Whirlwind dealing with the Government

Hello all my faithful readers. Where has the time gone. I know. It’s been a whirlwind dealing with the government. I’m sure many of you know what I’m talking about without having to explain things.

For me, it started 7-8 years ago when I got injured on the job. I still deal with the after effects from that incident. Getting the help I needed, even after paying into the system for decades, was like pulling teeth that just didn’t want to come out. I’m writing about Worker’s Compensation, an insurance program here in the U.S. that workers pay into with every paycheck in the event of an on the job injury. I thought it would be straight forward. I got injured on the job, I had documentation galore supporting the injury and subsequent claim, and yet, I had to hire a lawyer to force them to pay up. We all know all the jokes about lawyers. Let me tell you. Mine are worth it.

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Excuses

Excuses, I hate making excuses

No Excuses
I Hate Making Excuses

That’s right, readers, I hate making excuses. Yet, that’s all I seem to do these days. I could and would manage it if it were as simple as writer’s block. It’s not. Being a full-time caregiver is hard on me emotionally as well as physically. Can you imagine working 120 hours a week for no pay? No? I can because that is what I’ve been doing daily since June. I’m tired. I’m not making excuses, but damn, this has got to stop soon.

I have a plan, though, and it is slowly making its way through the process. Damn, is it ever so slow? At this rate, I would like to write again in February. Wish me luck, because that is my goal. I love plans that have goals; else, why have a plan to begin with?

I hope you’re staying safe, warm, and cozy while dealing with this nasty weather front covering most of the country. If you’re staying inside and bored to death, pick up any book, not just one of mine. But here is where you can learn more about my books, most of which are available on Amazon. Happy reading.

Please send me a comment. I’d love to read them. I’ll respond as I can. I hope you have a wonderful day.

2024 is a New Year

2024 is a New Year

2024 is a new year

2024 is a new year and a year in review. Despite the strife worldwide, we have more than enough right here in my home, allowing me to step aside. I have enough of my issues to deal with. And yes, the image is a blatant attempt to draw your eye and read my blog.

2023 was most likely the toughest year of my life. I retired from my career job on Feb 1. I looked forward to catching up on my sleep and writing more novels. It took the entire month of February to catch up on sleep. It took the better part of that month sleeping eleven to thirteen hours a night. I didn’t realize just how exhausted I was. I loved every minute of sleep.

March brought me to a place where I could start my retirement earnestly. I started going out more, getting a good start on emptying the proverbial ‘job jar,’ and thinking about and taking notes for my next book. Believe it or not, one doesn’t sit down at a keyboard and start writing. It would be best to have something in mind and a general direction you want to go before you put a single character or word down.

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Merry Christmas 2023

Good morning and Merry Christmas 2023. Sure, Christmas was yesterday, but the season continues. Let’s hope that we all make it last.

This time of year, a few days after the Winter Solstice gives us an opportunity to sit back and think of ways to prevent repeating our mistakes of the past. I know I have a lot to think about and figure out how to correct past mistakes. I’m human and I know I make a lot of them.

How am I going to do that, you may ask? The first thing is to take responsibility for my mistakes. Sometimes, I ignore that part of my behavior. The second is that I am going to counseling. I find it very fulfilling and worthwhile. I even get homework, if you can believe that or not. And some of this homework is harder than my college years assignments. These assignments allow me to figure out all sorts of things, especially things I have never trained on, such as social interactions and what makes people tick. I’m finding I am sorely lacking in some of these areas.

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Winter Solstice 2023

Winter Solstice 2023

Today is the shortest day of the natural year, Winter Solstice 2023. Starting tomorrow, the sun will rise a little earlier and set a little later in the day. It’ll be slow at first but gradually go longer and longer until Spring arrives.

To me, this pattern of Earth’s trip around the Sun represents the pattern of life. We are born and grow taller and stronger until we reach a steady balance between birth and death. That period is different for each of us, but eventually, it moves past that, and just as the days get shorter, so does our remaining life. For me, the Winter Solstice 2023 is a rebirth of sorts. I believe when we die, we do not fade into oblivion. Our consciousness rejoins the universe we are made of and reborn again. What that rebirth entails, no one knows, including me. I just know we will… I will. The cycle repeats forever.

Does this mean that the stardust we rejoin is heaven? Maybe? I won’t speculate. Does this mean everyone who dies with a stain on their soul or not returns to stardust? Yes, they do. If there is such a thing as sin in the universe, their sins are cleansed, and they, like the rest of us, return to the cycle of rebirth.

For the here and now, it’s what we do with the life we are living and what we do with it. I am trying to leave it a better place than when I was born into it. Others tend to go the other way. That’s sad, but I can do little about that. I can only do what I can, which is take care of myself and then try to care for others. If I don’t have the strength and wherewithal to care for myself, how can I possibly care for others?

Enjoy the winter solstice and the holiday that follows. And if you are looking to do something, might I suggest reading a good book? Here’s a suggestion. Read one of mine.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/Richard Verry

Happy Thanksgiving 2023


Happy Thanksgiving 2023

Just a quick note to wish everyone here in the U.S.A. a Happy Thanksgiving 2023.

As most of you know, it has not been a good year for my partner and me. Between her disease and me, an engineer, taking on the role of a full-time home caregiver has stressed the household too many limits. But that’s alright. She’s still with us and, hopefully, will be for several years to come.

Her neurologist informed us at our last appointment that there is no way to predict how much time she has left. Unlike other fatal diseases, they can chart no metrics on a timeline to approximate how long she has left. It could be six months, six years, and anything between and even longer.

happy thanksgiving 2023

But I am thankful she’s still with us, as her family is as well.

Have a happy Thanksgiving. Just be careful not to overdo it.

And if you’re not sharing it with a loved one, friend, or even an acquaintance, find something to do. Take a walk, go to the park, ride a bicycle, read a book, or do anything that interests you. And remember, I have many good books you can read, you can find most of them on Amazon. If you haven’t read one of my books, check them out. You might be surprised.

Halloween 2023 is over

Halloween

Halloween 2023 is over.

Halloween 2023 is over, and my decorations are all put away. 😞 This is the first time I got a little excited to celebrate the holiday in several years. Oh, it’s not like when I owned a home on a family-oriented street.

Skeleton and Girl in fire

In those days, I’d go all out, covering the front and two sides of my yard and even my back deck. I had hands sticking out of the ground as if zombies were trying to dig their way out from their graves. A plethora of tombstones would fill large spaces around the graveyard with gothic fencing. I had simulated fire, skeletons, ghouls, ghosts, and other assorted supernatural beings galore around the yards and entranceway to the house. I had skeletons fishing for mermaids, while another skeleton hung a recently caught mermaid by her tail while she flapped around, trying to free herself.

Another year, the year of cannibalism, I had a full-sized human spitted and roasting on a roterisie over a bed of hot coals and even mimicking smoke rising from fat dripping on the fire below. I had sophomoric scenes of skeletons hanging out, drinking beers, and partying around an ice chest with empties all about. In that scene, I also portrayed a girl skeleton in a red string bikini who got too much sun.

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I’m sorry to say

I’m sorry to say that I have made little progress in writing my next installment of the Consortium Series, or any book. The situation at home hasn’t gotten better. My lady and partner continue’s to need full-time care to do the simplest of things. She is angry and frustrated that she is losing control of her body. Intellectually, I knew that, but emotionally, it’s not so easy to accept. I work on that every day. My goals at this moment is to keep her safe and improve the quality of life as much as possible. Everything else is secondary. Writing is way down at the bottom of the list. Besides, I don’t have the creativity I need to write books. All I can do is think about my story and come up with ideas to incorporate into it.

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A Lot Going on

A Lot Going on

That’s right, there’s a lot going on, and I know you are wondering how I’m doing and whether I’ve returned to writing. I’m sorry, the answer is no.

However, I’m feeling better emotionally. My life partner’s condition shocked me to the core. Over the last couple of months, I’ve worn many hats; full-time home caregiver, advocate, transportation driver, contractor, cook, cleaner, housekeeper, and a host of other tasks, including wiping the ass of my loved one. Sorry, honey, it’s what I do.

Mind you. I hate being a full-time home caregiver. I hate it. According to my counselor, it’s a healthy attitude. She even said, “No one likes being a home caregiver.” I smiled. Yet, there is one and only one reason I do it, which I told her out-of-town daughters. I do it because I love her. Also, there is no one else to do it.

In the months since the diagnosis, a lot has transpired. Some of it was to improve her quality of life, and some to make the house safer and more accessible. To get her the services she needs, including therapy, and signed up for Medicaid. The therapy is helping her move better and lets her feel better. All of which makes me feel better.

Who hasn’t a lot going on?

Everyone has something going on

Everyone is going through a lot. I know that. I am not alone in that. The one thing I do know is that no matter how bad it gets for me, there is always someone else worse off.

I’m starting to feel better and I’m anxious to get back to writing. This blog entry is my first attempt at writing. I can feel my creative juices starting to flow. I also started sketching. It’s nothing to sneeze at, but I’m trying. I am trusting myself to take control of my life and my creative process, preferably soon.

Hopefully, I am getting back into the swing of things. I should have published my latest book by now. I feel bad about that. All I can tell you is that I’m trying. I’m doing my best. Wish me luck.

Comments Welcome

You’ll find the comment section at the bottom of this page.

Please comment. I’m always interested in what my readers think. 

My writing and other stuff.

My writing and other stuff.

It’s been a while since I last wrote a blog entry, so you may wonder what’s happening with my writing and other stuff. Well, let’s get on with it, shall we?

I’m sorry to say, I haven’t written much in the past couple of months. I feel bad about that. However, there is a good reason, not because I suffer from writer’s block. I wish I were, but that is not the case. Were I, I would get over it and get writing.

No, the issue is much more difficult and emotionally draining.
So, what the fuck is going on, anyway?

more “My writing and other stuff.”

Welcome to Spring 2023

Welcome to Spring 2023

Yes, it’s Spring 2023 for everyone above the equator. Those south of the equator, you are sliding into Autumn, and that’s also a wonderful time of year. Horny birds outside are singing loudly, the air smells fresh and clean. I can walk outside in a T-shirt and shorts, and enjoy the budding of spring flowers. Yes, Spring 2023 is a delightful time of year, and welcome after dealing with snow and ice everywhere.

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Follow-up on Amazon banning Her Client

Follow-up on Amazon banning Her Client

I think it is important to give you, my readers, a follow-up on Amazon banning Her Client. After I made my last on the subject, I received several comments from many of you, supporting my contention that Amazon made an error of judgement. I know of other books that are just as brutal and even more so. So why was my book singled out?

I continue to contend that Amazon’s increasing use of AI algorithms to decide these questions is the fault here.

In the old days, a human would review the newly published work and decide. With so many authors are uploading self-published work coupled with Amazon’s need to watch costs and the bottom line, did they move too aggressively into the world of AI? Did they tailor these algorithms to more PC rather than letting the author’s creativity take precedence?

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Amazon banned Her Client

Amazon banned Her Client

Yes, my faithful readers. This morning, I received an email that Amazon banned Her Client, the first book in the ‘Her Client Series.’ I don’t get it. It initially published and offered for sale on Amazon eight years ago, but suddenly, they reviewed it and chose to ban it.

The same thing happened in September of 2021 when they banned the second book in the series, leaving 1 and 3 in place.

Why they suddenly decided to unpublish the book on me is unknown. Amazon claims it violates its “content guidelines for appropriateness.” Yet, I know it passed those guidelines at least twice when I first published it and again a year later. I don’t remember exactly when the second review occurred, but that’s okay.

I learned over the years that there is no appeal process for this ruling, and without lots of sales, it’s impossible to get it published again without a major rewrite. In my opinion, a rewrite that will pass their guidelines with strip the story from the emotions of the characters. My readers know what I am talking about. I strive hard to get inside the heads of my characters, protagonists and antagonists alike. It’s the why they do what they do.

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Happy New Year 2023

Happy New Year 2023

OMG, it’s here. It’s 2023. Is it here already? Where did the time go, anyway? Happy New Year 2023 Everyone.

May the coming year bring out the best in each and everyone of you, and especially to all my readers. You have made the past year a happy one for me. I am looking forward to bigger and better things for the future.

P.S. and yes, I’ll have the next book in the Consortium Series out, ready to fill your minds with thrilling awe, as I weave Avril’s tale into deeper levels of debauchery and acts of bloodshed and cruelty. Will the Consortium survive? Will Sir get what’s coming to him? Even I don’t know yet. The story goes where it wants to go as I put fingers to the keys.

Happy New Year all.

‘Tis the Season 2022

‘Tis the Season

Yes, ‘Tis the Season 2022. Whether you celebrate Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Santa is coming to town, the Festival of Lights, the ?Winter Solstice, and the rest, I would like to pass on this holiday seasonal greeting.

I wish you and yours around the world the very best of the current holiday season and in the years to come.

Comments Welcome

Please send me a note about what you think. I’m always interested in what my readers think of my stories. You will find a comment section below.

A Wild Couple of Months

A Wild Couple of Months.

Yes indeed, it’s been a wild couple of months.

Retribution: The Noose Tightens

First off, sales of my latest book, ‘Retribution’, are doing well. Thank you all who spent their valuable time reading it, and all of my new readers who are reading the entire Consortium Series. So many of my readers wrote me the nicest comments about the book. Some wanted me to end the Consortium all together. Others were glad I didn’t, although they were delighted that I put the hurt on them. Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus and there will be a book 7 in the series. I’ve already started writing it.

Impediments

Complicating my life and adding more memories were a series of events that complicated my wild couple of months. As many of you know, we are deep into the holiday season here in the U.S. It starts with Halloween, then into Thanksgiving, then Christmas and ends with New Year’s Eve and Day.

