Under the weather-followup #2

Under the weather – followup

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

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

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

So, what’s going on?

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

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

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

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

Imagery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Normalcy returns to Rochester, NY?

Normalcy returns to Rochester, NY?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Braxton Steele, love the name and hate the character!

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

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

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

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

by Janet Maggio

What would you do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2016 May it be a great one!

2016 scratched in sand2016 A great one to come?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her Client Trilogy, an editor’s viewpoint

0-Client-3DAn Editor’s Viewpoint

by Janet Maggio

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

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

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

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

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

Mona’s love affair with Coffee

Tell me about Mona’s love affair with Coffee

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

Mona drinks coffee because of how it makes her feel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Pass

Free Pass

What would you do if you had a free pass?

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

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

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

Ah, it’s fun to dream and fantasize.

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

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

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

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

Her Client Trilogy, an editor’s viewpoint

0-Client-3DAn Editor’s Viewpoint

by Janet Maggio

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

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

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

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

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