E is for Eye of the Beholder (KC Kendricks) A to Z Blogging

Friday, April 5, 2013
Day 5 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge

It's All About the Books

What is in the eye of the beholder? Everything! Even to the A to Z Blogging Challenge. This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and although creating 26 blogs to post in 30 days isn’t any easier this time than last, I hope to once again make it through on time. It takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.

I’m not sure where my fascination with voyeurism came from. Maybe growing up with television played a part. It’s a media that turns us all into voyeurs of varying degrees. Anyway, I wanted to explore it a bit and see how it could fit into my writing and Eye of the Beholder sprang into being. I think I’ll delve into it again before it’s all said and done, but for now, this story suffices.

What have you seen out your window?

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EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Contemporary gay romance

https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/eye-of-beholder-by-kc-kendricks.html

Eye of the Beholder is now available at
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes/Apple, Kobo

and other online booksellers

Some neighbors share more than others...

Andy Madison is city born and bred. Filling in for a friend at a coffee shop, Andy meets Ben Hardin and sparks fly. They spend a long, lazy Sunday afternoon together to get to know each other, and when they decide to let nature take its course, they go to Ben’s cozy apartment.

Ben’s taking his time becoming acclimated to his new life in the big city. He’s got a great job he loves, he’s making new friends, and his starter apartment has the most incredible views a young man could dream of. Ben’s discovered there’s more to admire than the arts, music and architecture. All he has to do is look out his window and across the narrow alley.

Andy thinks he’s seen it all living in the Big Apple, but what he spies through Ben’s window is something that can only be enjoyed by the eye of the beholder...

INTRO:

I'd chosen to sleep on the side of the bed beside the one and only window in the apartment. It might have made a different decision if the window faced east, but it didn't. I peered out through the streaky glass at the glow of the city lights and wondered if I'd someday make enough money to have a real view. The surprising, and scary, answer to that musing was I actually might. My employer recognized my talent.

I was just about to tuck my toes under the sheet when for no real reason a movement on the other side of the narrow alley drew my attention. I yawned as the lights in the apartment across the way and down a story went out. The lower half of the window rose about six to eight inches and a pair of male hands set a block to keep it from falling closed. The hands, now unseen, pushed the sheer curtains apart to allow what little breeze stirred this night entrance to his room. Naked, he flopped down on his bed, his back arched as he stretched his arms over his head.

Why I didn't crawl between the sheets and go to sleep will forever remain a mystery. I never aspired to be a peeping Tommy. I might watch a little gay porn now and again, but what poor deprived country boy hadn't resorted to the joys of the Internet to get by until they could find a real man? That didn't make me a pervert. Unlike a few of the tricks I'd had since arriving in lower Manhattan, I didn't even like to have sex in public places. But in the blink of an eye I became a voyeur.

EXCERPT:

...Andy was sorta cute. I could invite him to a movie this afternoon and see what he said. It was one sure way to find out which team he batted for. “When do you get off, Andy?”
A smile played at his lips as he cocked his head to the left and raised his eyebrow. “Usually about midnight every night, one way or the other.”

I bet I looked stupid with my mouth hanging open. A wide grin split his face, then he laughed, a low, happy sound that said he was pleased to have rendered me speechless. Andy sobered, at least a little.

“Are you attempting to ask me out?”

I gripped my coffee cup for dear life as I gathered my wits. “I’m not sure now. I think you might need to go home and get some sleep.”

He leaned forward and brushed his knuckles across mine. “I don’t like to sleep alone, Ben.”

The smooth, silky way he said my name made me shiver, but I’m sure he intended that I would. Heart thudding unevenly in my chest, I met his gaze.

“Me neither, Andy, and I happen to be free around midnight.” I didn’t add that if we went to my place I’d make damn sure my curtains were safety-pinned closed.

He leaned forward again. “Tell you what. Give me your cell phone number and I’ll call you when my shift is finally over.”

"That'll work. We can figure out what happens between now and midnight then.”

Andy smiled and shoved the rest of his muffin in his mouth as another customer hustled in out of the rain.

“Be right with you,” he called out as he stood. “I don’t know how long I’ll be, but I’ll call. Swear.”

“I need to head home to make myself all sexy, so you do what you have to do.”

He flashed me a parting grin and slipped behind the counter, then schmoozed with the new arrival. It was in my mind to wait a while before leaving, but the rain suddenly eased. Within minutes, the coffee shop was full of people. I cleared the little table and made a strategic exit. I saw no point in trying to distract him from his work just to say goodbye. A certain level of maturity was called for in these situations, or so I told myself.

On the other hand, I had a hookup for today that had a lot of potential. Andy was a friendly, charming fellow. Maybe I’d end up with a fuck buddy, which would be fine with me. What lonely fellow on his own in the big, bad city couldn’t use one of those from time-to-time?

