What do I think?

What YOU think about the characters in the Mona Bendarova Adventures?

Broken SteeleWhat do I think about these characters? I love these characters. I think that they are wonderful, deep characters. Just as an onion is built on layer upon layer, Mona and Honey especially have many layers to them. Each of them were born and raised in a time when the odds of living past their mid-twenties are low. These two women have something about them that allows them to survive and excel.

The Taste of HoneyMy first book, ‘The Taste of Honey’, deals with Honey’s strong desire to do what is right for her family and her Master. She deals with being kidnapped by her sister housemate who attempts to murder her.

Honey’s resolve to give back to her family is what allows her to survive against all odds. She has a deep spirituality that she draws upon to find the strength and will to overcome her ordeal. Her convictions are to do what she believes is the right thing to benefit her loved ones and the man in her life.

BeautyMona, on the other hand, is a smart, confident and intelligent woman who knows what she wants and has the talents and skill sets to see beyond the obvious. When facts point to the obvious, her community accepts them as truth and judge accordingly. Mona figures out that there are holes in the story and relentlessly pursues the truth. She figures out that there is something wrong and resolves the mystery. She also knows what she needs to be happy and what the Master of her House needs. She delivers and accepts his attentions for the benefit of all.

The other characters were created to make these two women real and believable. Lee and Charles, the Masters of their own houses, are flawed yet strong men. Their responsibilities are beyond what men of today have to deal with. Yet, while they both rose to their positions they would each say that are not powerful men, just influential. They both know the real power in the community resides in the whole, the men and women of their community.

The villain in the story is a naïve character. She is self-centric, self-absorbed and very arrogant. She mistakenly believes she can get what she wants regardless of the hurt she inflicts upon her own family. She gets what is coming to her in the end. However, her story doesn’t end in the first book but continues in subsequent books.

As for the rest, I like them. Some are wishy-washy. Some are strong and some are weak. They provide interest with the stories. When I think of them as a whole, I think of them as the frame around a painting, enhancing the primary subject centered inside the frame.

Let me know what you think. More importantly, write a review and post it. I would enjoy reading your viewpoints. Please, do it today.

Hot Pepper Sauce – a day later

Fire hot pepperYesterday, I wrote about my experiences with this nasty hot pepper sauce. Knowing what I know now, I’ll do everything I can to avoid a repeat of that experience. 24 hours later, I still feel the effects of the pepper sauce. My hands still tingle a bit and I have to be careful to NOT touch anywhere around my eyes. Residual oils that I can’t seem to get rid of, still permeate my skin.

However, that is not why I’m writing this note right now. I’m writing to thank everyone who wrote in with tips and suggestions of what to do in the future. Seems the consensus is to use milk. That would have been fine if I ate the sauce. But what about washing, my hands, my eyes and other parts of my body. I still don’t know what the solution is for that. Thank you just the same. I really appreciate it and I sincerely hope I won’t have to deal with that again.

I can tell you that I don’t have milk in the house. I rarely do. But I have coffee creamer, vanilla flavored in fact. Couple that with Kahlua and Vodka and you get a really delicious White Russian. I don’t know which helped more, the creamer or the vodka but by the time I went to bed, I could sleep through the night. I still had to be careful where I put my hands but I woke up this morning feeling much better.

So, I would like to repeat. Should anyone ever want to come over to my house, please … PLEASE, leave the hot sauce at home.

10,000 Twitter Followers

The Taste of HoneyYesterday, I reported that I had crossed the 10,000 Twitter followers mark. Thank you to all my followers.

As a thank you, I am offering you a free copy of my début novel ‘The Taste of Honey’.

https://wp.me/P6UOUi-tN

Just click the book cover and you’ll be taken to a special page where you can download the full book, in the format of your choosing. You’ll be reading it in minutes.

Thank you for following me and my page. I would love to hear from you so please feel free to comment. I look forward to reading them. And again, THANK YOU!

Hot pepper sauce. Holy S#!$

Cleaning out the fridge.

Today, we were cleaning out the refrigerator. You know how some stuff tends to collect after months. Well sometime ago, a family member brought one of those small little bottles of hot sauce. You know the kind. A single drop goes a long, long way.

So far …  so good.

Fire hot pepperThat is until the bottle falls on its way to the garbage pail. Yup, that’s right, it falls on the floor in the kitchen and the top breaks off. A decent amount spills on to the floor. I picked up the bottle and since it was spilling all over the garbage pail I tried to contain it from getting all over.0

What I did next is what I normally would do in this situation. I dumped the balance of the bottle down the sink to flush it down the drain. Oops. Within seconds, the water mixed with the hot sauce, sending the main chemical in the pepper that makes it hot — air-borne.

Within seconds, it permeated the room. I was breathing it in. It clogged my sinuses, my air ways, my chest. As I tried to wash it down the drain, I touched it with my hands. Hours later, they are still tingling from the pepper sauce.

After sometime, coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose, I thought I was past it and I washed my hands thoroughly. That is until I needed to use the bathroom. Even after washing my hands beforehand, a minute afterwards, my junk started burning. Oh shit! What the fuck!

Hot PepperI’m trying to eat dinner and I can’t stand it. All I can think of is washing my dick. Jumping into the shower, only exasperates the problem. Holy shit. Even the water vapor from the shower is mixing with the remnants of the sauce embedded in my skin. I can’t stand it any long. I turn off the water and dry off. As I’m doing so, my girlfriend who was to this point not involved, runs into the bathroom complaining that it got into her eye.

Oh shit again. Apparently, she breathed in a little bit of the air permeated with the remnants of the smell of the sauce and had to blow her nose. As she blew, it backed up into her eyes and they’re burning. Again, washing doesn’t help but the watering in her eyes eventually settles her down. It took a while and now she’s resting. Now, as I look at her face, it looks like she’s got a black eye, almost as if someone punched her in the face.

An hour later, I’m finally able to think, though the skin that touched the sauce is still burning. The backs of my hands and fingers are still tingling. Her eyes are still sore but we’re progressing.

A word to the wise! Don’t ever … ever spill this fucking sauce. It’s murder.

One thing though. Compared to Jolene, my heroine in the ‘Her Client Trilogy’, I’d rather go through this incidence with the pepper sauce than what she had to endure. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out this trilogy. It’s brutal. It’s criminal. It’s savage. By all rights, Jolene should be dead and buried. Somehow, she survives. Read her story and find out how she does it.

Me, I’m glad that I nor any one of my loved ones don’t have to endure either of these assaults. And yes, I consider this episode with the pepper sauce an assault. Why the fuck would anyone want to intentionally want to eat this shit is beyond me.

Hopefully by tomorrow, we’ll be past this.

Oh, and … if anyone wants to come visit us as our house, do not and I mean it, DO NOT bring a bottle of this pepper sauce with you. You will not be allowed in my house. PERIOD.

Don’t even think about it. You hear me! I mean it. DON’T.

10,000 and climbing

Whoo hoo!

I’ve just noticed that I went over the 10,000 twitter follower’s mark. Thank you everyone. Thank you.

Tweet AnnouncementAs a gift to my followers, I am making available a free copy of my book, ‘The Taste of Honey’. Just click this link, you’ll be taken to a special page on my site where you can download the full book, in the format of your choosing.

https://wp.me/P6UOUi-tN

After you read it, I would appreciate a review on Amazon but it’s not required. Just click this link and you’ll be reading my début novel within minutes.

Thank you again. I love and appreciate you all.

Reporting from Rochester NY, this is a very appreciative Richard Verry.

https://wp.me/P6UOUi-tN

You sometimes describe yourself as ‘deviant’. If you consider yourself normal, why is that?

Let’s go back to Webster’s Dictionary definition of the word.

Deviant def: ‘different from what is considered to be normal or morally correct.’

Now mind you, I say that I am sometimes a deviant from the side of my mouth, in jest. Yet, I do feel that at times. I was raised in a traditional home with  liberal thinking parents and a house full of female siblings. I instinctively know that I think differently from so many people around me. Most of my community, including family and friends, are more traditional in their thinking than I. They are more conservative and middle of the road in their thinking. They aren’t open-minded and appear to be set in their ways.  

Normality, as in the American dream, was what I ever known. Religious, hard working, earning a living  and eating dinner at 6 pm with the family was my norm.

You get the picture.

Stand out in a crowdMe, I don’t subscribe to this view of life. It’s way too ‘vanilla’ for me. I rebelled from this mindset when I became an adult. I believe in whatever makes you happy so long as it doesn’t hurt someone else.

I believe in the right to love who you want, sleep with whomever, one on one or more. I believe in monogamy, polygamy and group marriage even though I don’t believe I could deal with the stress of multiple spouses. One is quite enough, thank you very much.

I believe in sharing and loving without reservation. With that, I do have expectations in those whom I love. I believe in polyamorous family units. I believe in same-sex marriage. I believe in being single as well, if it suits you.

I believe in power exchange in adult play among consenting partners.

I believe in doing what’s best for myself, my family and my friends. I believe in giving of myself. I believe that it is okay to have expectations from those you love. They say ‘you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends’. I say you can choose both. If family or friends don’t live up to your expectations and can’t offer you what you need, then I choose to find a new family and new friends.

Not that I live outside society’s norms. I will, however, try to rise above society’s expectations and pull the rest of you along with me, if I can. If I see that you have something to offer to help me rise to greater heights, I will accept whatever gifts you offer in attaining growth and enlightenment.

So to that extent, I consider myself a deviant … also normal.

Reflections

Woke up this morning with even more snow on the ground. Still not enough to justify having the snow plow clean out my driveway. I don’t know which is worse, having a lot of snow or just enough to make driving treacherous.

Don’t get me wrong, I like snow and I don’t worry about driving in it. I’ve driven a car or truck most of my life and I consider myself a good driver. Still, a thin layer of snow seems to me to be more dangerous than a significant snow fall.

Why? I don’t think most drivers understand just how dangerous it can be. That thin layer easily converts to ice or worse black ice. For those who don’t know, black ice is prevalent in western NY and consists of a slippery thin layer of frozen water that is impossible to see. It’s so thin that one does realize that they are on it until they spin-out. It’s slippery as hell.

coffee latteSo, what’s the best way to deal with it? Go slow or don’t go out at all. Me? I don’t care what you do, just don’t lose control and smash into me. Stay home had have a hot chocolate, a glass of wine or a stiff drink.

What would Mona do? Well, she would either stay home and have that drink, enjoy the company of her household members or enjoy a good romp in the bed. If she had to drive, she would keep her wits about her and allow the road conditions dictate her speed. Better yet, as a senior member of her house, she would have someone else do all the driving while she sat in the back, enjoying the ride.

I’ll be enjoying the snow from the comfort of my living room, a nice drink in my hand and a fire burning in the fireplace. Enjoy the evening everyone. And for those south of the equator, enjoy the summer sun.

Reflections

Today, instead of answering my interview questions, I’d like to mention stuff that comes to mind.

Broken SteeleFirst and foremost, thank you — thank you to those who have been purchasing my books. The bulk have been sold both in the UK and in the US. Thank you. A big thank you to whomever purchased my sequel to the Mona Bendarova Adventures, called ‘Broken Steele’. It’s really nice to see the appreciation of someone who took the time to buy and read it. Thank you.

To everyone who has read my books, in addition to my thanks, I would ask that you write a review on the site from which you purchased the book(s). Seems that Amazon and the like tend to not promote a book until a certain number of reviews have been published for it. I really would appreciate it.

Now, on to other stuff.

Snow finally comes to Rochester, NY. We’ve been extremely lucky this year. Last year, we were buried under many feet of snow for the bulk of the season. Houses, mine included, took a big hit from ice and snow damage. This year, nothing, zippo, nada until today. Any yet, it’s not a lot, under an inch or so and most melted under the afternoon sun.

Now, as I write the Mona Bendarova Adventures, I am constantly wondering what her weather is like. So far, except for the occasional rain or thunderstorm, it’s been pretty temperate. After all, if I want my characters naked much of the time, indoors and out, it has to be warm enough to allow it. (Or, does it? I wonder.)

As I write the third book in the series, I have definitely introduced a change in climate. It’s the end of the growing season and the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping. How low should I take them is the question. Will there be snow on the ground at some point? I haven’t decided.

What do you think? Should there be? Should the members of Mona’s house and community have to deal with in climate weather? Should they have to deal with snow, ice, tornado’s and or hurricanes? Do I put the community in a temperate zone, the equatorial zone or closer to the poles where seasons are more dramatic? Part of me wants them in a temperate zone, where it’s not too hot or too cold. Yet, for drama sake, more extreme weather can lead to more interesting plot lines.

The nice thing is, my characters will have to deal with anything I write into the stories.

I am interested in hearing what you have to say. Send me a comment from the link below and let me know your thoughts and why you think that. At this point, I can bend it in whatever direction you like.

Normal? What is normal?

Do you consider yourself ‘Normal’?

Of course I do. I feel that I am the most normal guy one could meet.

Sometimes, my girlfriend has a different opinion. From reading, editing to discussing my books and novellas, she thinks I’m something different. I suppose and hope that is why she likes me. Just to remind everyone, we’ve been together for over twelve years.

Having said all that, let’s get back to the question. I spoke recently about the imagery that flies around in my head all day. I suppose that makes me different, since I am convinced that most others don’t have those experiences yet abnormal? No way!

Webster’s Dictionary defines normal as:

  1. a: according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle
    b: conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern
  2. occurring naturally <normal immunity>
  3. a: of, relating to, or characterized by average intelligence or development
    b: free from mental disorder

Open bookWhen I compare myself to Webster, if there is any question, then by definition, I am normal. While I am unique, I also personally know hundreds of people and by extrapolation, millions who think like me and enjoy similar interests as I do and follow the same shows, hobbies and genres. In so many ways I conform to standards and patterns that society expects of me. I work for a living, pay my taxes, maintain my own home, take the garbage out and enjoy a daily shower. That last is really important.

My mother carried and delivered me naturally, though she told me later that I almost killed her as I wanted to come out sideways. She tells me that they had to push me back in, turn me around before delivering me. Does that make me abnormal? No, I don’t believe so. Breech births do happen. Of what I know now, if I was born more than a hundred years ago, neither me, mom or my sisters might not be around. Medicine back then wouldn’t be equipped to handle the difference from a normal birth.

psychiatric hospitalAm I categorized as of having average intelligence? I think so. I definitely know that there are people smarter than myself and others who are not. That makes me normal.

That leaves ‘free of mental disorder’. That’s a subjective term in so … many ways. While I know that there is scientific, medical definitions of various mental disorders, no one has ever accused or diagnosed me of having one.

I can only conclude I am normal. What about you? Do you consider yourself normal? If so, why? If not, really? I want to hear from you. Perhaps I can turn your story into a book. We should chat. You can use the comment section below to get started. I would so enjoy hearing your story.

Football and the ‘Her Client Trilogy’

Football and ‘Her Client Trilogy’

FootballIt is playoff weekend as the teams begin their hunt to the Super Bowl. Most of the teams are sitting on the sidelines watching and waiting for the big finale. This ritual got me thinking how this relates to Richard Verry’s, ‘Her Client Trilogy’.

The words that come to mind are: dominance, hunt, aggressor, tied, victim, surprise, tension,  fumble, pass, fan, tackle, mind game, injured, winner, loser, touchdown, coach, snap, chilling, receive, tight end, shotgun, touchdown, first down, chill in the air, cold, hard, chains, knee, time-out, panic, suck, ball, screen pass, run, interception, squeeze play, clock winding down, fourth down, fourth and long, two-minute warning, goal, first and goal, broken play, sack, interference, holding, illegal contact, roughing, offense, defense, pocket, opportunity, fantasy, handed off, time out, bowls, bowl game, hall of fame, rout, blown opportunity, huddle, dropped, down and out, route, champ, mascot, and shit!

Her Client Trilogy book cover 3DI am sure you can add more yet the point is all this is acceptable in the game of football. Culturally, it has become the norm to read, watch and/or participate in this activity.

How is this different from what the author is conveying in his books and novellas? To me, the answer is simple. The majority of our culture has not accepted this as the norm. Will it ever? I don’t know. I hope not.

