Happy Easter 2024

March 30, 2024March 29, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 9 Comments

The year changes… It’s slowly getting warmer, and nature is starting from scratch.

Tomorrow it’s a very special day… A very rare species again will show up tomorrow: A multi-colored egg laying bunny.

If you think back to the Easter nests… the chocolate eggs and bunnies… you remember your childhood. But also, don’t forget how and why Easter is celebrated. Keep these thoughts and prayers in your head and heart, as I do.

I’m still waiting for the next step in my life, asking myself where I’m going to land next. And in all the chaos, right there, there’s a trace of love, a trace of hope, and a trace of change.

But today, I’ll celebrate spring, the sunshine, and smiles…

I wish you and your loved ones Happy Easter.

*Picture courses of: https://www.istockphoto.com*

The Impersonation List – By Victoria Strauss

March 28, 2024March 18, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ Leave a comment

(Victoria Strauss for Writer Beware)

The most pernicious scams focused on English-speaking writers these days come from overseas: publishing/marketing/fake literary agency scams from the Philippines, and ghostwriting/editing/marketing scams from Pakistan and India.

That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of scammers in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia. And scams aren’t all you need to watch out for: inexperienced literary agents (aka schmagents) and incompetent publishers can also hijack your work and create major problems for you. Right now, though, overseas scams are the ones you’re most likely to encounter, and they are the most predatory.

An increasingly frequent fraudulent tactic, used primarily by the Philippine scammers, is impersonation: of reputable literary agents, major publishers, renowned movie production companies, even bookstores and organizations like the American Booksellers Association. The aim is to convince you that you’re on the cusp of real, reputable representation, publication, immortality on the silver screen, books on shelves nationwide…there’s just something you have to pay for first (a screenplay, a “cinematic trailer”, an IP lawyer to handle contracts, “book licensing”, a “book returnability program“…the list is endless). Once the scammer gets you on board, it’s open season on your bank account: you will be heavily pressured to spend more and yet more money on goods and services that may be hugely overpriced, entirely fictional, never actually delivered, or all three.

Below, you’ll find a list of all of the companies and organizations I know of that have been, and are currently being, impersonated, along with the names associated with them. If you need to check the authenticity of an email or phone call, this is where you can do so (I’ve added the list to the menu at the top of the blog to make it easier to find). I’ll be updating the list on a regular basis.

But first…

CONTINUE READING HERE

The Difference Between Two Miseries

March 25, 2024March 15, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 7 Comments

Depression and Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness) are two distinct mental health conditions, each characterized by unique symptoms and patterns of mood disturbance.

Depression, often referred to as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. Individuals with depression may also experience changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can vary in severity and duration, ranging from mild and temporary episodes to more severe and chronic forms.

On the other hand, Bipolar Disorder involves episodes of both depression and mania or hypomania. Mania is characterized by periods of heightened mood, excessive energy, racing thoughts, increased activity levels, inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, and risky behavior. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, but still involves elevated mood and increased energy. These manic or hypomanic episodes alternate with periods of depression, during which individuals may experience the same symptoms as those with depression alone.

One key distinction between depression and bipolar disorder is the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder. While both conditions involve depressive episodes, bipolar disorder also includes periods of elevated mood and increased energy that are not present in depression alone.

Another important difference lies in the treatment approaches for each condition. Depression is often treated with psychotherapy, medication (such as antidepressants), or a combination of both. Bipolar disorder typically requires mood-stabilizing medications to manage manic or hypomanic episodes, along with medications to address depressive symptoms. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), can also be beneficial in managing bipolar disorder, often in conjunction with medication.

It’s crucial to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder. Both conditions can have a significant impact on daily functioning and quality of life, but with proper management, individuals can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Also, remember: You are not alone!

Go to: https://988lifeline.org/ – or call 988 (in the U.S.)

Or contact https://www.crisistextline.org/ by phone, text or chat.

9th Year Anniversary Of ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’

March 23, 2024March 19, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 11 Comments

Look what I found! I’m so excited!

