About Bartlett’s Rule & #MeToo

When I was writing Bartlett’s Rule I drew on a lot of experiences that my friends and I had growing up. According to statistics from RAINN “One out of every six American women has been a victim of attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.” My friends and I definitely knew the reality of that number.

In Bartlett’s Rule Paige is unable to talk about her experience, she feels shame and doubts that people will believe her. Even though she has gotten some therapy, it is hard to get past the guilt of being a victim — this is a very normal reaction and one which keeps many victims silent. In Bartlett’s Rule my characters learn that being a “victim” is not the victim’s fault, the story line also shows that sexual assault is not an act of love or even just healthy sexual desire, it is a show of force and control.

Recently the #MeToo movement has helped many women speak out and see that they are far from alone; it has also allowed some male victims of sexual assault to speak out as well. While there are many who have stated that “they are just coming out of the woodwork” there is a modicum of truth; finally victims who have remained silent all these years are speaking out. Facebook hosted so many comments containing the simple #MeToo moniker and there were a lot of discussions.

Still there are people who doubt, people who question about the movement inspiring over reactions. Some have even complained about being falsely accused of sexual harassment, people are worried about things that can be conceived in the workplace as improper, and still others who simply cannot fathom the amount of people coming forward. It is a difficult topic, too difficult to ignore. Perhaps one day when folks are more aware of their own actions and words, when they are more respectful of others’ feelings, and they are less judgmental about what types of clothing were worn or where someone was walking we may be able to weed out the over reactions, reduce the incidents of abuse, and help to heal victims without any shame or guilt.

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Hashtag-Me-Too ~ #MondayBlogs

RAINN and other well-known sources have been citing appalling statistics about sexual assault and abuse in America since 1994. However it wasn’t until 2016 and 2017 when a deluge of sexual assault/abuse/harassment allegations against famous personalities came to the forefront that most people started mouthing the words, “I can’t believe how many allegations...” Earlier this year Facebook saw a huge amount of their members posting #MeToo representing those of us who suffered in silence and in solidarity; most posters were women although several men joined in as well.

Do you feel as if you’ve been bombarded by the amount of women, men and (former) children who have stepped up with their stories of abuse? According to RAINN’s most recent facts “1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime” and “About 3% of American men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.” There are even more disturbing facts when you consider that “From 2009-2013, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated, or found strong evidence to indicate that, 63,000 children a year were victims of sexual abuse.” For more statistics visit https://www.rainn.org/statistics/scope-problem .

Have these numbers bothered you yet? Think about the teen-age girls traveling the NYC subways during rush hour, when bodies are jam-packed against one another and suddenly there is a hand exploring their genital area (or worse) — I know this happened often to my travel companions and myself during our high school years. There are too many stories about women being propositioned in return for otherwise well-deserved work promotions and far too many stories where the advances were turned down and yet the word NO held no meaning. Of course most of us are highly offended hearing about children who were molested by that favorite “Uncle” (or “Aunt”) and then dismissed when they tried to tell Mommy and Daddy. I know there are horror stories about men being victimized by women as well and also same-sex assaults.

There is a sad sickness in our society when a woman is blamed for getting raped because she was walking home alone at night, or when a 14-year old child “allows” an adult to liberties. How twisted is the logic that believes a prisoner in jail, even for minor infractions, “deserves” to be raped? And why do we find different standards and excuses based on someone’s political position, financial status, being a movie star, or his/her skin color or sexual preference? How can any decent human being believe that a woman who doesn't want it and fights cannot be raped?! Why do some states treat marital rape, even though illegal in all 50 states, different when it comes to punishment? And why are there so many complaints about college administrations who hide the incidence of rape and sexual assault rather than pursuing full police investigations and arrests?

I am aware that there will be someone reading this who will offer up the possibility of false accusations and the permanent damage that can cause the unjustly blamed. Yes, false accusations can cause lifetime trauma leading to broken marriages, loss of employment and even worse. But I honestly believe that the actual incidence of rape and unwanted sexual encounters, even those that are not prosecuted, are far more common than false allegations; in this instance we hope that the law and juries can see through to the truth. But I will admit feelings of anger when the reaction to an accusation is automatically greeted with the assumption that the victim is crying “wolf”.

Knowing how many of us were compelled to post “#MeToo” is sad. And learning how many rape and assault survivors have felt they had to keep silent because their character would be questioned or condemned is tragic.

…just my thoughts,
Chelle Cordero,
author of The Survivor Series: Bartlett’s Rule & Courage of the Heart

                                                                                                   

...

Yes, I’m Angry ~ #MondayBlogs

Yes, I am angry… and you should be too.

