...a.k.a. Deleting Chapter 7 and Starting it Over
Deleting a block of text I spent five days writing is something I do not love to do. Or even like to do. Heck, I can barely breathe before I hit the delete key - which is why I never *really* delete text. I cut and paste into a separate document because it might work later on in the story, or even in another piece of prose.
The cold, hard truth is sometimes it's simply necessary to dump text. It could be because of a new, better idea. Or even an older better idea. In this case, I saw two possible directions for the story to take, and I chose what turned out to be the wrong one. Well, maybe wrong isn't the right word, but it's the word I have this rainy night.
Typing the chapter solidified where the story should be going, so it was in no way a waste of time. The only deadline on this story is one I set for myself, so I have the luxury of being able to dump almost a week's work and regroup. And honestly, it's not the first time I've done this over the years - nor will it be the last.
What's the point of sharing? I guess it's just to let other writers, especially those new to the craft, that dumping text happens no matter how long you've been writing. And I needed to whine about it a bit.
But as Don Henley said - get over it.
So I'm going back to work now. With any luck, I can bang out a new chapter seven by Thursday. Or not. Either way, it will be okay.
KC
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
What You Don't Confess
What You Don't Confess
Contemporary gay romance
What You Don't Confess is available now at
Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers.
****
I'm so pleased this book is finally available. What You Don't Confess closes the story arc about Dylan Donaghy, a character introduced in A Hard Habit to Break, and continued in Open Roads. Dylan is a friend and confidant to both Travis and Tyler, so it's only fitting he have the rest of his story told. All three stories stand alone, but I think the reader will enjoy the Marionville setting more if all three are read. I hope you enjoy Dylan's journey to coming out. - KC Kendricks
****
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 us 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.
EXCERPT
“You do know those four watchdogs of yours were there the entire evening, don’t you?”
I nodded. “They like to keep an eye on me. Obviously, it didn’t discourage you at all.”
His hand gripped my shoulders again. His amber gaze drilled into mine. “Just so I don’t step in it, Dylan, how many of them have you slept with? And don’t lie to me.”
I fought back against of wave of anger. How dare he imply I’d not tell him the truth? Being astute, he knew he’d pissed me off. I saw the apology in his eyes as he touched his fingertips to my lips.
“That didn’t come out right, Dylan.”
“ Apology accepted. Before today, I might have told you it was none of your business, but now I think you should know. We’re no longer intimate, but I have a very close, special relationship with both Travis and Tyler. I’m very happy for them that they both found a partner.”
“That’s what I figured out Friday night when they spent all that time running in and out of an area marked ‘private’. Especially Templeton.”
“Don’t test me too often, Cass. I don’t like it.” I spoke sharper than intended, but he needed to know my boundaries. “There’s a lot of space between your age and mine. Be careful not to judge until you get to where I am.”
Those restless hands of his skimmed along my sides. “I’m not being judgmental, I swear. I just needed to know what the dynamics are between you and them so I don’t put both feet in my mouth.”
“Okay. I get it. And for what it’s worth, all four of them, especially Travis, is rooting for you.”
“Really? He’s in my corner, is he?” Cass tucked his fingers under my belt and tugged. I levered my weight off the door and stepped past him, capturing his hand to pull him into the casual space I used for informal gatherings.
“He’s using tough love on me when it comes to you, so don’t be shocked, or surprised, at his little quips. Have a seat.”
Cass eased down on the love seat and patted the spot beside him. I ignored him, and went to the bar. “What would you like to drink?”
“Ginger ale?”
I nodded and poured two, handing his to him with an apology it didn’t come in a brandy snifter as I settled in beside him. I stopped him when he moved to put his arm around me.
“You’re killing me here, Dylan.”
“No, I’m not.” I sipped my drink. “Cass, I don’t want to make a misstep with you. I know what you want tonight, but what do you want next week? Or next month? Christ, what do I want next week?”
He leaned back and watched me with those amber eyes. His cool, even regard gave little indication of his thoughts. Cass downed his drink in three fast swallows, then swirled the ice around in the bottom of the empty glass.
“Do you always think everything to death, Dylan?”
“It’s a hazard one encounters in middle age.”
“I’m not some mistake you’ll regret when you’re ninety.”
I laid my hand on his thigh. The heat of his skin penetrated his jeans, and snaked up my arm. “You’re right, you know. I won’t regret meeting you, whether dinner is all we share, or we become friends, or if we become lovers.”
“Or? If? I don’t appreciate being jerked around.”
“Well, poor little you that I haven’t figured this out yet.”
Cass’s mouth dropped open, then snapped closed. He stared at me, blinked, and stared again. I reveled in private glee that I’d seen him speechless twice in one day, but that amusement was strongly tempered by the knowledge I had him too far off balance. I squeezed his knee.
