Silver Flash #17: Yes He's My Ex: The Games People Play

It's Wednesday again, therefore it's time for another Silver Flash. This week's prompts are courtesy of Sui Lynn. They were: "Ever dance with the devil by the pale moonlight" and sitting on a blanket on a beach. As you'll recall, we left FBI Agent Nelson kissing Dale Camel, let's see how that's going, shall we? Don't forget to check out all the Silver Flashers, you'll find the links, as usual, listed at the bottom of this post. Without further ado, I give you

The Games People Play

We’re all gawking at the sight of the FBI agent and the naked Dale engaged in a kiss. I don’t know which is more disturbing—the fact that they’re doing it, or the fact that I’m starting to take these sorts of things in stride. Has this become the fabric of my life?

The other agents turn their heads away from the sight of the train wreck in progress. Maybe it’s in the manual. Under how not to piss off your boss when he’s macking with the witness.

“You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?” one says to the other.

“No, have you?”

“Stupid, that’s not a question, it’s a quote. You’re supposed to name where it comes from. Book, movie, song, whatever.”

“Um, I dunno, I never heard it before.”

Now I’m staring at the second agent in amazement, the kissing duo forgotten for the moment. “What? You don’t know Batman? Jack Nicholson as the Joker? Seriously?” I thought everyone knew that line. Jack Nicholson’s performance is classic.

I guess not, though. Consider the source.

Agent #2 regards me; his face never changes expression. I think he only has one look—stupid. “I think you mean Cesar Romero, sir.” At least he’s polite, I’ll grant him that.

“No, no, no, Johnson, you have it all wrong.” This from the first one. Now I know—Agent #2 is Johnson. Last name, I presume.  At least I can tell them apart now. In my head, anyway.

“What do you mean, Johnson?”

Oh great, doesn’t that just figure? Same name. Back to square one. Johnson & Johnson.

Johnson #1 now. “Cesar Romero played the Joker in the TV series. Jack Nicholson played him in the first Michael Keaton movie. 1989. Directed by Tim Burton.”

Wait, that’s my job, I’m the walking IMDB guy. But on second thought, I don’t care. It’s a stupid thing to argue about anyway.

“Oh?” Johnson #2 brilliantly interjects. “I thought that was the guy that died. You know, the one they named the Heath bar after?”

I can’t help but groan aloud.  Sonny, who has been uncharacteristically silent, sits up, wrapping himself around me, as he slithers into my lap, his head rubbing against my bare chest.

“Mmmm, I love Heath bars,” he murmurs hungrily.

“No,” Johnson #1 replies, “he was in The Dark Knight. With Christian Bale.”

“I saw that one, I think. Isn’t it the one where the police commissioner looks like Ned Flanders from the Simpsons?”

Sonny chimes in happily. “Okily dokily!” He grins up at me, his purr motor revved up and going a mile a minute.

Can I please just get out of here? I want my life back!

The two Johnsons nod synchronously, before exclaiming, “Gary Oldman!” They raise their hands and high five across the table.

Darting a glance toward the bathroom, I’m relieved to see that Nelson has managed to remove himself from Dale’s embrace and has made him get dressed. I tighten my hold on Sonny, but my fears appear to be ungrounded. Nelson takes a seat on the end of Dale’s bed, and Dale flops behind him, not making any move toward my boyfriend.

So far, so good.

Nelson pulls out his cell phone, punches something into it then slides it back into his pocket.

“Who’s up for Charades?” he asks.

I groan. It’s gonna be a long night, I can see it now. Make that day, it’s barely begun, has it?

Everyone but me chimes in. I’m the lone standout. When they all glare at me, I give in with a distinct lack of good grace.

Johnson #1 goes first. He stands in front of us, and makes a strange revolving motion with one hand, the other remaining stationary. While the others gawp cluelessly, I volunteer the correct information in a monotone.

“Movie.”

Johnson nods, then holds up one finger.

“One word,” I supply. Has no one but me ever played this before?

He nods, just before he begins to slowly crumple toward the floor, making a strange noise which sounds like a goose being strangled.

“Um, Batman?” Johnson #2 offers.

Jesus.

“Throw Momma From the Train?” That’s Sonny’s less than stellar contribution.  I ignore the fact that that is so not one word and just hold onto him instead, nuzzling his neck.

