Into the Fire

The thing about profanity . . .

       

One thing you can count on from much of general market (code for secular) literature is profanity and graphic sex.

Let me just say I understand the use of profanity. I don't like it. Am not a fan of it. However, if it's used minimally and at the perfect timing from a character who would be expected to exclaim these words or one that simply loses it for a moment, then at least it fits the story. It rarely offends those in the world so strictly from the standpoint of authenticity, it figures that profanity would appear in these books.

Graphic sex is a no-go for me. I can see zero reasons for defining how foreplay and sexual intercourse are explicity portrayed other than to titillate a reader which is equivalent to pornography. Creating the visuals with words might seem "hot", "sensual", or any of the other words on a cover which elude to the sex act being visibly enacted on the pages of these "steamy" stories, but it's nothing more than writer porn. 

Both profanity and graphic sex can take away from a good story. Used in excess, they can definitely detract from the plot, distract from the real story, and simply be used as a ploy to potentially ignore other weaknesses in the book.

Both profanity and graphic sex serve a story better when eluded to other than writing a textbook description of foul words and various sexual antics.  

Those are my thoughts on the uses of profanity and graphic sex in fiction. 

 

Father, humankind has perverted your beautiful act of love and created words to rage and rant. Forgive us, Lord. We're desperate for you whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

 

 

 

 

Throwback Thursday

   

This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of myself from many years ago. First year at Longacres Racetrack. My Longacres' friends will recognize the Barn Pass button on my hat (which I bought in Europe the year before I went to the track). I'm driving a yellow LeMans convertible with the black top down. 

 

Father, those years were ripe with a rebellion that was new to me. Thank you for forgiving me and introducing me to Jesus. Nothing stays the same after knowing the Lord. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Wednesday Wanderings

          

It's Wednesday . . . 

I wonder what percentage of fiction readers notice or care about the actual writing or word crafting, character development, realistic dialogue, or how setting is used in the books they read. Do most readers just want a good story to pass the time? Do they judge the novels by a character they like or by the plot? 

Most of the people I relate to as readers are serious about what they read. They want well-written, entertaining stories with meaningful characters and really don't want to settle for less. We each have our favorite authors and preferred genres although some will read almost any genre if you can promise them the previously mentioned qualifications. 

Here's my latest dilemma as a reader: my favorite Christian authors are currently not producing books for whatever reason. So, as those of you know who read my reviews, I've been reading series novels from the general market. And while I've loved the stories and the writing from these wonderful secular writers, there is still that nagging emptiness from the lack of a faith factor. Plus, although my favorites don't use a lot of profanity, it's still present and expected but I also must note it does suit the character(s) and/or the circumstance(s) when it's used. These are worldly characters who've seen and done hardcore things in their careers as operatives/special forces. Most of them have relied upon their years of accumulated training, skills, and fortitude to survive life or death situations to live to tell about them - which of course they don't "tell about them". 

Feel free to add your random thoughts today . . . 

 

Father, reading and writing are major enjoyment and entertainment. I'm grateful for it all. Please help me to be the one you designed me to be and to do as you ask. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

 

Tuesday Tunes

         

One of the best covers I've ever heard. Fabulous job of this Chicago song. Really good. At least equal to the original. 

 

Father, once again your beauty is expressed in music. Thank you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

In the middle of the . . . Tempest

                             

Tempest by Mark Dawson is Book 5 in the A Beatrix Rose Novel Series, but it is the second prequel before the final three novels in the series. 

A CIA longtime hit man, assassin, "fixer", "cleaner" (Navarro), whatever title you want to give him, is after Beatrix Rose when she becomes the sole guard for a former soldier (Danny Nakamura), who became a deserter, in Viet Nam who has incriminating evidence against his boss (Lincoln), both of them having served with Danny. He's turned up on their radar in Hong Kong and Navarro's been sent to make sure he never has an opportunity to reveal what he knows about Lincoln which would also make Navarro complicit. When Beatrix is successful in eluding them in Hong Kong thanks to the leader of the Triads (Michael), who both Danny and Beatrix worked for at one time, she and Danny head for Cuba after they make amends with Michael. Because of Danny's and Michael's once strong friendship, Michael arranges to get them out of Hong Kong and sets them up with lodging, "supplies", and a "friend" who will provide them with whatever they need to avoid Navarro and his team's pursuit. 

