Bruce A. Borders

Monday, June 8, 2015

Joint Effort

My wife and I are working on a project together. A book. A children’s book to be precise.

During our project, I’ve learned something: I don’t do well writing for kids. I like words too much. I like having many words to choose from and not worrying if it’s going to be misunderstood. That’s not really an option with a kid’s book. Too many unfamiliar words and they will lose interest. (Probably a lot of adults like that too).

It is frustrating though to have to curtail my word usage. By the end of it, I was saying to myself, Well, if they don’t know this word by now, it’s about time they learned. See why I maybe shouldn’t write children’s books?

But that is the approach I always used with my own kids. In fact, I’d specifically choose words I thought would be new to them. When they asked what the word meant, I’d say, “Look it up.” I did try to use context so they weren’t always at a loss for a word’s meaning, but quite often they were looking up words. Once they had a basic definition, we’d discuss the word so I could give them a fuller definition—connotations and meanings that the dictionary had omitted.

I don’t think it’s possible to do that with readers though. Even if it were, I doubt the practice would be advisable. Not really a good way to attract readers.

Back to our project: The book is about my wife’s cat—when she was growing up—and some of the rather stupid things he did. In fact, that was his name, Stupid, which is actually an endearing term. Really! Okay, that wasn’t his real name, it just sort of came to be; borne quite naturally out of the shaking of the head in disbelief at some of the things the cat did, mostly as a kitten.

I knew the cat, he was still around when my wife and I started dating, and he was far from stupid. And that’s saying a lot coming from me considering I really don’t like cats. Dogs are so much more relatable!

My wife took care of writing the initial story, and all the illustrations. She says she’s not a writer. She says she’s not an artist. Yet, I have indisputable proof that she is both.

Me, I got to do all the re-writes, to put the story in the voice of the cat, then more re-writes, formatting, cover design, and publishing.

We should have had the book done by now. Or, more to the point, I should have had it done by now. My wife’s part has been finished for quite some time. But as I like to say, art can’t be rushed! Well, unless you’re one of those speed painters, which I’m not. But it will be done soon; in a few days or so. And it might actually be out by the time this post goes live.

One other thing I’ve learned during this project; my wife and I make a good team! But then, this coming Saturday will be our 28th Anniversary so we probably should have figured out how to work together by now! I did have fun working on this project with her. Good thing, I think she’s already planning a sequel!

Bruce A. Borders is the author of more than a dozen books, including: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and The Wynn Garrett Series. Available in ebook and paperback on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords, or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com. Amazon Profile - http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-A.-Borders/e/B006SOLWQS. Bruce A. Borders also serves as the Vice-President of Rave Reviews Book Club.

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Monday, June 1, 2015

Penny Candy

Does anyone remember when stores sold penny candy? A single piece of candy for a penny. They had other candy too, some was priced at two cents and some even up to five cents! I guess they still sell the same candy, it just takes more than a penny to pay for it these days. It’s more like dollar candy now.

I was always a cheapskate. Even as a kid, I didn’t like wasting my money. I would only buy the penny candy. Sometimes, I got lucky and the store would be having a sale, three pieces of candy for two cents! Yay! Time to stock up!

Problem is, I didn’t really like candy that well. I did eat it occasionally but it wasn’t what I craved and I could easily do without it. I always thought it looked good in the store but by the time I got home, I usually didn’t eat it all. So, I would save it. I had a big bag in my room that no one knew about. Wasn’t sure what I was saving it for but as it turns out, it was for a good cause.

When I was a kid, we had a lot of people stay with us. Once, when we had visitors, they had a boy about my age. I don’t think you could say that we were friends though. He was a little too annoying for that. I tolerated him; only because my dad said I had to. But the day I came home from school to find the kid had eaten ALL of my candy, my tolerance sort of faded. (More like flew away at the speed of light).

But before I could get myself into trouble, I learned the kid had come down with something and was sleeping—after having puked his guts out and moaning that his stomach hurt. Apparently, eating an entire bag of candy that had been accumulating for years tends to make a body quite sick! I wasn’t sure if it was the fact the candy was old or that he’d eaten all of it that had done him in but either way, I was happy.

I never told his parents, or mine, what he’d done. They just figured he’d gotten a bug and become sick. I did mention it to the kid though—indirectly.

