Saturday, May 30, 2015

Seize the opportunity - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 05/31/15

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 Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book.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

& check out the
Facebook Snippet Sunday group


My entry this week is from Common Bond, Tangled Hearts. Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son. 

Justin ventures back the next morning to find that Layne overslept and Dennis missed the school bus. He seizes the opportunity and offers to drive him, obviously Layne comes along. This conversation takes place after they drop Dennis off at his school.

...and now the eight nine ten:


"I take it there's no man in his life," Justin said quietly. He wondered if there was any man in her life either, but he didnt feel that he had that right to ask, not yet.

"No there isn't and he's done just fine," she retorted angrily.

"Hey, I'm not criticizing; I'm just trying to learn a little more about him."

"Why?"

"Because he's my son."

"No, that's your sperm donation; he's my son, not yours."

Layne, we really do need to talk."

"There is nothing to talk about, you jerked off in some cup or something seven years ago, that's the total extent of your involvement here, you can't have him!"

Justin pulled the car over to the curb and stopped, "do you think I'm here to try to take him away from you?"


For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 


About Common Bond, Tangled Hearts

Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son.
Justin, the victim of a fraternity prank, and Layne, the subject of a forced insemination, have produced a beautiful child that they are both willing to protect… at all costs.
The two parents realize they can love each other, but when Layne’s abusive “ex-husband” shows up, they are torn apart by danger, kidnapping and lies. Justin won’t give up until Layne is returned to him. Layne uses her newfound strength, courage and knowledge to defy Charlie’s ugliest demands.



    ~~~~~~~~



Monday, May 25, 2015

#MondayBlogs ~ This Memorial Day


My dad and my father-in-law both served proudly in World War 2, both men were injured and lived with pain and other war-related complications and I remain convinced that this led to an early demise for both (58 yrs & 55 yrs respectively) – BUT THEY CAME HOME. Aside from the fact that neither my husband nor I would be here if they hadn’t, our families were immeasurably fortunate. But how I do miss hearing their “War Stories”, even the ones I heard over and over and sometimes a little more embellished than the time before…

I grew up during the tumultuous Vietnam era and saw friends who lost loved ones so tragically and so young and there wasn’t much I could do to comfort them from the pain they were experiencing. It was a time of protests and in-country violence and loss. And there was definitely anger over the lack of military benefits that our veterans received upon their return and the harsh words that sometimes greeted them as they walked down our city streets. I was present at the NYC “Home With Honor” parade in 1973 and we applauded the returning veterans while we remembered those who couldn’t return. 

Violence was brought to our shores and we find our nation embroiled in battle again, whatever happened to the “War to End All Wars”?  We have so many brave men and women who are giving their all to protect us and sometimes we suffer their losses. Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday, is a day devoted to Remembering The Fallen. Display the American Flag, “On Memorial Day, flags are flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, and then raised quickly to full-staff”,  place flags on veterans’ graves, and attend ceremonies – above all NEVER FORGET the sacrifices made for us. 

A suggestion: Memorial Day is often filled with picnics and barbecues and plans for summer fun ~ if you are planning this festive ritual this year be sure to set a place for the one who will never return, Remember the Fallen.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Still frustrated ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 05/24/15

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

& check out the
Facebook Snippet Sunday group


My entry this week is from Common Bond, Tangled Hearts. Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son. 

This scene continues right after last week. Justin is frustrated and pacing his motel room. He is remembering what led him to look for Layne and their son, a son he didn't know about. Hopefully this will answer some of last week's questions. Again, this is all a memory, this has been edited to fit.

...and now the eight nine:


"Justin, maybe you'd better sit down," Larry put his unlit pipe in his mouth, "it seems that you and some of your friends decided to do a little bit of celebrating just prior to your graduation."
A little bit of a celebration was an understatement, he remembered at least two days of nursing a hangover.
"You were the victim of a fraternity house prank, you passed out in the offices of a sperm bank."
"I wasn't even conscious, that's impossible, isn't it?"
"Apparently not; your grandfather received an anonymous letter a few years ago, he wanted things checked out thoroughly. You have a six year old son, his name is Dennis."
"What am I supposed to do with this?"
"Your grandfather and I discussed this just a week before he died, you have to go see the mother, find out what claims, if any, she plans to make against the company. This boy is legally your heir.