Finally, Nelson nails it when he identifies the film in question as “Titanic.” How, I don’t know. And what was that noise? Dying passengers?

Nelson’s turn. He takes Johnson’s place, signals for another movie. Three words this time.

I’m so bored, I make a point of looking at my wrist, at my non-existent watch. Sonny thinks that’s hilarious and kisses me sweetly. I guess that was worth it, but I’m still bored.

Nelson has begun to gyrate strangely, moving up and down in a strange sort of motion, which bears a distant resemblance to the Twist, but damned if I can think of a movie that goes with it.  “Twist and Shout?” I throw out my only suggestion.

Nelson shakes his head and Dale makes a noise like a buzzer gone wrong.

Next Nelson plops cross-legged onto the floor and begins to make weird motions. He cocks his head, listening for something, then pretends to do something on the floor before him. I have no idea what.

“Are you playing a game?” Sonny asks. I remind him we can’t ask questions, but I admit it’s a good one. It gets me thinking, while I watch Nelson’s continuing pantomime. Listening, then moving. Or listening and placing a piece. I have it, he’s playing bingo.

Let’s put these pieces together. Bingo. The Twist. The Lotus position. A  hippie movie? Can’t think of one. Wait. Is he sitting on the beach, maybe? On a blanket? I have it!

“Beach Blanket Bingo!” I cry out, and I’m rewarded for my efforts with Nelson’s affirmation and a big hug and a kiss from Sonny.

Now it’s my turn and I have an idea.

to be continued

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Silver Flashers:

Sui Lynn     m/m

Ryssa Edwards      m/m

Lily Sawyer          m/m

Lindsay Klug          m/f

Heather Lin          m/f

Join us next week for another episode of Yes He's My Ex and find out what Tim's idea is!  Have a great week!

♥ Julie

Thoughts on celibacy and other topics

Yesterday I posted about my new series Forbidden which begins Friday at Wicked Nights, and which stars a very hot priest, Father Sergio,  who is going to be lusted after by the other main character, Jerico. It should be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out. I tend to leave that up to the characters to work out, although I have my suspicions.

Also, yesterday I watched the season finale of The Borgias. Luckily I know it's already been renewed for another season, so I have much to look forward to - particularly Cardinal Cesare Borgia, who is such a hunk!


Cesare's father is Rodrigo Borgia, aka Pope Alexander VI. Wait, his father is a pope? How did that happen? Didn't they have celibacy vows back then? Of course they did. Even before he was Pope, Borgia must have gone through the rank and file of the Church - at the time of his election to the papacy, he was a Cardinal.  He had a number of mistresses and several children. So much for celibacy.

Now let's think about that. Celibacy, that is. It isn't mandatory in all churches. Some ministers are allowed to marry and have children, to lead more normal lives. Am I saying that celibate priests don't lead normal lives? Yes, I guess I am, because celibacy is not a natural state for most people. True, there are some who have low sex drives and don't care, but on the whole, priests are no different than anyone else, and celibacy has to be hard on them. Well, you know it is, because see what happens when you force men to deny themselves the pleasures of the body?  Things that aren't very pretty.

What about the argument that by being celibate they put more time and energy into the Church and into serving God and helping their fellow man?  I think that's a crock of shit. First off, how much do you get done when you're horny a lot and can't do anything about it? Secondly, if that were true, I think there would be a lot less people in miserable straits in the world, with that much energy being devoted to their welfare. Personally, I think someone who has a happy home life, no matter if they are straight or gay, will be better suited to helping other people.

You know what I don't understand? How priests offer marriage and/or sex counseling. With what experience? A book? Might as well shove a manual at the couple and say here, read. I drive a car, I sure wouldn't begin to suggest I can fix it. The priests don't even drive the car, they have to give longing glances from afar. And yet they tell people how to drive?  It's crazy.

In Forbidden, because of the declining birth rate, the Church has taken a step forward and removed the vows of celibacy for two main reasons - one, in order to get the priests married and reproducing, and the second reason is that it wasn't really working and caused far more harm than good. But they still don't allow homosexuality because it doesn't produce children. So that will have to be a factor between our two heroes and what happens to them. You gotta throw monkey wrenches at your characters, right? Add some drama to their lives. Or who wants to read about them?