While he was still sleeping, I’d made a trip to town with my mom—and replenished my candy supply. When we returned, the kid was up and feeling better. But, not for long. “Want some candy?” I asked, opening the bag so he could see my stash.

He just shook his head as his eyes glazed over and he looked like he was going to puke again.

Ah! Penny candy. Cheap Thrills!

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Monday, May 25, 2015

The Joys Of Truck Driving

First, the bad news: I’m writing this blog post from the side of the road at 3:30 am. I hit a deer with the semi and it took out the radiator, and the bumper, and the grille. Another driver is on his way to get the trailer and a tow truck is coming to take the tractor. And hopefully, they arrive in that order. Since the other driver is my ride back to the terminal, I’d really like him to get here first. Otherwise, I’ll be sitting on the side of the freeway—literally—or, standing, I suppose. In any event, with no vehicle, the freeway doesn’t sound like a fun place to be.

I could have gotten a ride earlier but company policy says the driver must remain with the vehicle until it is picked up. That way if someone comes along and runs into the truck, the driver will be sure to be injured! (Yeah, it doesn’t make much sense to us either). But if the tow truck hasn’t arrived by the time the next driver gets here, I’ll be leaving the tractor sit all by it’s lonesome.

Now, the good news: It was the semi that got damaged, not my pickup, and I’m still getting paid. So, I hit a deer and get three hours of extra pay! Not a bad deal. Only thing is, I have to sit here with nothing to do for, well, three hours.

I’ve hit deer before but it never really dawned on me that my job description included hunting! I should do this more often! It’s a much cheaper way to hunt. Unfortunately however, there will be no venison going in my freezer. Deer do not tend to fare well after being run over by a semi and from the looks of the right side of my trailer, I got him with the full length of the truck.

Oh, just got some great news! I’ve been informed that I have about another forty-five minutes to wait. So, with nothing better to do, I think I’ll take a nap. Maybe. As long as nobody runs into the back end of my trailer!

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Monday, May 18, 2015

My Mother

I know that Mother’s Day was last week but this post is about my Mother. Just ignore the fact that I’m running a little behind.

Recently, my Mother remarked that she can’t remember doing a whole lot for me and my brother when we were young. She knows she probably did, but it’s just hard to remember specifics. Well, yes, she did do a lot. And I have a few specifics.

Obviously, she fed and clothed me, and took care of me when I was sick—you know, all the things that a normal mother does. But my Mom was, and is, far above the norm.

I remember going to friend’s houses when I was a boy and when lunch or supper time came, everyone was expected to eat what their mother prepared. Really! Everyone ate the same thing, always. A few times, I mentioned how strange that was to me. My friends thought I was the strange one. They told me that’s how most mothers were; they fixed one meal and expected everyone to eat whatever they cooked. Well, that may be the case for most mothers but not my Mom!

My Mom would make us whatever we wanted—different things for everyone! She’d say something like: “I’m fixing soup for me and your dad, and fried potatoes with eggs for your brother. Do you want either one of those or something else? I can make fried chicken or warm up some spaghetti. Oh, and I’ve got some left over beef and gravy if you want that.” To this day, when I’m at my parents’ house, she still does that. And it’s still pretty great!

She’s the one who instilled in me an absolute love of singing, and music in general—well, as long as the music is country. I’m not too impressed with rock, pop, rap, or any other name you want to give non-country music. When I was six or seven years old and trying to learn to play the guitar, she would play the piano and I’d play along. When I didn’t hear a key change, she’d interrupt her own singing long enough to say “change.” I would change, usually just in time for her to call out the next one that I’d missed. To this day, when I’m listening to people play music, and they miss a key change, I still hear a voice in my head, my Mother’s voice, saying, “Change!”

Back before the days of the Internet, there was mail order. When she could, my Mom saved up box tops or whatever else was required and sent off for items she knew we would like. I remember when we got a set of Kool-aid cups in the mail. They were awesome and we were excited! My brother got the Grape one, I got the Strawberry cup.

On long car trips that we made halfway across the country, numerous ones, she taught my brother and I little games to play to keep our minds occupied. I still do some of those to this day since, as a truck driver, I seem to find myself behind the wheel for hours on end.

At home, she would spread a quilt on the floor, a patchwork quilt with blocks that we pretended was a town with roads. We’d drive our cars on the roads and Mom would help us play by setting up various objects from around the house to represent buildings.

