When thinking about the gay and lesbian community and the struggle for civil rights that have been granted to all American citizens except us, it brought about a thought on how we try so hard to show that we are not so dysfunctional as some of our straight contemporaries believe but in reality, we have taken on an issue that makes us the same. That is the issue of domestic violence. How can this be? We are same sex loving people who could never hurt our partner...the one that we swore to love forever! Even to the point of having a civil union but it does exist.
Now before you start thinking that I am preaching to the choir, I must relay a personal story that really changed my life. I was a victim of such abuse and even though it was more verbal than physical, it changed the way I viewed myself as a human being. For someone who claimed to love me in one breath but berate me in another, it is any wonder I did not become a basket case! The physical abuse came later, and for those studs who may think that this is funny, think about men who you may know that receive blows from their wives or girlfriends and the catch-22 of not being able to put your hands on her but looked at as being weak. Who do you turn to, and who do you tell? Well the same rules apply here. Put yourself in this situation where you are a police officer and are called to a home where a lesbian couple are in the midst of a domestic altercation. The femme, who of course has a small to medium build and you....larger frame. Who would you most likely believe was the aggressor? Gay and Lesbian domestic violence is a common occurrence and you probably are close to someone who is going through this very thing.
I got out of that relationship but the healing process was slow and painful. The main thing is that I got out and became a much stronger person because I survived. Sad to say, there are some stories our there that don't have such a happy ending. I urge anyone who is going through this, please....please....please, get out and save yourself first! If you need a resource, here is a link...http://www.ncadv.org/resources/state.htm
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
CODENAME: VIPER
Hello everyone! I can't believe how quickly things are happening for me and my writing career. I am just overwhelmed at all of the wonderful responses that I have received from friends, coworkers, acquaintances and family members. This is a dream come true. I am still working on the final touches of my next book entitled Dream Team with a tentative release date in the summer of 2010. The process of creating a story is not that bad, but with the editing and rewriting, that is where it becomes a little time consuming but I would not trade it for anything. This journey has taught me a lot about patience, perseverance, and the power of prayer. For those who are just now starting on this journey as an author, please keep pushing on because the fruits of your labor will manifest themselves twofold!
Now, as busy as I have been with the release of my first book between press releases, contacting book stores and working to create my new website, I have found time to work on my third book(yes number 3) which is a spy novel entitled Codename Viper. This book will be more of a suspenseful thriller if anything. The excitement of creating a character who not only is a lesbian, but a trained assassin, personally for me is a project that I have wanted to do but never knew how to approach it. Until now. Of course I had to include a teaser to this which will introduce you to the main character, Terry Delacroix. Enjoy.
CODENAME: VIPER
She lay still under the brush listening to her own labored breathing. The night was clear with only the sounds of the wind and a few nocturnal animals to keep her company. Memories of a romantic interlude with her lover six months ago kept her from falling asleep. Headlights coming towards the house broke her concentration. She picked up the high powered rifle to look through the scope, making sure this was her target. The car pulled up to the Tudor styled mansion and stopped. Two passengers got out dressed in formal attire. They lingered for awhile outside giving each other a long passionate kiss. “Move dammit.” the assassin cursed at the loving couple. As if they heard her they released each other and walked to the door. Looking through the scope she had her target in site. Slow breaths……lower your heart rate…..squeeze the trigger. He fell. Next thing the assassin heard was a woman screaming and yelling in Spanish which brought body guards to her aide. She smiled. Mission accomplished.
Now, as busy as I have been with the release of my first book between press releases, contacting book stores and working to create my new website, I have found time to work on my third book(yes number 3) which is a spy novel entitled Codename Viper. This book will be more of a suspenseful thriller if anything. The excitement of creating a character who not only is a lesbian, but a trained assassin, personally for me is a project that I have wanted to do but never knew how to approach it. Until now. Of course I had to include a teaser to this which will introduce you to the main character, Terry Delacroix. Enjoy.
CODENAME: VIPER
She lay still under the brush listening to her own labored breathing. The night was clear with only the sounds of the wind and a few nocturnal animals to keep her company. Memories of a romantic interlude with her lover six months ago kept her from falling asleep. Headlights coming towards the house broke her concentration. She picked up the high powered rifle to look through the scope, making sure this was her target. The car pulled up to the Tudor styled mansion and stopped. Two passengers got out dressed in formal attire. They lingered for awhile outside giving each other a long passionate kiss. “Move dammit.” the assassin cursed at the loving couple. As if they heard her they released each other and walked to the door. Looking through the scope she had her target in site. Slow breaths……lower your heart rate…..squeeze the trigger. He fell. Next thing the assassin heard was a woman screaming and yelling in Spanish which brought body guards to her aide. She smiled. Mission accomplished.
Monday, March 29, 2010
BOOKS COMING SOON.........