For me, I was so fatigued that I had zero energy to do much with Halloween, my favorite holiday. I now live in a 55+ community and they mostly don’t celebrate it much. More to the point, no one goes trick or treating in my neighborhood, so what’s the point? Fortunately, this will give me ample opportunity to go to the various haunted houses, hay rides through the dark forests where ghouls and goblins live, and maybe a party or two. But, I just took a tangent.

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Halloween is in two days

Halloween is in two days

Halloween is in two days, and frankly, I don’t care. Yes, that’s right. My heart isn’t in it this year. Anyone who knows me knows that for as long as I can remember, Halloween is my favorite holiday, or is that was? I don’t know myself. I suppose I will know years from now.

What’s changed?

Let’s see. What’s changed. First, I now live in a fifty-five and up community. No one comes to the house for trick-or-treating. Only a few houses in my neighborhood decorate anything to do with the holiday. When they do, is a set of string lights and a pumpkin, which wasn’t carved into a jack-o’-lantern. How sad is that?

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Retribution is out

Retribution is out

That’s right; Retribution is out. Retribution is book 6 in the Consortium Series. Published on October 13, a few of my readers found it before I could announce it. As of this writing, 84 readers like you have already read it. That’s only ten days. OMG. What’s even cooler is that I have already received nothing less than a couple of 5-star reviews.

Thank you, readers. I love you and appreciate you sticking with me.

I’ve also received some comments on the book on my website. One commenter starts they were very disappointed that I didn’t end the series but went on to say they are happy to find out there will be a book 7 in the series.

Yes, there will be another book, Virginia. Sorry, I used the phrase from the popular holiday story, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. I’ve already begun work on it.

How to read Retribution.

If you’ve missed it, it’s available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited. Shhh! You don’t need a Kindle to read it. You can read it on your phone, tablet, and computer by downloading the app to your device. I read all my books on either, using them as the situation fits. I usually use my android phone to read my books. It’s small, compact, always charged, and always with me.

However, sometimes an actual book comes in handy, and I’ll read it that way. A regular book is often better suited when riding the bus or train to work and back. That’s what my father did his entire career. There’s no need to charge the device, and it fits neatly in most briefcases, purses, and handbags.

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Last Month Today

Hello friends, welcome to Last Month Today, a quick update on what’s been going on with my writing.

Before I continue, let me say that the title of this update is, without a doubt, a nod to John Oliver’s multi-Emmy-winning show, ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,’ which airs weekly on HBO. If you’ve never seen the show, I urge you to check it out. It’s funny but deals with serious topics affecting our lives. It’s roughly 30 minutes a week. Come on, try it, you will like it.

Last Week Tonight

Last Month Today

It’s been over a month since I last wrote to you. Well, it’s been a busy one. Doing my initial edits and working with my editor on my latest book, ‘Retribution,’ takes time. I’m happy to report that we’ve completed the editing, and I’m moving on to the final stages of getting it published.

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Writing My Ass Off

Writing my Ass Off

It’s true. I’ve been writing my ass off. But what does that mean? It means that I’ve been working on finishing Book 6 in the Consortium Series. I wrote at every opportunity and every weekend for two months. I got so into the story that I needed to find out how it ended. Therefore, writing my ass off to finish this book was very fulfilling.

Throughout this period, I kept thinking of you, my loyal readers. I wanted to update you on my progress. However, I got so involved with the story I figured you would forgive me. 

But I know you want to see where this comment is leading. Yesterday, I finished the draft of the book, and now it is off to editing. Yeah!!!!

Consortium Series
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I’ve been on a Bender

That’s right, I’ve been on a bender.

I don’t mean drinking or the Futurama character, although there are days I miss the drink. No, the bender I mean is writing, putting quality time into research, putting words down and writing a story.

Bender

Last week, I took several days off from work as a staycation. And I put it to good use. I won’t take the time to count the words written, but I assure you, it was well over ten thousand words among five chapters for the next book in the Consortium series. My readers know it can take too long to release the next book. Sorry about that. I sometimes think that as well. However, I don’t want to sacrifice quality for quantity.

It’s funny. When I first sat behind my writing desk, I stared at the screen, down to my keyboard, and back up at the screen. I didn’t know where to start. I knew where I wanted the book to end up. It was getting there where I struggled.

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Moderation by Amazon…again

Yep, earlier this week, I was hit with a moderation by Amazon…again. Mother effing Amazon. This time, it was for an advertisement for The Trafficking Consortium running for years. Why now? I have no idea.

Of course, they have rules and regulations on appropriate content. The advertisement followed them and stayed within the boundaries of their rules. I even paid a consultant who was well versed in their rules and practices to write the ad. I even got Facebook and Twitter copy I could use, although I don’t use their advertising services very much due to cost. The ad should have been safe. 

Think again. 

At first, they just shut down the ad and notified me with a stupid generic moderation statement. Amazon’s message did not identify what was specifically wrong with the ad. I had to file an appeal to the moderation to dig into it. I ended up speaking to an Amazon Advertising Service Representative on the phone. After reviewing the ad, he agreed with me that it did NOT violate their rules and regulations. He then forwarded the appeal to someone up the chain.

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What’s new in my writing

Good morning readers and followers, I know you’re wondering what’s new in my writing. I can’t say I blame you. I’m always curious myself—odd when you think about it. 

I reflected upon my progress in writing book six of the Consortium series with friends the other night. I won’t say much about the plot so far so as not to spoil the surprise when it gets published. But I mentioned that I’m about a third of the way done with writing it and said the following. “It’s funny. I still haven’t written a hot sex scene or any graphic violence yet.”

what's new in my writing

Sex and Violence

My friends were shocked. As in a chorus, they exclaimed. “What do you mean? Really? You haven’t?”

Up until that moment, I hadn’t thought it to be a problem. But then, based on their reaction, and they have all read my stories, I realized something. My readers and followers expect hot, graphic sex and violence.

Who am I to disappoint?

What did I do?

Well, I went back to the last chapter I had written and wrote a hot sex scene. That chapter was a perfect lead-in to such a scene, so I added it. It’s so long now that I may break it into two chapters during the editing phase. For now, it’s staying right where it is.

As for the graphic violence, don’t worry. That’s coming. 

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Picking up my computer

Would you believe this is the first time I’m picking up my computer in almost two weeks? Really? Yes, it is true. I’ve been under the weather since a week ago Monday. I’m also drinking my first cup of coffee in all this time as well. Those that know me, know that if I’m not drinking coffee, I’m sick.

How it started

It all started with what I thought was a sinus infection. I’d bend over and pain shot through my head, which went away as soon as I stood up. Uh, oh! The next morning, Tuesday, those symptoms disappeared. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was wrong. But then, I started feeling a malaise, a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify. That triggered a ‘uh oh’ in my mind, and I paid a lot closer attention to what was going on with me. By Wednesday, I knew I was getting sick, but I could still go to work and do my job.

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Writing is like Sex


Writing is like sex...Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf

Writing is like sex. First, you do it for love, then you do it for your friends, and then you do it for money.

— Virginia Woolf, British Writer

Recently, I came across this quote beginning with “Writing is like sex.” Anyone who knows me knows I like sex. I also like to write. Two of my favorite activities all rolled up into one short sentence. So naturally, this quote caught my eye. Who am I to argue with Virginia Woolf?

But then I started thinking about the full context of the quote. I began breaking it down into three components.

Writing is like sex

Hmm, that’s an easy one. I already wrote about the combination above. Of course, there’s more to it. 

For me, writing is like sex. When I am in the zone and know in my brain exactly what the scene I’m writing about is, I get that euphoric high that is akin to a good, satisfying orgasm. Most of you out there know what I mean by the high one gets from climaxing. Endorphins flood your bloodstream, and you feel as if you’re leaving your real-life behind. All you can sense is your partner and the euphoria they are giving you.

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Incentive

I have an additional incentive to continue writing. I am referring, of course, to my latest novel, Exposure. It’s doing well. In fact, some of you out there discovered its release and started reading it before I announced it. Across the board, my sales are up 37% since its release when comparing them to the average of the last quarter with January’s numbers.

Exposure turned out as an incentive to write more.

So what is my incentive to write, you may ask? With success like that, how can I not write my stories? I’m encouraged and excited to add to my stories. That’s good news for you, my readers. Why, you may ask?

During Exposure’s writing and editing phase, I struggled with deciding to end Avril’s story in my latest book. I could have finished it. I had even mapped out a way to end it, leaving some unresolved questions and subplots.

At least one of my reviewers complained I hadn’t, vowing never to read my novels ever again. After discussing it with my editor and beta readers, I left it as is and move on to write the sixth book in the series. I might even write more. The Consortium Series is, after all, a serialized story.

Long story short, I’m excited to write more, especially now that I have an enticing incentive. I’ve already started working on it, writing copious notes and such.

And before I forget. Thank you to all my readers for making this a success story.

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Morticia Addams, my very first love

Morticia Addams

Oh my; be still my fluttering heart. For as long as I can remember, Morticia Addams, portrayed by Carolyn Jones, has always infatuated me. I might have even been in love with her, despite being a fictional character on television. What do I know? I was a kid.

Morticia Addams, goth dark beauty

Which brought me to the question, just how old was I when that show first aired. Yes, I betray my age my answering this question. The show aired for two seasons between 1964 and 1966. That made me between eight and ten years old.

Despite my young age, I couldn’t help but notice Morticia’s seductive svelte figure, plunging neckline, tight waist, and long legs trimmed in that hobble octopus dress that seemed to chase her around the floor. She had the face and mannerisms of romance that drew me in. Just watch her closely in the opening theme, that sly smile when snapping her fingers speaks volumes, enticing me to her side. Despite my tender age, I wanted to be Gomez Addams, going to bed with her each night. In that household, they just as easily could have been sleeping on a bed of nails. You get the idea.

Yes, as a child, I was in love with Morticia Addams. I may be still. more “Morticia Addams, my very first love”

7th Inning Stretch

7th Inning Stretch

7th Inning Stretch

It’s the 7th Inning Stretch, and I need it. What does that mean, you may ask? It’s a baseball term. It means to stop, rest and reset, and then finish the game. Fans and players take advantage of this tradition. It’s also a chance to hit the concession stands and buy a last round of beer and snacks—any way to make money. Yes, I’m being cynical, but that’s okay too. I’m allowed to have an opinion. 

If you don’t follow baseball, that’s okay. I only follow it during the playoffs, although I’ll occasionally go to a game now and then. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve gone.

Why the 7th inning stretch?

Now, you may ask why I am bringing up this? It’s because I’ve been on a marathon of writing during my vacation. I had eight straight days to apply myself to book five of the Consortium Series. As I reported in my last post, I made excellent progress. I hoped to finish out the time with three more chapters.  more “7th Inning Stretch”

Prolific

Prolific

It seems I am very prolific this week. I took time off from work to burn some vacation time. You know the saying, ‘use it or lose it.’ Since I don’t want to lose it, I’m using it too great success in working on Book 5 in the Consortium series.

You, my readers, will be happy to know that so far this week, I’ve written several chapters totalling twenty thousand, four hundred twenty-four words. That’s 20,424 in case you need the numerals. And I still have four days to go until I must return to work. I wonder just what I can accomplish in that time.

Definition

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of the word prolific is:

pro·​lif·​ic | \ prə-ˈli-fik \ adjective.

1: producing young or fruit especially freely: FRUITFUL
2: archaic: causing abundant growth, generation, or reproduction
3: marked by abundant inventiveness or productivity, a prolific composer.

Prolific Time of my Life

Working on this book over the past six days has been fun. I go to bed the night before, and I wake up knowing exactly what the next chapter or two will entail. Then, it’s just writing… writing… and more writing fleshing out the scenes and incorporating the dialogue and injecting the emotions appropriate to the moment.

prolific progress on Consortium Book 5

I’ve gotta say I’m having fun with this book. The action is getting intriguing. Of course, it’s as hot as ever, incorporating a couple of sexual scenes that will make you blush. But isn’t that what all my books incorporate.

The story picks up with Sir and the Consortium forced to deal the crash of their cargo plane full of new prey to auction off and the exposure of their cabal. Sir discovers he cannot contain the media and lost control of the situation. Never in his life has he not been in control of something important to him, and it frustrates and tortures him. I say, ‘Good!’ Serves him right.

The media, discovering the crashed plane’s cargo of naked humans spread across the crash site, sensationalizes the public. National and global media outlets pick up the story, tantalizing their viewers, and awaking powerful people world-wide not affiliated with the Consortium into action.

Can you imagine how the world would react if this happened for real? A violent riot stays fresh in the media for weeks and months. What would you do if you knew that your missing cousin, son, or daughter were among the victims? Would you sit back and say, “Oh well.” Of course not.

I know you’re eager to read this next installment. Rest assured, it’s coming and at a faster pace than the last book. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Okay, I’ve got to get back to writing the story. I’m too excited to leave it alone for longer than necessary.

Finally

I want to thank everyone who wrote me, in response to my post, ‘Quite the Ride.’ You shared stories dealing with medical issues and trauma similar to what I experienced over the past month or so. I appreciate you sharing your heartaches, and I strove hard to write to everyone thanking them for their well wishes. Some of those that wrote me had it even harder than I did. I feel for you; I do and I’m sorry, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Quite the Ride

It’s been quite the ride over this past month. With everything happening around the world, both good and bad, I’ve only kept up with it loosely. My personal little world became smaller since I last wrote you.

Let’s see. Where to begin?

Consortium Book 5 Progress

Quite the Ride Consortium Series I’ve made decent progress in working on Book 5 in the Consortium series. There are so many more characters, all interacting with each other. And I don’t mean the victims of the Consortium, plentiful as they always are. These are characters between the Consortium membership and the outside world. more “Quite the Ride”

Headache Log

Headache Log

I was reviewing my headache log this morning. Yes, I maintain a headache log. Periodically, my doctors review it to help them decide on the next course of action. I can’t believe what the numbers show.