“Look, Cass. I’m not jerking you around. Getting involved with someone isn’t easy for me. I’ve never been someone who gets a hard-on for a guy and loses my mind until I fuck him. I have to think things through, and consider the impact it may have on my life.”
He shook his head. “Babe, you’ve got to start living in the moment, and stop living in fear.” Cass set his empty glass down on the end table and stood. With angry, disappointed eyes, he met my gaze. A muscle moved in his clenched jaw.
My heart beat painfully. I knew what he was going to say...
WHAT YOU DON'T CONFESS
Contemporary gay romance
What You Don't Confess is available now at
Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers.
KC Kendricks
Visit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
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Thursday, November 11, 2010
Many Rooms
November 11, 2010
There is a lovely line in an episode of Queer as Folk, spoken by the character of Lindsay, that strikes a chord with me.
My house has many rooms. I occupy but a few. The rest go unvisited.
In my house.
I am a daughter, a partner, a cousin, a friend, a co-worker, a supervisor, an employee.
I am a writer, a bowler, a music lover, a cook, an artist, a seamstress, a photographer.
These are rooms I occupy frequently.
But what about those other rooms, those I do not visit? I'm not sure I've even identified them all, although I sense their presence. Perhaps one day my journey will lead me to open some of those doors, be it slowly one by one, or recklessly flinging several open at once.
Many rooms.
I like that.
There is a lovely line in an episode of Queer as Folk, spoken by the character of Lindsay, that strikes a chord with me.
My house has many rooms. I occupy but a few. The rest go unvisited.
In my house.
I am a daughter, a partner, a cousin, a friend, a co-worker, a supervisor, an employee.
I am a writer, a bowler, a music lover, a cook, an artist, a seamstress, a photographer.
These are rooms I occupy frequently.
But what about those other rooms, those I do not visit? I'm not sure I've even identified them all, although I sense their presence. Perhaps one day my journey will lead me to open some of those doors, be it slowly one by one, or recklessly flinging several open at once.
Many rooms.
I like that.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Do ebooks change the rules?
In this age of information saturation, it's easy to hit overload and stay there for a weeks on end. I know. I've been there a few times, and yet I still browse for articles pertinent to the art and craft of writing. Some days, like today, I do consider deleting all my Google alerts, but that's a blog for a different day.
If you follow the link below, you'll find a good article on how ebooks are changing the publishing world. I doubt that's news to anyone who reads author blogs. What struck me in this article was what it put into words something I believed to be true, but never articulated - the Kindle reader is so successful because it's a simple device with a singular function that it does well.
The article also touches on a few unpleasant truths. Piracy abounds in the ebook world, stealing a decent living from the serious writer. And (my opinion)if the serious writer needs to work a day job to support herself, it becomes difficult to find the time to write. Everyone loses when that happenes.
Anyway, it's a good article with food for thought and is worth the read.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/e-books-rewrite-the-rules-of-engagement/story-e6frg6zo-1225942072478
If you follow the link below, you'll find a good article on how ebooks are changing the publishing world. I doubt that's news to anyone who reads author blogs. What struck me in this article was what it put into words something I believed to be true, but never articulated - the Kindle reader is so successful because it's a simple device with a singular function that it does well.
The article also touches on a few unpleasant truths. Piracy abounds in the ebook world, stealing a decent living from the serious writer. And (my opinion)if the serious writer needs to work a day job to support herself, it becomes difficult to find the time to write. Everyone loses when that happenes.
Anyway, it's a good article with food for thought and is worth the read.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/e-books-rewrite-the-rules-of-engagement/story-e6frg6zo-1225942072478
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
An affirmation of the prolific writer
November 3, 2010
I read an interesting article on prolific authors today. I think why it struck a chord with me is because of a post on a review site several months ago in which the owner of the review site and another author criticized a particular unnamed author for being a prolific writer. In the course of their conversation, it was admitted they'd discused this author, in depth, privately. I'm still deeply affected by having read such cruelty.
When I read the article by Philip Womack today and learned that Barbara Cartland had penned 722 books in the course of her career, I was a bit gaga. That's a lot of books. The article states that comes out to about a book every 40 days. What it didn't tell me was how in the heck to channel that ability.
The link to the article is below. No matter where you are in your writing career, you owe it to yourself to read it, especially the last paragraph with it's affirmation of the prolific writer. For it's affirmation we need to hear from other writers, our brothers and sisters in arms. Who else knows the pieces of self we pour into each work? And who else can wound - or heal - us with mere words?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/8080503/Being-a-prolific-author-isnt-a-bad-thing.html
I read an interesting article on prolific authors today. I think why it struck a chord with me is because of a post on a review site several months ago in which the owner of the review site and another author criticized a particular unnamed author for being a prolific writer. In the course of their conversation, it was admitted they'd discused this author, in depth, privately. I'm still deeply affected by having read such cruelty.
