Sexy Snippets #5: Revelations

Hello and Happy Sunday! Today I'm taking my Sexy Snippet from my novel, Revelations, because of a great review I received yesterday! I hope you enjoy it, and those of you in the US, hope you're having a great holiday weekend! Don't forget to visit the rest of the Sexy Snippets authors here!

Today's excerpt comes from a scene between Judas and Lucifer, as Judas negotiates for what he wants most in the world - to keep Jesus safe and not see him die. Enjoy!

“Well, I know what it is that I want, but let me hear from your own sweet lips what you wish in return.”  He actually moves back, crossing his arms expectantly against his chest as he regards me, waiting for my reply. How can he not know? Apparently he doesn’t know everything. News flash. Or else he’s simply toying with me, which wouldn’t surprise me at all.

            “All right, I’ll spell it out for you. Jesus lives and I die."

Blurb:

Judas has never been very popular, not in any incarnation that he and Jesus and the others have lived through. But he doesn't care about that. All he cares about is following the instructions of God as set forth in the script that they follow. And Jesus. For Judas has secretly loved the son of God for over two thousand years.

But now he decides that enough is enough, and he's tired of watching Jesus die far too early, and for what? This time Judas is determined to see that Jesus lives a long and happy life, no matter what price he has to pay to accomplish it...no matter if he has to make a deal with the devil himself.

Revelations is a story of what could be, told by those who play it out, time after time after time, unbeknownst to the rest of mankind.  They've come back again, for yet another round.  But this time is going to be different.

Now available at MuseitUp Publishing, Amazon, and ARe.

Celebration time - Revelations is here!

This day has long been waited for, and anxiously, by a number of people, including myself and my friends and loyal readers.And now it's here! Revelations is a happening thing! Today is release day and it's time to party. Like it's 1999 or 1699 or even 99 BC!

Revelations is available here!

This book has been more than forty years in the making. No I didn't spend that long writing it. It took a great deal of thought. I know I've told this story on other blogs, but I'm going to tell it here, so make yourselves at home!

The idea was born many years ago. Over forty, actually. When I was a teenager. Back then, it didn’t have a name, and it had no real shape. But I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to tell the story of Judas Iscariot. The trouble was I didn’t know how.

What drew me to Judas, is probably what you’re asking yourself, and that’s a valid question. Ask anyone else who Judas is and you’ll get answers that are probably all variations on a theme of betrayal. I’m not sure exactly when I began to question that, but I do know that when I saw Jesus Christ Superstar performed live back in 1971 (or thereabouts), I had an epiphany regarding him. I saw him, not as the bad guy as often portrayed, but someone who not only believed in Jesus but was willing to do what he needed him to do. For without Judas’ “betrayal” of Jesus, the story would not have worked out the way it did. It needed to happen that way. And if you read the Gospel of Judas, he was the only apostle who trusted Jesus enough to do that for him. Gives one food for thought, doesn’t it?

Very interesting, but where’s the story, I wondered. Was I going to take an historical perspective, research the man and his life? Easier said than done, especially back then. We had no Internet. We didn’t even have computers. Research was all done through books. Libraries had card catalogs, a far cry from today when you can log onto your library website and browse their selection, then request what you want. So I looked and I found bupkus (nothing). I had the Bible, of course, but it tends to be limited on information, as well as a bit biased.

So nothing was written, and I let it go, as my thoughts formulated in the back of my head. In the meantime, I was reading, watching… and learning. King of Kings was my first Biblical movie, and I loved it. Jeffrey Hunter’s portrayal of Jesus is very moving, and I was very enamored of the film. Jesus Christ Superstar – I think I know all the words, I’ve listened so many times. I liked the stage version, but the first film not so much.