I’m very excited to be a blogger of 9 years!

Writer’s Treasure Chest has grown significantly in the past few years.

2,288 posts

over 11,500 comments
1,857 followers
and
almost 154 guests

I’m so lucky to be part of the blogging world with all your help. Without guests, friends, followers, supporters, and people encouraging me again and again, this blogging adventure would not have progressed at this pace and wouldn’t have been as successful as it is.

To all of you:

The Council Of Twelve A – Z / G For Gabriel

March 21, 2024March 14, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 1 Comment

When it comes to writing, with six published books and the seventh in the series in line, I sometimes feel a little bit like I need to keep things in my books a secret, fearfully protecting my stories because I could give away too much to the ones who haven’t read ‘The Council of Twelve’ series yet.

But aren’t the background stories, the little details ‘behind the scenes’ the interesting part of our work? There are numerous characters in these books, twelve of them the main pillars carrying my stories.

A few of these main characters found their counterparts and ‘better half’ within the series, and I won’t exclude these strong women from the A-Z introduction to ‘The Council of Twelve.’

That’s why I decided to start a new blog series about the Council of Twelve, going through the alphabet, starting with Anghariel, Benadrel, Centriel, Deonur, Eavan, and today Gabriel. Yes, I know, the letter ‘F’ is missing. But no main character in the entire series got a name that starts with an F… but never say never. The series is not completed yet.

Let me show you the notes I took before I started to write ‘The Council of Twelve’ series. On Gabriel’s character sheet, it says:

Gabriel, together with Michael, Raphael, and Uriel, is one of the five oldest Archangels. (Yes, and originally, there were five of them… just one slid into evil ways and fell).

Gabriel has been created as Heaven’s Messenger. He was sent down to Earth to bring good or bad news to humankind. This Archangel is highly sensitive, and not all messages are good. Gabriel felt each emotion the humans went through, once they heard what he had to say.

There were a few moments he was close to giving up the purpose of his existence. Bringing the wonderful prediction to a couple that they will be blessed with a baby or bringing the information about the saving of an entire nation from years of slavery was one thing… announcing death was another one.

After millennia of being Heaven’s Messenger, Gabriel grew tired of it and seriously considered the possibility of ‘moving on’. “I deserve retirement.” He stated. Michael laughed when he heard that. Gabriel, a bit hurt, quietly asked back: “What? Every soul arriving up here can pick their passion, obsession and future path up here – or retirement. So, why can’t I…” Michael clapped Gabriel’s shoulder and explained: “Because you are one of the pillars that hold the Earth, dummy. You’re an Archangel. It is a privilege… but it’s also a curse sometimes. We are given so much more – but at the same time, so much less, too.”

After sulking for another few decades, Gabriel found himself more content and calm than he had expected and arranged his existence around his tasks, duties, and purpose.

And then… the consorts arrived….

Right here the Council of Twelve Series begins.

I would recommend reading the Council of Twelve series to learn more about these twelve powerful individuals and their consorts, their stories, and the eternal fight ‘Good vs. Evil.’ You will fall in love with them all, I promise.

Soul Taker – https://books2read.com/u/m2roOj

Sundance – https://books2read.com/u/mgGGeX

Demon Tracker – https://books2read.com/u/3yEx6l

Bounty Hunter – https://books2read.com/u/mgzd5X

Dream Walker – https://books2read.com/u/b5j087

River Guardian – https://books2read.com/u/bznxr2

BLOG TOUR: The Hencha Queen

March 19, 2024March 10, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ Leave a comment

Welcome!

1. When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing since fourth grade, when I won a University of Arizona contest with a Jetson’s inspired story, complete with crayon illustrations. I started my first (very bad and never published) novel in High School, and finished my second (also never published) when I was twenty-five.

2. What motivates you to write?

Like many authors I know, I’m not happy when I’m not writing. I don’t mean In the hours I’m not writing. But when I’m not able to find time to write on a regular basis, I feel less… me. So, I write.