For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 


About Common Bond, Tangled Hearts

Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son.
Justin, the victim of a fraternity prank, and Layne, the subject of a forced insemination, have produced a beautiful child that they are both willing to protect… at all costs.
The two parents realize they can love each other, but when Layne’s abusive “ex-husband” shows up, they are torn apart by danger, kidnapping and lies. Justin won’t give up until Layne is returned to him. Layne uses her newfound strength, courage and knowledge to defy Charlie’s ugliest demands.



    ~~~~~~~~

Here in the states, it is Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.
On Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon.It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

Friday, May 22, 2015

25 hours left in the #EMSWeekBookChallenge ~ Win AudioBooks

Contest is Over, Thank you!
25 hours left in the #EMSWeekBookChallenge!!!
(follow links for clues)

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Monday, May 18, 2015

The story behind Final Sin ~ #MondayBlogs

EMS STRONG

#EMSWeek2015 ~ May 17-23

In early 1985 a young man was brutally murdered at a location fairly near my home, it left our local townspeople shaken to the core. Newspaper article after newspaper article exposed sordid fact after sordid fact' the murder was written about in books, I even knew the first police officer to arrive on the scene. It was uncomfortably local..

Back in those years I spent the summers working as a day camp health supervisor utilizing my EMT certification and taking extra training to satisfy the local Board of Health/ During the summers I drove past this unassuming crime scene every day - the location of the building where the body was found was well off of the road but the numbered mailbox was prominent... and I actually shuddered when I passed it knowing the horror that had taken place.




While the opening scene in Final Sin has no connection to this nightmarish event,  I did picture this section off the winding road as "the scene of the crime" and in my imagination I was able to see the dark and foreboding smokehouse and fill it with terror once again as a fictional (this time) crime scene.Authors and artists often "steal" things they've seen and manipulate scenes into stories; it makes it very real to us and hopefully to our readers as well.

By the time I sat down to write my first EMS Suspense Thriller I had been riding as a NYS EMT (volunteer) for many years, my husband and both kids also rode. Many of our friends were First Responders, EMTs, Paramedics, CFRs, FD, PD and more. There was never a shortage of stories and certainly never a shortage of radios going off in an emergency.

Final Sin is fiction, so is the spin-off sequel Hyphema... but you just might feel as if it's real because most fiction, somewhere and somehow, IS based in reality. I hope that when you read these books you might just feel a little bit uneasy because then I've done my job and made it as real to you as it was to me... (insert evil laugh here)


Deputy Sheriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full with the investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a vindictive ex-wife when he meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie Jennings. He is immediately drawn to her and finds himself unexpectedly falling in love. Julie finds herself just as drawn to him. When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both of their lives in extreme danger… Romance…danger…adventure…suspense…another great Chelle Cordero novel sure to grab readers from many genre!

To purchase:

Follow me on Twitter @ChelleCordero for lost of chances to win FREE books this week



Saturday, May 16, 2015

Frustrated! ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 05/17/15

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

& check out the
Facebook Snippet Sunday group


My entry this week is from Common Bond, Tangled Hearts. Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son. 

Justin was feeling totally frustrated because of Layne's reaction to his announcement and he went back to his motel room to brood and hopefully give her some time to cool down. He wasn't a man who was used to being told no and right now all he was thinking about was how this situation complicated his life. (Don't worry, he may be spoiled, but he really isn't as heartless as he thinks he is...) This snippet has been edited to fit, even though we're permitted up to 10 I am still aiming for 8 so I don't feel guilty when I go over.

...and now the eight nine:


"Damn it," Justin paced the short length of his motel room; this little nothing town was one of the last places he wanted to be. Damn Davis for insisting that he had to "get this matter cleared up", damn his brother for leaving him the only heir, and damn his grandfather for dying and dumping everything on his shoulders.
After a rocky start Justin had been a model student for years until he earned his master's degree, he drank only moderately and partied occasionally. There had been a few college girls he saw on a serious level, but he never got carried away; he never made promises and he never once thought of a future with any of them. That was why he was so surprised when the family attorney, Larry Davis, told him he was a father.
"That's impossible," Justin protested, "I was always very careful. If some girl told you it's mine, don't believe it." He had always been a careful and considerate lover and when it came time to end a relationship, he always did it gently. He'd bet his life he never got any girl pregnant.






