The Perils of Being a Romance Author

Ever since my first book, Bartlett’sRule, was published in 2008, people have come to me to discuss “personal issues” thinking I would have the right words to help them reach their Happy-Ever-After. I only wish I had the advice to help them, but the truth is even my storybook characters have had to go through a lot of their own false starts and some mistakes before they found their true loves. The most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me because of the books I write was when the husband of one of my then close friends came to me to complain about his wife’s “performance” in the bedroom and wanted me to give him some advice to get her to be “willing to experiment”! Pushed for an answer I haltingly told him to just talk to her and tell her how he feels. (It was hard to look her in the face after that.)

The truth is that while many writers are told to “write what you know” we also have to use A LOT of creative imagination. I remember at a book discussion appearance for His Lucky Charm one audience member actually asked me if I was describing my husband in the love scenes! I think I turned beet-red right then and there. (I still refuse to answer that question, it will forever be a mystery.) I remember a fellow-romance writer friend whose husband refused to read any of her books because he was afraid if the hero wasn’t him he would be jealous. By the way, I have always used at least one of my husband’s traits in every hero I create, but I will never say which one it is.

Not all of my books are sexually explicit, and never just for shock value, I basically use what I feel is appropriate for the story. In my first EMS-based novel Final Sin the villain was a sexual predator so, yes, I went there. Then in my first paranormal story Karma Visited the two would-be lovers weren’t really ever together (until the very end) so there wasn’t exactly too much they could do; while the sexual innuendos went further in the sequel Annie’s Karma, the sex was still rather downplayed even while the passion was heated.

I love the idea that people like to read about passion and hot romance, it’s certainly one of my favorite book topics as well, but read the stories and let them get you in the mood. One couple I know (because one of them told me so) likes to read a chapter together and cuddle — I don’t ask what else they may do… Some women who have attended my book discussions have said that they like to read passionate, sexy stories because it gives them a wonderful escape from the mundane; that’s why I write romance. It’s not auto-biographical, it’s just a fictional story that enthralls me and I feel needs to be shared.

I hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I like writing them.

visit Chelle Cordero on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords

A Story for Today — Courage of the Heart

About 

Courage of the Heart

by Chelle Cordero

When I wrote Courage of the Heart in 1999 it was well before the #MeToo movement, ironically the story is right on spot for 2018.

But in this case it is not the female lead who was victimized; however she does endure many perils in the story. My male lead, Adam, is not the “typical” romance novel hero, he has seen ugliness and cruelty and has lived his life a wounded man. Until Davie comes into his life…

She’s an innocent as far as he is concerned and he believes he shouldn’t muddy her life with his shame, but he finds it hard to fight his attraction to her. He finally brings himself to let her know why he’s “not good enough” for her, expecting her to walk away in disgust — he is astonished when she doesn’t leave him.

Though there are perils and dangers to both of them when Adam’s past forces its way back into their lives they work together to save themselves. Davie’s love as saved Adam and his love, in turn, saves Davie.

The story in Courage of the Heart is touted with “Sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds.” Each of the main characters in this story is strong, together they are triumphant.

COURAGE OF THE HEART shows us that sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. Adam Sherman has remained quiet about his scandalous past and is comfortable with his reputation as a womanizing and dedicated bachelor. He is an expert in the field of computers including programming, networking and hacking. At twenty-five years old, he is content with his management job at a local Internet Provider.

Davie Prescott is twenty years old and a college student who is working part-time at the same Internet Provider where Adam is employed. She was raised in a very close knit family of aunts, uncles and cousins. She and her widowed father are very close. Adam is attracted to Davie, but he shies away from her innocence because he feels his shameful past is too harsh for her existence. Adam finally shares his darkest secret with Davie and is amazed to find that she doesn´t turn away from him.

But when Adam’s past catches up to him, he soon learns that there´s a lot more at stake than just his nightmares. Adam is prepared to give Davie up if need be in order to protect her until he learns that she´s got a secret of her own. With Davie´s help, Adam learns a courage that is born of love, courage of the heart.

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.

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Just saying HI with an update about my latest book

Things have been busy and hectic in real life lately and I realize that I haven't done as much posting as I'd like. I am very excited to have my third series out there, so far it's been very well received. I would be thrilled to hear what you think of it. (While you are at it, could you post a review?)

Have you checked out my latest book, Annie's Karma? 

Annie's Karma picks up where Karma Visited left off and we have a chance to follow Annie and Dave's relationship. Most importantly, we see that Annie is learning more about her unusual ability, how to control it AND that she is NOT the only one with that ability. It's a thrilling ride as she must defend herself and others against another superior astral traveler.

The Karma Series

If you like reading series books, then you might like reading two more sets I've written.

Final Sin is a tense thriller about a serial murderer. It's also a passionate love story between free spirited Paramedic Julie Jennings and strong willed Deputy Sheriff Commander Jake Carson and the danger they are both placed in finding the murderer. If you like suspense, EMS and crime novels...