3. What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?

Mostly in sci-fi and fantasy (and the hybrid sci-fantasy). I’ve loved these genres since I was a kid… my mom got me started on Lord of the Rings in third grade, and I blew through her Science Fiction Book Club shelves – McCaffrey, Asimov, Clarke, all the classics. And soon after, I found my own new favorite authors – Anthony, Tepper, Jordan, Hamilton and many more. When I started writing, I added more diverse characters to a genre I loved.

4. What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

I always wanted to hit it big like my idols. I would still love to, or even just have a nice midlist career. But at the heart of it, I want to write good fiction that moves people and stays with them long after they finish my books.

5. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

I call it writer’s wait (for more, read my forthcoming book, “Suck a Little Happy Juice). Just kidding, but shameless plug. Seriously, though, I don’t believe in writers block… when I get stalled out, it usually means there’s something wrong with the story and I need to backtrack until I find what it is. I’ve had that issue with my current WIP, and finally solved it, I think. We’ll see…

6. What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?

Write what you love. Be mindful of the market if you want to have commercial success, but throw yourself into something that makes you happy. When you love what you write, it comes through in the writing and readers can feel it. And stick with it. Writing is a rough business, and the folks who make it through are the ones who persevere.

7. Please, tell us about your work.

I specialize in science fiction and sci-fantasy that features a diverse cast of characters. The Tharassas Cycle is sci-fantasy – or more specifically, science fiction with an epic fantasy feel, with gay, lesbian, bisexual and intersex characters. Most of my novels are interconnected.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

About the Book

Author Name: J. Scott Coatsworth

Release Date: Thursday, March 14 2024

Tour Type: 7-Day Blog Tour

Tour Start Date: Thursday, March 14 2024

Publishing Company: Other Worlds Ink

Cover Artist: Kelley York – Sleepy Fox Studios

Primary Plot Arc: Speculative Fiction

Main Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction

Sub-Genres: romance

Story Type: Novel (>50k)

Word Count: 93,400

LGBTQ+ Identities (if applicable): Gay, Bisexual, Non-Binary, Lesbian

Keywords/Categories: fantasy, science fiction, sci-fantasy, dragons, sci-fi, new release, announcement, gay, lesbian, bisexual, non-binary, young adult, crossover, gay, bisexual, non-binary, lesbian, new release, announcement, giveaway

Is This Part of a Series?: Yes

Position (Number) in Series: 3

Necessary to Read Previous Books: Yes

Series Title: The Tharassas Cycle

Other Books in Series Available for Review?: Yes

Title for Other Book(s) in Series:

0 – Tales From Tharassas

1 – The Dragon Eater

2 – The Gauntlet Runner

Was This Book Published in An Earlier Edition?: No

Book Blurb:

SILYA COMES INTO HER OWN, BUT WILL SHE BE ENOUGH?

Silya finally has everything she always wanted. She’s the Hencha Queen, head of the Temple, and is working to master her newfound talents. So why does the world pick now to fall apart?

Her once-nemesis Raven is off riding dragons, and their mutual friend (and her ex) Aik is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, a new threat menaces the Heartland from the East, and if she can’t convince a reluctant Gullton city council to prepare for the worst, she may lose everyone and everything she’s ever cared about.

As she uses her magic-like abilities, wit and sheer determination to try to save the city, she’s joined by Raven and his new friends. Will their help tip the scales? And will they finally find out what happened to Aik as a dark storm threatens to sweep them all away?

Forget messy. Things just got apocalyptic.

Series Blurb:

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

First Two Books On Sale (& Get a Free Book)

Use the included tharassas-sale.jpg graphic with this section.

Books 1 & 2 are on sale through March 31st for just 99¢ each (eBooks, all vendors). And if you buy one (or all three) of the main series books, email scott@jscottcoatsworth.com</a> and let him know and he’ll send you a free copy of Tales From Tharassas, the prequel.

