I'm going to do it again

March 5, 2025

Whelp, here I go again. No, no, it's not a rip-off of Whitesnake. What I mean is, I've started the next book. 

Yea, me! Go, me! Has me lost me fluffin' mind? 

I zipped over to my story folder and took a count. This book will be Number 89. Yes, that count includes those books that are out of print or I never published (I have 3 of those). Some of those are the old Rayne Forrest books, but they count, too. I did write them. 

I think it may be a good sign that I started chapter one and ended up at over fifteen hundred words. It needs to be filled out some, but that will come. The good thing is I have the opening scene where our guys meet written. Tweaking comes when I know them a little better. 

If you follow along here at Between the Keys, you know I've given a lot of thought as to whether or not I want to continue to write. Why? The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is going to ruin romance fiction. Even now, I can tell if AI was used to write a book because it's like the last four books I've tried to read. Never until now have I returned ebooks, nor will I take a KU subscription. Perhaps I'm doomed to read and reread all the books currently in my library. Thank goodness I own a substantial amount of books that AI never touched. 

Another reason I've pondered whether or not to continue is that my internal life changed dramatically in 2024 with the death of my spouse. Externally, I still own my home and properties so I'm physically and materialistically comfortable. But I've changed. Now that I'm no longer a caregiver, how do I want to fill my days? I assure you that mindless television watching will not make the cut. 

Having time to do only those things one wants to do is both blessing and curse. Looking at my calendar and my To Do List, I have several options. Which one do I want to do? Since Ron passed, decision making is an effort and hiding away in my office writing feels like, well, hiding away. 

I think the weather just made today's decision for me. It has started to rain. 

Perhaps I'm not ready to take down the KC Kendricks shingle and pack up my keyboard. I find I'm eager to finish this blog entry and get back to the WIP. I think this is a good thing. I think I have my answer. 

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KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys: 
http://kckendricks.blogspot.com
Visit my bookshelf at: 
https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/bookshelf.html

Social media links:

twitter.com/kckendricks

facebook.com/kckendricks

Snips and clips on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KCKendricks

Life through the eyes of my black Lab, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com

My country life at The Hideaway/Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com

KC Kendricks, Between the Keys, contemporary gay fiction, m/m fiction, Kindle romance, GLBT gay romance, m/m romance, a writer's life, writers on writing, questioning self, decision making, 

My writing familiar, Loki

 

November 12, 2022

Someone I don't talk about much is my writing familiar, Loki. In many ways, he's like having a second dog. He goes outside with me and follows me around the yard. He'll come promptly when called which is a big plus since we allow him to go off the screened patio when we're in the yard. He sleeps in my reading chair when I'm working in my office, or sometimes under my desk with Deuce. It's good to have quiet writing support. 

It's been a busy week here on the manor. There was firewood work and some prepping for the 2023 gardening season. We made two trips to town, a drop-off at the landfill, and rain from Hurricane Nicole turned yesterday into a washout. One of our trips to town was in anticipation of the approaching rain. I got chicken quarters and cooked them off to have the meat in the freezer. Later today I'll process all the broth in the pressure canner. Loki and Deuce will get a small amount over their dinner today for a treat. 

While all this necessary work was going on, my thoughts moved along plot lines. The new WIP is started and, if I say so myself, so far so good. I'm still annoyed with myself that it doesn't have a good title, but it'll come. 

That's the way it works when a new story is percolating. My hands are busy doing those things that must be done while my brain spins out character, dialogue, and plot. When I do land at the computer to write, it goes much faster because I've already "written" it in my head. 

It's the middle of November which means that here in the Mid-Atlantic region, we are at any given moment mere hours away from a big temperature drop. In some ways, I'm looking forward to it. My days will be spent mostly inside and inside means writing, and writing hard. If this past summer was any sort of indication, spending beautiful summer days inside at the computer won't happen. 

Maybe by next summer, the novelty of being home will have worn off, but I doubt it. I've given a lot of thought to a plan to structure my time, but just like the book without a title, it's a work in progress. 

Isn't everything, even life? 

 _*_*_*_*_*_*_

 KC Kendricks
www.kckendricks.com
My home on the web- Between the Keys: 
http://kckendricks.blogspot.com
Visit my bookshelf at: 
https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/the-bookshelf-of-kc-kendricks-and-rayne_3.html

Social media links:

twitter.com/kckendricks

pinterest.com/kckendricks/boards

instagram.com/kc_kendricks

facebook.com/kckendricks

Snips and clips on my YouTube channel: KC Kendricks Between the Keys

Life through the eyes of my black Lab, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com

My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com

KC Kendricks, Between the Keys, contemporary gay romance, LGBT romance, gay fiction, m/m romance, m/m fiction, Rayne Forrest, Loki, country living, a writer's life, writers on writing, pets, rural lifestyle, time management

"And so, it begins"

May 23, 2022

"And so, it begins." - Kosh, resident Vorlon at Babylon 5

At the risk of pushing a few of you over the edge with my retirement obsession - I'M RETIRED!!!