Danny's only wish is to meet his American daughter, a school teacher, he didn't know he had from his wife who divorced him while he served, before what he perceives as his weakening mind makes it impossible. Since Beatrix understands the pain of not being able to see and know a daughter - hers having been stolen from her by her former boss in Group 15 - she decides to help Danny by arranging for the exposure of Lincoln to a CIA guy (Logan) who's been trying to bring him down. However, Beatrix is too smart to trust anyone - especially in the CIA - and is ultra-cautious to avoid getting Danny or his daughter caught. 

It's arranged to transport his daughter to Havanna, and Danny can't wait to meet her. But as things do, chaos and danger descend upon the situation, and Beatrix's instincts take over. With the help from Michael's provider she arranges to take care of what she promised to Danny in spite of the personal danger. All she wants in return from Michael is information as to where her daughter (Isabella) is. 

Tempest (Navarro's name for the op) is a typical Mark Dawson thriller. He takes his time to give the reader various sides to the story, including the down and dirty, and detailed depictions of locales, before he launches into the thriller aspects of high, intense action. And with all the Beatrix Rose stories, the deep and dark sorrow in the heroine's heart is evident from start to finish. 

I truly enjoy Mark's writing and his innovative stories and do recommend each series I've read.

Profanity present.

 

Father, thank you for the gifts you give to writers. Every good and perfect gift comes down from you. Please continue to bless Mark with the stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday's Offerings

 

     For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. 

 

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)  

Another excerpt . . .

 

The end of Chapter One from Sweet Release:

      “Hey, CM! Your boyfriend’s here,” Char whispered excitedly. “Listen, if you ever dump him, let me know, alright? Talk about drop dead gorgeous!” 

     “Matt’s here?” CM asked in surprise, standing in her cubicle.

     Char gestured secretively with her hand concealed by her body to a spot behind her across the room.

     When she looked around Char, Matt caught her eye and put up his hand in a short wave. CM smiled nervously. What’s he doing here?

     “Hi, Matt. What’s up?” 

     “Do you have a minute? I brought you a mocha,” he said, lifting the coffee.

     “Uh, sure. Thanks,” she replied. “I think the interview room is open. C’mon.”

     She led the way to a small room with a round table and four maple captain’s chairs.  He sat at the table and she joined him. 

     “Normally I wouldn’t bother you at work. I’m sorry for that, but I don’t have a lot of time.”

     “That’s okay. What’s going on?” With concern, sipping the mocha, she noticed how uncharacteristically serious he was. “Is something wrong?”

     “Well, no—and yes, in a way. Look, CM, I’m leaving for California. This afternoon. I got a job offer that, well, it’s an incredible offer.” He looked down briefly, then continued. “To be honest with you, my first inclination was to ask you to go with me,” he said, looking directly into her subdued blue eyes. “But I knew it wouldn’t fly with you. And because of that fact, I decided to take the transfer and head back home. The main reason I’m here, CM, is to tell you I’ve been falling in love with you, but I know you don’t feel the same. It’s been fairly difficult these past couple months to carry on the way it’s always been with us, so I figured I’d just leave you alone and maybe you can find someone who floats your boat or whatever. Or maybe you won’t have to be encumbered with a ‘relationship’ at all. Anyway, I figured I’d just head out and spend a week with my folks and then get started on my new job.”

     CM hated the tears flooding her eyes. There seemed to be a plug in her throat, and she knew if she dared to pull it a dam of emotion would leave her in an ocean of weeping. So she simply nodded.

 

Father, every story begins with you. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

A good price.

                         

Seeing . . . is featured at a good price on Amazon this week for the print copy. 

Some Amazon review quotes: 

"Seeing… is a well written novel with emotional and spiritual depth that goes beyond mere sentiment when it comes to 'second chances.'”

"This story, set in Washington state, has it all: the supernatural, the romance, the sexual angst, the tension, and frustration that we all experience in our journey called life."

"The main character Micah is a widower, and the portrayal of his response to losing his wife is so beautifully written."

"From the moment I began reading Seeing... I found myself relating to the main character. Recently, I experienced a deep loss and struggled with similar emotions."

