Excitement is in the air!

I'm very excited. Today I put the finishing touches on our manuscript so that it can be sent to the editor. I also spent hours working on a cover for the book and I was finally able to come up with something. It's nothing flashy, but it's simple and fits the theme nicely. I also did an ebook test and it worked out really well, once I finally managed to figure out how to make MobiPocket work correctly.

It's taken an entire year just to get a completed draft done. I had so many things going on this past year that I just couldn't find the time I wanted to sit and write. But, here we are, able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it feels great.

Are you all prepared...

for the earthquake tomorrow? Everyone's talking about the beginning of the end, predicted to happen tomorrow, May 21st, 2011. I am still trying to figure out why the dude is taking donations. I mean, he can't take it with him when he goes, right?

Anyhoo, I'm feeling much better today. Well, at least physically. I'm getting a little annoyed at trying to find a notary that's registered in the United States. Apparently there isn't a single one in all of the province of Saskatchewan. Why do I need an American notary? Well, it has to do with needing an ITIN (international tax identification number) with the IRS. They do have acceptance agents, but again, none in Saskatchewan. Ay yi yi.

Methinks I will have to make a trip to Alberta in the very near future. My options are either the American Consulate in Calgary or an acceptance agent in Edmonton.

But I ask the question on everyone's mind: why in the heck would a Canadian writer pay taxes to the IRS in the first place?

Ugh...what a day...

Yesterday...well...yesterday sucked. I spent the entire day sleeping because I came down with some sort of stomach bug. Not fun. I also haven't eaten for over 24 hours and I'm starving. So here I am, at 5:31 a.m., updating my blog. Now for anyone who knows me, they know that 5:31 a.m. is "the most god-awful time for anyone to be up and all decent people should still be sleeping..."

But alas, I did have a great night's sleep. Unfortunately for me (again!), I woke up with a sinus infection. I know, I know...TMI. It's these darned "seasonal" allergies that my doctor keeps talking about. What he failed to mention is that there's something in EVERY season that I'm allergic to. Oh well, c'est la vie.

I've been asking myself "What should I do today?" Well, my house desperately needs a tidy, my cupboards are like those of Old Mother Hubbard, and the final few chapters of "Cast the First Stone" are calling (no, screaming) my name. I probably could use another day of rest to let my body finish healing itself, at least that's what commonsense tells me.

Oh, and did I mention I'm starving? Apparently I can have a poached egg on toast. Yay me!

Favourite Authors

Have you ever read a book and thought "Oh my goodness! I wish I could write like this?"

I have. Many times.

V.C. Andrews is one of my favourite authors. When I was in my teens, I saw the movie "Flowers in the Attic" and the moment I heard that it was based on a novel, I had to get my hands on that book. Thankfully, my local small-town library had a copy of it and I read the entire thing in a matter of hours (yes, I know, I know - I had no life.) I was intrigued, engrossed, and even a little shocked that Andrews had alluded to a relationship between Chris and Cathy. Anyway, this book set afire in me a love for V.C. Andrews' "Flowers in the Attic" series. I have read all five books, including the prequel, "Garden of Shadows" (which was really written by Andrew Neiderman). In fact, I've read them many times, usually at least twice a year, over the past fifteen years.

Jackie Collins is another author who is right at the top of my favourites list. I am in love with Lucky Santangelo! I can't get enough of that woman! She's got fire, spunk, passion, and a don't-fuck-with-me attitude that I love! The first book of Jackie's that I read was "Vendetta". Of course I couldn't stop at that. No, that would be wrong on so many levels. I had to get all the books in the series, reading them over and over again. My husband once asked me "You've read that, like, a thousand times already. Don't you know what happens by now?" Silly man. Doesn't he realize that every time you read a book, you see something new that you never saw before?

Men! **insert eye roll -here-**

Maybe I'm obsessive? I should ponder that.

Tidbits

Ay yi yi! What a week! I'm glad it's over and the new one has just begun today. The only real highlight of last week is that I completed the rough draft of my manuscript.