As predicted, the rain kicked the humidity up yet another notch. Everything from the streetlights to the trees to building canopies dripped, but my trusty umbrella kept my newspaper dry. The apartment was stifling when I opened the door, but then the air conditioning cycled on. I toed off my shoes and settled at the table to finish my almost cold coffee and leaf through the paper. If Andy did call, I didn’t want to spend the entire day in bed.

Unless, of course, he could get it up more times in an afternoon than I was capable of doing. That would be a game changer, not to mention it would impress the hell out of me.

The paper yielded a few possible activities. I circled them, put on a fresh pot of coffee, and took a fast shower. It was almost eleven o’clock when Andy finally called. He wanted to dash home for a shower and suggested we meet at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street at one o’clock.

There was a movie he wanted to see, his treat, then we could get an early dinner, nothing fancy, my treat. After that, we’d see how the evening shaped up. It sounded like a perfect afternoon, and I quickly agreed.

It didn’t take long for me to get nervous. I liked Andy and I didn’t want to screw up a simple date, but what if he was the clingy sort? I wasn’t looking for forever, just a good time tonight. If I got a different vibe from him, I’d have to make my intentions clear without hurting his feelings.

Nothing like getting ahead of myself. Jeez. And to keep from doing it again, I decided to wear a white T-shirt and jeans. Simple, yet sexy, with the message today was about fun.

Or maybe something else was already in the cards.

Andy greeted me with a kiss...

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Eye of the Beholder is now available at
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes/Apple, Kobo
and other online booksellers

Contemporary gay romance

https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/eye-of-beholder-by-kc-kendricks.html

KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys: http://kckendricks.blogspot.com
twitter.com/kckendricks
facebook.com/kckendricks
pinterest.com/kckendricks/boards
instagram.com/kc_kendricks
My country life at Holly Tree Manor

 

A to Z Blogging Challenge: D is for Double Deuce

April 4, 2013

It's All About the Books

Day 4 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge

D is for Double Deuce

This is my third year as an A to Z participant. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends. While I've resisted a major promo blowout during the past two years, this time It's All About the Books. It could be pure promo or it could be the story behind the story. There might even be an interview with a character, or with the author. Maybe a character has the same hobbies or something like that. I’m not sure just how it will shake out, but I think I’m going to have a lot fun this year. 

Welcome to Between the Keys and the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! 

­­­_*_*_*_*_

One of the hazards of being a writer is falling just a little bit in love with a character. It’s easy to make big plans for them and then difficult to bring those plans to fruition.  And it’s not because of fading passion for them - oh no! It’s time, or rather no time.

Every writer I know is busy, so it’s not just me. Family, friends and day jobs all take a big chunk out of everyone’s day which is more proof writers are just regular folk. Add in the shopping, the laundry, cooking, making sure we step away from the keyboard to get enough exercise sucks even more minutes out of our day. So when I say it's taken a long time to get back to Ian and Rick and the Double Deuce, it’s the truth! Is that a teaser? You betcha! The next installment of Ian and Rick's story is coming out in May - finally!

 So to get you ready for Deuce of Diamonds (book 2), here's a look at their beginning - Double Deuce. Just perfect for our D-day of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. 

­­­_*_*_*_*_

DOUBLE DEUCE
Contemporary gay romance mystery
available now Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

Free spirited Ian Coulter works hard and plays harder. An ex-cop turned private investigator, Ian enjoys meeting new men and making new friends. A night out ends up with one man on the floor at his feet, and another asking for his help. Big trouble’s brewing in little Amethyst Cove, and Ian’s a step behind. He’s quick to see Rick Mohr is the man holding the flare at the end a long, dark tunnel. 

Undercover agent Rick Mohr walks a fine line, serving two masters. Insider trading, counterfeit printing plates, and a blown-up yacht have Rick stuck between two Federal agencies, one of which has been compromised. Rick has to discover the mole before it’s too late. When Ian Coulter walks into his life, Rick grabs the chance to salvage his assignment with both hands. 

It doesn’t take Ian and Rick long to discover joining forces, and sharing resources, has definite perks - ones not found in any departmental manual. 

INTRO:

“And yet, here you sit across from me.”

“For one thing, this is the first time I’ve actually gotten a look at you. No one ever said you were so…” He paused and blinked at me.

I helped him out. “Hot?”

Rick grinned. “The very word I was searching for.”

“You’re full of shit, Rick Mohr. What do you really want?”

“I’ve heard you like to have fun—safe fun. Was I misinformed?”

And they called me a slut. Rick had me beat for moving in on a guy fast. “I love to have ‘fun—safe fun,’ but I don’t know you. I haven’t seen you around at any of the local haunts.”

“Well, you know how it is. Boy meets boy. Boy falls in love. Boy gets dumped after eleven years and has to work hard to get back into the swing of things.”