Overall, we have grown as a society yet there are still issues that we can’t accept or are willing to accept. Still, we hunt, torture and inflict brutal violence against one another. It is a game for some and a lifestyle for others. Yet for Jolene and I, we will fight to the bitter end. We will not lay down and give up.

We may have fourth and long to go, time is running out and we are out of time outs and yet we will keep our wits and fight to the bitter end. We will not be the victim to be hunted and tackled to the ground. We may be injured and on the verge of being routed. Yet, while there are still seconds on the clock, we will not take a knee. We’ll run the screen pass and make a play for the end zone and a win.

See if you agree with my thoughts. Write me a comment and let me know, one way or the other.

Will men love in the Mona Bendarova Adventures? (part 2)

What aspect of the book will men love in the Mona Bendarova Adventures? (part 2)

Being so few of them, the community ensures that they become the master of their own house with hundreds of women there to serve and attend to them. But is it really serving? Sure, a Master of the house can snap his fingers and there is someone instantly available to attend to their needs, whether that being delivering a drink, some food or their bodies.

But why? Why would the women willing submit like that?  Women enjoy their role and love sex as much as men do. The  masters have responsibilities and at times it can be overwhelming and the women understand this.

First, masters’ of a house have to find enough food and water to support hundreds of mouths to feed, three times a day, everyday. Can anyone today envision the idea of providing three meals a day for hundreds of your community?

Theirs is a feudal style community where the concept of money and taxes are extinct. They barter goods and services to provide for their house and community. Commodities useful for acquiring food and drink are few.  

Pregnant giftNot only do they provide for their household, they have to ensure the survival of the species. With so few males around, their responsibilities include an obligation to impregnate as many women as possible. With a significant portion of all women being infertile, they have to regularly make the rounds with the breeding centers, depositing their seed into ovulating women, again and again. It’s their work. It’s their job to impregnate dozens of women in a short period of time, every week, month after month, year after year. Whew!

Why? Why not use in vitro or similar? As a result of the ‘Purge Plague’, people within Mona’s world are aghast at the idea of repeating the mistakes of the past. They’re scared of genetic manipulation and the idea of anything other than natural propagation is just not done. They also don’t go for C-Sections or doing any extraordinary measures to prolong life. They truly feel that survival of the fittest is the only way to insure the survival of the species.

For me, as the creator of this universe, I love the idea of being the Master of my House. I understand Charles and his responsibilities. He is the epitome of maleness in my books. Woman bend over backwards, literally, to please him. He knows how to please them and give them what they need. Some simply like sex. Some prefer the taste of a whip or feeling cocooned in tight bindings. All live to serve.

Then, in the end, when the men can no longer perform their duties, nor deposit viable seed in the wombs of fertile females, their role in the community is over.

The ride to get there is awesome. It’s a fun, long ride filled with pleasures, drink and sex. What’s not to like?

To learn more about this universe I’ve created, check out my site, RichardVerry.com where you’ll find all sorts of more information, a free preview of each of my books you can read so you can see for yourself and where you can buy the full books.

Will men love in the Mona Bendarova Adventures? (part 1)

What aspect will men love in the Mona Bendarova Adventures? (part 1)

Garters Thigh High Stockings vectorWhat’s not to love about the role men have in these books. They have all the sex they could ever want, any time of day or night. They have a bevy of women who by their very nature are submissive. They serve, attend and even die for their head of households. Once accepted into a house, they yearn to please the Master of the house. They have sex, often with several women at the same time. They enjoy playtime in the dungeons where women willingly submit to their Masters in kinky pleasures. They take care of all of the household chores. What’s not to like?

And yet, men in the community are few in number. The odds of being born and surviving to maturity are extremely low. Only one in fifteen thousand births results in a male making it to adulthood. In the early stages of life, assuming they survive their traumatic birth, they are sickly and prone to severe illness. Of those that survive their birth, most will die before their first birthday. Assuming they survive to adulthood, they are by nature, the strongest and the most viral. They are the epitome of Darwin’s law of survival of the fittest.

Just imagine. You’re born and somehow, against all odds, manage to reach adulthood. You are given a house of your own, filled with women willing to lie and have sex with you . They are eager to please your every fantasy. Additionally, you don’t have to find a job, fret each and every day whether you can make a career and earn a living.

Today, most of us men struggle to figure out our place in life. A rare few, figure it out early. Most, figure it out just when we wish we could start again, with what we learned along the way. Many never figure it out at all.

I’m one of those that took decades to figure out just who I am and what my talents are. I love the idea of being given my own house, a stable of women to fuck and a household to love. I would enjoy being the uncontested Master of my house. To never have to worry where my next meal was coming from, whether I would have a roof over my head or a community I can be a part of, all appeals to me.

Yet, I’ve not spoken about the other side of the coin. Stay tuned to tomorrow’s followup to this entry. Part two talks about the responsibilities they must deal with and how it affects their house and community should he not live up to their responsibilities.

To learn more about this universe I’ve created, check out my site, RichardVerry.com where you’ll find all sorts of more information, a free preview of each of my books you can read so you can see for yourself and where you can buy the full books.

Fantasies Realized!

Did you write these books as a way to experience fantasies that you could never experience for real?

<Laughing>

When I heard this question, I started laughing. I suppose that all creative people, writers, artists, musicians etc. all express their fantasies in their art.

Silhouette in redNo, I don’t want to experience most of the scenes I write about. The sex, sure. The kinky stuff,  I admit, some. I enjoy many forms of adult play. No, I have no desire to experience some of what my characters go through, either as a perpetrator or victim. I abhor violence. I always have. Some even have accused me as someone who avoids conflict. I suppose there is some truth in that. The thought that I could inflict that kind of suffering on another living creäture, human or not, offends me.

But that doesn’t stop the scenes from playing out in my head nor stop trying to capture them in either the visual or written form. For whatever reason, I find the fantasies I dream up fascinating. Without them, I couldn’t write my books or paint my scenes. Good or bad, tame or horrendous, they’re just fantasies. I recognize they’re not real. What concerns me more is what would happen if I didn’t get them out. Now, that’s some scary shit.

This is Richard Verry, reporting from Rochester, NY. Be sure to check out my website at RichardVerry.com.

Under the weather-followup #2

Under the weather – followup

The other day, I wrote about my month-long cold/whatever it is/was. However, since I wrote about my ills over the last month, I feel the need to write a followup.

Most important of all is … thank you for all of the kind words sent to me wishing me get well soon. I really appreciate them. It means a lot to me. I don’t normally like to write or talk about health related issues. Normally, it’s no ones business. To demonstrate how I feel about that, when I broke my leg a 15 years ago, I didn’t tell a soul. Even though I was living alone at the time, I kept that private. That’s life and I dealt with it.

As I wrote yesterday, I did go see the doctor and go through several tests. Doc tells me that I am presenting a very strange case, one that doesn’t seem to fit normal progressions of winter colds and flu. Yes, I did get my flu shot this year. The tests came back either negative or within normal ranges. So, no help there other than discount the norms.

So, what’s going on?

No one knows. She suspects that I am the victim of serial multiple cold or other viral infections. She suspects that this is the case as each one, taken along presents differently and is treated differently.

Today, I am feeling much better. She’s put me on a new stronger regime of antibiotics, which seems to be doing the trick. And while I’ve heard this before, I am crossing my fingers. I plan on returning to work tomorrow. And after that, get back to writing. Whoo hoo!

I have a long way to go to finish up my next novel, ‘Lucky Bitch’, the third book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures. Time to buckle down and get writing.

Wow! I’m a serial victim? Sounds interesting. It could even an idea for a book or story. I’ll have to give it some thought.

Under the weather – followup

Under the weather – followup

Yesterday, I wrote about my month-long cold/whatever it is/was. However, since I wrote about my ills over the last month, I feel the need to write a followup.

Most important of all is … thank you for all of the kind words sent to me wishing me get well soon. I really appreciate them. It means a lot to me. I don’t normally like to write or talk about health related issues. Normally, it’s no ones business. To demonstrate how I feel about that, when I broke my leg a 15 years ago, I didn’t tell a soul. Even though I was living alone at the time, I kept that private. That’s life and I dealt with it.

As I wrote yesterday, I did go see the doctor and go through several tests. Doc tells me that I am presenting a very strange case, one that doesn’t seem to fit normal progressions of winter colds and flu. Yes, I did get my flu shot this year. The tests came back either negative or within normal ranges. So, no help there other than discount the norms.

So, what’s going on?

No one knows. She suspects that I am the victim of serial multiple cold or other viral infections. She suspects that this is the case as each one, taken along presents differently and is treated differently.

Today, I am feeling much better. She’s put me on a new stronger regime of antibiotics, which seems to be doing the trick. And while I’ve heard this before, I am crossing my fingers. I plan on returning to work tomorrow. And after that, get back to writing. Whoo hoo!

 

I have a long way to go to finish up my next novel, ‘Lucky Bitch’, the third book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures. Time to buckle down and get writing.

Wow! I’m a serial victim? Sounds interesting. It could even an idea for a book or story. I’ll have to give it some thought.

4

Under the weather – followup

Under the weather – followup

Yesterday, I wrote about my month-long cold/whatever it is/was. However, since I wrote about my ills over the last month, I feel the need to write a followup.

Most important of all is … thank you for all of the kind words sent to me wishing me get well soon. I really appreciate them. It means a lot to me. I don’t normally like to write or talk about health related issues. Normally, it’s no ones business. To demonstrate how I feel about that, when I broke my leg a 15 years ago, I didn’t tell a soul. Even though I was living alone at the time, I kept that private. That’s life and I dealt with it.

As I wrote yesterday, I did go see the doctor and go through several tests. Doc tells me that I am presenting a very strange case, one that doesn’t seem to fit normal progressions of winter colds and flu. Yes, I did get my flu shot this year. The tests came back either negative or within normal ranges. So, no help there other than discount the norms.

So, what’s going on?

No one knows. She suspects that I am the victim of serial multiple cold or other viral infections. She suspects that this is the case as each one, taken along presents differently and is treated differently.

Today, I am feeling much better. She’s put me on a new stronger regime of antibiotics, which seems to be doing the trick. And while I’ve heard this before, I am crossing my fingers. I plan on returning to work tomorrow. And after that, get back to writing. Whoo hoo!

 

I have a long way to go to finish up my next novel, ‘Lucky Bitch’, the third book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures. Time to buckle down and get writing.

Wow! I’m a serial victim? Sounds interesting. It could even an idea for a book or story. I’ll have to give it some thought.

3

Under the weather – followup

Under the weather – followup

Yesterday, I wrote about my month-long cold/whatever it is/was. However, since I wrote about my ills over the last month, I feel the need to write a followup.

Most important of all is … thank you for all of the kind words sent to me wishing me get well soon. I really appreciate them. It means a lot to me. I don’t normally like to write or talk about health related issues. Normally, it’s no ones business. To demonstrate how I feel about that, when I broke my leg a 15 years ago, I didn’t tell a soul. Even though I was living alone at the time, I kept that private. That’s life and I dealt with it.

As I wrote yesterday, I did go see the doctor and go through several tests. Doc tells me that I am presenting a very strange case, one that doesn’t seem to fit normal progressions of winter colds and flu. Yes, I did get my flu shot this year. The tests came back either negative or within normal ranges. So, no help there other than discount the norms.

So, what’s going on?

No one knows. She suspects that I am the victim of serial multiple cold or other viral infections. She suspects that this is the case as each one, taken along presents differently and is treated differently.

Today, I am feeling much better. She’s put me on a new stronger regime of antibiotics, which seems to be doing the trick. And while I’ve heard this before, I am crossing my fingers. I plan on returning to work tomorrow. And after that, get back to writing. Whoo hoo!

 

I have a long way to go to finish up my next novel, ‘Lucky Bitch’, the third book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures. Time to buckle down and get writing.

Wow! I’m a serial victim? Sounds interesting. It could even an idea for a book or story. I’ll have to give it some thought.

Under the weather – followup

Under the weather – followup

Yesterday, I wrote about my month-long cold/whatever it is/was. However, since I wrote about my ills over the last month, I feel the need to write a followup.

Most important of all is … thank you for all of the kind words sent to me wishing me get well soon. I really appreciate them. It means a lot to me. I don’t normally like to write or talk about health related issues. Normally, it’s no ones business. To demonstrate how I feel about that, when I broke my leg a 15 years ago, I didn’t tell a soul. Even though I was living alone at the time, I kept that private. That’s life and I dealt with it.

As I wrote yesterday, I did go see the doctor and go through several tests. Doc tells me that I am presenting a very strange case, one that doesn’t seem to fit normal progressions of winter colds and flu. Yes, I did get my flu shot this year. The tests came back either negative or within normal ranges. So, no help there other than discount the norms.

So, what’s going on?

No one knows. She suspects that I am the victim of serial multiple cold or other viral infections. She suspects that this is the case as each one, taken along presents differently and is treated differently.

Today, I am feeling much better. She’s put me on a new stronger regime of antibiotics, which seems to be doing the trick. And while I’ve heard this before, I am crossing my fingers. I plan on returning to work tomorrow. And after that, get back to writing. Whoo hoo!

 

I have a long way to go to finish up my next novel, ‘Lucky Bitch’, the third book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures. Time to buckle down and get writing.

Wow! I’m a serial victim? Sounds interesting. It could even an idea for a book or story. I’ll have to give it some thought.

Imagery

Why do you think you have these images and scenes bombarding your mind every day?

Every day of my life, for as long as I can remember, I’ve had constant imagery flooding my thoughts, night and day. As a child, the images reflected my interests or extended the experiences of the day. I can remember watching new episodes of ‘Star Trek’, ‘Sea Hunt’, ‘Fireball XL5’, or even ‘Diver Dan’. Do you remember ‘Diver Dan’, a series targeting the very young about life under the sea. Maybe that’s when my fascination with mermaids began … or maybe not? The imagery extended from the books I was reading of the day. They include ‘The Adventures of Tom Swift’, ‘The Hardy Boys’ and even ‘Nancy Drew’. I read them all and lots more.

In thinking about this question, I can’t help but wonder whether the stories of my youth helped create the constant pattern of images floating through my mind. I remember dreaming up and sketching fantastic ships flying through the air, traveling between the stars and diving into the depths of the earth.

10829335_s-Vector illustration silhouette of women in striped stockingsThen later, as I went through puberty, the imagery changed. Girls caught my eye and the female form took over. I’ve been fascinated with ‘her’, both mentally and physically. You can see my fascination in my drawings, paintings and stories.

Today having many more experiences under my belt, I’ve learned a thing or two. I still have a lot to learn yet one thing I do know is that I will never get to capture, experience or write about all of images that invade my everyday thoughts.

I don’t know why I have these images flooding my mind. Until recently, I thought that everyone had them. Even though I have been around for many decades, it’s only been in the last five years or so that I realized that most people don’t experience this. I am asking myself, why is that? Am I unique? Am I so very different? No, I don’t think so yet I realize that I am not like many people.

Then who or what am I?  Do I rule my images or am I ruled by them? Most days I believe it’s the later rather than the former. What I do know is that I am me and I embrace my images. They give me insights into myself and provide inspiration for my creative output.

So, should I find a way to escape my imagery? I feel these images are a part of me so I’m not sure I want to even try.I would probably be lost without them.

I would be pleased to read about others who share similar experiences. Or, am I truly a rare bird? Leave a comment on my website, RichardVerry.com and let me know. I sure would like to know what others think.

A Reader’s Perspective.

A Reader’s Perspective

by Janet Maggio

I ask myself why readers are buying the ‘Her Client Trilogy’ en-mass compared to the ‘Mona Bendarova Adventures’?

1-Her-Client-3DThe ‘Her Client Trilogy’ are short novellas depicting a woman, Jolene who is tortured, brutalized and sold into Human Trafficking. Is it because this subject is relevant to today and the Mona Bendarova Adventures are depicted in a futuristic setting?

I hear from the author, Richard Verry, that his latest book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures, ‘Lucky Bitch’ deals with terrorism on Mona and her household. That is relevant in today’s society with what is going on globally and for some in our own city.

The Taste of HoneyI also believe that Mona herself represents today’s woman. She is powerful, independent and dominant in her own right. She may not realize it in the first book, ‘The Taste of Honey’ yet as the reader reads through her adventures, it becomes apparent that is what the author had in mind for Mona. She doesn’t recognize it early on as some women in today’s society don’t yet they don’t call us the stronger sex for nothing!