Sale Details: https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com/the-hencha-queen-pre-release-deals/

Non-Exclusive Excerpt:

A sharp crack filled the wine cellar. Kerrick swung the heavy mallet back and then assailed the flopwood boards that blocked the tunnel entrance again. The ancient wood splintered under the blow, sending shards clattering across the stone-paved floor.

It felt good to work out his frustrations. Still, the stubborn wood held out against his assault.

He rested the mallet on the black-tiled stone floor, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. Even after a hundred years, the barrier was strong. He’d tried to pry the boards out of the solid stone, but they’d been fastened in too tightly. Brute force it is.

“You’re doing great!” Cor’Lea’s voice was artificially bright, and she was as tall as he was, maybe a little taller, peering over his shoulder at the sealed tunnel entrance.

Silya had tasked her with bringing him down here to check out these hidden caverns under the Temple, in preparation for the coming war. Important, sure, but also clearly an excuse to get him out from underfoot while she prepared for her official Raising.

He grunted. “Thanks. These boards are hard as iron.” And hard as Silya’s will.

One day things would be different between them, once this crisis was over. I just have to be patient.

Coral laughed. “I’m sure a big, strong man like you can break through them easily.” She squeezed his bicep appreciatively.

He shrugged her off. He wasn’t sure if the gawky initiate was flirting with him or just trying to encourage him to get on with it, but either way, he wasn’t interested. “Stand back.” He hefted the hammer again, and she scurried out of his way.

He suppressed a smile, swinging the mallet around for another heavy blow.

Craack.

This time the board buckled inward visibly. Another few hits should do it.

He pulled back the heavy iron hammer again and hit the same spot with blow after blow. Craack. Craack. Craack.

The mallet broke through and a board fell away into splinters, clattering across the stone floor. One down, three more to go. “Why did they seal this cavern up?”

Cor’Lea gestured at the natural chamber. “There was a winery here before the Temple. Sister Dor said they used to use it for extra wine storage.” She looked around the natural chamber, which was now filled with wooden shelving holding a variety of bottled food stores. “When Jas ordered the Temple to be constructed, they kept this wide cavern and blocked off the rest of the tunnels.”

“Just in case the gully rats got in?” That thief Raven had apparently made his home in one of the underground tunnels. Who knew who else—or what else—lived down there?

Cor’Lea snorted. “Maybe.”

Are tunnels all connected, somehow? That was one of Silya’s most urgent projects, to map out the network of caverns beneath the city. Another reason she sent me down here—to get me out from under her robes.

A few more whacks at the next board served to both break it and let out his frustrations at the situation preventing him from doing his sworn job and keeping them apart. And at what she said was coming.

Craack. Craack. Craack.

The board snapped in half, and he judged that he’d cleared enough space to step through into the blocked-off tunnel. “Hand me that lantern?

Cor’Lea complied, taking the opportunity to brush his hand.

He rolled his eyes. I should be flattered. But his heart was already taken.

It was times like these he wished his brother Enrick were still alive. He’d know what to do. He’d been absurdly confident about everything, even though he’d been younger than Kerrick.

Kerrick wasn’t great with women.

He took the lantern and stepped over the bottom board, holding it in front of him. The bright light temporarily blinded him as he sought to get his bearings.

“What do you see?” Cor’Lea peered through the hole behind him.

His sight adjusted, and the tunnel’s walls came into focus.

He whistled. Stacked along the side of the tunnel were hundreds of crates, all strapped together in groups and sealed. “It’s… I don’t know what it is. But I’ll bet Silya will be surprised.” They’d have to find a place to put all this stuff—whatever it was, it was likely rotten after all this time. Silya needed somewhere to store people, not ancient goods.

Cor’Lea stepped carefully over the splintered boards to join him. “What do you think’s inside them?”

The long row of crates disappeared into the darkness. Who knew what the ancients had considered valuable enough to stash down here. Coin? Lost treasure? “One way to find out. Does the Temple have a crowbar?”

