Paige & Lon get closer - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 03/30/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the WeWriWa blog Welcome to a snippet from Bartlett's Rule, my first novel published with Vanilla Heart Publishing. Even though this piece is already published, I find receiving your comments helpful as I write future stories - you strengthen me when I know how well (or not) I communicate with my readers, and I learn what readers like and don't care for. I really appreciate you for giving me your time.

Paige has confided her past history to Lon and she's beginning to believe she can trust again. Obviously Paige is important to Lon and he is doing his best to let her know she is safe, he doesn't want to give her up. I've used creative punctuation again, but even so I am over by a sentence, so sorry:

“I want to sleep with you, the operative word being sleep; I would just like to hold you and wake up with you in my arms.”

“You’re willing to spend the night in bed with me and not get...”

“Yes,” he saw Paige glance nervously back at her bedroom, “have you ever just slept with a man, I mean, since Hal?”

She mouthed the word no as she shook her head.

“Tell you what, if at any point during the night you wake scared because I am next to you, just wake me; if my presence scares you, then I will get up and finish the night on your couch, you have my word, I know trust is a lot to ask for, but please Paige.”

“And you would really leave the bed if I woke you, you wouldn’t argue?”

“I would be disappointed, but I wouldn’t argue.”

“And we wouldn’t have sex?”

He smiled, “if you molested me I probably wouldn’t refuse you, but it would have to be your decision and it would always remain your right to say no and stop.”

For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

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. Smashwords (multiple e-book formats) Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio) AllRomance E-books Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s  Top Ten Reads for 2009 on MyShelf.com

Stop Abuse of Women

Interview with Chelle Cordero
Author of Bartlett's Rule 

Chelle Cordero joins Jeanine Swatton on BlogTalk Radio in discussing her novel, Bartlett's Rule. This is a story of a woman recovering from the devastating effects of rape while she learns to trust and fall in love again. The story explores the secondary victim challenges facing the man she meets (after the rape) and the effects on people around them.  10/28/2009

Popular Self Help Internet Radio with iSwatton on BlogTalkRadio

Ahh, the Romance of it All

As I watch my son and future daughter-in-law prepare for their wedding later this year, I feel all sorts of "gushy" about romance; I guess I was the same way seven years ago when my daughter was getting married.

When Mark and I were married more than 38-years ago I remember the stress that went into trying to please everyone and the concessions that were made from the dreams I had of my perfect wedding - but more than anything I remember the first time I looked at the man that I was able to call husband and knew that he was the most important part of my life and always would be. When he took my hand to walk with me up the aisle after the traditional kiss, I knew that was what pure love felt like.

I love to write about love and romance and passion in my books. I've written a few wedding ceremonies into the stories as well and I have fun with those. In the following excerpt from His Lucky Charm the heroine's best friend Keisha marries the love of her life Malcolm in an African inspired ceremony:

Malcolm had explained many of the traditions and rituals of their wedding to Brandon. He had told him that the wedding was the union of not just the couple, but of their families and their lives. Their parents and immediate families were just as much a part of the ceremony as the couple.

It was a very spiritual time with prayers that were begun weeks earlier.

Keisha’s father blessed his daughter and son as he now referred to Malcolm. Malcolm’s mother tied a loose string of conchi shells around Keisha’s neck as a sign of fertility and luck for a happy family. The priest conducted the service interjecting the civil requirements among the prayers and blessings.

Malcolm spoke to his bride thanking her for completing his life. “A man without a wife is a man without a home.” He promised to keep her happy and provide for her and he placed a simple band on her finger.

Keisha promised that her love for Malcolm would be never-ending like the circle of the wedding band. Then she placed a ring on his finger.

Both mothers took turns reciting an African marriage creed. Brandon noticed Caitlyn look downward as they gave the advice to “Be Open With Each Other. Bind not yourselves in the secretiveness that causes suspicion and doubt. Trust and reveal yourselves to each other, even as the budding rose opens to reveal its fragrance and beauty.”

He berated himself again for having kept secrets from the woman he loved and wondered if he would ever have the opportunity again to reveal his true self to her. More than that, he worried that she no longer had an interest in him or of learning his truths.