Do you feel the same or have a different perspective?

Read the ‘Her Client Trilogy’ and the first two books in the Mona Bendarova Adventures, ‘The Taste of Honey’ and ‘Broken Steele’ and compare them.

Afterwards, I encourage you to share your thoughts by commenting on the author’s website, RichardVerry.com.

Under the weather

Under the weather.

Who thought up that idiom to mean being sick anyway?

Most of you don’t know this but I’ve been under the weather much of the past month. I’ve used up a bunch of my banked sick days and I hate that. What started as a cold took a downturn after five days. After eight days, I decided to see my doctor. I love my doctor. She, that’s right she’s a woman, works with me to keep me healthy and strong. Before this $%^& cold, I hadn’t had a cold or flu for years. I guess it’s payback time.

Anyway, I digress. So I went to see Doctor Nancy and get fixed up. She tells me that more than half of her patients are experiencing what I am experiencing. I don’t know why but it made me feel better. Dumb eh? Feeling better because so many others are suffering the way I am. Sorry everyone who has what I have.

Doc puts me on a regime including antibiotics. Within two days, I’m feeling better. Whoo hoo! Over the next week, I know I’m not completely well yet but I’m progressing. I’m good with that.

Then, it hits me again this past weekend and I spend much of Sunday and Monday back in bed, coughing up my lungs and not getting much rest. WTF? Am I ever going to get better? I’m going back to see her yet again today but this time, before I meet with her, she’s scheduled me for various tests. Anything to get past this, I’m in.

Do you know what’s worse?

Those images floating in my head that I wrote about the other day, well they’re still there but it’s chaotic. I can’t make sense of them. Add to that, I can’t seem to keep creative thoughts long enough to write them down so I’ve done very little writing these past couple of weeks.

If it’s brainless and monotonous, I can do that. At least for short periods of time. If it’s more than that, I’m totally fucked. My head hurts, my throat hurts, and dare I say it, my chest feels like there is a rock in it? I hope not.

Wish me luck.

Normalcy returns to Rochester, NY?

Normalcy returns to Rochester, NY?

Firework burstOn New Year’s Eve, like everyone in town, I was surprised that our New Year’s fireworks celebration was cancelled at the last-minute. Huh? Why?

Yep, after a lot of hype by the local media and city officials promoting the event, a five o’clock news conference announced that they were CANCELLED. Apparently, terrorism has come to our community. The day before, a terrorist attack was thwarted when the FBI detained and arrested a person of interest who was planning an attack on a bar full of patrons celebrating the new year. He was alleged to have been operating under orders from ISIS.

After he was taken in custody, a search of his abode turned up a pressure cooker bomb similar to what was used in the Boston Marathon bombings. I wasn’t too surprised to note that the incidence made the national news.

Later, while attending a family party to ring in the New Year, the incident sparked heated arguments in the wee hours leading up to midnight. No one was upset by the arrest itself but the big question was “How could he be arrested before he actually did anything?” The group was divided on the question. Some said, “Why not? They had enough evidence supporting the arrest.” Others said, “What? Arrest a guy without actually doing anything? What are we, in a police state?”

I’m glad they stopped the terrorist attack before it became a reality. But it did prompt me to reflect upon the question. Should I be arrested for the thoughts that I bring to life in my books? Should John Carpenter for his ‘Halloween’ story be arrested for writing a story about a serial killer targeting teenagers? Should Stephen King be arrested for writing his huge volume of works? Should anyone who delivers creative works of criminal acts be arrested, simply for crafting a well put together recollection of their fantasies?

I wouldn’t want to be part of a world that makes that distinction.

I’m Richard Verry, reporting to you from Rochester, NY. I hope you have a very happy and safe 2016.

Braxton Steele, love the name and hate the character!

Broken SteeleIn this second book of the Mona Bendarova Adventures ‘Broken Steele’, the reader meets an awful and cruel man. Even when we find out what may have caused his behavior, it doesn’t change my mind. I am glad he is dead. I find myself cheering for our heroine, Mona Bendarova, that she will be investigating to find out what caused his demise.

I like that the author, Richard Verry, chose a name that oozes sexuality and uniqueness. I find that Mr. Steele had both yet I still wanted him to die. He mistreated the women in his house and they were terrified of him. His was not the typical role of the masters in this community.

His death reveals more than a hated man who I wanted dead. I was surprised where Mona’s discovery takes the reader.

Will you be surprised too? Read the second novel ‘Broken Steele’ for yourself and find out. Afterwards, I encourage you to share your thoughts with the fans of the ‘Mona Bendarova Adventures’ by commenting on the author’s website, RichardVerry.com.

by Janet Maggio

What would you do?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation in which you had absolutely ZERO control? You wake up in the morning, refreshed and ready to take on the world, only to have the day end with you being assaulted, clinging to life and barely able to hold on?

Generally, you look upon life with optimism and faith in your fellow man. Sure, there are ups and downs but overall, life is good. You make a decent living, earn an honest wage and live life to the fullest.

In this scenario, a woman works hard, tries the best that she can and makes the best of life. She’s attractive and knows that her goods looks has helped her in advancing her career. Not that she has abused the power she has but realized when she was a young girl that others made it easy for her. All in all, she tries to live a good life and insists upon living by the morals taught to her as a child.

Then, someone comes into her life and turns it upside down. WTF does she do then?

0-Client-3DThat is what happens to Jolene, the heroine in my latest books, ‘Her Client Trilogy’, available everywhere, including Amazon and my website https://richardverry.com/her-client-trilogy/.

One day, she returns home to kick off her shoes, drink some wine and relax in the privacy of her home. From the moment she walks in the door, her world is shattered.

She is beaten, sexually assaulted, brutalized and sold into the dark world of human trafficking. A world in which she realizes that they have no intention of letting her live, let alone escape. Through her brutal torments and trials, the innocence she once had is ripped from her forever. Her torturers hurt her and one of them even leaves her for dead.

What emerges is a hardened, vengeful woman. A woman who no longer recognizes herself when she looks in the mirror. What she sees is beyond comprehension.

Follow her journey into the dark world of human trafficking and slavery. Feel with her, every torment, every ache and pain, every evil that can be inflicted on a body.

Can you survive? Can you manage to find an exit on the other side? Find out if Jolene does and if so, how she does it.

It’s a scary thought yet , remember ,what happened to Jolene could happen to anyone … it could even happen to you!

https://richardverry.com/her-client-trilogy/

http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Verry/e/B00YQLXU2E

Thank you OOPS

Thank youOops.

I just realized that I am human too. Alright, you can stop laughing now. I know I am human and I make mistakes. And I made a big one a little while ago.

I was just re-reading my blog, published to thank all of those folks in my life that in some way, contributed to my personal growth this past year. As I was reading it, I realized that I forgot a whole segment of people who I needed to thank.

It is you, my fans and followers. Those who read my blogs every day, those who follow me on Twitter and Facebook. It’s everyone who has read my books and/or posted a review on them. Without you, I wouldn’t be doing this nor would my spirits soar as they do when I hear from you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

So, this entry is for you, my fans and followers. I appreciate all that you do. Thank you.

Perhaps it was the ‘Get off the fucking stage’ music that was running in my head as I was writing my earlier piece. After years of watching award shows and glad for the music, I now realize just how distracting it can be for the person on the stage. I feel for you man! (Oops, I did it again.) I feel for you all, men and women alike. It really is a tough gig and I have a new-found respect for your talents.

So, again, thank you to all of my followers. A big special thank you for those who have taken their valuable time to read my books. Whether you like to read a little or a lot, if you have slotted one of my books into your schedule, taken the time to read it, THANK YOU. If you haven’t yet already, that’s okay. There’s still time. I welcome the opportunity to thank you at a later date.

The books are available, right here on my website, RichardVerry.com or at Amazon, B&N, iBook etc.

As the holiday season winds down.

With the holidays winding down and I recover from a bad cold and too much food and drink, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the people who have helped me on my journey this year.21886846_s-Coctail in glass with ice and lemon on black

First off, thank you to the love of my life, Janet. She has put up with a lot of my shit this past year. Even though she grumbles and frets, she knows that I’m no slouch and what I have been trying to do this past year is for her benefit, as well as mine. I love her so much and I appreciate everything she has ever done or will do for me.

I would like to thank my sister Jean for simply believing in me. She struggles to understand and feels remorse when she can’t support me when I ask. I rarely ask Thank youanything of her, just preferring her love. Usually, she is the first in line to help yet this past year, I asked her for something that was important to me. Much to my surprise, she didn’t know how to tell me that she couldn’t and it severely distressed and anguished her. Through her tears, I retracted my request. Our love for each other is more important.

Then there’s Leah. I don’t  remember how I found her yet this fine lady has found a way to boost my confidence and help me grow. She is putting me on the right path to being a successful writer. I’ve never met her but I almost think of her as family.

Then there are those who I consider my best friends these many years who wish to remain nameless in this forum. I look forward to spending time with them soon. One of these friends has been helping me develop my story-lines. Because of her generosity, she is now a recurring character in the next major novel I am writing. She’s a loving, spiritual person who is working hard on her latest business venture. I wish her much success and try to support her as best I can in this endeavor. Another friend is busy working on her upcoming marriage and I know she is there if I need her. I can’t wait to attend her wedding. It will be the highlight of the year.

I’m also thankful to my employer. Anything that needs to be done, I am willing to do. No problemo. I’ve been jobless and hungry before and I never want to experience that ever again.

Happy New Year stars streamers vectorAs I write this, I am realizing that there are many other people who have helped me throughout the past year. I am grateful and very appreciative to all. In my head, I hear the orchestra playing the ‘Get Off the Fucking Stage’ music as if I was giving a speech at an awards ceremony. You get the idea. So in closing, thank you one and all. I hope I get the chance to tell you in person the next time I see you.

Happy New Year! May 2016 be a great one.

To find out more about me and read my blogs, check out my website, RichardVerry.com.

2016 May it be a great one!

2016 scratched in sand2016 A great one to come?

You’ll note that the image I’ve used for this post is one where the year is scratched into the sand.

It’s beach sand and I wonder, will it be washed away from the surf, scraped away by some angry foot or harden and turn to stone for all eternity.

I wish that 2016 will be a superb year, filled with promise and hope for the future of our species. If anything, the past several years makes me wonder whether we as a species will be around a millennium from now. I wonder. There seems to be so much hate in the world, closed-minded people who insist that everyone believe and act as they do, whether we as a species can surmount these challenges and boldly move forward into the 21st century.

Girl with Santa hat in forestEven if we do survive to the 22nd and 23rd centuries, what will they say about our current period on this planet. I can’t help wonder that they would say “Just how the hell did the species survive?”

Mona and Honey live sometime in the next millennium, 35th century perhaps, and somehow, their community has figured out a way to accept each other for whom they are. They are opened minded enough to realize that all members of our species have something to contribute to society as a whole.

Let’s see if we can emulate their example and accept that each of us, have something to contribute to the global community.

If you have a greeting or a wish you wish to extend to someone, please feel free to share it here. I’ll be happy to repost it to all of my followers. In the meantime, may 2016 be a great one for you.

As 2015 winds down

Countdown to 2016As 2015 gives way to 2016

As the year 2015 winds down and as we prepare to welcome 2016, I plan on remembering both the good and the bad that happened in my life this past year.

If there is any one thing I’ve learned this past year, it’s that our failures as well as our successes that make me the person I am today. Those experiences will also shape the person I will become tomorrow.

As we celebrate this new year, it is my sincerest wish that our celebrations are done with love, compassion and fellowship with our neighbors, both near and far. Even if they live on the other side of the globe, we all deserve the respect of being who we are.

If you are looking for a New Year’s Resolution, I would offer you this one.

Find a way to accept your neighbor into your heart, regardless of their race, sex, nationality or religious belief.

Share a warm wish with a loved one.

Countdown to 2016Warm wishes

As we close 2015, I am thankful for many things. I have shared many of them with you already.

If you wish to share a warm wish, a greeting to a loved one or simply give thanks, leave a reply below.

I will repost all warm wishes to all of my followers. I look forward to reading them.

Have a happy new year.

Holidays in Mona’s Realm

HOLIDAYS AS THEY RELATE TO MY CHARACTERS

Are there holidays in Mona’s Realm?

Hot Chocolate Warmest HolidaysHolidays are completely different in Mona Bendarova’s world. Introduced in ‘The Taste of Honey’, Mona’s community comes together for monthly and quarterly celebrations. There are no holidays per se commemorating people, specific events or beliefs.

Monthly celebrations are more of a community gathering where people come together and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a time for revelry, entertainment, eating, drinking, and enjoying sex. Seed is spilled and deposited into willing recipients frequently at these celebrations. Most fertile women wake up the following morning happy and pregnant after a night of pleasure. For the rest, they are simply happy and most certainly satiated.

Quarterly celebrations on the other hand are bigger and more involved events. Generally, they follow the seasons, roughly scheduled around the Summer and Winter Solstices plus the Fall and Spring Equinoxes.

The Spring Equinox hails the coming growing season where the community plans to produce the bulk of their non-protein based food. The Summer Solstice salutes the height of the warm sun, long pleasant days and short warm nights. The Fall Equinox celebrates the harvest gathering, giving thanks for what the land has given them despite the atrocities it suffered in the past.

Winter Blonde in White Knit DressThe biggest celebration of the year is the Winter Solstice. This festivity focuses upon hope and joyful reunions for the coming year. It is denoted by enjoying the rich milky way of stars lighting the night skies, providing a backdrop for a magical time of year. The longest night of the year is celebrated by staying warm, enjoying each other’s bodies and conceiving the greatest diversity within the gene pool. Even conceptions in the breeding farms don’t distribute the gene pool as much as what happens at this celebration.

Therefore, celebrations are a holiday in a sense. They provide an opportunity to ensure the survival of the human species. It is a way to enjoy life yet most importantly, to preserve it.

Now, as I reflect upon these celebrations, I can’t help wish that our own holidays follow a similar scenario. Fun and revelry among friends and strangers where sharing joy, pleasure and seed is expected, world-wide? What’s not to like? Not that I expect to see it come to pass in my lifetime but I wonder what our lives might be like sharing similar celebrations. I firmly believe that we would be better off if we divorce ourselves from out petty differences, slice away the personal agendas and welcome our differences as opportunities to grow.

IDIC MedallionAs I write this, I am reminded of the concept ‘IDIC’ introduced by Gene Roddenberry in his original TV series, ‘Star Trek’. ‘IDIC’ stands for Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. I embrace this view of the world. I firmly believe we are better with our differences than without. Rather than homogenizing our species, it’s our differences that allow us to grow stronger.

What do you think? Can we all embrace our differences, enjoy our humanities and love our fellow-man? I do.

Please, share your thoughts with me. I welcome constructive view points, whether I agree with them or not. Perhaps one day, world-wide, we can celebrate a holiday of love, joy and pleasure.

Where do you write?

Patio table umbrella“Where do you write?”

This question was posed to me recently so I thought I would give it a stab. Everywhere, I suppose. I do remember that I started writing my initial books sitting on my deck in the middle of the summer.

Not exciting to most but I was able to soak up the sun at the same time. Sun worshiping weather is kind of rare in my area of the country. Glare on the screen hampered my ability to see the laptop so a deck umbrella was a necessary accessory.

Chocolate infused cappuccinoMoving indoors, I either sit in a chair in my living room or my studio with the game on or more likely, playing music in the background. Since I have a day job I may write while on lunch, often at a table at a nearby café. I’m used to typing while slowly munching on a sandwich or drinking a cup of coffee.

Portable ComputersThat’s the wonderful thing about today’s laptop computers and tablets. I can write almost anywhere, if I choose. I like utilizing any spare time to write including jotting down a chapter or two in the waiting room as my car was being serviced. I prefer the use of a laptop and tablets since I can later read what I wrote which is a big plus.

Mostly though, I write the bulk of my books sitting in a recliner in my bedroom. “Huh?”

Sunset sunriseWell, for me, my brain is constantly playing imagery in the background. It seems my best dialog comes to me at four in the morning while I’m half asleep. It is that sleep state between being fully awake and fully asleep where my mind floods itself with recollections of music, imagery and/or conversations. If you don’t experience it, consider yourself lucky. I might be jealous of you, though.