Of course, I've just begun the first edit, so who knows how many changes will end up being made. So far there haven't been many, and they've been pretty minor. However, I do know that in the upcoming chapters there are going to be some major changes made which will help enhance the plot, add a little more suspense, maybe even a little more sizzle. I mean, what would the character of Amanda be without a little sizzle? ;)

I also joined www.authonomy.com, through HarperCollins. The website has been awesome! There are so many great writers there, and I've gotten some great advice from them so far. I've also began reading some of their work. Very inspiring!

Cast the First Stone

“Wesley, why are you so useless? Why can't you just leave me alone for five minutes so that I can get some peace and quiet? I'm home all day, raising your kids, and I can't get a few minutes to myself with friends! I'm so sick of this shit!”

Alex took a gulp of his drink, wishing that Joanne would just shut up. When she was drunk, she didn't have a clue how loud and crass she could be.

“What?! You're such an ass, Wes. Just deal with it, okay?” Joanne rolled her eyes as she slapped her phone shut. “God! What was I thinking marrying that man? Why didn't one of you stop me?”

“If you'll recall, my dear, we all did try to warn you. But as usual your stubbornness got in the way and you wouldn't listen,” Alex replied.

“Whatever, Alex. I just don't like it when people try to run my life. I hate that.”

“No one was trying to run your life, Joanne,” Macy said quietly. “We just didn't want you to make a mistake.”

Joanne gulped the last of her martini. “I know, I know. I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. Sometimes I just hate him. All he wants from me is work, work, work. I have to clean the house, raise the kids, do the shopping. I never get any 'me' time.” She began to sob.

“My god, you are so drunk!” Amanda exclaimed, rolling her eyes.

“No, I'm not,” Joanne insisted, getting off her stool and tripping over her own feet. “I'm perfectly sober.”

Alex swirled the last of his cosmopolitan, contemplated it for a few seconds, and downed it in one gulp. “Bitch, please! You're falling over yourself. I think it's time to call it a night.”

Joanne swayed suddenly and Macy jumped up to steady her. “I think I'm going to be sick.”

“Not on my shoes, you're not. These are Christian Louboutin,” Macy exclaimed, allowing Joanne to lean against her for support. She sighed. “Come on, let's get you into a taxi.”

Alex watched Macy and Joanne head for the exit. He sighed. “She really can be clueless sometimes, can't she?”

Amanda snickered. “Sometimes?”

“Oh come on, be nice,” Alex replied. “She's not all bad.”

“Maybe. She just seems so exhausting sometimes.”

“If you dislike her so much, why do you put up with her?” Alex asked.

“For one reason, my friend. Macy,” Amanda replied. She took a sip of her cosmopolitan. “Besides, she's good for the entertainment value.”

Alex laughed. “That's two reasons. And did you know that you can be such a bitch sometimes?”

“I know,” Amanda said with a laugh.

“Well, I think I should call it a night.”

Amanda looked at her watch. “It's only eleven o'clock,” she said. “Why so soon?”

“I have a meeting tomorrow with a potential client, and if all goes well, it will probably be the wedding of the year.”

“Sounds fancy. Who's the client?”

Alex made a face. “Carolyn Classen.”

“Of the Classen's?” Amanda asked.

“Yep. That would be the one,” Alex said, rolling his eyes.

“You don't sound thrilled.”

“I'm not. Do you remember that Christmas party I organized a few years back for Classen Holdings? Dear Mrs. Classen was a nightmare to work for, and it wasn't even her party. I really hope Carolyn hasn't inherited too much of her mother's overbearing bitchiness.”

“The pay will be good at least.”

Alex laughed. “Depends on how cheap Mrs. Classen wants to be. She's not too keen on parting with her money, and I doubt she's going to be happy with my rate. But anyway, I'm going to call it a night. Are you coming?”