I obviously like themes involving the Church. Forbidden isn't my first such foray, actually. I wrote a novel called Revelations and I am seeking a publisher for it, even now. It's in NY, with Tor books, I'm waiting to hear from them. I've subbed it to a few publishers who liked it but wouldn't take a chance on publishing it because the subject matter is controversial.

Wait, you mean more controversial than a priest possibly breaking his vows of celibacy?

Yeah, I guess I do mean that.

I'll tell you a little about it. It's a contemporary Biblical story. I know, that's a contradiction in terms, right? But it is. It asks the question - what if there has already been a Second Coming? And a Third and Fourth? And many more?  In my version of the story, God sends Jesus, and Mary, and Mary Magdalene and the Apostles to do his bidding, try to teach mankind, but unannounced. Like they're testing mankind to see if he can be taught without being threatened. Sometimes people do better than others, but sometimes, they don't do well. Revelations takes place in modern times. And it's primarily about Judas and Jesus.  So yeah, maybe a little controversial. But those who've read it have loved it. I'm hopeful that I'll find a home for it.

There is a Mr. Mister song that I love a lot, that reminds me of Revelations. It's called Kyrie, check it out.

What do you think of celibacy - good or bad? Or don't care? I'd love to hear!


♥  Julie

And the winner is...

Using a very scientific method, my daughter Sarah picked the winners of my Captivations 7: The Storm Rages   contest. Yes, you heard right - winners, as in plural!  I decided to expand the contest and have two winners!

The winners are:

Heather and Sui!  Let me know what format you prefer, and which chapter of Captivations you would like!

Congratulations to you both and for those who did not win, I will run another contest soon, I promise!

Behind my new series, Forbidden

I have a new series releasing with Wicked Nights on Friday, May 27th. This will be my second with them, and will also release on a monthly basis, fourth Friday of the month. This series is a little different for me in that it's a sci fi/futuristic drama, which takes place in 2056 AD. Life as we know it has changed a little bit.

Blurb:   The year is 2056 AD. The place—the Alliance of States, once the United States of America. The country is struggling to come back after the Armageddon which took place in the year 2032, under the leadership of President Alistair Boothe. Life is hard but not impossible. The church and the state have been closely woven together, for the good of the people. Infant mortality has risen, the birth rate has declined. Recognizing the futility of imposing celibracy, the church now allows its priests to marry women. Homosexuality is still forbidden, and pedophilia is punishable by death.

Jerico James is handsome, spoiled and willful—a rich boy with too much time on his hands. When he steps out of line once too often, he finds himself sent to one of the nation’s help centers to serve his community service, under the guidance of its director, Father Sergio de Basco. The moment he sees Sergio, Jerico is struck by the priest’s beauty—and determined to have him, no matter what the cost.

Here is the cover for the first volume, Sanctum:  

I am hard at work on volume 2, even as we speak. But I'd like to talk a little about this and give you a feel for the characters.  First, I'd like to show you the inspiration for my two main characters:

Father Sergio  de Basco

Jerico James   

As the story begins, it is 2056 AD and the United States is now the Alliance of States, after the addition of Canada. The people are still recovering from the Armageddon of 2032. Some things have changed, people are just trying to survive.

Jerico James is rich and spoiled, a 30 year old playboy with no real purpose other than having fun. His father is a close friend and advisor of President Alistair Boothe. But Jerico learns the hard way that he can't get away with everything. At least he isn't being put into prison - the stories that came out of the prisons are frightening. Instead, he is to do community service at the National Help Center known as Sanctum, under the 

directorship of Father Sergio de Basco. Jerico leaves behind his pregnant twin sister, Jerusha. She is the only person he truly cares about.

When he sees Sergio, it's lust at first sight. Due to a declining birth rate, and due to the scandals which tore apart the Church in the 20th and 21st centuries, the Church has reversed its stance on priest celibacy and now allows them to marry - women. Homosexuality is still forbidden, and pedophilia is a capital offense.

Will Jerico disrupt the even tenor of Father Sergio's life at Sanctum? Will Sergio be able to tame the wild child? And what will they do about their attraction to and feelings for one another?

Read Forbidden 1: Sanctum - the journey begins on Friday!

As I said, this is different for me, as it's a bit of sci fi and it's futuristic and there are no paranormal elements to it - no vampires, werewolves, or anything of the sort. Just people, trying to live their lives.

