Wednesday, December 24, 2008

In With the New, Out With the Old

No, I am not talking about the New Year - although that is a little more than just a week away.

I am talking about book covers. Book covers attract readers, at least a recent poll I've taken says that 30% of readers pick up a book because of the book cover (40% said they pick up a book because of author name recognition)... You can go to the post before this one to enter your own votes in this poll.

Two of my novels are putting on new faces: Bartlett's Rule, first published by Vanilla Heart Publishing in April 2008 - and Courage of the Heart being re-released by Vanilla Heart Publishing in late January (it was first published by "another press" in 2001)

Bartlett's Rule

NEW OLD



Courage of the Heart

NEW OLD

About the NEW Bartlett's Rule cover - While the original design got a lot of kudos, some readers told us that they thought a slightly older and more sophisticated couple would better represent Paige and Lon. We listened! And here is the exciting result:



When Courage of the Heart was first published in 2001, the publisher did not provide cover design in our contract - and I did not know how crucial an attractive cover was to book sales. The soon-to-be-released updated Courage of the Heart from Vanilla Heart Publishing was fitted with an intriguing, sexy cover that is sure to catch many eyes! Kimberlee did a terrific job with design to come up with this:


So please everyone -
keep your eyes open for my books...
some bookstores even have them
right on the store shelves
(and if yours doesn't,
ask them WHY NOT?
)

You can also order my books online from Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble.com (or go to their IN-Store info desk), or direct from the publisher Vanilla Heart Publishing.

Bartletts Rule Forgotten Within the Law Courage of the Heart
...and by the way,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Easy to get & Great reads when you are snowed in!

I just posted this info on another site and decided it might be helpful here too. Did you know that EACH of my novels is available in THREE formats?

Yes! Each of my novels is available in good-old-fashioned print as well as Kindle from Amazon - and also in easy downloadable .pdf. So, whether you like the feel of a book's pages under your fingers or you are looking to get the novel instantly and save on shipping - you got it.


Bartlett's Rule - Bartlett's Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige's love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real ; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient.




Forgotten - Forgotten is an unforgettable romance about two people who meet by chance, love by choice and are torn apart by intrigue. Their romance survives a foreign threat to national security, kidnapping, personal tragedy and a murder attempt.





Within the Law - Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiance. He started a career in law enforcement just so that he could find her murderer and rapist. Just when he is about to see justice done, he meets Alli Davis-the defense attorney for the murdering rapist who took his love from him. Alli and Tom share a mutual and passionate attraction but Alli refuses to make any commitments. She is hiding a huge secret. Tom falls in love with her and pursues her despite a false arrest, kidnapping and attempt on his life. Forgotten and Within the Law are two highly sensual, romantic and edge-of-your-seat tales. Although Forgotten and Within the Law are two separate stories, they are woven together by a common thread-cousins Caitlyn Smythe and Tom Hughes. Some favorite characters appear in both novels and allow the reader to become totally absorbed into the family.




And please be sure to let me hear your feedback! Post your reviews on Amazon, GoodReads, Barnes & Noble or send me an email (ChelleCordero@gmail.com) and I will post it here.