Back in February, my numbers were very manageable; ones and twos. Oh, and in case you don’t realize it, I’ve never seen a zero since suffering my concussion almost six years ago. Can you believe it?

Headache Log
Heachache Log for March 2021

Then, during the end of the first week of March, they started climbing. By the end of the second week, they climbed to really high numbers. I started seeing sevens and eights. They’ve been like that ever since. For seven weeks I suffered in ways that I am tired of, and I can’t stand it much. I get up in the morning doing the job that pays for my food and roof over my head, go home, and collapse on my sofa, overwhelmed by the conflict in my head. Sometimes, the levels dip into nine, just one point short of the worst ever. Occasionally, I’ve also felt nauseous with auras. Isn’t that a sign of a migraine?

Bitching?

Now, I know this sounds like I’m bitching. I know others have it worse off than I do. That doesn’t change the way I feel. I’m frustrated, tired, and angry. However, I will not get depressed over the situation. I won’t let that happen. I get up every day and face the world, determined that it will be a better day.

What’s worse, is that I can’t stimulate my creative juices to write. Sorry, folks, I have written little in the last couple of weeks. All I can do are the routine things at work and collapse when I get home. A few of my readers contacted me after my last blog entry, suggesting various things, including checking into out-of-town clinics specializing in my condition. I’ve looked into it. I’m intrigued.

To compensate for the battle going on in my head, I’ve done several things. One is I have a new neurologist. He’s on the younger side but supervised by an older neurologist I’ve been seeing for the last year for a second opinion. He’s got some new ideas and I’m on new medication.

Medical Marijuana

But that’s not all. In my state, marijuana is only legal for medical purposes, although that is changing as I write this. Yes, I have my medical marijuana card prescribed by my doctor in case you wondered. I had a small supply left over from last year. It worked for a couple of months and then stopped being ineffective. I stopped using it.

Medical Marijuana and meOne day, when I was really bad, I took it. Within hours, I felt a change. While it did not lower the value, I felt the marijuana encapsulated the pain behind an unbreakable shield. Think of a snow globe and the pain inside, moving about, trying to get out. Stuck behind a force field, I felt better, functioning at a level I hadn’t seen in a month.

Going back to the dispensary, I bought more. I can’t believe it, the weed is helping. I wish it would work more consistently, but alas, even my doctors tell me I am a special case. Fuck, don’t they realize patients hate to hear that? Still, I’m determined to fight, which brings me to the next thing I did.

Cefaly

I hate taking pills. They screw with the body’s chemistry, although I realize that in this case, it’s necessary. He also suggested a device that reminded me of something right out of Star Trek. If you’ve seen the movie Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Dr. McCoy uses a device on Chekov to repair a subdural hematoma. While I don’t have that condition, thank Gaia, I looked into it. After reviewing it with my Primary Care Physician (PCP), I tried it. It’s not covered by insurance, but at this stage, I don’t care. It’s got a sixty day unconditional return policy for full refund. What have I got to lose? I’m trying it.

Can Cefaly reduce the numbers in my headache log

It’s from a company called Cefaly and it is noninvasive and doesn’t screw with my body chemistry. It works a lot like a Tens Unit, it’s a self-contained unit without wires. You put a pad on your head and magnetically place the device on it. The sensations are exactly like a Tens Unit. Electrical impulses get injected into the flesh on my face and over the course of the treatment, move in easily recognizable patterns. Sometimes they go side to side, other times in circles, and, well, you get the idea. Treatments last between twenty to sixty minutes.

I’ve just started with it, and the results are mixed. They designed the Cefaly for migraines. My doctors tell me my headaches are not migraines, but my headache log of late tells a different story. What I can say is that it seems to help.

Progress Made, and still updating my headache log.

That’s where I stand right now. I’ve haven’t had the drive or energy to write, even with this blog. I hate resting for half of my waking day and then going to bed. All this sitting and lying down is driving me crazy and making my body ache. I force myself to do my best to take part in life, going to work, the grocery stores, and meeting friends. But there’s nothing creative going on. Until now.

For the past week, I’m at a three or four, which is manageable on the creative front. For one, I’m writing this blog entry. Wow, last weekend, writing one was the farthest from my mind. I am also trying to get back into Avril’s story and write more chapters. I know exactly what I want to do for the next few chapters. It’s getting my mind clear enough to write it down. I’m determined to live, laugh, fuck, smile, and be a part of the world around me.

I still need to get back to the ones and twos. I zero would be nice too! Knock on wood. I’m getting back to writing, adding another book to the Consortium Series.

This is Richard Verry recovering from a terrible month and a half, determined to find out what happens to Avril and her predicament. Talk to you soon. Have a great day and a better one tomorrow.

Infiltration arrived healthy

Infiltration arrived healthy

Ten days later, I’m happy to say, arrived healthy. In case you missed it, Infiltration (book 4) is my latest book in my Consortium series arrived ten days ago. From the feedback I’ve gotten so far, it’s off to a fantastic start. Thank you, my readers, who made this possible.

Did you get your copy? Did you read it yet? What did you think?

I want to thank everyone who pre-ordered my latest novel. Honestly, all of you are great! Your response astounded me, and I am very grateful. I hope you liked it. I had a lot of fun writing it.

To that end, I am already deep into writing book #5, yet unnamed. The action picks up a couple of weeks after Avril and Sir return to his estate. Avril is busy getting her new acquisitions set up, and Sir, well, if you know Sir, he’s up to his usual self. Or, is he?

The Consortium is in the sights of the families of their victims. Do they know it? How close are they to #Infiltration, or was their security already penetrated?   more “Infiltration arrived healthy”

Infiltration is Here

Infiltration is Here

It’s official; Infiltration is here. Infiltration (book 4) is the latest book in my Consortium series. Did you get your copy? Did you start reading it yet?

I want to thank everyone who pre-ordered a copy of my latest novel. Honestly, you guys and ladies are great! You astounded me by your response. I hope you like it. I had a lot of fun writing it.

The Consortium is in the sights of the families of their victims. Do they know it? How close are they to #Infiltration, or was their security already penetrated?  

In case you missed it, Infiltration landed today, March 1, 2021. Did you get your copy yet? more “Infiltration is Here”

Infiltration, One more Day

Infiltration, One more Day

One more day until it hits. Sounds a bit like D-Day, doesn’t it? The Consortium is in the sights of the families of their victims, and do they know it? How close are they getting?

In case you missed it, Infiltration, one more day. Are you ready for it? It lands tomorrow, March 1, 2021.

The next chapter in Avril’s story among the #Consortium is available for pre-ordering on Amazon. If you haven’t already pre-ordered your copy, there’s still time to get it on the day of its release. Ask for it now, and Amazon will automatically download it to your device on March 1, 2021. The paperback version is also available, and it will ship automatically on the same day.

If you are a KindleUnlimited reader, you too can read it for free starting tomorrow. All around, it’s all good news.

kindle-badge_4_orig

Of note, you can also get a copy of the paperback version if you prefer reading a regular book. Just click the Amazon link and it will take you to the page where you can pre-order either version.

Are you ready to cringe at the Consortium’s newest games, sympathize with Avril doing what she must do, and Sir’s passions dealing with crisis after crisis? # is the fourth book in a dark human trafficking series suitable for ages 18 and over. Read on. There’s more. more “Infiltration, One more Day”

Infiltration is Near

Infiltration is Near

The Imminent of the Consortium is nearly upon us

In case you missed it, Infiltration is near. Are you ready for it? It arrives March 1, 2021.

The next chapter in Avril’s story among the #Consortium is available for pre-ordering on Amazon. Ask for it now, and Amazon will automatically download it to your device on March 1, 2021. The paperback version is also available, and it will ship automatically on the same day. 

kindle-badge_4_orig

Of note, you can also get a copy of the paperback version if you prefer reading a regular book. Just click the Amazon link and it will take you to the page where you can pre-order either version.

Are you ready to cringe at the Consortium’s newest games, sympathize with Avril doing what she must do, and Sir’s passions dealing with crisis after crisis? # is the fourth book in a dark human trafficking series suitable for ages 18 and over. Read on. There’s more. more “Infiltration is Near”

Imminent Infiltration

Imminent Infiltration

The Imminent Infiltration of the Consortium is nearly upon us

Hello, my friends and readers. I am proud to say, everything is ready for your enjoyment. It arrives on March 1, 2021.

The next chapter in Avril’s story among the Consortium is available right now for pre-ordering on Amazon. Ask for it now, and Amazon will automatically download it to your device on March 1, 2021. The paperback version is also available, and it will ship automatically on the same day.

Of note, you can also get a copy of the paperback version if you prefer reading a regular book. Just click the Amazon link and it will take you to the page where you can pre-order either version. Read Infiltration

Are you ready to cringe at the Consortium’s newest games, sympathize with Avril doing what she must do, and Sir’s passions dealing with crisis after crisis? Infiltration is the fourth book in a dark human trafficking series suitable for ages 18 and over. Read on. There’s more. more “Imminent Infiltration”

Infiltration is Imminent

Infiltration is Imminent

The  is imminentThe next chapter in Avril’s story among the Consortium is available for pre-sale on Amazon. Ask for it now, and Amazon will automatically download it to your device on March 1, 2021. 

Hello, my friends and readers. I am proud to say, everything is nearly ready for your enjoyment. It arrives on March 1, 2021.

kindle-badge_4_orig

more “Infiltration is Imminent”

Infiltration is near, Consortium book 4

Infiltration

Book 4 in the Consortium Series

Infiltration is nearThe next chapter in Avril’s story among the Consortium, arrives on March 1, 2021. 

Hello, my friends and readers. Although I am giving my beta readers one last go at the final product, the formatted manuscript is ready for eBook publication. I finished the book cover as well. What’s left is formatting and creating the book cover for the paperback version. It’s close, everyone. It’s all coming on March 1, 2021.

Are you ready to cringe at the Consortium’s newest games, sympathize with Avril doing what she must do, and Sir’s passions dealing with crisis after crisis? Infiltration is the fourth book in a dark human trafficking series suitable for ages 18 and over. Read on, there’s more.

more “Infiltration is near, Consortium book 4”

I finished Infiltration, Consortium Book 4

I finished Infiltration

It’s official. I finished Infiltration, book 4 in my Consortium Series last week. I think the draft turned out pretty well. It’s now in editing. I’ll talk more about that and more later in this blog. I know many of you are anxiously waiting for it. I get it. Avril is in a deep world of trouble, and despite her secret plans, no one knows whether she can extricate herself from the clutches of the cabal known as The Consortium.

From its name, I think anyone who’s read my earlier books, I think you can tell the overall theme of this segment in Avril’s life. It took me about eight months to write, which is longer than I had hoped. However, I like the way it turned out, and now, it’s on to editing, cover creation, and a host of other details that need to managing before publication. more “I finished Infiltration, Consortium Book 4”

Amazon’s Kindle Quality Notice Update

Amazon’s Kindle Quality Notice Update

Announcing:

Amazon’s Kindle Quality Notice
Copyright (c) Richard Verry 2017-2020

I’ve published a second edition of ‘The Trafficking Consortium,’ fully revised and edited, along with a bonus of new material for my reader’s enjoyment. Thank you to everyone for your patience while I set aside my other responsibilities to take care of dealing with Amazon’s Kindle Quality Notice. Not only did Amazon approve my #kindle version of the book, but they did the same for the paperback version. Read #TheTraffickingConsortium today, knowing you are getting some of my best work.

To catch you up

If you read my last couple of posts, you know I received notice from Amazon of defects in my book, ‘The Trafficking Consortium.’ The news shocked me initially, but then as I reviewed the reported flaws in the story, I realized, whoever wrote them, was spot-on correct. They were apparent, and between my editor and I, we should have found them four years ago before I published the book. more “Amazon’s Kindle Quality Notice Update”

Kindle Quality Notice

Kindle Quality Notice

The Trafficking Consortium Front Book Cover
Copyright (c) Richard Verry, 2017

I received a Kindle Quality Notice from #ebook-quality at Amazon the other day. Boy, was I surprised. It was for my book, The Trafficking Consortium. Published three years ago, it is one of my best sellers. From the feedback I’ve received over the years, people love the story, even if they cringe at the plotline. No one, and I mean no one, said anything about what Amazon just said.

They documented twenty deficiencies in the book. After three years and hundreds of sales, the notice surprised me. They told me that the book was at risk of being pulled. more “Kindle Quality Notice”

Emma Peel, My Second Love

Emma Peel, My Second Love

In the British show ‘The Avengers’ of the 1960s, Mrs. Emma Peel #EmmaPeel, played by Diana Rigg #DianaRigg, passed away this past week. While Morticia Addams was my very first love, Emma Peel was undoubtedly my second. Of course, I was barely over ten years old, but I appreciated the woman’s beauty even then. I eagerly looked forward to the next episode, just so that I could watch her flit about England, leading the charge to save her country and countrymen from one crisis after another.

When I heard the news of Diana’s passing, I immediately thought back to those days when I’d faithfully watch the show. I watched every episode I could. Maybe it was this series that ultimately left me enjoying British dramas, and especially crime and intrigue dramas to this day, all these decades later. more “Emma Peel, My Second Love”

Loop

Thrown for a Loop

What a month and thrown for a loop. My newly acquired partial blindness in my left eye threw me for another loop this past month. Yes, I have trouble seeing much in that eye, and the conflicting signals between my right and left eye confuse my brain. The result? It has to work in ways it never has, elevating headaches and fatigue. I’ve also suffered from severe fatigue by getting less than five hours a night for a month straight. At least with sleep, I’m improving, now getting a minimum of seven hours of restful sleep a night.