I tapped the wide silver band he wore on his left ring finger. “Hmm. I’ve heard of that. Some weird word that starts with an ‘R.’”

“Relationship?”

I snapped my fingers. “That’s the one! Can’t say as I have any first-hand experience with it.”

Rick sighed. “I actually liked it, although I thought it would have a longer shelf-life.”

I sipped the lemony drink I’d had such a craving for. That craving, and another stronger one, was about to land me in trouble, I just knew it.

“I’ll tell you something, Rick. I don’t like men who cheat on their partners.”

His level gaze met mine. “I don’t have a partner. I have an ex-partner.”

“Why not take off the ring?”

“Truth? I’m not quite ready to have guys hitting on me. Maybe you can help me get over the hump.”

Years of cruising men, of reading their body language and looking into lots of pretty eyes gave me a good read on him. He wasn’t being honest with me about something, but it had nothing to do with the ring, the ex-partner, or the fact he liked to have control of the situation. The little voice inside, the one that never steered me wrong when it was time to cut and run, was silent, and I wanted to learn more about him.

The bottom line was we both wanted to get laid, no strings attached. I could do that for him.

Call me Dr. Love or whatever. He wanted over the hump, and I was more than happy to help him out with that.

“So, Rick, why don’t we finish our drinks, then blow this joint and go find a more private place?”

DOUBLE DEUCE

Contemporary gay romance mystery
available now Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

KC Kendricks

website at: http://www.kckendricks.com

blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks

C is for Catching Fireflies

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Day 3 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge

It's All About the Books

This the third year I’ve participated in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. It’s not an easy task to set for oneself. It takes a lot of organization, but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.

For this year’s challenge, It's All About the Books and today highlights a new release, Catching Fireflies. Catching Fireflies is the sequel to Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea. Both stories are set on Ocracoke Island, and if you read yesterday’s blog, you know the story of why I chose the island setting. Yes, that’s an unabashed ploy to get you to scroll down.

Whether you followed Between the Keys in 2011 and 2012, or you’re a 2013 newcomer to the A-Z Challenge, thanks for stopping by and getting to know me. I hope you’ll enjoy Catching Fireflies.

_*_*_*_*_

Dale Langley longs for some triple R time - rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin’s invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He’s always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it’s time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life.

Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend’s commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey’s had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break - and a little solitude. House sitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.
Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.


EXCERPT
His hand on my knee snapped me back to the here and now. I looked around to find everyone hovering over the steaks sharing grilling secrets, and paying no attention to us.

I tried not to notice the warmth of Aubrey’s palm on my skin, but failed miserably. At least if I got hard, I was sitting down and my T-shirt was loose enough to hide it if I leaned forward. Or maybe crossed my legs. Or sank beneath the glider - or the ground. Thankfully, the thought of how embarrassed I’d be kept an erection at bay. Barely.

“You know, hon. I like to walk along the water after dinner. Why don’t you join me?”

I must’ve had a stupid expression on my face. He tilted his head. “No hanky-panky, of course, being that we just met.”

No one even glanced in our direction so I leaned toward him. “Um, sure. A walk would be nice. If I try to hold your hand are you going to stop me?”

“That’s all you can hold tonight, sugar. I don’t know anything about you, and I have to make sure you don’t bite before we get to know each other better.” He looked down then slowly lifted his beautiful gaze back to mine. “And you’re hiding something.”

I shivered as the memories of the vicious blows I’d received at the hands of strangers taunted me.

“I only nibble the occasional earlobe, and my secrets are my own, Aubrey. There’s nothing in them to hurt anyone else.”

He studied me for a few moments, his fascinating blue gaze enigmatic. “Fair enough, Dale.” He sighed. “I do have my own. What?”

“I could stare into your eyes forever.”

Aubrey didn’t blink. “If I had a dollar for every time some tomcat said that to me, I’d be rich…”

_*_*_

Catching Fireflies is available at
Amazon, iTunes/Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo,
and other online booksellers. 


KC Kendricks
website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kckendricks
mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys

2013 A-Z: Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

It's All About the Books

Day 2 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge

B is for Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea

Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and I hope to once again make it through on time. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.

This year, It’s All About the books and today for B we have Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea. The story is set on Ocracoke Island, a fave vacation spot of a cousin of mine. I love the pictures she takes of the island and the stories about the residents. One of these years I plan to accompany her and see Ocracoke. Until then, her pictures, and her stories, will have to suffice.

Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea has been a sort of unofficial fourth story in the Southern Cross series. With Catching Fireflies, it’s “officially” the fourth installment and Catching Fireflies is the fifth. Yes, website updates are definitely in order.  

_*_*_*_*_

Chad Collier’s had enough of providing stud service to rich men. It’s true he’s had more fun than any one man deserves, but now it’s time to make a plan for the rest of his life. At the urging of a mentor, he takes a leap of faith and breaks with his old ways. Yet a job interview lands him smack in the path of Darcy Paulson, the sort of rich man Chad vowed to avoid. 