By the way - several bookstores throughout our country have ordered my books for their shelves - so be sure to ask if there is a Chelle Cordero novel in the store.
~~~~~~

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Another Guest Blog

Please tune your dials today to Ashley Ladd's Happily Ever After Blog. I had a lot of fun with this interview.

I absolutely adore all of the folks who are hosting my "virtual blog tour".

Please check out Ashley's blog and LEAVE COMMENTS (have I told you that I love comments?)

Monday, December 15, 2008

Christmas Eve - Courage of the Heart style

Since the Holiday season is literally just around the corner - here's a Christmas Eve scene from Courage of the Heart:


Back at the house, Liz got the boys off to bed early before they put presents under the tree. Davie explained to Adam that no one under the age of eighteen was allowed to see the pile of presents until Christmas morning.

The immediate household would have some time together to rip into their packages and enjoy muffins and cider for breakfast before the onslaught of relatives descended. She forewarned Adam that her father still took his costumed-Santa role very seriously for the little ones.

Adam had brought a few presents along to hand out as well and he took his turn placing them under the tree. He had asked Davie several questions about the household decorating scheme and colors before their visit so he could choose something appropriate for her father and Liz. When he turned to drop a small package for Davie into her Christmas stocking, he saw that she had hung a stocking with his name alongside hers. Piles of gaily-wrapped gifts were placed under the tree; Davie brought the two shopping bags of presents downstairs and added her packages to the pile.

Liz brought in a tray of hot-mulled-cider and warned them that she had spiked it liberally. The two couples sat in the den and enjoyed the crackling fire that Albert had started in the fireplace.

"So Adam, I imagine this was even crazier than Davie had described." Liz spoke good-naturedly.

"Actually, she was pretty accurate."

"You didn't have any family back in Pennsylvania?" Albert couldn't picture anything but crowds for the holidays.

"No sir, it was just my father and me. And he really wasn't around often."
Albert sat forward on the couch.
"Listen Adam, the name is Al. I really can't get friendly with someone who keeps calling me sir."
Adam nodded

Liz and Albert explained that the boys were off from school for a few weeks; they would be staying at the house with them. In January, the four of them would be going back to Maryland to close out the condo and put it up for sale.

Al asked Adam if he would be coming back down for the wedding. Adam looked at Davie and said he'd love to.

Liz asked Davie to help her clean up from the refreshments. While the two women were alone, Liz turned to Davie with some encouragement. "I think your father likes Adam. He is a very nice young man." She stopped and smiled. "I think we just have to understand Al is going to occasionally have bouts of jealously about the young man who has obviously stolen his daughter's heart."

"Thanks Liz." Davie put the tray down in the kitchen and turned to Elizabeth. "You are a very good influence on Dad. Me too."
"Merry Christmas, Davie." Liz hugged her. She didn't let Davie see the happy tears welling up in her eyes.

Courage of the Heart
(coming February 2009)

Friday, December 12, 2008

Love this Review!

I love this review of Forgotten posted by Namid on GoodReads:

"Holy crap! Ok, I know that's not a good literary term, but this is PHENOMENAL!!!! I've only been reading for a short period of time, but this story just engulfs you right away! There is so much depth, intrigue - this book is WAY more intricate than I had had expected. It is BEAUTIFULLY crafted. Not a book you can put down by any means. If you haven't already, you HAVE to read this book! Thank you so much, Chelle! This book ROCKS!!!! :) "

Namid rated it: 5 stars

12/10/08 bookshelves: currently-reading
Read in December, 2008

recommended to Namid by: Kimberlee
recommends it for: EVERYONE

Forgotten by Chelle Cordero

~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Hubby's Birthday today!


Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Today is my hubby's birthday - yes, this is the man that is referred to on my book jackets as my husband AND lover (One Man, Double Wonderful)

Mark is truly the inspiration for ALL of my book's heroes - he is my best friend, my business partner, my inspiration, my life...

I am a writer of romance - and Hubby is the man who taught me all about love.

Today, December 11, I want to publicly say to my guy... I want to shout it to the world -

I LOVE YOU MARK!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

A Chance to Win TWO books!

Hi, I just posted this comment at Lost in a Good Book where Bartlett's Rule has been chosen as a book club discussion in January:

Hi everyone, I am so pleased and excited that Lost in a Good Book is going to be discussing Bartlett's Rule in January - this book, although fiction, deals with a very important contemporary issue and has been the topic of some very lively discussions in local book groups.

For a special treat and thank you for participating, anyone who posts a (hopefully good) review of Bartlett's Rule (on Amazon, B&N, GoodReads, their own blog, etc) and sends me the URL (by Jan 20) to ChelleCordero@gmail.com will get a chance to win an autographed copy of Bartlett's Rule.

In the meanwhile, you can also go to Which is YOUR favorite book cover? - Win a Book! and leave a comment to get a chance to win an autographed copy of my newest book Courage of the Heart.

Thank you for participating in this online discussion group and thank you to Lost in a Good Book for hosting this.
http://tinyurl.com/57sh4q
Purchase Bartlett's Rule and Courage of the Heart (coming in February) from Vanilla Heart Publishers or Amazon.com

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Book Discussion Time - Lost in a Good Book

LOST...IN A GOOD BOOK, A Book Club for Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction will feature Bartlett's Rule during January 2009.

Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient. When Paige Andrews is given the assignment of courting a famous writer for the publishing company she works for, she meets and entices the sexy, charming and thoroughly dangerous womanizer, Lon Bartlett. Lon immediately takes a not-so-professional, personal interest in the young woman and pursues her. Lon is thrilled when Paige finally succumbs to his charms only to find that her haunting past sets off a terrifying reaction. Lon learns a heartbreaking reality - Paige is a rape survivor.

January book discussion will begin on January 15th. Make your selection now and prepare to join in the fun. Discussion comments will be made in the comment section of each book. (found at the bottom of each posted selection) - moderated by Annette Snyder-Novelist

Other January discussions will include
Corruptions Child by J.R. Lindermuth and The Stone of the Tenth Realm by Eva Gordan


Buy Bartlett's Rule from Amazon, from Vanilla Heart Publishing, or Barnes & Noble bookstores (ask for it at the info desk if it isn't on the shelf)

Friday, December 5, 2008

A teaser from Courage of the Heart (soon!!!!!)

Sometime during the evening, Adam woke to feel a cool rag on his forehead.

"Sssh… You were moaning from the fever." Davie drew the rag across his shoulders and down his chest. "How are you feeling?"

"Sick.” He groaned. “What time is it?"

"Two o'clock. At least you managed to get some rest." She dampened the rag in a small bowl she had next to the bed and held it behind his neck.

"Thank you for staying." He caught her hand as she ran the rag down an arm. "Don't leave…"

"Don't worry. I'll be here."

Davie had fallen asleep while watching television in the living room after she had seen that he was resting. His thrashing sounds woke her and at first he seemed to fight against her touch when she felt his forehead. She had to admit that he had even scared her a little, his initial reaction to her presence had been violent and unexpected. It had only been after she tried to cool his forehead that his sleepy anger turned to moaning.

"I'll bring you some aspirin." She went to get the medicine from the bathroom.

After he swallowed the aspirin and another dose of cold medication, Adam lightly touched her hand again. "Davie…would you stay with me…please?"

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving."

"I mean here, next to me." He gently patted the bed.

She hesitated a moment. "Okay." After clearing away the bowl with cool water and returning the aspirin to the cabinet, Davie settled next to him. She sat with her back against the headboard and her legs stretched out on top of the bed covers.

Adam put his head in her lap, murmured a thank you and dozed off again. She ran her fingers through his hair thinking of the independent air he usually had and how vulnerable he seemed now when he wasn't feeling well. He put an arm around her as if to make sure she didn't go anywhere. Davie could feel the heat from his fever and worried because, even though she hadn't taken it with a thermometer, she knew his fever was much higher than an adult's should be.

Although she hadn't meant to spend the night, she was glad to be there for him. In the morning she'd go home to pack her overnight bag for the short trip home. If Adam still were so feverish, she'd convince him to call his doctor first and maybe get some antibiotics. She had to get home to her dad.

Sometime just before daylight, Davie dozed off while Adam held on to her. She woke suddenly, alarmed to find him lying on top of her, his hands working at the waistband of her jeans.

He was having that repeated nightmare again and he felt trapped. Escape was impossible, just as it had always been.

"Adam?" She tried to push him off. "Adam? Adam, wake up."

Although his eyes were open, she could tell he wasn't really awake. His skin felt even hotter than before. He managed to unsnap her jeans and was pulling at her clothes.

"Adam, stop!" She squirmed under him. He used his free arm to hold her down. "Adam, let me go…Adam! Adam!"

Davie tried to pull her knee up when Adam clasped one hand over her mouth and pushed the other one under her panties. Tears welled in her eyes.

She shook her head furiously and tried to uncover her mouth. He grabbed at her, hurting her at the same time. She bit his hand and he stopped fighting her suddenly. With one huge shove, Davie managed to push him off of her. She fell unceremoniously onto the floor.

Adam looked startled. He realized in seconds that he was in his own bedroom and he had been fighting with Davie, not the monsters in his memory. It had been a long time since he had dreamt with such violence.