When I read the article by Philip Womack today and learned that Barbara Cartland had penned 722 books in the course of her career, I was a bit gaga. That's a lot of books. The article states that comes out to about a book every 40 days. What it didn't tell me was how in the heck to channel that ability.
The link to the article is below. No matter where you are in your writing career, you owe it to yourself to read it, especially the last paragraph with it's affirmation of the prolific writer. For it's affirmation we need to hear from other writers, our brothers and sisters in arms. Who else knows the pieces of self we pour into each work? And who else can wound - or heal - us with mere words?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/8080503/Being-a-prolific-author-isnt-a-bad-thing.html
Amber Allure October 2010 Top Ten Best Sellers
I didn't have a book release in October, but kudos to those who did. Congratulations to all for a book well written!
1. The Beach House - Shawn Lane (Gay / Contemporary)
2. Troy's Surrender - K. M. Mahoney (Gay / Western)
3. Inhabiting The Night - Carolina Valdez (Gay / Shapeshifter)
4. The Club At Cool Harbor - Christiane France (Gay / Contemporary)
5. Wolf's Survival - T. A. Chase (Gay / Werewolf)
6. (Boys Of The Zodiac) Scorpio: The Heart To Help - Jamie Craig (Gay / Contemporary)
7. Trust Your Tutor - Lilith Grey (Gay / Contemporary)
8. Between A Rock And A Hard Place - Clare London (Gay / Contemporary)
9. Tough Guy - Bryl R. Tyne (Gay / Western)
10. The Wild Bunch: Stace - Deirdre O'Dare (Gay / Western)
1. The Beach House - Shawn Lane (Gay / Contemporary)
2. Troy's Surrender - K. M. Mahoney (Gay / Western)
3. Inhabiting The Night - Carolina Valdez (Gay / Shapeshifter)
4. The Club At Cool Harbor - Christiane France (Gay / Contemporary)
5. Wolf's Survival - T. A. Chase (Gay / Werewolf)
6. (Boys Of The Zodiac) Scorpio: The Heart To Help - Jamie Craig (Gay / Contemporary)
7. Trust Your Tutor - Lilith Grey (Gay / Contemporary)
8. Between A Rock And A Hard Place - Clare London (Gay / Contemporary)
9. Tough Guy - Bryl R. Tyne (Gay / Western)
10. The Wild Bunch: Stace - Deirdre O'Dare (Gay / Western)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The End of an Era, October 31, 2010
The 1955 Chieftain - My Dad purchased one of these, brand new, when he and my mother were married in 1955.
The 1977 Pontiac Can Am. A rare beast, virtually extinct.
The 1969 Firebird. Until my generation has passed on, discussion will continue about which was the better car - the 1969 Firebird, or the 1969 Camaro.
And arguably the most famous of them all -
1969 GTO Judge
RIP, Pontiac.
1926-2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Return of the Muse
October 30, 2010
The creative process is often a mystery to me. I’d like to understand it on a deeper level, but I have this sense of it that says it’s best not to examine it too closely or it will cease to function. What I do know is, in the context of my own creativity, external stress damps it down to a virtually non-functioning level.
It’s an unfortunate fact of our society – a person is expected to want to climb the ladder of success. Whether you’re successful or not, you MUST want it. You must buy into the grind.
Okay – define success.
I’ve spent my working life taking steps up the ‘corporate’ ladder, only to discover I’m really a writer. The older I get, the more I realize that while my day job(s) have certainly provided me with the means to live comfortably, the daily nine-to-five grind has exacted a toll.
Perhaps I’m simply tired, having once again lived through the yearly process of setting the corporate budget for the new year. Ten years ago, it took two weeks, start to finish, to get all those involved to sign off on the budget, and move on. Yea! Success! Let’s all get back to work and do some good in our community.
This year, it took two long, whine-filled, miserable, argumentative months.
It’s been awhile since I fervently wished women ruled the world, but after dealing with so many little boys wearing fancy suits and scuffed shoes, I’m there again. Be careful what favors you need, fellas. I’m not in the mood to share my meager departmental resources.
And while things worked out favorably for my little niche in the operations, my heart longs for something else. It cries for the comfort of my home office. The quiet. The serene view of golden leaved trees through the windows, instead of the blur of cars cruising the streets. My dog sleeping behind my chair as the prose flows from my fingertips. The real me. The writer.