The dialog runs at super speeds in my semi-conscious state and if I am fortunate to realize it, I get out of bed, pick up my computer and begin furiously writing it all down before I forget it all. Trust me, if I wait until a decent hour, the scene and the dialog is lost forever. So, I’m up at four a.m., writing furiously and it often continues right on into mid-morning or later.

So, that’s how and where I write my books. How about you? Where do you write, paint or whatever you enjoy doing. Please write a comment and let me know. I would enjoy sharing common experiences with you. Thanks in advance for sharing.

The Day After

The Day After

Christmas girl delivering presentsAs I deal with the day after hangover and fatigue from celebrating the holiday I can’t help but reflect upon all the good cheer I saw and experienced these last two days.

Forget about the gifts people exchanged. They were all very nice and appreciated, not only by me but the members of my family and friends as well.

Rather, it was the fact that we were all together, sharing ourselves with each other. The bar took a major hit, that’s for sure and I certainly did my share of imbibing. The meal we prepared was a hit and everyone got their fill. From the snacks, appetizers, the main course, the deserts and the after dinner drinking, no one seemed to be wanting.

For me, while it was a lot of work to host this gathering, the day ended with a smile on my face, a lightness in my step and warmth in my gut. Taking care of the needs of my guests and family was a joy. Thank you to all who came and those that could not. Thoughts of you were in the forefront of my mind. Thank you one and all for a very pleasant time.

And yet, as I write this, I can’t help but think of those not so fortunate out there. I can’t imagine how it must be for those with no one to share the holiday with. I can’t fathom being alone, hungry and destitute. I know many who tried to help the less fortunate over these last few days. However, I am worried that many missed the opportunity for even the smallest spark of hope and cheer in their lives.

Come next month, will we even remember the good deeds that we did this last week? Will we remember to continue doing goods deeds for others? I am uncertain as to the answer to these questions. They will still be hungry and alone. It is my hope that we remember those less fortunate every month, every week and every day and continue to strive to help as we can. Can we do that? Can I do that? I hope I can. I hope you can too.

Her Client Trilogy, an editor’s viewpoint

0-Client-3DAn Editor’s Viewpoint

by Janet Maggio

After editing the novellas included in ‘Her Client Trilogy’ I found that I look forward to editing Richard Verry’s stories. I see first hand what a great author he is becoming, especially with character development.

As in any book, I like to define myself with one of the characters. ‘Her Client Trilogy’ was difficult for me. It identifies with one of my greatest fears against the female gender and it is so timely with what is happening in the world today, Human Trafficking.

I like reading and editing with Rich. Those sessions have created heated discussions and since Richard knows I am impatient, he keeps telling me to hang on and “you will feel better” after reading ‘Her Essentia’. I hate to admit it yet he was right! I do feel better.

I hope you enjoy the series too. Please read all three and I implore all women to get through them all. It is now available on his site, www.richardverry.com.

As I write this passage, I couldn’t help wonder what those of you who are contemplating on reading this trilogy but haven’t taken the plunge on what you think. I welcome your thoughts. Please post a comment on this blog and let me know what you think. I am looking forward to reading and commenting on them.

Merry Christmas

Girl with present at ChristmasMerry Christmas

On this day, around the world people are celebrating the holiday as is their custom in their native lands. I hope you remember the ones you are not with you on this special day. Whether they be protecting your country, on assignment helping to support their families or simply living afar, please send them your love. It’s the most precious gift one can give.

If you wish to share a holiday memory or send a message to a loved one, I welcome your comments. I’d be happy to share them with my followers.

Merry Christmas

Season’s Greetings

coffee at ChristmasSeason’s Greetings

Wishing you and yours the very best time in this holiday season.

I welcome your comments regarding your season’s memories or if you simply wish to share a season greetings to a loved one. I’ll be happy to share them with all of my followers.

 

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays in typewriterHappy Holidays

As I write another chapter for my next book, I am reminded just why we are all here on this planet. Contemplating just how Mona and Honey would approach this holiday, I can’t help wonder that ultimately, they would gather their respective families together, share fellowship, various stories of the past year of their dearly departed and they would welcome their newest members of their households.

They would also sit down together, share a meal, engage in conversation, seek out those they barely know and even enjoy each other, be it in fellowship, their bodies or simply, their common experiences.

We are a community. We are a global community. We all live together for the common goal and support of one another. I trust everyone on this planet feels the same way. I would love to hear your stories, your holiday memories and your wishes for the new year. I’d be happy to publish them here on this blog and share them with all my followers.

I hope that our own future is akin to their experiences. It is also my hope that our entire global community will celebrate the coming holiday with love and compassion for our fellow neighbor.

I look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, have a very Happy Holiday.

Weekly Update

Progress Update

I’ve decided to begin posting progress updates on my writings. I’ll try to do this weekly but you’ll forgive me if I miss a week.

‘Her Client Trilogy’

0-Client-3DSales are still going well. I find it interesting that sales seem to be split pretty evenly between North America and Europe. If anything, the nod goes to Europe. Thank you all for support. I’m working on a marketing plan to boost those numbers. Wish me luck.

‘Lucky Bitch’

Fishnet girl with belt in handAnother 3,000 words written. Progress is slow as I’ve been sick. Preparing to market the book continues.

The Breakup Upright Book‘The Breakup’

A new novel currently in editing. In the same genre as ‘Her Client’, I have high expectations with this novel. Due to the success of ‘Her Client’ I have written story lines for at least three more books. I can’t wait to get started on writing those.

Marketing Efforts

CreativWriter

I need visibility to my site and my works. I’ve hired Leah Hart of CreativWriter. So, here’s to the new year, full of confidence as I take the next step into the future. I’m excited.

Why? Because it’s all going to work out. Cheers!

Endless Repeat

golddustwoman-takeyoursilverspoonEndless Repeat

When I write or paint, I tend to put on music so that I can stay focused on what I’m doing. The other day I was discussing music with a friend of mine. It got me thinking.

I play ‘Gold Dust Woman’ by Fleetwood Mac on endless repeat for hours while I write or paint. While I like this song, it is not my favorite. It’s only when I sit in my studio and work that I will put this one on endless repeat. It’s my go to song to play when I want to get lost in my project. Perhaps it is the catchy tune, the driving beat or just something that soothes my thoughts. I just like it. Therefore the CD is always nearby and ready to play.

golddustwoman-stevienicksIt really doesn’t matter what the project is either. I could be sketching a rough draft, drawing a final composition, painting in oils and watercolors or writing chapter after chapter of my new book. The song somehow allows me to disappear into my project. Lost in the realm I’m creating, the words seem to flow effortlessly to the keyboard, the paint flows from my brush to the canvas and the pencils and pastels blend smoothly across the paper. I’m in Heaven, Valhalla or any place one associates with a perfect alternate reality.

gold dust womanHours later, I will emerge pleased with the progress I’ve made. After consuming food and drink, I come back and review my progress. I rarely find something that I want to touch up or change. I can only think that the trance I’m in somehow enhances the quality of my work.

After emerging, I am often surprised by how long I was gone, disappeared in this trance. And yes, I am in a trance. I recognize and welcome it. I am most annoyed when I am forced out of it by some external influence. “Sorry honey if I snapped at you. You’ll forgive me. Right?”

Time to get back to work. Now, where did that CD go now?

Mona’s love affair with Coffee

Tell me about Mona’s love affair with Coffee

Brunette in white drinking coffee outdoorsMona doesn’t just love coffee. She has an intimate relationship with it. She drinks it because she enjoys the flavor and aroma. However, her love affair with the brew goes much deeper than that.

Mona drinks coffee because of how it makes her feel.

To Mona,the first cup of the day, is extraordinary. The ritual of preparing the cup is akin to foreplay. Her senses become heightened. Her body heats up. Her mind is already anticipating an explosion of smells, tastes and pleasures.Colombian coffee

She prefers preparing the first cup of the day herself. Brewing of the coffee and pre-warming the cup is a ritual foreplay in preparing her aphrodisiac. Yes, to her, the first cup is an aphrodisiac. Just thinking about it gets her wet with anticipation.

Once the brew is ready and the cup warmed, she pours the dark liquid, inhaling the aromas as it splashes about in her favorite cup. Leaning over, Mona loves to just wallow in the rising fragrances tickling her nose with anticipation of that first sip.

coffee latteAdding just a bit of sugar-free vanilla and cream to the coffee, the delicate scents change and the foreplay of anticipation grows. Now the cup is ready and her body is demanding the satisfying pleasure it knows is coming.

Mona prefers to take that cup over to the windows overlooking her home, adding pleasant visions to the dance of foreplay. Continuing to breathe in the pleasant aromas wafting up to her nostrils, she gathers in the sights of the new day, the shining sun inviting her to gaze upon the wonder of her world.

Finally, with almost agonizingly slowness, she lifts the cup closer to her mouth. Pausing to take yet another deep breath of the fragrance, her body gushes with anticipation and moisture fills her core expecting the imminent orgasmic pleasure of the coffee.

heart of coffee beansAs the cup finally touches her lips, her body responds, begging for relief. After a pause, forcing it to wait yet again, the liquid finally washes over her tongue. Pleasure explodes in her mouth and throughout her core. Closing her eyes, Mona focuses her mind and body on the hot liquid teasing her taste buds, radiating pleasure up and down her spine.

Anyone blessed with observing this ritual knows that she seems to lose herself and become one with the coffee. Disappearing right in front of their eyes, lost in pleasure, it’s easy to see that she is lost to them for the time being.

This first cup of the day is always the best. After this first one, the rest are just not quite the same. It’s this first one that starts her day off right. While subsequent cups are pleasurable, none stand up to the experience of the first cup.

The best part is, that she can repeat the experience the very next day.

Free Pass

Free Pass

What would you do if you had a free pass?

Can you just be with one person or if you have the chance to have a free pass, would you take it? Most of our contemporaries are comfortable being in a monogamous relationship. Our culture dictates that as the norm but could it be different in another world? What if it was acceptable in that culture?

Bette Midler interviewMy partner and I have had discussions about this and we have given each other a free pass. It appears unlikely either will be used yet that is why we have a mind to fantasize, to ask ourselves, what if?

For me, it’s Bette Midler. I find her fun, bawdy and an interesting free spirit. Bette however, as free-spirited she is, has been in a committed monogamous relationship far longer than I have been.

Ah, it’s fun to dream and fantasize.

Bette Midler mermaid on pianoIn the books, ‘The Taste of Honey’ and ‘Broken Steele’ , Mona has no such constraints. She lives in an environment that is open-minded and sexual activity is about enjoying each others bodies and desires. The community believes in a culture of no restrictions when it comes to enjoying the joys of life.

Open liaisons are common in Mona’s world and it’s not unusual for such activity to occur during a business meeting or a social gathering.  Her family and community are people who know how to enjoy sex and may use it for more than simple fun. They see it as a fantastic way to ease stress and tension or to cure illness and similar maladies.

I do think about the differences in the two worlds. I enjoy and love being in a committed relationship yet I do admit the thought of a free pass makes me think more of Mona’s world. I would love to live in a world of open sexuality where it is considered normal without judgement. Both cultures have their pluses and minuses.

What do you think? I encourage you to chime in on the discussion.

Be sure to look for ‘Lucky Bitch’

woman with two floggers‘Lucky Bitch’

Be sure to look for the latest book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures.

Due out early 2016, Mona’s story continues right after the end of ‘Broken Steele’ when she takes possession of the Mastery of her own House. She struggles and has to do deal with various issues, including a prevalent distrust by her own household members as well as the community at large.

The distrust stems from the simple fact that she is a woman. She is a woman who has risen to powerful position in a world where the female gender serves in a subservient role. It can be compared to a woman here, in the United States, achieving the highest public office. It’s just not widely acceptable. Therefore, it makes sense that the women of her own house are uncertain whether they like the idea of her new role.

40959834_s-cup of coffee on the table in coffee shop vintage styleIn the early months of her ascension to Mastery of her own House, she deals with redefining her house and what it offers the community. Distrusted by her community, family, sabotage, she is the victim of terrorism when several of her household are brutally murdered for simply talking to her one pleasant afternoon.

Mona is stronger as a result but questions her decision as to whether she made a good choice.

Be sure to read this follow-up book that drives right to the heart of some of our problems that we are experiencing today. I’m looking forward to finish writing it. I want to find out, like you the reader, how she fares in a new world where she is the one everyone looks to and everyone distrusts simply for being a woman in power.

Her Client Trilogy, an editor’s viewpoint

0-Client-3DAn Editor’s Viewpoint

by Janet Maggio

After editing the novellas included in ‘Her Client Trilogy’ I found that I look forward to editing Richard Verry’s stories. I see first hand what a great author he is becoming, especially with character development.

As in any book, I like to define myself with one of the characters. ‘Her Client Trilogy’ was difficult for me. It identifies with one of my greatest fears against the female gender and it is so timely with what is happening in the world today, Human Trafficking.

I like reading and editing with Rich. Those sessions have created heated discussions and since Richard knows I am impatient, he keeps telling me to hang on and “you will feel better” after reading ‘Her Essentia’. I hate to admit it yet he was right! I do feel better.

I hope you enjoy the series too. Please read all three and I implore all women to get through them all.

It is now available on his site, www.richardverry.com.

What inspired you to write?

11059592_sWhat inspired you to write?

Hmmmm … I suppose I’ve been writing in one form or another all my life. I remember writing short stories as a kid. I remember one story I wrote that later became a motion picture but that is another story in of itself.

Later, as an adult, I chose a career where I would write code for programs. I even got recruited by a company because I reverse engineered their software and began writing programs against their platform. They were so impressed, I got an upgraded job.

Writing programs exercised my creativity as well as the logical sides of my brain for decades. It was enough to figure out what to write and deliver a product that many people used each and every day. I got paid to do it yet there was never a question or an interest in receiving residuals for the work!

10392256_s-Creative definition pointed out by pencilJump ahead to the later part of my life and I was becoming increasingly anxious to create something other than computer code. I picked up pencil and paper and rediscovered drawing. Picking up paint and brushes, I rediscovered painting. For a while, I thought about trying to market my creative works. I was quickly frustrated by the process and abandoned my feeble marketing efforts. I still draw and paint but I do it for the love of the craft.

Frustrated by not being able to capture the imagery in my head fast enough, I dabbled with writing. Eventually, I stumbled upon an idea that really excited me. So, I wrote and wrote. Over time I must admit but I was determined to finish the story.

When I shared the finished product with friends, I was astounded by the response. They demanded that I publish it and continue writing.

So, now I’m working on a new career. One in which I do part-time now and will devote full-time after I retire from business. I enjoy writing and if I make money doing something I love, wow!  Who is to say that someone might even like it enough to sign me to a movie deal? Wouldn’t that be cool?

What inspires you to do what you love?

Weekly Update

Progress Update

I’ve decided to begin posting progress updates on my writings. I’ll try to do this weekly but you’ll forgive me if I miss a week.

Her Client Trilogy book cover 3D

‘Her Client Trilogy’

Sales of my new series, the ‘Her Client Trilogy’ are going very well. For a relatively new author, I am ecstatic. 45 copies in 7 days, mostly from U.S. and Europe but in other areas of the world as well.

Thank you all for support. I’m working on a marketing plan to boost those numbers. Wish me luck.

 

Fishnet girl with belt in hand‘Lucky Bitch’

55,000 words written to date. Great progress, a bunch to go. I can’t wait to find out how it all turns out. I hope to write at least 5,000 words a week, more if I can. A modest goal to be sure but I expect that the holiday season will definitely impact my ability to write. Marketing efforts are slowing the progress with the novel but as long as I am writing, I don’t care. It’ll be out within the next couple of months. I hope you’ll look for it.

 

The Breakup Upright Book‘The Breakup’

A new novel currently in editing. In the same genre as ‘Her Client’, I have high expectations with this novel. Due to the success of ‘Her Client’ I have written storylines for at least three more books. I can’t wait to get started on writing those.

 

Marketing Efforts

CreativWriter

I need visibility to my site and my works. To do that, I need to raise awareness. Since I know little of marketing, I’ve realized that I need professional help. Just as one hires a moving company to pack up one’s stuff and move it to a new home, I need to do the same thing. Therefore, I’ve decided to boost my marketing efforts but hiring a publicist.