Within moments, a look of horror grew on his face. "Oh my God, Davie…I'm sorry." He stood remembering to take the bed sheet with him. He reached for her and she instinctively recoiled. "Davie, I would never hurt you…I would never want to hurt you."

Davie scurried backwards, away from him, and finally stood. "Are…are you awake now?" She sounded terrified of him.

He looked at the open waistband of her jeans and then at her terrified eyes. "What did I do to you?" The room started spinning and he sat heavily on the bed. "What…Did I hurt you, Davie?" His dreams had transported him to another place, another time. He was someone else in his dreams. Adam had no idea how far that someone else had gone and that terrified him.

"Who are you?!" Her voice sounded calmer.

"I'm sorry Davie…"

"Tell me your name." She tried to sound stern.

"Adam Sherman. Why?"

"What day of the week is this?"

He had to think about that. "Uh, Tuesday, I think."

"What's my name?" Davie pulled her jeans closed.

"Davie Prescott." Adam tried to take a deep breath; it hurt. The fear in her eyes hurt."I'm awake, Davie. God Davie, I'm so sorry. Please…are you okay?"

"Yes." She relaxed her posture a little bit. “Are you okay now?”

He could see the unshed tears and hated himself. It angered him. It frightened him. Davie stepped closer to him and touched his forehead. He flinched.

"You're burning up."

She was so innocent and trusting. "Get out of here, Davie."

"What?" She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

"I said get out of here. You're not safe…" He realized he was too sick to be in control.

"Adam, you were delirious from your fever."

"Get away from me. Leave." He tried to stand, but his knees were too weak. "I don't want you here."

"Adam," she tried to get closer, "I'm not scared of you. You're sick with a fever."

"Get out!" He raised his voice and found that his throat hurt from the effort. "I didn't ask you to be here."

"But…"

"Leave…me…alone!" His chest heaved and he suffered a spasm of coughs.

"Adam?" A tear embarrassed her and rolled down her cheek.

"I almost raped you, Davie.” He couldn’t hurt her like that. “Get the hell out of here, now!"

"But you didn't mea…"

"Leave, Davie. Please." He had to get her away from him before he did her any more harm. "Davie, I don't plan to help you lose your virginity, especially not like that. Get the hell out of here, now." He had to make her leave, he was too scared not to. He forced his next words out. "Get out before I finish what I started."

She stared at him in silence and tried to tell herself he didn't mean what he said. But he was awake, he was aware of what he was threatening. Another tear escaped, she couldn't argue anymore.

"Get out." He sounded defeated.

She sounded choked up. "Get help. Call your doctor." The tears ran down her cheeks.

Adam stared at her in stony silence.

Davie picked up her books and shoes on her way out.

Adam barely heard the door close before he stumbled to the bathroom to heave. He sat on the cold tile floor, naked, and felt the coolness against his skin. It wasn't long before he realized that even the tile had picked up the heat from his body and began to feel warm. He had hurt her. Davie was the best thing that ever came into his life…and he hurt her. Then he had thrown her out and hurt her even more.

There was no way he could ever undo what he had done. He hated himself. Adam couldn't excuse himself for attacking her. He called himself a monster among other things. An apology wasn't enough, but he didn't know what else to do. He was glad she had finally left, but he wanted her there to see that he really wasn't so hateful. He tried to stand and had to lean against the wall as he worked his way back to his bedroom.

Adam had never felt so sick before He had to speak to Davie. He had to let her know he never wanted to hurt her. He struggled to get dressed and nearly gave up when he couldn't button his shirt. After he found her and apologized again, he was going to see his doctor. He felt sick.

Adam struggled to get to his front door and the exertion made him breathless. He wondered if the pain he felt in his chest was even worth the effort to breathe. Adam pulled the door closed behind him and only made it a few steps away from his door when he felt himself falling forward. He remembered thinking how far away the floor was when darkness surrounded him.

Coming SOON from
Vanilla Heart Publishing

*******

Click here to learn how YOU can win a FREE copy

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The True Story Behind Courage of the Heart

This true story isn’t about the love affair between Adam Sherman and Davie Prescott, the hero and heroine of my book. This isn’t about the shame that Adam feels or Davie’s innocence, or about the way he fears that he will taint her.


This is a true tale about the publication of a novel and the dreams of an author. You see, I first wrote Courage of the Heart in 1999 and it was published in June 2001. At the time, the publisher was an innovative print-on-demand company and one had to apply to be published. And while they never promised to move mountains to market the book, they indicated that they would help.

So my book went to “press” and I experienced the wild euphoria of seeing my name on the spine of the book. Between the time that I signed the contract and my book actually was made available, the company had changed its policy and became an all out self-publishing company. There was nothing wrong with that except that even the limited help with marketing I thought I would get was nil since I had not paid any money or purchased any packages. And… I knew absolutely nothing about marketing a book on my own.

Courage of the Heart received a few very favorable reviews (no, they were NOT all relatives!) and not many more books were actually sold. My copy sat filed away as a frustrating memory of what could have, should have, been. It was frustrating, but I had a book in my name even if less than 20 people had read it. I still felt some accomplishment.

I kept writing and in 2008, Vanilla Heart Publishing published my novels Bartlett’s Rule, Forgotten and Within the Law. Then Kimberlee Williams, managing editor of VHP, asked if I would consider re-releasing Courage of the Heart. My heart took a leap! Could it really happen? VHP and I had worked as a team to promote my other books and things were moving along very nicely. Did I dare to hope?

So I sent Kimberlee the manuscript – and legal looked into the question of rights. Kimberlee liked the story with some updated scenes (mostly to reflect the more modern world of computer technology that the story relied heavily on). Right now I am soooo excited I could squeal – Courage of the Heart will be re-released in a few months by Vanilla Heart Publishing!

Kimberlee designed a magnificent cover that so perfectly reflects the heat and intensity of Davie and Adam’s love story.

And while I don’t remember the music I listened to when I wrote the first version in 1999, I do know that I listened to Keith Urban singing “Once in a Lifetime while I made the changes to make my story fit into the 21st century. So I guess that "Once in a Lifetime" is the theme song to Courage of the Heart.

Keep your eyes wide open for this romance… You know that I will let you know as soon as it is available. And in the meanwhile, keep coming back here for bits and pieces of interest about Courage of the Heart as well as Bartlett’s Rule, Forgotten and Within the Law.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Forgotten & Within the Law are featured at NYCIP


Celebrate publishing's independent spirit with over 100 indie publishers from around the world, all under one roof, selling books you can't get at your big box bookstore. The Indie and Small Press Book is one of New York City's favorite annual literary events. It's free, open to all, and packed with an exciting line-up of public events. Saturday, December 6 (10am-6pm) & Sunday, December 7 (11am-5pm)NYCIP, The General Society, 20 West 44th Street, NY.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Forever Friends Blog Tour

I am pleased to announce that yesterday on my Xanga blog was the very first posting for the Forever Friends blog tour!



Forever Friends is a celebration of the power of friendship and human relationships. The breadth and depth of the stories cover all ages from young to old. Filled with love and respect for family, friends, pets and even a telescope, these stories are guaranteed to entertain the most discerning reader. Thoughtful poems of friendship and love will bring smiles or tears and encourage readers to read the next story. The fiction and non-fiction works in this book express friendship as timeless, enduring and forever.









Please follow the tour to learn more about the book

December 1 Chelle Cordero

December 2 Zada Connaway

December 3 Mary Muhammad

December 4 Helen Wisocki

December 5 Pam Robertson

December 6 Dick Stodghill

December 7 Philip Spires

December 8 Grace Bridges

December 9 L. Sue Durkin

December 10 A. Ahad

December 11 Malcolm R. Campbell

December 12 Lynn C. Johnston

December 13 Dianne Sagan

December 14 Donald James Parker

December 15 Karina Kantas

December 16 Milena Gomez

December 17 Tiziana Rinaldi Castro

Monday, December 1, 2008

World Aids Day

Bloggers Unite

The Importance of HIV/AIDS Prevention
Dr. Julie Geberding, Director of the CDC, and Kenneth Cole, Chairman of the American Foundation of AIDS Research (amfAR), discuss the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention.

Download MP4 (2.5 MB)
Download MP3 (612 KB)
Download WMA (419 KB)

transcript:

Announcer This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC - safer, healthier people.
Kenneth Cole In the less than three decades since HIV/AIDS surfaced in this country, we’ve made remarkable strides.
Dr. Julie Gerberding Still estimates show there are more than 56,000 new infections a year in the US.
Kenneth Cole We need to create new opportunities and methods for preventing this disease.
Dr. Julie Gerberding Local and state health departments are our partners in prevention efforts.
Kenneth Cole But we need you to share our sense of commitment, purpose, and urgency.
Dr. Gerberding For more information, please visit CDC.gov, Discoveryhealth.com, or AMFAR.org.
Announcer For the most accurate health information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO, 24/7.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Video of ALL of my books



Bartlett's Rule

Forgotten

Within the Law

Courage of the Heart (coming February 2009)

Final Sin (coming summer 2009)

All of my books are also available online from
Vanilla Heart Publishing
~~~~~