It’s all behind me for another year, but I mourn the loss of two months writing time. The muse, if you want to call it that, flees when stressed. It’s not a good thing. She controls more than writing. She’s that part of me that goes around the house ‘fluffing’ things, that knows how to rearrange the furniture, what new recipe to try, and how to string a new bead necklace in the perfect color combination. When she vanishes, there’s not much going on inside.
But you know what? Maybe she’s a smart muse. Maybe she needs a little vacation from time-to-time. With the stress behind me (or is it us?) she’s back, and she brought a truckload of ideas with her. It’s pretty evident this October morning that instead of hiding, she was merely resting quietly, giving me the space I needed handle outside affairs.
The words once again flow, birthed somewhere deep inside that well of creativity that constantly astounds me. Why I was given such a gift is a mystery, one I can be thankful for even if I don’t understand everything about it.
But then, maybe I’m not supposed to understand it. Maybe I’m supposed to simply enjoy it for the gift it is.
The creative process is often a mystery to me. I’d like to understand it on a deeper level, but I have this sense of it that says it’s best not to examine it too closely or it will cease to function. What I do know is, in the context of my own creativity, external stress damps it down to a virtually non-functioning level.
It’s an unfortunate fact of our society – a person is expected to want to climb the ladder of success. Whether you’re successful or not, you MUST want it. You must buy into the grind.
Okay – define success.
I’ve spent my working life taking steps up the ‘corporate’ ladder, only to discover I’m really a writer. The older I get, the more I realize that while my day job(s) have certainly provided me with the means to live comfortably, the daily nine-to-five grind has exacted a toll.
Perhaps I’m simply tired, having once again lived through the yearly process of setting the corporate budget for the new year. Ten years ago, it took two weeks, start to finish, to get all those involved to sign off on the budget, and move on. Yea! Success! Let’s all get back to work and do some good in our community.
This year, it took two long, whine-filled, miserable, argumentative months.
It’s been awhile since I fervently wished women ruled the world, but after dealing with so many little boys wearing fancy suits and scuffed shoes, I’m there again. Be careful what favors you need, fellas. I’m not in the mood to share my meager departmental resources.
And while things worked out favorably for my little niche in the operations, my heart longs for something else. It cries for the comfort of my home office. The quiet. The serene view of golden leaved trees through the windows, instead of the blur of cars cruising the streets. My dog sleeping behind my chair as the prose flows from my fingertips. The real me. The writer.
It’s all behind me for another year, but I mourn the loss of two months writing time. The muse, if you want to call it that, flees when stressed. It’s not a good thing. She controls more than writing. She’s that part of me that goes around the house ‘fluffing’ things, that knows how to rearrange the furniture, what new recipe to try, and how to string a new bead necklace in the perfect color combination. When she vanishes, there’s not much going on inside.
But you know what? Maybe she’s a smart muse. Maybe she needs a little vacation from time-to-time. With the stress behind me (or is it us?) she’s back, and she brought a truckload of ideas with her. It’s pretty evident this October morning that instead of hiding, she was merely resting quietly, giving me the space I needed handle outside affairs.
The words once again flow, birthed somewhere deep inside that well of creativity that constantly astounds me. Why I was given such a gift is a mystery, one I can be thankful for even if I don’t understand everything about it.
But then, maybe I’m not supposed to understand it. Maybe I’m supposed to simply enjoy it for the gift it is.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Cat Got Your Tongue?
October 24, 2010
I didn't write the following, and I have no clue who did. It made the rounds a few years back, and like all jokes passed around on the Internet, it resurfaced this week. It's just as funny today as it was years ago. Enjoy!
CALLING IN SICK
Calling in sick to work makes me uncomfortable. No matter how legitimate my illness, I always sense my boss thinks I am lying.
On one occasion, I had a valid reason, but lied anyway because the truth was too humiliating. I simply mentioned that I had sustained a head injury and I hoped I would feel up to coming in the next day. By then, I could think up a doozy to explain the bandage on my crown.
The accident occurred mainly because I conceded to my wife's wishes to adopt a cute little kitty. Initially, the new acquisition was no problem, but one morning, I was taking my shower after breakfast, when I heard my wife, Deb, call out to me from the kitchen. "Ed! The garbage disposal is dead. Come reset it."
"You know where the button is," I protested through the shower(pitter-patter). "Reset it yourself!"
"I am scared!" she pleaded. "What if it starts going and sucks me in?" (Pause) "C'mon, it'll only take a second."
So out I came, dripping wet and buck naked, hoping to make a statement about how her cowardly behavior was not without consequence. I crouched down and stuck my head under the sink to find the button. It is the last action I remember performing.