It’s a risk. I know. I don’t want to throw hard-earned money after a bad marketing plan. The past few months, I’ve been investigating whom to hire. There are a lot of unknowns out there. To help figure it out, I’ve been testing the waters.

Now, I’ve decided what to do. I’m hiring Leah Hart of CreativWriter.

Update 10/2016: Leah Hart appears to be out of business. None of her websites are active and her social accounts, at least the ones I know of, are all inactive.

I originally started small with her. I hired her to boost my Twitter followers. I instantly went from a handful of followers to over six thousand in just six weeks. I then hired her to redesign my web site and build an e-commerce presence. Done and done. It’s time to take it the next step.

So, here’s to the new year, full of confidence as I take the next step into the future. I’m excited. Why? Because it’s all going to work out. Cheers!

What aspect of the book will women love in the Mona Bendarova Adventures?

Broken Steele Spine Cover 6x9What aspect of the book will women love in the Mona Bendarova Adventures?

I think that women, reflecting on what they just read, will love the idea that they have all the power within the society I’ve created. They outnumber men, sixty six men for every million women. It may seem lopsided yet with numbers like that, how could the gender not be a power house to contend with. It is they that have the control over their own destinies. They may not know it and the reader may not get that sense while reading the initial book, ‘The Taste of Honey’ yet as they continue to read the subsequent books, ‘Broken Steele’ and ‘Lucky Bitch’, it becomes obvious that the women have the power and are in control of their destinies.

small of back with jeansThere’s no sickness, racism, sexism nor prejudice, immorality or desire to take what is not there’s. There may be the occasional aberration but that just supplies the necessary conflict to make a story worth reading.

Everyone enjoys each others bodies. To them, enjoying sex is a natural and healthy activity. Both genders like to play together. They find suitable activities that give each what the other needs. They are not selfish, self-centered nor unfeeling towards others. Therefore, fighting among themselves is non-existent. Men are mostly nurturing to those under their houses and take their responsibilities seriously. All women, in all societies, crave those characteristics.

Everyone knows what is expected of them. No one shirks their duties. No one runs from their responsibilities.

The practices that some of the female readers may consider foreign or even gruesome need to consider that in the universe I created in these books, the female gender do it out of caring for their house and their community.

Everyone is healthy and life goes on.

A Woman Reader’s Perspective on ‘Her Essentia’

3-Her-Essentia-3DFrom a reader regarding ‘Her Essentia’

Revenge is seen as a negative characteristic yet I was cheering for Jolene in the third story, ‘Her Essentia’. Again, as I finished the story, I needed time to reflect on what I read and think beyond the applause of Jolene getting revenge on her “takers”.

I believe the experience she went through changed her persona. The nice, friendly woman became a killer and maybe even a vigilante if the author, Richard Verry continues Jolene’s story. Once I thought of those ramifications for Jolene, it made me feel sorry for her as well as feel a sense of loss. A loss in the sense that her resurrection may have created a new monster. Poor Jolene, we will never know really how this experience changes her world.

I am happy that she got revenge for the torture she endured and hope killing her attackers will give her some peace in her new world.

Janet Maggio

‘Her Client’, a woman reader’s perspective

1-Her-Client-3DFrom a reader regarding ‘Her Client’

A lesson was learned when reading ‘Her Client’ than just the terror and fright I felt. Now that I completed the series, I can reflect on a small part of the initial novella. It is the knowledge of making each person I meet to feel special and to take the time to make that happen.

I am not saying if Jolene did that, it might have prevented her subsequent torture. I am just referring to myself and saying I need to stop and take the time to make my family, friends, co-workers and the consumers I come in contact with every day to feel special from our interaction.

I know it is harder than just writing these words and we all have days like Jolene. We all feel we are busy and we just want to go home, make a drink or have a good soak. Yet, the point Jolene and I need to understand is that everyone is important.

I need to make my clients feel special even when I want to leave the office and go home like Jolene. Money may not be lost in my business like in Jolene’s case yet for all our clients they need to know they are being heard and how they feel matters.

Janet Maggio

Lucky Bitch

woman holding flogger behind neckLucky Bitch

With all of the posts of late regarding ‘The Taste of Honey’ and my new series, I would be remiss in mentioning that the third book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures, ‘Lucky Bitch’ will be coming out early next year.

Mona’s story continues right after the end of ‘Broken Steele’ when she takes possession of the Mastery of her own House. She struggles and has to do deal with various issues, including a prevalent distrust by her own household members as well as the community at large.

The distrust stems from the simple fact that she is a woman. She is a woman who has risen to a position of power in a world where the female gender serves in a subservient role. It can be compared to a woman here, in the United States, achieving the highest public office. It’s just not widely acceptable. Therefore, it makes sense that the women of her own house are uncertain whether they like the idea of her new role.

25758923_s-coffee cups and natural beans and nutsIn the early months of her ascension to Mastery of her House, she has to deal with revamping the services her house offers the community. There is distrust by her community, family, sabotage and even terrorism when several of her household are brutally murdered for simply talking to her one pleasant afternoon.

Mona becomes stronger as a result but still has to deal with uncertainties in her own mind as to whether she made the right decision.

Be sure to read this follow-up book that drives right to the heart of some of our problems that we are experiencing today. I’m looking forward to finish writing it. I want to find out, like you the reader, how she fares in a new world where she is the one everyone looks to and everyone distrusts simply for being a woman in power.

Her Client Trilogy, an editor’s viewpoint

0-Client-3DAn Editor’s Viewpoint

by Janet Maggio

I just completed editing the novellas included in ‘Her Client Trilogy’. I look forward to editing Richard Verry’s writings since I see first hand what a great author he is becoming, especially with character development. As in any book, I like to define myself with one of the characters. ‘Her Client Trilogy’ was difficult for me. It identifies with one of my greatest fears against the female gender and it is so timely with what is happening in the world today, Human Trafficking.

I like reading and editing with Rich. Those sessions have created heated discussions and since Richard knows I am impatient, he keeps telling me to hang on and “you will feel better” after reading ‘Her Essentia’. I hate to admit it yet he was right! I do feel better.

I hope you enjoy the series too. Please read all three and I implore all women to get through them all.

It is now available on his site, www.richardverry.com.

I’m Ecstatic

Her Client Trilogy book cover 3D
Her Client Trilogy

I’m ecstatic!

My latest books, all part of the ‘Her Client Trilogy’ published just this past weekend is off to a great start. They are selling well. The books are:

  1. Her Client : Don’t Ignore your Clients
  2. Her Overseer : Don’t Piss off your Owner
  3. Her Essentia : Make sure She stays Dead

So, thank you to everyone who has purchased the books or even read the previews. I’m very happy that you have chosen to be introduced to my stories. I hope more people will read the previews and then enjoy reading all three novellas.

They are available right here on my site, richardverry.com as well as Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iBook and many other eBook distributors. If you are so inclined, please post a review at the site of purchase. I would love to hear your thoughts and reactions to my writings.

buy now from amazon yellow small images

Be sure to read this new trilogy by Richard Verry.

Synopsis

Meet Jolene, an attractive account executive who manages numerous accounts for a number of high maintenance clients. On one particular day, she is unable to personally return calls from many of her clients. Exhausted, she leaves the office with every intent to follow-up first thing in the morning.

One client in particular is livid that he never got a return call. What happens next is the client’s response as he puts into action his plan of revenge and compensation.

Follow Jolene as she is trapped and punished for simply being who she is. She suffers unimaginable acts of violence and torment before finding a way out of her situation.

This trilogy is a dark, gritty, realistic depiction of the darker side of human depravity. It contains criminal scenes of sexual assault, violence, bondage, brutality, sadism and strong language.

It is not suitable for readers under the age of 18 or who are offended by realistic dark topics. It is part erotica and part suspense thriller.

Why does Honey want to be live roasted?

The Taste of HoneyWhy does Honey want to be live roasted?

I can only document some of her reasons. Honey explains it best in her first biography ‘The Taste of Honey’. I can tell you from what the author Richard Verry wrote that she firmly believes she will live on in the lives and bodies of those that consume her meat. But to do so requires much more than a simple conversion and consumption. For the author, who wrote her words, it has to be done in the proper way.

To Honey, this means that in order for her spirit to be transferred properly, it has to be sealed inside her meat and then consumed as quickly as possible after roasting. In order for that to happen, she has to be roasted alive.

Spinning and roasting on a rotisserie spit from Honey’s perspective happens all the time. This is a hard concept for a reader to grasp, yet the author conveys Honey’s thoughts and feelings so eloquently that the reader ends up rooting for her.

Honey’s deep rooted spiritualism takes it a step further. She not only wants to live on forever in her family, she believes she needs to. She believes it so deeply that she has spent years convincing her Master and even Mona that this is something she wants to do.

So, in order to achieve her goals, she arranges to be spitted and live roasted at a celebration celebrating her contribution to her house and community. It’s a special occasion and many of those in attendance do not understand the significance of what Honey wants to do. In fact, many just think it’s just another one of the monthly barbecue roasts where several sows are roasted and served to the gathered.

To Honey though, the affair and her roasting is everything. Determined to succeed, it is her love for Master Lee, her family and close friends that drives her to her final destiny.

What was YOUR favorite part of ‘The Taste of Honey’?

The Taste of HoneyWhat was YOUR favorite part of the book?

There are many favorite parts. They include among many, Mona’s dungeon play with Master Charles, the execution scene of Honey’s perpetrator, Mona’s investigation into Honey’s disappearance, Mona’s budding relationship with Renée and Honey’s final scene as she is preparing for her live roasting.

As I look back at each scene and how I felt when I wrote them, I realized that it was Honey’s roasting scene that was my favorite part. While the sex and her spitting is graphic, it was the love story that developed out of it that really captured my interest.

I wrote it from the first person perspective so that the reader would connect with Honey and accept her decision for a live roasting.

What I really liked about the scene is that you’re inside her head, experiencing what she experiences. You feel her final hours as she has her final sex with her Master, loving him as he discovers that he, in fact, loves her also. You, as the reader, experience the spit pushing into her sex, traveling through her body and exiting out her mouth. Ewe! You are right there with Honey as they gut her insides. You see what she sees as she is carried over to the fire pit and begins to roast. Through her eyes, you see her family and friends looking on, before she succumbs to the heat of the fire.

010-ReflectionsBWWhat I really liked about this scene is how I felt as I wrote it. When I started the writing the scene, my mind seemed to divorce itself from my body. My fingers flew over the keyboard. As the scene developed, I got wrapped up in her character. I felt for her. For awhile, I became her.

Ultimately, the scene defines the love relationship between Honey, her Master, her family and her closest friends, including Mona. Her spirituality is so strong that no one can divert her from this course. Even her own Master has told her over and over again that she did not need to do this. In this moment, he realizes that he loves and needs her. He needs her in his life and doesn’t want her to roast.

Honey, however, believes that she has a higher calling. Honey believes that her actions will help save them. She believes that her decision will allow her to live forever in him and her loved ones. As a result, they will live healthier and happier lives.

So, for those and for many other reasons, that is my favorite part of the book. What’s yours?

How did you come up with the Mona character?

The Taste of HoneyHow did you come up with the Mona character?

When I finally figured out the title of the story ‘The Taste of Honey’, I knew how I wanted the story to end. Honey was a main character who wanted to live forever in her family and close friends. In her mind, for whatever reason, she firmly believed that her spirit could only continue on through a live roasting on a barbecue spit. Gruesome, I know, but in Honey’s universe, it’s a common practice among the community.

Knowing how the story was to end, I needed to create characters with whom Honey would share her meat. As I thought about how Honey would meet her end, I needed an avenue to get there. So, I hit upon the idea that she goes missing and someone hired to go find her.

BeautyIntroduce the investigator, Mona. Since my universe incorporated pervasive bdsm play, I decided that this character would be a masochist who enjoyed extreme play. So, her first name became Mona. Mona would be a play on the sound ‘moan’, which she would do a lot during her play.

To come up with her surname, I wanted her name to reflect her sexuality. Eventually, I came to the concept of ‘bend her over’.With a hidden message decided, I contracted it to Bendarova. To date, only one person I know has made this relate and called me on it. She smiled as she told me.

That’s how Mona Bendarova came into existence. She’s a smart, masochistic investigator who loves sex. Who’s your favorite character?

How did you come up with the title ‘The Taste of Honey’?

The Taste of HoneyHow did you come up with the title? Did the title come first or did the story?

For months, I had a concept of what I wanted to write. I had developed the idea of a future history of the human race dependent upon consuming themselves to survive. Originally, I had thought at it would be the result of a devastating war that put the species on the brink of extinction. It wasn’t until later, that I came up with the GMO angle running wild, systematically wiping out all protein based biologically life on the planet.

Yet that didn’t help me decide on a specific story line. I wanted a story in which I would highlight a main character who would by the end, decide to be live roasted and her meat consumed by her family and close friends. I wanted the live roasting to be the character’s choice and not forced upon the character. Further, I wanted the other main characters to feel comfortable with consuming the meat of one who had been one of their own. I struggled over months to find a way to carry out that goal.

In that time, I wrote draft after draft but none of them spoke to me. Then one day, while sitting on my deck, enjoying roasting under the summer afternoon sun, the phrase ‘The Taste of Honey’ hit me. It was a eureka moment. As I reflected upon the phrase, I decided immediately that it would be the title of the story.

Blonde with open back tshirt facing wallNow, at that time, I wasn’t even thinking about publishing the story. I just wanted to write it. Now that I had a title, the rest of the story came together in a flash. Within minutes, I was furiously writing notes, capturing thoughts and ideas before they flashed out of existence. For me, it was a race to document the ideas, never mind whether I would use them all.


A couple of hours later, I had a clear concept of what I wanted to write and I began writing anew. Honey was not only to be the subject of the title but she would be a main character in the story.

It was a journey of self discovery, of retrospection and of desire. Desire in the sense of curiosity of seeing the story come to its conclusion. I knew what I wanted to write but I wanted to see it written on paper. The story took on a life of its own and before I knew it, it was no longer a short story but a full length novel.

An Editor’s Viewpoint

An Editor’s Viewpoint

by Janet Maggio

I just completed editing the novellas included in ‘Her Client Trilogy’. I look forward to editing Richard Verry’s writings since I see first hand what a great author he is becoming, especially with character development. As in any book, I like to define myself with one of the characters. ‘Her Client Trilogy’ was difficult for me. It identifies with one of my greatest fears against the female gender and it is so timely with what is happening in the world today, Human Trafficking.

I like reading and editing with Rich. Those sessions have created heated discussions and since Richard knows I am impatient, he keeps telling me to hang on and “you will feel better” after reading ‘Her Essentia’. I hate to admit it yet he was right! I do feel better.

I hope you enjoy the series too. Please read all three and I implore all women to get through them all.

It is now available on his site, www.richardverry.com.

Her Client Trilogy, a new series coming soon

0-Client-3DYesterday, a guest blogger referenced her experiences with editing my lasted series of books, ‘Her Client Trilogy’. I haven’t written much about this series but I can tell you this, its raw, dark even disturbing. The series will be released with in the next few days. I hope you will look for it.

When I started writing the first book in the series, I had only a general idea of what I wanted to write. However, as the chapters flew by, it took on a life of its own.

The first book in the series, ‘Her Client’ introduces Jolene, an account executive who over sees the accounts of perhaps way too many clients. On one particular day, she is so overloaded with dealing with the issues of her clients that she is unable to personally return a call from many of her clients.

1-Her-Client-3DOne in particular seemed to be quite insistent and in the end, the work day expired without being able to return his call. What happens next is what this client does in response.

What happens when you ignore a client?
What happens when they lose a ton of money as a result?
They want compensation.
They want their money back.
They want payback.

Jolene must compensate the client.
Her story is gritty and brutal.
Her experience is cruel and sadistic.
It is terrifying and never, ever ending.

2-Her-Overseer-3DThe second book, ‘Her Oversees’ in the series follows her story as she continues to deal with the events of that long hard day.

What happens when you piss off your owner?
What happens when you disrespect your owner?
What happens when you disobey your owner?
They punish you.
They enjoy punishing you.
They enjoy hearing you scream.