Do you find this interesting? What would you like to see happen? I'd love to hear from you!  I'll be posting the winner of my Captivations contest a little later - stay tuned!

Yes, We Have No Rapture Today

While parts of the world hold their collective breaths in anticipation of the recently touted and well publicized Rapture of alleged Biblical proportions, why don't the rest of us relax and do something else?  Like what, you ask? How about going on with the rest of our lives? Serously.

Even if I thought the Rapture existed and was actually beginning at a particular time, is that a reason to stop everything for wait for it?  Hardly. And since I don't believe in it, even more reason not to sit around waiting for someone to beam me up.

Oh wait, I don't think I'm going. I write naughty stories, don't you know? Some of which contain  *whispers*  sexual congress among consenting adults.  Oh no! Le gasp! Whatever shall I do?

Keep on living.

If nothing else, I bet this strange but not isolated incident in man's history spawns a number of Rapture related/titled books and stories, and at least one porno. And it sure is gaining publicity for the guy who came up with it all. Like he didn't figure on that, right?

Most of the shows I watch have had their season finales. The Borgias is tomorrow night. I hear it's been renewed, which is excellent news.I'm surprised that there is nothing on Amazon yet for the DVD. After all, I found pre-order links for the second season of Justified when it had barely begun, so I figured The Borgias would be up by now. I'd buy it for Cesare alone. Top Chef Masters should have another four episodes or so by my calculation. I don't find it as interesting as Top Chef Allstars. I hope they start a new season of Top Chef after that, which should be #8.

I started rewatching the Beauty and the Beast on netflix. I'd forgotten how much I love that show. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, Linda Hamilton (of Terminator fame) stars as Catherine Chandler. At the beginning of the series, she is a corporate lawyer in her father's firm, a fairly spoiled little rich girl with the world at her fingertips. Through a case of mistaken identity, she is assaulted and brutally slashed and left for dead where she is found and saved by the shadowy figure of Vincent (played by Ron Perelman, aka Hellboy). He takes her to his home, which is a subterranean lair beneath New York City where a number of people live outside of society's knowledge and approval - outcasts who have been mistreated and have nowhere to go - in  their own safe haven.

After the attack, Catherine goes to work in the Public Defender's office, while she and Vincent have formed a close symbiotic relationship, which is the heart of the series. Vincent cannot walk the earth where people might see him because of his differences. She cannot be part of his world because she has a world of her own. Although they cannot be together, they are never truly apart.

It's the most romantic show ever, and even time has not dimmed its impact on me. I find Vincent not only attractive but very romantic, kind, considerate and gentle (except when he's pissed off). Yes, I said it - Vincent is hot! Their romance is epic. One of my favorite parts of the show is when Vincent, through their shared bond, realizes that Catherine is in trouble, and goes to her. It makes me tingle to even imagine having someone love me so very much that he would be there for me like that. It's a classic series, one that I'll never forget. Someday I'd like to write my own Beauty and the Beast story, perhaps even make it m/m.

I recently watched my first Eleventh Doctor episode. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, and I imagine there are a few, I'm referring to Doctor Who, a British sci-fi children's series which has been going on since the 1960's. Doctor Who is a Time Lord who comes from the planet Gallifrey, has two hearts and has lived for many years (just how long depends on the writers, who tend to forget their own canon). So far there have been eleven of these gentlemen, each with his own unique style and personality. How does this happen, you wonder? Well, the Doctor has this wonderful ability, known as regeneration. When he reaches the end of one life cycle - presto changeo, here comes another Doctor to carry on the previous one's work, all memories intact. Quite a handy thing to do - overcomes death, and keeps the actors on their toes, knowing that they can and will be replaced. The longest running Doctor episode-wise was the Fourth doctor, played by Tom Baker and his scarf. He's my favorite, I have to admit, and I met him first.

I've seen all of the Doctors through Seven, and then there was a large gap. The Eighth Doctor appeared in a movie, not the TV series (played by curly haired Paul McGann) and it wasn't until a few years ago that the series, which was on a bit of a hiatus, returned, with Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor. I finally watched that season, which was wonderful. He only did one season, to be replaced by David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor (you may remember him from the HP film Goblet of Fire as the demented Barty Crouch). I've seen a couple of his episodes, including the Runaway Bride, whom I cosplayed at 2010's Archon. Now there is an Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, and I watched one of his, at my Sarah's behest. I have to admit that I was curious to see this episode, because it was penned by Neil Gaiman.