It struck without warning, without respect to my circumstances. Nay, It wasn't a hexed disposal drawing me into its gnashing metal teeth. It was our new kitty, clawing playfully at the dangling objects she spied between my legs. She had been poised around the corner and stalked me as I took the bait under the sink. At precisely the second I was most vulnerable, she leapt at the toys I unwittingly offered and snagged them with her needle-like claws. I lost all rational thought to control orderly bodily movements, while rising upwardly at a violent rate of speed, with the full weight of a kitten hanging from my masculine region.
Wild animals are sometimes faced with a "fight or flight" syndrome. Men, in this predicament, choose only the "flight" option. Fleeing straight up, the sink and cabinet bluntly impeded my ascent; the impact knocked me out cold.
When I awoke, my wife and the paramedics stood over me. Having been fully briefed by my wife, the paramedics snorted as they tried to conduct their work while suppressing hysterical laughter. At the office, colleagues tried to coax an explanation out of me. I kept silent, claiming it was too painful to talk about.
"What's the matter, cat got your tongue?"
If they had only known.
I didn't write the following, and I have no clue who did. It made the rounds a few years back, and like all jokes passed around on the Internet, it resurfaced this week. It's just as funny today as it was years ago. Enjoy!
CALLING IN SICK
Calling in sick to work makes me uncomfortable. No matter how legitimate my illness, I always sense my boss thinks I am lying.
On one occasion, I had a valid reason, but lied anyway because the truth was too humiliating. I simply mentioned that I had sustained a head injury and I hoped I would feel up to coming in the next day. By then, I could think up a doozy to explain the bandage on my crown.
The accident occurred mainly because I conceded to my wife's wishes to adopt a cute little kitty. Initially, the new acquisition was no problem, but one morning, I was taking my shower after breakfast, when I heard my wife, Deb, call out to me from the kitchen. "Ed! The garbage disposal is dead. Come reset it."
"You know where the button is," I protested through the shower(pitter-patter). "Reset it yourself!"
"I am scared!" she pleaded. "What if it starts going and sucks me in?" (Pause) "C'mon, it'll only take a second."
So out I came, dripping wet and buck naked, hoping to make a statement about how her cowardly behavior was not without consequence. I crouched down and stuck my head under the sink to find the button. It is the last action I remember performing.
It struck without warning, without respect to my circumstances. Nay, It wasn't a hexed disposal drawing me into its gnashing metal teeth. It was our new kitty, clawing playfully at the dangling objects she spied between my legs. She had been poised around the corner and stalked me as I took the bait under the sink. At precisely the second I was most vulnerable, she leapt at the toys I unwittingly offered and snagged them with her needle-like claws. I lost all rational thought to control orderly bodily movements, while rising upwardly at a violent rate of speed, with the full weight of a kitten hanging from my masculine region.
Wild animals are sometimes faced with a "fight or flight" syndrome. Men, in this predicament, choose only the "flight" option. Fleeing straight up, the sink and cabinet bluntly impeded my ascent; the impact knocked me out cold.
When I awoke, my wife and the paramedics stood over me. Having been fully briefed by my wife, the paramedics snorted as they tried to conduct their work while suppressing hysterical laughter. At the office, colleagues tried to coax an explanation out of me. I kept silent, claiming it was too painful to talk about.
"What's the matter, cat got your tongue?"
If they had only known.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The stuff of family legend
October 17, 2010
Way back when in 1984, about a year after my father died, my mother decided it was time for a road trip. She loaded me and my grandmother in her car and off we went, heading south, to Williamsburg, Virginia.
Forget the historical significance of Williamsburg. Mumsy had a culturally lower destination in mind - The Pottery Shop. If you've never been, think treasure hunt, because sitting side-by-side with some really tacky shit are true finds.
Williamsburg is about a four to four and a half hour drive from where I live, depending on traffic, etc. We left at five o'clock in the morning. It was dark. I whined. Mumsy hit the DC beltway, and I cowered in fear in the backseat with a pillow over my head. It became very clear that my mother did, in fact, possess the need-for-speed gene, and I didn't only get mine from my dad. I got the double whamee. I knew we were in trouble when she noted the speedometer only went to 100, and she slowed to 80 and kept right on going without missing a beat, passing everything on the road. When we got to Fredricksburg, I took the driver's seat and refused to budge. The color came back into my grandmother's face.
1984 was a time before cell phones. We reached The Pottery Shop and those two women took off like they'd been shot from a rocket. I didn't see them again for hours. I'd like to think they missed me, but who knows? Who cares? I had the car keys. Which meant I carefully packed my treasure in the trunk first. I'm not just another pretty face, you know.