Jolene must suffer the punishment of her owner.
Jolene delivers scream after harrowing scream,
Jolene begs to be let go, to let her go home.
Jolene plans her own revenge.
Jolene plans to kill her owner before he kills her.
3-Her-Essentia-3D
The third book ‘Her Essentia’ in the series takes an unexpected twist. We follows her story as she finally responds to the torment she suffered.

Her story is gritty and brutal.
Her torment is cruel and it is sadistic.
It is terrifying and it is never, ever ending.

What happened to her could happen to anyone.
It could happen to you.

I hope you read Jolene’s story. Whether you enjoy it or not, I hope it raises awareness of what can happen, to you or anyone. I welcome constructive comments and I will be happy to respond to all reasonable questions.

I wrote it simply to take my mind off a different story line for a short time. I needed a distraction and this story provided it. However, as the story developed, it took on a dark, twisted and sadistic slant.

I hadn’t intended to make it so but that’s how it came out. It’s a better story for it. Just to be clear, I do not subscribe to the scenes presented in this story.

This book is intended for adult mature audiences only.

This book is a dark, gritty, realistic depiction of the darker side of human depravity. It contains criminal scenes of sexual assault, violence, bondage, brutality, sadism and strong language. This book is not suitable to readers under the age of 18 or who are offended by realistic dark topics.
It is part erotica and part suspense thriller. Read it with an open mind or don’t read it at all.

An Editor’s Viewpoint

An Editor’s Viewpoint

by Janet Maggio

woman with shackled legs sideI just completed editing the novellas included in ‘The Client Series’. I look forward to editing Richard Verry’s writings since I see first hand what a great author he is becoming, especially with character development. As in any book, I like to define myself with one of the characters. ‘The Client Series’ was difficult for me. It identifies with one of my greatest fears against the female gender and it is so timely with what is happening in the world today, Human Trafficking.

I like reading and editing with Rich. Those sessions have created heated discussions and since Richard knows I am impatient, he keeps telling me to hang on and “you will feel better” after reading ‘Her Essentia’. I hate to admit it yet he was right! I do feel better.

I hope you enjoy the series too. Please read all three and I implore all women to get through them all.

It will soon be available on his site, www.richardverry.com.

Inspirational Authors

Inspirational Authors

I woke up this morning with thinking about my early days of reading. They started out when I was about seven years old. I read lots of YA books in those days, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew (yep her too), Tom Swift are some of my more memorable books. I grew from those quickly and looked for more interesting stories. I soon discovered authors Arthur C. Clark and Isaac Asimov.

Robert A HeinleinIt was when I discovered Robert A. Heinlein that I found my favorite author of all time. My very first book of his that I read was ‘Methuselah’s Children’. I was immediately hooked. I still have that particular 1958 edition in my library. It’s been republished over and over since it was first written in 1941.

Methuseulah's Children 1958 book cover‘Methuselah’s Children’ was Heinlein’s early stories into what became his ‘Future Histories’ books. Over the decades, this author managed to weave many of his other books into the ‘Future Histories’ line.

It was his character, Lazarus Long and his many incarnations, that really captured my interest. He was a ruthless yet caring character who could live, love and protect his family and friends. His story lines are filled with polyamorous love and sex of various flavors and experiences. Lazarus Long was a loaner and a family man. He was a father, a son, a husband, a widower, a soldier, a tradesman, a lover and a sinner. Deep down, he was a pacifist but would ruthlessly act to protect the worthy and the needy. He loved life and abhorred violence for violence sake.

As I read everything I could find, I was enamored with his books. I couldn’t get enough of Robert A. Heinlein. I was saddened when he died.

As I think about those days, reading his stories, I now realize that Heinlein helped shape me to be the person I am today. Instinctively, I’ve always known that about him. Now I understand it.

Who is the person that most influenced you in becoming who you are? I would enjoy reading your comments on my site www.richardverry.com.

Who is Renée?

Renée is through and through a submissive. She has little drive to direct the course of her own life and would rather live the path others have set for her. However, when assigned a task, she is relentless in doing her best work. She allows nothing to stand in her way with achieving her goal. I know many people, men and women alike, who are very much like her. You may know someone too.

As a submissive, she looks to her Master and his delegates for direction in all things. She firmly believes in that authority that includes all aspects of her life, even if it includes her conversion. Ready, willing and able to serve, she does so with enthusiasm and wonderment. She tends to see the good in life though she knows that not everything is perfect. She just chooses not to deal with the bad things.

She is young but has managed to rise in the ranks to 5th year standing within her house. She is smart and knows how to manage assets and categorize data. She is a whiz with a data terminal and can usually look up the answer to virtually any question that is stored somewhere in one of the voluminous databases available to her.

She is a 46.7kg (103 lb) with a small petite frame. She has short black hair and medium-sized breasts with well-rounded ‘C’ cups and perky dark nipples. Due to her small frame, she appears to have a narrower waist and larger hips than one would expect.

She likes to wear high heel stiletto shoes. She can never have too many. Having worn them since a younglings, her feet have evolved to take the shape of wearing heels, even when she is barefoot. She tends to walk on the balls of her feet and her heels automatically elevate off the floor.

Since meeting Mona, she has discovered an ability to research data and draw conclusions from her research. She is also an excellent administrator, capable of overseeing the running of a house. Her duties as a House Hostess give her access to knowing at all times what might be going on within her house. This enables her to deal with issues or problems as they arise. These talents will prove useful to her in the future.

If you are curious and want to learn more about Renee, I invite you to read the book, ‘The Taste of Honey’. I look forward to reading your comments.

How I came to write ‘The Taste of Honey’ (part 2)

With a title, I had a really rough idea of how I wanted the story to go. At the time, I wasn’t thinking I would publish it but I want to write a fresh and new story. As I researched the story idea, I found little that someone else hadn’t already written about my idea. Great! Time to get writing in earnest.

So, with a title and a rough, and I mean really rough, concept, I began writing. No outline, no framework that existed except in my head. As the stories developed, I wrote draft after draft refining it as I went along. I wrote a future history and an encyclopedia of the rules and concepts of the universe I was creating. Over the years, the drafts and the supporting material got more and more refined.

This process went on for two years. During that time, I didn’t tell anyone that I was writing a full length novel. As the months went by, I would pick it up and work on it. At other times, weeks would go by without even thinking about it. Six months before I finished it, I resolved myself to work harder at it. Diligently, I would write a chapter a day or so. Then, a funny thing happened.

I started waking up at four in the morning with awesome dialog running through my head of this scene or that one. Like the imagery that invades my thoughts, the dialog my half asleep mind developed was perfect. Instead of trying to fall back asleep, I would get up and write for a couple of hours. On weekends, I would write well into mid-morning.

My lady-love would wake up and begin talking to me and I’d ask her to hang on until I finished my thought. At times she’d be okay and at other times, not. Oops! Not good. But the unwritten dialog was just too good to interrupt. I had to capture it and I beg forgiveness and kept on writing.

Then, while on a trip to Florida, I did a final push and finished the book. That’s when I involved my girlfriend and other friends, editing it again and again. They all told me, “Rich, you need to publish this. It’s too good not to.”

So, I published it and immediately began writing in earnest, driving myself to continue Mona and Honey’s story. Four months later, I released the sequel ‘Broken Steele’. I’ll tell you about how that came to be written in a future blog.

How I came to write ‘The Taste of Honey’ (part 1)

I wrote ‘The Taste of Honey’ at a time in my life when I was bored with painting and was taking a break. That’s about the time I stepped up my reading, voraciously consuming book after book.

At the same time, my brain kept intruding my thoughts with imagery and scenarios that I captured with my drawings and paintings. I couldn’t capture them fast enough and so many slipped away.

Taking a break from drawing and painting, I started browsing the net for anything that might interest me.  I was reviewing the things I used to do as a young man and realized that I used to write stories. Keeping that in mind as I browsed the net, I stumbled upon a series of adult graphic stories that I absolutely loved. As I devoured them, I thought, I can write this, too. I began by keeping a running dialog in my mind of possible topics.

Whenever I thought of a fresh story idea, I would research the subject and usually found that many people had already written and published a story that was too similar to my idea. So … I went back and kept looking.

Somewhere along the way, the title ‘The Taste of Honey’ jumped into my head. I had the title, now I just needed the story! As I thought more about the title, the story started to materialize. I don’t know how other authors do this, but this is how I did it. I would enjoy reading about various methods used so feel free to share.

More to come tomorrow. Please join me then.

Please check out ‘The Taste of Honey’. The first chapter is available for free on this site as well as on Amazon and other e-book retailers. ‘The Taste of Honey’ is available right now on this website as well as Amazon and other book online retailers.

Who is Lee Marks?

Lee Marks is also a master of his own estate. In a feudal like community of large, sprawling estates, he oversees an average estate of sows and bitches, much smaller than the Bendarova estate.

Honey and Kristin have been his favorite bed-mates for the past year. He tends to supplement his favorites in bed with a regular rotation of several others from his stables. It is not unusual that he retires with three or more from his household at night. Frankly, he enjoys the competition from his bed-mates as they attempt to out do each other in pleasing him.

A younger man, he has still managed to make an impression upon the rest of the community.  He has the distinct honor of being the youngest ever to have an executive seat on the council at Club Lothario. The pressure to do well is overwhelming at times yet he seems to be capable of handling the stress of the position.

He meets his obligations to the community. He supplies his quota of fresh meat and makes his rounds of the breeding centers as per custom within the community. He also enjoys spirited competition at the auctions, games and celebrations. He is an avid fan of the monthly barbecue roasts held at the Club.

He is generous in his sponsorship of the community celebrations. His constant variety of different entertainment segments are always a hit with the community members. There is never a shortage of food, beverage or attendants to offer the celebrants. It is not unheard of that celebrations last well into the next day when he sponsors them.

His passion though, is hunting. He has become a fervent hunter and has several times taken home the top prize. As Master of his own house, he proudly mounts and displays his trophies in his trophy room. He likes to share the display to his guests but rarely gloats over his accomplishments. He is mindful of comparing his wins against theirs. To other hunters around the community, he is the hunter to beat.

If you are curious and want to learn more about Lee, I invite you to read the book, ‘The Taste of Honey’. I look forward to reading your comments.

Who is Charles Bendarova?

Charles Bendarova is a man who has many facets.

Charles is the master of his own household. In a feudal like community of large sprawling estates, he maintains one of the largest when compared to others within the community. His stable consists of hundreds of sows and bitches. He feels responsible for each of them. He recognizes having that responsibility comes with making the hard decision(s) that will benefit his own interest(s) as well as his household. If that means condemning an individual for the good of his estate, so be it!

He is comfortable in his position and expects one day that he will become Chairman of the community ruling body, Club Lothario. Currently, he maintains a position on the executive committee where his opinions are held in high regard in resolving disputes and promoting the strategic direction of the community.

Charles is a tall, dark-haired male in his late forties with broad shoulders who is the epitome of the species. He is a sadist at his core but he is also a nurturing father figure to his stable stock. He prefers mentoring and guiding rather than directing. Others, however usually take his opinion and suggestions as directives due to his standing within the community. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of you may know someone like him. 

Like all males within the community, he maintains an entourage of attendants who take care of his every need, sexual and otherwise. He also ensures his guests have their own attendants from his stable when they come to visit. He likes to wager on contests, whether he is actively involved or not. He loves his single malt scotch, a stuffed breast appetizer paired with a great steak filet.

He has his own responsibilities that have been delegated to him by the community. To ensure the continuation of the species, he needs to make twice monthly rounds at the breeding centers. He meets his meat quotas and regularly sponsors the monthly community celebrations.

He likes to play golf and sip his favorite cocktail while a sexy attendant sits on his lap. He especially likes going unnoticed as he watches his stock lounge by the pool during their off hours. He watches privately so as to not intrude upon their free time.

If you are curious and want to learn more about Charles, I invite you to read the book, ‘The Taste of Honey’. I look forward to reading your constructive comments.

Mona and Honey give thanks

BeautyYesterday, BFF’s Mona and Honey spent the day together, sharing memories and creating new ones. Since Honey is carrying, Mona took it upon herself to go visit her friend. A lot has happened since they first met six months ago.

They talk about everything, from the smallest little details of their daily life to the big ones involving their respective Masters. The one thing they do not talk about is how they came to meet. Honey was stalked, attacked, kidnapped and almost killed. Everyone else thought that she had simply run away from home, shirking her duties to her family and community.

010-ReflectionsBWMona found her, rescued her and saved her from almost certain death. She discovered who the perpetrator, who was later punished. As a result of the events, the traumatized Honey and Mona became best friends. Neither would have it any other way.

In sharing time together yesterday, they relished the opportunity to be thankful for finding each other and their respective lives, their housemates and their Masters. Sharing a superb meal together, they talked, laughed and even cried long into the evening.

Not to be left out, they also included many of Honey’s housemates into their circle of fellowship. Till now, most of them would usually leave them alone, knowing that they needed their time together alone. Besides, most of them were in awe with a bit of hero-worship towards Mona. Their honor restored through Mona’s relentless search to discover the truth of Honey’s disappearance, they believed they owed a debt to Mona. Mona didn’t think so. She was just doing what she does what she does.

So, yesterday, the two women invited them into their circle, answered questions, posed some their own and enjoyed each others company well into the night.

As Mona drove home afterwards, she reflected upon the warm feelings, emotions and fellowship offered her that day. She couldn’t help but feel grateful by their attentions. After all, in her mind, what she did for that family was a very small thing indeed. She would have done it for anyone.

But one thing could be said for the day. She was very thankful that Honey was forever, a part of her life.

What I am Thankful For

Throughout my country of the United States, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. This holiday was established to celebrate a day of thanks, from our earliest days through today and into the future. It is my belief that it is a day to thank our maker, our family, our friends and everyone who touched our lives in one way or another.

Thank you one and all. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Give the Gift of Reading


Don’t know what to give someone for the holidays?

Give the gift of reading by giving ‘The Taste of Honey’. Available on Amazon or right here on this site. You’ll be able to share many hours together comparing your favorite scenes.buy now from amazon yellow small images


Broken Steele book cover 3DAlso available is the sequel, ‘Broken Steele’ also available at Amazon or right here on this site.

buy now from amazon yellow small images

Why did I write ‘The Taste of Honey’ (part 2)

‘The Taste of Honey’ is a tale that everyone can find something in it for them. Whether they describe themselves kinky or not, they can connect to the characters and place themselves in the middle of the action.

My books are not meant for everyone yet I am pleased with my writings and most importantly staying true to myself. You will definitely find something that will connect you to my books.

For my ‘vanilla’ friends, I would like to share a comment from my traditional sister. She struggled to get through the book yet by the end she came to realize that she was crying. She exclaims that it was  due to the love story that reveals itself along the way. I thought if she was able to find a connection to my characters, so will you.

It is my belief that there is something for everyone in the book. Whether you’re monogamous or poly-amorous, gay or straight, kinky or vanilla, there’s something for you. There’s romance, suspense, mystery, crime and punishment. The only topics that I will never include in my books are religion, terrorism and war. These are concepts that I believe the human race has experienced and now it’s time to move forward.

Honey’s story contains violence and pacifism. There is also a spiritualism to Honey that is hinted in this book and expanded upon in the sequel,’Broken Steele’. It will grow deeper in the third book, ‘Lucky Bitch’ which I’m currently writing.

These books are ultimately, a paranormal fantasy. Some of the scenes you may want to partake and enjoy yourselves. Others, may feel that they will forever remain in the realm of fantasy. Either way is fine though I am hoping Chapter One will one day become a reality for me! (Yep, my mind will always go there!)

In my mind, that is how all business should be conducted. If you ever get to participate in a similar meeting, please share your experiences. I am also interested in reading your constructive critiques. Maybe even a dialogue over each of our thoughts will occur. I will look forward to that discussion.

Please check out ‘The Taste of Honey’ and when you are ready to move on, try ‘Broken Steele’. The first chapter for each is available for free on this site as well as on Amazon and other e-book retailers. ‘The Taste of Honey’ and ‘Broken Steele’ are available now on this website as well as Amazon and other book online retailers.

Why did I write ‘The Taste of Honey’ (part 1)

Why did I write this book? The answer is well … complicated. The quick answer is that I am horny, all the time, every day and every night. So, I need and like to write stories with adult themes.