Blindness thrown for a loopBut that’s not the loop I referred to in the opening line. Nope, not at all. Since last May when I suffered my #CRAO, I’ve been telling my doctors my eye was sore all the time. They noted it in my assessment and moved on to more pressing issues. Over the last month, the soreness continued to get worse. Last week, it opened the turbocharger and knocked me for a loop. Now my eye was visibly red, my eyelid partially closed, and I felt outright pain. WTF? more “Loop”

Blindness

I want to let you know that due to a sudden blindness in my left eye I spent a night in the hospital between April 30th and May 1st.

Blindness from CARO
Central Retinal Arterial Occlusion

Originally, they diagnosed me with #CRAO or Central Retinal Arterial Occlusion. Essentially, a stroke in the eye. That scared me. They checked me in as a precaution and tons of tests, but fortunately, they found nothing. The picture is not of my eye, but it clearly shows the problem.

After several tests done over the subsequent month, the likely cause is an old infection from a single cell parasite (#Toxoplasmosis) that once found a home in my eye. It’s detectable from the antibodies my body produced to fight the infection. more “Blindness”

Pandemic and the Purge Plague

Parallels of Covid-19 and the Purge Plague

Parallels of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Purge Plague

The parallels of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Purge Plague are eerily similar. Granted, the Purge Plague is a fictional pandemic, conceptualized in my Mona Bendarova novels. When I began writing the first novel in the series, ‘The Taste of Honey’ #TOH in 2011, the Purge Plague #purgeplague was the catalyst that started society on the road to where Mona’s community ended up. The Purge Plague was an unstoppable pandemic that ended up killing everyone and everything. Mother Nature corrected the imbalance we placed upon her.

more “Pandemic and the Purge Plague”

Jigsaw Puzzles-part 3

Jigsaw Puzzles-part 3

April 13, 2020

It’s been a while since I last posted a note about my obsession with solving jigsaw puzzles. I’m not so sure it’s an obsession. Obsessions are compulsions, mania, and preoccupations. I’m not thinking of any of these things.

It also means desire, fascination, enthusiasm, and passion. Those, I definitely am. Overall, I am fascinated by solving these jigsaw puzzles. more “Jigsaw Puzzles-part 3”

Angry Bitch Is Out

Angry Bitch

Yeah, that’s right. I published my eleventh novel, ‘Angry Bitch‘ over the weekend. Woo- hoo! It’s available now on Amazon for your Kindle, Kindle Reader, and in paperback. Oh, did I mention that you can read it for free on Kindle Unlimited? You can and you should. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think.

I’m relieved that’s done, however, whenever is the work ever done?

Now I can get back to Avril’s story. I left her hanging around with a noose tightening around her neck as she tries to figure out how to escape the clutches of the Consortium, or die trying.

Besides Avril and Mona, I have a couple more projects in the works, and ideas and notes for dozens more. There’s so much to do. I wish I could do them all, but I know I can’t. There’s not enough time in a day to get it done before another idea pops into my head. That doesn’t stop me from trying.

Angry Bitch

Angry Bitch 3D book coverIn the fourth installment of Mona’s story, called Angry Bitch, Mona comes into her own, as a Mistress of a House, and a peer within the Community dominated by males.

Not everyone is happy about Mona as a Mistress of a House and a peer of a Community dominated by men. Mona must fight to keep her more “Angry Bitch Is Out”

Reading while Homebound

Reading while Homebound

I’m stuck home because of the onset of the world-wide Coronavirus Pandemic, so reading while homebound is now something I can do. I noticed lately that people reading my books are up. So what can I do? I can help other authors and read a good book. I have a whole stack of them on my bedside table, which I have to dust off whenever I clean house. more “Reading while Homebound”

Happy New Year 2020

Happy New Year 2020

To all my fans and readers of my books, Happy New Year 2020. I hope it is a good one for you and yours. 

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? I’d love to know what they are. As for me, I don’t. There’s so much I want to do, I can’t prioritize them into a resolution. more “Happy New Year 2020”

Lucky Bitch Is Out

Lucky Bitch Is Out

Yes, that’s right. I released my latest novel, ‘Lucky Bitch’ over the weekend. Lucky Bitch is out. Woo- hoo! You should start seeing it in your favorite book reseller sight in short order. Be sure to check it out.

I’m relieved that’s done. But, whenever is the work ever done?

No, I have three more projects in the works right now. There’s so much to do. I wish I could do it all in short order, but I can’t. That doesn’t stop me from trying. I was even writing during the sports match last night that kept me up late. more “Lucky Bitch Is Out”

Lucky Bitch Cover Reveal

Lucky Bitch Cover Reveal

At long last, I’m about to publish my latest novel in the Mona Bendarova Series, called ‘Lucky Bitch.’ Here is the long-awaited Lucky Bitch Cover Reveal. That’s right. Book 3 in the Mona Bendarova Series will be out soon, as early as next week. I’m so looking forward to getting it done. I have too many projects in the works.

Book 4 in the series, titled ‘Angry Bitch,’ will follow suit in about four weeks. I might get it sooner, but with the holidays upon us, that will be a tough sell. Fans of the series will have to wait with bated breath. It won’t be long, you’ve all waited too long as it is.

In the meantime, here is the book description. more “Lucky Bitch Cover Reveal”

A Fresh New Look

Before I get into what I mean about a fresh new look, let me tell you about what I am up too. It’s been almost two months since I last wrote. Ouch! Yes, I know. I’m neglecting you, my fans and readers. Will you accept my apologies? Not that I am making excuses because I am not. I do have an explanation.

UnderCurrents and a Fresh New LookAfter I released my last book, ‘UnderCurrents,’ I looked at all of my projects in the works, and especially the books I wrote just before my head injury. While I wrote several chapters for the next book in the Consortium series, I knew that I wasn’t doing Mona any justice. Mona is the main character in the Mona Bendarova Series and the languishing Books 3 and 4. more “A Fresh New Look”

Sir and the fire drill

Sir & a fire drill

Sir’s bio

Weeks ago, after I published my last book, ‘UnderCurrents,’ I started writing a blog on Sir, the main antagonist in my Consortium books. I intended it to be a short synopsis of the character addressing the question. What makes him tick? Before I knew it, it was over two thousand words long, much too long to use as a blog entry.

I decided to create a page on my site dedicated to this character. After all, his victim and primary interest in the books, Avril has a page. Before long, I added another couple of hundred words to his biography, and I’ve only touched the surface of this complicated and intriguing character. Which means, it needs editing and sifting just as what happens when I write a new story. What am I, a glutton for punishment? Don’t answer that. Still in rough draft form, and the bio needing more work, I ran into a health issue. more “Sir and the fire drill”

UnderCurrents Released

UnderCurrents

UnderCurrents

UnderCurrents book coverAre you being hunted?
Who will satisfy their thirst?
Can anyone quench their thirst?
Will you be the one?

Handcuffed to Sir’s dark desires, Avril’s only chance for survival depends on pleasing her callous master. As the man’s twisted pleasures expand, can Avril endure long enough to outwit the sadistic punisher or will his tight tether be the last thing she sees?

If you enjoy disturbing scenes, powerful villains, and determined heroes, you’ll love this tie-you-in-knots thriller. Tap the link to read the book today!

 

 

Who will satisfy their Thirst? Read the newest thriller today and find out.

LearnMoreAmazon

Consortium Book #3, UnderCurrents Nears Publication

Consortium Book #3, UnderCurrents Nears Publication

The third book in the Consortium series, UnderCurrents nears publication. Whoo-hoo! Yes, I know I have been quiet of late. For a good reason.

UnderCurrents nears publicationI finished my first draft of the book about a month ago. Finishing it, I decided on the title ‘UnderCurrents.’ Then, I went through it again and again, working on draft 2 and then 3.

Just the other day, I got it back from the editor. Oh, my word was she ever harsh. We argued over nearly every word. She stripped out hundreds of words, had me rewrite dozens of segments, and identified inconsistencies galore. more “Consortium Book #3, UnderCurrents Nears Publication”

A Ring of Truth

A Ring of Truth

After I wrote my story, The Trafficking Consortium, I started looking over my shoulder, wondering I had stumbled upon a ring of truth. Was I being watched and followed. I can’t tell you how many times I debated with myself whether to finish the story and then again, to publish it. I may not fit their profile of acceptable prey, but I believe that if I get too close to the truth, they may want to remove me as a threat. more “A Ring of Truth”

Always End the Day with a Positive Thought

Always End the Day with a Positive Thought

End the day with a positive thought, what an interesting, inspirational message? When I first saw this quote the other day, I had to stop and think about it. The first question I asked myself was, why?

In thinking about the deeper meaning of the inspirational message, I thought about what I do every day since I can remember. Yes, that’s right, back to when I was a child, though it’s more likely that as a young adult, I lived this mindset.

No matter how hard things wereThe full quote reads:

“Always end the day with a positive thought. No matter how hard things were, tomorrow’s a fresh opportunity to make it better.”
~unknown

more “Always End the Day with a Positive Thought”

REAF – Rochester Erotic Arts Festival

REAF – Rochester Erotic Arts Festival

The 10th Annual Rochester Erotic Arts Festival, or REAF, came to town this past weekend. Of course, I went. This is a big event for the conservative region in which I live.

Open to the public, it’s a festival on all things related to eroticism. REAF is a weekend thing, opening Friday night and concluding on Sunday. However, it’s Friday and Saturday where all the fun stuff happens.

What will you find at REAF?

The simple answer is, it’s many things related to erotic art, performances, toys, and workshops. more “REAF – Rochester Erotic Arts Festival”

Cher

Cher

I saw Cher live in concert over the weekend. I’ve never seen her perform live before. I knew it would be more than just a concert; it was a performance. I wasn’t disappointed, and I enjoyed every minute of the show.Cher, The Farewell Tour, Live

Not that this is a review of the show, I don’t do reviews. I will write about my experiences related to the show. For me, the show was in a city about 70 miles from my home. Not too bad for travel. I planned on departing with plenty of time, and I arrived at the highway exit to the venue about forty-five minutes before show time. Was that enough? Apparently not. I spent the next hour on the offramp and navigating the traffic to get to my pre-paid parking garage.

more “Cher”

Once is enough

Once is enough

fortune cookie - once is enough

“You can only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West

Mae West

The other day, I came across this fortune in a fortune cookie. You know what I mean, the little cookie you get with Chinese food that has those brief messages.

When I looked up this sentence, it turns out that Mae West is credited with the quote. Interesting.

However, for this article, I will stick with the fortune cookie aspect of the sentiment.

In Bed

I usually add the phrase ‘in bed’ to the fortune, and most times, it improves the meaning and flair of the fortune. I love the randy sentiment the addition implies. Back in the late 80s, I learned to add the phrase when I first moved to this town. My coworkers and I would go out to lunch regularly. It was during one of these lunches I heard the phrase ‘in bed’ added to a fortune. I loved it and immediately adopted the practice. Most everyone I know either already does it or enjoyed my idiosyncrasy. It’s odd that my live-in girlfriend doesn’t find it cute, but I do it anyway. It’s fun.

However, in this case, I don’t think to add the phrase ‘in bed’ improves the sentiment. Think about it.

more “Once is enough”

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone

Happy Easter one and all. It’s Easter Morning around the world. Be it a religious or secular holiday for you, I hope it is good for you.

Happy EasterDid the Easter bunny bring you a beautiful basket, painted egg, or a chocolate version of himself? On this morning and as a child, I’d find a charming basket filled with jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, chocolate eggs and, of course, a chocolate Easter bunny.

more “Happy Easter”

I am a Writer

I am a writer

I am a writer, living in imagination to survive in realityI am a writer, and I am proud of it. Despite the controversial topics of my stories, I am happy with what I write.

I read a quote recently that triggered this blog entry.

I’m a writer, and I live in imagination to survive in reality.
— anonymous

more “I am a Writer”

Coffeegasm

Coffeegasm

Last week, my girlfriend gave me a refrigerator magnet with the definition for Coffeegasm written on it. I had never heard the word before, nor the meaning. Still, I loved the gift. Without a doubt, it’s me.

The definition reads.
Coffeegasm {noun}: that little rush you feel after the first sip of good, strong coffee.

CoffeegasmIt’s not a real word but so what. It’s an accurate depiction of what I feel when I take that first sip of coffee.

more “Coffeegasm”

Jigsaw Puzzle Follow-up

Jigsaw Follow-up

Well, I had an unexpected day off from work due to weather, so I worked on my jigsaw puzzle.

Completed jigsaw puzzle
Completed Jigsaw Puzzle

The arctic vortex is sitting over much of the northern hemisphere dropped outdoor temperatures to well below 0 Fahrenheit (-20c) or worse with the wind chill twenty to -50-60f (-45c) in many areas, keeping me indoors today.

more “Jigsaw Puzzle Follow-up”

Jigsaw Puzzle

The Setup

Over the holidays, my girlfriend/partner gave me a jigsaw puzzle as a gift. I don’t know whether to be ecstatic over the thoughtfulness of the gift or cringe by the vast time it’s taking to solve the jigsaw puzzle.

But first, let me backup.

Last fall, we went over to a friend’s house for dinner and conversation, catching up since we last saw each other. At that occasion, our friends had a jigsaw puzzle of their own they were working on. Interested, and with their permission, I found and placed a few pieces and thought nothing of it. more “Jigsaw Puzzle”

Christmas 2018 Ornaments

My girlfriend suggested a new gallery which I call my Christmas 2018 Ornaments. They represent a few of my latest acquisitions to my ornament collection.

Click on the link to load the slideshow and see what I like.

Christmas 2018 Ornaments

Feel free to send me a comment or two. I will respond in a timely manner. Feel free to check out my books available on Amazon and other ebook retailers.