When I was real little, I remember her reading to me (Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn or The Little House In The Big Woods, for example), taking me to the swings in the park, taking me to see the horses behind our church, making homemade toys out of paper and tissues, or putting a big stack of records on the stereo so I could listen for hours.

She had a huge collection of buttons that she used to let us play with too, and scraps of material. Not sure why that was fun but it was and even more so when my mother would join in.

As I got a bit older, the activities changed. My Mom sold Avon and when the shipment would come in, I got to help sort it and fill the orders! The games we played also changed: Life, Payday, and Trouble. And, she let me help her bake, which really meant eating lots of dough and licking the beaters.

She taught me to cook, showed me how to break beans, shuck corn, and a whole host of other cooking related things. Oh, and how to churn butter in a jar! Some people may not look at these things as fun but I did. And there were lots more of them. In addition, I developed a like of drawing, a love of singing, and a passion for writing songs—all of which I got from my Mother.

If you notice, most of what I’ve mentioned are not big or expensive things. They’re not even what most people would consider significant. Yet, it’s things like these and so many more that I remember. I think of them from time to time and get lost in my memories.

In essence, what my mother gave me was the safe feeling of a comfortable and loving home. And that is priceless! So, thanks Mom, for everything you did!

~ ~ ~

Note: I will be interviewed by Radio host John Fioravanti on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 11:00 CST. You can listen to the interview here.

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Sunday, May 10, 2015

No More Children

As of last week, I’m now the proud parent of three adult children. My kids are no longer kids. Okay, they haven’t been kids for quite some time—the last one moved out nearly three years ago. But he is now twenty-one so, at long last, I’m done with the parenting thing. My job is finished!

So why then, do I feel like it isn’t? Why do I still feel responsible for them? Why do I still worry about their well being? And, why do I still feel the need to protect them? To provide for them? After all, they all manage to live quite well on their own. All three have decent jobs and are productive members of society. They no longer need me.

I guess I should be happy about that and, in some ways, I am. I’m proud of them for maturing into responsible adults. Proud of them for being independent. proud of them for being competent. Still, mentally, the parenting mindset persists. And I’m not sure what to do about it. Nothing, I suppose. But, sometimes that’s hard. Because, I am still the dad!

I’m sure that I am not the first parent to experience this. Probably won’t be the last either. I’m certain that most parents go through the same thing; the worry, angst, and feeling responsible for one’s children never goes away. Obviously, being a parent is not a temporary role.

So, I guess I’m not done with the parenting thing after all. Once a parent, always a parent... apparently.

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Sunday, May 3, 2015

On Solid Footing

I’m sure most people know what the footing for a building is but for those who may not be familiar with the term, I’ll give you a short definition. As it relates to building, a footing is (usually) the base that forms the foundation. And usually, though not always, footings extend deep into the ground, which is why we refer to it as digging a footing. In the old days, footings consisted of rocks, big rocks, that wouldn’t move. These days, we pour them in concrete—much easier than hauling heavy rocks and setting them in place.

The idea of a footing is so you can build your house (or whatever you happen to be building) on something solid. A footing anchors the building to the ground, barring a tornado or some other natural disaster. To dig a footing, you basically dig a trench around the perimeter of where your building will set. Depending on what is being built, additional footings may also need to be dug as well.

Okay, now for my story:

I was five the first time I helped dig footings. My dad was preparing to build a new house and as he typically does, he was doing all the work himself. By that, I mean he wasn’t hiring any help like a contractor. He did, however, have two sons who “volunteered.” My brother was three years older than I so he probably actually contributed to the effort. But I’m not sure how much help I was. At five years old, I was too young to be much real help, that I know. But I do remember scooping up dirt with a shovel and piling it off to the side. And, I remember getting my clothes filthy—so I must have done something. Still, I’m pretty certain my dad did most of the work.

That was forty-three years ago, which is mind-boggling to me. But that number is correct according to my brain’s calculations. Forty-three years. During that time, I’ve had many other opportunities to dig or help dig footings, though I’ll admit it has been a long while since the last one. As a truck driver, I do a pretty decent job of avoiding manual labor!

But recently, my parents purchased a different house so they could move closer to their children and grandchildren. The house needed a garage so, once again, my dad set out to dig a footing—by hand, and of course, by himself.