With all of the excitement of my new book coming out, I wanted to share with all of you a little teaser on my next upcoming book which is entitled "Dream Team". This story deals with the issue of domestic violence in the gay community with emphasis on the effects it has on lesbian relationships.
My purpose for writing about this taboo subject is because this type of behavior needs to "come out of the closet" so to speak. I do hope that with this book the walls of silence come down on this issue and the discussion on how to combat it will begin.
DREAM TEAM
PROLOGUE
(1982)
“Bitch stop running from me!” yelled the man from the upstairs bedroom.
This was what happened every day without fail for the seven year old. She never knew what a “peaceful” house was supposed to be like. He was always hitting mama and blaming her for everything. Maybe if she would try to be a good little girl then daddy would not be so mean and then everything would be ok.
Mama always said that prayer changes everything so maybe that would help mama from being hurt she thought. Just then, she heard the crash from the bedroom. The sound frightened her so she hid behind the chair in the corner of her bedroom. Covering up her ears so as not to hear the blows, she prayed within herself that she would be a “good little girl” so that the beatings would stop.
“I told you not to open any mail in this house but you never listen to me! That is why that low life you got pregnant from left your ass! If it wasn’t for me she would be a bastard child right now!” he kept on bellowing from the top of his lungs.
“James! I’m-”
She never had time to finish her sentence because the blows kept coning harder and faster and with each hit the young child flinched as she tried to hold back the tears that were stinging her eyes.
“Its okay sweetheart, everything is going to be alright. Poor baby, a child should never have to go through something like this.” Mrs. Freemont, the next-door neighbor said as she held the shaking child in her arms. It was her call that brought the police and ambulance to the violent home. The ambulance took the child’s mother away and from the whispers between the EMT’s, they did not seem hopeful that she was going to make it. As for the fate of the abuser, his was in the hands of a judge when the police carried him away in handcuffs.
“Is she going to be alright?” asked an officer.
“She is going to be just fine, I will see to that.” said Mrs. Freeman.
“Look at her; she looks like the devil’s been after her. I have never seen such fright in anyone’s eyes like that before.” the officer said looking concerned.
“Yes, she’s been through a lot but she’s in good hands now.” Mrs. Freeman said while holding the child even closer to her.
The little girl clung to her rescuer knowing that she was safe for the time being. She did not know how long she had been holding on to Mrs. Freeman but inside herself she knew that mama and daddy were gone and things were not going to be the same.
CHAPTER 7
Anecia awoke suddenly in a cold sweat. Her nightgown was drenched with perspiration and she felt her body shaking uncontrollably. The alarm clock read 3 a.m. Realizing that she was not going to go back to sleep any time soon she turned on the lamp sitting on the nightstand and got out of bed. A shower is what she needed right now. The way her nightgown clung to her made her feel uncomfortable as well as unclean. Could her meeting with Dr. Watts have brought about this anxiety? Maybe she was not ready to deal with the sensitive subject of when her relationship changed with Teri. Maybe she should slow her sessions down and ease into talking about the events she tried so hard to forget. Maybe she should just cancel her session altogether. She sighed, so many maybe’s and what ifs won’t change the fact of what happened that August night. Closing her eyes, she imagined Teri standing in front of her arms reaching for her….closer, closer….aiming for her neck as if to choke her. Letting out a small scream, she quickly opened her eyes grabbed her neck as if that would dispel the phantom hands coming after her. She then felt the room spinning and a wave of nausea hit her. Holding on to her bedroom wall for support she knew she had to get to the bathroom fast before she passed out like before. Turning on the bathroom light she saw the toilet and was about to lift the lid up when her vision became blurry. She thought she heard that voice which sent chills down her spine. “Bitch, you never will get rid of me!” then she passed out.
My purpose for writing about this taboo subject is because this type of behavior needs to "come out of the closet" so to speak. I do hope that with this book the walls of silence come down on this issue and the discussion on how to combat it will begin.
DREAM TEAM
PROLOGUE
(1982)
“Bitch stop running from me!” yelled the man from the upstairs bedroom.
This was what happened every day without fail for the seven year old. She never knew what a “peaceful” house was supposed to be like. He was always hitting mama and blaming her for everything. Maybe if she would try to be a good little girl then daddy would not be so mean and then everything would be ok.
Mama always said that prayer changes everything so maybe that would help mama from being hurt she thought. Just then, she heard the crash from the bedroom. The sound frightened her so she hid behind the chair in the corner of her bedroom. Covering up her ears so as not to hear the blows, she prayed within herself that she would be a “good little girl” so that the beatings would stop.
“I told you not to open any mail in this house but you never listen to me! That is why that low life you got pregnant from left your ass! If it wasn’t for me she would be a bastard child right now!” he kept on bellowing from the top of his lungs.
“James! I’m-”
She never had time to finish her sentence because the blows kept coning harder and faster and with each hit the young child flinched as she tried to hold back the tears that were stinging her eyes.