Besides watching these things and others, I read. Christopher Moore’s Lamb, The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. What a fabulous book! I loved it! So much I bought the special edition. And I read The Gospel of Judas! Forty years ago I’d never heard of such a thing. Of course I read the DaVinci Code, and watched the movie. And everything began to percolate inside my head…

Then one day it happened. Judas spoke to me, for the first time. And I simply began to write it down, not knowing what he might say, or where his story might lead. It turned out to be quite the story and took me on quite the journey, and led to places that I didn’t expect it to. If he’d have spoken forty years ago, I would not have been ready to receive his message. But my life up until the moment that I first heard him speak prepared me. And the result is Revelations.

The original title was Kyrie Eleison, a tribute to the Mister Mr. song, Kyrie. Kyrie eleison means Christ, have mercy on us. But then fellow author Marie Sexton, who was reading Kyrie for me at the time, suggested a simpler title. A better title. Revelations. So Revelations it became.

I know there are people who will not like Revelations, and by extension, me. People who will not see the message it carries, only that it does not follow what they believe. But ultimately, no matter what you believe, Revelations is a story of love. Love is the message, and love is something that binds us all together.

Revelations is love.

I'd like to celebrate Revelations release with you. Oh, I almost forgot! I have a book trailer:  

I hope you like it! I'd like to giveaway a copy of Revelations to someone! All I ask is that you comment, and tell me what you think about the book, or anything related to Revelations. And don't forget your email address!

Also, as part of my celebration, I'm guesting at two blogs:  Chris T. Kat and Marie Sexton. Stop by and say hello!

I'll announce the winner in a week. And I haven't forgotten the Backlist Bloghop. I'll be announcing that soon too!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Six Sentence Sunday 1-20-13 Revelations

Only two more of these to go, unless someone picks them up, but as I haven't heard anything, for now I'll assume that's not happening, which is a shame. Today I thought I'd share with you six sentences from my upcoming release, Revelations, coming out February 8th from Museit Up Publishing. For the rest of those who are participating this week, go here.

Also, if you'd like to learn more about Revelations, I'm visiting with my friend Eden Connor and talking about how it came to be, so stop by and say hello. And don't forget to come back tomorrow. I have a surprise!

In this scene, Lucifer is baiting Judas, and the quick-tempered Judas is quick to react, but it's Jesus to the rescue. Ah, sweet torture!  Enjoy!

           “Judas, darling, never play poker, your face gives everything away, my pet.”

            I swat his annoying hand away, irritated beyond belief at his impudence, his bellicose brashness—how dare he fucking touch me like that? Then Jesus takes that very same hand also into his grasp, and I am too dumbstruck to do anything else other than simply stand there, helpless in his grip, melting into his touch. The fight drains from me just that quickly, like snow on hot asphalt, replaced by another, far stronger emotion. Kyrie eleison, I pray to myself, please don’t let me fall apart right here and now. Stand strong, Judas, stand strong.

Revelations isn't available for pre-order yet, but when it is, you'll be able to find it on my page at Muse, which is here

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie.  

Six Sentence Sunday and Guest Blogging with M.A. Church

Good morning and Happy Sunday! As you may or may not know, Six Sentence Sunday is scheduled to end this month. Perhaps someone else will resurrect it, but I do not know. So I'm going to try to participate as much as I can. Also, after my six sentences, something that is actually related, so don't forget to keep reading. For more Six Sentence goodness, go here.

Today's six sentences come from Revelations, which is being released by Museit Up Publishing in February. Poor Judas is - if you'll forgive the expression - being bedeviled by Lucifer. Enjoy! This excerpt is not PG, btw.

            Until I hear a throaty voice whispering directly into my ear, a warm arm wrapping itself securely about my waist.

            “Judas, you pretty thing, when will you allow me to fuck your delectable body and show you what true ecstasy is?”

             Ladies and gentlemen—the devil does not wear Prada. He prefers Armani, if the truth be told. And here he is behind me now, pressed up against me with a raging erection—not that I haven’t felt that before, many times—and he’s whispering sweet nothings in my ear.

            And it’s taking all my self-control not to elbow him in his gut.

