Monday, February 26, 2018

Unconditional Love #OurAuthorGang

photo courtesy of pexels

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
By Grace Augustine

     Ben and Hildy sat at the park from mid-morning until the sun went down. It wasn’t uncommon to see the couple every Saturday, choosing just the right spot to spread out the blanket. There was always a book, always laughter, always a picnic basket filled to the brim with snacks to share. 
     Theirs was a unique relationship. Ben, twenty years Hildy's senior, had lived a hard life, a life of prejudice at work, at church, and many other societal situations. He'd worked in the coal mines until age got the better of him. Retirement sent him into a deep depression, for which he was hospitalized. That's where he met Hildy.
       Hildy, a sassy thirty-year-old, loved her work as a therapist on the psych floor of Trinity Hospital. She’d seen many come and go, and smiled when she remembered her part in their healing. She’d stopped by Ben’s room the day he was admitted.  Her heart sank when she saw the uncommunicative, handsome older man sitting near the window.
     “Hi, Ben. I’m Hildy. It’s nice meeting you,” she greeted, taking the older man’s hand in hers and smiling brightly.
     Her greeting met with no response.
     “I can see we’re going to have to do something to cheer you up.”
     Ben turned toward Hildy and looked at her compassionate blue eyes. He shrugged his shoulders.
     “What’s the use?” The deep voice questioned. “I ain’t goin’ nowhere.”
     “Oh, now, that is just a lie, sir, and you know it. Before I snap my fingers, you’ll be waltzing out of here. I promise.”
     Hildy continued meeting with Ben daily for the next two weeks. Each day she read excerpts to him from her favorite books. By the end of the second week, she noticed Ben smiling and engaging in conversation with her.
     “I have a surprise for you, Ben. Get your sweater and come with me.”
Ben followed Hildy from the room. Soon they were walking hand in hand to the gardens at the hospital where they sat on a bench in the noon-day sun.
     Hildy opened her book and read several poems from Edna St. Vincent Milay. Her voice was sweet and positive and soothing. She glanced at Ben and smiled when she saw him smiling, eyes closed, as he took in every word she read.
     Each Saturday, Hildy led them to the same bench. Each Saturday, Ben held one side of the book and Hildy the other. Each took turns reading. Then, one day, it was time for Ben to be released from the hospital.
     “You’re going home today, Ben.”
     Ben sat with his elbows on his knees, hands folded, and head lowered. He wasn’t sure he should say what he was thinking, but went ahead anyway.
     “Why did you do what you did, Hildy? Why did you read to me? Why were you kind to me? Not once did the color of my skin matter. Not once did my former profession matter. Not once did you judge me.”
     Hildy patted Ben’s arm then grasped one of his hands in both of hers.
     “Ben, I only see your heart. I see a loving, kind man who needed to be shown his worth.”
     A tear fell down Ben’s cheek.
     “Hildy, I don’t want to say goodbye to you.”
     “Who says we have to say goodbye?”
     Every Saturday, for the past five years, Hildy and Ben met at the park at 10 am. They sat on a blanket, they laughed and read books, they shared a meal and their souls with each other. And, when the sun went down, Ben walked Hildy to her car and hugged her tightly.
     “I love you Hildy.”
     “I love you, too, Ben.”


Sunday, February 25, 2018

Our Guest Today is author Michele Shriver #OurAuthorGang

Welcome, Michele! We're so glad you could join us.


Michele Shriver is a National and International best-selling author of women's fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likable characters in real life settings. She's not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after.

Michele counts among her favorite things: a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend...not necessarily in that order.

Michele's books are for mature readers 18 years of age and older. She loves hearing from her readers and can be contacted at:

Street Team/Reader' Club: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/721292531291721/
Website:  http://www.micheleshriver.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Michele-Shriver/241190605939040
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/micheleshriver
Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/323sj