The ceremony concluded with Malcolm’s father tying Keisha and Malcolm’s wrists together with a purple cloth to symbolize their union. Together they jumped over a broom laid on the floor to show that they were starting fresh and welcoming the new path before them. Smiling and happy, they walked together up the aisle to the back of the church while the audience applauded.

The parents followed the happy couple and so did Caitlyn and Malcolm’s brother. Caitlyn noticed Brandon in the back row as she neared the door and her steps faltered. The best man placed a hand under her elbow and looked in the direction of her distraction. The smile Caitlyn had been wearing quickly left her face and she turned away from Brandon as she regained her footing.

Smashwords        Amazon       Barnes&Noble 
KOBO         All Romance         Apple iTunes

Paige blames herself - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 03/23/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the WeWriWa blog
Welcome to a snippet from Bartlett's Rule, my first novel published with Vanilla Heart Publishing. Even though this piece is already published, I find that receiving your comments is helpful as I write future stories - you strengthen me when I know how well (or not) I communicate with my readers, and I learn what readers like and don't care for. I really appreciate you for giving me your time.
Paige shared the the details of the rape with Lon and she also shared her feelings of guilt and shame. Like some victims of sexual assault Paige went through a period of self-destructive promiscuity and she lets Lon know when he says he still wants to see her. Here is some of the conversation that follows (with its creative punctuation)...

She laughed at his discomfort, “am I still acting like a whore?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to, that’s what I called myself; I did everything but charge for services, I probably would have had more self-respect if I had been a working girl.” Paige moved further away from Lon, “are you thoroughly disgusted yet?”

The increased distance didn’t go unnoticed; Lon really wasn’t sure what he was supposed to say, he just didn’t think she needed anyone condemning her; “I think that you did the things you thought you needed to do, I don’t think anyone knows how they would react after a trauma, and Paige, you were traumatized.”

She stared at him unable to fit his compassion to the image. “your publicist is really good.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because you aren’t what I expected, you’re supposed to be a notorious womanizer.”

“Wow, it sounds like I moved up a notch or two on the opinion scale.”

Paige sighed, “it’s good that one of us did.”

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

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.
Smashwords (multiple e-book formats) Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio) AllRomance E-books
Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s  Top Ten Reads for 2009 on MyShelf.com
When I first wrote Bartlett's Rule it didn't start out as a book about a cause, it was just a story about a woman who went through a horrible experience. And this is a story about a man who falls in love with this woman and becomes what is known as a "Secondary Survivor".
I was pleased and honored to hear that this book went on women's shelter shelves and was used to facilitate several discussions about sexual abuse. April is Sexual Abuse Awareness Month and considering all of the recent political discussions regarding women's bodies, terminology and rape laws, this subject is more timely and more important than ever. (By the way, men can be victims, too)

About Victims

44% of victims are under age 18

80% are under age 30

Sexual Assault Numbers

Every 2 minutes, another American is sexually assaulted

There is an average of 237,868 victims (age 12 or older) of sexual assault each year

Reporting to Police

60% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police

97% of rapists will never spend a day in jail

About Rapists

Approximately 2/3 of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim

38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance

(statistics courtesy of RAIIN)

E-Book Club Extras for Bartlett''s Rule by Chelle Cordero;
includes author info, title description,
printable full color bookmarks,
and discussion starters.

You had me from Hello - Novel first lines

The first line of a novel is called The Hook and ideally it will live up to that image. When the reader reads the first line it should reel them in and make them want to keep reading.

Below are the first lines to each of my novels. Which ones intrigue you most? Can you guess which line begins each book?

The Novels Are:

A Chaunce of Riches;    Bartlett's Rule;    Common Bond, Tangled Hearts;    Courage of the Heart;    Final Sin;    His Lucky Charm;    Hostage Heart;    Hyphema;    Karma Visited;    Within the Law.

If you can't remember which line begins each story, you can get a little help - You can read the first few chapters of each of these books online & for free:  Smashwords or BookBuzzr Widgets

(don't stress, the answers are at the bottom of this post anyway)

1) Deanna had a heavy feeling as she headed to work.

2) My life changed after I died.