Today at 6:30pm, please stop on by at Books With Heart - Blog Talk Radio. I'll be chatting with Kimberlee Williams, managing editor at Vanilla Heart Publishing.

~~~~~

Friday, November 28, 2008

Which is YOUR favorite book cover? - Win a Book!

We have a winner!

Bartlett's RuleForgotten

Within the LawCourage of the Heart

Which cover is your favorite?

*Bartlett's Rule, published in April 2008 will soon have a NEW jacket. (see it above)

Forgotten was published in July 2008

Within the Law came out in October 2008

Courage of the Heart will be available in February 2009

Please tell me (in the comments below)

WHAT story does each cover tell you?

~~~~~~~~

The name of each person who posts a comment below and tells me what story "the cover tells" will go into a random drawing for a complimentary copy of Courage of the Heart when it is available next February - the winner will be picked on Publication Day!

~~~~~~~

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend!

I hope you all get to enjoy
family, friends & good food
Please drive safely.

And on Sunday at 6:30pm, as you're resting up from all of the wonderful activities and munching on delicious leftovers, please stop on by at Books With Heart - Blog Talk Radio. I'll be chatting with Kimberlee Williams, managing editor at Vanilla Heart Publishing.

We will be talking about my next release - Courage of the Heart, the writing workshop I will be doing at Barnes & Noble in West Nyack, blogging, blog tours, a new book cover for Bartlett's Rule, and lots, lots more. (and sssh, don't tell anyone, we may even have something to say about my NEXT project.)

Bartletts Rule Forgotten Within the Law Courage of the Heart

So please, be there Sunday, November 30 at 6:30pm (EST)...

My books are available through
Vanilla Heart Publishing, Amazon.com
& select local book sellers' shelves.




Click to join ChelleWrites

& receive a personal newsletter from Chelle.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

This past week on Xanga

Monday 11/17 - Book Promo: A SLAVE OF MY OWN DESIRE
Tuesday 11/18 - How are you in the kitchen? (cooking contest)
Wednesday 11/19 - Woman-in-Charge: Namid & Survivor's Heart Anthology (deadline for anthology submissions THIS Tuesday!)
Friday 11/21 - Book Review: Shattered Reality by Kimberly Cheryl

coming up this week -
Book Promo: Verifiable Evidence by Loren Douglas
Woman-in-Charge: Artist Rebecca Schweiger
Entertainment Review: Lights: Celebrate Hanukkah: Live in Concert [LIVE] & PBS Special
Special Weekend Blog: About Tony Napoli and his new autobiographical account, MY Father, My Don


· I am looking for Guest bloggers –
Mondays is Shameless Self Promotion (all genres)
Wednesdays is Women in Charge
Fridays is Entertainment Reviews (Books or Movies)
And starting THIS weekend,
a guest blog of 300-500 words approximate length – anything writing related (ie: finding your muse, hooking the publisher, marketing, etc).
contact me at bylines@optonline.net
~~~~~