Thanks for taking a look.

Merry Christmas 2018

Wishing you and yours, my friends, family, readers and fans a Verry Merry Christmas 2018. And as for those that don’t celebrate it, and I know you’re out there, have a Verry Happy Holiday season.

Thank you for the support and love you all have shared throughout the year. You’re awesome.

Christmas 2018 gallery

Christmas 2018 gallery

Yesterday, I wrote about setting up for the holiday, which kept me from writing all that much. Here are results from a job well done in preparing for Christmas 2018, at least as reported by family and guests who stop by for drinks and conversation.

I can’t offer you a drink but I can say this. Click on the picture and enjoy the show!

Christmas 2018

In the holiday spirit and knowing you enjoy my stores, please share the love by sharing my Website  or Amazon author page  with your family and friends. Enjoy many hours of spirited conversation as you discover common interests.

Thank you for your love. I hope you had a great year.  Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and may the coming year bring you continued love and joy.

Writing during a Holiday Season

A Quick Update

Good day to you all, I’ve missed you. Writing during a holiday season is a challenge for sure. However, I can tell you that all of you, my readers, fans, friends and family alike, I think of you frequently day after day.

We came out of a four-day holiday in November, and I put it to good use, writing several chapters in my latest book, the sequel to ‘Perfect Prey,’ book 2 in the Consortium series. I’m excited about how this book is shaping up. more “Writing during a Holiday Season”

Botox plus Daith Piercing

Botox plus Daith Piercing

Wow, it’s been a month since I last wrote to you. Where has the time flown? A lot has happened, so let’s get right to it.

In my last entry, I wrote about my Daith Piercing. I got it to help deal with my chronic headache. While I tried to stay realistic and hope for the best and pray that it would help with my headaches, unfortunately, they persist. On the surface, the jewelry in my ear is not helping. However, I like it so it will stay. more “Botox plus Daith Piercing”

Daith Piercing

My Daith Piercing

Yesterday, I had a Daith Piercing done. I have other piercings, but after my initial ones, I didn’t know what I would get next. Fourteen years later, I got another one. Not for aesthetic reasons, mind you, but for health reason. Huh? You might ask. Well, this is my story.

miserable, in painHeadaches remain a problem. That’s right, while I haven’t written about my post-concussion syndrome issues lately, they persist. My loved one’s wish they could help, but no one is more frustrated about them than I am.

more “Daith Piercing”

Goodbye Summer

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Goodbye Summer, hello fallOMG, today’s is the last day of summer, goodbye summer and hello fall. Autumn starts tonight. It’s the official time of year when the leaves change colors before dropping and the harvest comes in, while witches and spooks make their appearance.

I don’t know if I’m sad to see summer go, (yes) or know that Halloween is just about a month away. Goodbye summer, hello Halloween. more “Goodbye Summer”

Time is Limited

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” ~ Steve Jobs,
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/steve_jobs_416854

Your time is limited

I recently saw this quote subtitled “Your Time is Limited” by Steve Jobs. It’s one of many I found, but this is one that stood out and spoke to me.

I’m not an Apple fan, either in the computer or portable market but I respect the value these devices bring to the global community. I value Steve Jobs genius; if you can call it that. He definitely saw a market for his ideas, and he enjoyed converting his innovations into reality. more “Time is Limited”

Followers

Followers of the spectacularMy Followers and Fans

Good day, all of my followers and fans. You know how much I love and appreciate you.

I discovered something interesting a little while ago. I was updating my two websites, richardverry.com and maggicalexpressions when I uncovered a fact. On my main website, I have approximately 13,500 followers, and on my art gallery site, I have over 15,000 followers. WTF? I didn’t know this. more “Followers”

Tits and Nipples

Tits and Nipples

For as long as I can remember, tits and nipples fascinate me. I even have memories of admiring well-endowed chests on women of all ages before I hit puberty. I didn’t quite understand it then. As I grew older and retrospected my earlier life, I realized I didn’t know what others knew about me. Through and through, I am a boob man.Boobman

I always considered myself as a leg man, enjoying a well-trimmed ankle sitting on top of a tall pair of stilettos. I still do. more “Tits and Nipples”

Can you trust negative reviews?

Why you can’t really trust negative reviews

feedback

Hello to all my friends and readers. I’m very interested in reviews, including negative reviews.

In preparing for the imminent release of my newest book Perfect Prey, the sequel to The Trafficking Consortium, I’ve kept my eyes and ears open to anything that might apply to you, my readers, and all readers alike about why one buys and reads books.

more “Can you trust negative reviews?”

Perfect Prey cover reveal

Perfect Prey Book Cover

Perfect Prey Cover Reveal

Book 2 in the Consortium series

Hello, all you readers out there, I am proud to show you the Perfect Prey Cover Reveal, book #2 in the Consortium series.

Nice huh? Okay, I am excited. Namely, this latest book is in the final stages of pre-publication. It’s been a lot of work, but hey, I don’t care. I enjoyed writing it. I can’t wait to get it out so you, my readers, can enjoy it as well.

Perfect Prey cover reveal

Check out the synopsis and download the first chapter at my website page.
https://richardverry.com/stories/consortium/perfect-prey/ more “Perfect Prey cover reveal”

Perfect Prey first draft done!

Perfect Prey first draft

Perfect Prey first draftThe ‘Perfect Prey’ first draft is done! Whoo Hoo! I’ve also completed reading it for continuity and fundamental grammar mistakes, etc. Now I’m on to preliminary editing before I turn it over to my editor for in-depth review and corrections.

It’s been a long and weary battle, trying to get this book from concept to reality. I released the first book in the series last summer. I hadn’t intended to write a sequel, but honestly, my readers overwhelmed me with the feedback I received from my readers and followers, asking for more.

more “Perfect Prey first draft done!”

I Feel Fortunate

Happiness is relative

I feel fortunate this is not meThat’s right; I feel fortunate. In fact, very fortunate. Why? Worldwide, this year’s flu season is a particularly nasty one and depending upon your authoritative source, with the flu shot being only 17% effective.

During the second half of January, I was laid up with a nasty upper respiratory virus infection. Commonly called a cold, I was very cautious, looking for signs that I can the flu, such as fever, nausea, and dizziness.

I took my temperature several times a day and didn’t once register an elevated temp. I did get my flu shot back in October, but frankly, I was worried I might be hospitalized.

I’m happy to say; I successfully steered clear of the flu. My cold did migrate to the early stages of bronchitis which I am still dealing with the aftereffects. My doctor fixed me up quite nicely. Thanks, Doc.

Research

U.S. Virologic Surveillance:Still, I am astounded by the volume of stories and news reports regarding flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Some are quite tragic, such as a healthy mother going to the ER and sent home a short time later with a flu diagnosis and appropriate medicines only to die a few hours later at home. 63 children have died from the flu. WTF?

In researching this article, I visited the CDC.gov websites related to the flu. I didn’t know that there are so many varieties of the virus out there. I thought that there were relatively few but each had multiple strains due to mutation. Was I ever wrong. Oh, my heavens.

The following numbers relate only to the United States. World-wide, the numbers are even more staggering. To keep it simple though, let’s just look at the 2017-18 flu season, beginning Oct 1, 2017, to Feb 3, 2018. In the past week alone 16,641 confirmed tested cases were documented, bringing the seasonal total to 666,493 cases using samples tested by clinical laboratories. Among public health agencies, add 1453 new incidents for the week and 27,667 for the year. In the state where I live, each week we break a new record for the number of confirmed cases.

The long and the short, I feel fortunate?

I wonder when the virus might let up. I wonder more whether this is just the beginning for the human species. Are we in for a long stint dealing with out of control viruses? I’m happy that what I caught was just a cold. Actually, I feel fortunate to only have caught a bad cold. These influenza statistics are just too unreal. Maybe I should rewrite my ‘Taste of Honey’ books to use the Flu as the catastrophic event rather than my fictional protein purge plague.

Daydreamer and a Night Thinker

Daydreamer Night Thinker

Hello, my readers and fans of my books, I’m going to write about being a daydreamer night thinker. But first, I have to say this. I’ve been thinking about you a lot, knowing that I haven’t reached out to you lately. I’m sorry about that. I could tell you several reasons why but really, do you care? I doubt it. Besides still recovering from the holidays, dealing with my post-concussion syndrome (yes, it’s still an issue), and other things, I have been working hard on finishing up the sequel to ‘The Trafficking Consortium.’ I have maybe four or so chapters to write in the first draft.The Trafficking Consortium

Of course, you writers out there know that a book doesn’t stop there. The author must go through it many times cleaning up action sequences, dialog, inconsistencies, and basic grammar. Then, it’s off to an independent editor who will do it all again, shredding it and putting it back together. While that is going on, it’s getting your beta readers to read it and give you feedback. Once done, then it’s on to formatting the manuscript into something suitable for submission. It all takes time. Anyhoo, I’m working hard, and hopefully, I can finish the first draft this month. Knock on wood.

Daydreamer and a Night Thinker

My incredible girlfriend, patient as she is (not), supports my writing efforts and looks for ways to help me when she can. Over the years, she has heard the stories of how I wake up in the wee hours of the morning, dreaming up dialog and scenes to incorporate into my stories. She also is well aware of the imagery that flows through my head during the day, as I try them out on her or when they end up on my canvas or drawing pad.

Daydreamer Night Thinker

She found and gifted me for Christmas a pillow that has the phrase, “I’m a daydreamer and a night thinker” on it. How appropriate.

This is precisely who I am. By day, I’m the mild manner daydreamer, dreaming up stories, scenarios, and images that I can incorporate into my writing and painting. At night, I’m a night thinker. In my half away, half-asleep state, I write dialog in my head, fitting it into the scenes I daydreamed about over the past.

The pillow sits on my bed after I make it in the morning, and when I am asleep, it sits next to me on the floor where I can see it when reflecting upon my storylines in the middle of the night.

Honey, I love the sentiment and the journey it took to come to me. Thank you.

While I’m in a thanking mood, thank you also to my beta readers, and my friends that encourage and otherwise support me.

p.s.

Of course, while I was searching for an appropriate image, I discovered that this phrase is used quite commonly across the globe. Of course, in my little corner of the world, I had never come across it. Damn, now I have to be careful I don’t plagiarize someone. I hope I got it right. You’ll forgive me if didn’t. Right?

Of course, check out my companion site, maggicalexpressions.wordpress.com where I display my visual representations of my daydreaming night thinking turned into reality.

 

I Write for Myself

Inspiration by Kingsley Amis

I write for myselfI write for myself, and I’m all the happier for it. Writing gives me a sense of joy as I dream up the scenes my characters must navigate. Over the years, many have asked me how I can write such horrific stories where brutality rules. Honestly, I don’t know, except that I tend to get bored with stories that gloss over the human condition and only deal with those seeking to resolve the event.

Yes, I write for myself, and it makes me happy. The other day I stumbled upon the following quote. Instantly, just like one of my characters, I was captivated.

“If you can’t annoy somebody, there is little point in writing.” – Kingsley Amis

I love this quote. Why? I feel in tune with the sentiment. Anyone who has read my books knows that I don’t usually write feel-good stories and there is always a twist to them. They are not for everyone. Nor can I envision ever writing stories that appeal to everyone.

I learned a long time ago that you can’t please everyone. You’re lucky to please most people, which I define as 51% of the population. Fifty-one percent is usually just enough to get a bill passed by our legislature and signed into law. Even then, I don’t believe that most people are happy with the result but are resigned to accept it as it probably better than the alternatives.

So, I don’t write to please everyone. I write to please me, all the while knowing that many will not. Hopefully, others will like what I write, especially if lots of people like my stories.

Examination

So, the question begs, since I write for myself, how can I know whether someone likes my stories or not?

Sales help a lot. I sell lots on a regular basis. Do I foresee one of my books making the New York Times best seller list? How about some producer picking up the option to turn one of my books into a movie? Not anytime soon, I grant you. However, I am hopeful. In fact, I feel that at least one of my books might make the cut and get optioned. Of course, I’m probably wrong. I just need to get the story noticed by at least one producer.

How does that happen? Usually, it’s word of mouth. That and also an agent. I don’t have an agent. I don’t even know how to get one. I’ll work on that one day. In the meantime, it’s word of mouth, which I do use via various means, including advertising.

Besides sales, reviews and email are what I use to determine the direction of my writing. While I post all of my reviews, comments, and direct messages weight more heavily in my decisions on whether to continue a series or write something else.

Decisions

Case in point, my ‘Her Client’ and ‘Consortium’ series.

Her Client‘Her Client Trilogy’ sells well, despite the horrific circumstances of the main character and protagonist. Jolene suffers terribly at the hands of her attackers and turns the tables in the end. Yet many of the comments sent to me by my readers ask the question, “What will Jolene do next?” or they just ask me to continue her story. I seriously considered extending her story, but at this time, I’m not going to. I have too many other stories in my head waiting to get out.

The Trafficking ConsortiumIn the ‘Consortium,’ I originally wrote it as a stand-alone novel, not intending to write further books about Avril. Well, my audience has spoken in both sales and comments sent to me. There is an overwhelming interest to read more of Avril saga and what she can do to overcome her situation. My readers will be pleased when I release the sequel to ‘The Trafficking Consortium.’ I am well into writing the follow-up book, hoping to release it by spring 2018. Knock on wood. (Ouch)

I Write for Myself

Whether you like my stories or not, I write for myself first and my audience second. I suspect that with this mindset, I may not make my millions but I don’t care. I know many authors who write based on their audience. That may be the path to financial success.

I’ve considered changing my style, and I finally have an idea for a feel-good story, one the general public probably buy and enjoy. But first, I need to finish the ‘Consortium’ series. I have two more books outlined, and I’m too into Avril’s story to bow out. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out.