Just ask anyone who knows me. I enjoy watching  movies and television shows that include some level of nudity. There are a rare few that I will override that requirement, if they intrigue me in some other way.

I’m also deeply into science, sci-fi, crime and mystery, especially if they include historical or future dramas. I’ve been reading all my life and used to write my own stories as an adolescent and young adult.

The longer or more thoughtful answer is I strive to take every opportunity to enjoy the finer pleasures of life. I absolutely love the female form. She is Mother Nature (and God if you’re believer) gift to the species. To me, to believe in God is to believe that she is a woman. There is something about that gender that turns my eye and encourages me to engage with women. I enjoy finding out who they are and getting to know the person behind their breasts, legs, lips and asses.

Now that I’ve found a person to share that passion with, life is grand. She allows me to be who I am and doesn’t try to change me.

I’m also kinky. What does that mean, you might be thinking? Well, as you read my books, you’ll find that some of the scenes that I write about are based upon real life experiences.

When I was a young lad, I always thought that the thoughts I had in my head were very different from those of my family. I kept them private, fearing that I would be labeled as a deviant and outcast. Over the years, I buried those thoughts and feelings. I thought that they existed solely in the realm of fantasy. Something that they do “only on the west coast” but never in my traditional home.

I suffered during those years, though I maintained my grasp on my love of sex and free love. Early in my first marriage, we shared experiences together that I will never regret to this day. They were fun, exciting but never fulfilling. Then one day, I realized that the mask I wore would put me looking at the grass brown side up for all eternity. I also discovered that she had been wearing a mask. Once we shed those masks, we each discovered we had married the wrong person and we moved on.

From that point on, I grieved for many years. As I healed, I vowed to be the person who I knew I was. How to get there was a mystery. It wasn’t until I met someone who said to me, “Rich, you may be kinky. I think you should look into it”. After she gave me pointers, I discovered that I’m not strange, different or sick. I also found an entire community who lived a life I was always meant to live.. They share the same beliefs and morals as I do.They were honorable, healthy and well-rounded. They were just like me!

Jump ahead a few years and many experiences later, I resumed the writing that had slipped from my life. After struggling with finding an exciting and titillating topic that was different from other authors, I began writing, ‘The Taste of Honey’.

I hope I have peaked your curiosity that you will return tomorrow as I continue to explain why I wrote, “The Taste of Honey”!

My follow-up to Leah Hart’s thoughts on reading ‘The Taste of Honey’

Having read Leah’s comments on her experiences in growing up reading trashy romance novels, I was struck with how similar our backgrounds are. Even though we are from different parts of the country. I can remember the same drive to read anything and everything, even under the covers with a flashlight.

What a wonderful memory Leah. Thanks for reminding me of those days. As a young boy, I tended to read YA books that involved solving mysteries, investigating the universe or simply the human body. Yes, like Leah, I was a rebel. Searching for my identity, I can remember the day when I noticed girls and became infatuated with the female form.

I distinctly remember when in seventh grade, I realized that the girl across from me, I won’t reveal her name here, sat there in a skirt with her knees wildly parted. I remember thinking “What was it that I found so interesting?” as I concentrated on looking up her skirt. To this day, I have no idea if she was doing it on purpose or not.

From that day forward, I read more adult fare, including steamy romance novels. While I didn’t care for those at first, I read them anyway in order to find the sexy steamy scenes that permeate the genre. I read almost every Harold Robbins novels by the time I was seventeen. Others followed as well.

What really hit me though was discovering the ‘The Harrod Experiment’ by Robert H Rimmer. Now that was something right up my alley. I still have that original copy in my collection and I pull it out and read it every so often. I can recall how I yearned to become a part of that experiment. Imaging, a college course that encouraged young adults to sleep around and learn about the human body in a controlled, safe way.

Writing ‘The Taste of Honey’ stems from those days. My roots in writing, in fact in all aspects of my life, branches out from there. My tree of my life is based in the seeds planted those days. Writing my stories reflects upon actual, real life experiences or fantasies made up in my mind in a fervent desire to experience as much as I can before I leave this earth forever.

If you can put yourselves in my shoes or have been where I’ve been, I know you will enjoy ‘The Taste of Honey’ and it’s sequel ‘Broken Steele’. The third book in the series, ‘Lucky Bitch’ will be out early 2016.

LGBT Readers Will LOVE “The Taste of Honey”

LGBT readers are going to LOVE “The Taste of Honey” by Richard Verry. Is it because it’s sexy and delicious? Suspenseful? Tantalizing? Imaginative? Probably all of the above. Escape into this secret world of romance, passion, lust, ecstasy, and a whole lot of lesbian action.

Here are some readers’  favorite lines from the book “The Taste of Honey”:

“Your first loyalty is to your Master.”

“I wonder why she had hid it from our prying eyes.”

“Can you tell me if Honey had any unfulfilled wishes or desires she aspired too?” 

“There was no evidence of the moon in the sky, thereby allowing the stars to shine brightly, filling the night sky with thousands of friendly pin dots.”

If you’ve had a chance to read the book, select your favorite quote and post it in the comments section on the blog (not on the Facebook post) as a comment below!

A Guest Post by Leah Hart at CreativWriter.com About “The Taste of Honey”

I’m about as sheltered as they come – VERY strict upbringing and reading romance novels in my childhood home was practically forbidden.

Then I became a rebel.

I was the kid checking out trashy romance novels on the Bookmobile when it drove through my neighborhood. I’d carry a satchel for my books and treasures, and at night, made sure I had batteries in my… flashlight. (Get your head out of the gutter!)

Midnight hours flew by and 2 a.m. would roll around within what seemed like minutes. Steamy romance novels filled my head with all sorts of allusion of what it would be like to be a sexy grown-up. That was then, and this is now. I find myself doing the same thing with Richard’s book only I have kids playing in the background. So I’m hiding so I can concentrate on reading! I’ve been under the comforter most nights, reading Richard Verry’s title, “The Taste of Honey” and calling out from under there saying “go ask Daddy” and returning promptly to my hot and steamy read.

I actually enjoyed Richard’s book very much, from beginning to end. His books were a bit of a stretch for my usual taste, but I’m glad I delved in and had a read. Right now I’m finishing up “Broken Steele”.

Have YOU read Richard’s books yet?

LEAH HART is a fellow author. 

Read “The Taste of Honey” Before “Broken Steele”

If you want to read any of my books, be sure to start with “The Taste of Honey” first. Why?

“The Taste of Honey” is actually the first in a series of 3 books that have the characters of Honey, Mona and Renee. If you start reading “Broken Steele” before “The Taste of Honey” you’re going to miss out on all of the saucy details that the first book of the series offers.

Here’s what the reviews are saying about this series:

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So if you’re looking for some great reads this weekend, start with “The Taste of Honey” and then move on to “Broken Steele” and follow these lovely ladies in their adventures.

Why “Broken Steele” Will Dominate the LGBT Book Category on Amazon.com

Pretty confident title… right? So is the first chapter of “Broken Steele”.

Amazon.com readers and Kindle eBook buyers are simply going to love the uninhibited approach that “Broken Steele” offers in the exploration of a lifestyle that is well known in the LGBT arena. Instead of  gently easing into a lesbian sex scene, the first chapter is an explosion of intimacy, domination and sets the tone of the entire book.

As Leah Hart said “Ok, so we’re going there – right now! Alrighty then!”

I think she might have been surprised.

It’s not often that books have a sex scene smack dab in the front of the book, let alone the first few paragraphs. The LGBT audience will love it and rave because it celebrates sex and puts it right “out there” instead of shying into it. It’s not like other books on the market.

What can you do to get the word out to help “Broken Steele” dominate the Amazon.com LGBT market? Spread the word. Thanks for sharing!

The Start of a Great LGBT Series

“The Taste of Honey” and “Broken Steele” are breakthroughs in the LGBT book audience because of their ability to portray an honest depiction of real human love and sexuality. These two books are the start of a fantastic series, with many more books to come. I have really enjoyed delving into the characters of both books and often find myself getting lost in their world as a writer and reader.

These books are not going to be for everyone. What I write is very specific to an audience of readers that enjoy provocative scenes and sensual writing. I have enjoyed catering to an audience that has often been misunderstood, mistreated in today’s society and have, until this point, gone without literature that identifies and celebrates their love and desires for physical touch.

While my books are intended for mature audiences, I know that many teenagers who are LGBT will find my books and want to read them. I’m sure you may remember instances in your own life where you might have read romance novels under the covers with a flashlight at an age that might have been considered “too young” for the contents. I truly believe that my books open up an opportunity for teenagers and parents to have honest, open discussions about the kinds of lifestyles my characters have – along with the safety precautions that need to be in place with this lifestyle… because it does exist in today’s world. LGBT relationships can be committed ones as well as polyamorous, and these are great discussions to have with others, regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs and preferences.

I also believe that my books satisfy a lot of curiosities out there about dominance/submissive sexual relationships, and no one should feel ashamed or embarrassed about wanting to read my books. I’m happy to entertain constructive criticism and discussion. I encourage anyone and everyone who is curious about what has been a somewhat hidden world to read any of my books – you’ll enjoy them very much!

What would Mona do?

Mona just found out about a catastrophe in a neighboring community. Turns out it’s the same community that her bed-mate Renee has been getting those terrific custom-made heels that both she and Mona love. The question on their minds are whether her shoe maker who creates these wonderful shoes that everyone raves about survived the catastrophe. Information on just what happened is sketchy but apparently lots of people were involved with an unsanctioned killing spree.  Up-to-date Information is sketchy at best but what they do have is that a small group of people crashed a community celebration systematically went around killing the celebrants.

Broken SteeleHer housemates in shock, Mona puts aside her disbelieve and organizes the house in a show of support for the survivors. The tragedy they suffered ripples throughout the land and everyone vows to find and put down the perpetrators. Gathering her housemates together, just as she would do to honor one of their own recently departed, she calls them into action. Before long, a memorial is planned, a house colors are temporarily transformed to the those of the stricken community and moments of silence are scheduled for repeating days at the hour of the tragedy.


Enlisting the aid of her investigative team, she re-prioritizes her staff to stop whatever they were doing and focus on determining whether their own communities vulnerability to a similar attack. Additionally, she charges several of her key investigators to find the perpetrators and report back to her. Uncharacteristically, she warns them that they must find them, even to risk their own lives. They agree knowing that there must not be a repeat occurrence of this tragedy.

After sending them on their way, she meets with Master Charles and together, they put together a plan to take out the perpetrators. Their ire inflamed, they both feel that this is something they must do in order to protect entire community. Not something either of comfortable with, they both believe it must be done.

Curious about Mona Bendarova?

Who is Mona Bendarova? Let me tell you about her.

Mona is a senior household member and investigator under the Mastery of Charles Bendarova. She is smart and insightful. She has an innate ability to see patterns within the chaos that others cannot see. Theories and their ramifications come easily to her.

Beauty

Her driving force is to find a way for the species to survive without ingesting the only food source available in sustaining life.

She accepts the natural order of their society, life and death yet she would prefer to see things differently. Mona is certain that if society proceeds along the current path, humans on the planet are ultimately doomed to extinction. Her investigations are subtle and unknown to everyone until she discovers someone who shares her fear, The Doctor.

Mona is 29 years old, a medium build brunette with shoulder length straight hair. She works out every day so as to maintain the stamina of her favorite kind of play. Like most people in her community, she enjoys sex often and has few limits during her trysts with various partners.

She is an extreme masochist and enjoys her playtime with her favorite dominate, Master Charles, as he exercises his torments on her flesh. After every play session, she may be achy and sore but she is an extremely happy woman.

She loves coffee, especially the very first cup of the day which she relishes to the point of ecstasy. She also enjoys skinny vanilla latte and Kamikaze cocktails. She loves all kinds of high heel shoes, especially stilettos heels of ten centimeters (four inches) or greater.

She is a submissive by nature but has a dominate side that she is unaware of yet others see. She fears exploring it even when challenged by her Master.

She is the embodiment of a person whose convictions run deep. Others may not recognize these traits until one enters her inner circle.

She has given birth to three children knowing that they will be raised according to the customs of her community. She, herself, was born and raised in a breeding facility and was fortunate to have her biological mother involved with her early years.

The Taste of HoneyWhen she came of age, she was selected at auction to join the Bendarova House. Master Charles had detected the early signs of a star in the making. Their play together opened opportunities for her in other areas of his business and she was eventually promoted to Senior Investigator in the Investigative Branch.

If you are curious and want to learn more about Mona Bendarova, I invite you to read the book, ‘The Taste of Honey’. I look forward to reading your comments.

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Who is Honey?

Who is Honey? Hmm … Let me tell you about her.

Honey is an intelligent, complicated woman and a bit naïve. She sees the good in everyone. She has no concept of others having self-centered personal agendas. As a result, it gets her into trouble at times, yet it doesn’t stop her from believing in others. She holds no animosity towards those that transgress against her. She is quick to forgive and forget.

The Taste of Honey

In a society that has forgotten the past and had to rewrite all the societal rules in order to survive as a species, Honey embodies the concepts of love, family, honor and service. She is a sharing woman, happy to help when called upon.

Her goal in life is to live forever in the bodies and cells of her family and close friends. By living on in them, she hopes to help, advise and assist whenever they are in need or in trouble.

Honey is approximately 29 years old. She is a tall high-waisted, blonde with green eyes. She has a good figure, exercises regularly and cares for herself as well as her family. She’s a lusty bitch who never gets enough sex from either gender. She prefers giving pleasure rather than receiving it.

On the surface, she may seem superficial yet when you get to know her, it becomes apparent that there is much more to the woman than meets the eye. She is open and approachable. People gravitate to her as they feel warm and happy just by being near her. No one seems to understand why but they simply accept it.

She is a respected senior member of her house and leads by example rather than by direction. The junior members look to her for guidance of their own fates.

She is a spiritual person, believes strongly in life after death, but only in the right circumstances. In a society where spirituality is an extinct concept, others don’t understand her spiritual belief. No matter, Honey has the confidence to believe what she believes and will not force her beliefs upon others. If asked though, she will be open and honest in expressing her values.

She loves her Master. He is the love of her life. Like most people in the community, the concept of a binding love is foreign to him. All she knows is that she loves him and will do whatever she can to make him happy.

She has a vision for the future of the human species, contrary to the rest of the community that she keeps to herself. It’s not until she meets Mona, that she finds a kindred spirit and a key instrument in bringing her vision to reality.

So, why is the book entitled ‘The Taste of Honey’? I invite you to read the book and find out. I look forward to reading your comments.

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Thank you

Brunette in white drinking coffee outdoors 2I would like to thank everyone who in one way or another, contributed to supporting me over the past several weeks. For some, they have been stressed. For others, they have been supportive and offered many suggestions. All have my deepest gratitude. Please have a cup of coffee (or your favorite relaxation beverage on me.)

My thanks extend to those who have recently purchased a book. You lift me up in ways that you’ll never realize.

Thanks for to my mentors and advisers who help me work out plot lines, design elements and similar concepts. I want to particularly thank  Helena, Tammy, Pegelee, Peter and Dan. You support me in ways I hope you’ll one day fully appreciate.

I big thank you to Leah Hart (www.creativwriter.com), who worked hard, put up with my zillion of questions and delivered a professional product I am very proud of. You can’t go wrong in hiring her expertise.

Finally, the biggest thank you to the love of my life, who put up with my schedule, the long nights and the hours when I disappeared from her life, even though we were in the same room together. I love you sweetie and will make it all worthwhile. Hugs.

Now, I hope that if you have read this far, you’ll take the extra moment to check out one of my books. There are free samples available for instant download right here on this site. What’s more, I have plenty more in the works. Let me know how you like them.

I’m BAAACKKKK!!!!!

Whew, I'm glad that's over!
Whew, I’m glad that’s over!

After more that a week trying to turn this new site live, it’s finally here. The usual problems surfaced but in the end, I think I have a great product for your enjoyment. I hope you will agree.

It’s hip! It’s trendy! It’s HOT! It’s sexy!

Please leave me a comment. We both would love to know what you think about the site. I look forward to reading your comments.

The site has a brand new look and a new brand. I’ve replaced the brand I built over the years to one that is truly suitable to whom I am. The site also is geared to both my blog and my books. I urge you to buy and read them. I believe you will find them an excellent read.