“Its okay sweetheart, everything is going to be alright. Poor baby, a child should never have to go through something like this.” Mrs. Freemont, the next-door neighbor said as she held the shaking child in her arms. It was her call that brought the police and ambulance to the violent home. The ambulance took the child’s mother away and from the whispers between the EMT’s, they did not seem hopeful that she was going to make it. As for the fate of the abuser, his was in the hands of a judge when the police carried him away in handcuffs.
“Is she going to be alright?” asked an officer.
“She is going to be just fine, I will see to that.” said Mrs. Freeman.
“Look at her; she looks like the devil’s been after her. I have never seen such fright in anyone’s eyes like that before.” the officer said looking concerned.
“Yes, she’s been through a lot but she’s in good hands now.” Mrs. Freeman said while holding the child even closer to her.
The little girl clung to her rescuer knowing that she was safe for the time being. She did not know how long she had been holding on to Mrs. Freeman but inside herself she knew that mama and daddy were gone and things were not going to be the same.
CHAPTER 7
Anecia awoke suddenly in a cold sweat. Her nightgown was drenched with perspiration and she felt her body shaking uncontrollably. The alarm clock read 3 a.m. Realizing that she was not going to go back to sleep any time soon she turned on the lamp sitting on the nightstand and got out of bed. A shower is what she needed right now. The way her nightgown clung to her made her feel uncomfortable as well as unclean. Could her meeting with Dr. Watts have brought about this anxiety? Maybe she was not ready to deal with the sensitive subject of when her relationship changed with Teri. Maybe she should slow her sessions down and ease into talking about the events she tried so hard to forget. Maybe she should just cancel her session altogether. She sighed, so many maybe’s and what ifs won’t change the fact of what happened that August night. Closing her eyes, she imagined Teri standing in front of her arms reaching for her….closer, closer….aiming for her neck as if to choke her. Letting out a small scream, she quickly opened her eyes grabbed her neck as if that would dispel the phantom hands coming after her. She then felt the room spinning and a wave of nausea hit her. Holding on to her bedroom wall for support she knew she had to get to the bathroom fast before she passed out like before. Turning on the bathroom light she saw the toilet and was about to lift the lid up when her vision became blurry. She thought she heard that voice which sent chills down her spine. “Bitch, you never will get rid of me!” then she passed out.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
THE DRAMA BEGINS!
After so many years of rewriting, editing, and the many shedding of tears, I have finally seen the completion of this, my first published work. It is a great accomplishment for me and to those who still have aspirations of publishing, my advice would be to never give up and persevere.
DRAMA is about relationships, whether they are romantic or platonic and the issues that arise within them. My characters go through what I would describe as an emotional rollercoaster which seems to never end. Jaden, the main character is who I would describe as someone who tries to get along with everyone as well as act like a referee among her friends. The problem is when trying to be the “good guy” to what seems to be an out of control situation, the probability of being pulled into the chaos increases dramatically.
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/drama/8564044
DRAMA is a work of African-American lesbian fiction which I felt did not have much of a voice in the genre of gay and lesbian fiction and those books that I have read which dealt with same sex loving women of color were few and far between. I believe that we do have a voice….a story to tell and I try to do this in my own book.
The creation of this story helped to launch two other projects that I am currently working on and looking forward to seeing published at a future date. The storylines of course deal with African-American lesbians but with different plots. My next published work will deal with a taboo subject that effects all of the gay and lesbian community and that is the issue of domestic violence. One would not think same sex couples would have the same issues as their heterosexual counterparts but what makes us so different is also what binds us together. The second work of fiction which will be a challenge for me deals with the concept of espionage, assassins, and of course lesbian love. This to me will be my most challenging undertaking but it will be well worth it when it is completed.
http://www.writerwarrior.WebStarts.com
DRAMA is about relationships, whether they are romantic or platonic and the issues that arise within them. My characters go through what I would describe as an emotional rollercoaster which seems to never end. Jaden, the main character is who I would describe as someone who tries to get along with everyone as well as act like a referee among her friends. The problem is when trying to be the “good guy” to what seems to be an out of control situation, the probability of being pulled into the chaos increases dramatically.
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/drama/8564044
DRAMA is a work of African-American lesbian fiction which I felt did not have much of a voice in the genre of gay and lesbian fiction and those books that I have read which dealt with same sex loving women of color were few and far between. I believe that we do have a voice….a story to tell and I try to do this in my own book.
The creation of this story helped to launch two other projects that I am currently working on and looking forward to seeing published at a future date. The storylines of course deal with African-American lesbians but with different plots. My next published work will deal with a taboo subject that effects all of the gay and lesbian community and that is the issue of domestic violence. One would not think same sex couples would have the same issues as their heterosexual counterparts but what makes us so different is also what binds us together. The second work of fiction which will be a challenge for me deals with the concept of espionage, assassins, and of course lesbian love. This to me will be my most challenging undertaking but it will be well worth it when it is completed.
http://www.writerwarrior.WebStarts.com
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