Chelle Cordero, Author

Your next book club discussion: Hyphema

2012-01-24T04:08:00.007-05:00

Here is the HYPHEMA Book Club Discussion Pack

Hyphema is a thriller involving murder, suspense, prejudice, love, and emergency medical services. Former New York Paramedic Matt Garratti trains as a flight medic, but when the economy forces a career relocation he moves his immigrant Pakistani-Muslim wife and infant son to North Carolina.

The area of northeast North Carolina the Garratti family moves to is scenic and known for “southern hospitality”, but there are huge pockets of town folk who have never met a Muslim believer and only know of “them” from news reports after 9-11.

Matt’s wife Sudah is looked at with disdain by some of their neighbors. When strange things happen that threaten the small family’s well-being, there are those, including the local police, who erroneously believe that it is reaction to Sudah’s ethnicity – and while no one thinks it is right, they also seem to think it is not all that serious.

Here are some thoughts to ponder and discuss:

1) Muslims have been in America even before we were the United States of America. Christopher Columbus made a celebrated voyage to “the new world” in 1492 and America won its independence in 1776. Did you know that as early as 1178 a Chinese document known as the Sung Document records the voyage of Muslim sailors to America? In 1530 several million African slaves, arrived in America during the slave trade of that time and became part of the backbone of the American economy of that period. The first mosque in the United States was built in Maine in 1915. Until 1952 Islam was not recognized as a legitimate religion until after the American military was sued.

When did you first become aware of the Muslim (Islam) faith in the United States? Are you surprised by the extensive history of Muslims in American long before 2001?

2) In 1790, Congress established a formal process enabling the foreign born to become U.S. citizens; Policies established in 1965 are still largely in place. The policies have been changed many times since as immigration to this country has grown at often record rates. Today NON-immigrants are permitted lawful entry to the U.S. for reasons like tourism, diplomatic missions, study, and temporary work; temporary admission does not permit citizenship by naturalization. Non-immigrants wishing to remain in the United States on a permanent basis must apply for permanent admission. A real marriage to a U.S. citizen will, depending on circumstances, allow an immigrant to apply for naturalization sooner than an immigrant having no relatives in the U.S.

When did your family come to the United States? If they immigrated here, what do you know of the challenges they faced and any prejudices they had to deal with? Depending on how many generations your family has been in the U.S. do you feel strong ties to the country if your heritage? Have you ever visited the place(s) your ancestors came from?

3) Matt Garratti is a skilled paramedic with many years of experience answering 911 medial and trauma emergencies. He makes the move to becoming a fight medic and working in an aeromedical environment (an airborne “ambulance”). There are some increased risks associated with being a flight medic including hearing loss, exposure to heat and fumes, back injuries and air crashes. Why do you think someone would become a flight medic?

4) How does your local 9-1-1 system work? Are the first responders who work in your area paid or volunteer? Have you ever been a patient in a ground or air ambulance? If your local department is volunteer, how could you get involved? Did you know that a “paramedic” is sometimes also called “hands of the doctor”? What do you think it would be like to administer crucial life-saving skills during transport of a patient to the hospital?

5) If you were to move to another location such as Matt did from New York to North Carolina, what information would you need to know in order to find a place to settle (ie: schools, etc)? Is there a dream place that you would like to move to? Describe it.

6) Have you ever eaten Pakistani/Indian/South Asian foods? Some of the common spices used in Pakistani cooking are cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, curry, ginger, and cumin; dishes are often highly spiced and fragrant. Observant Muslins are forbidden to eat pork or consume alcohol and must follow the halal dietary guidelines.

What are some ethnic foods or dietary customs from your heritage? Do you often prepare foods native to your heritage? How do these dishes differ from the “usual cuisine” of the area where you live?

7) Sudah is a practicing Muslim. Matt is Christian. What problems do you think a mixed religion marriage might face? What are ways to blend both cultures so that each individual retains their own identity while sharing a life and customs with their partner? What about children, how should they be told why mommy and daddy are different faiths?

Hyphema is available in multiple e-book formats

Hyphema is also available in print through
Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

Additional Reading:

Final Sin by Chelle Cordero

The Muslim Next Door: The Qur'an, the Media, and That Veil Thing by Sumbul Ali-Karamali

A Paramedic's Diary: Life and Death on the Streets by Stuart Gray

The Complete Asian Cookbook by Nina Solomon and Charmaine Solomon

Coming to America (Second Edition): A History of Immigration and Ethnicity in American Life by Roger Daniels

Blog Hop - Friday, January 13th

2012-01-13T00:21:00.005-05:00

The first Friday the 13^th of 2012 is
“Blame Someone Else Day”

It's the one day of the year we don't have to take ownership
of the things that go wrong - what a great day this is!!!!

Go in late to work - it's okay, your alarm clock didn't go off...

Pay a bill late - hey, the check is in the mail, blame the post office...

Burnt dinner - Not my fault, you didn't make dinner reservations at the restaurant...

No homework - dog ate it, even if you had to borrow your neighbor's dog...

Whatever you want today, "NOT ME" did it

~~LOL~~

What I did do is write a few books and get together with some terrific writers to give you the chance to visit some blogs, hear about some terrific authors and possibly win some great prizes.

Please take a look at my blog and a few of the entries below - and then hop on over to Jocelyn Vaughn's site...

At this end of this blog hop, you'll have a chance to enter for a terrific grand prize - so be sure to hop on every spot!
and...
if you comment below, you might win a .pdf ebook copy from my backlist

and please, come on back to visit now and then

(The Hop STARTS at http://briclarkthebelleofboise.blogspot.com )

a few plaudits my novels have received

2012-01-07T17:08:00.001-05:00

Hyphema won the Dec 9, 2011
Friday Book Cover Vote on the Shades of Love website

Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma… Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors… Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

Final Sin was an Honorable Mention in the Fiction Category of the 2010 NY Book Festival & a 2009 Pushcart Prize nominee.

Deputy Sherriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full… investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a vindictive ex-wife. He meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie Jennings. When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both of them in danger.

Bartlett’s Rule was named one of
Carolyn Howard Johnson’s Top Ten Reads for 2009

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.

It's coming - Friday, January 13th, 2012

2012-01-03T18:32:00.003-05:00

What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?

2011-12-13T00:03:00.010-05:00

MamaElk won the copy of Common Bond, Tangled Hearts

Thank you all for coming by.

Everyone is welcome to download a FREE copy of

the e-Book ~ Nature’s Gifts 2011
.pdf format

It doesn't matter which winter holiday you observe, there are really beautiful traditions that just "warm us through" during the cold winter. So tell us what your favorite winter holiday tradition is...

Is it lighting a Yule log and enjoying hot cider with friends and family?

Is it singing Christmas carols at a local nursing home?

Do you spin a dreidel and eat potato latkes?

Maybe it's lighting the candles of a Kinara with your children?

Or dressing in your finest clothing and sharing a meal of meat with your family and friends?

Share your favorite holiday tradition below - I will pick one lucky responder (between now and 12/24) and announce the winner on December 25 and will send a pdf copy of my book Common Bond, Tangled Hearts. Be sure to include your email.

Be sure to visit all the fantastic authors participating in this

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

Woo-Hoo! HYPHEMA cover wins...

2011-12-12T13:06:00.006-05:00

Hyphema won the

Friday Book Cover Vote on the

Shades of Love IR/MC Website

Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma…

Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors... Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

Hyphema by Chelle Cordero

AMAZON Print B&N OMNILIT PDF

KINDLE SMASHWORDS MULTIFORMAT

In time for your holiday gift shopping…

2011-12-05T14:35:00.000-05:00

Download this FREE Sampler

All of Chelle’s novels are available in both print and ebook editions for every reading device, through online retailers and in select bookstores around the world.

Visit Smashwords for e-books in multiple formats

Visit Barnes & Noble for paperback & Nook

Visit Amazon.com for paperback, Kindle &
the Living, Breathing, Writing Amazon Kindle Blog

Black Friday Blog Hop 2011

2011-11-25T00:29:00.008-05:00

Welcome to the Day After Thanksgiving Blog Hop!

Check out each of the blogs for a chance at terrific prizes -

the complete list is at the end of this post.

Here is how to win one of two prizes here,

each of the book covers pictured below is lettered A-J and

below that are 10 phrases.

Match the phrases with the correct book cover & title ~

GUESSING IS OKAY

& if you want to "cheat", check out my website at

ChelleCordero.com

DO NOT post your answers below, email them to me at
ChelleCordero@gmail.com

The email with the most correct answers will win one of two prizes

pdf e-book of Within the Law (anywhere in the world)

& in the continental US only, a Passion & Suspense T-shirt (size XL)

ties will be decided by random draw - please list your location in your email

(winners will be drawn Sunday at noon)

A B C D E

F G H I J

#1: There is a bond that can't be broken, now there is love too.

#2: He's a cop, she's a lawyer - and they always have each other's back.

#3: He lost his memory, but he believes she is worth taking a chance on.

#4: He wanted a better life for his family, prejudice threatened their happiness.

#5: He was only there to protect a rich widow and her kid...

#6: A month of writing lessons complete with exercises.

#7: He gave her the time to learn to trust again.

#8: He wasn't who she thought he was, how could she love her kidnapper?

#9: He wanted to protect her from his shameful past.

#10: They were used to dealing with emergencies, they just weren't prepared for each other.

Who to visit next?

Not Enough Time in the Day

Shelley Munro: Taste of Kiwi

It's all about the power of love..

Jane Wakely

Smoky Talks …

It's The Journey That Counts!