"I cried, laughed, and was captivated, not only by the storyline but with Nicole's ability to portray the character of Jesus Christ."

"The romance, the patience, the unselfish love and restraint of the main character is wonderfully written."

 

Thank you, Lord for all of those who love my work that celebrates who are you in all kinds of lives and ways. Discovering who you are is the greatest gift on earth. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

 

Wednesday Whimsy

       

       

                                 

Castles on rocks by the sea . . . whimsical. 

 

Father, thank you for sharing your artistry with humankind and leaving us with beauty even after the Fall. We need it, Lord. We're desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tuesday Tunes

     

One of the great tunes from Chicago. One of my favorites of theirs back in the day and still . . . 

 

Father, thank you for great lyrics and beautiful tunes. You're the Creator. May each one know from where their talent comes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

About that . . . romance

             

As you might have noticed, I've been discussing romance a lot lately. I've been considering why and/or how authors choose their niches/genres. I can honestly say my area of writing chose me.

I knew as soon as I committed to writing my first novel what the focus would be in terms of communicating a certain objective. Some might suggest it is the "message" or the less complimentary term the "agenda". Either way or other ways my novels always contrast the worldview of love, romance, sex to God's view of the same. In my books you will see the world portrayed as it is. Christians will be seen in all their struggles, their hypocrisies if the story leans that way, and/or their failings, successes, commitments, desires, etc. 

So why "romance"? Romance means so many different things to people. I did a blog post several years ago contrasting the way men see/understand romance to the way women often do. Of course not all men and all women interpret it in conflicting extremes, but I would venture to say even at the most basic and compatible levels, a difference exists between them.

You've often heard me separate my novels from being addressed as "romance novels" instead calling them "love stories". Many readers wouldn't make that distinction. I only make it because in the "biz" a romance novel follows a formula which basically consists of girl meets boy, girl and boy fall for each other, some stupid communication or conflict interrupts, interferes, or instigates more conflict and there is great trouble, sadness, anger, and total misunderstanding or . . . you get my drift. 

It's a well known fact that romance novels outsell most other fiction of course among women. So why is that? Of all the women I know, I know two who specifically prefer other genres and one of them is author Brenda S. Anderson who writes Women's Fiction. The other gal is a longtime friend. 

And why do I primarily read espionage, mystery, suspense, thrillers? But I write love stories heavy on the romance. 

These are my musings this Monday in July. Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions . . . 

 

Father, I thank you for each story. I believe true romance comes from you. The rest that the world offers is just chaff or worse. May I always honor you with my writing. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.   

Sunday's Offerings

 

See how the evildoers lie fallen --

    thrown down, not able to rise! 

 

Psalm 36:12 (NIV)

I got . . .

       

That's what I got this morning. Forgot to do this post last night. So there you have it. Some days are like that. 

Have a joyful day in spite of everything that goes wrong, haywire, crazy, chaotic. May you have something instead of nothing to help you be content and bring a smile to your face. 

If nothing else: Jesus loves you.

 

Father, thank you for giving us that slice of joy when we need it most. That laughter instead of tears. That contentment instead of cynicism. We're all desperate for you whether we know it or not. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Thursday Thoughts . . .

                                     

Breath of Life was my first effort at first person POV from a male's voice as the primary narrator. Most males don't read romance, but I solicited a few men who are writer friends to read it and give me their opinions as to the authenticity of the voice. They gave me a collective "thumbs up", and that's the kind of affirmation any author needs - especially a female author creating a male voice for the story's hero.  

Most of my novels' heroes have distinct voices and personalities. They are men. They may have personal reservations about how they've lived their lives - their conduct, their choices, their lifestyles - but there's no contest as to their all-male tendencies. 

I grew up in tumultuous times post-high school of hippies, dope, rock 'n' roll, and the ridiculous expression of "free love" which in today's vernacular would be translated to "whoring around". For a season of my life, in spite of it all, I retained a certain naïveté. I've always enjoyed the male species, but I had a lot to learn about how they perceived things, how they reasoned and thought about things, how they communicated, and how they needed respect. I worked at learning what made them tick and what made them different from women, how God had truly created them to be, and I found it fascinating and at times frustrating when I couldn't figure out how to effectively communicate. Still, it has been worth every moment of investment.