Sex can be great when it is something that BOTH parties want, but let’s not sugarcoat the ugly — sexual ABUSE is not great for anyone.

Sexual abuse, whether it is the stranger fondling someone on a crowded subway, forcing someone to perform a non-intercourse sex act, or a #NoMistakingItForWhatItIs rape is abuse and is wrong.

If you have to threaten someone with a weapon, physical strength, emotional blackmail or threats of punishment (of the victim or someone else) in order to “score”, then it is RAPE, ABUSE, WRONG. Clothing, intoxication, the hour of the day or night, or even a history of previous relations is NOT an invitation to get laid. The word NO means IT AIN’T HAPPENING. The inability to say no, or to say anything, means IF I CAN’T CONSENT, YOU DON’T HAVE PERMISSION. Rape is not a mistake, it is a malicious act. And rape is not even sex, it is a sick need for domination. And one more thing, REAL men do not rape, EVER.

Now be aware that rape and sexual abuse can happen to women or men, girls or boys. And sexual abuse can be instigated by men or women. Since I am a woman though I am using the female’s POV.

Most acts of rape or sexual abuse go unreported; many times this is due to shame, the belief that no one will believe the victim, that no one DOES believe the victim (schools are notorious for this), or that the victim is somehow convinced that SHE ASKED FOR IT. Sometimes it takes time before the victim can talk about it and it is long after rape kits can add validity. Sometimes the act can never be spoken about because that is just the way the victim has found to cope. Most times, thankfully, the victim moves on and survives and finds a way to work around the triggers that haunt her for the rest of her life. And sometimes the victim simply denies that she was ever abused… why? Because she couldn’t go on living if she admits it.

Sometimes rape is reported, immediately or shortly after, and the rapist is taken into custody… sometimes even the case does go to court. And invariably the victim is the one who is on trial, lawyers bring up the victim’s social conduct, the clothes she wore, brings in previous lovers to prove promiscuity, and G-d help her if she was ever abused in the past, they will use that to “prove” a pattern where the victim obviously enjoys it.

Of course not all is gloom, we do have a rare conviction now and then and a really fair and impartial judge acknowledges that a young man’s sports accomplishments would be ruined by a long imprisonment so he sends the guy to jail for a whole six months (with good behavior he’s out in three). And the judges who realize how charging a young man with rape could ruin his entire future now that is priceless.

Sigh, one more rant. I am aware that sadly not every report of rape is true, but false reports are extremely rare. There is the occasional set-up, publicity seeker, or woman who is looking to cover her tracks and lie about an illicit evening. And to these women, rare though it may be — your impact is huge and you may as well be raping these victims all over again, because each time your lies are exposed, more true and HONEST victims are doubted and made to suffer again. So congratulations for being part of the pain, I hope you can sleep well… even though you don’t deserve it.

If you have been victimized, you are not alone, you are not wrong and you have nothing to be ashamed of. If you care for someone who has been raped or abused you are not to be blamed. For more information on the ugly truth about sexual abuse, incest, and rape you can go here: https://www.rainn.org/after-sexual-assault and for support check out http://www.aftersilence.org/ or call the WOAR 24 Hour Hotline: 215-985-3333. You can Google regional support groups closer to your location if needed.

 You are not alone. You are not a lost cause. You can heal.

…

Bid on a Bartlett’s Rule audiobook & raise money for Diabetes Research

I’m participating in Brenda Novak’s 10th Anniversary Online Auction for Diabetes Research – the auction runs through May and there are LOTS of terrific items being auctioned off; proceeds go to The Diabetes Research Institute.

AN AUDIO COPY OF BARTLETT’S RULE IS BEING AUCTIONED OFF. 

Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero

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.