Yes, the day finally arrived. My employer, or should I say ex-employer, held a reception for me yesterday afternoon and it was quite nice. Lots of people, past and present, showed up to give me a send-off into what we call retirement. I came home and "crashed" like an old woman and had a nice nap in the recliner. 

That is not going to be my life. 

I blogged a bit about this over at Holly Tree Manor (The Hideaway), but that was about life in general. Here at Between the Keys, which is supposed to be more about my writing, I have different things to say. 

My writing has been on a bit of a hiatus. The last several years brought big changes to my life. My stepfather died and my mother had to be placed in a total care facility. My friend and writing partner died. My husband had several major surgeries. Covid-19 hit and I needed to be more present at the day job by working from home. The effect on my life was a perfect storm. 

But you know what? I've made it through. I don't expect that picking up the threads of my writing career and weaving them back together is going to be easy. I have to develop a structure for my days that includes taking care of the spousal unit, home chores, writing time, and time to nurture myself. I've thought about it a lot, but now I need to see if the plan works and what changes the plan may need. 

Twenty years ago, I was writing The Skies of Mahdis. That story has been out of print for some time, but the absolute joy I found in the creation of that story has never wavered. Will I be able to once again work in that atmosphere of joy? Will I be able to embrace each new story in the spirit of joy and hope that we all get our happy ending? 

All those years ago the group of writers I was involved in (where did they all go?) had a saying: BICAW. That's "butt in chair and write." That is indeed what has to happen. I need to tune out all the chatter of life here in The Hideaway and write. It has to be a priority, or it won't work. 

It all boils down to how willing am I to work hard to regain momentum. Am I really going to be able to do it? I guess I'm about to find out.

Yes, I'm now retired. Let the real work begin!

 _*_*_*_*_*_*_

 KC Kendricks
www.kckendricks.com
My home on the web- Between the Keys: 
http://kckendricks.blogspot.com
Visit my bookshelf at: 
https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/the-bookshelf-of-kc-kendricks-and-rayne_3.html

Social media links:

twitter.com/kckendricks

pinterest.com/kckendricks/boards

instagram.com/kc_kendricks

facebook.com/kckendricks

Life through the eyes of my black Lab, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com

My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com

Snips and clips on my YouTube channel: KC Kendricks Between the Keys

KC Kendricks, Rayne Forrest, Between the Keys, Holly Tree Manor, retirement, writing career, contemporary gay romance, M/M fiction, Babylon 5 quote, a writer's life, life changes, setting priorities

An eclectic collection

April 12, 2017

I love, love, love having a home office. It has all the amenities. A nice desk, a reading nook, a flat screen tv on the wall, my beloved Deuce at my feet. What's not to love?

Maybe the answer to that is what lies on the corner of my desk. 

A couple of years ago, I decided I'd worked with old, and I do mean OLD, office furniture for long enough. My office was a collection of cobbled together and cast off pieces. I'd just paid off the mortgage so I treated myself to a matching mission-style desk and credenza, and upgraded my space. 

I swore to myself I'd avoid clutter. I would avoid clutter at all costs! I would put everything in its proper place. Yes indeedy dog, I would! 

And how well is that working out for me? I think the picture is proof. My cellphone would be in the photo except I needed it to take the photo. 

Having taken the photo, it suddenly occurred to me why the pieces were on my desk and not in their proper "homes." My earrings, everyday bracelet, fitbit, reading glasses, what passes for a car "key" these days, everyday rings I wear to the day job (not my good set), and the jump drive with my entire life on it. It's an eclectic collection but these are a few of my favorite things. 

Well, it's not too much clutter. And I guess keeping those items handy is a time savings. 

Of course, it could be the truth is I had a lazy moment and just dropped it all right there. Not that I will admit to that.

KC
www.kckendricks.com

Insecure Writer's Support Group: Are you a Luddite?

November 2, 2016

Disclaimer: Welcome to the holiday season! This is a recycle of an article I wrote, but never posted at Between the Keys.  

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

Luddite:

On who fears technology (or new technology, as they seem pleased with how things currently are (why can't everything just be the same?)

Social Media Maven:

An individual who identifies interesting or trending content and shares it with a large online network. The term social media maven is sometimes applied to people who are adept at using social media for commercial purposes, such as spreading a particular message about a product or service. As with mavens in other areas, social media mavens are seen as being more advanced in their understanding of social media than the average population.

*+*+*+*+*

I'm not the least bit sure where I fall in between the Luddite and the Social Media Maven but I know I'm between the two. Some new tech I love and some I hate. Some social media, especially blogging, I like. Others, such as facebook, not so much.