It was titled The Doctor's Wife, and I loved it. Prior to watching, I had rather discounted the Matt Smith portrayal of the Doctor as being very geeky and unattractive. I might just have to rethink that. It was a very well-written, fascinating episode, delving into the Doctor's psyche, and featured some very interesting characters, including the Doctor's companion, Amy Pond, and her husband Rory. The only disappointment was that I didn't get to see River Song (played by Alex Kingston), whom I've been curious to see. She's a rather shadowy figure in the Whoverse, who has inspired a great deal of speculation as to just who she is and what she is to the Doctor. Guess time will tell.

Well, since I'm not being Raptured, guess I should find something to do with myself, eh? Luckily I have edits to finish, books to beta, books to write and books to read, and shows and movies to watch!

Don't forget, there's still time to get in on the Captivations contest! All you have to do is follow my blog, and leave a comment, with your contact info, to win!

Have any thoughts on the Rapture? I'd love to hear them!

♥  Julie

Devil in a Blue Dress Review

Devil in a Blue Dress   

Author: Walter Mosley

Publisher: Washington Square Press

American release date: September 17, 2002

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/Mystery/272 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: NR

Overall Personal Rating: A

The time is 1948 and the setting is Los Angeles. Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins is newly unemployed and in need of cash when DeWitt Albright strolls casually into Joppy’s small meat-scented bar. Easy is surprised, not just because Albright is white, but because of his dress. Easy has a funny feeling about the man, which is only accentuated when Joppy introduces him, explaining that Easy’s in need of money.  Fortuitously, the white man needs someone to do something for him, something which will earn him some easy cash. Albright gives Easy his card and says he should look him up.

Synopsis:

The address on the card is far from Watts, but Easy goes anyway to check out the situation, ‘cause he needs the money. Joppy’s right about what Albright wants—he’s looking for someone. A girl. A white girl, to be more precise, by the name of Daphne Monet. Easy is suspicious about why he’s being asked to do this when surely there are other people who could do the job, such as the police. He’s told that Daphne has a certain predilection for “jazz and pigs’ feet and the company of Negroes”. In other words, she’s probably somewhere that Easy will have easier access to than most. Such as an illegal bar called John’s.

Easy takes the man’s money because of necessity, and begins his quest to find Miss Monet. Albright claims that his own client, the one that is seeking Daphne, only wishes her well, he means her no harm, because he loves her. Well, that’s gotta do for now, as Easy doesn’t have any better answers, or any reason to doubt him. Yet.

The search for Daphne Monet leads Easy into situations he hasn’t bargained for, involving both friends and acquaintances and strangers. People are starting to turn up dead, and Easy finds himself hauled in by the police for questioning, although he’s never told why or what it’s about. Being a black man in 1940’s LA means they can pretty well treat him like dirt and get away with it.

The icing on the cake is Daphne Monet herself. When she enters the picture, will Easy ever be able to think straight again? Will it cost him his life?

Commentary:

This is the first book in the Easy Rawlins mystery series, and it’s a splendid introduction to Mosley’s detective. It’s a great beginning. Mosley has a very easy, smooth style, which flows like a fine piece of jazz. Easy is a complex character and we learn a lot about him in this book, both from his actions as well as his thoughts. Besides Easy, there is a supporting cast of characters who are as interesting as he is. His search for the elusive Miss Monet takes him into the seamy darker side of LA, with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the end who did what and why. Besides Easy, one of my favorite characters is his best friend Mouse.

I know that there’s a movie, but I haven’t seen it. Having read the book, though, I’ll probably check it out. I usually find it’s better to read the source material first, then you can deal with what changes are wrought on the silver screen.

I recommend Devil in a Blue Dress if you enjoy mysteries. Easy Rawlins is an engaging character, one that’s sure to linger with you, even after you’ve turned the last page.