Today, I'm guest blogging with M.A. Church, and we have the second part of the interview with Judas and Jesus. So head on over and see what the boys have to say. M.A. made hot chocolate. See you there!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Wednesday Briefs: We're Stronger Than One

How fast this year has gone! Happy Wednesday, time for another Wednesday Brief! Last week, we showcased our Christmas prompts, this week is New Year's!  The prompts were given to us again, courtesy of Cia:  Dear Baby New Year... or 5...4...3...2...1... or use: toast, kiss, hangover or use: night, chance, fireworks,  or include a sparkly hat worn at a jaunty angle or a piece of paper with a single sentence on it.

Last week, I gave you a Gift for Jesus, that starred some of the characters from my upcoming novel, Revelations. Now the conclusion, We're Stronger Than One. Enjoy! And don't forget to visit the other Wednesday Briefers, whose links follow my tale! Also, after  my tale, I've included a bonus!

We're Stronger Than One

“Have you chosen a song?”

I glance up, startled, from the keyboard, to find Thomas standing beside me. I hadn’t realized he stayed behind. The others have all gone to pick up Mary M at the airport. She’s joining us tonight; as a spectator, not a performer.  She knows we’ll be singing together, Jesus and I, and told him she wouldn’t miss that for the world. Oh joy. Not that I begrudge her being there—I don’t—but because I don’t need any more performance anxiety than I now have.

No comments, please.

I shake my head. I’ve sifted through a lot of sheet music that I downloaded and printed out, and rejected everything. Too fast. Too slow. Too romantic. Not romantic enough. If it were anyone else, I’d say to hell with it and refuse to do it. But it’s not, it’s Jesus, and I’ll be damned if I can say those words to him, now or ever. Why he even wants to do this, I don’t know. He’s the singer in the family, not me.  But he asked, and I agreed. First and last performance.

“Still thinking.” I brush my fingers across the keys, feel them vibrate beneath my fingertips. I’ve taught myself to play—a little—over the years. Something else I’d never do in public. Or with them.

“Don’t worry so much, Judas, you’ll do fine.” He pats my shoulder reassuringly. “You have a nice voice.”

I do? News to me. He’s just being nice, and I know it. He’s the only one of them that ever is, though, and I appreciate him. I manage a smile as he riffles through some of the discarded selections.

“What about this one?” He holds out a piece. I take it, glance at the title. Doesn’t look familiar.

“I don’t know it.”

“The words are nice. Pick it out?”

What have I got to lose? I tap at the keys, surprised at how much I like the tune. But can I learn it so quickly? And what of Jesus? Can I take the chance?

I don’t know.

“Think he might—”

I look up and he’s gone. I shrug and return to the music, letting it play over and over in my head. The song reminds me of my Jesus. His image warms me, producing fireworks in my heart. Maybe this will work…

Hours later, the concert’s begun, and I’m standing beside Mary M on the floor near the stage, keeping an eye on things. No animosity between us, but a new understanding and appreciation.

“Where’s your buddy?” she jokes, glancing about us. “You know, Mr. Lassiter?”

I snort. She means Lucifer. “He’s had some stick up his ass lately. Maybe he’s having it removed.”

That elicits a guffaw.

Shit. It’s time to go. “Try not to laugh too hard,” I admonish her as I climb up on the stage. Jesus is already there, and he’s beaming at my approach. If I’m nervous, he’s Mr. Cool. Glad one of us is.

He takes my hand and pulls me in for a kiss. “Ready, Jude?” he whispers, placing one hand over his wireless mic.

Ready as I’ll ever be. I imagine he’s even more so.

I’ve dressed in pale blue robes tonight, to match Jesus and the band. Jesus wears white, symbolic of his pure heart.

“Are you sure?” I question and he nods.

“We have something special for you all.” Jesus addresses the audience. “My husband Jude is going to sing with me.” A polite smatter of applause, more for him than me, I’m sure. Did I mention he has a beautiful voice? He does.