For many years I've belonged to the Romance Writers of America. Its monthly magazine is full of social media "must do" items. I read them. They usually don't impress me much, but some things have sort of stuck with me - right along with the guilt.

Yep. Guilt. Guilt that I'm not doing enough on social media. Guilt that if I were serious about writing I'd do more. I'd stay up-to-date and never have time to do any writing. Or sleeping.

Guilt over social media is counterproductive. Social media is a tool to be used, not a lifestyle. Okay, so I'm a lazy blogger and tweeter. I do know why, and it's where the Luddite comes into play.

When I started out, the Yahoo and MSN groups were the thing. I learned them and they're basically deadwood now. Same thing for MySpace. I spent a lot of time learning how to maneuver those systems, and for what? The next best thing came along and I had to decide if I drove myself crazy learning it, or not. More importantly, do I have TIME to learn every blasted thing?

Once upon a year, I picked up a copy of "Marketing for Dummies" at the used bookstore. It didn't take me long to figure out why it was at the UBS. Paper, two-inches thick, and only one basic point: pick something and just do it. You can't control the outcome.

It's often been said the best advertising you can have for your book is the next book. I do believe that. (Another reason to keep my butt in gear.) It's also true that if no one hears about your book, they can't read it.

Bottom line: I think it's okay to carefully pick and choose where you spend your time, energy and money on social media. I also think the choice should be guilt-free. Be a Luddite with some things. Pick one social media such as twitter and become a twitter maven. Whatever you choose for yourself, because it's your choice, will be the right thing to do.

KC Kendricks

www.kckendricks.com
www.twitter.com/kckendricks
www.facebook.com/kckendricks

A new cover for Ride Your Luck

June 13, 2016

**updated 4/9/21 - I went back to the original cover after a few months but I'll leave this blog entry for those who purchased the book with the alternate cover.**

One of the best things about making my own covers is the freedom to redo any I decide I can make better. Photoshop has, in my opinion, a pretty steep learning curve. As I improve, so should my covers. 

It's not that I dislike the old Ride Your Luck cover. It's not bad. I love the clouds and the cowboy silhouette. If I'd not blundered across another photo of a cowboy riding into the sunset, and we all know cowboys simply must ride into the sunset, I would have kept the original cover. 

The new background warms it up and gives the reader a better look at the hero. I like it. 

Will I keep it forever and ever, amen? Not likely. I'm having waaaaay too much fun playing with Photoshop. But I do think this one will be around a bit longer than the last one. 

RIDE YOUR LUCK

Contemporary gay cowboy

Amazon US: www.amazon.com/Ride-Your-Luck-KC-Kendricks-ebook/dp/B01E9TQ4YS

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E9TQ4YS

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01E9TQ4YS

Apple/iTunes:  itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1098678927

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ride-your-luck-kc-kendricks/1122717097?ean=2940153211367

Rakuten/Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ride-your-luck-1

Universal link to additional booksellers: https://books2read.com/u/4XGyvm

Ride Your Luck webpage with more information and excerpt: https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/ride-your-luck-by-kc-kendricks.html

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 KC Kendricks

My home on the web- Between the Keys: 

http://kckendricks.blogspot.com

Visit my bookshelf at: 

https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/the-bookshelf-of-kc-kendricks-and-rayne.html

Social media links:

My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com

Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com

twitter.com/kckendricks

facebook.com/kckendricks

pinterest.com/kckendricks/boards

instagram.com/kc_kendricks

It's 4.5 stars for Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted

May 24, 2016

My thanks to Kris at JoyfullyJay for reviewing Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted! Why, yes I was surprised I got a review. That's why I'm posting about it!

The entire review can be found at:
http://joyfullyjay.com/2016/05/review-bored-stroked-and-blueprinted-by-k-c-kendricks/

Here's a few lines from the review that made me smile.

I shall begin my review with a confession: When I read to the word Camaro in the blurb, I took the book instantly.... I loved Mick. There’s no other way to say it...When he spotted Logan, talked to him, and their chemistry burst onto the page, I wanted nothing more for them to live happily ever after...Logan has his demons, and the shadows of the past still haunt him. The things that have happened to him have shaped him into being a wary man, and it was so well done... I really enjoyed this book... This one is definitely recommended...

Thanks, again, for the great review!

About Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted:

As a boy, Mick Ambrose fell in love with cars. Now he owns and operates an auto restoration shop specializing in all things American Muscle. When the black 1969 Camaro Z/28 he years ago dubbed Onyx pulls into his garage, Mick forgets his first love in favor of her driver, Logan Gregg. Mick’s interested and cruises Logan at a speed worthy of the car he drives.