3) If he was reading her surprised expression right, she was expecting somebody else to be on the other side of the door when she swung it wide open.

4) He was sitting in the large den feigning patience while waiting for his new assignment to show up.

5) Matt was looking down over the dark water as they were being buffeted by the winds

6) “He is a pompous ass!”

7) There wasn’t anyone there who didn’t look like they weren’t ready to heave.

8) He trailed kisses down her neck while he let his hands explore the recesses of her body.

9) He put his hand on the bartender’s wrist as she moved the open bottle towards his glass to refill.

10) He felt his muscles clench as he stared into the woman’s face that lay beneath him.

Here are the answers:

Lon shows his concern - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 03/16/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the WeWriWa blog
Welcome to a snippet from Bartlett's Rule, my first novel published with Vanilla Heart Publishing. Even though this piece is already published, I find that receiving your comments is helpful as I write future stories - you strengthen me when I know how well (or not) I communicate with my readers, and I learn what readers like and don't care for. I really appreciate you for giving me your time.
Paige panicked while in bed with Lon for the first time. His first impulse was to get the Hell out of there - but he was more concerned about the fragile state of the woman he was with. After some gentle coaxing he persuades her to put a robe on and join him in the kitchen for a cup of coffee (once again, I've been creative with punctuation)...

“Did you think I was going to, I don’t know, force myself on you”, he saw that she looked away and tears stained her cheeks again. He imagined all kinds of responses, “Paige, did someone once force himself on you?” She squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lip; he could barely find his voice, it was unimaginable; “were you raped,” there was no gentle way to ask.

The pain in her eyes was all the answer he needed, he was indignant, “when did this happen, did they catch the guy;” it always angered him when he heard of a man hurting a woman.

Paige felt as if a long time passed before she could answer, “it was almost three years ago, it was my ex-fiancé,” she tried to escape his stare.

“Your fiancé raped you, why?”

“Ex, and I don’t know why,” she answered him sarcastically. “I don’t even know why I’m telling you; why should I expect that you would believe me?”

“I didn’t mean…” Lon shook his head, “it doesn’t matter what sick reason he had; he had no right to do that to you.”

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

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.
Smashwords (multiple e-book formats)
Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio)
AllRomance E-books
Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s  Top Ten Reads for 2009 on MyShelf.com

Today is Purim 

Have a virtual Hamentash
& enjoy reading these snippets

A Chaunce of Riches is now available as an Audio-book

)

http://www.amazon.com/A-Chaunce-of-Riches/dp/B00IXWZIDQ

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 5 hours and 16 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Vanilla Heart Publishing
• Audible.com Release Date: March 11, 2014
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00IXWZIDQ

from a review:
"Personal conflict kicks off at the very start of Ms. Cordero's A Chaunce of Riches, as widower Samantha Chaunce comes face to face with a man from her past - Ben Johnson. She told him she loved him oh-so-long ago, and then she departed in the arms of another..."

Is this REALLY "Within the [Moral] Law"?????

As an author I frequently use "Google Alerts" to let me know if there is any new conversation about any of my books or even about me (as when a new article I wrote appears, etc)... so when I got today's "Google Alert - Within the Law" in my email I certainly looked. You see one of my novels is called Within the Law and while alerts often come through based just on the words and not my chosen topic, it CAN happen. Normally when an alert comes through that doesn't represent what I wanted to see I just delete it, but today a headline enclosed in the email really flabbergasted me:

State's Highest Court Says Taking 'Upskirt' Photos on the MBTA Is Within the Law

Boston magazine's Boston Daily (blog)

The “Peeping Tom” laws in Massachusetts only apply when people being
photographed unknowingly are either nude or partially nude in places like ...

WHAT?!

According to this article the Supreme Judicial Court in the State of Massachusetts ruled that "Because the MBTA is a public transit system operating in a public place and uses cameras, the two alleged victims here were not in a place and circumstance where they reasonably would or could have had an expectation of privacy," referring to an incident where a man took pictures up women's skirts on a public train without their knowledge or consent. The man wanted the "Peeping Tom" charge dropped, an appeal which was denied by a lower court in Boston, but was granted by the State's highest court.