Chris Redding Author

Decadent Decisions

Wicked...with a side of Saucy

...& for the MFRWA blog
on Saturday 11/26

The winner of the T-shirt is
Kathryn M with 10 correct answers

The winner of the WtL ebook is
Teresa K with 10 correct answers

SURPRISE!
Tomorrow (Sunday) at noon
I will award another
WtL ebook from the remaining entries.

Happy Veterans Day

2011-11-11T03:34:00.004-05:00

My parents met stateside during World War II, just a lonely northern soldier boy and a beautiful southern girl ~ their romance lasted a lifetime (& maybe more...). The following is the beginning of a story I wrote, a dramatization based on their fateful meeting and their life together.

If you are intrigued by this little teaser, please feel free to download the anthology Love and Chocolate.

The Meeting

by Chelle Cordero

Charleston, South Carolina

1942

―"Make sure you send me a letter as soon as you get there." Jeannette stopped to dry her eyes. ―"You just know how I am going to miss you."

―"Oh honey, I‘ll write to you every day." Melanie hugged the best friend she always shared everything with. Their mommas had taken them for walks in their baby carriages together. They were there for each other‘s first dates, they consoled each other when Melanie‘s big brother left to go fight the big war, and they stayed up late reading letters from Melanie‘s ill mother. ―"Oh I wish I didn't have to leave you."

―"You tell your momma to get well so you can bring her home again."

―"Last call for Greensboro." The train engineer poked his head out to remind passengers to get their luggage loaded.

―"Oh, I have to make sure my suitcase is on board." Melanie gave Jeannette‘s hand a squeeze and then stepped towards the train.

―"Make sure you wave to me before you leave."

In another car an M.P. checked the cuffs of the prisoner he was transporting from Georgia.

―"I‘m going to step off and have a smoke." He was satisfied the prisoner wasn't going anywhere, especially since he was cuffed to the seat. The M.P. motioned to one of the other military personnel on board the car that he would be back in a few minutes.It felt good to stretch his legs as he stepped down from the train onto the platform. He watched as two women tearfully hugged each other and found himself unable to stop staring at the woman left on the platform. She was beautiful. He lit his cigarette and took a drag. Then he walked over to the woman.

Jeannette was aware of the soldier‘s stare and tried not to let it affect her. He was a handsome man, but it just wasn't polite to be scrutinized so thoroughly like that. He came even closer and she tried to look in the other direction.

―"Hello."

She could tell by the nasal quality of his accent that he was a northern boy. Maybe this was how they acted up there but he was being awfully forward. She was raised to be polite and couldn't ignore his speaking to her. ―"Good morning sir." She hoped he would go away.

―"I've been riding this train all morning – transporting a prisoner." He motioned proudly to the M.P. sash on his arm.

She glanced quickly at his armband and realized he was probably trying to impress her. Jeannette gave him a polite half-smile and turned her head. She was trying to watch to see where her friend got a seat, but he wasn't making it easy.

―"Well imagine how I felt when I stepped onto the platform and saw this gorgeous woman standing there."

He was definitely making her feel uneasy. She wished she had one of her little brothers with her.

―"Hey, aren‘t you going to tell me your name at least? I‘d love to have a name to go with the dreams I‘m going to have of you tonight."

Her momma taught her manners and her poppa taught her to stand up for herself. Jeannette mustered her courage and finally looked the handsome soldier in the eyes. ―"Sir, I find your manners appalling. I would greatly appreciate it if you would kindly leave me be."

He smiled back at her, the smile reached his eyes. ―"So you aren‘t going to tell me your name?"

―"No sir, I am not." His smile was devastating.

The soldier put on his best pouting face. ―"Hey, come on, I‘m just a lonely soldier. Can‘t you take pity on me? Just your name, please?"

read more in the FREE download

of Love & Chocolate

featuring stories and more by VHP authors

Cozy up with a free read

2011-11-03T02:08:00.009-04:00

download the
Vanilla Heart Publishing Winter Sampler 2011

You'll find sample chapters, book discussion packets and bookmarks for:

Smoky Trudeau Zeidel ~ The Cabin, 2nd Edition
Chelle Cordero ~ Hostage Heart
Marilyn C. Morris ~ Sabbath's Gift
Robert Hays ~ The Baby River Angel
L.E. Harvey ~ Imperfect
Victoria Howard ~ The House on the Shore, 2nd Edition