Logan Gregg’s plan to avoid entanglements in his life drives away when he stops at American Muscle to ask a few questions about restoring the Z/28 he inherited from his uncle. The owner of the shop is smooth as a well-tuned V-8 engine and twice as hot. Logan is quick to shift gears and take a closer look at Mick Ambrose and the road ahead. When Mick wants to get too close, too fast, Logan backs off. His past holds painful memories he can’t escape and the tattoos on his arms aren’t just for decoration.

Working on the Z/28 brings the men closer, but Mick makes a mistake when he confesses his knowledge of the past Logan wants to keep buried. Mick knows a man has to settle his past to step into his future, but Logan’s unconvinced. To slay his personal demon, he’ll first have to look it in the eye. 

_*_*_*_

For more info, and to read an excerpt, please visit my website at:

https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/bored-stroked-and-blueprinted-by-kc.html

Purchase links are on that page.

KC Kendricks

www.kckendricks.com

www.twitter.com/kckendricks 

SABRE is on the All Romance eBook best seller list

May 18, 2016

**updated 4/9/21- ARE is now closed**

It's the email every author loves to get. The owner of All Romance eBooks sent notice that SABRE was on the ARE bestseller list. Yep. I did the happy dance! 

Even better, SABRE is still climbing the list. Thanks to everyone who purchased a copy!

I'm a little gobsmacked (to steal a phrase from my girlfriend in Scotland). I think every writer hopes to do well and then is surprised when it happens. At least I am. 

For more about SABRE, please one of the links below.  

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SABRE is available at the following online booksellers:

Amazon US: www.amazon.com/dp/B01FNH6UCG

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FNH6UCG

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01FNH6UCG

Rakuten/KOBO: store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/sabre-3

Barnes & Noble/NOOK

www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sabre-kc-kendricks/1123789666?ean=2940153228488

Universal link to additional booksellers: https://books2read.com/u/mlDPvm

SABRE webpage with excerpt: https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/sabre-by-kc-kendricks.html

 _*_*_*_*_*_*_

 KC Kendricks

My home on the web- Between the Keys: 

http://kckendricks.blogspot.com

Visit my bookshelf at: 

https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/the-bookshelf-of-kc-kendricks-and-rayne.html

Social media links:

Life through the eyes of my black Lab, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com

My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com

twitter.com/kckendricks

pinterest.com/kckendricks/boards

instagram.com/kc_kendricks

facebook.com/kckendricks

W is for Write the Right Story Now

Day 23

April 27, 2016

2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge

Do I really have enough time to write a story I don’t want to write? 

No. I learned early on that if the words aren’t coming, shut it down and move on to something else. While this has netted me a file full of half-thought about ideas, it has also given me a treasure chest of characters to choose from.

Having more experience, I can go back to those earlier idea sheets and mix and match to find the perfect pair. Maybe I’ll find the perfect match to the character I just wrote a new bio for. The possibilities are endless.

I think you see the point. Don’t struggle with something that isn’t flowing organically onto the page. It’s a waste of time - in that moment. Save it, and save future time by using it somewhere down the road.

Then settle down and write the story you want to write now. You'll be a lot happier with the end result.  

 KC Kendricks

www.kckendricks.com

www.twitter.com/kckendricks

*_*_*_*

W is for What You Don’t Confess

What You Don't Confess is available now at 
Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers.

Bright and beautiful, Cassidy Barlow is one of Marionville’s new breed of movers and shakers. Outspoken on political and social issues, Cass draws a lot of media attention and knows how to use it. Out and proud, Cass makes no apologies for who he is, or who he wants – and he wants Dylan Donaghy. The only thing is, from where Cass stands, Dylan seems to be involved with two different men.

Coming out. The most difficult phrase in Dylan Donaghy's vocabulary. Handsome, successful, wealthy, he’s made it this far in life with only his closest friends knowing he’s gay. Dylan has a good reason for that to change – his deepening attraction to Cassidy Barlow. It doesn’t come easy, but Dylan takes a few first steps out of the closet. It’s his only choice if he wants to be with Cass, even though he knows Cass has some secrets of his own.

Every man has a private past, and an unwritten future. What he won’t confess stands between the two.  

N is for No More Time Management?

Day 14

April 16, 2016

2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge

No more time management? Seriously? Well, yeah. Who hasn’t been tempted to throw out the concept and fly by the seat of their pants? I’ve done it a few times, but I always drift back to my better habits.

If I stop paying attention to what I’m doing things in my life fall apart pretty fast. Chores pile up until I’ve got a mountain of my own making to climb. (We talked about mountain climbing yesterday.)

Saying no more time management is, to me, squandering the most valuable resource I have. I can get more clothes, more money, more everything except time. Time is a non-renewable resource. It’s in my best interest to make every moment count for something. I need to be intentional about time.