When nothing else would fit in the trunk and the vacant spot on the backseat, and remember trunks were bigger in those days, we headed home. In a moment of weakness, I gave the keys back to Mumsy with the proviso I would drive from Fredericksburg home, which meant I'd drive the beltway. No problem - except for the fact that Mumsy was on I95 south to get to Williamsburg so she took I95 south to get home. You see the problem with this? It was my fault. I was in the backseat with my nose in a book. When I finally realized what was going on, Mumsy wanted to argue. I told her to wake me up when we hit the North Carolina line. She did turn around.
We finally made it home, and the day became the stuff of family legend. My grandmother declined to go with us again, citing it was too long a day for a woman her age. Personally, I think my grandfather had waaaay too much fun without her that day...But that's another story.
Mom and I had so much fun the trip to Williamsburg is an annual October pilgrimage for us. Every year, the first one out of bed calls the other. (I let her win, you understand.) We hit the open road at six in the morning, and we don't stop chattering until we get back in the evening, well after sundown. We see each other all the time, talk on the phone daily, but there's something about our trip that finds us sharing deeper feelings and opinions.
And that's the real reason we still go. We don't need additional earthly 'treasures'. Our storehouses are full. We are so blessed to have everything we need and most of what we want. In these times, the trip is a luxury, of sorts. A selfish day we share. A day for me to store up memories to hold me over through the times ahead when my mother won't be with me.
In the new millennium, we've missed a few years due to various reasons, but this year is a "go." The only variable is the day. Will it be this coming Friday or Saturday? Depends on the weather. It's a long way to drive in the rain so we don't.
And yes, I do ALL the driving now.
Way back when in 1984, about a year after my father died, my mother decided it was time for a road trip. She loaded me and my grandmother in her car and off we went, heading south, to Williamsburg, Virginia.
Forget the historical significance of Williamsburg. Mumsy had a culturally lower destination in mind - The Pottery Shop. If you've never been, think treasure hunt, because sitting side-by-side with some really tacky shit are true finds.
Williamsburg is about a four to four and a half hour drive from where I live, depending on traffic, etc. We left at five o'clock in the morning. It was dark. I whined. Mumsy hit the DC beltway, and I cowered in fear in the backseat with a pillow over my head. It became very clear that my mother did, in fact, possess the need-for-speed gene, and I didn't only get mine from my dad. I got the double whamee. I knew we were in trouble when she noted the speedometer only went to 100, and she slowed to 80 and kept right on going without missing a beat, passing everything on the road. When we got to Fredricksburg, I took the driver's seat and refused to budge. The color came back into my grandmother's face.
1984 was a time before cell phones. We reached The Pottery Shop and those two women took off like they'd been shot from a rocket. I didn't see them again for hours. I'd like to think they missed me, but who knows? Who cares? I had the car keys. Which meant I carefully packed my treasure in the trunk first. I'm not just another pretty face, you know.
When nothing else would fit in the trunk and the vacant spot on the backseat, and remember trunks were bigger in those days, we headed home. In a moment of weakness, I gave the keys back to Mumsy with the proviso I would drive from Fredericksburg home, which meant I'd drive the beltway. No problem - except for the fact that Mumsy was on I95 south to get to Williamsburg so she took I95 south to get home. You see the problem with this? It was my fault. I was in the backseat with my nose in a book. When I finally realized what was going on, Mumsy wanted to argue. I told her to wake me up when we hit the North Carolina line. She did turn around.
We finally made it home, and the day became the stuff of family legend. My grandmother declined to go with us again, citing it was too long a day for a woman her age. Personally, I think my grandfather had waaaay too much fun without her that day...But that's another story.
Mom and I had so much fun the trip to Williamsburg is an annual October pilgrimage for us. Every year, the first one out of bed calls the other. (I let her win, you understand.) We hit the open road at six in the morning, and we don't stop chattering until we get back in the evening, well after sundown. We see each other all the time, talk on the phone daily, but there's something about our trip that finds us sharing deeper feelings and opinions.
And that's the real reason we still go. We don't need additional earthly 'treasures'. Our storehouses are full. We are so blessed to have everything we need and most of what we want. In these times, the trip is a luxury, of sorts. A selfish day we share. A day for me to store up memories to hold me over through the times ahead when my mother won't be with me.
In the new millennium, we've missed a few years due to various reasons, but this year is a "go." The only variable is the day. Will it be this coming Friday or Saturday? Depends on the weather. It's a long way to drive in the rain so we don't.
And yes, I do ALL the driving now.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
In the news
October 16, 2010
I should have skipped the headline news this morning while swilling down some really nasty pomegranate juice.