Amanda gave him a sly look and a wink. “Not yet, but maybe later,” she said with a throaty laugh.

“God! You're such a whore!” Alex said with a grin.

“I know,” Amanda replied. “But you must admit, it's rather fun.”

“I wouldn't know anything about that sort of thing, my friend,” Alex replied, grinning mischievously. “But anyway, I have to get my beauty sleep.”

“Okay, love. I think I'm going to get one more drink before heading home.”

Alex gave her a peck on the cheek. “Have a great night, Amanda. I'll call you sometime tomorrow.”

Amanda smiled. “Talk later,” she said. She turned to the bartender. “Can I get another cosmo, please?”

Through the corner of her eye, she saw a man eyeing her. The bartender laid her drink on the counter and she took a sip. Over the glass, she noticed him getting up and making his way toward her. She couldn't help but admire his physique. He was tall, dark, lean, and had a most sensual look about him.

“Hi there,” he said, flashing a perfect smile. “May I buy you a drink?”

“Thank you,” she replied. “That's very sweet. Would you care to join me at a table?”

The man smiled. “Bartender, can I get another of whatever this beautiful woman is drinking, please?”

The bartender quickly mixed another cosmopolitan, and Amanda led the man to a table. They sat and she took another sip of her drink. “What's your name, sexy?”

“Bryce,” he replied. “You?”

“Amanda. It's nice to meet you.”

“Beautiful name,” the Bryce said. “So tell me, Amanda, how did a beautiful woman like yourself end up here tonight without a date?”

“So I could meet you, of course,” she said without hesitation.

He laughed. “Nice. I like that.”

“So tell me a little about yourself, Bryce,” Amanda said.

“There isn't much to tell. I'm in town for a few days on a business trip. I'm twenty-eight, no wife, no kids, no psycho tendencies,” he said with a laugh.

Amanda smiled. “Well that's a relief! Where are you from?”

“Originally Vancouver, but I live in Toronto. I work for an architectural firm and we're setting up an office here in Calgary. I'm scheduled to fly out tomorrow.”

“That's interesting. Did you say you're twenty-eight? You're just a baby,” Amanda said, with a laugh and a wink.

“A baby, perhaps, but with the knowledge of a man many years older,” he replied, looking directly into her eyes.

Amanda felt a rush of heat between her thighs. Her cheeks flushed and she took another sip of her drink. His eyes were deep and dark, sensual and enticing, and no matter how hard she tried to look away, she could not break his gaze. She lowered her glass and licked her lips. “I would have to test that out for myself before I could agree,” she replied boldly.

“I can arrange that,” he said. “My hotel room is just on the tenth floor.”

Amanda drank the last of her drink. “That's wonderfully close. Perhaps another drink or two and I might do something very foolish.”

“Wait right here,” Bryce said as he got up. He headed to the bar and returned with another cosmopolitan and a scotch on the rocks. He placed the fruity cocktail in front of Amanda and raised his glass. “To foolish things.”

Amanda laughed and took a sip, allowing the flavour of the alcohol to excite her taste buds. She fixed Bryce in her gaze, allowing him to see the desire in her light brown eyes.

“Tell me a little about yourself, Amanda. What is it you do?”

“I'm an artist,” she replied.

“An artist? Would I recognize your work?”

“Probably not. I'm afraid my work has remained local.”

“Shame. I bet you're rather talented.”

“I am. In many ways and in many things,” she replied.

Bryce laughed. “I'm beginning to see that. And I like what I see.”

“Well if you play nicely, you might get to see a lot more,” Amanda said with a wink.

“Mmmmm. I like the sound of that,” Bryce replied. He downed the last of his scotch. “Your entire tab has been covered. Shall we get out of here?”

“Absolutely,” Amanda replied and finished the last of her drink. She grabbed her clutch and walked toward the door, Bryce following closely behind her. His hand was on her back, directing her gently toward the elevators. He punched the button and within moments, the door slid open and they stepped inside.