Darcy Paulson came of age as the prodigal son in a wealthy manufacturing dynasty. Every man he’s ever met has been after his money, until Chad Collier shows up on his doorstep. Darcy finds Chad prickly, standoffish, and utterly irresistible. Smitten by Chad’s dark good looks and determination to stand on his own two feet, Darcy is happy to give him an opportunity. It doesn’t take long for them to figure out that some private, no-strings fun is what they both need.

An unexpected event brings them face-to-face with the truth. The magic that happens between the moon and the deep blue sea is something a man can’t own, and it can be fully experienced only in the arms of a lover...


INTRO:

…His low, husky voice rippled over me in the small space. I stood still, unmoving, caught between fight and flight, as his warm palm stroked my side. I looked up into his glittering eyes and fell into his intent. Hot blood pooled in my groin. My cock surged full in a handful of pounding heartbeats. Darcy’s dark pink tongue flicked over his lips, leaving them moist. He meant to kiss me and, against all better judgment, I wanted him to do it. I gripped his hips and pulled him closer.

Darcy’s lips touched mine, soft and clinging, whispering promises. The sweet contact jolted though me with its unexpected tenderness. His tongue teased my lower lip, and all too soon he pulled away and left me wanting more. Darcy’s thumb traced the path across my mouth his tongue had taken. He licked his lips, as though he could still taste me. All the while I stood rooted to the floor, aching for him to kiss me again, and cursing my own cowardice. I knew if I kissed him, he wouldn’t push me away, but I…

“I won’t hurt you, Chad. I swear.”

“Don’t promise me anything, Darcy. You don’t know where my head is these days.”
His hands skimmed my sides. “Fair enough. Just don’t lie to me and tell me you don’t want to be kissed again.”

I let my hands fall from his hips. “What I want and what’s best for me right now are several galaxies apart.”

Darcy studied me for the longest thirty seconds of my life, then nodded. “Okay. I’m backing off.” The corner of his mouth twitched in a quirky smile. “I don’t want to, but I will.”

The tiny spark of hope longing for him to push me past my reluctance died, and only when it faded did I realize what I’d done…


EXCERPT:

If the blowjob was hot, was it still stupid? I knew the answer was ‘yes’, but I kissed him anyway. I didn’t linger at his lips – I needed to catch my breath.

“So. Darcy. You always carry a rubber in your pocket?”

He snorted and rolled me onto my back. “I’m gay. What do you think? Don’t you?”

“I usually do, but this wasn’t in the plan, you know.” I grabbed his hands to stop him from pulling my pants completely off. “Let me up.”

“Oh no. I want you, Chad. I’ve got another rubber, and this was in my plan.”

His intent jolted through me. He meant to fuck me right here on the floor. I held him at arm’s length. “Now, wait a minute. This isn’t going to work for me.”

Darcy froze. His expression darkened as he moved toward anger. “You think it’s acceptable to leave me hanging, all hot and bothered, so long as you get off?”

“Don’t get pissy with me, Darcy. I’ve never let a guy up my ass, and this…”

“Never!”

“For God’s sake, don’t look so shocked. I’ll laugh, and you’ll be all hurt.” I twisted out of his grasp and tried to yank my jeans up. Strong hands closed around my hips to pull me back into the curve of his body. Soft lips nibbled on the back of my neck as his fingers teased my ass.

“I agree. The kitchen floor isn’t the place for auspicious beginnings. My bed is.”

I’d gone all shivery from what he was doing to my butt. The light strokes of his fingertips brought to memory the moans of pleasure I’d drawn from other men. Could he do that to me?

“Let me go, Darcy. I not ready for this.”

I felt the anger snap through him. It was there in the way the length of his lean body stiffened, the sharp intake of his breath. Abruptly, he shoved away from me and rolled to his knees.

“My mistake, Chad. You won’t get the chance to use me again.”

His words cut painfully into the part of me that struggled to break free of the mistakes of the past. I tripped my way to my feet, tossed the used rubber in the trashcan, and zipped up.

“I’m not using you. You started this. Yeah, I was wrong not to stop you, but you bushwhacked me – twice now!”

Darcy got to his feet with more grace than I’d mustered, and glared at me. Even pissed off, he had pretty blue eyes.

“Why the fuck didn’t you stop me? Oh, yeah. Must have been that woody you popped up for me, huh?”

“Pardon me all to hell for being human! I never said I don’t find you attractive.”

Darcy’s eyebrows slid toward his hairline. I refused to blink under his scrutiny.

“Andrew says you’re broke.”

Maybe I was broke in more ways than one, but Darcy referred to my lack of funds. “What if I am? Do you think I’d come all this way looking for work if I had money?”