Collin Kelley ~ Remain in Light

Malcolm Campbell ~ Sarabande

Charmaine Gordon ~ Reconstructing Charlie

Janet Lane Walters ~ The Warrior of Bast

Anne K. Albert ~ Frank, Incense, and Muriel

S.R. Claridge ~ Russian Uprising

Melinda Clayton ~ Return to Crutcher Mountain

Angela Kay Austin ~ Sweet Victory

download the
Vanilla Heart Publishing Winter Sampler 2011

~~~

Internet Book Fair BLOGFEST!

2011-10-25T01:03:00.003-04:00

Hyphema by Chelle Cordero

Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma… Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors... Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

AMAZON Print B&N OMNILIT PDF

KINDLE SMASHWORDS MULTIFORMAT

and also

HOSTAGE HEART by
Chelle Cordero

FINAL SIN by Chelle Cordero

For MORE Great Books...

For more about Chelle Cordero's novels...

The 2nd Annual Authors Book Fair, Deltona Library

2011-10-14T00:10:00.005-04:00

Visit Melinda Clayton and the
Vanilla Heart Publishing
authors' table!

buy books and get swag from authors like

Melinda Clayton

S R Claridge

Collin Kelley

Chelle Cordero

Marilyn Celeste Morris

Smoky Zeidel

Malcolm Campbell

Victoria Howard

Charmaine Gordon

Robert Hays

Anne K Albert

L E Harvey

Angela Kay Austin

& more...

Deltona Public Library,
2150 Eustace Avenue,
Deltona, FL, US

October 15, 2011
11:00 AM -to- 3:00 PM

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2011-10-13T01:37:00.005-04:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

and this is a theme that is built into the story of
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. When Layne’s abusive “ex-husband” shows up, they are torn apart by danger, kidnapping and lies.

She just knew it was going to happen. Layne had finally fallen asleep during the very early morning hours and she hadn't heard her alarm clock chirping for the first thirty minutes. It was really only when Dennis shook her shoulder when she realized how late it was… the alarm had woken her son.

They were rushing through their morning trying to get ready, If Dennis missed the school bus, she was going to have to ask one of her neighbors to drive him to school. She hated to impose on the people around her. Layne had learned that every favor was a debt to be paid back, sometimes at prices much too high for her comfort. But she didn't own her own car and the walk to the school was just too far.

Dennis spilled his milk while he tried to gobble down the toaster pastry she tossed at him in a last ditch effort to get him ready to leave. Layne caught herself before she actually yelled, but Dennis started to pout anyway. It wasn't his fault that this morning was so askew. She kept reminding herself that. It was thanks to his father, his biological father… that damn Justin Ross. What right did he have to force his way into her home and preoccupy her thoughts all night?

She remembered to run water into Dennis' breakfast dishes although there was no way she would be able to take the time to wash and dry them this morning. Layne had thrown her own clothes on in a haphazard manner and had barely passed a brush through her golden curls, but her next hurdle after seeing Dennis off to school was getting to her job, a long walk in the opposite direction of the school building.

Layne worked as a receptionist at the local realty office. She was generally very good with people and her boss didn’t question her education, or lack of it. So long as she did her job well he was happy. The job was ideal because she was able to have the school bus drop Dennis off at the nearby corner. Since the office was in a small model house, there was an extra room where Dennis could nap, do his homework, or play a game. There was even a small yard he could sit in. She never had to worry about his whereabouts and he had gotten very friendly with the older children of one of the realty agents. Rita often let one or both of her kids come to the office after school to sit and play with Dennis. He never got a chance to feel neglected.

Layne pulled the door open to reveal Justin getting ready to knock.

"What are you doing here, again?" Layne said under her breath. She didn't want to upset Dennis before he had to go to school.

"I… I told you I would be back to talk." He looked down at Dennis and noticed that the boy was watching him with those very interested and very big golden eyes. "I thought Dennis would have left for school already."

She didn't take kindly to his criticism. Just because he left some sperm in a cup seven years ago didn't give him the right to barge into her life and criticize the way she was raising their… her son.

"We're running late. If you would just get out of our way…"

"Was he supposed to catch that school bus?" Justin didn't move.

Layne gave a resigned sigh, they had obviously missed it after all. "Yes."

"I'll drive him." Justin was looking just a little too eager for Layne's composure.

"No…"

"But Mom, I'm going to be late and Mrs. Chase is giving out our parts for the Memorial Day play today." Dennis whined. The stranger didn’t look as scary to him today as he did last night. Besides, his mother had told him they used to be friends.

"Come on, my car is right downstairs." Justin smiled as he encouraged her.

"I have to come with you." Layne relented. She wasn't going to chance putting her son in this stranger's car, a stranger that probably thought he had a right to the boy.

"Okay."

"Will you be able to drive me back?" She would have preferred to get out at Dennis' school with him, but then there would be no way she could get back to her job anywhere near on time. Layne needed her job.

"Sure." Justin waited while Layne locked the door and then led the way to his car.

Taking an ambulance ride & Final Sin

2011-10-09T14:19:00.006-04:00

Have you ever been a patient in an ambulance? How did it make you feel? Did you wonder about the people who were caring for you, what their training was, how much they cared about your well being? I'd love to hear your comments below.

I have the memory of being a patient twice in the past, once after a relatively minor car accident and once for a severe asthma attack. The asthma attack was especially scary because the treatment en-route was vital, it was definitely more than just a transport.

I also have the terrific perspective of being one of those trained individuals giving care to patients on the way to hospital. I’ve been a volunteer EMT with my local ambulance corps since 1986. Sometimes the care provided is simple compassion and transport… sometimes we work hard to save a life. I’ve delivered babies - and I’ve done CPR trying to restart a heart. Both successful CPR and holding a newborn in your arms can give you a really heady feeling.

My entire family is in emergency services, both volunteer and career. That’s why, when I wanted to write a mystery suspense, it seemed natural to make my characters emergency service professionals. Going by my own experiences, where else do you get to see so much of life?

I encourage each of you to consider volunteering with your local ambulance squad; the rewards of being able to do something to help, to give some people the only chance they may have, and to know that you have provided (at the minimum) comfort and reassurance is never-ending. There are many ways to be a vital part of your community, give your ambulance corps a chance – it is definitely worth it.

About Final Sin:

Deputy Sheriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full...

investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a

vindictive ex-wife. He meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie

Jennings. When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both

of them in danger...

Download a FREE Final Sin “discussion starter package” complete with free bookmarks – it’s perfect for a book club or library discussion group.

for multiple e-book formats http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2354

from Amazon (print) http://bit.ly/GEgv6

Free Trading Cards

2011-10-07T00:17:00.003-04:00

I’m signing and sending out free
Hyphema and Final Sin trading cards

Just send a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:

CHELLE CORDERO
Post Office Box 333
Tomkins Cove NY 10986

and I’ll send back with two trading cards PLUS!

About Hostage Heart

2011-09-27T02:47:00.003-04:00

I am a romantic dreamer. Despite all of the rumors that writers are full of angst, I really like my life - so I love to write about the things in my life... but my books are pure fiction.

After the 2005 hurricane season and the devastation it caused to parts of Louisiana and Texas, I heard many stories about the people down there and their remarkable spirit. (As an aside, my hubby was a rescue worker down there and he came home with incredible stories to tell.)

Deanna Blair, the heroine of my book Hostage Heart, was born from these stories. Add to that my sometimes "questionable" imagination and my need to let everyone have their special romantic moments and I added Ryan Hunter and a few other interesting characters. Then I tossed in a bank robbery.

The book starts in New York City, a city that never sleeps and the place where I was raised. The bulk of the story takes place down south in Baton Rouge, LA and Little Rock, Ark. Although I grew up with a southern-born mama, I still did a lot of research into Deanna's Cajun heritage and the local customs. It was really fun for me.

I want my readers to experience the flavors of a beignet (a Louisiana fried fritter) and the dialect of a Cajun as they read my story. More than that, I want them to feel the love between my characters and each of the relationships they have. And of course I hope that they sit on the edge of their seats as they wonder what will come next.

Here's an excerpt:

Deanna tried to pull away. Tears came to her eyes. “Please, let me go.”

“Hey Roy, Miss Southern Bell said please.” He mocked her pronunciation. One of the other two men laughed at her distress.

The third man got up and grabbed her chin. He held her face still as he forced the neck of another open bottle of beer between her lips and poured. Deanna choked and spit out most of it.

“Come on, swallow.” He kept pouring and she finally swallowed some to keep from choking. “That’s right baby, you’re going to feel much better. We just want you to enjoy too.”

After most of the contents of the bottle of beer was either down her throat or spilled down the front of her blouse, the bottle was put on the table. Deanna fought to keep from gagging as the beer hit her stomach and started an abrupt return trip. “I’m going to be sick.”

The first guy stood and nearly dumped her on the floor. They let her heave the contents of her stomach while she bent over. They laughed at her. When she was done, one of the men splashed her face with even more beer to rinse her off. Then the front of her blouse was torn open.

“Oh God, please don’t...:” Unable to defend herself or run away with her hands and feet still tied, she cried and pleaded.

Tugging the front of her bra as if to rip it off of her, the second guy found her grandmother’s ring. “What’s this?” He dug the piece of jewelry out.

She looked longingly at the ring. “Please, that’s all I have left of my mamere.” They still hadn’t recovered the old woman’s body long after the flood waters receded. “Please don’t take that.”

One of the men leered at her. “Maybe we’ll let you earn it back.”

“What the hell is going on here?” His booming voice surprised everyone.

“Hey man, we were just having some fun. She doesn’t mind. Do you?” One of the three drunken revelers pouted.

“I told you, she’s my property... and I don’t share with anyone.” The pseudo bank customer had returned from his errand. He walked to them and grabbed her roughly by her arm. “What’s that?” He questioned the guy with the ring in his hand.

“She was hiding it.”

“Give it to me. Now.” The ring was put into his outstretched palm and he put it into his pocket. He looked at the floor where she spit up. “Clean this up.”

“Hey man, we were just bored.

“That’s not my problem.” He pulled Deanna into the small kitchen and helped her wash her face and rinse her mouth at the sink.

“So long as Jacob is gone, I’m in charge around here. And I don’t like having my orders ignored.”

Get autographed ebook covers

2011-09-14T12:53:00.004-04:00

Autographs for my eBooks are available at Kindlegraph.

http://kindlegraph.com/authors/ChelleCordero.

You don't have to have a Kindle to get an autograph.

All you have to do is sign in at Kindlegraph and

request an autograph for whichever book/books you would like.

You need to sign in with Twitter before you can request a Kindlegraph.

Where were you?

2011-09-11T00:15:00.005-04:00

Where were you ten years ago when you heard?

Everyone seems to remember with accuracy where they were and what they were doing ten years ago when America was under attack - they remember when they heard about the planes crashing into the World Trade Center towers in NYC, they were already reeling when the news came about the Pentagon in flames, and people cried from both fear and pride when they heard that an airplane full of people resisted and wouldn't allow their deaths to be used as a weapon for even more destruction.

My husband and I had the day off and were sleeping in late when my sister called to tell me a plane had crashed into one of the towers - I was already watching the TV news when the second plane hit. Our son made a call home from the local high school to ask if his dad was working that day (he had been working the day before at a WTC venue). My daughter called from college (upstate) to make sure everyone was okay. Of all my memories, hearing the fear and worry in my children's voices will stay with me forever.

Where will you be today?

Towns and villages around the world will be holding memorial services. House of worship will be saying prayers. The new One World Trade Center and the reflecting pools will be the sight of dignitaries and survivors of the fallen. Periods of silence will be observed and many places will read from a lost of names. Flags will wave and candles will light the night.

Where have you been for the last ten years?

How did September 1, 2001 change you? Have you found a way to honor the memories of those who died with charity, good deeds, compassion, patriotism, and volunteerism? Do you remember to tell your loved ones how you feel every day? And if you are a parent, have you made sure that your kids know they will always be cared for?

Our lives changed ten years ago. Now is the time to remember the innocent victims, the heroes and the families who were torn apart with positive deeds. Yes take time to shed a tear and then show honor for the lives that were lost, gratitude for the heroes that came out, and compassion for our fellow human beings. Volunteer in your community. Smile at a stranger, Thank a soldier, a paramedic, a firefighter and a police officer.

Ten years ago Americans united to show strength, resilience and pride. We flew flags and came together to show we would not be defeated. Let's show we are still strong and proud, that we respect our country and our people, and that we are caring and committed to doing right.

A Chat and A Contest,

2011-09-07T11:45:00.005-04:00

HYPHEMA by Chelle Cordero

“Matt, why are you angry? Sudah shook her head gently. “She was just making conversation.”

“She didn’t even give you the courtesy of asking you the question.”

She shrugged. “They see the color of my skin and my scarf. I’m different. They do not mean any harm.”

“You’re my wife Sudah and I want people to respect that.”

“Maybe they worry I don’t speak English?”

“If they bothered to speak to you they would find out that you do.” His wife always made excuses for people; she never wanted to see bad in any of them. But even her positivity wasn't enough to dispel his foul mood.

Matt was feeling edgy all day. He was very aware of the hostile looks they received earlier in the day while touring some nearby towns. One old man even called Sudah an Aaa-Rab and made fun of her head covering. Matt almost lost his temper with the old man, but Sudah’s light touch on his arm calmed him. When she politely told the man she was Pakistani, the old guy guffawed and said “same thing.” Later, Sudah explained to Matt that she didn’t think it was worthwhile to argue. “We will not change a man’s mind unless he wants to hear something new.”

Earlier in the day he drove to the college campus with them so that Sudah could see the route she would have to take. He also wanted to see the area she’d be spending so much time in for himself and make sure that it was safe for her. That’s when he first got an uneasy feeling that they were being watched, but he didn’t see anyone specific. Matt convinced himself that it was just more of those hostile looks keeping him on edge. There was a small mosque in the student center and Sudah told him that she would pray there. Matt hoped she wouldn't be harassed because of her faith. The campus advertised that childcare was available but neither of them were impressed with the facilities. That was when they started exploring and finally wound up in the diner on their way back home.

Sudah fed Aden creamed corn from a small jar while they waited for their orders. The waitress put heaping platters of food in front of each of them. She made sure to thank the waitress.

Matt bit into an overstuffed club sandwich with turkey and ham Sudah chewed slowly on her grilled cheese sandwich while she helped Aden hold his bottle.

“I am happy the drive to school will not be long.” She took time to chew the bite of sandwich she just put in her mouth.

He nodded. “It’s a pretty direct route. That’s good.”

“Matt, thank you for bringing us here.”

He took a gulp of lemonade. “Oh baby, I hope you’re happy.”

“Yes, I am happy.” She smiled at him. “You give us a nice home. You are taking care of your family.”

The three left the diner with their stomachs full and his foul mood dispelled a bit by his wife’s optimism. Matt stayed off of the highway as they headed back towards their home in order to see a little more of the area. Driving along a street of one and two million dollar homes, Matt tried to imagine coming home to Sudah and their son in one of those luxurious estates.

“One of these days…”

“One of these days what, Matt?” Sudah asked about his barely audible statement. Her own voice was low because of the sleeping infant in the rear seat.

He chuckled. “One of these days I would love to afford one of these homes for you and Aden.”

She looked out of her passenger side window. “These homes, they are so big.”

“Yeah. They’re beautiful.”

“But Matt, compared to the house I grew up in, our home is a,” she paused to come up with the right word, “a… a big house.”

“Like a mansion?” He was amused by his wife’s naivety about the language and expressions.

“Yes, a mansion. It is a mansion to me.”

He pulled the car to the side of the road and put it in park. A wisp of hair had escaped the scarf she wound around her head. Reaching towards her, Matt tenderly brushed it behind her ear. “Baby, I want to give you so much. I want to do so much for you and Aden.” He wanted to be the perfect husband and father, everything his own father wasn't.

She smiled demurely. “You have given me everything. You are everything that I need.” Looking around quickly to make sure they were not being observed, Sudah leaned forward and placed a light kiss on his lips. “You have made me very happy. I never thought that I would find a man like you for me. I am so lucky.”

When Sudah looked at him like that, she made him feel successful. “I’m the lucky one.” He gently pulled her forward to kiss her again. “Would you mind if we went home?” He knew she wasn’t comfortable with public displays and it was a lot more than simple kissing that he wanted to do with her at that moment.

“I think that might be a very good idea.”