Excerpt from STRIKE ZONE

     “They call him ‘The Killer.’”
     Lorna blinked at Reece. “Excuse me?”
     Reece’s face held an amused grin. “It’s his nickname. Killian ‘The Killer’ Moss.”
     “And that’s a good thing?” Lorna didn’t quite get it, but then again, she didn’t get baseball, either.
     Reece laughed, tiny lines forming around his green eyes. “I guess that depends on your perspective. If you’re a fan of the Riverhawks, then yes, it’s a very good thing that your star pitcher has earned such a nefarious nickname. For the opposing teams’ batters, not so much.”
     “So, he earned the nickname because he strikes out batters?” Lorna surmised.
     “Yes,” Reece said. “What’d you think? That he actually killed people or something?”
     Before Lorna could answer, six-year-old Sierra tugged at the bottom of her shirt. “Mom? What does nefarious mean?”
     “Bad, like evil or criminal,” she answered.
     “Oh. But he’s not really a criminal, right, Uncle Reece?”
     “Right. He’s a good guy. One of the best pitchers in the league,” Reece said.           “Plus, he does a lot of work for local charities, and he loves kids.”
     The way Reece talked about this guy, he might as well be president of the pitcher’s fan club. “And that’s why you wanted Sierra along?” Lorna would have picked a different way to spend a hot June afternoon than outside, watching a baseball game, but once Reece mentioned the game, Sierra wanted to go.
     “Yes,” Reece said. “I’m not proud. I need an autographed ball from Moss to add to my collection, and I figured the best way to get one is to use a cute kid to get it. He always signs stuff for the kids.” He gave a shrug. “Since I don’t have one of my own, I’m borrowing yours.”
     “Fair enough.” It was difficult to argue with Reece’s logic, or find fault with an athlete who was always generous with young fans. Okay, so Sierra wasn’t technically a fan, at least not yet. Lorna had a hunch her daughter would be by the end of what would be her first baseball game. Would her mother? That might be the harder sell. Still, she vowed to keep an open mind and try to enjoy herself.
     The large crowd that had gathered outside the stadium suddenly erupted in loud shrieks, which could only mean one thing—the players were arriving.
Reece confirmed it when he passed Sierra a baseball. 
     “Okay, he’ll be the first one walking in. Remember what I told you?”
     She nodded. “Yep. Get it signed to you. I’m not dumb.”
     Lorna stifled a laugh at her precocious daughter’s comment. She was her mother’s daughter, all right. And thankfully, thus far she exhibited few, if any, traits inherited from the asshole who sired her.
     “Great. Thanks, kiddo,” Reece said. “I owe you a hot fudge sundae for this.”
Lorna watched as her daughter scurried forward, in a throng of other kids, to try to meet the Riverhawks star. 
     “Does your fiancé know how much you’re crushing on this guy?” she teased.
     “Yeah, he does, and he doesn’t mind,” Reece said. “Besides, Court has his own celebrity crush.”
     “Oh, really?” Lorna raised an eyebrow. “Wh—” She couldn’t get the word out, because the sight of the man approaching rendered her momentarily speechless.
     He was tall, with light brown hair and few days’ growth of beard, and he wore black dress pants paired with a blue shirt that fit him so snugly she could make out the definition of his muscles underneath it.
     And speaking of making out... Lorna tried to stop her mind from heading straight into the nearest gutter, but it wasn’t easy. It’d been too long since she’d had a man in her bed. Way too long.
     “That’s him?” she asked Reece when she found her voice again.
     “Yes, that’s him. Killian Moss.”

     Where has he been hiding all my life? “I just became a baseball fan.”

Thursday, February 22, 2018

A Small Gang of Authors: "Bloody. Brutal. Bannockburn." #History #Scotland...

A Small Gang of Authors: "Bloody. Brutal. Bannockburn." #History #Scotland...: Scotland by Mary Anne Yarde Even if it is just my fanciful imagination, I like to think that Scotlan...

"Bloody. Brutal. Bannockburn." #History #Scotland #OurAuthorGang





Scotland
by Mary Anne Yarde


Even if it is just my fanciful imagination, I like to think that Scotland is, shall we say, in the blood. My ancestors certainly came from there. They were an integral part of Scottish History, just as my ancestors were to English History. But as I stood at the monument at Bannockburn, I felt an almost overwhelming sense of the past got through me. Voices, shadows, hopes, fears, kind eyes, cruel ones, exhaustion and relief - no joy, just relief that it was over. A writer's paradise if you like. I can close my eyes and hear the music, and I am not the only one. The past is alive, if only you will take the time to listen, Scotland will tell you her story.


Today, our obsession with Scotland can be blamed on films like Braveheart or the majestic story telling of Diana Gabaldon, Outlander series. Scotland is in vogue, so to speak. And although the Scots call Braveheart "that comedy," it has romanticised their country for them. Everyone knows who William Wallace is - thanks to Braveheart. 

I have been to Scotland several times, but I just can't seem to get enough. Today, I wanted to share an experience I had back in 2016...
 