“Why didn’t the ex, what was his name? Sidney? Why didn’t he set you up?”

“Because I wouldn’t take his money. I didn’t want it. So now what are you going to do, Mr. Paulson? Offer to pay to fuck me?”

Darcy looked me up and down, then shrugged. “I’m going to eat my dinner unless it’s charred to ash.”

I stood, my mouth hanging open, as he got the bottle of wine out of the freezer and a corkscrew out of the drawer.

I hadn’t even gotten my hands on his dick.

_*_*_

Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea is available at Amazon and other online booksellers. 

KC Kendricks
Visit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Read my personal blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Find me on facebook - http://facebook.com/kckendricks

2013 A to Z: A Hard Habit to Break

Monday, April 1, 2013

It's All About the Books

Day 1 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge

A is for A Hard Habit to Break

Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge and participation is A Hard Habit to Break. I hope to once again make it through on time, but it’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.

This year, It's All About the Books. In previous years I resisted a major promo blowout -tooting my own horn, as it were, but this year I’m going for it. It could be pure promo or it could be the story behind the story. There might even be an interview with a character or two. Maybe a character has the same hobbies or something like that. I’m not sure just how it will shake out, but I think I’m going to have a lot fun this year. 

So come ‘walk’ with me on my winding path to Z in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge.

_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

When my publisher put out a call for stories of best friends turned lovers, I was lucky enough to have a story on my plot board I could easily adapt to that theme. I had the characters - Heath and Travis - and all I had to do was write a few more details into their backstory. Halfway through the actual writing, I realized I had the first book of three in the setting of the fictional town of Marionville.

The Men of Marionville series currently numbers six and is on a brief hiatus. It would be too easy to place every story in the world of Marionsville so I won't do that. I'd get bored. You'd get bored. Not a good thing, BUT...I'm set to revisit Marionville later this year and again in mid to late 2014. Until then, you can get a jump on the series with A Hard Habit to Break - a very apropos place to start the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. Enjoy!

A HARD HABIT TO BREAK(book one of the Men of Marionville series)

Available now at Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and other online booksellers. 

As the reigning stud of the local gay club scene, every guy in the county knows Travis Templeton, and vies for his attention. Travis wears his crown lightly, careful not to break any hearts. He knows what it’s like to really love someone who doesn’t love you back-at least, not in the way you want.

Heath Kelley made the biggest mistake of his life the night before his best friend Travis left for college. One small action snowballed into years of silent misunderstanding and empty distance. When Heath accepts a transfer that sends him to his hometown, he doesn’t know Travis has moved back home, too. It doesn’t take long for the men to reconnect.

Admitting they never stopped thinking of each other as “best friends” is easy. Forgiveness of past sins is easy, but confessing their secrets comes harder. When Heath discovers the truth about Travis’ private life, the newly repaired bonds of friendship are stretched taut.

It’s time for Travis to choose – the love of his best friend, or a life of being second best.

EXCERPT:

The ghost of his lips slid coolly over mine like they had so many times over the years, a phantom whisper that raised gooseflesh on the back of my thighs and buttocks. Travis fixed me with a stare far colder than my memories. His angry, hurt voice froze my insides.

“You had what I wanted, Heath. You were normal. You dated girls. You fucked girls.” He sucked in a deep, difficult breath. When he spoke again, the anger was gone, but not the hurt.

“Then you kissed me and brought the very thing I hated right to my bed. How could you do that to me? Why didn’t you tell me you were really gay?”

Stunned, my knees wobbled, and I leaned back against his car before they gave out and I ended up on the pavement. Never had I imagined he felt such self-loathing. I hadn’t seen it, but then I’d been just seventeen. Liking some girls muddied the water for me, and I never thought of myself as anything but straight, back then.

What I felt for Travis was special, outside everything, and everyone, else. He was my best friend. I was a senior in college before I dared put a name to my sexuality, and begin to accept what it meant.

My chest ached. Thirteen years lost.

A HARD HABIT TO BREAKAvailable now at Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other online booksellers. 

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:

twitter.com/kckendricks

facebook.com/kckendricks

pinterest.com/kckendricks/boards

instagram.com/kc_kendricks

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

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

Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge!

Sunday, March 31, 2013


Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and I hope to once again make it through on time. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.

In 2011, I flew into the challenge by the seat of my pants. The blogosphere (do they still use that word?) is full of information and it’s impossible to hear about every fun thing that comes down the road. I skated into the challenge at the very last minute, but I’m sure it happened the way it was supposed to happen. I was so stoked to have finished all thirty posts on time, I was ready to dig into the 2012 prep work - and I did.

One of my goals has been to write about my experiences in the industry. I don’t think my path has been either mundane or unique. It simply has been my path. So in 2012 I focused on sharing my experiences and geared the blogs toward those just starting out. If I helped just one new writer, or even someone who’s been at it awhile, I did what I set out to do.