At the conclusion of the auction, Chelle will send the winner the code
to download the book to the device or computer of their choice directly from Audible.com

~~~~~~~~~~

Malcolm Campbell’s review  of Bartlett’s Rule

At first glance, Paige Andrews’ approach to celebrity writer and celebrated womanizer Lon Bartlett is reminiscent of a child’s first day at the beach, a child who runs down to the incoming waves only to run back to the safety of the dunes beyond the water’s reach, and then again, and then again. Indeed, she desperately wants her evolving relationship to be as spontaneous and carefree as first love.But in looking closer, as both lovers and mad men are apt to do, Lon sees that behind Paige’s engaging smile lie painful memories of man named Hal who raped her and all but took away her ability to get close to anyone again. Lon’s best intentions trigger Paige’s worst fears.

“Bartlett’s Rule” is an easy-to-read novel about difficult-to-resolve issues for rape survivors and the prospective significant others in their lives. For Paige and Lon, sorting out the boundaries of trust and the limits of patience is a treacherous undertaking because they are very much in the public eye and because Hal’s arrogant needs are not yet satisfied.

Unfortunately, Paige’s dysfunctional family is also not out of sight and out of mind, providing additional twists and turns in the plot to keep readers guessing about choices and outcomes until the last page.

Lon & Paige make love ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 04/13/14

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

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

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

After her encounter with Hal, Paige shows up in Lon’s hotel room (he’s away on a promotional tour) seeking the safety she’s learned in his arms; they finally make love. While he is thrilled to be with her, Lon is aware that something is troubling her and he asks her about it. She tells him about Hal’s extortion (creative punctuation to make it 8):

  

She looked away, her voice was nearly inaudible, “everything I had in my account,” she looked at his face and could see he wasn’t happy; “it was worth it if he’ll stay away.”

It took a few moments before Lon was able to simply nod, he held her to him; he tried to convince himself that she had done what was best for her as he ran his hands along her arms then Lon saw the bruise where Hal had grabbed her, “what’s this, did he do this?” he was at war with his anger.

Paige looked at her arm and half smiled, “I’m proud of that.”

“Why?”

“Hal kissed me... against my will and I bit him, that’s when that happened.”

Lon wanted to kill Hal, but he also saw she was happy that she had fought; he forced a smile, “you bit him?”

She nodded.

“I hope it hurt.”

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

 

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

Smashwords (multiple e-book formats)

Amazon (Kindle,Print, Audio)

AllRomance E-books

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

The following originally appeared 

in Nikki Leigh's Share Your Hero

"it’s time to tell us about that hunky hero in your book."

What's his name?

Lon Bartlett

Why did you pick that name?

I always look up names (usually under baby names) for their meanings. In this case “Lon” means “ready to do battle”; the name Lon also reminds me of a Lion (without the “I” of course!). The Bartlett surname appears many times throughout history (politicians, publishers, racecar drivers, sports figures, philosophers and writers) and is also used for a collection of quotations. Besides, the title Bartlett’s Rule just seems to roll off of the tongue comfortably.

Give us a brief description of how he looks.

I picture Lon as a big (maybe about 6 foot to 6’2”) man and yet graceful. More to do with image and less to do with vanity, I picture him working out and keeping trim and fit. Because of his public image, he probably has his hair professionally styled and his clothing personally tailored. All in all, he is very comfortable “in his own skin”.

Is there anything unusual about his appearance?

He definitely is the type of man who would attract stares from most women.

Who does he love? Why?

His romantic love interest is Paige Andrews. In the beginning he believes his love for Paige stems more from a need to protect her but then he comes to realize that he admires her strength and appreciates how she makes him feel. He also has a very deep and friendly love for his publicist, Shell, who once was a romantic liaison and now is simply his best friend.

Does this person love him?

Yes, Paige loves him even though her love and need for him scares her.

Tell us about his family. Are they important to him?

While his family is only mentioned in the story, it is obvious that his closeness with his parents and the way he was raised is a big reason for the self-confidence he has.

Where is he from?

Lon has settled in the very urban and bustling New York City.

Does his hometown affect his behavior, thoughts and attitude?

Lon is very “metropolitan” and used to the hectic pace. He is also used to fine restaurants, doormen, and public scrutiny.

What does he want out of life?

He wants Paige in his life. Lon also wants something more than the shallow relationships that have helped to promote his image.

What's his biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.)

All I can say is that Lon learns he has no regrets for his actions if it means protecting the ones he loves.

Did you write more than one story about him?

So far Bartlett’s Rule is the only story with Lon Bartlett. Who knows though? That could change.

How would he describe you?

Lon respects me for being a strong-willed woman who is not afraid to voice my opinions.

Is there anything else about your hero that we need to know? Feel free to share.

Lon truly adores women. Of course he enjoys sex but he also is thrilled when he can engage in intelligent conversation with a woman.

Hal comes back - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 04/06/14

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

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

Lon and Paige have grown closer and to all observers their relationship seems trouble-free. Lon is still being patient and allowing Paige to build both trust in him and self-confidence in herself. Lon leaves on a business trip - Paige declined to accompany him. She is alone when she answers her phone and it's Hal, her ex-fiance. Hal threatens her and demands money - Paige meets with him.

She managed to control her body’s trembling and spoke in a strong voice, “if you want me to do this, you’d better step back and give me some room.”

She heard him laugh as he took a step back, Paige inserted her card into the machine slot and covered the keypad as she punched in her pin number; she knew that she barely left enough in her account to cover checks she had already written but that didn’t matter to her, as far as Paige was concerned, if Hal would stay out of her life, it didn’t matter what the cost so long as it was only money.

He took the stack of twenties she handed him, “you know, it really pissed me off that you told Rita I raped you, you know that’s what you wanted,” Paige was surprised that she felt brave enough to stare at him in the eyes, “you taunted me that day and I only gave you what you wanted and don’t taunt me now unless you mean it.”