For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 


About Common Bond, Tangled Hearts

Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son.
Justin, the victim of a fraternity prank, and Layne, the subject of a forced insemination, have produced a beautiful child that they are both willing to protect… at all costs.
The two parents realize they can love each other, but when Layne’s abusive “ex-husband” shows up, they are torn apart by danger, kidnapping and lies. Justin won’t give up until Layne is returned to him. Layne uses her newfound strength, courage and knowledge to defy Charlie’s ugliest demands.



    ~~~~~~~~
It's EMS Week 2015 ~ May 17-23
& I will be featuring contests and giveaways all week.
EMS STRONG
I rode as a volunteer EMT for nearly 30 years
and finally gave it up
(leaving it for the younger set)
But it is still very dear to me.

My publisher released a combined e-book edition of
both of my EMS Suspense novels
just in time for EMS Week

Smashwords

Follow me on Twitter @ChelleCordero
my Facebook Author Chelle Cordero
my website  &  here

and find out how you can win books!

Monday, May 11, 2015

#MondayBlogs ~ Peter Pan and the Circle of Life


With Mother’s Day just behind us (although moms will always be MOM), I find myself reflecting on my childhood and thinking about my mom and dad, both long gone, my Grandma, my aunts and uncles (most also gone) and even a few cousins, all younger than me. So many losses and I miss them all, but so many wonderful memories for me to hold on to.

When I was just five years old my paternal grandfather passed away. I remember being horrified at my dad’s tears and pain and I told my father that I never wanted to grow up. He asked me why and I told him, in my child’s frame of mind, that growing up meant that you lose people you love. I remember how he chuckled and hugged me; he told me that it could happen that way and that some order of loss was natural such as a child burying a parent.

He admitted that he was sad, but that growing up for him had meant finding his love, my mom, and having my sister and me. Daddy told me how happy he was with his life even though he had tears along the way. Although I was still frightened, my dad’s words helped me cope with the loss of my grandfather. Eighteen years later I sat at my father’s funeral and heard his words in my mind; once again he helped me cope. That year started a whirlwind of loss, eighteen days later my father-in-law passed away — in less than five years we buried both fathers and both mothers. Despite my father’s wise words, I wanted to go back to playing Peter Pan who never wanted to grow up.

Today, while I admit to thoughts about people I’ve loved and lost, I enjoyed a wonderful Mother’s Day. Because my loving husband is “under the weather” with a bad head cold we decided to have a family brunch right here. Our two children and their respective spouses (or as I prefer to say, my FOUR kids), my husband and I sat at the dining room table and enjoyed a simple but indulgent feast. While filling our plates and stuffing our mouths, there was laughter and joy. There were flowers and cards and smiles and warmth. My heart was so full with all of the riches of my life. The pangs of loss never go away, it never really gets better, but my dad was right. I grew up and have had so many wonderful things come in to my life.

My husband and I are married forty years this coming December; our daughter and her husband just celebrated their eighth anniversary; and our son and his bride just tied the knot last December after a lengthy courtship. I wish our parents were here to see their grandchildren and the wonderful people that they are, but I am sure they are looking in from heaven. My daughter is named for my mother and my son for my dad and mother-in-law and so often they remind me how appropriate the namesakes are. In the meanwhile I am celebrating my life and the memories we are making together, memories that will live on for generation, memories that will one day be the .stories told by my children and G-d willing my grandchildren… and maybe even beyond.

Life is good.


Many of my stories center around family dynamics, good and bad. Sometimes that's a challenge for me since many of my memories are on the positive side, but I do love writing about a "good" villain, lol.