~~~

Okay - here are the contest details...

Fabulous Vanilla Heart Publishing authors are on Coffee Time Romance's yahoo group today. Stop by, say hello, and ask a question! http://t.co/JTlVmvK

My latest release, HYPHEMA, is a murder mystery set in North Carolina, one of my main characters is a Muslim Pakistani immigrant and the book deals with a lot of post-9/11 sentiment.

Ten years ago the world changed, nearly three-thousand people lost their lives and the lives of millions more were irrevocably changed. Recent news has been filled with families of the victims telling us how they have tried to do "positive things", honor their loved ones, keep the memories alive, and work towards a brighter future.

So here is the contest opportunity - Tell me what POSITIVE thing you plan to do this September 11 to honor the memories of those that perished and work to make this world better. You have all day to post on the Coffee Time Romance Yahoo group , entries will be accepted until 10pm EST (please include your email address).

I'll post some of these planned POSITIVE acts here on my author blog to appear on 9/11/2011 AND I will choose one random entry for a free ebook of HYPHEMA (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54453)

A NEW FaceBook Fan Page

2011-09-06T11:24:00.006-04:00

Well I finally caved ~ I went ahead and put up a FaceBook fan page

I'd love for you to visit...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Chelle-Cordero/241355862574598

short URL (http://on.fb.me/qAAALP)

As an introduction, all this week I've invited a few other very talented authors to post promos (and it is going so well, I may do this monthly!)

Chelle Cordero novels

...just some of the terrific authors who have posted on my fan page so far are:

Blog Hop

2011-08-28T20:00:00.003-04:00

Just "click" on the pic and find out about new authors...

Writers just want to have fun

2011-08-25T23:55:00.007-04:00

"But why would you want to help someone do

something that puts them into competition with you?"

I was recently asked that question after a stranger overheard my enthusiasm about teaching an upcoming writing workshop... but you see I don't see how helping other aspiring writers enjoy their craft is competition. I see it as helping to create a word of communication.

If you have a Kindle then you can subscribe to my weekly writing workshop,

Living, Breathing, Writing from Amazon blogs ~ there is a new lesson every Friday

Even if you don't have a Kindle, you don't have to miss out. You can download
Living Breathing, Writing: A Lesson a Day
for a full month of lessons, exercises and prompts

Living, Breathing, Writing: A Lesson A Day, Volume 1

Living, Breathing, Writing: A Lesson A Day, Volume 2

download a FREE sampler

By the way, that writing workshop I was speaking so enthusiastically about is happening on September 21, 7pm, at the Suffern Free Library

Three Local Characters with Stories To Tell

9/21/2011
7PM, Large Meeting Room

Mulit-published authors Charmaine Gordon, Janet L Walters and Chelle Cordero will present an interactive discussion for writers followed by a question/answer session.

Topics:

Charmaine Gordon: Everyone Has a Story
Janet L. Walters: Packing For Your Literary Journey
Chelle Cordero: Marketing & Promotion

Books will be available for purchase.

New version - UPDATED 2011 Sampler

2011-08-20T14:06:00.005-04:00

Fall 2011 Chelle Cordero Sampler

By: Chelle Cordero | Other books by Chelle Cordero
Published By: Vanilla Heart Publishing
ISBN # 9781937227791

Word Count: 118500

Available in: Adobe Acrobat

About the book

This Chelle Cordero sampler is free for your enjoyment. All of Chelle’s novels are available in both print and ebook editions for every reading device, through online retailers and in select bookstores around the world. Chelle's writing workshop, Living, Breathing, Writing: A Lesson A Day is available in both print and ebook for Volume 1, and Volume 2 in ebook.

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.

Hyphema
Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma… Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors... Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

Final Sin
Deputy Sherriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full... investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a vindictive ex-wife. He meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie Jennings. When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both of them in danger...

His Lucky Charm
What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas... this time it follows Brandon and Caitlyn across the country and into a world of espionage and danger. The one thing that Brandon knows for sure is that he can't afford to lose his lucky charm, Caitlyn.

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. When Layne’s abusive “ex-husband” shows up, they are torn apart by danger, kidnapping and lies.

A Chaunce of Riches
Ben Johnson was hired as a bodyguard for a rich widow and her kid, but he never expected to be working for the woman who had abandoned him just when he had needed her the most. Damn it all, he still wanted her. Samantha Chaunce never thought she would have to explain why she married the rich man instead of Ben. Or that her husband had been murdered...and Ben was the prime suspect.

Hostage Heart
Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through, destroying her parents' home and livelihood... An errand for her boss - a chance encounter with a crew of bank robbers - a kind man who tried to help her ... a man who isn't all he seems...no, he is so much more.

Courage of the Heart
Courage of the Heart shows us that sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Within the Law
Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiancé. 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.

Mark the date ~ 2011 Deltona Authors Book Fair

2011-08-14T16:55:00.003-04:00

2011 Deltona Authors Book Fair

October 15, 2010 ~ 11am-3pm

The Deltona Regional Library’s second Authors Book Fair: Celebrating Writers and Readers will take place Oct. 15, 2011, in the library. The doors open to the general public from 11:00 to 3:00 preceded by two workshops for authors from 8:45 to 11:00. The book fair attracted 70 authors its first year and served as an introduction to authors and poets in Florida or those who call Central Florida readers their audience.

2010 Book Fair

“This is an idea that took off,” said Melinda Clayton, author and co-chair of the event. The Deltona Library is the perfect venue with indoor space for authors and rooms for speakers and workshops, Clayton said.

“Our library receives many calls every year from authors who would like to do a book signing and this is the perfect opportunity to bring writers and readers together “ according to Suzan Howes, regional librarian.

A single table at the book fair is $50 or $25 for a shared table. “We want to keep our fees really reasonable for this fundraising event sponsored by The Friends of Deltona Library,” said Clayton.

The event is available for additional business sponsors to join those all ready committed: Ruby Tuesday, Holiday Inn Express and the Scrub Jay Café.

Workshops for Authors from 8:45 to 11:00 are: 7 Steps for a Wildly Successful Book Tour presented by Sarasota author, Liz Coursen, who will have just completed an 81 city book tour.

Pamela Starr, Regional Development Director for Constant Contact will be conducting a social media workshop entitled: How (and why) to incorporate social media into your marketing strategy.

Both presenters were enthusiastically received in other Deltona Library workshops

Look for the Vanilla Heart Publishing tables!!

Welcome to my blog on BLOG JOG DAY

2011-08-07T01:00:00.005-04:00

Welcome to Blog Jog Day!

Please enjoy my site then click over to
http://www.abloggersbooks.com
to see what the next Blog has to offer!
Lost in the links?
You can always go back to the
main Blog Jog Day Blog at
http://blogjogday.blogspot.com
and find a new link to jog from.

Thank you for stopping by my site!

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/chellecordero

Download a FREE e-Book ~ Nature’s Gifts 2011
.pdf format

from the authors of Vanilla Heart Publishing

Here are a few of my favorite posts:

This is me...

Exposing Ourselves

Romance Fiction – not just Porn!

Chris Redding Hosted Me ~ Stories That Reflect the Real World

2011-08-04T01:34:00.005-04:00

I was recently hosted by Chris Redding, Author -
sure hope you'll stop by and leave a comment!

Stories That Reflect the Real World

"Subject matter should matter and
when it evokes strong feelings and
discussion, I believe that I have
done my job as a writer." (read more)

http://chellecordero.com/

The LASR 4th Anniversary Blogfest

2011-07-30T13:39:00.006-04:00

Visit the Anniversary Party Kick-Off Blog Party at LASR!!

It's being held here, and at the WC guest blog. 80 authors in all shapes, sizes and genres will be sharing over the next couple of days about love, writing, life and more. Have fun reading the posts.

But ... even better? YOU CAN WIN BIG. Every comment earns you an entry.

GRAND PRIZE:
Winners choice of either a B&W Nook, a WiFi Kindle or a $150 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC!

Plus... they'll randomly give out $5 GCs to commenters throughout each day -- and winning a smaller prize doesn't exclude you from the Grand Prize Drawing.

They're partying all month, too -- more chances to win eReaders and GCs abound. Check out all the details here.

So... Visit the blogs all day long and comment. Fun AND prizes! What more could you want?

Chelle has been guest blogging at this Anniversary Blogfest

Adrenaline rush

I am woman, hear me roar

Working Characters

This is me...