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Voices of Survivors project from Namid & VHP

The deadline for submissions for the Voices of Survivors project is literally around the corner! ~ November 25, 2008

from Vanilla Heart Publishing and Namid
Send submissions or for more information

Monday, November 17, 2008

excerpt: Within the Law

He went downstairs to the hotel restaurant to get a bite to eat. Tom felt worn out and he hoped he’d be able to get a good night’s rest, preferably without the alcohol this time. The hostess led him to a booth and he ordered a burger and fries. It was just a few minutes before he was eating.

"Are you going to eat your pickle?”

Tom looked up at the blonde who was sliding into the booth opposite him. He was surprised to see Alli. “You can have it if you want.” He pushed his plate towards her so she could take it.

"Thanks.” She took the pickle and bit into it.

Tom was at a loss for what to say. “How is your ankle?”

"Better, thanks. I kept an ace bandage on it all day. The ice really helped last night.” She sounded as if this was a normal, everyday discussion she would have with him.

“Good.” He picked up his sandwich and took a bite. He chewed slowly. He kept glancing at her. She sat quietly chewing on the pickle. “What are you doing here, Alli? Isn’t this kind of... inappropriate considering the trial?”

“I’m pushing my luck.” She signaled for the waitress and ordered a small salad and coffee. “Don’t worry, I’m paying my own way.”

“Okay.”

“Tom, I am sorry that Justin grilled you like that today...”

Ah, finally something he could sink his teeth into, he thought. “He was just doing his job. Get the scum buckets back out on the street. That was nice investigating work you did, by the way. Did he really have all that information about my cases or was some of it just lucky guesses?” He sounded cynical.

“I try to do my job thoroughly.” Alli sat back while the waitress poured her coffee and put the salad on the table. “I really can’t discuss the case. I just wanted to say that I had no idea who you were last night.” She chuckled. ”I guess I wasn’t as thorough as I thought. I never had your photo ID pulled.”

He couldn’t help but wonder if she would have smiled at him the way she did if she had known who he was the night before. “Well, I guess you were lucky that I wasn’t another Dunlop. Who knows who else is out there walking the streets after some smooth lawyer got him off?” Tom paused. “So what were you doing walking the streets so late last night anyway?”

“I had to interview a witness on another case. It had gone later than I expected and I knew the buses were going to stop running. I was hurrying and I tripped. There was nothing nefarious about it. Even though you seem determined to make it sound like I was, I don’t know, turning tricks or something.”

He didn’t want to admit that he had put all kinds of wrong interpretations to her presence at that hour. “Sorry. I am just naturally protective I guess. And naturally suspicious.”

“I said it last night. Thank you for being a genuinely nice guy.” She stared at her salad for a moment. “Last night, I was upset with myself for not giving you some kind of opening to stay in touch. You were a perfect stranger, and yet, I felt totally at ease with you.”

“Are you really coming on to me?” Tom almost laughed. But he couldn’t deny the attraction he felt for her the night before either. If she had given him any opening the night before, he would have jumped at it.

She looked at his eyes. He again noticed how green her eyes were, they were almost electric. “I guess if we had met under different circumstances, I would say yes. I just wanted to say that I am sorry you are hurting so much. If I had been able to make things easier on you today...”

He was very careful not to raise his voice. “You would have done the same. Like you said, you try to do your job thoroughly. Right now all you are interested in is winning. It doesn’t really matter who gets hurt does it?” He pushed his plate of uneaten food away and put a few dollars from his wallet on the table. “Thank you for the company. Good night.”

He got up from the table and walked out of the restaurant. Tom kept walking straight out of the hotel and into the night air. Last night, he had a fleeting thought about meeting up with the tall slender blonde with the twisted ankle and bright green eyes again. He just never thought he would see her in the courtroom today. It shook him to realize that he had more than just a simple physical reaction, he had more interest in this willowy blonde than just sexual. He liked talking with her even just for the few minutes they chatted the night before. He like the way she said his name. He liked the way her eyes lit up. He even liked the faint lilac smell she was surrounded by.

It unbalanced him because he hadn’t noticed or thought that much about a woman since Joyce. He had never looked at a woman the same way since Joyce had died. Tom enjoyed keeping company with women and he definitely enjoyed sex. But since Joyce, no one woman had ever stood out in his mind.

Years ago, his mother had said to him that Joyce had died, he didn’t. He had felt like giving up on life back then. Tom didn’t want to leave the house or see his friends, it was just too painful. The only one he ever let close to him was Cat. He didn’t want to talk to anyone else. He just wanted to build a wall around himself and keep the outside world away.

It hurt to admit it, but his mother was right. It had taken some coercing and the help of a few friends pushing him, but he’d dated since then and even had a few very satisfying relationships. He didn’t feel like he was cheating on Joyce. He was just trying to live. He briefly had thought about showing up on Alli’s doorstep sometime just to see where things might go. When he had left her apartment last night, he was amazed at how many of his senses felt alive again. But, after today...

"Tom!” He stopped and let her catch up to him. “If we had met under different circumstances, do you...”