I glance toward the band, waiting for them to begin, but they’re not there. Now I’m confused. A spotlight blossoms, and I spy Thomas sitting at the keyboard. At a nod from Jesus, he begins to play, and I recognize the melody I’ve been practicing all afternoon, as Jesus affixes a second mic to my robe and begins to sing.

All of my doubts fall away at the sound of his lovely voice, as it flows through me and around me, and I join my own to his, caught up in the words and the melody.

“Let me carry you, when you’re tired, you can carry me when I’m sad. Lean on me, I’ll lean on you, for together we’re stronger than one.”

A hush seems to have fallen around us, and nothing else exists but he and I, and here and now, and our love, this two thousand year old love that burns as hotly as any star in the firmament.

“Walk with me, on this path, this life that we’ve just begun,  and keep smiling, smile for me, show the world that you are my love, and together we’re stronger than one.”

He’s looking into my eyes, and my heart swells in my chest, and by some fortuitous circumstance—or perhaps the all-knowing planning of a higher power—I hear Mary M’s voice doing a countdown.

5-4-3-2-1

Happy New Year!

Amidst screaming and crying and confetti and the familiar refrain of Auld Lang Syne, my husband wraps his arms around me and kisses me for the first time in this new year. I return his kiss, lost in him, as the tent goes crazy around us. When we finally pull back slightly, he murmurs in my ear, “I have a confession to make, Jude.”

Him? Confession? Seriously? I’m sure he can see my skepticism. He’s perfect, he can do no wrong.

“A slight dishonesty on my part,” he confesses. “That song…”

“What about it?”

“Thomas planted it for me.”

“He what? Why?” I’m baffled.

“I wasn’t sure you’d like it, and if I told you where it came from, I was afraid you wouldn’t be honest with me about it.”

“What do you mean? I loved it.”

His smile grows wider. “I wrote it for you, Jude. I love you.”

This is going to be a great year, I can feel it.

* * * *

Bonus – the complete lyrics to Stronger Than One

When you smile, I can see all the reasons why I fell in love

And your smile means to me more than anything in the world, my love

So keep smiling, smile for me; show the world that you are my love

For you’re everything in the world to me.

Let me carry you, when you’re tired

You can carry me when I’m sad

Lean on me, I’ll lean on you

For together we’re stronger than one.

Love is a gift that God gave to the world,

It comes in all sizes and shapes,

But the love that you taught me goes beyond everything

Now my knowledge of love is complete

Take my hand, and my heart, and keep smiling for me, my love,

Walk with me, on this path, this life that we’ve just begun

And keep smiling, smile for me, show the world that you are my love,

And together we’re stronger than one.

Yes, together we’re stronger than one.

Now see what the other Briefers are doing to ring in the New Year!

Lily Sawyer     m/m  Cia Nordwell    m/m MA Church    m/m Elyzabeth VaLey      m/f Nephylim     m/m MC Houle      m/m

Victoria Adams     m/f

Wednesday Briefs: A Gift for Jesus

Happy Wednesday and welcome to the Christmas edition of the Wednesday Briefs! This week's prompts were graciously given to us by Cia and were a lot of fun to use. Because of the nature of them, being Christmas and all, I'm giving Stan and Ollie two weeks off, but they will return. Instead, I'm introducing another couple of mine. They come from my book Revelations, which is coming out February 8th, 2013, from MuseIt Up Publishing. The couple in question is Judas and Jesus, and my story is A Gift For Jesus. I hope you enjoy it!

Don't forget to check out the other Christmas offerings from the Wednesday Briefers, whose links follow my tale.

A Gift For Jesus

The night is chill. Not surprising for December, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that I’m cold. And I’m disgruntled, which only serves to exacerbate this feeling of discontent that wells within me.

I’ve no reason to be unhappy. I’ve gotten everything I’ve ever wanted in him. In my husband. My Jesus. So why am I troubled?