In my opinion this is the equivalent of saying a woman asks for unsolicited and aggressive behavior because of what she wears or that just because someone says NO doesn't mean she means NO.

Personally I am furious. I believe I have the right to expect privacy regarding my body parts wherever clothing conceals or partially conceals such parts. 

If I am going through a TSA checkpoint at the airport, my expectation is to be wanded, passed through a metal detector and screened by Advanced Imaging Technology; if I prefer I can request to be patted down and wanded instead of the AIT. And if further inspection is required I expect it to be done in an area respecting and protecting my privacy. Taking an airplane ride and therefore having to pass through such inspections is my choice and my EXPECTATION.

If I am taking mass transit such as a city train to work, waiting on a line at a bank, or standing in a crowded elevator, it is NOT my expectation to allow a stranger to peek under my clothing (especially without my knowledge or consent) to see parts of my body that I should reasonably imagine to be PRIVATE merely for the stranger's unknown and possibly malevolent intentions.

Please forgive my rant, but I think we need to make our feelings of this ruling known before we loose all rights to the expectation of privacy and personal rights.

I am interesting in hearing what you think about this...

*****

Important Update to this story - 

Beacon Hill Officials Pass Legislation to Make Secret ‘Upskirt’ Photos Illegal

The expedited bill came in direct response to a controversial Supreme Judicial Court ruling.

Kudos to the Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick for signing "An Act Relative to Unlawful Sexual Surveillance" into law in the State of Massachusetts. It's a shame that it takes a governor's signature to ensure decency and protect human rights.

Paige reacts strangely, Lon is confused ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 03/09/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Bartlett's Rule, my first novel published with Vanilla Heart Publishing. Even though this piece is already published, I find that receiving your comments is helpful as I write future stories - you strengthen me when I know how well (or not) I communicate with my readers, and I learn what readers like and don't care for. I really appreciate you for giving me your time.

Paige has gone out with Lon a few times and although she still is very reserved around him, she invites him back to her apartment and suggests that it's time to "be together". Lon is thrown off balance, he is used to being the one to initiate a seduction, but he can't deny he wants to be with her. He is careful to make sure this is what Paige really wants and they go to bed  - that's when Paige panics...  (yes, creative punctuation and so forth)

“Lon... stop.”

“What?” he raised his head to look at her and was puzzled to see tears in her eyes, “what’s the matter, am I hurting you?”; his fingers had stilled but he still held her beneath him.

Her breathing became more rapid, “get off of me.”

He realized she wasn’t panting, she was panicking, “what’s the matter Paige?”

“Get off of me,” she sounded terrified.

Lon released her and rolled to his side; Paige scampered off of the bed and slid down against the wall; her knees were drawn to her chest to hide her nudity, she whimpered.

He snapped on the light and looked at her, “what the hell just happened, Paige?”; it hurt to sit in his still aroused state as he watched her curiously.

She mumbled something through her tears; the only words he could make out were “I’m sorry.”

For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 

www.wewriwa.com

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.

Smashwords (multiple e-book formats)

Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio)

AllRomance E-books

Bartlett’s Rule was named one of
Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s 
Top Ten Reads for 2009
on MyShelf.com

This weekend ends Read-an-E-book-Week 2014

Hope you've made use of wonderful e-book download sites like
Smashwords, Amazon (Kindle), Barnes&Noble (Nook),
AllRomance E-books, Kobo, & more...

Download a FREE Sampler
with 4 chapters from each of my novels

This Mardi Gras season, read a book about a Louisiana gal

Mardi Gras History and Traditions

Mardi Gras is about music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement.  It's one big holiday in New Orleans!

Everyone is wearing purple, green, and gold, and adorned with long beads caught from the beautiful floats. You'll see a lot of crazy costumes, kids everywhere, and both locals and visitors having a great time.  People sit on the ground, throw balls, play music, eat great food and watch the crowds walk by between parades.  During Mardi Gras, all of the businesses and roads are practically shut down.  People walk everywhere and meet new friends.

Deanna Blair grew up in Louisiana, her parents built a business outside of Baton Rouge. Deanna'a beloved mamere lived in New Orleans until becoming one of the scores of fatalities after the hurricanes and floods. Deanna, like her parents, is proud of the Louisiana and Cajun culture. 