Well, I didn’t think he should be doing this all by his lonesome, after all, he’s older than I! (Profound bit of knowledge there)! So, against my body’s protests, I went to help one day. Yeah, just one day. Digging in rocky ground with a pick and a shovel is hard work! And then there are the big boulders that need to have a sledge hammer used on them. More hard work! But, I showed up and at least pretended to help. I’m now too old to be much real help, that I know. And yes, once again, my dad did most of the work!

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Nancy M. Bell

Introducing Author Nancy M. Bell, Rave Reviews Book Club member...

Nancy Marie Bell is a proud Albertan and lives near Balzac, Alberta with her husband and various critters. She is a member of The Writers Union of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. Nancy has numerous writing credits to her name, having three novels published and her work has been published in various magazines. She has also had her work recognized and honoured with various awards, and most recently, a silver medal in the Creative Writing category of the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games in 2013. Nancy has presented at the Surrey International Writers Conference in 2012 and 2013, and at the Writers Guild of Alberta Conference in 2014. She has publishing credits in poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

Please visit her webpage http://www.nancymbell.ca

You can find her on Facebook athttp://facebook.com/NancyMBell

Follow on twitter: @emilypikkasso

The “CELEBRATING POETRY AS LOVE” BLOG TOUR

Guest Hosting the GREAT Nonnie Jules today!

Thank you all for allowing me to celebrate INTERNATIONAL POETRY MONTH with you by introducing my first co-authored poetry book “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” The Poetry of Forbidden Love. Here is a bit of the book’s introduction below:

“Ever read poetry that was so soothing, so mellow, and just so perfectly sweet, you felt it should have been a love song? “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” is just that kind of poetry…but it’s also poetry written about forbidden love.
Back in the summer of 2014, I was approached by an up-and-coming author by the name of Giani Jordan. Giani said that he had been following my writing for over a year and was extremely impressed. He was reaching out to me because he wanted to collaborate on a poetry book. Well, since I didn’t know Giani and wouldn’t attach my name or my writing with just anyone, I asked if he would send me a few samples of his work, and he did. I was blown away by the intensity and the depth of this man’s writing, and wanted to know more about this person he clearly was in love with and was writing so fervently about.”
In summation, Giani was in love with a woman {Christine}, who belonged to another, and to make this situation even more complicated, he, himself was also involved in a relationship.

Take a look at the trailer for “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…”

BOOK TRAILER: https://youtu.be/g2gNns8ZVFI

If you’d like to read these love songs without music, and if the trailer peeked your interest even a little, I invite you to pick up your own copy of “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” The Poetry of Forbidden Love on Amazon. I’d also like to invite you to follow previous stops on this tour as each day, at each stop, snippets of poetry were left behind. When you read them, you will find even more reasons to fall in love with your lover, and Poetry, again. If you aren’t in love when you start reading this book, you will go seeking a love afterwards.
Please visit my complete tour line-up HERE, and at each stop that you leave a comment (including this one), your name will be entered that number of times, into a random drawing for a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!!
Thanks to my awesome host for today and thanks for stopping by, dear Guests. I hope to see you every day throughout this amazing tour to help keep Poetry alive!!! Always remember, that Love IS Poetry…they are truly one in/and the same.

Author Bio:

Nonnie Jules is a mom, a wife, an author and also President of Rave Reviews Book Club. Her passion is children and her advocacy lies in supporting others and encouraging others to do the same. She has authored other fine books such as: “The Good Mommies’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters,” “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND (A Novel),” and “Sugarcoatin’ Is For Candy & Pacifyin’ Is For Kids!”

Although Poetry should be celebrated every day of the year, the month of April has been set aside specifically to lift it up, and so this is why Nonnie has embarked on this blog tour to keep it alive and bring awareness to the fact that Poetry is a great medium for release and expressions of all kinds.

BOOK TRAILER: https://youtu.be/g2gNns8ZVFI

PURCHASE LINKS:

THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS: www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56

DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND: www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLM2VVM

SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS: www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRIA014

CONTACT:

Twitter: @NonnieJules

Blogs:

www.BooksByNonnie.wordpress.com

www.Nonniewrites.wordpress.com

www.AskTheGoodMommy.wordpress.com

www.RaveReviewsByNonnieJules.wordpress.com

"This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com."