Stay tuned and find out how it goes.

This is Richard Verry, signing off for now, needing to get back to work. Have a great day and the happiest of new years.

Word of the Day — Lothario

Lothario

Lothario: noun | loh-THAIR-ee-oh

LotharioDefinition

: a man whose chief interest is seducing women
: lady-killer

Word Origin and History for Lothario

Masculine proper name, Italian form of Old High German Hlothari, Hludher (whence German Luther, French Lothaire), literally “famous warrior,” from Old High German lut (see loud ) + heri “host, army” (see harry (v.)). As a characteristic name for a lady-killer, 1756, from the name of the principal male character of Nicholas Rowe’s “The Fair Penitent” (1703).

Did You Know?

other words meaning LotharioLothario comes from The Fair Penitent (1703), a tragedy by Nicholas Rowe. In the play, Lothario is a notorious seducer, extremely attractive but a haughty and unfeeling scoundrel beneath his charming exterior. He seduces Calista, an unfaithful wife and later the fair penitent of the title. After publishing the play, the character of Lothario became a stock figure in English literature. For example, Samuel Richardson modeled the character of Lovelace on Lothario in his 1748 novel Clarissa. As the character became well known, his name became progressively more generic, and lothario (often capitalized) has since been used to describe a foppish, unscrupulous rake.

Examples of LOTHARIO

“He was now quite an elderly Lothario, reduced to the most economical sins; the prominent form of his gaiety being this of lounging at Mr. Gruby’s door, embarrassing the servant-maids who came for grocery, and talking scandal with the rare passers-by.”
— George Eliot, Scenes of Clerical Life, 1858

 

“He probably even envisioned himself as a prized Lothario, never for a moment identifying with this observation by the great songwriter Kinky Friedman: ‘Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.'”
— Joe Fitzgerald, The Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2017

My Take

Seeing today’s word at Merriam-Webster’s site gave me great joy. I couldn’t believe my eyes at first. Finally the most prominent smile crossed my face, starting my day off with a bang.

Lady-KillerI discovered this word in researching my Mona Bendarova books. In the first book, ‘The Taste of Honey,’ I introduced a club where the estate owners would hang out, drink and socialize. At the time, I called it the Club. However, when I wrote the sequel, ‘Broken Steele’ I decided to give it a name.

After thinking about it, and researching the idea, I decided upon the name Club Lothario and even its own website ClubLothario.com. The name fits in perfectly with the membership of the club and their favorite pastimes. One definition, ‘lady-killer,’ is perfect for the storylines. I hope you will read the stories and discover for yourself, the society Mona, Charles and the rest of them live in harmony together. Maybe I’ll see you at the club. If so, I’ll buy you a drink.

I love learning the different contexts of these words of the day. Do you? Please share your comments. I’m sure we would all like to read them.

Have a great day.

Brought to you by Merriam-Webster, Word of the Day.

Sex Sells

Sex Sells

Today, I thought I would write about how sex sells. In some ways, I wish that weren’t the case. In other ways, I’m pleased that it does.

Is that a paradox? A conflict? A contradiction?

Sex Sells samplesMaybe, but sex sells. Even when I was an adolescent, advertisements depicting a sexy girl, or even just her lingerie, appealed to me. Now, remember, this was in the age before personal computers, and nudie magazines were just getting underway. Yep, I’m dating myself. What I had available to me was the NY Times advertisements for ladies undergarments, National Geographic of back world communities, and Learn how to draw the female figure books.

 

Since those days, I’ve realized that everything, from selling cars, tobacco, alcohol, or even children’s toys, sex is somehow used to draw in the buyer. For me, and I presume most people across the planet, I tend to skip over ads of just the product, but put a sexy face, hand, body, or whatever, and I pause. This goes for men and women. Remember the Marlboro man? He didn’t interest me, but it did appeal to many of my female friends of the day. Just look at the photo, would any one of these ads cause you to stop for a moment. Of course they would. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t.

So?

Sex Sells animation

So, what is it about the phrase sex sells. I know that marketers are determined to get their audience to give their product the once over. Once someone pauses to check out the product, they know that there is an excellent chance to sell that product to the viewer. It’s mass marketing on a grand scale. If they can get a hundred among a thousand to stop and look at the pretty face in the advertisement, and of those one hundred, one buys the product, they win. Why? Because they advertised to millions.

Do the math. Volume counts and the products sell. You just have to know your audience and your intended target.

The Trafficking ConsortiumNow, how do I apply that to marketing my books, on a shoestring budget? I wish I knew. I am advertising, for sure. Instinctively, I also knew I needed a sexy girl or image on my book covers. Most have the girl; all have the sex. Among the millions of books out there, how do I capture the interest of the person casually perusing shelf after shelf of books? It’s on the cover. It is my primary advertising.

They say, ‘a picture is equal to a thousand words.’ That is so true for me. Is it for you?

Thinking of you

Let it be known

Hello everyone, fans, and friends alike, let it be known, that thinking of you is a welcome respite. However, as I sit here, at my computer typing this note, I’m at a loss as to what to write.

Thinking of you

About the only thing that comes to mind is that I am thinking of you and very thankful to all of you.

Thinking of you and wishing you a Sexy Happy Thanksgiving
Source: newselusivetightly.dtiblog.com

Here in my country, we are celebrating a holiday called Thanksgiving. It’s a national holiday commemorating the years before the founding of our nation, where Native Americans saved the settlers from Europe from extinction through starvation. It’s a grand sentiment and one that I love.

Struggles

What I don’t love is in this age of commercialism, it also marks the start of a season in which the buying of goods to give as gifts to others. In theory, that’s very nice. In reality, it’s more of a frenzy by companies to retail their goods to a public that may or may not afford their products. Come January; many will be burdened with bills and debts to pay off. For some, it may take an entire year to resolve by which time, they do it all over again.

I admit it. I struggle in this season of mixed messages. Be thankful to those that did right by us, to welcome others, despite our differences, and love one another in celebration of our diversity.

I wish someone could reconcile my feelings. Does anyone have any ideas? I welcome your insights.

In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving.

I’m Getting Lax

But really, am I getting Lax?

Alright, I admit it, I’m getting lax in writing to you. It’s just that I’m excited to get back into rejoining the human race, and going out with friends and family. While I am still recovering from my injury sixteen months ago, I’m down to the short rows in my progress. By that I mean, I’m probably back to 95% of what I was before my injury. It’s this last 5% that is getting to me. My progress slows the closer and closer I get to 100%.

getting lax in returning from my Post Concussion Syndrome

My doctors and therapists tell me, I may never get back to 100%. I won’t accept that. I will continue working hard to stop forgetting names, words, and concepts that are clearly visible in my mind, just not making it past my lips. Grrr…. And, I still have a constant, low-grade headache to deal with that gets me down at times. Rest assured, I’ll figure it all out. In the meantime, I’m enjoying getting back into the swing of things.

The Trafficking ConsortiumAlso, I am writing, though not at the pace I was when I had lots of free time on my hands. My followup book to ‘The Trafficking Consortium’ is well underway. It’s entitled ‘Perfect Prey.’ Anyone who has read the first book will understand the meaning of the title. The first draft is about 60% done, with lots of scenes that need integration into the overall story. Not to fear, I’ll figure it out. I also have a clear understanding of what the third book in the trilogy will entail. Unlike when I wrote ‘The Trafficking Consortium,’ which I expected to be a single, stand-alone novel, Avril’s story is evolving into a trilogy. I hope to finish it by the end of the holidays and begin editing it for real before turning it over to my editor for the heavy red-pen. 😉

More ideas

Plus, I want to finish these two books soon, as I have ideas for more normalized novels that don’t involve crime and punishment. Wouldn’t that be a change in direction? One might even call them romance novels, not that I have read any. I just like the snippets I’ve been writing and sharing with my female friends. They are encouraging me to take this turn, and I’m likely to do it.

In the meantime, sales of all of my books are doing well. I am thankful for the host of people out there who are reading my works. Please, consider writing a review. Good or bad, I enjoy reading them. Plus, they give me incentives to continue writing and refining my talents. Thanks, everyone.

maggicalExpressions
maggicalExpressions

Might I also suggest that you check out my online art gallery at maggicalExpressions. When I need to take a break, relax, and unwind, I tend to draw and paint. This gallery displays a collection of most of my favorite pieces. Let me know what you think. Most are available for sale, either as the original artwork or prints at a substantially reduced price.

So, overall, am I really getting lax? I kind of doubt it.

Have a great day and a better tomorrow.

Halloween 2017

Post Halloween

As many of you know, the Halloween holiday is my favorite one of the year. It’s a time when it is socially acceptable to dress up, appear in public, in garb that is otherwise inappropriate for everyday wear. This year, when it comes to costumes, I saw many new firsts.

Halloween Bunny OutfitI have many favorites, some pretty extreme. One outstanding outfit was a woman wearing a cape and shroud covering her face, and wearing nothing else but heels. It took me the longest time to figure out who she was. My favorite was going to work and sitting beside a co-worker as a full-blown witch, decked out in black and orange, tall pointed hat and matching shoes with the toes curled up and over the top of her feet. She wore foot-long fingernails and a hoop skirt. I can’t envision what it must have been like sitting behind the steering wheel of her car.

In case you’re wondering, I took on the persona of a speak-easy bartender from the 1920’s, including the garter sleeves keeping my white shirt out of the way when pouring drinks. I don’t wear a bow-tie too often, in fact, not much at all, but it was fun all around.

The holiday is now over, and I’m taking down my decor. The outside of my house joined the rest on the block as a drab, unremarkable home, utterly different from the haunted house look it was last week. I miss it already, but you know what? It’s a lot of work to set up, which would be easy if my neighbors appreciated it.

Jack-O-LanternsUnfortunately, it appears that they do not. I moved to this house a year and a half ago, and this is my second Halloween. Except for people putting pumpkins on their front stoop, only I decorated my house. The rest went through the season without even noticing its passing. I find it sad.

In my old neighborhood, I was one of the several homes on the block which decorated. Over time, my displays became much more outlandish. In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m not into cutesy decorations. I like the terrifying, horrendous displays that get people to talk about it to their friends and family.

In the past, I had a fishing theme, where skeletons fished in a pond, catching mermaids too hungry to ignore the tantalizing meal dangled in front of them. I’ve had a human meat market where a rotisserie roasted an entire human body with a smoke machine imitating the cooking process as fat drips onto hot coals and packaged meats available for purchase out from a meat counter. To a functional guillotine using a realistic blade dropping fast onto the neck of its victim strapped to the infernal machine.

Alas, those days are over. No one comes to the house to gaze upon the presentation, chat with the creator (me) and mingle among the elements of the display. It’s my own fault, I suppose. I now live in a 55+ community, and I do believe, I’m the youngest living here. I love my house, don’t get me wrong, but I do not like the neighborhood. But for now, I’ll deal with it. Besides, that means less work to set up my displays and more time to other endeavors, such as writing another chapter in my next book.

Speaking of which, I need to get back to it. In the meantime, have a great day and a better tomorrow.

Shocking but Happy Discoveries

Discoveries

I discovered something fascinating the other day, discoveries that shocked me, and made me very happy. It has to do with sales of my books, specifically, my printed versions.

Amazon had sent me an email regarding the royalties for my sales for the past month. Usually, I just delete them as they do not contain any specific information that I am interested in, other than a payout is coming. However, the format of one of those emails was different than the rest. I was intrigued.

Upon opening it, I realized that it was different than the standard fare, and denoted sales from an unfamiliar source. Digging deeper, I logged into my Amazon account and checked. Nothing. Huh?

Investigations

Discoveries regarding paperback versions of 'The Trafficking Consortium'After following sales channel after sales channel, I was stymied. I couldn’t figure out who generated these sales. Amazon is good at identifying transactions. They just don’t offer the seller information on who the buyer is, that is without paying for it. They know how to make money.

After investigating all of the sales channels my books are available through, I checked one last source. A source where I don’t expect many sales, as it prices my books reasonably high, considering the costs of producing the book.

I realized that this email had to do with sales of my paperback versions. WhooHoo!

Findings

People are buying the hard copies of my books. What’s more, I dug deeper, finding that I had a spike in paperback sales back last January. I missed that.

What an honor. Sure, it’s easy to purchase and download an eBook and read it on your favorite eReader. But holding a book in your hand, smelling the paper and ink, and feeling its weight as you turn the pages, well that is entirely something else altogether. I know many a reader who prefers holding a real book as opposed to the electronic version.

Most sales were people buying the book ‘The Trafficking Consortium.’ I suspected that. However, I noticed that someone bought every one of my books on the same day. I’m astounded, pleased, no, happy. This one person is not the only one. I noticed several sales of all of my books over the course of the month. To be honest, I’m shocked but very pleased.

Gratitude

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to read my books, including ‘The Taste of Honey,’ ‘Broken Steele,’ and ‘Her Client Trilogy.’ You don’t know how much that means to me. What can I say? You, my fans, are fantastic.

And, oh, by the way, thank you Amazon.com. None of this would be possible without you.

Sunday morning bad things

Hello, my fans,

True Blood cast, season 3I’m sitting at my desk, trying to figure out what to write to you today. I’m at a loss, and frankly, I may do bad things. Not really of course. I’m a bit tired and off my game. I went to a party Friday night, and of course, got home late. Slept well enough but as usual, my body woke me at it’s appointed time, as if I had to go to work. Rolling over, I finally fell back asleep for a couple of hours.

Getting up, I knew that Sunday, today, would be a busy day and the house was a mess. There were dishes in the sink, the stove was dirty, and the table covered with stuff that needed putting away. After making a cup of coffee, and rolling up my sleeves, which of course wasn’t there as I was shirtless, I dove in started with the dishes. An hour later, the kitchen was clean, and I was ready to move on.

