a different name. Both have already had division championship seasons and the Chargers are still going, so that is also taking up my limited writing time.
Finally, I really do intend to finish not only many of my WIP short stories, but the novel that continually preys on the edges of my mind. I'll let you know when that happens.
Just in case I don't post again before Monday, Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it. Happy Hannukah to those already celebrating. A Blessed Yule or a Joyous Kwanzaa! Or if none of those apply? Well, how about Happy New Year!
Be Naughty!
Will
Monday, December 11, 2006
San Diego Sunset Gets Four Hearts
Pam over at Love, Romances & More reviewed San Diego Sunset and enjoyed it enough to give it four hearts. It’s a great review, because Pam broke the story down and tells what she thinks about the plot, the characters and situations. It’s wonderful to see a review that shows the effort that reviewer put into it. It’s well written and it makes me think about my own work.
Too much more of this and I’ll be reviewing the reviewer…but I was very pleased to read her opinion.
You can read Pam’s review here. I’m going to make it a point to look at more on this website and from this reviewer in particular. Thank you Pam!
Too much more of this and I’ll be reviewing the reviewer…but I was very pleased to read her opinion.
You can read Pam’s review here. I’m going to make it a point to look at more on this website and from this reviewer in particular. Thank you Pam!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
"San Diego Sunset" Brightens Your Winter
Whistling winds and freezing temperatures got you down? Tired of spending more time looking for a parking spot at the mall then you spent driving to the mall? Did you walk into your home office and find your Christmas List chasing your Budget around the desktop with a baseball bat?
Take a break. Make a cup of hot chocolate, pour in a generous shot of peppermint schnapps and open the laptop by the fire. The fire will warm your toes, the schnapps your tummy and San Diego Sunset's erotic romance your heart and, well, other regions...
Here's what Annie from The Romance Studio had to say about it:
San Diego Sunset
Alessa Brio and Will Belegon
Paranormal erotic romance
Available from Phaze
ISBN: 1-59426-567-4
December 2006
Overall rating: 4.5 of 5
Sensuality rating: Very sensual
Reviewer: Annie
November 12, 2006
Take a break. Make a cup of hot chocolate, pour in a generous shot of peppermint schnapps and open the laptop by the fire. The fire will warm your toes, the schnapps your tummy and San Diego Sunset's erotic romance your heart and, well, other regions...
Here's what Annie from The Romance Studio had to say about it:
San Diego Sunset
Alessa Brio and Will Belegon
Paranormal erotic romance
Available from Phaze
ISBN: 1-59426-567-4
December 2006
San Diego Sunset is the story of two individuals who are about to be brought together by destiny. He dreams several times a week of lying on an empty warm beach, post-intimacy, with a woman, and waking just before he hears her name. On the days following the dream, he is both more creative and productive, and also more stressed. She finds the dream to intensify in vividness at the end of each month, and most especially at the year’s end. Both are determined to locate the location and to find each other.
San Diego Sunset is a fascinating short tale of two souls on a collision course with Destiny and each other. I found my heart catching in my throat as the two worked their way toward each other and then at first, passed by like two ships in the night, close but without contact. But Destiny won’t be denied.
Overall rating: 4.5 of 5
Sensuality rating: Very sensual
Reviewer: Annie
November 12, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
My Writing Partner...
...is running the Phaze Romance blog for the day. She is promoting our new release San Diego Sunset, which will be available from Phaze starting Sunday for the low Promotional price of only two dollars.
Currently the discussion has been primarily about dreams, their nature and how people treat them in their lives. Please click the link above if you want to join in the dialouge. Also, she used a picture I took from Sunset Cliffs here in San Diego on her first post of the day, so if you would like to view it (and possibly even compliment the photographer *hint,hint,wink,wink,nudge,nudge*)please give 'er a look.
Currently the discussion has been primarily about dreams, their nature and how people treat them in their lives. Please click the link above if you want to join in the dialouge. Also, she used a picture I took from Sunset Cliffs here in San Diego on her first post of the day, so if you would like to view it (and possibly even compliment the photographer *hint,hint,wink,wink,nudge,nudge*)please give 'er a look.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Whispers Media Is Up & Running
So after a long wait I finally get a chance to hear what the gang over at Whispers Media has been up to...and it's quite a trip, actually.
Basically, what this company is doing is pushing erotic audio past it's grass roots beginnings and into a world of higher production values, superior voice talent and *ahem* excellent writing.