No more time management? Not this girl.

 KC Kendricks

www.kckendricks.com

www.twitter.com/kckendricks

F is for Focus

 Day 6

April 7, 2016

Welcome to the 2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the SIXTH year I’ve participated in the challenge. Yes, it may appear on the surface I’m a glutton for punishment, the truth is I think the A to Z is a lot of fun. Today's blog is about focus.  Thanks for stopping by Between the Keys! 

*_*_*_*_*

Attaining focus is not as easy as one would think. Distractions are everywhere and I’m a weak, imperfect writer. What should be easy is often elusive. So what is there to do?

The ability to focus is highly individualized. I can tell you what works for me, but you might need something radically different. I prefer quiet. You might like “white” background noise.

I think short meditation is helpful, but I don’t like to stare at a flame. I like to close my eyes and rest in the dark. You might like to burn a candle and focus on the fire.

Whatever method you employ, learning to focus is a helpful tool. I joked once that all my writing habits are bad ones so you don’t want to immolate me. It’s still true today. I schlep along working on a couple of projects at a time. I know they’ll all get finished. All I need is for one of the stories to strike a spark. When that happens, I get serious.

I shut down the Internet, close the door, turn off the rock and roll music, put the Kindle and the cell phone in the bedroom, and I focus on the story. Having been at this awhile, I can make a lot of headway if blot out the distractions.

None of us can focus for days and days on end. We’re humans. Variety keeps us healthy. But if you can focus, really focus, on the story for a space of time during every writing session, you’ll find it gets easier to do and the rewards reaped will be worth the effort.

KC Kendricks

www.kckendricks.com

www.twitter.com/kckendricks

*_*_*_*

Being a writer and talking about time, it seems appropriate to use this blogging opportunity to do a short book promo. Here’s a bit about Fly By Night, book five in the Sundown Saga.  

F is for Fly By Night

 

Lieutenant Fallon Roxbury has a few secrets. His lover Sundown is a shapeshifter, and his entire Clan is under Fallon’s protection. He can usually handle the job but the universe has conspired to align a few unusual events. A body was found at the old rail yard where the shapeshifters once had a village, the clan’s nestlings are about to mature, and his lover and his police partner are suddenly behaving like best friends.

When the clan elders confirm the identity of the murderer, Fallon has more trouble. The suspect is one of the city commissioners and the evidence points to him killing more than once. It’s up to Fallon to find legally admissible evidence to connect his cold case to the more recent murder. He’ll need some specialized help for that, the kind only Sundown can provide.

Bit by bit Fallon gathers evidence, not only about the murders, but about the secrets Sundown has kept. It’s a sobering reminder that looks can be deceiving, and the shapeshifter he shares his life with isn’t human.  

FLY BY NIGHT
Available now at All Romance eBooks

It's coming...soon... The 2016 A to Z Challenge!

February 16, 2016

Just up! The A to Z Challenge badges are posted so I went and snagged them all - letters A to Z and the main badge. I'm getting ready. Are you?

KC

www.kckendricks.com

www.twitter.com/kckendricks

www.facebook.com/kckendricks

Very funny!

October 11, 2015

A friend sent me this and it's the funniest joke I've read in a long time. I must share it. Enjoy!

"Oh, my God, they stole my story!" (IWSG)

October 7, 2015

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

There you are. It’s a rainy evening. You’ve written over one thousand words in the current work-in-progress and you’re winding it down for the day. A little surfing at your favorite online bookseller is in order. You can download a new book and tottle off to bed to do a little reading.

Not so fast. There is YOUR cover on someone else’s book! Okay, okay. You know everyone and their sister is buying cover stock from a rather limited pool. You just have to grin and bear it and remember you bought that cover stock because the guy is pretty sexy. 

So you scroll a few more pages and then it happens. Holy crap! SOMEONE STOLE YOUR TITLE!!!  Well, it’s not exactly your title. Your title’s The Alpha’s Broken Finger and this - this - this THIEF used The Alpha’s Broken Toe. And you can't copyright titles and names. But dammit! That’s awfully close. And both stories are about how his mate saves him.  What the heck is going on?? Is this something serious or did we simply inspire another writer? Haven't we all gotten inspiration from someone else somewhere along the line? Who hasn't read a story and been blown away by a particular turn of a phrase and then had it creep into our usage? 

I even had a fellow writer comment on this blog about the fact we both use the word "KEY" in our blog titles as though I stole the word directly from her mind. 

Plagiarism is a risk we all take when we publish a book. While I wrote the above tongue-in-cheek, the theft of intellectual property is no laughing matter. The honest among us have all seen covers and stories so similar to our own that the hair on our arms raises in alarm, disgust and anger. It’s not a good feeling. So what do we do about it?