If you can't stand the heat, you're not going to make it as a writer

In previous blogs, I've discussed the importance for writers of having a support system in place, either in the form of betas or a critique group or both. I also have friends who read what I write, but honestly, their value is more limited to telling me they like what I write which, while nice, isn't helpful in the how can I improve myself category of the writing process. Most friends don't want to offer criticism for fear of offending, and that's fine too. It also doesn't hurt to belong to online groups too, to find other like-minded people that you can bounce ideas off of, and do a back and forth sort of dialogue regarding your work, their work, and so on.

But go into it knowing this much - you may very well hear things that you don't want to hear about your work. I'm here to tell you, if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!









I was in a situation recently where someone posted a WIP that was completely unedited and when I offered a couple of comments, I was accused of being mean. Probably because I didn't fall all over myself telling the person how wonderful it was. But isn't what you need when you join a critique group criticism? So why cry when you get it?

Face it, we none of us are perfect. That's why we have editors (who are also our punishments, but I'll save that for another blog). Wouldn't it be wonderful if every word that proceeded either from our pen or from our keystrokes was just the way we envision our story, with no changes needing to be made, best-seller material ready for an eager publisher to welcome with open arms and a huge advance?

Life does not work like that, though, and neither does writing. Writing requires a lot of thought, a lot of work, a lot of spit and polish, and hard examination - reading and re-reading, and going over. That's where the others come in, the crit partners/betas/idea bouncers - they help with that process by providing a fresh pair of knowledgeable eyes which will be able to see what your myopic too subjective eyes cannot always see.

No one likes to hear that what they've written needs to be fixed. You have to go into it, though, with the idea that your writing will need changes, whether for grammar or spelling or context, or plot, or getting the details right. How embarrassing if you decide to change your hero's name for whatever reason and don't discover til after publication that you missed it in a few spots, and now you've really confused your readers.

I find that overweening hubris is often - but not exclusively - the purview of the very young writer (and young doesn't necessarily refer to age, but to writing experience). I admit - been there, done that. I can remember a time when if you dared to suggest my work was less than perfect or needed something, I'd have a hissy. I got over that, and I learned to develop a thicker skin, and to appreciate the advice I was given. (FYI that doesn't necessarily extend to reviewers, but again, that's another topic, cause they aren't there to help you write, but to guide their readers).

So I'm mean for speaking the truth? Okay, I can leave with that. It doesn't make what I say any less truthful, and once you get past that youthful arrogance, maybe  you'll see it too. Or not, your choice.

Do you have to accept everything people tell you in terms of criticism? Of course not. Not everyone is right, and what they are offering are opinions, some of them more informed than others. Sometimes you have your own reasons for using the words you did, setting up your situation the way you did, etc. But sometimes other people are just right. I'm still learning to edit my own work, as well as the work of others. How? By doing. I take what people say to me and apply it to others. I'm learning to tighten my writing, cut out some of the fat and watch out for repetition (other than when I'm making a point). Sometimes it takes someone else to point out that  you have a tendency to abuse a word or phrase. Once you hear it, it's easier for you to see it. For example, in To The Max, it was of course and naturally, and as I did the edits, I saw that yes, I used those far too much. With a friend and fellow author, it's the phrase a bit (which I have banned from her writing lol)

You can make this process as difficult as having teeth pulled, and as painful, or you can look at it as a learning experience whose goal is to improve your writing. Frankly, I want to improve my writing, to be the best that I can be, so I leave my ego at the door. Now, having said that, some things are too much to take, such as suggestions that I change my main character (this in a sequel, no less, so he's an established character) or the suggestion that I change my writing style (seriously? if the publisher didn't like my style, I have to believe he wouldn't have selected my book to publish). So yeah, there's some of that grain of salt thing in there too.

The important thing is to be willing to listen, and to take the heat. Think of it as a trial by fire, one from which you'll emerge safely from on the other end - perhaps a little worse for wear, but whole and enlightened for the experience. If you offer criticism to someone, be nice about it - no need to get rude or snippy (save that for the reviewers). Show consideration for a fellow author, but also be truthful. Telling them what they want to hear isn't going to help them a bit.

Have you ever offered assistance to someone and gotten your head bitten off for it? I'd love to hear about!

Remember, there's a contest going on here - all you have to do is follow this blog and leave a comment with your contact information, and you're entered! The winner will receive a copy of one of the chapters from my ongoing series Captivations, to be selected by the winner!  Hurry and enter, contest ends Saturday!

♥ Julie