"O Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
Your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen..."

There is one word that sums up The Scottish War Of Independence
 and that word is ... 


Bannockburn



It has been over 16 years since I last visited Bannockburn and I was looking forward to showing my children the statue of Robert The Bruce on his horse, but as we pulled up in the car park, I realised that 16 years was a long time. They had built a new visitor center and I couldn't wait to get inside!

When we bought our tickets, we were asked if we would like to go on the museum tour and of course, we said yes. She then produced some 3D glasses. "You'll need these." Interesting, I thought.

It was twenty minutes until the next tour, so we decided to head outside and go and see that famous monument.


The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre isn't quite on the battlefield, but is built in what was the Scottish Camp. There really isn't a better place for a monument for those Scottish hero's who fell. Bannockburn was the ultimate Scottish victory against King Edward II. They did, after all stand…



"...against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again."


The monument was beautiful and peaceful ~ peaceful, yes, I think that is the word I am looking for. It was a place to reflect and to remember all those who died that day.


We wondered back inside in time for the tour.

When I woke up in the morning, I wasn't expecting to find myself in the middle of The Battle of Bannockburn, with arrows whizzing over my head, horses charging right at me and people dying to my left and my right. I mean nobody expects that? Right? But this is what you get at Bannockburn. Bannockburn has invested in state of the art, 3D technology so you experience, safely, what the battle was like. Wow! It was amazing. A little gruesome, but not so scary that it is unsuitable for children. It was truly incredible. I have been to some of the best visitor centers in Britain, but this one...this is something else. Oh, my days! It was ~ I'm sorry, I am running out of adjectives to describe it! And that wasn't all....

The tour continued...we got to - in their own words

"Walk the battleground, guide your own army of medieval soldiers through the 3D simulation and visit the all important Bannockburn; a stretch of water that proved the turning point in the battle."


If you have ever played Rome Total War, it was the same principle, but on a bigger scale. How awesome is that?

The wonderful guide split us into teams, and we stood around this huge map of the terrain while he showed us how the battle of Bannockburn played out and then it was our turn. We were going to make the decisions. We were going to fight. We were going to watch the battle unfold on the map in front of us. My youngest, who was 6 at the time, was crowned King Robert of Scotland, and it was a role he took very seriously, although he seemed to be slightly more concerned with killing his brother who was an English knight than victory over the English army - talk about family loyalty! It went out the window.

There were a lot of nervous faces when the guide asked for instructions.

"Where do you want your knights? Speak up, I can't hear you."

"You want to put them against the schiltron? Did you wake up suicidal?"
and so it went on!

It wasn't the most predictable of battles, but it was certainly entertaining. The Black Douglas turned tail and ran back to Stirling ~ I'm not sure what he would have made of that if he were still alive! But King Robert - my son - was much more decisive and he led his troops to victory over the English Queen ~ yes I did say Queen ~ it is pretend ~ Robert the Bruce wasn't really 6 when he fought the English at Bannockburn! The Scots were victorious although victory wasn’t actually decided at Bannockburn but Stirling. History was rewritten! The result was the same, and that is the main thing! I think…


 My youngest, ready for battle ~ although he couldn't see where he was going!!

Talk about bringing history to life.  You couldn't get any better than this.

First published on Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots 6/10/2016


The Du Lac Devil 
 (Book 2 of The Du Lac Chronicles)

Readers' Favorite Finalist 2017
IAN Book Of The Year Award Finalist 2017
Golden Quill Award Winner 2017
Chill with a Book Readers' Award 2017
BooksGoSocial Readers Choice Award Shortlisted 2017 
The Grunter Award Winner 2017
Discovered Diamond Award 2018
Discovered Diamond Cover of the Month ~ January 2018

War is coming to Saxon Briton.

As one kingdom after another falls to the savage might of the High King, Cerdic of Wessex, only one family dares to stand up to him — The Du Lacs.

Budic and Alden Du Lac are barely speaking to each other, and Merton is a mercenary, fighting for the highest bidder. If Wessex hears of the brothers’ discord, then all is lost.

Fate brings Merton du Lac back to the ancestral lands of his forefathers, and he finds his country on the brink of civil war. But there is worse to come, for his father’s old enemy has infiltrated the court of Benwick. Now, more than ever, the Du Lac must come together to save the kingdom and themselves.

Can old rivalries and resentments be overcome in time to stop a war?