If we accuse another writer of plagiarism and it turns out to be a weird coincidence, we’ve gained an enemy, one unlikely to ever forget. And do we want to apply the stigma of plagiarism to someone else who may have simply had a similar idea? How would we feel if we were unjustly accused of such a thing?

The serious among us view our work as both creation and business. There are steps we can take if we’ve been pirated (DMCA letters) or suspect plagiarism (an attorney versed in the applicable laws).  One of the sad truths about this business is it’s stacked against the author. We do the work of creation and everyone makes a profit on our backs.

I could let the ugliness of theft stop me from writing, but I won’t. I could put my money into lawyer fees (and if seriously pissed off I will). I submit DMCA letters albeit in a lazy fashion. For better or for worse I’ve accepted the risk because I believe Karma exists.

I know that sooner or later savvy readers will catch on and avoid suspect “authors.” The problem of deliberate, premeditated theft is so pervasive that even with a hundred thousand keyboards raised against it, it’s not going to go away. And that’s not right and that’s not fair.

The best thing I can do is put my energy into writing the next story and not dwell on the inequities of this business. I could allow it to discourage me, but I won’t. I do what I do for the honest readers and there are enough of them left to keep me going. And that will just have to be good enough until karma kicks butt.

KC Kendricks

http://www.kckendricks.com

http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks

ISWG: The Most Important Thing I've Learned on Pinterest

September 2, 2015

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

I’m a Pinterest addict. There. I’ve admitted it. And I can do that because we all know I write fiction. But truly. I love Pinterest. All the pretty pictures and colors. The neat craft ideas. The cats! The puppies! The writing funnies…

So I found this bit of advice: Keep Calm - it's only a first draft. Oh, my goodness, are these words to take to heart.

So you’ve written the story and the hero’s name changed halfway through. Keep calm. It’s only the first draft. You can fix it.

So you’ve written the story and the hero started out with brown eyes and ended up with blue eyes. Keep calm. It’s only the first draft. You can fix it.

So you published the story and six months later it suddenly occurs to you how you could write it better. Keep calm. It’s only the first edition. You can fix it.

 

I could go on and on, drawing from the vast pool of my past mistakes, but I’ll get to the point and move on for the day.

No mistake you make is an original mistake. It's been made before so don’t beat yourself up over it. Honestly. Someone, probably many someones, have accomplished the same feat. 

When I started out a good piece of prevailing wisdom was to polish, polish, polish that manuscript before you submit it. 

Okay, that’s good advice. You should have your manuscript as spic and span as humanly possible, but don’t get sidetracked when your beta reader/crit partner points out your hero started out with blond hair and now he has black hair. Don’t get insulted. Don’t argue. Don’t throw a temper tantrum.

Keep calm and fix it. It’s only the first draft. 

KC Kendricks

http://www.kckendricks.com

http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks

Surrendered Victory by KC Kendricks

July 27, 2015

It's been a while since I've done a promo on the very first KC Kendricks book ever written. This evening seemed like a good time to share one. -KC
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Surrendered Victory
KC Kendricks

Contemporary gay romance

Dalton makes Reed tingle in all the right places. Now Reed’s ready to answer the question that’s haunted his every failed relationship. Is he really gay?

Reed walked into Dalton’s life and everything changed. This time, Dalton won’t hide the fact he’s gay from anyone, even his son.

Together they surrender all to each other and claim the ultimate victory - love.

EXCERPT

We tapped our shot glasses together and downed the golden-brown nectar in unison. Funny how I’d never cared too much for the stuff and now I liked it. Dalton flopped down on the bed beside me. My gaze dropped to his groin.

He shook his head. “First, I have a question.”

“Shoot.”

He grinned, showing even white teeth. “Does the elder Mr. Kauffman know you’re gay?”

I snorted. “What makes you think I’m gay? Because I’m naked in bed with another man?”

“Well, Reed, that is sorta my first clue.”

The nervous tapping of his left index finger drew me. “If you want a cigarette, go get one.”

Dalton shot me a sideways glance. “I’ve had my one for today. I’ve come this far to quitting, I’m not backsliding now.”

It didn’t seem wise to point out to him if he could get by on one a day he could get by on none. I chose a safer course. “Congratulations. It’s a tough addiction to break.”

“So is boffing guys up the ass. I’m not even going to think about rehabbing myself on that. Are you going to answer my question?”

“I wouldn’t want you to, and no, dear old Dad does not know for certain his heir likes boys,” I told him dryly.

“That’s not the talk.”

“Oh? That’s always been the talk, and I’m sure he’s heard it. That’s why, when I broke it off with the last girlfriend, his head exploded. The fallout of that eruption landed me out here where he doesn’t have to look at his ‘failure.’” I sighed and stroked his cheek with my knuckles.