Hyphema follows Paramedic Matt Garratti, Julie Jennings former partner, and his wife Sudah, a Pakistani Muslim immigrant, as they move their small family to North Carolina when Matt decides to pursue his dream job as a flight medic. Matt unwittingly crosses paths with a killer who sets his sight on revenge, but the local authorities can't see beyond the prejudice surrounding Sudah's presence. It's another thriller which includes EMS and the current topics of immigration and prejudice.

The EMS Series

One of my earlier books from Vanilla Heart Publishing, His Lucky Charm, told a tale of espionage and danger. Brandon Price tries to win back Caitlyn Smythe, the woman he loves, but his work and a jealous, obsessed co-worker get in the way.

In Within the Law Tom Hughes, Caitlyn's cousin that we met in His Lucky Charm, has his story. After losing the woman he loved to violence he had given up hope of ever feeling that way again — then he meets Alli Davis, the lawyer defending his fiance's murderer.

The Cousins Series

Chelle Cordero's books are available at:

Amazon

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Apple iTunes

Please come join me on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChelleCordero/
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I would love it if you joined my Street Team
https://www.facebook.com/groups/284669008368919/

Coming Soon! Annie’s Karma em breve em Português!!

Cobrir a revelar!

Annie e o Carma

Chelle Cordero

Depois visitou Karma, Annie Furman move-se de seu passado e seu futuro com o sub-xerife Dave Turner. Ela presentes – ou é a maldição dela? – crescer mais forte, e ela descobre que ela não está sozinha no Reino de viagem astral. Dave salvou a vida dela, agora ela tem que lutar contra outro ‘viajante’ para salvar a Dave… se ela sobrevive.

Em breve em Português!

ANNIE’S Karma  Sneak Peek Video (English)

Chelle Cordero

Chelle Cordero writes stories of Passion and Suspense. Vanilla Heart Publishing has published eleven Cordero novels: Bartlett’s Rule; His Lucky Charm; Within the Law; Courage of the Heart; Final Sin; Hostage Heart; A Chaunce of Riches; Common Bond, Tangled Hearts; Hyphema; Karma Visited; and Annie’s Karma. She is currently working on her next novel and promises another action packed adventure and heartwarming love story. Chelle has been writing both fiction and non-fiction for the bulk of her adult life and has been with Vanilla Heart Publishing since early 2008.

Her books have earned many plaudits which includes: Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s Top Ten Reads for 2009; Final Sin was an Honorable Mention in the Fiction Category of the 2010 NY Book Festival and a 2009 Pushcart Prize nominee.; Hyphema won the Dec 9, 2011 Friday Book Cover Vote on the Shades of Love website; A Chaunce of Riches was Winner of D. Renee Bagby’s readers’ choice for The Best Overall First Chapter, April 2010; and Hostage Heart, Final Sin and A Chaunce of Riches had top ten finishes in the 2009 Preditors’ and Readers’ poll. Chelle was also featured in “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” published by The Author’s Show in 2010.

Chelle Cordero maintains an author’s blog at http://chellecordero.blogspot.com/, and a promotional blog at http://ccepotourri.wordpress.com/. Her website http://ChelleCordero.com offers information on all of her books and her appearances. Bloggers and the media are welcome to visit Chelle’s media room at http://chellecordero.com/media/ with downloadable photos and other information.

Be sure to LIKE Chelle’s FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChelleCordero and follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ChelleCordero. You can email Chelle at ChelleCordero(at)gmail.com.

Translator for the Portugese Editions

Selma R. Silva

Selma R. Silva has been a translator and interpreter since graduation in 1984, She was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil and had the chance to study languages since her early teen years. Years of hard work, travel and research have led to the perfect time and place to delve into the rewarding experience of literary translation.

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How A Haunting Murder Led to a Romantic Suspense

It was 1985 and the little town I lived in was horrified at the murder that captured newspaper headlines. The site of the murder was just a few minutes from my home.

Using my EMT skills, I used to work in the infirmary of a local summer day camp in those years. Every day, as I drove to work, I went past the driveway leading to the smokehouse where the victim’s body had been burned beyond recognition. The police caught the murderer and the trial replaced the actual murder headlines.

But each time I passed the mailbox at the end of the crime scene driveway I was filled with an unease, there were nights when the horror at what had occurred there just wouldn’t leave my mind and I would lay awake staring at the ceiling.

When I wrote Final Sin I used a mental image of the crime scene that had haunted my town and I developed a different crime, a crime that included a body that had been set on fire. But that is where the similarity ended…

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

Final Sin was an Honorable Mention in the
Fiction Category of the 2010 NY Book Festival 

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Final Sin is available in Print, E-book & Audio

Now Available in Spanish and German translations!

Book Discussion Packet

Annie’s Karma by Chelle Cordero Now Available in Print and All E-book Editions

The story continues...
Annie's Karma,
the sequel to Karma Visited,
is available!

Simultaneous Release!
Print and All E-book Editions

Annie’s Karma by Chelle Cordero

Annie Furman moves on from her past and into her future with Undersheriff Dave Turner. Her gifts – or are they her curse? – grow stronger, and she finds out that she is not alone in the realm of astral travel. Dave saved her life, now she has to fight another ‘traveler’ to save Dave… if she survives.