Wednesday, February 21, 2018

#Music, My Muse: part 5, the finale by Toi Thomas #OurAuthorGang

from Pinterest
So, today, in part 5, the finale, of the Music My Muse series, I’ll be sharing some brief thoughts on musical scores and settings. (see part 1, part 2, part 3, and part 4 here).

While it’s quite possible that not many remember, or ever even knew (I’m guilty), the names of the songs that made up some of the most iconic musical scores in history, the impact of these works is no less important or legendary. When people hear “Also sprach Zarathustra” they automatically think of monoliths, deep space, and killer A.I., aka 2001 Space Odyssey. When people hear “Speak Softly, Love” they imagine large Italian American families, mobsters, and a horse’s head, aka The Godfather.

I think there is a musical score out there for every imaginable setting if you’re willing and open to it. Sometimes, though, it doesn’t have to be a score. There are popular songs that can also help shape the setting or world you’re creating, if you know where to look.

While I admit that my Legend of the Boy story isn’t nearly as sweet, the score for E.T. helped me when I was trying to develop an adult-driven sci-fi world where a boy could save or destroy it. To this day, I haven’t been able to figure out why a good slow waltz helped me carve out the settings for my It’s Like the Full Moon book, but it is what it is. There are so many songs and scores that have helped me develop the world of Eternal Curse that I can’t begin to mention them all now.

Even outside of my writing, I find the right score can set the mood in my life. Sometimes when I’m sad, and it’s a time when it’s okay to be sad and express those feelings, I find myself listening to "La Boheme". When I’m trying to hype myself up, when I’m trying to get into the right mindset to do something a little crazy that might be fun, but could totally end up badly, the Rocky theme usually works. And when I’m preparing a meal for a friend for the first time, I find Disney tunes keep me in high spirits as I toil to delight. I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on music and writing and hope that you’ve maybe found some inspiration along the way.

Good music, creative writing, and happy reading.

--
Find out more about me, my work, and my inspiration at the following links:


Amazon | Goodreads The ToiBox of Words | YouTube | See a list of my other posts here.

#themesong #score, #soundtrack, #music, #Pinterest

--
For anyone who’s interested, I’m sharing a new short story for the W.E.P. challenge over at The ToiBox of Words.
COMMENTS

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Sherry Ellis

10 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
John Williams is probably my favorite film score composer.
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Trisha F.

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Film scores are some of the best, most inspiring music, I agree!
 
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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Toi shares her love of music and how it inspires her writing. A fantastic close to her series.
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Ruth de Jauregui

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Fantastic. I love music and I do write better when I turn the boob tube off and put on Pandora. Thank you for reminding me.
 
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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on A Small Gang of Authors, Toinette Thomas brings to a conclusion her wonderful 5-part article on music: "Music, My Muse."
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Joe Bonadonna

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
This is great, Toi. Sad to see your 5-part series come to an end.
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View all 4 replies
 
+Joe Bonadonna Cool.
 
+Toi Thomas -- thanks. I think you'll like the books i talk about.

Toi Thomas via Google+

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I'm so happy to share part 5, the finale, of my series on music and writing. I hope you've enjoyed Music, My Muse.
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Mary Anne Yarde

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Lovely post! I always listen to music when I write!!
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Thank you.

Grace Au

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Sorry to see this series of blog posts end. Thanks so much for your take on music and writing, Toi. Brilliant!
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Thank you. Even if it didn't help with my writing, I'd still love music.

Rebecca Tran

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I still remember my dad when I hear certain songs on the radio and he's been gone over 20 years now. But he'd sing them at the top of his lungs and I can see his face clearly with every lyric as if he were right there singing terribly in my ear.
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I love this. What a wonderful memory and testament to just how much music stays with us and even connects us to others.

Rebecca Tran

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Find out how music influences your writing and your life with this great post by Toi Thomas on Our Author Gang.
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Erika M Szabo via Google+

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
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Erika M Szabo

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
It's been a great series Toi, I really enjoyed every part of it :)
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Thank you.

Nikki McDonagh

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great post. Music is a huge part of my life as my husband is a professional musician and composer, so there is always a tune being played whilst I write.
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How cool is that. Two creative people sharing words and tunes together. Love it.

Rich Feitelberg

11 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Interesting post. I recently had to write an elven lullaby for my fantasy series. The words were easy. It was the melody I struggled with.
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As much as I love music, if I had to write it, I'm sure it would be a disaster. That's great that you have the skill to do it.

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