Because this is going to be our first real Christmas together, first since we got married that is. And while it’s never been a serious problem before, now I find myself asking the question—what’s the perfect gift for the perfect man? Especially as this day is a celebration of his birth—even if it’s not held at the right time of year, but it’s the thought that counts, right—so that makes it doubly special, and yes, I know I’m being a wet blanket and I can’t help it.

What am I so afraid of? We got through Hanukah just fine, didn’t we?

Just damn. I so don’t want to fuck things up, and I’m so afraid I will.

I know, right? Judas Iscariot fearing something. I’m only human, despite those who claim otherwise and who shall go unnamed right here and now.

Off in the distance, I hear the sounds of occasional traffic, but here we are isolated from that, off the beaten track.  We’re still on tour, of course. That hasn’t changed, naturally. But next year, I swear I’m going to make sure that when Christmas arrives, we’ll celebrate it in a warmer climate. This year I’ve had to settle for putting space heaters in the tent. That will have to do.

Of course, I’ll keep Jesus warm myself, rest assured about that.

Right now, he’s inside, talking with the others, while I’m communing with nature out here. Trying to sort out my thoughts, and not doing very well, I have to admit. The Kaplans have come to visit. It’s always good to see them.

“Problems in Paradise?”

I glance up, startled. Not like I expect him to herald his approach, but I hate to be taken by surprise. Especially by his Infernal Majesty, Prince of Annoyance. Aka Lucifer.

“Like I would tell you?” I snort.

Yes, he’s a pain in the ass but—and I’d never admit this to his face—he’s not quite the demon people make him out to be either. No pun intended. And yes, I did find out about the bet he lost with my father-in-law, and I was very gratified to learn that God had bet on Jesus and me. Serves the serpent right.

He rolls his eyes, drama queen that he is.

The next words out of my mouth surprise even me. “Have you ever been married?”

“Married? Me?” He looks as startled as I feel.  “Do I look that stupid? And no, don’t seriously answer that…”

I’m taken aback, not by his words, but by a glimpse of something in his eyes. But then whatever I saw is gone, and they’re simply a glacial blue.

“You should try it. It’s…” I’m at an unaccustomed loss for words, trying to describe this feeling inside, the one I wake up with on a daily basis. I had no idea until I married Jesus that love could be so… amazing, all-powerful, and… I mean, I knew it was powerful, but damn…

He eyes me for a moment, making no retort, but before I can add anything to what I’ve said, he’s disappeared. Guess I hit a nerve. I shrug and go back to my thoughts.

All I ever wanted was Jesus, and I have him, but what does he want that I can give?

“Something wrong?”

I tuck my robes closer as I turn to the sound of Kathy Kaplan’s voice.

“Just thinking,“ I fudge. Stubborn ass that I am, I don’t like to admit to being flummoxed by anything.

“Mr. Jude, Mr. Jude!’

Another country heard from. I bend down as a small body hurtles itself into my waiting arms. Sarah Kaplan, Kathy’s young daughter. I scoop her up and hug her tight, grateful for the momentary reprieve.

“Santa Claus is coming!” she squeals.

“I know, honey.”

“Don’t worry.” She pats my cheek tenderly. “He’ll get you something nice. You’ve been good this year, right?”

Out of the mouths of babes.

“He’s been very good this year.”

That voice. It never fails to make me shiver, even after two thousand years.

With a quick kiss on my cheek, Sarah wriggles so I set her down and she runs straight to my better half. My much better half. He tosses her in the air and she giggles in delight.

“Hey, let’s get some punch!” Kathy reaches for her child, who protests, until she adds, “And cookies.” And then she’s content to go inside.

That leaves me alone with my husband.

He closes the distance between us, his lips brushing over mine. “What’s troubling you, my love?”

Another shiver chases down my spine; I can’t help myself when I’m around him.

I can’t lie to him. I just can’t do it. “I don’t know what to get you for Christmas,” I admit.