“His loss.” Dalton propped up on his elbow and looked down at me, his face earnest in the light from the bathroom. “Do you think you’re a failure?”

“Because I’m gay?”

Jesus, I’d uttered those two syllables as though they were merely words and didn’t define my past, present and future all at once. I’d come a long way in the space of a few hours. Or had I? I’d been moving toward tonight for a long time.

Dalton splayed his hand in the center of my chest, his middle finger gently tapping the flat disk of my nipple.

“I’ve failed at a lot of things, but never at being me,” I said.

His face underwent a curious change, morphing from earnestly curious, to surprise, to something akin to pleasure, before turning sad.

“You’re one of the lucky ones then.” He trailed his hand down my torso to my belly button. I nipped his shoulder.

“Go lower, Dalton. Just a few inches lower.”

He pinned me to the bed with a quick, controlled roll, the move of a street fighter. A frisson of excitement, mixed with trepidation, swept me. Those large, calloused hands cupped my face.

“Reed, you have to be sure. If you’re not, we’ll call it a night.”

That notion scared me worse than anything he would physically do to me. If he backed off now, I’d never get this close to him again. The demons we both danced with would see to it.

Before I could answer, his mouth claimed mine, searing my lips as his fused to mine. My world reeled as his kiss stole my breath. His body covered mine, tense with the urgency of his desire and his demand. His intention was clear. He meant to have me before I could change my mind. I cupped his ass and pulled him closer.

A low moan rumbled in his chest as his arms held me still. My cock filled to bursting. He guided my hands to the headboard and I grasped the rail and held on as he licked his way down my chest.

Surrendered Victory
more info at www.kckendricks.com/SurrenderedVictory.html

KC Kendricks
Visit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks

A Fine Foggy Morning

July 3, 2015

It's a fine foggy morning in my corner of the world. Being the start of a four-day weekend, I'm not surprised. To make the best use of the weather, we're setting fire to a brush pile later this morning. Mother Nature provides no shortage of tree limbs for our little fires. It's up to us to burn wisely, that being when the ground is damp and there's no wind to speak of. 

The ground here is most certainly damp. This June just past has been quite the rainy season. The annuals in my big pots have loved it, but notice the pool in the background? I've been in the pool exactly THREE times. 

Yes, yes, I'm well aware the average temperature in my location for June hovers around 72F. I know this because of local meteorologists keeping records for over a century. (http://i4weather.net/climate.html#TEMPERATURE). Anyway, with all the talk of global warming, I expected better pool temps. Apparently I'm not the only one who's wrong on that. Ten years ago the average temperature for June in my neck of the woods was 73.4F. This year, with global warming, it was 72.6F. I should have gotten a pool thirty years ago and saved the planet. 

Yes, my sarcasm is showing and that usually happens only at the day job. My apologies. 

To remedy the cool-and-not-in-a-good-way pool temps, we've purchased a solar heating mat. Cost about $25 at that big online monster we all have a love/hate relationship with. My plan for the morning was to hop out of bed and install that puppy asap in hopes of the water in the pool warming to a nice 88F by this afternoon. 

But it's a fine foggy morning here. I think I've time to take a cup of coffee to the patio and enjoy the quiet first. Fire and water can wait. 

KC
www.kckendricks.com

Z is for Zen

April 30, 2015

Day 26

The 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge

Many Sundry Things

We’ve reached the conclusion of the 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge. Yep, it’s the last day and the letter Z. I want to thank each of you who stopped by either once or twice, or even every day. Between the Keys is my journal, of sorts. It’s a mix of promo and a conscious sharing of my life. It’s both a simple and faceted view of this writer’s world.  So on to ZEN.

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Z if for Zen

The Buddhists have a word for the search for insight into self and the expression of those insights in daily life, especially to the benefit of those around us – Zen. The word conjures up images of peaceful gardens with fragrant flowers and gently flowing brooks.

Zen is a concept lately come to the western world. Travel to the Far East contributed to its spread as did its acceptance by a few of the peace, pot and Woodstock poets. Zen has a tenet that says we are all originally enlightened.

Anyone who has peered with love into the eyes of a child can believe that. There is a point in life where a child is the embodiment of Zen. They are only truly aware of who they are. They don’t have the words for it, but you can see it in their eyes. They are beings of internal peace. It’s developing an awareness of the world that makes them forget that, but that’s a blog for another time. 

So if as Zen states we all start out in life originally enlightened, does that mean it’s possible to reclaim the enlightenment? Can we, through hard work and steadfast belief, once again become a creature of Zen and peace?

When I was a girl, I had this written on my vanity mirror:

“You are yourself and no one else, and within you is a stillness and a sanctuary where you can be yourself.”

That may be as close to Zen as I can get. 