As the doors closed, he pressed himself close to her, inhaling the scent of her musky perfume. She could feel his hardness pressing against her body, and she tilted her head back to give him access to her neck. He gently brushed his lips across it, moving away so quickly that the only indication he'd even kissed her was the burning heat left in place of his mouth.

Amanda turned her body to face him and drank in his masculine beauty. His lips were full and sensual, his hair was black, thick and curly. His skin was the colour of mocha, and his eyes were dark brown and filled with desire.

He slowly lowered his head and his lips met hers. The kiss was soft, but demanding. His tongue moved slowly, gently grazing hers. His hand slid inside her jacket and rested on her back, gently pulling her closer to his body. It felt hot through the thin fabric of her white satin blouse.

She could feel his sinewy muscles beneath the fabric of his slacks and his silk shirt. Her hands moved slowly upward, exploring his flat stomach, and his well-muscled chest, eventually coming to a rest behind his neck where they curled into his dark hair. He moaned softly as she thrust herself against his hardness.

After what seemed like eternity, the elevator finally stopped at his floor, and she reluctantly stepped back from his embrace. He held her hand in his and led her to his room.

Once inside, he took her in his arms and kissed her again. He reached for her blouse, slowly undoing the buttons as his lips kissed her neck. She reached up and removed the pins from her blonde hair, allowing it to fall over her shoulders. His hands, hot on her skin, slowly parted her blouse and he slipped it from her body, the soft fabric falling silently to the floor.

The only sound was the thumping of her heart in her ears, and the small gasps that came from her lips.

Bryce stepped back and removed his shirt. His body was lean, his stomach lightly rippled. His chest was covered with a smattering of fine, black hair that tapered downward and disappeared into his pants. He stepped closer to Amanda, sliding his hands across her stomach and around her waist in search of the zipper of her skirt. His lips met hers again and he hungrily kissed her.

Amanda felt her skirt sliding over her hips as Bryce's hands moved behind her to cup her buttocks. He lifted her gently and she wrapped her legs around his waist. With one hand she unclipped her bra, pulled it off and tossed it to the floor.

Bryce's mouth moved over her neck as he lowered her onto the bed, her legs still wrapped around his waist. She instinctively thrust her pelvis against him, her body so hot with anticipation that she was unable to control herself. His head moved lower and his tongue grazed over her breasts one at a time. He caught a nipple gently between his teeth, and traced its tip with his tongue. She gasped as jolts of pleasure shot through her body.

Bryce's head moved lower, his tongue tracing a path from her breasts over her flat stomach, dipping sensually in and out of her navel. His fingertips traced the edge of her lace panties, teasing her.

“Please, Bryce, don't stop,” she pleaded in a whisper.

He never looked up as his hands slowly pulled her panties down over her hips. His tongue followed them, moving sensually over her body, causing it to respond in ways over which she had no control. And when it touched her there, she cried out.

All she knew at that moment was that she wanted him more than she'd ever wanted any other man before. She pressed her hips toward him, wordlessly urging him to continue. He was happy to oblige and within moments she felt her body beginning to tense.

Her breath came harder and faster. Her body stiffened and her hips began to move against him, but Bryce held her still. His tongue moved faster and faster, and soon she cried out as waves of pleasure rushed over her body.

Bryce kissed his way slowly upward. Amanda's breathing was slowing, but her body was demanding more. She pushed him onto his back and reached for his belt buckle. She undid the button and slowly pulled the zipper down. He raised his hips as she pulled his pants and underwear off, and deposited them onto the floor.

Amanda took in Bryce's naked body before her. His legs were well-muscled, covered with a fine, black hair, and between his strong thighs his manhood pulsated. She took it in her hand and stroked it.

A low growl escaped from Bryce's lips, which grew louder as she lowered her head and trailed her tongue over it. His fingers curled into her hair, guiding her movement. She took it into her mouth and hungrily worked it until Bryce's breath came in rapid gasps.