Decorating for Halloween.

Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. It allows me to express my feelings openly, which I often keep bottled up all year round. I don’t know why I love this holiday. To me, it makes light and eases the pain of the horror that exists in this world today. The idea of witches, goblins, ghosts, spirits (which I do believe in), vampires, and mischief causes my soul to sing.

It’s like the theme song from the HBO series ‘True Blood,’ written and performed by the band, A3. In it, there is a verse that I particularly like. It reads ‘I want to do bad things with you.’

Bad things

I do. With my girlfriend especially, I always want to do bad things with you. Of course, it’s the definition of the phrase ‘bad things’ that is of most importance. I’m going to rob a bank or murder someone. But I do like the sense of doing things that some may find displeasing. Just as long as I don’t commit violence on another person, at least without their permission, I’m good.

Today and this coming week will be a busy one. I intend to make the best of it. Lots to do at work. Lots to do at home. Add doctor visits and gym visits where I am striving to work off the weight that my meds of the past year graciously gave me, I hope to write some more. I’m not hopeful, but I am determined.

In the meantime, I hope tomorrow finds you better off than today.

p.s.
This article came out a lot different than I intended. It came out better. Have a great one everyone.

Forgive me, audience

Forgiveness

That’s right. I’m asking forgiveness. On Monday I published an article I wrote on Sunday regarding quotes that I admire. I wrote it Sunday and scheduled its publication for Monday afternoon.

I ask your forgiveness, as, like you, my audience may think the article was crude, crass, and inappropriate for the somber mood of the day. The article was meant to be light-hearted, indicative of something other than the mood of the country, and possibly the world.

Life changing

Las Vegas Massacre, the deadUnfortunately, life changed once again between those hours when a lone gunman sprayed thousands of high-powered bullets on a crowd of 22,000 people enjoying a concert on the strip in Las Vegas. He killed at least 59 at last count and seriously wounded another 500.

In my opinion, the act was committed by a coward who wanted to inflict as much pain and suffering as he could. He set up his killing stand from a distant elevated perch over 1,500 feet away. He planned and executed this attack over the course of many weeks, if not months.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and the survivors who will forever be scarred by the experience.

Shock

I’ve been in shock since I learned of the attack early Monday morning. All thoughts of my previous article flew out of my memory, replaced with a kind of blank stare and need to do something, anything to be productive. I threw myself into my work. Suffering from a concussion-related injury, I went to the doctor for relief. While he helped my body heal, my soul is still in denial, outrage, and despair.

running for coverHaving just recently attending a concert in a sold-out venue of 49,000, I could only relate by imagining what I would do if the same happened at my concert. I was on the floor of a multi-purpose arena surrounded by tens of thousands. After the concert was over, it took nearly a half hour to get off the floor and approach a nearby exit. That was when everyone was leaving in an orderly way, still high on the positive vibrations of the performer, Paul McCartney by the way. I can’t even begin to imagine the chaos of what would have happened if those same thousands tried to run and hide, in panic. All of us trying to get out of the killing field I where I found myself.

What are we going to do about it?

The question I have for my country’s leadership is. When the fuck are you going to get off your asses? Will you find courage and tell the gun lobbyists to go fuck themselves and their money? When are you going to put people and country first? I abhor by my leadership’s behavior. I hate allowing their personal greed to outweigh the needs and wants of the people. When will you stop letting thousands die each year in senseless gun violence?

For the victims of the latest in a string of mass shootings, it is too late for them. Please, don’t let it be too late for your family; your brothers and sisters; your mother and father; and your children. Don’t wait until one of you die a senseless death because of some gunman takes out their pain on you.

You owe it to them, you owe it to your constituents, and you owe it to us. Pass a meaningful gun control bill now. Put all other concerns aside. Too many people have sensely died already. Will it take one of you to die before you do something? If that is what it takes, I’ll not sympathize your death.

Other Famous Quotes and Dirty Minds

Quotes that speak to me

Recently I wrote about a reference from Roald Dahl that I found. Fundamentally, it accurately reflects how I feel about my stories. However, finding it, caused me to go out and find other pertinent quotes from authors that I find reflect who I am and how I perceive the world.

One that I particularly like is:

Author, Patrick Dennis“I always start writing with a clean piece of paper and a dirty mind.” ~Patrick Dennis

I’m not sure how much a piece of paper means that much anymore. I always write on my computer or tablet. Rarely do I put anything down on paper anymore. However, the concept remains the same. When I open up my favorite word processor, it presents me a blank white screen, and I start typing.

Dirty Mind

It’s the second part of the quote that really caught my eye. I have a dirty mind, and I make no bones about it. It is whom I am. Anyone who has read any of my books, will know exactly what I am referring to. Of the myriad of images that flow through my head each day, ones that I can’t seem to capture fast enough and put to canvas or paper, almost all are lusty scenes of human nature.

As most people who know me well, I perceive the naked human body, the one mother nature gave us and society seems to want us to cover up, as the most beautiful gifts ever. In fact, as best as I know, only humans can notice the beauty of our bodies. While a few other animals partake in sex for fun, only homo sapiens can recognize beauty in our sacs of flesh and bone.

Gaia

Gaia, Mother NatureThank you, Mother. Mother Nature or Gaia for those of you who read my previous sentence wrong. I am a strong believer in the spirit of the universe. Some would call it God, and others would call it ‘The Force,’ as described in the world of ‘Star Wars.’ No matter what you name it, I believe it pervades our entire universe, existing in everything from the stardust floating in space to living human beings, and who knows what else. This spirit is everywhere, and I see it best described and most abundantly in the beauty of the naked female form. You’re beautiful, and I thank Gaia for the gift you give us, every day.

It is my hope that every day, I honor your gift in my words and deeds.

Returning to normalcy, part 2

The second return to normalcy

Last time, I wrote about a return to normalcy in my private life. My dear girlfriend, the love of my life, returned home after several weeks traveling along the west coast of the U.S. Not that I would fault her for taking the time with her daughter. I just missed her, and I’m ecstatic that she’s home. But enough of my personal life. My business life is another story.

Thank the StarsSince early September, my business life has been in turmoil. And not just for me, but my teammates as well. The full weight of this storm rested solely on the team leader. Fortunately for him, and the rest of us, our senior leadership and officers recognized that we understood the seriousness of the problem and supported our efforts to resolve it.

We brought in specialists, vendors, and superstars to assist. Do you know what they all said? That they could find nothing wrong, nothing that they could find to cause the problem. In fact, they were all at a loss, considering we configured our equipment in line with what they would do. Frankly, they all said, they didn’t know what was wrong. All they could say was, start replacing equipment, one unit at a time.

So? We did. Everything we did, following all the suggestions of these experts, failed. We spent hundreds of thousands of dollars putting together this equipment, after spending almost a year researching and choosing the devices.

Relief came when using a loaner unit from a different manufacturer seemed to solve the problem. The resolution came out of nowhere, and if it weren’t one of our partners offering to loan us a device costing over $100,000, we’d still be fighting this losing battle.

Since Friday, we were crossing our fingers, believing the issue resolved, but worried it would return with a vengeance. So far, my fingers remain crossed, but I’m feeling much better.

Lastly, a huge thank you to my team leader, taking on the responsibility to lead the charge in getting my business life back to normal.

Life is returning to normal. Thank the stars.

Returning to normalcy

Normalcy, Webster’s Dictionary defines it as:
“the state or fact of being normal, a return to normalcy after war.”

Dictionary.com defines it as:
“the quality or condition of being normal, as the general economic, political, and social conditions of a nation; normality:
After months of living in a state of tension, all yearned for a return to normalcy.”

Synonyms for the word include: “normality; ordinariness; uniformity.”

morticia addams normal is an illusionWhy am I starting this article off like this? That’s an excellent question. Unknown to most people, my girlfriend, the love of my life, has been traveling the country for the last three weeks.

I’ve been a bachelor for the entire time, sleeping in an empty and cold bed. Frankly, it sucked. I missed her, and now she’s back. Whoo Hoo!

Now, some of you out there could think that I could live the bachelor life, the single life. You could believe that I looked for opportunities to party, go drinking at bars, even picking up women. I’m sorry to disappoint you. I didn’t.

I will say that my close friends and family kept an eye on me, inviting me to visit, come for dinner, and otherwise make sure I wasn’t lonely. Their efforts, while appreciated, failed. I missed her too much. She is a part of my life that while she was gone, I felt like a fish out of water, a bird with a broken wing. As much as I loved the time to myself, the house felt empty as I walked around.

So, instead, I worked on small projects around the house that I hadn’t yet gotten too. I finished an electrical wiring project that I started just before I suffered my concussion. Now, all I need to complete setting up my studio so that I can set it up are a series of shelving to stack and store my art supplies. Time to go shopping, or building depending which is cheaper, and easier.

Yesterday, she returned, and I took the day off from work so that we could be together and reconnect. What am I going to say? I love the girl.

Honey, my love, I missed you. Don’t you ever do that again. Alright!

Famous Quotes to Write By

Recently, I saw the email signature of one of my co-workers that includes the following quote. She is a career librarian and knowing her; the quote suits her.

(Librarians) “are subversive. You think they’re just sitting there at the desk, all quiet and everything. They’re like plotting the revolution, man. I wouldn’t mess with them.” ~ Michael Moore, author/filmmaker.

When I first read the quote, all I could think of was rubbing my hands together in a nefarious way and grin an evil smile. However, the quote got me thinking. Perhaps, I should change my author signature. So, I went looking for one. I came up with several, but so far, the one I found that suits me, is:

Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl

“I don’t care if a reader hates one of my stories, just as long as they finish the book.”
~Roald Dahl

That is exactly how I feel. I write my stories for fun. I don’t care if you love or hate them. I write for the joy of it, transferring images from my brain to the blank white screen of my writing program. If a reader doesn’t like the story, they are welcome to their viewpoint. I won’t deny them their right to their opinion.

At first, I deeply cared whenever I read a poor review of one of my books. All of them talked about the story itself, how it was not their cup of tea or some such thing. What they never wrote was that it was poorly written, filled with grammatical errors and the like.

I fretted over the reviews. That is until I realized that all of the reviewers read the entire book. They didn’t just abandon it halfway through. They chose to read it to the end. That tells me they liked the story enough to take it to its conclusion.

Success!

Over the past couple of years, I’ve taken a lot of grief about the subject matter of my stories. They are often gruesome and horrendous. I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me, “How do you think of the stuff you write about?” or “Is what you write about, something you did or wish you could do?”

How aberrant do you think I am? Okay, don’t answer that.

What is important is, these are just fictional stories. I get my inspiration from everyday life, and I let my imagination go wild. That’s exactly how my book ‘The Trafficking Consortium’ came to life. I sat in a doctor’s waiting room, watching people being checked in and asked myself “What would happen if that person behind the desk sent the patient’s file off to someone with no rights to have it?” Within minutes, the entire framework of the book appeared in my head. I spent the next six weeks writing the first draft. The rest is history.

Need I say more?

Labor Day weekend in the United States

Good afternoon all. It’s the Sunday before Labor Day here in the United States. For those who don’t know, Labor Day is a holiday celebrating the workers in America. It is always on the first Monday in September. It is also the unofficial end of the summer season.

Wistful Look
Source: portrait-photos.org

Just yesterday, I noticed fall and Halloween decor in the stores. Damn, I commented to myself. My full-time job gives me little time to enjoy the summers. For the last month, I worked my ass off getting ready for next week. It’s not important as to why, but trust me, it was.

On July 31, I was sweating bullets thinking that I couldn’t get all my work done in time. I was distraught that there was just too much to do. Somehow, along with my co-workers, we pulled it off.

When my shift ended on Friday, I was content. What I needed to do had the big [ DONE ] stamp on it with big RED letters. Whew.

So, now, I’m enjoying the time off. I’ve slept in both days, and I plan on doing it again tomorrow. I met with friends on Friday night, had a couple of beers over good food and great conversation. Yesterday, I caught up at home, sweeping the floors, dusting, and well, all of that housekeeping that no one wants to do but we have to do anyway.

I also wrote a scene for my next book, and since I couldn’t stop there, and did some massive editing. By the end of the day, I had written and edited 6,800 words, in a scene that I absolutely love. Chatting about it with my girlfriend, she’s excited and can’t wait to read the final version of the book. I’m excited about this book, and I believe you will be too.

This morning, I wrote another 2,800 words in an initial draft of another scene. It’s unrefined and choppy, but it is just an initial draft. When incorporated into the book, I will flesh it out and use it to draw the reader into the character. Her name is Misty, and her life is about to take a sharp left turn. I’m smiling as I write this.

Later, I am meeting another pair of friends for dinner, which promises to be fun. Tomorrow, I plan on sleeping in again, shake off the hangover from tonight, and write some more. Then, there is my new website design. I like it, but I don’t like it enough. I’m debating about releasing it now and then updating it again, or work on the design more and release it later. I’m leaning towards the former, but we’ll see. My job and my writing are my focus at the moment.

Have a great day and a better tomorrow.

Until next time, Ciao.

Rich

A nice Sunday afternoon

I just asked my girlfriend what I should write about in this iteration of my blog. I hadn’t a clue. Why?

I’m spending the day in the warm sun, sitting on my porch, writing scenes and character bios for my next book. No, I’m not letting the cat out of the bag just yet. It’s too early in the process to tell you that. Who knows, it might never come to pass.

beach walking in a bikiniHowever, writing is what I’m doing, as well as catching up on email, social media, connecting with friends and, of course, day dreaming. I’m feeling better, and while my left over concussion headache is still with me, like a squatter who refuses eviction, I have my creative steam back. Ideas are appearing in my head, creating scene after scene that I want to capture, whether for this new book or another. It’s maddening sometimes, I can’t catch them any faster, so I lose them before I can write them down. Damn! I wish I could type at the speed of light.