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Thank you, each and every one, for traveling the 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge with me. I hope you'll come back from time-to-time and see what's happening in my world. 

Now when the heck are they going to give us the 2015 Survivor Badge?????

KC Kendricks

http://www.kckendricks.com 

L is for Love (and Leather Jackets by KC Kendricks)

April 14, 2015 

Day 12

The 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge

Many Sundry Things

L is for Love

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Love. Who doesn’t appreciate the concept of “love?” We feel and express love in many different ways, which can be confusing to some. The ancient Greeks came up with different definitions for a very complex emotion: Agape, Philia, Philautia, Pragma, Storge, and Eros.

As someone who writes in the romance genre, Eros love is what comes front and center in my stories. Eros is emotional love that creates sexual arousal and passion. If you’re old enough to be reading this blog, you know where that love leads consenting adults. The ancient Greeks often feared the loss of control that can accompany Eros love.

Storge love is what we generally share with family. It’s an unconditional love that accepts the craziness of others and drives you to forgive them when they do stupid things. Where Storge love differs from Philia love is it can sometimes deepen into a romantic relationship while maintaining the deep friendship that brought you together.

Pragma love is the mature love and deep understanding of couples who’ve been together a long time and honor their commitment to each other no matter what happens. Pragma. Pragmatic.

Philia love is platonic love among equals. Platonic love is what you feel towards your friends. It allows for affection without sexual feelings. There’s also Philautia love which is the healthy love of self, not to be confused with narcissism which is the unhealthy version.

Agape love. Agape love is a committed, chosen and unconditional love that accepts another even if you don’t like the person. It’s the love of the 1960’s where pop songs urged us to “smile on your brother.” I first heard the word “agape” as a young girl in church so the word is very connected to Christianity for me. It’s the love Jesus urged upon his disciples when he instructed them to love one another. I think this is an easy love in concept and a difficult love in practice, but well worth learning how to practice. 

So that’s the [very] brief primer on love.  

KC Kendricks

http://www.kckendricks.com

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Once again this year I have to do a little book promo along the way. You won’t know about my books if I don’t tell you about them, right?

L is for Leather Jackets 

Bonus blog content: I confess to having a bit of fun with Leather Jackets. You see, the word “that” is a hot button for my editor at Amber Quill. She goes through and flags every instance of the word. By choosing Thatcher as a last name for a character, and having Wynn call him Thatcher from time-to-time, I put a kink in her automatic software. Problem solved to this day…

Now for the blurb –

Jude Thatcher needs a life fix. He walked away from a serious love affair, lost the job he worked years to get, and his severance pay is dwindling. A little dancing is in order to help clear his head, so Jude takes a stroll to the local nightclub and gets a surprise.

Wynn DeRocher’s talent and ambition catapulted his band to the top of the charts, but he paid a steep price to achieve success. He needs a flesh and blood man, one who understands the demands of his music. He needs the man he let get away - Jude Thatcher.

Wynn pitches a proposal - a lucrative job modeling the band’s new line of logo’d clothing. Jude accepts but both men know it’ll take more than fancy dinners and limo rides to convince Jude to risk his heart again.

To covet might be a sin, but Jude needs a gesture of good faith. And he wants Wynn’s leather jacket as much as he wants Wynn. Almost.

  

LEATHER JACKETS 
Book six of the Men of Marionville series
Contemporary gay romance available now 
Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers. 

 KC Kendricks

My home on the web- Between the Keys: 

http://kckendricks.blogspot.com

Visit my bookshelf at: 

https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/the-bookshelf-of-kc-kendricks-and-rayne.html

Social media links:

My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com

Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com

twitter.com/kckendricks

facebook.com/kckendricks

pinterest.com/kckendricks/boards

instagram.com/kc_kendricks

A Conversation Between Writers - Diet is Die with a T

February 20, 2015

Brenda and I seem to obsess about dieting. Maybe if we lived closer (she's in Alabama and I'm in Maryland) we'd be a better influence on each other. 

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Brenda Williamson:

Made out my grocery list for dieting again. If only I'd lose as many pounds as I do diets.  Decided this time to do a successful one- The South Beach Diet. Well, its successful if I stick to it! Actually most diets are successful, I’m the one that's the problem. No one has come out with the all you can eat mashed potato, mac &cheese, or cake diet. I like South Beach because all I have to do is follow their prepared menu every day. But first I have to throw out everything in the kitchen and restock with all the right foods.

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KC Kendricks: 

Diet is DIE with a T. I wish I could stick to one, any of them. My problem is I must eat to survive and I've no clue as to how little it takes to survive. Plus, I stress eat over work. I need to not give a crap about what goes on there and concentrate on happy thoughts.

+ + + + 

Thankfully on my end, this conversation took place before the former CEO retired. Life is much better now. Read more here.