“Don’t be silly, I have everything I could ever want,” he protests, as I surely knew he would. His hand cups my cheek, and he looks into my eyes, and I lose myself in him, as always.

“But… but…” I sputter. “This is our first one. Our first real one. I want it to be special for you—”

“It will be,” he interjects smoothly, “because you are in my life, and in my heart and soul.”

Oh mercy, he makes me puddle so much.

“But if you would like to do something…”

“What it is? I’ll do anything!”

“Sing with me. On stage.”

I hadn’t expected that.

“On Christmas?” There’s no concert planned that night.

“On New Year’s Eve,” he whispers.

I hold him close and nod my assent. Anything for him.

Merry Christmas to him, and to everyone else.

to be continued

Come back next week to read the conclusion! Now see what my fellow Briefers are up to:

Victoria Adams     m/f Lily Sawyer      m/m  MA Church     m/m Cia Nordwell     m/m MC Houle      m/m Tali Spencer     m/m

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Jesus (TV Miniseries) Review

 Jesus

Starring: Jeremy Sisto, Gary Oldman

American release date: March 2, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: DVD/Biblical/176 minutes

Overall Personal Rating: A

Similar series or titles to check out: Jesus of Nazareth, King of Kings

When I first began to watch this particular production of the life of Jesus Christ, I was honestly not sure what to expect. I’d caught glimpses of it on TV when it first aired, but not enough to get a feel for it, and back then it was shown with commercials, which never add to one’s ability to enjoy a film or mini-series. To be even more honest, the basic reason I watched it was to see Gary Oldman, who is my favorite actor and whom I’ve adored for years. Adding to my potential confusion, though, was the fact that I had just recently started watching Six Feet Under, which also features Jeremy Sisto as the crazy Billy Chenoweth. And now I was going to watch him play Jesus? I wasn’t sure how well I could wrap my head around that.

Well, I was totally unprepared to be blown away. Jeremy Sisto brings a freshness and realistic approach to his portrayal of Jesus that is almost as good as Robert Powell’s version. He makes him human, as he undoubtedly was, and he makes him playful—there are some really cute scenes with Jesus and his apostles. I wasn’t necessarily as taken with the actor who played Judas, his was a more traditional portrayal. It wasn’t bad, I just didn’t find it above average. Also, I recognized one of the apostles, Thomas as being in the new Showtime series The Borgias. He plays Micheletto, the assassin.

Debra Messing as Mary Magdalene was an interesting choice—don’t look for her to play Grace here. She plays Mary M in a traditional way, as that of the prostitute who turns her life around for Jesus. I think that is a stereotype started by the church, and that the real woman was not a prostitute, but she has been vilified for years by the church for its own reasons. Regardless, her performance is better than I expected, and shows that Debra Messing can play more serious roles. Jesus’ mother is played by veteran actress Jacqueline Bisset, who does a fine job of it.

GW Bailey is Philo, a character that helps to unify the plot in terms of the Jewish side and the Roman side, becoming a confidante of the new governor, Pontius Pilate, played very well, as always, by Gary Oldman. He beings humor as well as cruelty to the role. You might remember him as the less than bright but entertaining Rizzo, from the MASH series.

One of the interesting aspects of this series which isn’t normally brought out much in films concerning Jesus is the relationship between himself and his earthly father, Joseph, played here by Armin Mueller-Stahl. It also shows Jesus in his role as a carpenter’s apprentice, and portrays a close bond between the two men that I have no trouble believing existed.  Also there is mention of a love between Jesus and Mary, Lazarus’ sister, which is also believable. Jesus was 33 when he died, how hard is it to believe he had feelings for a woman at some point, even if he realized nothing could come of it? There are some realistic scenes where Lazarus gets upset with Jesus for seeming to lead his sister on and breaking her heart.

All in all the nearly three hour mini-series flies by. I enjoyed watching it, enjoyed Jeremy Sisto and Gary Oldman very much. I would watch it again without hesitation.