Monday, April 27, 2015

The Babysitters

This past weekend, my wife and I were privileged to have one of our grandchildren spend the night! No, it’s not the first time that has happened; there have been numerous other sleepovers at the grandparents’ by this grandchild and the others. But it is the first time we let this one sleep by himself in a separate room. He’s one year old so he’s not really a baby and can sleep just fine on his own. Of course, we checked on him from time to time, especially my wife who is a very light sleeper when children are around, but we weren’t that concerned that anything was wrong.

However, our dogs were apparently not quite so keen with the idea of letting him sleep alone. In fact, they were pretty nervous about the whole thing. They kept coming to my office at the end of the hall to get me. And, thinking they needed to go outside, I’d get up from sitting at the computer and head for the door. But every time, they’d stop at the bedroom where the grandkid was sleeping. The door was ajar and the dogs would peek into the dark and then look back at me and whine. This only happened a few times before I started ignoring them. Well, not ignoring them exactly. What I did was told them to go back to bed, the baby was fine.

They’d wander off but only stay gone a few minutes. Then, they’d be back, silently urging me to get up and check on the kid. When I didn’t, they’d go to the door and stare into the room, sniffing—and still whining. I started getting up just to watch them.

It was almost comical, as they progressively became more and more worried. They’d quietly edge further into the room, listening and sniffing until they were satisfied everything was okay and then slowly back out of the room, and trot back up the hall. This scene would repeat every few minutes. Eventually, they couldn’t take the “pressure” any longer and just laid down in the hall keeping any eye on the poor, defenseless little human that their inconsiderate owners would not bother to watch—at least not as often as they would have liked.

While this provided entertainment for me, I really didn’t get a lot of work done that night. But that’s okay, I’m working now. And my wife is sleeping soundly. For about three hours now. No, I haven’t even checked on her. She’s got the dogs. I’m sure they’ll keep a close eye on her.

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Bethany Turner

Monday, April 20, 2015

1985

Thirty years ago, this week, my wife and I had our first date! Don’t worry, I’ll spare you the details as I’m sure it was only exciting to us. Besides, I’m not entirely convinced I want to divulge any of those details!

Despite this being our grand moment, it was pretty much a non-event to the world. There was no fanfare, no streamers, and no marching band, although I do remember playing a couple of songs on the jukebox at the pizza parlor. But the reality was, no one cared that we were there. No one knew us, and so the fact that we were starting a life-long journey together didn’t seem to matter to them. No one knew that we’d stay together. No one knew we’d eventually get married. And certainly, no one knew that thirty years later I’d be writing about it. Not that it mattered really, we didn’t need anyone to validate our momentous occasion. We managed to make it fine on our own. And I for one, am quite happy about it, even thirty years later. No word on my wife’s opinion since I can’t speak for her. But I think she’s still at least okay with the idea.

Hey, I can pretend can’t I?

Actually, thirty years later, life is good. Even amid the hectic schedule we maintain, life is good. And it’s fun to look back on how it all came to be. And remember the days when we actually had time to spend together.

The other day, on one of those rare occasions of spending time together, we stopped at a pizza place and I noticed a young couple who were obviously on a date. I have no idea if it was their first date or not but they seemed oblivious to the rest of the goings-on so, I’m thinking it might have been. Now, maybe they won’t end up together. But then again, maybe they will. And maybe in thirty years they’ll be looking back and, just maybe, they’ll remember the guy in the black cowboy hat who noticed them. Or, not. Doesn’t really matter, I suppose. It didn’t for my wife and I. But on second thought, perhaps people did notice us. Perhaps back then, we were the ones who were oblivious to the rest of the world. Like the couple I saw. Hard to say though, after all, that was thirty years ago.

And now, a personal note: Happy First-Date Anniversary, Brenda!

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Sunday, April 12, 2015

Dental Visit

Time for another visit to the dentist. Seems like two years goes by awfully fast! I know! I know! A checkup every six months is recommended. But I tend to stretch that out a bit. Or, a lot. Typically, I wait until there is a problem, which was the case this time.

The reason for my visit was a small chip on my upper front tooth, specifically, the mesial lingual surface of #8; the right maxillary central anterior (for those who want a technical description). The tooth has previously had a root canal, thanks to my dog knocking me of my skateboard when I was a kid, so there was no pain, only the aggravation to my tongue. But I would like to keep the tooth, and prefer to not pay for an implant, so I made the appointment.