He pulled her towards him, kissing her hungrily. She guided him inside of her and began to ride him slowly. His lips moved to her breasts and he kissed them tenderly. Her pace increased as Bryce began to thrust more quickly. She could feel his throbbing heat and it excited her.

He kissed her again, and his thumb grazed over her nipple. Suddenly, he stopped moving and pulled her off, laying her gently on the bed. She opened her legs for him and he slowly inserted himself inside of her. He didn't move, preferring to absorb her moist heat. His tongue probed her mouth slowly and teasingly. He began to move his hips against her, thrusting slowly in and out. Her hands curled into his hair and her breathing quickened.

“Oh my god, Bryce,” Amanda panted. “Please, don't stop!”

Bryce's movements were slow and careful. His mouth caught a nipple and he sucked it gently. Amanda began to thrust her hips against him, willing him to take her to the heights of ecstasy and back again. His pace began to quicken and his breath came in quick gasps.

“Are you close, Amanda?” he whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her cheek.

She arched her back, thrusting her hips furiously against him. Her moan was low, raising in pitch as her body climbed higher and higher towards release. Bryce's low groan rumbled through his chest, mingling with hers. Her body tensed and as her wetness pulsated around his hardness, his movement stopped. He buried his face in her neck and groaned loudly as Amanda's insides were filled with his hot essence.

He rolled off her and lay quietly beside her. His body was covered in sweat, as was hers. She turned toward him and he pulled her close. “Will you stay for the night?” he asked.

“I would have to leave very early in the morning. But yes, I guess I could.”

Amanda fell asleep, feeling content and satiated. But her dream was exciting and racy. She was aroused, and the man in it was bringing her to the heights of climax. As her eyes opened slowly, she realized it wasn't a dream. Bryce's moist tongue was probing at her womanhood, arousing her and bringing her once again near climax. Her breathing became quick and heavy, and her body tingled as her orgasm washed over her.

She felt Bryce's body laying over her, and she opened her legs wider for him. His manhood slid in and out of her, and his lips were hot on hers as they demanded more. His scent was powerful, musky and intoxicating, and she was drunk with his virility.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and allowed her body to ride the crest of passion, meeting him at the heights of pleasure. Their bodies convulsed together as a deep growl escaped from his sensual lips. He collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily.

He was still deep inside her, and when she moved beneath him, he began to groan as she felt him harden again. She pushed at him and he rolled over onto his back, pulling her with him. She rode him slowly, and bent to kiss him as he had done with her. Her tongue licked his lips gently, demanding access, and he obliged. Pleasure shot through her body as their tongues touched.

She felt her passion rise and her body flush as it filled with desire. Her pace quickened, and she lost herself in the sensations that rooted themselves between her thighs.

Bryce's thrusts matched hers and his hands cupped her buttocks, guiding her movements. His manhood thrust into her over and over again, and she felt it throb as her insides heated up. Her body responded, and she cried out as she reached her climax. They lay quietly, her on top of him. His arms held her, and she fell into a satisfied sleep.

She awoke early the next morning, and studied the man beside her. Bryce was sleeping soundly, a look of contentment on his face. She gathered her clothing and went to the bathroom to dress quickly. When she entered the bedroom, he was still sleeping. The blankets had slipped from his body and she gazed upon his masculine beauty one last time.

Amanda crept towards the bed and leaned to kiss him gently. “Thank you,” she whispered in his ear, and left the room, closing the door gently behind her.

As the taxi pulled into her driveway, she looked up to see her husband's car.

“Damn!” she said under her breath, reaching into her clutch for her cellphone. She quickly dialled Alex's number.

“It's six o'clock,” came a very sleepy voice over the line. “This had better be a hot, sexy man.”

“Sorry, babe, but not this time. If Greg asks, I stayed at your place last night. I'll explain later,” she said as she passed $80 to the cabbie.

“Okay. I'll call you later.”

“Thanks,” Amanda said. “Alex? You're the best.”

“I know.”