Hostage Heart by Chelle Cordero

Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through, destroying her parents’ home and livelihood…Deanna did the only thing she could do. She moved to New York City, found a job, worked hard, scrimped and saved to send what little she could manage back home to Louisiana to her parents.

An errand for her boss – a chance encounter with a crew of bank robbers – a kind man who tried to help her and deserved her courageous help in return… But he wasn’t the man she thought he was…no, he was so very much more!

Hostage Heart  by Chelle Cordero is available as 

an AUDIOBOOK on Audible, iTunes, and on Amazon! 

Also in All Ebook Formats and  Print Editions. 

AUDIO, PRINT, and ALL ELECTRONIC EDITIONS  

BUY LINKS

 AUDIO on Audible

http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_5?asin=B00EAOCTTC

Or, if you decide to use the Amazon-exclusive Audible.com 30-day free trial membership it includes:

• This audiobook free, plus a bonus audiobook of your choice
• Exchange any book you don't like with Audible’s Great Listen Guarantee
• Total flexibility - cancel, pause or upgrade membership easily and whenever you like

PRINT – http://www.amazon.com/Hostage-Heart-Chelle-Cordero/dp/1935407716

Kindle – http://www.amazon.com/Hostage-Heart-ebook/dp/B002I9YRKK

AllRomance Ebooks – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hostageheart-79508-149.html

Smashwords for All Ereaders –  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2943

Payloadz Instant Download –  http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=853567

and the FREE Book Club Discussion Packet with full color printable bookmarks, author bio and photo, discussion starters, and synopsis –  http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=1778656

Lon wants to see her again - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 03/02/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Bartlett's Rule, my first novel published with Vanilla Heart Publishing. Even though this piece is already published, I find that receiving your comments is helpful as I write future stories - you strengthen me when I know how well (or not) I communicate with my readers, and I learn what readers like and don't care for. I really appreciate you for giving me your time.

Paige and Lon Bartlett spent an uneventful evening together having dinner and going dancing. Paige has been pleasant but remote and Lon is puzzled. As the author of a misogynistic column about relationships and one of the city's most eligible and revered bachelors, he is not used to a woman who doesn't fawn over him. It's the end of their "date" and Lon is determined to learn more about her. He asks about her and we pick up in the middle of her answering him. (as usual, I've used creative punctuation & I apologize I needed to add that last sentence)...

“…Until six-weeks ago I worked in the secretarial pool at By-Lines Publishing, I just earned a promotion into their Public Relations department and when my boss called me into her office yesterday to tell me I had to wine and dine you, I balked.”

Lon laughed, “I take it you are not a fan,” not many women were quite that frank around him.

“No,” There was no hesitation, “did I make you happy?” she smiled for his benefit.

He just smiled back at her, “I like your honesty although I am wounded that you aren’t an adoring fan;” she looked away again, “why did you decide to move to the city?”

Paige swallowed, “I got engaged and my fiancé wanted to live here.”

“Oh, ”he looked down at her left hand and didn’t see any ring, “are you still engaged, or married?” Lon was hoping the answer was no and he was pleased when she shook her head, “what happened?”

“That’s none of your business,” Paige hadn’t meant to snap; she caught her breath,  “I’m sorry, I just would rather not discuss that.”

“I’m sorry if I intruded, but I am still happy the answer was no,” he noticed the surprise in her eyes, “may I see you again?”

For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 

www.wewriwa.com

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.

Smashwords (multiple e-book formats)

Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio)

AllRomance E-books

Bartlett’s Rule was named one of
Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s 
Top Ten Reads for 2009
on MyShelf.com

a sample of the
Book Club Discussion Starters
Bartlett’s Rule By Chelle Cordero 

       • How does Bartlett’s Rule explore the two distinct personalities of the main characters?
       • Discuss how the different personalities emerge in the beginning of the
novel. Do these personalities stay constant?
       • How much do you think society’s expectations influenced Lon towards
building his reputation as a player?
       • What pressures does society place on men in relationships? How different
are those pressures now in 2008 as opposed to, let’s say, the 1950’s?