Now, I've heard the occassional worry from people...the same kind of thing you always hear when something becomes successful or gets noticed. And I've heard the worry about what if the big boys notice the value of what we are doing on the ground floor of honest and realistic erotic writing. The honesty will disappear...the raw power will be diluted and all the art will go out of it...
I disagree completely. Has it worked that way in rock n' roll? Was there only ever one or two garage bands and then no one else bothered or was willing to start one? Quite the contrary. Once it becomes possible to actually have a reward for your hard efforts...
Look, I love finishing a story just for the story's sake. I love it when my characters surprise me, when I say, "Now this will happen..." and Bruce or Mandy speak up and tell me there is no way in hell they would ever do that.
But it ain't gonna kill me if I can actually pay for my internet access by selling a story or two...if I'm collecting the occassional royalty check. (Those get bigger every month BTW *grin*)
This new outfit seems like a class act and I know they went out and found some good work to lay their foundation with...firsthand. The Voice is smooth and professional (I'll leave the judgment on sexiness to the ladies and occassional open-minded gent). The cost is affordable. I just don't see many negatives here, and I see a lot of potential positives...
...and if you intend to give them a try and download an MP3 or order a CD? Yeah, how about trying Track 2 on "Just The Two Of Us" under the Blue Moon Whispers line? This um, friend of mine would love to hear your reaction to it...
Basically, what this company is doing is pushing erotic audio past it's grass roots beginnings and into a world of higher production values, superior voice talent and *ahem* excellent writing.
Now, I've heard the occassional worry from people...the same kind of thing you always hear when something becomes successful or gets noticed. And I've heard the worry about what if the big boys notice the value of what we are doing on the ground floor of honest and realistic erotic writing. The honesty will disappear...the raw power will be diluted and all the art will go out of it...
I disagree completely. Has it worked that way in rock n' roll? Was there only ever one or two garage bands and then no one else bothered or was willing to start one? Quite the contrary. Once it becomes possible to actually have a reward for your hard efforts...
Look, I love finishing a story just for the story's sake. I love it when my characters surprise me, when I say, "Now this will happen..." and Bruce or Mandy speak up and tell me there is no way in hell they would ever do that.
But it ain't gonna kill me if I can actually pay for my internet access by selling a story or two...if I'm collecting the occassional royalty check. (Those get bigger every month BTW *grin*)
This new outfit seems like a class act and I know they went out and found some good work to lay their foundation with...firsthand. The Voice is smooth and professional (I'll leave the judgment on sexiness to the ladies and occassional open-minded gent). The cost is affordable. I just don't see many negatives here, and I see a lot of potential positives...
...and if you intend to give them a try and download an MP3 or order a CD? Yeah, how about trying Track 2 on "Just The Two Of Us" under the Blue Moon Whispers line? This um, friend of mine would love to hear your reaction to it...
Friday, November 10, 2006
Perspective
All of my troubles, all of my worries...the hopes and dreams, the moments in both sun and shadow. Today they all seem less important and yet they seem all the more vibrant. Today I cherish even my pain.
Gabrielle was with us less than three days. She was born to a dear friend half a world away. I spent hours with her, but I'll never hold her hand. She has reminded me of the importance of love and life, but I'll never kiss her cheek. At least not in this world.
Gabrielle came into the world after 25 weeks in her mothers internal embrace...not nearly enough, but there was no choice. She touched lives all over the world in this brief foray into a larger, colder climate. The measure of her impact will not be known for many years, but more than 80 people in 13 countries lit candles for her and directed their healing thoughts and prayers towards her and her mother.
She is now a permament part of our community. In the words that she inspired, in the friendships she strengthened, in the hearts she touched she will live forever.
Goodbye little warrior. You will not be forgotten.
Gabrielle was with us less than three days. She was born to a dear friend half a world away. I spent hours with her, but I'll never hold her hand. She has reminded me of the importance of love and life, but I'll never kiss her cheek. At least not in this world.
Gabrielle came into the world after 25 weeks in her mothers internal embrace...not nearly enough, but there was no choice. She touched lives all over the world in this brief foray into a larger, colder climate. The measure of her impact will not be known for many years, but more than 80 people in 13 countries lit candles for her and directed their healing thoughts and prayers towards her and her mother.
She is now a permament part of our community. In the words that she inspired, in the friendships she strengthened, in the hearts she touched she will live forever.
Goodbye little warrior. You will not be forgotten.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)