He took her in his arms and kissed her. She kissed him back without hesitation. Finally, they stepped apart. “Does that answer your question?”

order
Within the Law
by Chelle Cordero

Save with the Bundled Pack
Gift Pack of all three Chelle Cordero novels of 2008!
Great for gift-giving or to treasure yourself
20% Discount from Vanilla Heart Publishing

~~~~~~~~

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Creative Writing Workshop

Starting in January I will be leading a Creative Writing Workshop at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the Palisades Center, West Nyack.

This is such exciting news for me - the idea that I will get to share my craft (& just in case you haven't guessed, I LOVE Writing!) with others is so absolutely fantabulous. While it has been a few years, I used to teach creative writing at a local youth program and it was terrific to see the results.

The sessions will be monthly and the very first date & time will be Wednesday night, January 14, 2009 from 7 - 8 pm; I will let you know more dates and specifics as we get closer. For now, if you have questions or want to sign up, call the store at 845-348-4701 ~or~ email me at chellecordero@gmail.com

By the way, all of my novels are available through any Barnes & Noble outlet and they are on the shelf in West Nyack.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Musical writing

I will often choose a "theme song" as I write a story. Whether I have the song on CD or downloaded to my computer, this song is often put on "repeat" and played over and over AND OVER again. It helps to keep me in the world my characters are living.

So what are the theme songs to my 2008 books (yes, 2009 is just around the corner and there will be new offerings!)


Within the Law, a 2nd chance love story between Tom Hughes and Alli Davis: Faith Hill & Tim McGraw's Let's Make Love

Let's make love
All night long
Until all our strength is gone
Hold on tight
Just let go
I want to feel you in my soul
Until the sun comes up
Let's make love
Oh, baby

Forgotten, a story of love and intrigue between Brandon Price and Caitlyn Smythe: Kenny Chesney's Because of Your Love

Everything I wanna be
Any dream I wanna dream
I can, because of your love
Anywhere I ever go
With all of my heart I know
I am the man I am
Because of your love

Bartlett's Rule, a love story of trust and healing between Lon Bartlett and Paige Andrews: Garth Brooks' To Make You Feel My Love

There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy, make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love


Get the Gift Pack of ALL THREE Chelle Cordero Novels of 2008


and don't forget to sign up for the ChelleWrites Newsletter
and be the FIRST to know all of the newest and latest news
about my appearances and NEW novels

~~~~~

Saturday, November 1, 2008

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

At a recent author event, I was asked about one of the acknowledgements in Forgotten, "Special love to Whiskas whose furry warmth has always kept my feet warm while I type."

Late last spring our beautiful and rather large cat Whiskas was diagnosed with Lymphomic Sarcoma (Cancer); he passed away rather quickly. Whiskas was only 14-years old and never really understood that he was a cat. He weighed in in his heyday at 23-pounds and most of that was muscle, not fat. Whiskas often would sit curled at my feet under my desk while I typed - that was very welcomed on a cold night.

We have three new feline occupants in our home since Whiskas left us to join previous cats that had consented to live with us.

Since November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to once again remember Whiskas and explain the acknowledgement.