So on to 2013…….

I wasn’t sure how 2013 would shake out as I prepared the calendar, but I’ve settled on what I believe is a good mix of material. This year, It’s All About the Books. I resisted a major promo blowout in past years -tooting my own horn, as they say - but this year I’m going for it. Some days are pure promo and others are more about the story behind the story. There’s even going to be an interview with a character, which I think is a first for me.

So come ‘walk’ with me on my winding path to Z in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. I think you’ll enjoy it.

And of course, this introduction to the Challenge wouldn't be complete without a "thank you" to its creator, Arlee Bird. You can check out his blog Tossing It Out at http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/ .

KC Kendricks

http://www.kckendricks.com

 

Huzzah!!! Season Five of Justified

March 28, 2013

Happy dance! Happy dance! The word just hit the airwaves that FX has renewed Justified for season five. (As if they'd dare not renew the best show they have on!)

I'm hooked on Justified. Yeah, yeah, Timothy Olyphant is pretty easy on the eyes but that's not the sum total of why I like the show. Sure I could follow in my friend Yvonne's pin-steps and devote a Pinterest board to him but she does an excellent job so I gaze at her pins. And he's not just nice to look at, the man is a fine actor. Raylan is an open enigma. Not just anyone can pull that off the way Tim does.

I like Nick Searcy whose character Art plays perfectly beside Raylan. Let's face it - Art was Raylan when he was younger. He had to be. How else would he understand Raylan so well? And Nick Searcy himself is a hoot. Check out his School of Acting if you get a chance.

Then there is Boyd Crowder. I can't imagine anyone other than Walton Groggins as Boyd. The man owns Boyd. Boyd is the kind of ... what the hell is Boyd? A villain? He's in a classification all his own in tv-land right but I guess we have to call him a "bad guy" even though he's simply BOYD. And yes, I hope Boyd and Ava manage to squirm out of their current situation and keep going.

Speaking of Ava - I like her. She takes up for herself (although not in ways I can recommend). It's the fact she stands up to those who want to bully and hurt her I like. If I had the chance to mentor her I'd work on her techniques. Soften a few edges. Teach her a little Klingon guile. Ava is a fast learner.

This year, season four, was maybe a bit slow building but knowing how the show is written I paid close attention. Bits and pieces of seemingly inconsequential information were doled out across the first episodes. Some characters were ominously absent. Clues were meticulously planted. Then the story lines began to converge in unexpected ways. The writer in me took notes.

Yes, I'm a big fan of Justified. Well done, guys!

KC

In the wee hours

March 24, 2013
Palm Sunday
before daybreak

So I just zipped over to the A to Z Blogging Challenge home page to see how many bloggers have signed up for this year - a whopping 1315! And there's still eight days to go before the sign-up list closes.

Man, there is no way I'll be able to visit 1315+ blogs in one month, so everyone who stops by Between the Keys during the Challenge, please accept my apology now for maybe not making it to your blog.

Just an FYI - I'm #91 on the list in case you go looking. Actually, you should go look and use the sign up list as a portal to find new and interesting blogs. Click here.

Now I must find coffee and caffeine myself awake. 

KC 

Earth Hour 2013

March 23, 2013

8:30 PM local time
http://www.earthhour.org

For the past several years I've participated in the annual Earth Hour blackout. If you're not familiar with Earth Hour, it's a worldwide event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund. The first Earth Hour took place in 2007 in Sidney, Australia, and spread around the world from there. During Earth Hour, participants "unplug" from the power grid in a symbolic gesture in support of caring for our planet. It's a simple idea that only looks complicated on the Internet. 

But as with all things that have political undertones, I think it's sometimes okay to tailor participation to your own needs. While Earth Hour is officially from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, I have a different plan to keep spousal whining from ruining my evening. Probably around 7:00 PM, just about the time dinner is ready, we'll light a candle, open a bottle of wine, and spend an hour at the dining room table having an old-fashioned conversation with our meal. I'm not sure what time zone we'll be joining, but I doubt it matters. Call it multi-tasking if you like.

Will we totally unplug from the power grid? Almost. Flipping the breaker on our sump pump would be stupid and we're not, but other than that, yes, we'll unplug. Will it impact our utility bill? I doubt it. But think about this. If one plus one equals two, and you multiply that by millions, will it have an impact somewhere? I think so, and the greater common good is why I do it.

KC
http://www.kckendricks.com

Some motivation required

March 21, 2013

The calendar says lovely Spring has arrived and as in years past my thoughts have turned to getting outdoors and doing ...anything.

Seriously - I don't care what the activity as long as it gets me out of the house. It's been a long, cold winter and I've been a slug since Christmas. The camel-colored slacks I'm wearing today that fit like they'd been made just for me last fall are a wee bit tight now. Not so much I risk the seams by wearing them, you understand. They're just snug.