2011-07-24T02:13:00.008-04:00

It was a rainy day in April 1945 when my parents got married. A few years later, my sister was born; four-plus more years and several attempts later, my parents conceded that they weren’t destined to have another child. So, they blew the money they had saved for a new baby on a new (used) car and a vacation in the Catskills. That’s where I began…

I was raised in apartment 2D in the Bronx – our move to apartment 2G (in the same building) when I was eleven was a monumental change in my life as my parents moved off the sofabed in the livingroom into a bedroom of their own. My sister and I helped paint our new livingroom with one-inch wide paintbrushes – nothing was impossible.

Growing up was always an adventure for me, especially with an imagination as active as mine was. I remember three strangers to our neighborhood that mysteriously disappeared into the basement of the building next door on an almost daily basis. One day, a daring friend and I crept down after them to observe what they were doing. They had clips and wires coming out of the building’s telephone junction box! Convinced that we had discovered some huge international espionage plot, we were giddy with excitement. When they turned in our direction, we ran, frightened for our very lives. That was the last time we ever saw them.

As if I needed any encouragement into the world of make-believe, I studied Theatre Arts and Drama at the High School of Art and Design, Fordham University and the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts. After some humble, probably annoying, pleading, I managed a nondescript and all too short walk-on in the movie “Plaza Suite” starring Walter Matthau and Maureen Stapleton (How many degrees to Kevin Bacon?). I appeared (very far off) off-off Broadway and did a summer stint as a lighting technician at the Lake Placid Center for Performing Arts. I also worked my way through college as an undercover retail fraud investigator.

My parents believed in mandatory community service although the choice of what we did was up to us. My sister was a Candy Striper at the local hospital, I joined the New York City Auxiliary Police at our local precinct – my dad was the Auxiliary Police Captain. That’s where I met my husband, at least REALLY met him. We had gone to the same high school (he studied photography) but my only vague memory of him was when he, in the guise of a by-the-book hall monitor, tried to prevent me from going to the backstage area to work on an upcoming play. True, it was between class periods and I didn’t have a hall pass, but the theatre students were used to making their own rules. Anyway, back to the Auxiliary Police… I thought he was an egomaniac snob, he didn’t care for me much either.

We kept getting assigned together as patrol partners and even though we built a terrific reputation as partners and seemed to communicate almost telepathically, I complained to our superiors. The Patrol Sergeant, the Lieutenant and the Captain (MY dad) kept pointing the finger at each other for the decision making process that kept throwing us together. A year and a half later, we had our first date; two weeks after that, we were engaged. He kidnapped me and refused to bring me home until I said yes, I figured I’d ask my father to beat him up. But when I told my parents that Mark had proposed, my dad clasped his hands together and said “Thank God!”

We settled in the suburbs less than an hour northwest of the city and began our family. Shortly after the birth of our daughter, I pursued a free-lance writing career and worked out of a home office. As a teen-ager I had written a few articles for a weekly Bronx newspaper and had since dabbled in poetry and pieces of prose just for the fun of it. After our son joined the picture, I managed to convince a few more rags to print my articles. This was about the time I had a weekly column as “Bonzo, the Ape” and shared profound thoughts on life. Since then, I’ve written more commonly as myself, sometimes conducting interviews (and trust me, you wouldn’t believe the things people sometimes tell you about themselves!), covering Grand Opening events, researching new trends and fashions, writing advertorials and business profiles, and just about anything else that will sell. I also spent a few summers teaching Creative Writing to kids in a local program.

Both my husband and I joined our local ambulance corps as volunteers and went on to become New York State Emergency Medical Technicians. I’ve helped to deliver babies, did CPR during codes, pulled people out of car wrecks, splinted broken bones, monitored the vitals of drug overdoses, stopped bleeding, and held patients’ hands enroute to the hospital. Both of our kids have followed us into the E.M.S. community and, often, dinner conversation at our table is not for the weak of stomach. Many of our friends are also involved with the local emergency services, medical and fire, and it isn’t unusual to have a festive holiday party empty out as soon as a pager goes off. The stories we swap are never boring.

My daughter and my son have justified every gray hair I’ve gotten. They’ve kept me on my toes, made me laugh, made me shake my head and cry, shared their dreams with me, allowed me to boast about them, and have each become a vital part of my inner circle of close friends. I've done the gamut of class mother, Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout mom, school parents’ association, and advisor in various youth groups. My favorite age has always been whatever age they were at the time. I love it when we hang out together or they invite me to go someplace with them and their friends. Both of our "kids" are terrific adults and I love following their various adventures.

I’ve always played a favorite game I call “What if?” whenever I see something unexpected, do something new, or hear about some adventure. I mentally place fictional characters into the setting and then I ask myself what if THIS happens, or THAT? By staying involved in my community, active with my family, reading avidly and even surfing on the Internet, I get a lot of fuel for my overactive imagination.

That means a lot of stories – please, join me

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/chellecordero

Who is looking at my blog? (hello world!)

United States

Russia

Germany

Netherlands

United Kingdom

Canada

Ukraine

India

France

South Korea

Previously Published...

2011-07-21T03:13:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons I love to re-read, and in some cases re-post, old interviews is to see how far I've come as a writer. Ideally we should all be learning and growing in our fields and I believe I have ~ and hopefully improved.

The following interview was posted nearly 2 years ago on Romancing the Book

AUGUST 01, 2009

Interview with Chelle Cordero

Jen: Readers, please help me welcome Chelle Cordero to Book Talk. Chelle, will you please share a short bio with us?
Chelle: I am a full-time freelance writer with both non-fiction articles (newspapers and magazines) and romantic suspense novels to my name. The younger of two daughters, I was raised in the Bronx (NYC) and studied theatre and drama in high school and college. My parents were very progressive and supportive; they encouraged both my creativity and my individualism.

Today I live in the lower Hudson Valley suburbs, married for 33+ years, and am mom to 2 grown offspring’ daughter is married and son has a special gf. I volunteer for my local ambulance corps as an EMT and do my darnedest to try to keep busy and out of trouble.

Jen: Tell us about Hostage Heart and where it's available.
Chelle: 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! It’s available through Amazon in both print and Kindle and at Smashwords in various formats.

Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Chelle: I “discovered” writing in high school and enjoyed making words work. I wrote on my high school yearbook staff and in college I wrote for my school newspaper. I was about 19 when I wroite a hard news story about a 16 year old boy who had been killed when he came to the aid of a woman who was being mugged - this story was run by both my college newspaper and in a local weekly paper in the Bronx where I lived. It was a rush to see my first professional byline.

Jen: How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?
Chelle: Actually I create my characters, give them a situation and let them write their own story. Occasionally I will throw them a few extra curves.

Jen: How do you pick the character’s names?
Chelle: Mostly I pick character’s names that I like the sound of; sometimes I will modify a name slightly if I think it suits my character better.

Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Chelle: The most challenging part of fiction writing is typing “The End”. I wind up getting so involved in my characters’ lives and suddenly I have to put them back into a manuscript and get all business like and start promoting my story to a publi8sher and eventually to the public. Like a mom often finds it hard to cut the apron strings, I find it difficult to let go of my characters.

The easiest part of writing is allowing my characters to become real and working with them to create a story.

Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Chelle: When someone reads one of my books and then after either writes to me or leaves a review somewhere and expresses how much they enjoyed the book – then they follow it up with comments about my characters and emotions and it just seems the really “got it”.

Jen: Do you do anything special to celebrate a sale, new contract, or release?
Chelle: Depending on how quickly money comes in afterwards, I try to pay a bill or two,,,

Jen: What five authors or people, from the past or present, have been important to you as an author? What question or comment have you always wanted to say to them?
Chelle: I think I would just tell each person what they have meant to me in my writing career 1) Daisy Alden- Ms. Alden was my creative writing teacher in high school and encouraged me to use words to communicate and get inside people; she was also a published author and poet and she inspired me since she was the first “real person” I knew to have books in print. 2) Hank Spallone- former NYPD Detective and eventually Yonkers Mayor. Hank was the liaison between the community and the local police and I was an Auxiliary Police Officer that had the wonderful opportunity to shadow him and learn the true importance of communication. Hank was certainly my mentor. 3) My sister Bobi Du-Bois, she has always told me “you can do it” and has managed to be there just whenever I need an ego boost. 4) Barbara Moroch – she [was] an editor with my local newspaper and I have had a wonderful and long term working relationship and friendship with her for almost 2 decades. 5) Kimberlee Williams – she is the managing editor at Vanilla Heart Publishing and believed in me with my first manuscript, Bartlett's Rule and each manuscript since. Her enthusiasm is definitely the “vitamin” every writer needs.

Jen: If Hostage Heart was made into a movie, which actors would you choose to play the hero and heroine?
Chelle: LOL, whenever I write my stories I cast my characters in my head. The role of Ryan would be played by Eric Martsolf (Brady Black from Days of Our Lives) and the role of Deanna would be played by Christel Khalil (Lily from The Young and The Restless)

Jen: Most people only dream of becoming a published writer. Now that you’ve accomplished that goal, is there anything else you dream of doing?
Chelle: I dream of writing the next book. Eventually I would love to see one (or more) of my books made into movies,

Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Chelle: I don’t know if I really have what you call free time. It certainly isn’t that I work all of the time – I enjoy writing so much that it is hard to realize (most times) when writing for work and writing for pleasure begins and ends. As I said earlier in my bio, I also volunteer to ride as an Emergency Medical Technician with my local ambulance corps where I also sit on the Board of Directors. Then, and this is certainly NOT in order of importance, I try to spend time with my family (hubby, son & his gf who live at home, my daughter and her hubby who love nearby, and 3 rambunctious cats).

Jen: What's next for you?
Chelle: I just want to keep writing and maybe one day get on some best seller lists for my novels AND maybe a Pulitzer for my non-fiction articles? Who knows, I believe that anything can happen.

Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Chelle: My website is http://chellecordero.com/ and I have blog all about my writing at http://chellecordero.blogspot.com/

Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Chelle: Aside from asking everyone to read my books, I would love to ask 2 favors - 1) If your local bookstore doesn’t already carry my books on their shelves, please ask them to and 2) I love to hear from my readers so please let me hear from you. Tell me what you thought of my writing; let me know what you would like me to write about. Mainly, I just want to hear from you, my email address is ChelleCordero@gmail.com

Hostage Heart

Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through,
destroying her parents' home and livelihood...
An errand for her boss - a chance encounter with a crew of bank robbers -
a kind man who tried to help her ... a man who isn't all he seems...
no, he is so much more

Save the Date!!!!!

2011-07-20T13:01:00.002-04:00

It's Blog Jog Day again

August 7, 2011

Come back to this blog

& be sure to bring your

jogging shoes!

Living, Breathing, Writing

2011-07-16T00:25:00.004-04:00

690 days in the top 100 Kindle Blogs

#78.

Living, Breathing, Writing

Chelle Cordero

Includes a 14-day free trial
and automatic wireless delivery

5.0 out of 5 stars

$0.99 monthly

Kindle blogs are fully downloaded onto your Kindle so you can read them even when you're not wirelessly connected. And unlike RSS readers which often only provide headlines, blogs on Kindle give you full text content and images, and are updated wirelessly throughout the day.

...and if you DON'T have a Kindle

Living, Breathing, Writing: A Lesson A Day

By: Chelle Cordero
Published By: Vanilla Heart Publishing
Published: Jun 26, 2011
ISBN # 9781937227302

Available in: Adobe Acrobat

2011-07-11T04:57:00.002-04:00

the following post originally appeared on http://www.sandynicks.com Dec 13, 2010

New Muse on Monday Welcomes Chelle Cordero!

Published by Sandy Nicks at 10:13 am under writing

Please give a warm welcome to author, Chelle Cordero! Chelle will be talking about her latest release Common Bond, Tangled Hearts.

* * *

My Way

Writers write about the “what if’s” and “if only’s” – we write of lives that could have been different if only a different set of events occurred. “Happily Ever After” means that thingsalways work out anyway.

In real life things don’t always seem to work out the way we want, but maybe they do work out for the best. For all of the wants and desires, everything that happens to us makes us who we are and leads us to do what we do. So maybe things never were supposed to be different after all.

There have been things in my life that I thought I had planned out, career choices, even romances – and things happened out of my control to change my path. I studied theatre and drama determined to be an actress and decided I didn’t have the necessary commitment . Then I tested for the NYPD and did very well, but that was the 70’s when there were huge budget cuts and layoffs. Other job experiences, some very interesting and lots of fun, and finally the desire to work from home led me back to my passion for creative writing. Not what I had planned, but oh so very happy doing it.

And while my dear hubby isn’t the first to have proposed to me – or even the first I considered – he was the only one I accepted. So at one time my dreams were different until things I saw weren’t as desired as I thought they were. I had even known hubby for a while before we became involved and hadn’t once thought of making a life with him. But “events” threw us together and boy did I ever make the right choice. Perhaps the others I considered helped me to see who I really wanted to be with.

I love the lyrics to the Sinatra song “My Way” – It’s a tune I hum frequently as part of my personal philosophy:

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried
I’ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way

Common Bond, Tangled Hearts

Blurb

Excerpt

“Hey Layne,” He caught her hand. “Talk to me. Tell me about you.” He felt a need to be close to her. Justin didn’t feel at all surprised that he wanted things to work out between them.

She smiled at him. “Like what?”

She had such a sweet smile, he thought. “I don’t know. What are your dreams?”

Layne lost her smile. Then she shrugged. “People like me don’t have dreams, Justin.”

“Come on, everybody has dreams.” Whether they get to follow them or not is a different story.

“Maybe, when I was a little girl.” She laughed. “I wanted to invent a robot to collect the eggs on the farm so I could stay in bed later.” Her voice faded. “After my grandma died, I just dreamt that I would wake up on the farm again.”

He paused for a moment. Justin knew so very well how difficult things had been for her. She had told him about being bounced around between foster homes. She had also told him how she met Charlie.

“And now, Layne, do you have dreams now?” He sounded so serious.

He saw her eyes well up with tears. “Actually yes, I do have a dream. I dream that I will always be able to protect my son. I dream that I’ll always be here for him and that he’ll never be so desperate for a hero that… he’ll do something totally stupid.” Just like his mother, she thought. “I dream that I can do something to shield him from people who will just use him.”

Justin put his arm around her shoulder and leaned down close to her ear. “Layne, I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

She nodded. “Thank-you.”

“How about for you, Layne? Don’t you want something for yourself?” He continued to gently probe. He smiled. “Don’t you have any frivolous dreams?”

She shrugged. “There isn’t much I need. I have my son, that’s all I want.”

He wanted to ask if she wanted a family, a husband… a real one, a home. He wanted to know if she could want him. “But how about just for you, just for Layne?”

Thinking about it, Layne finally grinned. “I guess it’s dumb, I don’t know. I never got my high school diploma. I guess I don’t really need it, I mean I’ve managed okay without it. But sometimes it’s, well, when folks talk about their degrees and all, it’s embarrassing.” She looked innocently at him. “I… haven’t really admitted that to anyone before.”

* * *

Chelle Cordero is a multi-published author with Vanilla Heart Publishing and a full-time freelance writer with local and national newspapers and magazines. She resides in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband, family and three spoiled pussycats. In addition to her books and articles, Chelle pens a weekly writing course available by subscription at Amazon Kindle Blogs http://bit.ly/Wmg8W and volunteers with her local ambulance corps as an EMT.

Chelle’s website: http://ChelleCordero.com
Chelle’s blog: http://ChelleCordero.blogspot.com
Smashwords BuyLink: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/chellecordero

from Courage of the Heart

2011-07-07T05:01:00.004-04:00

COURAGE OF THE HEART shows us that sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Davie slept only fitfully through the night. It hadn't taken her long to realize that this was the first time she was sleeping without Adam by her side since he had come home from the hospital.

By the time the morning sun cast enough light, Davie got up as quietly as possible and changed into her jeans and a man's flannel shirt. She carried her loafers to the door. Davie tiptoed downstairs.

Everyone in the house was asleep.

She opened the door to Adam's room and peeked in.

"I must have finally fallen asleep…" He whispered from the couch which was made up like a bed. "I'm having a wonderful dream. You're here."

"Good morning." She hurried in and kissed him. "Get up, come with me."

"Where?"

She smiled seductively. "Trust me."

Davie waited silently in the kitchen. It didn't take long before Adam was by her side wearing jeans, T-shirt and sneakers.

"Come on." She took his hand and led him outside through the kitchen door.

It was chilly, a layer of frost covered the ground. They moved quickly along the side of the building until they came to a door. Davie pulled the door open slowly to minimize the squeak of the hinges and pulled Adam inside with her.

"What is this place?" He asked.

She had pulled the door closed behind them. A small dirty glass pane above the door let in just enough light to see the small cubicle. An old wash basin hung off the wall; it had obviously not been used for a long time.

"I think it was originally meant to be a laundry room. When I was a kid it was my secret playhouse." She put her arms around him in the tight quarters and kissed him.

"Mmm, good morning." He held her and kissed her back. "I missed you all night."

"I know." She slid her hands under his T-shirt. "Show me how much."

He nipped at her ear lobe with his teeth and caressed her through her shirt. "How did I ever manage to get so lucky to tap into all this passion you have bottled up?"

His breathing quickened when he felt the erect nub through the flannel. "No bra?" He stepped back and made a show of unbuttoning her shirt. Adam weighed her rounded breasts with his hands and bent to suckle each one in turn.

Davie ran her fingers through his hair as she held him tightly against her.

He backed her against a wall and knelt before her. He placed tiny kisses on her belly as he unsnapped her jeans to pull them down her hips and legs. Once again, he realized that she had worn no underwear and he felt his pulse racing. Kneeling before her, he tasted every part of her as she was exposed to him.

"Oh, Adam." Davie's breath was coming in short spurts as she felt his very intimate kisses on the inside of her thighs.

Courage of the Heart by Chelle Cordero

AMAZON B&N OMNILIT PDF

KINDLE SMASHWORDS MULTIFORMAT

from A Chaunce of Riches

2011-06-30T00:29:00.007-04:00

A Chaunce of Riches

by Chelle Cordero

The day that Ben Johnson was hired as a bodyguard for some rich widow and her kid, he never expected to be working for the woman who had abandoned him just when he had needed her the most so many years before. Damn it all, he still wanted her. Samantha Chaunce never thought she would see him again. She never thought she would have to explain why she married the rich man over the man she had sworn she once loved. And she certainly never expected to find out that her rich husband had been murdered and fingers were pointing to her former lover.

Between the letter of introduction that Samantha Chaunce sent to the school and a few personal phone calls she made, Ben had no trouble being allowed on school grounds. He was close by whenever Philip needed him. The teacher even seemed amused when Philip stated that he wanted to bring his bodyguard to class one day for show and tell.

The teaching staff was friendly and so were a few of the moms of other students. In less than a week, Ben had politely turned down two dinner invitations, a theatre ticket to accompany one woman, and had received assorted phone numbers. He was charming, polite and friendly to all. Each day he kicked himself. Ever since he saw Sam again he wasn’t interested in anything any other woman had to offer. Ben told himself he was pitiful. Not only had Sam dumped him once already because he was broke, but now that she was wealthy on her own, he knew there was no way he could ever be of interest for her again. Then he got annoyed with himself for even entertaining the possibility.