I must give thanks to my web designer, Leah Hart of CreativWriter.com, who worked tirelessly on the site and was my bitch’ for more than a day. It was a learning experience for both of us. The pic in this post is an homage to her. I truly hope she takes time out for herself and relishes the cup(s) of coffee she so loves.

It has not escaped my notice that she drank coffee to remain awake and alert as she worked on my site as well as take care of her other clients, her husband, her kids and her family. I don’t think I can keep up with you. Enjoy the fresh aroma Leah. You earned it.

Please know I am very pleased with the work you have done for me. I look forward to a long-term relationship building my business. I happily recommend Leah Hart and CreativWriter.com services for your business ventures. If you need help in boosting your endeavors, please hire Leah. I believe she will work as hard for you as she did for me.

In the meantime, please check out the site, its new look and buy a book or two. I have three more going through editing, a sequel to Mona’s story and I woke up with a brand new idea for a new book.

I’ve got to get back to writing. All this web redesign shit has taken away from writing. So, until next time. Salute.

Halloween 2015

Halloween 2015

This year’s display was apparently my biggest success of all. Though a lot smaller than I have done in the past, the proof is in the numbers. And there were a lot of numbers. Bags of candy given out, huge numbers of people coming by, number of photographs taken, you name it. I gave up counting half way through the event.

Everyone who came by, loved the display, took pictures posing next to the key elements.

Hundreds of people came by trick-or-treating. At one point, I had a line of kids stretching from my front door to the end of the driveway. I had to refill my candy bowl several times. Wow!

a-20151031_191204Approaching the house, you’re greeted with various ghouls, goblins and ghosts. Staples in my display.

Lily, my main ghost is my favorite.

b-20151031_191147

Built years ago, she remains a steadfast element in the display. She has a wispiness about her that always intrigues me.

Most years, Lily is very mobile, moving around, dancing here and there seemingly under her own powers.

Then, you come across a couple of fishermen, illegally fishing in the mermaid sanctuary pond. c-20151031_212601 They don’t care that what they are doing is illegal. Their just a couple of buddies having a grand old time. They’re just sitting out there, with a cooler of beer and sharing good old times while their buddy is back at the dock with the catch of the day.

d-20151031_191505

Yes, it’s unfortunate that Irena is now the catch of the day. The bastard has caught Irena with a simple worm hook and appropriate bait. Apparently, hungry and careless, she fell for the lure and was yanked unceremoniously from her watery home.

On display, hung upside down, she struggles to get free while he gloats to the crowds. That’s right. Irena is still alive and kicking, trying in vain to get back to her watery home and sanctuary.

e-20151031_212857It’s a photo op for sure. And our fisherman is more than willing to pose with the on lookers while intending upon on having ‘surf and turf’ for dinner tonight.  Licking his chops, he is envisioning sitting down to a plate of sushi and steak, all sliced from the same catch of the day.

Good luck Irena. Perhaps some kind soul will come and help set you free.

Won’t someone please help her get back to her watery home and shield her from the wrath of the fisherman whose catch got away?    Anyone?     Please?

Well, it’s suffice to say, no one did. However, one of my adult trick-or-treaters, dressed as a sea monster, came by to say hello to his cousin. My response to him was, “Well, you had better say goodbye too.” He smile, stroked the side of her head and walked away.

Poor Irena!     Even your own family has given you up for lost.

And yes, I even get adults to come trick-or-treating to my door. I love it. They walk with their kids, from the far side of the neighborhood each year, just to see what my deviant mind has come up with this year. They love it. I love it.

We talk and chat while their kids are anxious to move on to the next house. They, of course, are more interested in talking to me. More pictures are taken while they check out the display up close before they finally answer the pleas of their kids and move on.

I love it and they love coming each and every year to my celebration of …

Halloween

Now, before I go, I invite you to share with me your Halloween memories. Your displays and your thoughts on the holiday. Please feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think.

I look forward to reading your comments. Click the Comment link at the top of the page. I’ll be sure to read each and every one of them.

Announcing a new look

Tuesday, November 3

maggicalExpressions will be revealing a brand new look

It’s going to be hip!
It’s going to be trendy!
It’s going to be HOT!
It’s going to be oh, so sexy!

It will have a whole new look and feel!

You’re going to love it.

I’ll be integrating a bunch of new features. I can’t wait for the week to go by. It’s a lot of work but I hope you will trust me when I say …

It’s going to be worth it.

Set your calendar!

Tuesday, November 3.

Look for it!

I’m very excited. I have to pinch myself!

Halloween is here

— Halloween is here, and I’m ready for it. –

For those of you who don’t know me, I am a big Halloween aficionado. It’s my favorite holiday of the year.

This years theme is FISHING.

Hmm, just what does that mean in the context of Halloween. Well, you’ll find out this weekend. I’ll reveal a bunch of photos of my display. I do it because I love to celebrate it. 

Granted, this is not a high-end, expensive display.  Rather, it is all home-grown out of my feeble but creative brain.

Brains!!!! Brains!!!! hmmm Brains!!!!

Oh, sorry. A bit of a tangent there.

Anyway, I build the majority of my props by hand, from scratch. Everyone for miles around come by to see the display. I don’t do it to earn money, sell tickets or for community relations.

I do it cuz I Love It.

I’ve already had my first of three parties to celebrate the season. The next is tonight and the finale will of course be Halloween Night.

Bring on the witches, goblins, monsters, ghosts and zombies.

I can’t wait.

Announcing a new look

I’m very excited and I feel the need to pinch myself!

maggicalExpressions will be releasing a new site on

Tuesday, November 3.

It’s going to be hip! It’s going to be trendy! It’s going to be oh, so sexy!

It will have a whole new look and feel!

You’re going to love it.

I’ll be integrating a bunch of new features. I can’t wait for the week to go by. It’s a lot of work but I hope you will trust me when I say …

It’s going to be worth it.

Set your calendar!

Tuesday, November 3.

Look for it!

Personal Responsibility

  1. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. … I am hopeless. It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.
  2. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend to not see it. I fall in again. I can’t believe I am in the same place. But, it isn’t my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.
  3. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there and I still fall in. … it’s a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.
  4. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.
  5. I walk down a different street.

Unknown Author


I recently came across this autobiography in 5 short chapters. I was taken with it’s poignancy. There is a lesson here and I know what I think. But what about you? Care to share what you think?  I’d like to know. Please leave a comment.

Chaos

“Chaos in the world brings uneasiness, but it also allows the  opportunity for creativity and growth.” Tom Barrett

I came across this quote while I was researching a concept for my next book and I found it quite intriguing. I want to share it with you.

For me, chaos is an everyday thing. I live in chaos each every day. My life is chaotic all by itself but the world around me forces it to be even more chaotic. I navigate the chaos with trepidation and uncertainty but lean on my experience and intelligence to figure a way though it and be happy with my solution. I’m not always successful but I continue to work at it.

I expect that everyone reading this feels the same way.

One thing that I have always known is that opportunity is an avenue for growth. What’s new is that I never put it together with chaos.

The thought that chaos brings about uncertainty and therefore uneasiness is intriguing enough. Now, I can connect chaos as an opportunity for creativity and growth.

Just saying.

Writing is awesome

Something happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I was well into writing the third book in the Mona Bendarova Adventures, ‘Lucky Bitch’ when a question arose in my mind. I had a vision of where the books were going to go but then I asked myself a fundamental question.

‘What was the end goal of the antagonist?’

  • Yes, what was their end goal?
  • What was their motivation?
  • What did they hope to accomplish?
  • What was driving them to do what they were doing?

Since they were only recently discovered, no one seems to know, including me. I thought I did. But did I? Are they striving for power? Glory? Control? Something else?

Are their goals the same as Mona’s with the exception of how they are trying to get there? Does it really matter to the community how they accomplish those goals as long as they get there? Or is it something subtler.

I really wanted something more subtle. Hunger for power and glory? It seems everyone does that. I want something different. Both sides appear to want change. Mona certainly is trying to find a way to change their food source production for something better. Is that what the antagonists are doing?

Without giving too much of the plot away, I got momentarily stuck trying to answer this question.

So I did what I do best. I put the book off for a while to ask questions, gather data and do research. The research is well on it’s way and I think I have answered the key question. I have to rewrite some of the chapters I have already written but so what. It might even be better then it was before.

As the ‘Riddler’ said. “Questions, Questions. I have so many Questions.”

So, while my subconscious continues pondering the question, I turned my attention to a diversion. I decided that I would write a story that was bouncing around in the back of my mind. I really thought that it would be a simple story about a single night.

Then a funny thing happened was as I was writing it. What started as a short story, turned into a novella and then into a regular novel. Then, as I was completing it, I had an inspiration of what would happen to the main character the following day. Voilà, I ended up writing a total of three novels as a trilogy. None are as long as one of my full fledged Mona Bendarova novels. But they turned out to be novels in their own right and I think a good read.

Right now, they are going through editing and I hope to publish them very soon. ‘Her Client’ is first book in the series is be called ‘Clients’. Be sure to look for them. I have a web page on these books right here on this site. Check out the links to my library.

Now, these books are a big departure from all of my other works, published and unpublished. They aren’t for everyone, in fact, they will attract a much smaller audience. However, I couldn’t get the idea out of my head so, ergo, I wrote it down.

But enough of this digression.

What I found amazing was how clearly the direction of the characters appeared in my feeble brain and how easily the words flew from my fingers. It was almost as if I couldn’t write fast enough. In about two weeks, I wrote something on the order of 60,000 words. There was no struggle, no issues with plot lines or dialog. The action is hot and heavy, and rife with disturbing concepts that will sure get people talking.

What was so f***ing  amazing was, I had the best time while writing these stories. It was fabulous, exciting and I could think of nothing better to do in my day. Writing these stores gave me a high better then just about any high I’ve ever had. It was wonderful. I’m only sorry that their done.

If only I could write like this every day. Instead, I have to balance it with my real job that pays the bills. Damn.

Well, it’s back to the grindstone. More to write, more to publish and more to market. And then there’s my job. Don’t get me wrong. I love my job and I enjoy my work. But it has been my career for decades and while I love it, I just don’t have the passion as I do for my other ventures. The writing and my painting, well that is my passion and I welcome any opportunity to enjoy either.

Writing is awesome and I couldn’t be happier.

Thank you for reading my books and as always, I appreciate the precious time you spent reading my posts.

Regards, Rich

maggicalExpressions

Marketing on Social Media

So, I’ve been on social media for a while now, and the more I learn about it, the more I realize that it is an important part of marketing my books and artwork. The folks who I now following have lots of great ideas and thoughts that make a whole lot of sense to me. I hope that my posts do the same for you.

What bothers me is that it seems that I have to pay attention to the feeds throughout the day, everyday. Don’t get me wrong, it can be fun but it can be tedious as well.

I struggle with the idea that I have to post multiple times a day. I don’t believe that I would do justice to my followers. The ones I’ve been in direct contact with, tell me that my thoughts and insights are interesting. They want to read them. Makes me smile. Thanks to all who get this far in my essay.

So, back to struggling with this whole new venture involving social media. I find that I seem to be spending more time marketing than writing or painting. I also have a real full-time job. I don’t want that to be jeopardized by what I do here.

So, how do I balance everything? I presume that in the years to come, I’ll figure it out and it won’t be so intrusive on my time. Yet, I have a driving need to promote my creative works. It’s not so much selling my books or my fine art. It’s more that I love the idea of people appreciating my work enough that they want their very own copy of it, or the original for that matter when it comes to my art.

I’m not saying that I am a world class author or artist. Time will tell in that front. But, I believe I’m good and I’ll only get better by doing what I love to do.

Writing and painting. Right now, writing has the nod. But how do I do that while promoting, marketing and supporting myself on a shoestring budget.

Your thoughts and ideas are most welcome. Please send me your thoughts. I really want to hear from you.

Thanks for reading and have a cup of coffee or tea; a glass of wine or the taste of a good woman or man. Till next time, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, which isn’t much.

*Update* Thoughts on my twitter feed

*Update*

An update to my post of the other day regarding my twitter feed. If you’re unsure of what I’m talking about, please feel free to read it. Here is the link.

Ok, after getting the same tweet on my timeline approximately once every five minutes from the same person promoting the same set of products (3) yesterday, I f**king unfollowed them.

It freed up hundreds of tweets in my timeline and allowed me to regain control of my twitter life. I don’t think the loss of unfollowing this individual will matter much to them. Before I unfollowed this person, I determined they had tens of thousands of followers.

Sorry to all you followers.

At this point, by tracking the number of tweets this person posted in a single day, I can only assume that a either this person was manically obsessed with posting tweets and promoting their product or they enabled a bot that was running out of control.

Personally, I hope it’s the later. You need to fix the bot. If it was the former, then I’m sorry. You need help. I hope you get it.

Thank you

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BNI1D8 http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015BNI1D8

Broken-Steele

Thanks to everyone to purchased ‘Broken Steele’. The following is growing and I am ecstatic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Available from Amazon for your Kindle or Kindle reader and in Paperback, I believe you will find the story an exciting and fun read.

 

Thoughts on my twitter feed

So, I’m relatively new to Twitter and Facebook, resisting for years getting the accounts. After reviewing my thoughts on my twitter feed, I realized I needed to protect my brand before some other asshole registered my brands and began pretending to be me.

Alright, so what? I dipped my toes into the arena and registered them. I then went about creating some cool stuff to make it interesting and began following like-mind folks.

Thoughts on my twitter feedSo far, so good. My thoughts on my twitter feed seemed to improve. Not so fast….

But now, my feeds and timelines are filled with the same individuals posting the same stuff every day, multiple times a day, promoting their products, over and over again. I can’t keep up with it. As a result, if I don’t constantly refer to the feeds just about hourly, I will lose miss what I think are the gems between the slag.

What’s a guy to do? Unfollow these people? I don’t want to. Every so often, they post something really interesting and I read deeper. If this were simple email, I’d mark the messages as junk and let my mail client filter them for me.

But this is not email. So, what’s a guy to do? I’d be interested in reading your comments on the subject. In the meantime, have a great day.

And thanks to all my supporters who have bought my books and artwork. You’re the best. Check out my site, https://richardverry.com

Book Covers Help

So, I need help. I’m hoping you can help.

As a relatively new indie book author/publisher, I struggle every time trying to find the best photos to use as the basis for a cover. As I am also an artist, I like to do my own digital design .

In the past, I’ve licensed photos from iStock and 123RF. As I get deeper into book authoring and publishing, I am astounded by the covers I’ve seen from other indie authors.

I’d love to hear from all you indie authors as to where and how you develop your covers. Are there better sites for selecting and licensing photos for covers? Googling helps but I consistently get sucked in to sites that sell these services. I’d rather license the photo and do the rest of the work myself.

Oh, I need to keep the licensing costs down. One photo I found, the owner wanted hundreds of dollars to give me a minimal license. Suffice to say, I didn’t buy it.

I look forward to your thoughts and comments. Thanks for sharing.

A big thank you

Broken-Steele

‘Broken Steele’, released last Thursday, is selling well. Thank you all who purchased my latest book. More in the works.

And huge thank you to ‘Miss TC’ who gave me my first five star review on only it’s second day of release.

Available from Amazon for your Kindle or Kindle reader and in Paperback, I believe you will find the story an exciting and fun read.

Check it out. I welcome hearing from you.

Coffee is like oxygen

So, I read a tweet this morning on my feed, comparing coffee to oxygen. I couldn’t help but retweet it. But it got me to thinking. How would my life be different without coffee.

Would I be a better writer and artist. Is it my drug or my sustenance.  Is it an addiction or do I just enjoy its taste and flavor. I contend that it is all of the above and more.

Many creative people over the centuries have depended upon all sorts of substances to help open the mind and release those creative juices. While I have thought about doing the same, I don’t relish the idea of being a drunk or hooked on hard core drugs to free my mind.

After all, my mind is already pretty free as it is. Except for while I am at work, I don’t have much of a filter.

So, I contend that for me, coffee is like oxygen. I can try to live without either but I choose not to.

As an aside, thanks to everyone who bought my new book #BrokenSteele on opening day yesterday. I really appreciate the support. I look forward to your reviews and comments.

Have a great day.