So it's time to take action and start the yearly ritual. Again. Every spring I buy a pair of walking shoes and start walking. And every year I tell myself if I just hadn't quit walking in November, I wouldn't have to get back in the groove now. (I'd still need the shoes.)

What can I say except it was COLD in November? Give me a "wimp" button and I'll wear it.

The truth is I think I write better when I get out and walk. The fresh air and sunshine lift my spirits as well as oxygenate my brain cells. My theory is better brain cells, better books. It's win/win.

I found this cartoon a few days ago and I've been laughing over it ever since. I don't need quite this much motivation, but I sure would appreciate the mercury rising above 50F.

KC

Really? Did I have to?

March 3, 2013

It seems I've discovered yet another Internet playground. It wasn't enough to become a blogger. It wasn't enough to tease my brain with Twitter, which I've called blogging on steroids from time-to-time. I thought I'd learned my lesson when I was able to keep the time spent on MySpace, Facebook and Goodreads under control. Boy, was I kidding myself. I've now found PINTEREST!!

This behavior is not conducive to getting some writing done.

KC
http://www.kckendricks.com

Catching Fireflies - new today!

February 24, 2013
Daytona 500 Sunday

CATCHING FIREFLIES
is available at
Amazon, iTunes/Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo,
and other online booksellers. 


Dale Langley longs for some triple R time - rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin’s invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He’s always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it’s time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life.

Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend’s commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey’s had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break - and a little solitude. House sitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.

Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.

INTRO:

His hand on my knee snapped me back to the here and now. I looked around to find everyone hovering over the steaks sharing grilling secrets, and paying no attention to us.

I tried not to notice the warmth of Aubrey’s palm on my skin, but failed miserably. At least if I got hard, I was sitting down and my T-shirt was loose enough to hide it if I leaned forward. Or maybe crossed my legs. Or sank beneath the glider - or the ground. Thankfully, the thought of how embarrassed I’d be kept an erection at bay. Barely.

“You know, hon. I like to walk along the water after dinner. Why don’t you join me?”

I must’ve had a stupid expression on my face. He tilted his head. “No hanky-panky, of course, being that we just met.”

No one even glanced in our direction so I leaned toward him. “Um, sure. A walk would be nice. If I try to hold your hand are you going to stop me?”

“That’s all you can hold tonight, sugar. I don’t know anything about you, and I have to make sure you don’t bite before we get to know each other better.” He looked down then slowly lifted his beautiful gaze back to mine. “And you’re hiding something.”

I shivered as the memories of the vicious blows I’d received at the hands of strangers taunted me.

“I only nibble the occasional earlobe, and my secrets are my own, Aubrey. There’s nothing in them to hurt anyone else.”

He studied me for a few moments, his fascinating blue gaze enigmatic. “Fair enough, Dale.” He sighed. “I do have my own. What?”

“I could stare into your eyes forever.”

Aubrey didn’t blink. “If I had a dollar for every time some tomcat said that to me, I’d be rich…”

EXCERPT:

“That glass had better have the same amount in it when I get back.”

Aubrey swiped his index finger over his heart, specifically his left nipple, up and down then side-to-side. The man was all tease and I liked it. I wasn’t ready for anyone serious.

I carried his glass over to Mark and requested another. I watched as he made Aubrey another drink - virgin. I looked at him, questioningly.

“Apparently Aubrey doesn’t touch anything with alcohol in it. I’ve no clue why. The man’s a mystery to everyone except Chad.”

I thanked him for making the drink as he handed it to me. “A little mystery isn’t a bad thing, is it?”

“No, Dale, it’s not. But don’t expect too much. He’s only here for the commitment ceremony.”

“Thanks. That’s good to know.” I turned and reclaimed my spot beside Aubrey, handing him his drink as I sat. Brett was delivering the first steaks to those who liked to hear it go “moo” when they stuck a fork into it. Aubrey echoed my preference for medium-well to well when Brett asked. I touched my glass to his again.

“Ah, I’ve learned something else about you. Now I’ve got a very important question for you. Sauce, or no sauce?”

“Hon, I’ve been thinking of nothing but sauce since I saw you standing in the driveway.”

I grinned at him, appreciating his wicked sense of humor. “You are so bad. I was talking about steak sauce.”

“If you see me put anything on a steak, you’ll know it was ruined before it got to me, and I’m pretty sure Brett isn’t going to do that.”

“I have a feeling you’re right about that.” I sipped my drink, wondering if I should pry into why he didn’t imbibe. He beat me to it.

“You’re wondering why I don’t drink.”

It was a statement, not a question, and I gave him a nod. “So you’re psychic, too?”

“No, but everyone wonders why a man of my comparative youth isn’t out getting inebriated every night of the week, a behavior best described as gauche.”