The atmosphere back at the house was surprisingly pleasant. Sam seemed to go out of her way to make him feel comfortable. Cook prepared a few of Ben’s favorite dishes for dinners and he couldn't help but suspect that it had been more than simple coincidence. He marveled that Sam might actually have remembered such things about him. Ben wondered if his services were really needed though. There had been only one incident since Ben had been there. Sam received a letter at her office mentioning some of the security measures she had arranged. It even mentioned the security agency where Ben was employed. She seemed not to be worried by the unfriendly surveillance. Ben didn’t like it at all. He wasn’t comfortable with the level of knowledge her tormentor seemed to possess about her home and her dealings.

The next afternoon while Ben was waiting for Philip to appear after school, he noticed a strange man wielding a camera on the corner of the school block. The man was watching the front of the little school building intently. As soon as Philip appeared, the camera was lifted and pictures were taken. Ben made sure the teacher would keep a close eye on Philip and he took off after the unknown man with the camera. The guy ran fast, but Ben was faster. He caught him in an alleyway just a block from the school.

Grabbing him by his jacket front, Ben pressed his face close to the culprit. “Who the hell are you and who are you working for?” He moved one large hand to the guy’s throat. Ben was ready to strangle the man if he didn’t answer quickly enough.

“Hey, it’s just a picture.” The frightened man tried to escape Ben’s clutches. “The Chaunces’ are news especially since the old man kicked the bucket. And who the hell are you?”

Still holding him by the throat, Ben relaxed his stance a little bit. “You’re press?”

The uninvited photographer nodded against Ben’s hand at his throat.

“Let me see your ID. And your camera.”

As soon as Ben read the media identification, he let go of the guy. He flipped open the back of the camera and pulled out the film.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

“My job.” Ben handed the empty camera back and unrolled the film in the daylight.

“Well that’s my job you’re wrecking there buddy!”

“If I ever see you taking pictures again I will break the damn camera. And it will definitely be in the company of some of your body parts. Am I understood?”

After calling Ben several foul names, none of which even made him flinch, the dejected photographer finally left. Ben threw the exposed and ruined film out in a trash can on his way back to the school.

Philip was gently swinging on a swing set on the school’s lawn; he was under the concerned eye of the young teacher. He had no idea that anything untoward had happened and Ben decided to keep it that way.

A Chaunce of Riches by Chelle Cordero

AMAZON B&N OMNILIT PDF

KINDLE SMASHWORDS MULTIFORMAT

Exposing Ourselves

2011-06-21T01:18:00.006-04:00

this post originally appeared on Single Titles - August 25, 2010

WALKING NAKED – HOW MUCH DO WE EXPOSE OURSELVES IN OUR FICTION?

BY CHELLE CORDERO

It’s fiction… or is it?

Every time a reader picks up our writing we are allowing them deep, DEEP, insights into things that are personally meaningful to us. Everyone wonders how much of our story is true and how much of our main character is really the author.

How can we not influence our characters as we write? Every experience that we have colors our own view of right and wrong so it’s only natural that our heroes and heroines do the kind of things we think are good. Many of us are told to write what we know and by doing that we are literally undressing ourselves each time, no masks, no protective attire – just us. It’s those subjects we feel passionate about that give us foundation for the best stories.

In the long run we do insert ourselves into every tale. We wind up writing our biographies in bits and pieces Obviously we can’t write every story about “ourselves”, even if we do deny it. We research and listen to others, we allow our imaginations to wander, we combine people that we know into one. Our characters are pretend, fiction, not real. But in the long run our ideals, our desires and our fears infiltrate our writing.

Readers often ask authors if the people in our stories are real; they are real to us. Have we visited the sights we speak about in our books? Did we do the things our characters do? Did we overcome the same odds? Do we know people like the other characters? What they are really curious about is how much of our stories is autobiographical.

Which puts us into the uncomfortable position of feeling like we are standing naked in front of people, many of them strangers. We are forced to admit truths and tell people why things are important to us; everyone expects things to mean something. Saying “it sounded good to me” is not an acceptable reason for throwing an obstacle in our character’s path. We have to know WHY we saw that event as a conflict.

After we have poured our emotions into our writing – then comes an even harder challenge. People review our work, sometimes professionally, sometimes as an individual reader seeking enjoyment. And since so many of our “truisms” have been included we tend to view criticism quite personallly. After all if I’ve shared my ideology with my heroine and she’s not liked, then am I? Simple things like dressing my character up for a night on the town may be my idea of “lookin’ good” and if someone else doesn’t agree, it really gets personal

Once we get over the trauma of our first book, we learn to breathe once more and get ready to stand naked in front of our public all over again.

Bio – Chelle Cordero

Chelle was born in the Bronx, NYC to Marcy and Reva Cordero. The younger of two daughters, Chelle’s dad really wanted a son; he wanted to do father-son things and refused to be done out, so he taught his two daughters that they could do anything they wanted to do.

Chelle has multiple romantic suspense novels and one murder mystery published with Vanilla Heart Publishing and short stories in anthologies Forever Friend, With Arms Wide Open, Nature’s Gifts and Passionate Hearts. She also freelances for several newspapers and magazines. She’s currently working on her next novel, a murder mystery called Hyphema.

Chelle lives in the scenic Hudson Valley of NY with her family. In her spare time, Chelle volunteers as an EMT with her local ambulance corps where she is presently serving as President of the all volunteer corps.

Visit Chelle’s website at http://ChelleCordero.com

All my books are available through Smashwords

2011-06-15T00:22:00.003-04:00

Sample my novels for FREE - Click here to download

Hyphema
56270 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero and
published byVanilla Heart Publishing on April 18, 2011
Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma…
Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife
and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a
flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty
stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors...
Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his
family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

Living, Breathing, Writing:
A Lesson A Day
22710 words. Non-Fiction by Chelle Cordero and
published by Vanilla Heart Publishing on October 28, 2010
A complete month of lessons about the craft of writing
and being a writer, from time management to social
networking, organizing queries to publication, and more.
In the Bonus Section of this book you’ll find more than
50 brain-starting exercises to help you get those
words on paper.

His Lucky Charm
74520 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero and
published byVanilla Heart Publishing on March 20, 2010
What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas...
this time it follows Brandon and Caitlyn across the country
and into a world of espionage and danger. The one thing
that Brandon knows for sure is that he can't afford to lose
his lucky charm, Caitlyn.

Common Bond, Tangled Hearts
71170 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero and
published byVanilla Heart Publishing on December 16, 2009
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. When Layne’s
abusive “ex-husband” shows up, they are torn apart
by danger, kidnapping and lies.

A Chaunce of Riches
59430 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero and
published byVanilla Heart Publishing on October 31, 2009
Ben Johnson was hired as a bodyguard for a
rich widow and her kid, but he never expected
to be working for the woman who had abandoned
him just when he had needed her the most. Damn
it all, he still wanted her. Samantha Chaunce never
thought she would have to explain why she married
the rich man instead of Ben. Or that her husband
had been murdered...and Ben was the prime suspect.

Hostage Heart
72450 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero
and published byVanilla Heart Publishing on July 20, 2009
Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through,
destroying her parents' home and livelihood...
An errand for her boss - a chance encounter with a
crew of bank robbers - a kind man who tried to help
her ... a man who isn't all he seems...
no, he is so much more

Final Sin
84500 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero
and published byVanilla Heart Publishing on June 13, 2009
Deputy Sherriff Commander Jake Carson
has his hands full... investigation of a brutal
multiple homicide, a troubled son and a
vindictive ex-wife. He meets young, free-spirited
paramedic Julie Jennings. When Julie becomes
the subject of an obsession, it puts both of them in danger...

Courage of the Heart
79380 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero
and published byVanilla Heart Publishing on April 12, 2009
COURAGE OF THE HEART shows us that
sometimes love is the only cure for the very
deepest of emotional wounds. The story of
the two lovers takes a series of unexpected
and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and
love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment
to one another results in a spirit that binds
them together and helps them to overcome
physical and emotional dangers.

Within the Law
73480 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero
and published byVanilla Heart Publishing on April 12, 2009
Tom gave up on ever falling in love again
the day that he buried his high school
sweetheart and fiancé. 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.

Bartlett's Rule
55810 words. Fiction by Chelle Cordero
and published byVanilla Heart Publishing on April 12, 2009
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.

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/chellecordero

Living, Breathing, Writing

2011-06-11T02:26:00.007-04:00

Do you have a Kindle? If you do, you can subscribe to my

Amazon Kindle Blog - Living, Breathing, Writing

Monthly Price:$0.99 includes wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet

Living, Breathing, Writing by Chelle Cordero is filled with weekly articles about writing, tips, trends, methods. Imagine a weekly writers' workshop and the convenience of your Kindle!

"Having Chelle Cordero's blog on my Kindle is like having an author here in residence with me."
~J. B. Taylor

Created in July 2009, the Living Breathing Writing Amazon Kindle Blog has seen

655 days in the top 100 Amazon blogs!

Some of the topics over the past 2 years include:
A Bit of Legalese, Creating Believable Characters, The News Release, VBT To Go, Your Own Worst Enemy, KISS, Rejecting Rejection, Marketing Yourself Online, Blogs and Websites, ...and more

What?! You don't have a Kindle???
Then buy the book - Living, Breathing, Writing: A Lesson a Day
based on this weekly blog

Living, Breathing, Writing: A Lesson A Day
Ebook Price: $4.99 USD. 22710 words.
A complete month of lessons about the craft of writing and being a writer, from time management to social networking, organizing queries to publication, and more. In the Bonus Section of this book you’ll find more than 50 brain-starting exercises to help you get those words on paper.

Writing exercise: Choose any object on your desk or in front of you, make a list of all words you would use to describe the object WITHOUT saying what the object is. See if you can have a friend guess what you are talking about by just telling them descriptive words.