And that’s when the trouble started.

Since my last visit, my dentist has retired. I may have mentioned a few times that I do not like change. I know that change sometimes is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. So, it was with a fair amount of trepidation that I “looked forward” to this dental visit.

And I was not disappointed.

New faces, new procedures, new equipment; all made for a distressing hour. I guess you could say, it was rather a numbing effect! And on top of that, I had to endure a lecture from the dental assistant about the “proper” care of my teeth. As if, at 48 years of age, I’ve never heard anything about brushing and flossing. I considered asking her who had made her dentures, just to make a point, but thought that might not bode well for my own comfort while in the chair!

Actually, I must admit, the new dentist is okay. More than okay really, she’s great. She’s knowledgeable, competent, skillful, thorough, good-natured, and witty. In short, she’s very likable, as a dentist and as a person. But it’s just not the same. My old dentist knew me, knew my family. There was a certain familiarity and a friendly atmosphere. Now, a dental visit is purely business, impersonal. I know, in time that will change. I’ll become more comfortable and used to the new people. Used to the new way of doing things. Used to the idea that my old dentist is gone.

And, in time, I’m sure I will learn to accept this change. Maybe. Probably about the time my new dentist retires!

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Kathryn R. Biel

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Upside Down Blog Tour

Today, I am happy to ghost Liz Gavin, fellow member of Rave Reviews Book Club, and the author of Upside Down.

HOW UPSIDE DOWN CAME TO BE

One of my first short-stories is called ‘Powerless’. It’s about a powerful New York stock broker, Carol, who doesn’t have time for dating or romance in her busy schedule. She has an arrangement with Mark, her personal assistant, where both of them get their sexual satisfaction with no strings attached, which works pretty until Cindy starts working at the reception of Carol's office. Cindy is a gorgeous young woman who decides she wants Carol and won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.

‘Powerless’ is a self-contained story with a couple of very steamy-hot sex scenes, which means it’s a typical erotica short-story! LOL I didn’t expect much when I wrote it. I wasn’t trying to make any political/sexual orientation statements with it. It was supposed to be a fantasy like good erotica stories are. That’s why I was overwhelmed by the readers’ response to it.

You see, quite by chance, Amazon set ‘Powerless’ for free and I was taken by surprise by its immense success. It was released in September 2013, but since Jan 05^th 2014, it has been sitting on #1 FREE Amazon US Lesbian Fiction Store, with a very few days in between when it got temporarily knocked down to #2 by a short-lived free promotion. That means the short story is downloaded around 8,000 times per month in Amazon US alone. Plus, it has been doing well (Top 10) on other Amazon marketplaces, too.

However, the numbers weren’t the only ones to surprise me. I specially couldn’t believe the reviews which were posted and the emails that started coming in, many asking me if I planned to write a longer version of that story. Apparently, the readers were very interested in my characters. I dismissed the notion because I didn't have the time to write anything longer than 25 pages – still don’t have!! - but I was intrigued. Also, having zero experience with the lesbian universe made me afraid of offending people. Lol That was another surprise!! I received many reviews and emails from lesbians who said they related to the characters. Who would have thought, right?

Finally, my readers convinced me to give Carol, Mark and Cindy a chance to tell their whole story to the world and so UPSIDE DOWN was born on February 14^th 2014 – all 254 pages!! Since then this steamy, unconventional love triangle has been doing well on Amazon and I can honestly say I'm proud of it in many senses.

THANK YOU, readers! You have twisted my arm until I knew I had to write it then you have turned 'UPSIDE DOWN' into a best-seller. It's rewarding to know I have done something right in my first attempt at writing a novel, as many of the readers have said in their generous praise.

In a fiercely competitive industry such as publishing, where more than 7 million books try to attract readers’ interest every day, an Indie Author without an advertising budget like me counts on writing a good story and having awesome readers comment on them. I have been blessed with an excellent group of readers. I keep honing my writing abilities. ALWAYS!

Come back tomorrow but remember to leave your comments below!

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Author Bio

When Liz Gavin was in Second Grade - just a couple of years ago, really - her teacher told her mother the little girl should start a diary because she needed an outlet for her active and vivid imagination. She was a talkative child who would disrupt the class by engaging her colleagues in endless conversations. She loved telling them the stories her grandfather used to tell her.