Speaking of which my typing sucks at the moment. I think of a sentence I want to type, and after I type it, I find that several words are mistyped, often so badly that even the word processor doesn’t know what to do with them. Fsxk. See what I mean? Fuckk, oh fuck it already.

Frosty beer mugHere in the United States, we are having our unofficial last week of summer. For those that know our holidays, next week we celebrate the holiday known as labor day, a day set aside to honor the workers of the country. Workers who get things done, often at the behest of others. I count myself in their ranks, never reaching the heights of the one percenters.

Not that I care. For the most part, I liked my life, and I am enjoying my current life. The only way it could be better is that I get a movie deal from one of my books, and earn enough to buy that beach house, with an attached pool, and paint and write full-time, all while scanning the young bikini clad lovelies walking along the ocean and enjoying afternoon delights with my girlfriend before retiring to my hammock with a drink in my hand. Okay, that last sentence was wordy. Fuck it and go have another drink.

Cheers,
Rich

My take on a book review

I received a one-star review on my book ‘The Trafficking Consortium’ the other day. It contained two words “Terrible ending.” I won’t say who it was that wrote the review, it’s not important. What is important is that the reviewer liked the book enough that they read the entire thing. If they read the entire book, how can it deserve only a single star? There had to be some redeeming value to the story.

The Trafficking ConsortiumNow me, if I’m going to give a book a bad review, I’m either going to do one of two things. Abandon the book during the early chapters and move on to another book. There’s plenty of other stories out there. Or if I choose to read the whole thing and decide to write a review, I will be detailed in my evaluation of the book, pointing out specific things that riled me.

I’ve written a couple of bad reviews in the past, but it’s not often. I grew up taught that if I can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. I guess that is why I don’t write many bad reviews.

As I pondered the review last night, I realized that the book did just what I wanted. It left the reader with a question or a desire for more. While people reading a book dealing with felonious acts want nice clean endings, I like putting in twists. If they want the details neatly wrapped up, prosecuting the offender, and the victim fleeing their harrowing experience, then they may or may not get their wish.

In my case, as I repeat throughout the book, there is no escape for my heroine. Why should the reader think that she would? Is it because they retain hope that she will find a way to freedom? Well, as my readers of my other books well know, I like leaving a hook at the end. This book is no different.

Though I originally intended to write this as a stand-alone novel, so many people are asking for a sequel, and I’m considering it. The hook I left in the book allows me to do that. Who knows, there may be a trilogy in it. I can envision many scenarios that will allow that to come to pass. There couldn’t be a sequel if I wrote Avril’s story so that she found a way to escape to her old life. What’s the fun in that?

I don’t plan on writing a comment on the site with the review. In my head, I’m dismissing the review. Better to leave well enough alone.

Until next time, have a great day and a better tomorrow.

Writing and other things

Yes, I missed writing to all of you over the weekend. However, while I apologize, I’m not sorry. I spent much of it writing, as in writing notes and dialogue for a new book.

The Taste of HoneyThe thing is, I now have three books in development, and I don’t know which one will make it to the publishers first. The first one is ‘Lucky Bitch,’ book 3 in the Mona Bendarova Adventures (MBA). Except for a couple of plot updates, and a definite timeline problem, I’ve almost finished rewriting the second draft of the book. The problem with this one is, I haven’t touched in a few months, as I wanted to finish up ‘The Trafficking Consortium’ (TC). That’s done now, and sales are exploding, so it’s time to move on.

The second book in development is a serial murder who-done-it mystery. I have written a rough outline, defined the characters, and written a few chapters. Well more like scenes and they are very rough. I had the idea during the final stages of TC, and I started writing notes for it over the past several months. I like the idea of completing the story, but I can’t do them all at once.

The Trafficking ConsortiumThe third book is more of a jotting down notes, writing some scenes, and fleshing out the story line. I had not planned on writing this one, but my readers and followers are all asking for a follow-up to ‘The Trafficking Consortium.’ I did end the story with a bit of a hook in case I decided to write a sequel. I’ve got some ideas on how to take Avril’s story. Input from my fan base and readers of the story are welcome to throw me ideas. If you would like to contribute, send me your comments, and I’ll take them into account.

So, as it happened, for more than ten hours on Saturday, I wrote and wrote. Sunday I added a bit more, but nothing like Sat. My girlfriend wasn’t overly happy with spending the bulk of the day with my laptop in front of me. I did try though. I took the laptop with me to the porch, sitting alongside her while I wrote. She still complained to me later in the day and again on Sunday. What’s a guy gotta do? She wants me to write, get better at my craft, and earn what it will take to buy that house on the beach in the tropics. It’s a never-ending battle.

Maybe it’ll stop after I buy that beach house. I’m crossing my fingers.

Have a great day and a better tomorrow.

When family comes to visit

My sister just left. Whew, I’m tired. She and her husband arrived last Thursday and departed Saturday afternoon. Everyone had a great time. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. However, I’m still tired. As hosts, I tried to be up early and stay up late until they were ready for bed. So, what was I to do? I stayed up past midnight, ate and drank a bit too much, and talked into the wee hours of the night.

Addams Family
Carolyn Jones (C, sitting) and John Astin (L), with other cast members, during scene from program “The Addams Family.”

I miss my sister. I do. I haven’t seen her for at least two years(?). She lives three hundred plus miles away and until this past weekend, last came to visit me when I first moved to my adopted town back in the late eighties. Since then, I’ve gone to visit her. She has a bunch of kids, and she felt that kind of car ride would be difficult. I understand. So, I visited her as much as I can. I have only one kid, and he’s grown up and moved away. I have no pets to take care of, nor do need to find accommodations for them when I go away, nor deal with the hassles of taking them with me to contend with her pets.

The long and short of it, I’m just glad they came. I miss her.

I even had a chance to chat with her alone, one-on-one. Sometimes, I feel the need to tailor my conversation based upon whether her husband or my girlfriend is around. Even though I know that she is very traditional, she is still open and liberal enough to accept me for whom I am. She accepts me, faults and all. And boy, some say I have many faults.

What? Me? Faults? I kid of course, but that doesn’t change who I am. I like me as I am, and I hate tailoring myself to protect the feelings of others.

So, that is in part, why I haven’t written in a while. I’ve been busy. In the free moments I had, I spent researching how to redesign my website. I found a theme I like, and I’m playing with it to see how it turns out. If not, I’ll move on. Until then, I’m not buying the professional version until I am satisfied. It is going to take some work though. My old theme used page templates that don’t translate very way to other themes. It’s these templates that drive me crazy. They interfere with the SEO (Seach Engine Optimization) routines and are not compatible with the higher end online shopping cart systems. A big PITA (Pain In The ASS). Still, what I’ve accomplished over the past couple of weeks is promising.

Now, on my head issues, cognitive issues are rampant. Do you know how long it took me to remember the word ‘promising’ in the previous paragraph? Way too long, let me tell you. Grrrrr!!!! Periodic chiropractic adjustments seem to work. My headaches live in the one to two range of ten. When they start to grow, doc tells me I’m out of adjustment. Damn, I didn’t know one leg could be shorter than another simply by being out of adjustment. A quick fix and I’m on my way. Even my neurologist is impressed. He’s put me on a decreasing dose of my meds with the intent to hopefully stop within 18 weeks. Knock on wood. Wish me luck.

Oh, I almost forgot. The Trafficking Consortium is now available in paperback from Amazon and Createspace.com. If  you’re one to like a book in your lap rather than on a tablet or smart-phone, then now is your chance to get it at a decent price. Join the hundreds of others that have read the book. As always, I appreciate your honest critique and review posted on the site from where you bought the book. Thx.

Okay, that’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed reading about my latest news. Until next time, have a great day and a better tomorrow!

p.s. Theme photo is from the original Addam’s Family television series from the 1960’s, a take off of Charles Addam’s cartoons, which I devoured in my youth. By no means, do I want to equate my sister’s visit with the Addam’s. I love both, just differently.

Besides, Morticia Addams is hot!

Thunderstorms and other things

Lightning touching downWe had the most magnificent thunderstorm overnight. Despite their danger and possible damage to our environment, I love watching them form before breaking out in lightning and thunder. I love the feel of the concussive force against my chest as they roll across the landscape. I love seeing the bolts of light gather strength and reach out to the ground in impressive displays of their power.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I protect myself, mindful of the danger. I stay safe and if necessary, flat to the ground. I know the danger, having observed my mother get struck once when I was a kid. The experience scared me to death. Come to think of it, I had forgotten all about the incident until just now. It’s been decades since I recalled watching the bolt jump from the sky and touch my mother, pulling weeds from the garden. She was okay shortly later, but at the time, scary.

Lightning and lit up clouds reaching down

Perhaps I’ll write a story involving lightning and thunderstorms one day.

The other day, I made the commitment to once again, redesign my website. While pretty, maintaining it is problematic. The theme it uses are very restrictive and let’s not get started on the SEO components. I’ve tried to take advantage of several plug-ins only to find that they cannot work with the primary template of the theme. A template used on most of the pages of the site. It’s very discouraging.

So, sometime in the future, probably in the fall, I will release my updated site and add the functionality that I struggle implementing. Wish me luck.

The Trafficking ConsortiumMy latest book ‘The Trafficking Consortium’ is selling well. It is outselling the ‘Her Client’ series by a significant amount. It pleases me that it has also brought traffic to my other books, including ‘The Taste of Honey,’ ‘Broken Steele‘ and ‘The Breakup.’ I still need to finish the third book in the Mona series, called ‘Lucky Bitch.’ The first draft is done but I need to go through it again, clean it up, send it to editing, and well, a whole bunch more before it is published.

I’m still hoping that ‘The Trafficking Consortium’ will take off and launch an exciting future. In the meantime, I’ve been tossing around ideas and framework for a new book. It’s a serial killer drama, and I have already written two scenes for it along with a rough outline. However, it’s too early to tell whether I will proceed with the concept. Time, inspiration and perspiration will tell. So far though, I like it.

Lastly, on my concussion recovery front, I am doing surprisingly well. It seems that the chiropractic work is succeeding. I am ecstatic. However, it’s only been a month and while these latest sessions indicate that I am ‘Holding,’ my body is still reacting to the realignment of my vertebrae. Numerous lightning bolts across the cityHe calls it ‘retracing.’ There’s lots of information on that on the web so that I won’t go into it now. Let’s just say that the nerve endings in my brain must find new ways around the detours to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B.’ They are not happy and tortures my body until they settle down. Much like lightning. The parallels are uncanny.

I’ve experienced everything from vision changes, extreme neural and physical fatigue, and dry mouth. It seems I can’t go a minute or two without taking a sip of water. I wake up with a dry mouth and to bed with one. The dry mouth symptom started minutes after my first adjustment and is only now, four weeks later, starting to settle down. Doc tells me that this is normal as my body is flushing built up poisons.

That’s all well and good, but I need to pee every twenty minutes or so. Too many times I find the bathroom already occupied, as I stand outside, restless as my body jerks around trying to contain the imminent expulsion of poisons.

“Damn it! Whoever’s in there, get the hell out, please!

 

Hello all my fans and readers

It’s been, maybe, more than a week since I last wrote to you. Sorry about that. Marketing, headaches, and producing the paperback version of ‘The Trafficking Consortium,’ focused my attention these last several days.

dickering in asia
source: travel.cnn.com

Let’s start with marketing. Alright, so the image I’ve chosen is not directly related to my business, but the image does make it feel that way. Bickering. Plew! Sometimes I feel like it’s a terrible waste of time and then other times, not. For two weeks or so, I paid for Facebook advertising. The results weren’t too bad, and I sold some books. Was it enough to offset the cost of the advertising? No, but this time round, I didn’t expect to come out ahead. I do know that I generated enough to minimize my overall costs, and perhaps, will come out ahead in the months to come. So, I figure mixed results. Now I am off and trying a different tactic, Amazon advertising. This model is different. Where Facebook charges every time the advert is displayed, Amazon will only charge when someone clicks on the advert. I don’t know which will work better, but I do know, that one has to focus on the target audience for the advertising to be effective. Let’s see what happens.

Neuro-fatigueOn the headache front, I saw a chiropractor for several adjustments. He specializes in upper cervical services, and I must say, the results are positive. My headaches are now in the low-intensity range, and I’m hoping soon, they will disappear altogether. The trouble is, I am drinking water as I have never before. I wake up with a dry mouth, spend the day with a dry mouth, drinking vast quantities, and still go to bed with a dry mouth. Doc says that it is a good thing and that I am flushing the poisons from my body. I also feel extremely fatigued, feeling like I need sleep all day long. It’s hard to function, and I can’t multitask as I am accustomed. Both maladies will resolve themselves, or so the Doc says. It all has to do with something he calls, ‘Retracing.’ There’s a YouTube video on the subject. Check it out. I’m not sure what to make of it all, but I put my trust in his tender care.

The Trafficking Consortium
Copyright (c) Richard Verry 2016

Lastly, I’ve been working on formatting ‘The Trafficking Consortium’ for print publication. I can’t believe how many times I submitted a version to the printing house, only to reject it myself as I am proofing it. Hopefully, the version I uploaded yesterday will be my final and approved, version. Knock on wood.

It’s so odd; I never expected that I would be rejecting my proofs. The printing company, yes, me … no. However, I know that it will be a better product. Afterward, I will update the e-book version to match the printed edition. Don’t worry, the edits are minor, and anyone who already purchased the e-book version will get a free updated version.

Review button

And, oh, BTW, check out the new 5-star review from a brand new reader of mine. I was sooooo excited to read it. Thank you, Amy. Here’s the link to her review.

Till next time, have a great day and a better tomorrow.
Rich