Writing exercise: Write your obituary. What would you want folks to know about your life and the kind of person you were? (after you do this, it might be a little easier to write your brief bio).

Writing Exercise: Social network site Twitter allows you 140 characters and spaces (approximately 20 words) to send a message. Practice short blurbs about your day, about yourself, the content of a book, etc.

Romance Fiction – not just Porn!

2011-06-03T00:46:00.004-04:00

(this column was originally posted on RomanceJunkies in Dec 2008)

“Hi, my name is Chelle and I am a romance writer.” I receive a round of applause and several personal shouts of “Hi Chelle!” And over milk and cookies, we discuss the 12-steps towards REAL writing… (the preceding is a dramatization and should not be attempted, etc and so forth)

Why is it that many writers in the romance genre feel that they must announce their forte in clandestine meetings and apologize for their behavior?

Hey all, I write romance. I am not ashamed of the stories I weave. Yes, there is sex and sometimes I may even find myself blushing as I read aloud at an author event. I have oft been the recipient of “tsk, tsk” and “I’m sorry, I won’t read romance books.” And men, oy, they won’t be caught reading a romance novel, no matter how good a story you may tell. My son-in-law teased me that he planned to cover my first novel with a cookbook cover so he could read it on the train while heading in to work!

The romance genre has gotten a bad rep and romance writers are regarded with condescending amusement. And yet, Romance Writers of America has the following statistics on their website: “Romance fiction: $1.375 billion in estimated revenue for 2007, Religion/inspirational: $819 million, Science fiction/fantasy: $700 million, Mystery: $650 million, and Classic literary fiction: $466 million. Of those who read books in 2007, one in five read romance novels.” Impressive.Often referred to as escapism or fluff, the romance genre is known for the “formula” – boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy loses girl over some stupidity that can’t be helped, boy wins girl back, and they live happily ever after. But if all writers followed the “formula” without a real story plot, do you honestly believe that $1.375 billion would have changed hands in 2007? Romance has many sub-genres as well and contemporary romance (the here and now, situations the average reader can relate to) remains the leader of the pack.

During a recent discussion with my editor/publisher, I asked for her definition of romance, erotica and porn – all too often used to delineate categories of romance. Her response was simple, the focus of the story and whether the plot and love came before or after the sex in the book. This put it all into perspective for me. Just like the ingredient label on our breakfast cereals, which comes first?

To date I have written four contemporary romance novels; three have been published and the fourth, Courage of the Heart (actually a modernized re-release from 2001) is due out in February. The ingredient labels on Bartlett’s Rule, Forgotten, Within the Law and the aforementioned Courage of the Heart would read: Love story. Sub-plots and twists, Sex – yep, they are romance novels. A fifth novel, due out in the summer, is called Final Sin. Final Sin’s ingredient label would read Crime-Suspense story, sub-plots and twist, love story and sex; while there is certainly sex involved, it is more relevant to the crime than to the love story. (I have been assured by the haters of romance novels that they are looking forward to reading my NON-romance.)

Some of the most popular stories throughout time have involved intricate love stories although some do not have happy-ever-after endings: Romeo and Juliet, Gone With the Wind, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Gift of the Magi, and more. Many modern day movies and box-office hits illustrate the theme of love and sex: 27 Dresses, Pretty Woman, Love Story, Casablanca, Sleepless in Seattle…

It seems that the story of romance is here to stay. And if you decide to pick up a romance novel, you just might find yourself intrigued by the story.

I've written a few more books since I originally wrote this post...
a total of 7 romantic suspense and 2 mysteries.

http://ChelleCordero.com

...and what kind of day have you had?

2011-06-01T00:29:00.004-04:00

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.

"Damn it!" Justin paced the short length of his motel room several times. 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 the college pranksters that robbed him of a choice. Damn his brother for leaving him the only heir. And damn his grandfather for dying and dumping everything on his shoulders. He stopped short of cursing his frail mother for making him feel guilty enough to accept the duties of running the three stores.

After a very 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.

"Justin, maybe you'd better sit down…" Larry put his unlit pipe in his mouth and waited until Justin was seated. "It seems that you and some of your friends decided to do a little bit of celebrating just prior to your graduation, when you received your masters."

A little bit of a celebration was an understatement, Justin thought. He remembered having gotten totally drunk, he spent at least two days nursing a hangover. He suddenly laughed. "If you're going to tell me I went out and got laid, there was no way… I was too far gone for that."

"You were… the victim of a fraternity house prank." Larry had known about this for a few years, but Justin's grandfather wanted it kept quiet for the time being. "I don't know how to say this delicately, but… you passed out in the offices of a sperm bank."

buy in multiple ebook formats ~ Smashwords

Hug an EMT or Paramedic...

2011-05-21T02:22:00.012-04:00

As EMS Week 2011 winds down, it's a good time to remember the folks who come to our assistance in all kinds of weather and all times of day or night. I am proud to be a NYS EMT volunteer with my local ambulance corps and serving my community. Please check out my post about NYSVARA (New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association) and all that they do - the address to send donations is there too. Just go to the May Awareness Project on the Tales of Allure blog.

Two of my novels, Final Sin and Hyphema are both thrillers with a healthy mix of suspense, action, mystery, passion, murder and EMS. The medical scenes are real and thrilling, the love is intense, and the suspense is edge of your seat.

The hero and heroine of Final Sin are Paramedic Julie Davis and Deputy Sheriff Jake Carlson. Julie's best friend and paramedic partner, Matt Garratti, comes back in Hyphema.

Deputy Sherriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full... investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a vindictive ex-wife. He meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie Jennings. When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both of them in danger...

(excerpt)

For the second time in less than two weeks, there were police in Julie's living room. She was sitting on the edge of her bed and listening to the voices. Jake was talking in hushed tones to one of the officers.

He came to the bedroom door and his heart wrenched when he saw her still looking so dazed. Jake walked over to her and knelt down. "Sweetheart, I want you to go away for a few days."

She looked at him suddenly. "Why?"

"I have to get to the bottom of everything that's been happening. I need to find out why you got this package… and why someone made videotapes of you… and even why your car was vandalized the other day." Julie hadn't made a big deal of the damage to her car but had mentioned it briefly to him during a conversation. She hadn't told him what had been scratched into the hood of her car and until his comment she hadn't even thought of it in connection with the other incidents.

Julie shrugged. "Is someone really looking to scare me or something?" It seemed ludicrous and yet there was no other explanation for the strange and vindictive things that had been happening lately.

"I don't know. But I don't want to take any chances. I can't take any chances, not when it comes to you." He wanted so desperately to protect her and he didn't know who or what to protect her from. He was glad that he had at least been there when she got that frightening special delivery that morning, but then he wanted to kick himself that she had gotten it at all.

"I can't… I can't leave. I have work. I've got responsibilities."

"Just a few days, Julie. I want you out of here for just a few days." I want you out of harm's way, he thought. I want to make it safe for you.

She looked at him defiantly and shook her head. Then suddenly she felt like she was ready to crumble. "Where? Where should I go?"

He thought for a moment. Jake tried to smile. "When is the last time you visited your parents? Let them take you to Disney or Sea World or something."

"They'll worry. It's too sudden. They'll think something is wrong." Her protests were weak. "I don't want to worry them."

Jake wanted to shout at her that there was something wrong, but he didn't want to scare her any more than she was. He didn't want to scare himself any more than he already was either. He forced a laugh. "Tell them you just got proposed to and he's old and he's got a kid. Tell them you need a few days to sort out your feelings before you tell him yes."

Julie laughed, but she sounded like she was ready to cry. "I thought you were trying to remove the stress."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hyphema
Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma… Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors... Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

EMS Week May 15 - May 21 & the HYPHEMA book tour

2011-05-19T02:20:00.004-04:00

Those of you who know me know my passion for EMS & volunteering. I am a proud member of the Stony Point Ambulance Corps (25+ years!) and ride as a NYS EMT as well as serve on the Board of Directors, in our Auxiliary and work with our Youth Squad.

May 15 through May 21, 2011 is EMS Week

Visit the May Awareness Project today

My input for the May Awareness Project is all about NYSVARA,
the New York State Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Association

My novels Hyphema and Final Sin are both thrillers with a mix of
passion, mystery, action and EMS

join me on the HYPHEMA virtual book tour,
all past posts are still active links
Please leave comments - lots of them!

Apr 21 Lindsay's Romantics
Apr 23 Jeanne St. James
Apr 24 Anne K Albert
Apr 26 Chelle Cordero, author
Apr 29 The Book Connection
May 1 Rochelle Weber
May 2 CCE613 on Xanga
May 3 Charmaine Gordon
May 8 Malcolm's Round Table
May 10 You Gotta Read
May 11 Roseanne Dowell
May 18 Skylar Kade
May 19 May Awareness Project
May 23 Stephanie Burkhart

...and elsewhere:

Teaser Tuesday on the Writer's Notebook
&
First Book Stories on The Professional Writer's Connection

In the News ~ Floods 2011

2011-05-16T19:22:00.008-04:00

When I wrote my novel Hostage Heart this country was reeling from the stories of the tremendous losses suffered by the people of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and the levee failure. Although I was not personally down there at this time, my husband was as a rescue worker and he brought home tales about the people down there and their wonderful spirit.

...ever since that time, we have felt a kinship with the people of Louisiana and the surrounding area. We've been following the news and the reports of a swollen Mississippi River with concern and heartache - and we are sending our prayers for recovery once again.

Updated: 05/13/11 Mississippi River Floods 2011:

People And Animals Flee To Higher Ground

...For the people of this region, floods from rain-swollen rivers
and hurricanes are a familiar hazard. (read more)

Hostage Heart