“That’s not a word I hear often. Hmm…Brett just motioned for us to get our plates.”

Aubrey batted his eyelashes and smiled at me. I shook my head.

“Nope. You have to go fix your own plate.” I stood and held my hand out to pull him up. He sighed and wrapped his fingers around mine. I was right - his hands were strong.

We fixed our plates with a veritable feast. Steak, grilled mushrooms and peppers, fresh diced tomatoes in light vinaigrette, a cold couscous salad, macaroni salad and fresh fruit. I gathered from the conversation meals at Brett and Mark’s place were somewhat potluck. The hosts simply looked in the larder and presented what appealed to them on the spur of the moment, and whatever leftovers they had in the refrigerator, but it sure worked. I grabbed the last steak knife and squeezed in at the table beside Sam.

Drat that flirty Aubrey for parking his very fine little butt between the two old guys. I’m sure he did it because they fawned over him - and he was just as bad over them. It was honest and genuine, and fun to watch even with so many questions hammering inside my head.

Would he really take a walk with me this evening? The sun was well on its way toward the far horizon, and I loved being along the shore at dusk…crap.

How the hell had this happened? When I crawled out of bed this morning all I had on my mind was a long, peaceful, albeit cold, winter on the island. I was going to rest, relax, rejuvenate - and not get all hot and bothered over any guy that crossed my path. But here I sat doing just what I didn’t want to do.

Funny how life constantly gives a person what they think they don’t want.

Aubrey smiled at me.

Shit. I’d taken his bait and if I wasn’t careful, he’d set the hook.

_*_*_

Catching Fireflies is available at
Amazon, iTunes/Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo,
and other online booksellers. 

KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys: http://kckendricks.blogspot.com
twitter.com/kckendricks
facebook.com/kckendricks
pinterest.com/kckendricks/boards
instagram.com/kc_kendricks
My country life at Holly Tree Manor

Taking stock on a Saturday morning

February 16, 2013

Oh, this dreary, chilly weather. I'm tired of gray skies and damp ground. I crave sunshine and green growing flowers. I want a warm breeze so I can take my coffee to the patio and listen to the birds sing. I know the Saturday is coming when it will happen, but it's not this morning. So I join my cat at gazing out the window and whining.

Whether the weather cooperates with me or not, I've a list of things to accomplish today. It's been a productive writing week and the aftermath is all around me. My desk is a mess, my study is a mess, there are two loads of laundry to do, and the pet fur is making dust bunnies everywhere. I like my world to be neat and tidy and it's not. Friends and family didn't get the usual "check-in" calls this week so I have lots of folks to contact. Being a hermit only works for very short stretches.

In addition to the need to restore my nest to a better state is my writer's list of what I'd like to get done this Saturday. Blogging is on the list although this blog entry was not. I'm gearing up for the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge and I have a bit of prep work to do. Twenty-six blogs in April going A to Z takes some organization.

This past week I completed the manuscript of the second Amethyst Cove story and it needs to be proofed. I read the galley for Catching Fireflies (due out next weekend) and I need finish that webpage on my site. With a June 1, 2013, deadline for a story in an upcoming PAX, I need to get chapter three underway, too. Finished chapter three would be better than chapter three "underway" but sometimes a person has to settle.

The 2013 NASCAR season has arrived. With my two-monitor setup, I might be able to keep an eye on the festivities while I work. I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but it might be fun here at the beginning of the year.

Oh, and let's not forget it's tax season, too. It's time to deal with all that. 'Nuff said.

I want to share a snapshot with you before I get down to work. A few mornings ago we woke to wet snow clinging to the trees. The cat was sitting in the window making unhappy little noises so I got my phone to snap a picture of him. I got the unexpected. The light caught his eyes just right and you can see the result for yourself. We've joked about this cat being the spawn of the devil because he's got a lot of personality, and this could be the final proof.

Happy Saturday!

KC
http://www.kckendricks.com

Update:

Catching Fireflies is available at
Amazon, iTunes/Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo,
and other online booksellers. 

A New Chick for Wisdom

February 7, 2013

There's happy news today. Wisdom, the 62-year-old Laysan Albatross cited as the world's oldest bird, has a new chick! I first read about Wisdom in March of 2011 (read the blog here) and have followed news about her every since. Knowing she's still with us isn't huge in the overall scheme of things, but I think it's joyous news.

Wisdom has already lived nearly twice as long as most birds of her species. She was first tagged with a simple metal band way back in 1956 by a U.S. Geological Survey researcher. The man was in his 40's at that time so she may outlive him.

Since Laysan Albatross' mate for life, it's safe to assume she's outlived all but the last of her mates. Maybe it's those younger males she's finding that are keeping her happy. She's hatched five chicks since 2006.

Read today's story at this link.

Way to go, Wisdom. Stay with us.

KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com

Huh. Why didn't I see this before?