Summertime reading is just around the corner, please check out my books, I am sure you can even find a few you can relate to... 

 http://chellecordero.com/

http://chellecordero.com/novels-by-chelle-cordero/



Saturday, May 9, 2015

Get Out of Here! ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 05/10/15

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

& check out the
Facebook Snippet Sunday group


My entry this week is from Common Bond, Tangled Hearts. Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son. 

Last week Justin confronted Layne with his bombshell announcement. When the boy appears behind his mother, she yells at him and demands that he lock himself in his bedroom, meanwhile she attempts to prevent Justin from barging in. Laynes son is named Dennis. (btw, a reference to nosy neighbors was edited out last week)

...and now the eight:


She slowly turned her head to look at a photograph of Dennis that was sitting on the top of her television set and made the comparison to the man standing in front of her.
Suddenly she screamed at him and began to beat at his chest with her clenched fists, "Get out, get out of here, get the hell out of my home!"
"Layne, calm down," Justin tried to defend himself from her blows; he grabbed at her hands and tried to hold the struggling woman away from him.
He heard a door open.
"Should I call the police, Layne," Mrs. Addamson called across the hallway from the protection of her own doorway.
Justin wanted to see the boy again, he wanted this beautiful lunatic to stop attacking him, he didn't want to have to call his lawyer to get him out of jail. "I'll be back," Justin turned on his heel and left. Mrs. Addamson slammed her door as he entered the hallway.




For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 


About Common Bond, Tangled Hearts

Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son.
Justin, the victim of a fraternity prank, and Layne, the subject of a forced insemination, have produced a beautiful child that they are both willing to protect… at all costs.
The two parents realize they can love each other, but when Layne’s abusive “ex-husband” shows up, they are torn apart by danger, kidnapping and lies. Justin won’t give up until Layne is returned to him. Layne uses her newfound strength, courage and knowledge to defy Charlie’s ugliest demands.



    ~~~~~~~~
Amazon Customer Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book reviewed by  R. M. E.
Two people brought together through a very interesting twist. They have a very passionate love affair, lots of suspense and satisfying ending.

Author Bio
Chelle Cordero writes stories of Passion and Suspense. Vanilla Heart Publishing has published ten Cordero novels and a short-story collection: Bartlett's Rule; His Lucky Charm; Within the Law; Courage of the Heart; Final Sin; Hostage Heart; A Chaunce of Riches; Common Bond, Tangled Hearts; Hyphema; and Karma Visited. VHP just published The Many Faces of Chelle Cordero featuring several short stories which attest to Chelle's unique range of writing abilities. She is currently working on her next novel and promises another action packed adventure and heartwarming love story. Chelle has been writing both fiction and non-fiction for the bulk of her adult life and has been with Vanilla Heart Publishing since early +2008.

Her books have earned many plaudits which includes: Bartlett's Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Top Ten Reads for 2009; Final Sin was an Honorable Mention in the Fiction Category of the 2010 NY Book Festival and a 2009 Pushcart Prize nominee; Hyphema won the Dec 9, 2011 Friday Book Cover Vote on the Shades of Love website; A Chaunce of Riches was Winner of D. Renee Bagby's readers' choice for The Best Overall First Chapter, April 2010; Hostage Heart, Final Sin and A Chaunce of Riches had top ten finishes in the 2009 PREDITORS & EDITORS READERS' POLL; Chelle had three (3) Top Ten Finishes in the 2014 PREDITORS & EDITORS READERS' POLL for her weekly Kindle Writing Workshop Living, Breathing, Writing, her promo blog Potpourri Parlor, and a blog post "Can We Talk?". Final Sin and Hyphema were recently cited by EMSWorld as recommended EMS-themed books to read. Chelle was also featured in "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" published by The Author's Show in 2010. 

Chelle Cordero maintains an author's blog at http://chellecordero.blogspot.com/, a promotional blog at http://ccepotourri.wordpress.com/, and offers a weekly writing workshop for Kindle Blog subscribers at http://bit.ly/pILcG. Her website http://ChelleCordero.com offers information on all of her books and her appearances. Bloggers and the media are welcome to visit Chelle's media room at http://chellecordero.com/media/ with downloadable photos and other information. Previews of Chelle Cordero books are available at http://bit.ly/bv174Y.