If you have ever loved a pet, then please google the internet and speak to your vet about Pet Cancer Research and precautions. Here is one informative page CatChannel.com (no endorsements intended)
Hug a pussycat today.
~~~~~


Monday, October 27, 2008

back to Bartlett's Rule...

At a recent author's event it seemed that this particular reading was a favorite, so I thought I might share it with you. This is from page 152 in Bartlett's Rule:

“Paige? May I come in?” Lon lightly rapped his knuckles against his bedroom door. He just didn’t want to intrude anymore than he had already done by listening to Cindy. There was no answer. He opened the door. The room was dark. “Paige?”

He turned on the lowest setting of the lamp on his night table. A muffled sniffle came from his bathroom. The door was open. He went towards the sound. With the faint glow from his night stand, Lon could see her silhouette.

Paige was sitting in the corner of his shower stall. She was holding her knees tightly in front of her. Lon sat on the floor just outside of the shower. He started to reach for her and felt that the floor of the stall was still wet from his earlier shower.

“Baby?” He felt her flinch as he touched her shoulder. But she didn’t pull away.

She spoke quietly through tears. “Please don’t be mad at me.”

“Why would I be mad?”

“Because I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want anyone to know…”

He shook his head in the dark. “I was the one who let your sister keep talking. I’m sorry. There is no reason for me to be mad at you.” Lon clasped her hand in his. She let him hold on. He sat with her quietly.

Paige was remembering. She remembered the last beating her father had given her. It was the worst. She shuddered. Lon felt her shudder, but he didn’t say anything. He just squeezed her hand tighter.

She couldn’t remember what she had done to make him so mad. She wondered if she had ever known. He had grabbed her hair and dragged her into the barn. She tried not to cry, it always made him madder. When he was finally done, she lay there bleeding and too weak to stand. She didn’t even have the strength to cover herself or hide when she heard Hal come into the barn.

He said he had been sneaking around trying to catch a glimpse of her. He had seen her in town and thought she was pretty. Then he had heard her father yelling and he had seen him drag her into the barn. He had witnessed the beating she took. Hal had swiped a washcloth from her mother’s clothesline and had dampened it in the horse trough.

He blotted her wounds and spoke soothing words to her. She was unaware when his touch turned from comfort to lust. Suddenly he was in her. Paige was terrified that her father would come back and find her like that. She was terrified what he would do to her. So she was silent. She never told Hal to stop. Afterwards when her virgin’s blood had mingled with the blood from her wounds on the barn floor, he said he would take her away from there. And she was grateful.

Lon noticed the glimmer of the tear that ran down her cheek and he used the back of his hand to tenderly wipe it away. He gently put an arm around her shoulders and was happy when she let him.

“Come on baby. Let’s go inside.”

She looked at the shadow he cast. “I don’t want to have sex.” She sounded scared.

His heart broke from hearing the fear in her voice. “Don’t worry. I wasn’t asking to have sex. I just wanted to lie with you in my arms and hold you. If that would be okay with you.”

Paige took a long time to consider his reply. Then she nodded.
from Vanilla Heart Publishing
from Amazon.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Alpha, Beta or Gamma - My Heroes

I recently read these definitions on an online message board -

The "Alpha Male" a.k.a. "Dukes of Slut", tends to be dominant, aggressive and in control.

A "Beta Male" is generally the "boy next door" and is more submissive to his female partner. Maybe more in touch with his "feminine side"?

And finally, the "Gamma Male" is an Alpha with a dark side.


I was curious where each of my story heroes might fit in. Please feel free to chime in at any time (or atleast to leave a comment below). I like to think that my characters are "real" so they are really multi-faceted; I will try to label by the most predominant traits.

Lon Bartlett (Bartlett's Rule): Alpha. But is Lon an Alpha because he believes that is what society (& his publisher) expects? When Lon meets Paige, his bed-hopping seems to come to a screeching halt. But then Lon claimed that it was all media-hype to begin with. He is tender and definitely passionate with Paige and caters to her needs and comfort level. His chosen career is a writer.

Brandon Price (Forgotten): Beta. He tends to be reclusive and a bit shy in his personal life. Caitlyn draws him out socially. But in business he is an agressive go-getter and is able to handle himself well. He was born into wealth but is determined to pay his own way. His chosen career is an Information Technology Specialist.

Tom Hughes (Within the Law): Gamma. He's an authority figure and doesn't let you forget it. And he's got a temper that gets him into trouble. Tom also has a wild side and in his own words, he hasn't always done the right thing. He is a very physical man at work, around the house and in bed. He is not threatened by Alli's independence. His chosen career is a New York State Trooper.

Now my real-life personal hero, my hubby, he's a little bit of all three (but that's another story).
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Saturday, October 18, 2008

YOU could wind up in my next novel!

I've been busy tweaking manuscripts and hoping to submit - hoping even more that my publisher will like them and want to publish them!

My next novel will be a re-release of Courage of the Heart in Jan/Feb 2009 and the heroine, Davie, has a pretty cute dog at her family home - it's a Pomeranian named Gizzy. Gizzy is a real dog and belongs to my friend Michael!

You too can enjoy Gizzy's notoriety if you've read one or more of my novels. All you have to do is leave a comment below telling me which book(s) you read and what you thought of it.

Then leave me your first name (in the comment box) and something about yourself to make a character uniquely YOU (your job, as physical characteristic, a favorite food, a particular habit - you get the idea) Tell me as much as you want - but remember, the world may get to meet you as you appear as a neighbor, a coworker, a chance aquaintance on the street...

If the manuscript you appear in gets accepted, I will be sure to broadcast to the world - and you of course - that you made it into print.

So, comment away... and yes, you have to leave the comment in the box below.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Homework assignment - MUSE conference 2008

M E D I A R E L E A S E

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Chelle Cordero
E-mail: ChelleCordero@gmail.com


Well-published Romance Author Has Short Story Featured in Anthology.


Tomkins Cove, NY—The short story ‘Not Alone’ by Chelle Cordero was recently published in the ‘Forever Friends’ anthology edited by Shelagh Watkins.

‘Not Alone’ is a fictional story inspired by recent events in Ms. Cordero’s home community.

Forever Friends’, a celebration of the power of friendship, is a collection of stories and poems created by members of the Published Authors Forum. It was published by Mandinam Press and is available through Lulu.com (content #2816139).

Chelle Cordero is the author of romance novels Bartlett’s Rule, Forgotten and Within the Law from Vanilla Heart Publishing. Her next novel, Courage of the Heart, will be released next February. Cordero’s non-fiction articles have also been featured in several local newspapers and magazines as well as national trade publications.

Learn more about Chelle Cordero at her author’s blog ChelleCordero.blogspot.com or email Chelle at ChelleCordero@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
the assignment was to write a current press release and post it on my blog or web-site - eventually it will be uploaded to three social book marking sites...
please let me know what you think of this.
Chelle

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Within the Law - an excerpt

from Chapter One:

The courthouse was already closed by the time Tom had driven into Rome, New York. He knew it wouldn’t have made a difference anyway. The district attorney’s office had been very specific about what time they wanted to see him. All they wanted him to do was identify the Tupper Lake High School ring with his initials engraved in it. All he wanted to do was get a look at the guy who had changed everything in his world. Tom had an almost masochistic need to put a face to the lowlife who had turned every dream he had into a nightmare.