Apparently, the teacher wasn’t a big fan of those stories, and Liz’s mother bought her a diary. She happily wrote on it for a couple of months. Unable to see the appeal of writing for her own enjoyment only, she gave up on it. She missed the audience her friends provided her in class. She went back to disturbing her dear teacher’s class.

Since then, she has become a hungry reader. She will read anything and everything she can get her hands on – from the classics to erotica. That’s how she has become a writer of erotica and romance, as well.

As a young adult, she participated in a student exchange program and lived in New Orleans for six months. She fell in love with the city and its wonderful inhabitants. NOLA will always hold a special spot in Liz Gavin’s heart. Nowadays, living in Brazil, Liz’s creativity has improved many times because it’s such a vibrant, gorgeous and sexy country.

Welcome to her world of hot Alpha males and naughty, independent women. Add a touch of the paranormal in the presence of some wicked souls and you’ll get the picture.

Contact Information

My blog = http://elessarpublishing.blogspot.com/ https://lizgavin.wordpress.com

Twitter handle = @LizGavin_author

Facebook = www.facebook.com/liz.gavin.54

Email = lizgavin@elessarbooks.com

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Book Blurb

Carol Anne Sullivan is a tough New York stock broker. She's suffered enough in order to learn a hard lesson - never let love spoil her relationships. Her boyfriends know that rule from the start. She's domineering and assertive but also faithful and fair while the relationship lasts.

Mark Aikens is Carol's boyfriend. He's been in love with her for a while but his submissive side hasn't allowed him to rebel against her golden rule and to tell her how he feels. Fear of losing her forever might spur him into action.

Cindy O'Rourke has admired Carol from afar. So, she jumps at the opportunity to work for her idol. Little does she know, things will never be the same for her after that job interview

Carol has been going through a rough patch: world economical crisis, dysfunctional parents, demanding clients, faulty equipment. Without much time for herself, her love life is suffering. So what is the big deal if she fantasizes about a new employee when her boyfriend, Mark, can't give her what she needs? The big deal is - the new receptionist, Cindy, is a woman who threatens to turn her world upside down

This is the steamy tale of an unconventional love triangle which should be read with an open mind and an open heart. Sometimes, love comes to our lives in unexpected ways but with such overwhelming power that the best course of action might be to surrender to it.

Book link on Amazon US = http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IFMMJY0

Book link on Amazon UK = http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IFMMJY0

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Sunday, April 5, 2015

New Age

This past week, I successfully completed another year. (Stole that line from my son). Forty-eight years old now. Where does the time go? Well, from what I can determine, I think it goes... by—one day at a time. Put a few thousand days together and before you know it, years have ticked away.

It’s a sad realization to think there are more people younger than I in the world, than people older than I am. But that doesn’t mean life is over. Can’t be. I still have a lot of things to do.

I remember when I was a kid, envisioning this time of my life—having grown kids and grandkids—seemed like a far off thing. A someday thing. But almost unfathomable. I couldn’t really even imagine it. Yet, here I am.

Okay, having birthdays is nothing special—most everybody has one now and then. But I do have a few observations about growing older. First, whoever said life begins at forty, apparently forgot about being young. You know, back when energy was plentiful, sleep wasn’t required, and manual labor didn’t involve sore muscles and aching bones? Second, and perhaps more important, the world continually changes, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. More and more, I look at people and shake my head. I just do not relate to them. And not only younger people. A lot of people. It’s like they are from another planet. I guess I’m just an old-fashioned thinking person. One that refuses to change. Or, maybe I’m just aging.

Admittedly, forty-eight isn’t all that old. And I don’t really feel that old. I’ve always told my kids I’m going to live to be one hundred fifty, so I’m not even a third of the way there! Over one hundred years to go! But I have noticed I’m slowing down. A little. It takes a bit longer to do what used to be simple things, like climbing hills or stairs, mowing the lawn, or well, just about anything requiring physical exertion. For example, I used to jump out of my truck (my semi) every time I got out. I don’t do that anymore, it’s a long ways to the ground! Don’t get in so fast these days either.

There’s a reason for all that too. My well being! Because, I’m working on successfully completing another year.

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RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB

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Mirror of Our Lives

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Liz Gavin

Patty Cakes and the Stolen Ball

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Jump, Jive and Wail

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