It seems the Charger is NOT one of the cars Forbes says is most likely to be ticketed by the police. I find that amazing because I've discovered the Charger only has two speeds - fast and go faster.
It seems people still don't know how to save energy. Okay folks. Fifty-three years of being told to turn the lights off when I leave a room is ENOUGH. I got it.
The Dow closed the week over 11K. Sorta like the current work-in-progress, the one with the December deadline.
Rapper Vanilla Ice is starting a gig on ...say what?... HGTV??? That's just weird.
And lastly, Maryland authorities plan to curb drug use in Green Ridge State Forest. Hey, dudes. It's October. The camping season is over...
I should have skipped the headline news this morning while swilling down some really nasty pomegranate juice.
It seems the Charger is NOT one of the cars Forbes says is most likely to be ticketed by the police. I find that amazing because I've discovered the Charger only has two speeds - fast and go faster.
It seems people still don't know how to save energy. Okay folks. Fifty-three years of being told to turn the lights off when I leave a room is ENOUGH. I got it.
The Dow closed the week over 11K. Sorta like the current work-in-progress, the one with the December deadline.
Rapper Vanilla Ice is starting a gig on ...say what?... HGTV??? That's just weird.
And lastly, Maryland authorities plan to curb drug use in Green Ridge State Forest. Hey, dudes. It's October. The camping season is over...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Amber Allure Top Ten Best Sellers September 2010
**Update - Amber Quill Press has closed but it doesn't detract from the success of these books.**
October 4, 2010
A big congratulation to all the Amber Allure authors who had new releases in September 2010. I didn't have a book release in the September (or scheduled October for that matter), but look for my next release, What You Don't Confess, on November 14th.
In the meantime, thanks for supporting these talented writers.
AMBER ALLURE / September 2010
1. Wolf's Survival - T. A. Chase (Gay / Werewolf)
2. Twice In A Lifetime - Shawn Lane (Gay / Contemporary)
3. Sonoran Heat - Katrina Strauss (Gay / Contemporary)
4. Tommy's Blind Date - Anne Brooke (Gay / Contemporary)
5. Driven To Distraction - Anah Crow & Dianne Fox (Gay / Contemporary)
6. (Boys Of The Zodiac) Libra: Outlined In Ink - Vivien Dean (Gay / Suspense)
7. Wicked Cool - Val Kovalin (Gay / Suspense)
8. Workin' On The Railroad - Deirdre O'Dare (Gay / Contemporary)
9. The Brothers Of Hogg's Hollow - G. R. Richards (Gay / Contemporary)
10. Sonata Appassionata - Cat Grant (Gay / Contemporary)
What You Don't Confess is available now at
Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers.
October 4, 2010
A big congratulation to all the Amber Allure authors who had new releases in September 2010. I didn't have a book release in the September (or scheduled October for that matter), but look for my next release, What You Don't Confess, on November 14th.
In the meantime, thanks for supporting these talented writers.
AMBER ALLURE / September 2010
1. Wolf's Survival - T. A. Chase (Gay / Werewolf)
2. Twice In A Lifetime - Shawn Lane (Gay / Contemporary)
3. Sonoran Heat - Katrina Strauss (Gay / Contemporary)
4. Tommy's Blind Date - Anne Brooke (Gay / Contemporary)
5. Driven To Distraction - Anah Crow & Dianne Fox (Gay / Contemporary)
6. (Boys Of The Zodiac) Libra: Outlined In Ink - Vivien Dean (Gay / Suspense)
7. Wicked Cool - Val Kovalin (Gay / Suspense)
8. Workin' On The Railroad - Deirdre O'Dare (Gay / Contemporary)
9. The Brothers Of Hogg's Hollow - G. R. Richards (Gay / Contemporary)
10. Sonata Appassionata - Cat Grant (Gay / Contemporary)
What You Don't Confess is available now at
Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
5 Kiss Review for The Back Stairs
October 2, 2010
It's refreshing to get a review from a reviewer that does what she does simply because she loves to read! Hats off to Tina at Two Lips Reviews, and many thanks.
Here's what she had to say about The Back Stairs.
I found The Backstairs by K. C. Kendricks to be a really intriguing read. I never really knew what was coming next and I found that fascinating. The chemistry between Fallon and Sundown was hot, but it was Sundown's story that I really found memorable. I would love to know more about people like Sundown, so I hope there is a series spin off here in the future. I cannot tell you more - it would spoil the book - but it is really a fresh take on shapeshifters that I really hope is explored more.
This book also touches on the idea of loving someone regardless of gender and about gender being what you feel inside rather than what you are on the outside. I really loved this story on many levels and highly recommend it. It has hot man-love in it for anyone who loves it like I do, but the story itself is unforgettable. I know I am not going to forget it anytime soon. I completely applaud K. C. Kendricks for coming up with a character twist that kept me guessing till the last page was turned. - Tina for Two Lips Reviews
Read the entire review here.