Tom looked at his wristwatch and decided that as tempting as it was to drink himself into total numbness, he wanted to be aware enough the next morning to really get a good look at this guy. He’d been waiting eight years. Throwing a couple of bills on the counter, he paid for his last drink and stood. He took his car keys out of his pocket and weaved his way through the crowd towards the door.

Tom knew he was comfortably buzzed enough not to drive, but he also knew he had to get out of the bar before he lost total control of his emotions. He figured he’d see how he fared once the outside air hit him and if he had to, he’d just roll the car down the street to the empty parking lot of a closed supermarket and sleep there for the night.

He stood on the sidewalk outside of the bar and let the cool night air absorb him. The Subaru was parked just a few car lengths down. He decided that if he managed to put the key in the lock on the first try, he’d be okay to drive. When he first heard her, he thought he was imagining the sound. Then Tom was sure that he heard a woman sobbing. He continued down the block until he saw her.

She was on her knees and he could see that she was trying to stand but what looked like a broken shoe and a bloodied knee wasn’t helping.

The woman, an attractive blonde, seemed scared when she first saw him approaching from out of the shadows. She tried to stand again and he watched as her ankle turned in and she groaned. Her knee-length tan skirt showed dark smudges from the dirty sidewalk.

“Don’t come near me.”

Tom stopped where he was. “Hey lady, it just looked like you needed some help.”

“I’m fine.” She managed to get to her feet. She was tall, maybe about five-foot-eight, he thought. Her stockings were ripped over her knees, one knee was bleeding and the contents of her pocketbook were spilled out over the broken sidewalk where she had tripped. “Thank you, but I don’t need your help.”

“Okay.” Tom leaned against a parked car, crossed his arms and watched as she struggled to remain in an upright position and pick up her belongings at the same time.

The woman almost fell again and Tom lost patience. He came to her side.

“I’ll scream for help.” She looked frightened by him.

“Go ahead.” Tom stared at her for a full minute. Finally after nothing more was said, he bent to pick up her spilled possessions and put them back into the wayward purse. “Do you live around here?” He handed her the pocketbook.

She hesitated. “No. Why?”

“I was just wondering what a woman alone was doing out on these streets at this hour.” He raised his eyebrows.

“I don’t like your insinuation.” She looked around and seemed to realize how dark and isolated the streets were. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I had an appointment.”

“Okay, let’s get you home.” He surprised her by cradling her in his arms.

“My car is right over here.” She was a lightweight to carry.

“Put me down.”

“Yeah... sure.” He walked over to his car and put her down next to it. “You have your choice. I can drive you home. Or you can try to hobble along these dark streets by yourself. I can assure you I have no interest in attacking you. I can’t guarantee anyone else you might run into in this neighborhood at this hour.” This was an older part of town with lots of alleys and shadows to contend with. It was down near the courthouse and jail and had a forbidding feel to it in the dark.

She turned her head to look around. A few men stumbled out of the bar and headed in the opposite direction. “I don’t live far from here.” Their raucous laughter seemed to unnerve her. He noticed her slender hands which seemed much more suited to typing at a desk than defending herself on a dark urban street.

“So it won’t be a long drive.” He unlocked the passenger side door of his car and was pleased that he got the key in on the first try. He uttered silent thanks that his hands were steady enough and he wasn’t really feeling any of the affects of the alcohol. “By the way, my name is Tom.”
She sat in the car and just before he closed the door, she cautiously smiled. “Thank you Tom.” He couldn’t explain why, but he knew that was the kind of smile he would remember and enjoy.

It wasn’t far to her home. She gave him directions as he drove. Their path took them just past the local hospital to a small garden apartment complex. He parked in front of one of the Tudor style buildings.

“Thank you again.” She opened the car door and stepped out. She had to lean against the car when she found her ankle wouldn’t support her weight.

Tom got out of the car and came to her side of the car quickly. He cradled her again ignoring the gasp of her surprise. “Would you like to go to the hospital to have this looked at?”

“No.” She seemed to relax in his arms. “No thank you. I’ll just stay off of it tonight. I’ll be okay.”

“What floor?”

Resigned to the fact that she did need help after all, she told him. “Second floor, rear apartment.” After a moment, she added “thank you again,” and loosely put her arms around his neck.

“Okay.” He carried her into the building and up the stairs. “Do you mind if I ask your name?” He really wanted a name to call this ethereal wisp of a woman.

“Alli”

“Nice to meet you, Alli.” He brought her to an apartment door. Tom stood there with her in his arms, enjoying the feel of her arms around his neck. Finally he looked at the apartment door. “Do you have your key?” There was a tinge of amusement in his voice.

“Really, I can manage...”

“I’ll just put you on your couch, get some ice for your ankle and then I’ll leave. Boy Scout honor.” Tom grinned. It was for his own benefit, he thought, to get in and out as quickly as possible. He was enjoying the feel of her in his arms entirely too much.

Alli thought about it before she pulled a key from her purse and unlocked the door. The door opened onto her living room. As he bent to put her on her couch, she started to chuckle. “Gee, if I had realized you were a boy scout, I wouldn’t have given you such a hard time.” He put a throw pillow behind her head.

Tom pointed towards what appeared to be the kitchen. “Ice, that way?”

“Yes.”

He went into the kitchen and noticed it was immaculate. All the appliances matched with brushed metal finishes. The surfaces were pristine. The room looked like it belonged in a magazine layout. A hot and cold water dispenser sat in the corner of the room, no simple tap water for this lady. It was certainly not like his place at home where his mom had picked out a stark white fridge and he relied on well water for drinking. He came out a few moments later carrying ice wrapped in a kitchen towel and a plastic grocery bag. “Here, put this under your foot so the ice doesn’t get everything soaked.” He put the bag under her leg and then wrapped the towel and ice around her ankle. “Okay, I’m out of here...:

“Tom, thank you. I’m sorry I was being so difficult before.” He liked the way his name sounded when she said it.

He smiled at her. “Don’t worry about it. I understand.”

“I just never expected to find a truly nice guy...” He hid his disappointment at her words. A nice guy wasn’t the way he wanted her to see him. He would have preferred a handsome guy, an attractive guy, a sexy guy... Nice was just so bland.

“Don’t sweat it.” He looked around the room. She had a delicate collection of spun glass figurines on display in the living room. He thought of how the type of collection suited her, very beautiful, very intricate, very fragile. Probably very expensive. “Can I get you anything else before I leave?” He noticed that she had a few photos on display, probably family pictures. The frames were all highly polished chrome and silver. Except for an older man next to an older woman, she didn’t seem to have any pictures of a special man in her life.

It looked like she wanted to say something else but changed her mind.

“No thanks.”

“Bye Alli.” Discouraged, Tom left.

“Bye.”
~~~~~~~~~~
coming this November!

Friday, October 10, 2008

The Casting Game Again...

Okay friends, I'm play casting Within the Law this time...

Here's Alli -
If WTL went Hollywood, I'd cast Cameron Diaz as Alli Davis


And here's Tom -



We have returning characters from Forgotten...
...but now I can't decide,
Please help me decide who would be Tom's Mom (Sylvia Hughes) -


Doris Roberts?


Tyne Daly?

or Sharon Gless?

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Local Authors Night at the Palisades Mall

Don't miss Local Authors Night at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the Palisades Center Mall, West Nyack, New York on October 14 at 7:00 PM
Chelle Cordero will be one of the featured LOCAL Authors. Meet her, buy her books, get her autograph... It's a fun night, you don't want to miss it. Talk about Bartlett's Rule, Forgotten or her latest release Within the Law.


Guests can purchase their very own copies of Bartlett's Rule or Forgotten at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the Palisades Mall, West Nyack NY.

ALL Barnes and Noble stores can order the book(s) in for you - just tell them at the Info desk that you want a Chelle Cordero novel!
~~~~~