Annie’s Karma Sneak Peek Videohttps://youtu.be/Ab611TLSxEI

PRE-RELEASE REVIEW

 Annie’s Karma is a super followup novel to Karma Visited. I was intrigued by many things that evolved and expanded throughout the book, not the least of which is the incredibly detailed (although fictional, I must guess) accounts of astral travel, alongside the thriller aspects of the story.
~ Karen Mayes, Beta Reader

Annie’s Karma

 by Chelle Cordero

 Grab your copy today!

PRINT EDITION on AMAZON

 

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Also Available through

!Indigo, Bucher.de, Angus & Robertson, WHSmith, Thalia, Tolino, Streetlib, 3M, Baker and Taylor, Follet, Overdrive, Gardners, Chegg, Google Play, and more!

Promise of revenge ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 09/11/16

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior and Snippet Sunday round. Every week writers post 8-to-10 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the
WeWriWa blog

& check out the

Facebook Snippet Sunday group

A long, long time ago I shared a few snippets from my Paranormal Romantic Suspense, Karma Visited (only 5) - and we didn't get a full taste of this . Since I am working on a sequel and revisiting the story for myself, I'm sharing more with you and soaking up your comments.

Do you believe in karma? Annie Furman has a gift that allows her, while she sleeps, to visit people in their time of need - but who will be there for her when she needs help? Undersheriff Dave Turner is investigating a series of home invasions and homicides. He has no idea that solving this case will lead him to the woman of his dreams.

Last week, after an angry town meeting, Annie overheard her husband and his friend promising to "stop" anyone who got in their way.
Annie is confronted by an angry Sherry Pulaski in a local store.

This will probably be the last snippet from Karma Visited (maybe?). I will be sharing snippets from another story in a week (or two).

Creative editing (a.k.a. condensed to fit) alert!  Here are Ten lines...  

“You tell your husband and his buddies I am not backing down and you tell them to keep the hell away from my son’s school.”

“Is everything okay with your son?” Sherry’s son had Autism Spectrum Disorder, she and her husband fought to mainstream the boy in school and make sure he received every resource he was entitled to.

“Trying to take services away from an innocent child,” Sherry let out a loud sigh, “that’s low.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s going on?”

Sherry paused her tirade to look at Annie, “Yeah, I’m sure you don’t.”

“I don’t,” she wasn’t sure if she was believed or being mocked.

“Well you tell him that I’m not backing down, they try to hurt my son and they’ll get it back where it hurts.”

“I am so sorry, he’s a sweet little boy,” she was still confused, “who hurt him?”

“If your husband screws with me or my family, he’s got a whole world of hurt coming, I will stop them.”

~~~~~

For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 

www.wewriwa.com

My life changed after I died.

It’s not like I had any special powers.

They just didn’t understand me.

They underestimated me.

I had a gift.

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~~~~~

Just Say No ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 09/04/16

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior and Snippet Sunday round. Every week writers post 8-to-10 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the
WeWriWa blog

& check out the

Facebook Snippet Sunday group

A long, long time ago I shared a few snippets from my Paranormal Romantic Suspense, Karma Visited (only 5) - and we didn't get a full taste of this . Since I am working on a sequel and revisiting the story for myself, I'm sharing more with you and soaking up your comments.

Do you believe in karma? Annie Furman has a gift that allows her, while she sleeps, to visit people in their time of need - but who will be there for her when she needs help? Undersheriff Dave Turner is investigating a series of home invasions and homicides. He has no idea that solving this case will lead him to the woman of his dreams.

Here we are a few pages later and there is an ugly and angry town meeting going on about the pipeline and mall project. Sherry Pulaski has brought an expert environmental engineer and his comments have riled up the townspeople even more. Scott and his buddy (Old Man Hunter) are not happy.

(btw, last week Annie left suddenly because she was murmuring in her sleep and disturbed her husband who angrily woke her and told her to go sleep on the couch)

Creative editing (a.k.a. condensed to fit) alert!  Here are Nine lines...  

People were angry, Annie didn’t like what she was hearing, she had a bad feeling that Scott was deeply entrenched in whatever was being bullied through.

Annie saw Scott and Old Man Hunter in the back of the room, and they looked angry.

Led by Pulaski, the crowd started chanting “Just say no.”

Annie kept her mouth shut, she didn’t want to incur her husband’s wrath.

She followed the crowd as they filed out of the room when the meeting was over and walked up behind Scott and Hunter and overheard their angry comments.

“She’s got to be stopped and all of her damn compatriots, too.”

“Don’t worry, they will be,” Hunter reassured Scott.

“You’re still going ahead with the plan?”

They realized that Annie was there and stopped talking.

~~~~~

For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 

www.wewriwa.com

My life changed after I died.

It’s not like I had any special powers.

They just didn’t understand me.

They underestimated me.

I had a gift.

Buy Links

PayHip (pdf)

Kobo

Smashwords (multiple e-book formats)

Amazon (Kindle)

Amazon (Print)

Amazon (Audio)

Apple iTunes

Nook 

InkTerra

~~~~~