Hal pulled her to him for a kiss again, he didn’t expect it when she bit down on his tongue, “you bitch!” He raised his hand to strike her when she turned suddenly and reached for the alarm button on the ATM console, he caught her hand before she could push it, “don’t!”

Paige couldn’t hold it anymore, she sobbed, “please let me go Hal, I gave you all the money I had, you’ve already taken everything.”

He gave her arm a painful squeeze before he laughed cruelly again and stepped back, she knew she would have bruises where he grabbed her.

Paige ran all the way home.

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

Bartlett's Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige's love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient. Smashwords (multiple e-book formats) Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio) AllRomance E-books Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s  Top Ten Reads for 2009 on MyShelf.com

Book Club Discussion Starters

Bartlett’s Rule

by Chelle Cordero

• How does Bartlett’s Rule explore the two distinct personalities of the main

characters?

• Discuss how the different personalities emerge in the beginning of the

novel. Do these personalities stay constant?

• How much do you think society’s expectations influenced Lon towards

building his reputation as a player?

• What pressures does society place on men in relationships? How different

are those pressures now in 2008 as opposed to, let’s say, the 1950’s?

• Lon admits he has to rethink his view of rape when he learns that Paige was raped by an ex-lover and not a stranger with a weapon. Discuss different concepts of what is rape, what is sexual abuse?

• Have a discussion about Paige’s emotional scars and the trust she felt was betrayed. Should Paige “just get over it”? How realistic are some of her reactions? Was Paige allowing herself to move ahead? Discuss Lon’s support of her.

• Hal attempts to blame people like Lon for the way he treated Paige. How does TV/music/movies/novels affect actions and at what point is the individual responsible for his/her own actions? For example, courtroom dramas like to blame the influence of TV, etc. for today’s violence.

• Some TV/radio/print personalities enjoy an almost cult following and are considered “experts” in their various fields. Discuss some of these self proclaimed “experts”: Dr. Ruth, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Geraldo, etc. Do these ‘stars’ sensationalize rape? How so?

• How do you think you would feel if your private life, particularly romance, was scrutinized by the paparazzi? How much does a public figure owe to the public and fans in terms of privacy? How much does the media have the right to report?

Download a complete Book Discussion packet including extras HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She mouthed the word no as she shook her head.

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

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

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

“And we wouldn’t have sex?”

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

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

Bartlett's Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige's love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient. Smashwords (multiple e-book formats) Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio) AllRomance E-books Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s  Top Ten Reads for 2009 on MyShelf.com

Stop Abuse of Women

Interview with Chelle Cordero
Author of Bartlett's Rule 

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

Popular Self Help Internet Radio with iSwatton on BlogTalkRadio

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

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

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

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

“I didn’t say that.”

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

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

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

“Why would you say that?”

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

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

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

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

Bartlett's Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige's love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient.
Smashwords (multiple e-book formats) Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio) AllRomance E-books
Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s  Top Ten Reads for 2009 on MyShelf.com
When I first wrote Bartlett's Rule it didn't start out as a book about a cause, it was just a story about a woman who went through a horrible experience. And this is a story about a man who falls in love with this woman and becomes what is known as a "Secondary Survivor".
I was pleased and honored to hear that this book went on women's shelter shelves and was used to facilitate several discussions about sexual abuse. April is Sexual Abuse Awareness Month and considering all of the recent political discussions regarding women's bodies, terminology and rape laws, this subject is more timely and more important than ever. (By the way, men can be victims, too)

About Victims

44% of victims are under age 18

80% are under age 30

Sexual Assault Numbers

Every 2 minutes, another American is sexually assaulted

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

Reporting to Police

60% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police

97% of rapists will never spend a day in jail

About Rapists

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

38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance

(statistics courtesy of RAIIN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Your fiancé raped you, why?”

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

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

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

Bartlett's Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige's love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient.
Smashwords (multiple e-book formats)
Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio)
AllRomance E-books
Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s  Top Ten Reads for 2009 on MyShelf.com

Today is Purim 

Have a virtual Hamentash
& enjoy reading these snippets

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

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

See more at the WeWriWa blog

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

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

“Lon... stop.”

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

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

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

“Get off of me,” she sounded terrified.

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

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

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

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

Smashwords (multiple e-book formats)

Amazon (Kindle, Print, Audio)

AllRomance E-books

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

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

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