Men play less games than women in social settings - although some men play them quite well.

In my experience having worked in different environments for both men and women, men make better bosses. However, I have had bad employers of both sexes.

Men tend to want things kept simple and women sometimes have a hard time keeping things from becoming complex. 

Most men don't want to be mothered - unless they're sick enough to need to stay in bed. Then, even the most manly of men suddenly become helpless little boys. At least some do. 

If any of you men - or women - would care to add anything here, please feel free to add to my Thursday Thoughts. 

 

Father, thank you for male and female and the wonderful love you gave to us for each other at your direction. Each of us is desperate for you whether we know it or not. And what you have for us is better than anything we can come up with on our own. I know that personally. Thank you for rescuing me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Finding and being . . . The Dragon and The Ghost

                                 

The Dragon and The Ghost by Mark Dawson finds Beatrix Rose in Hong Kong after the horrific murder of her husband and kidnapping of her 4 yr. old daughter by an out-of-control "Control" (the leader) of Group 15 where prior to this action Beatrix was Number One. She escaped and now resides in Hong Kong.

The Triads saturate Hong Kong, wielding power and ownership of most everything. When at a local bar she frequents, she is approached by a man she has no interest in by the name of Chau. However, as he's trying to be friendly, he's acosted by members of the Triad who say he owes their leader a Mr. Ying an apology which he's already given, but they say Chau owes him a finger. Beatrix intervenes and Chau ends up killing the three men. 

Beatrix has paid private investigators a lot of money to keep searching for her daughter Isabella, but they've had little success. She needs more money. Convoluted circumstances require her to use the skills she employed as Number One for of all people: Mr. Ying. He's labeled her "the ghost" because he has never seen her, and that's fine with both of them. She kills for money and Chau cleans up the messes if necessary. Between the two of them they make a lot of money for a time, but then when a young girl who lives across the hall from her dreary abode is captured by the Triad, Beatrix is bound to seek a way to rescue her. 

One thing you've come to learn about Beatrix Rose, tragedy follows her around like a dark cloud. Hardship and betrayals continue to thwart any hope or contentment. When opium takes her prisoner, she can't see her way to anywhere. Fortunately, her skills have given her value to the "Dragon Head" who chooses to offer her a job that will prove a mutual benefit. 

It's hard to imagine the sad stories involved in the Beatrix Rose novels actually warranting continued reading, but Mark's authentic depictions of places around the world while describing the mindset of a fractured woman who's mastered the "art" of killing keeps each story revealing another layer of pain and determination in spite of wanting to give up. Beatrix is a unique character who lives a suffered existence with few options to escape and resolve. I do recommend the series, but be prepared for sorrow upon sorrow.

(Some profanity.)

 

Father, thank you for the amazing talent you've given Mark. Please continue to bless his storytelling. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Tuesday Tunes

 

 

I know I've featured this song before, but it was really a great one. Really enjoy Nicolette's voice. Good band with strings, flute, saxophone. Loved it. Hope you enjoy these oldies. (This is a different video than I originally posted - that one was canceled due to copyright infractions. Point being, this one is out of focus with different musicians.)

 

Father, thank you for all your musical artists. May they know the One who gave them their talents. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Enduring the . . . After Shock

                                          

LT Ryan and Brian Shea give us the 7th book in the Rachel Hatch Novel Series: After Shock. 

"Hatch" is in for a shock when she meets up with the former love of her life, operator "Cruise", which is kind of her final goal in what has become a harrowing journey on the run since faking her death in her old hometown. She and Cruise shared more than their special skills in the military. What she learns from him about his present employer feels at first like a horrible betrayal. When the details become clear, she trusts him enough to see what he's offering. 

Upon meeting his boss and teammates she's offered a job with the elite group and asked to tag along on an emergency rescue mission to a small town near Anchorage, Alaska. A viscious killer and leader of an Aryan Nation group has skipped parole and holed up in a deserted former summer camp with other members of their group after killing a law enforcement officer and holding another one hostage who's been shot more than once. The local HRT group is furious that they're on standby instead of the first call on this. 