And to answer a question, yes, Tina, there will be more of Sundown soon.
KC
**Update** The Back Stairs is available at
www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebackstairs-2004038-145.html
It's refreshing to get a review from a reviewer that does what she does simply because she loves to read! Hats off to Tina at Two Lips Reviews, and many thanks.
Here's what she had to say about The Back Stairs.
I found The Backstairs by K. C. Kendricks to be a really intriguing read. I never really knew what was coming next and I found that fascinating. The chemistry between Fallon and Sundown was hot, but it was Sundown's story that I really found memorable. I would love to know more about people like Sundown, so I hope there is a series spin off here in the future. I cannot tell you more - it would spoil the book - but it is really a fresh take on shapeshifters that I really hope is explored more.
This book also touches on the idea of loving someone regardless of gender and about gender being what you feel inside rather than what you are on the outside. I really loved this story on many levels and highly recommend it. It has hot man-love in it for anyone who loves it like I do, but the story itself is unforgettable. I know I am not going to forget it anytime soon. I completely applaud K. C. Kendricks for coming up with a character twist that kept me guessing till the last page was turned. - Tina for Two Lips Reviews
Read the entire review here.
And to answer a question, yes, Tina, there will be more of Sundown soon.
KC
**Update** The Back Stairs is available at
www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebackstairs-2004038-145.html
Sunday, September 26, 2010
It explains so much
For nearly 30 years, the American Library Association has observed Banned Books Week, an annual tribute to the First Amendment and the "freedom to read." This year's just began; it runs throughout the coming week, September 25 to October 2, 2010.
As to the books chosen, it never makes sense to me. Heck, an organization banning books makes no sense to me. What happened to one's mother coming in to your room and snatching the book away to read for herself? You know - that odd ritual called parenting? It's a parent's responsibility to guide their kids, not the ALA.
Anyway, this year's list contains The Lord of the Rings, Fahrenheit 451, the entire Harry Potter series, The Grapes of Wrath, and Grimm's Fairy Tales.
Say what? Yes, Grimm's Fairy Tales. I read the Brothers Grimm...
So THAT'S what happened to my sense of humor.....
As to the books chosen, it never makes sense to me. Heck, an organization banning books makes no sense to me. What happened to one's mother coming in to your room and snatching the book away to read for herself? You know - that odd ritual called parenting? It's a parent's responsibility to guide their kids, not the ALA.
Anyway, this year's list contains The Lord of the Rings, Fahrenheit 451, the entire Harry Potter series, The Grapes of Wrath, and Grimm's Fairy Tales.
Say what? Yes, Grimm's Fairy Tales. I read the Brothers Grimm...
So THAT'S what happened to my sense of humor.....
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A nice review of Open Roads
September 22, 2010
My thanks to E.H. on Books for the very nice review of Open Roads.
From the review:
"...OPEN ROADS hits the spot, it wasn’t over the top, there [were] no elaborate sex scenes - it dealt with that point in life where it’s just nice to have options, nice to have a choice knowing that there really is open roads ahead of you."
(This review is no longer posted, I assume because Amber Quill closed. I've retained a copy in my files.)
Thanks, E.H.! Happy to have you as a reader.
_*_*_*_*_
But when Noel's car overheats outside the little town of Easton, he discovers the local mechanic is far hotter than his radiator, and just as eager to blow off some steam...
Open Roads - book two of the Men of Marionville collection.
Open Roads is available at Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers.
KC Kendricks
https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/open-roads-by-kc-kendricks.html
From the review:
"...OPEN ROADS hits the spot, it wasn’t over the top, there [were] no elaborate sex scenes - it dealt with that point in life where it’s just nice to have options, nice to have a choice knowing that there really is open roads ahead of you."
(This review is no longer posted, I assume because Amber Quill closed. I've retained a copy in my files.)
Thanks, E.H.! Happy to have you as a reader.
_*_*_*_*_
Tyler Phillips enjoys his small-town life. He’ll never get rich working the family business, but he knows there’s more to a man than the size of his bank account. Easing into mid-life, Tyler’s restless for something he can’t find in the little borough of Easton—male companionship.
Noel Springs got caught up in the economic downturn. With his job gone, and retirement many years in the future, Noel decides to take a long drive and see some of the country before dedicating himself to finding new employment. The open road is just what he needs.
Open Roads - book two of the Men of Marionville collection.
Open Roads is available at Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers.
KC Kendricks
https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/open-roads-by-kc-kendricks.html
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