Storms and bitter cold with glacier ice inhibiting their approach to the camp present enough problems, but when something they didn't expect happens, everything they planned for collapses along with the ground beneath them. 

There appears to be a wild card within this evil group, but no one knows for sure where he stands. 

With communication cut off in totally unpredictable circumstances with freezing weather, after securing medical aid from the HRT for Cruise and others, she sets off to complete the mission to the mocking insults from the HRT leader. 

There are all kinds of new characters, both good and depraved, introduced or fleshed out in After Shock. Hatch is her determined and unrelenting self with more emotional concerns on her heart and head than she would normally carry with her. Reflecting on her past with Cruise only serves to remind her that she did and probably still does love him, but she can't quite ignore her more present memories of Dalton Savage. When Cruise seems to want to carry on again, she's obviously torn. She makes one promise. Will she keep it?

In After Shock we finally see the intense emotional side of Rachel Hatch, the one she buries and keeps forcing down over and over again. It's a refreshing side to see along with her remembrances of her father's words in training her from her youth to what she's been able to become in the present. She's a heroic and wonderful character, and I'm anxiously awaiting Book 8 in the series.

(Some profanity.) 

 

Father, please continue to bless LT and Brian as they write the stories you have just for them to tell. May they know the One who's given them their talents and gifts. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday's Offerings

 

The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,

    but the root of the righteous flourishes. 

 

Proverbs 12:12 (NIV) 

Friday Five

                                           

Have you ever eaten: 

A Peanut Butter, Mayonnaise, and Pickle sandwich?

Coconut flavored Chobani yogurt?

Malt Vinegar on your Fish & Chips?

Raw Salmon?

Red Clam Chowder? 

What would you add to this list?

 

Father, you gave us an abundance of foods all over the world. Thank you for it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

 

Another excerpt . . .

 

This is from my current WIP (work-in-progress). The title will be Then . . . you, and the blurb will be "He's a recluse. She's seeking refuge." And my tagline: Raw  Romantic  Redemptive 

     “Do you have any questions or areas of specific concern?”

     He heard her voice, and it reminded him of MeMe’s, soothing but firm. Truly a professional.

     “I’m aware of occasional bouts with lack of strength in my right leg. Not enough to cause missteps, no pain, just a subtle feeling of weakness. It’s not consistent, but I do notice it once in a while.”

     “Okay. You can get on the table. We’ll work on improving circulation and see what else we find.” Since she intended to work on his legs, she left the covering off.

     When she first put her hands on him, he had to stifle a reaction. It felt like a hot shot of fiery pleasure jolted through him at first contact.

     After several movements, she said, “It seems the Wall family carries their tensions in their shoulders. You’re tight, Stone. Let’s see if we can get these muscles to relax.”

     She gently moved his hair aside and applied the Witch Hazel massaging it in to create warmth and increase circulation. He knew she worked hard on him, but it felt different from his past massages – and it wasn’t only because of how he felt about her. The expressed amazement from both his sister and brother about her hands was no joke and not flattery. Her abilities were clearly above and beyond the norm for what they all had previously experienced in diverse places from all different people. Gifted, indeed.

     His tension began to leave him, and he embraced the pleasure she provided. At times, the strength of her work came close to pain, but she seemed to know at just what point to lessen the pressure.

     “There, Stone. Let it go.” Her voice was quiet, further inducing his comfort. “Okay, Stone, I’m going to start on your right leg now. You let me know if anything hurts you. Will you do that for me?”

     At this point he would’ve allowed her to do anything to him painful or not, but he answered in the affirmative and knew he needed to do as she asked. When her hand touched his thigh, it was all he could do to remain still. He forced himself into strictly business mode, fighting the pleasure her movements brought to his damaged leg.

     “Do you ever experience muscle cramping in either of your legs?”

     “No. A long time ago, I experienced some cramping, but it was only when I allowed myself to become dehydrated. Mostly the right leg but sometimes both.” 

     She must have worked on him for over an hour, concluding with his feet. Nothing outside of sexual pleasure had ever been so physically satisfying. He hadn’t been this relaxed in he couldn’t remember when, and he didn’t want to move from the table. He could’ve slept there.

 

Father, thank you for giving me this story. May it honor you when it's completed. Apart from you, I can do nothing, and thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.