Universal Buy Link: https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com/book/the-hencha-queen/

Giveaway:

Scott is giving away an eBook copy of Tales from Tharassas, the prequel, to everyone who enters the sweepstakes:

<a class=”rcptr” href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47308/” rel=”nofollow” data-raflid=”b60e8d47308″ data-theme=”classic” data-template=”” id=”rcwidget_bfu3bllb”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47308/?

Author Bio:

Scott lives with his husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into fantasy and sci fi by his mother at the tender age of nine. He devoured her library, but as he grew up, he wondered where all the people like him were.

He decided that if there weren’t queer characters in his favorite genres, he would remake them to his own ends.

A Rainbow Award winning author, he runs Queer Sci Fi, QueeRomance Ink, Liminal Fiction, and Other Worlds Ink with Mark, sites that celebrate fiction reflecting queer reality, and is the committee chair for the Indie Authors Committee at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).

Author Website: https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworth/

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworthauthor

Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.otherworldsink.com/@jscottcoatsworth

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jscottcoatsworth/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8392709.J_Scott_Coatsworth

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.-Scott-Coatsworth/e/B011AFO4OQ

Brought to you by

Other Worlds Ink

BLOG TOUR: Earthquake Ethan

March 18, 2024March 10, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ Leave a comment

Welcome!

1. When did you start writing?

2009 after a long illness. I was instantly hooked.

2. What motivates you to write?

I push myself to get better with each book, but also, it’s the only place I have any control over what happens, and when life kicks my ass, I can hide in my books and write happily ever afters.

3. What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?

I grew up reading and watching horror and my first book turned out to be a paranormal romance. The next one was a contemporary romance, and later I wrote some horror. I tend to write realistic issues into my books and contemporary suits that really well. But paranormal is my jam, and I have plenty of ideas to keep me going, although my next release will be a romantic suspense, so who knows? Someday I may write a cozy mystery! Stay tuned…

4. What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

My goal is to write a book that will keep the reader thinking and feeling after they finish the book. Dream? To see something I wrote adapted for the screen.

5. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

Not really, because even if I get stuck on a project, I can always write something else. I did struggle to focus during the pandemic, but that might have had something to do with having four people in a tiny house with one bathroom. That tends to be disruptive.

6. What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?

Lots of folks say write what makes your heart happy, but I think it’s good write what you want to see out in the world. I’ve found comfort in re-reading books I’ve written over the years. It’s a reminder you can do what you set out to do, and it’s a tangible way to measure your growth.

7. Please, tell us about your work.

Earthquake Ethan is the long-awaited finale to the Forces of Nature trilogy. I’ve been waiting to write the end of Reese and Toby’s saga, but I also wanted to write an HEA for Arthur, the guy who works so hard for his clients (you can also find Arthur in Everything’s Better With You, which takes place chronologically after this book). It also allowed me to dive into the working world of actors and talent managers, which I find fascinating. I love Hollywood and it was so fun to play with these characters again.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

About the Book:

Author Name: R.L. Merrill

Release Date: Wednesday, March 13 2024

Tour Type: 7-Day Blog Tour

Tour Start Date: Wednesday, March 13 2024

Publishing Company: Celie Bay Publications LLC

Cover Artist: KaNaXa

Primary Plot Arc: Romance

Pairings: MM

Main Genre(s): Romance

Sub-Genres: Contemporary

Story Type: Novel (>50k)

Word Count: 70k

LGBTQ+ Identities (if applicable): gay

Keywords/Categories: Hollywood, musical theater, actor, scandal, mm romance, gay romance, gay, mm, romance, forbidden love, hurt-comfort, opposites attract, contemporary, new release, announcement, giveaway

Tropes: forbidden love, hurt/comfort, opposites attract

Is This Part of a Series?: Yes

Position (Number) in Series: 3

Necessary to Read Previous Books: Yes

Series Title: Forces of Nature

Other Books in Series Available for Review?: Yes

Title for Other Book(s) in Series:

Hurricane Reese

Typhoon Toby

Was This Book Published in An Earlier Edition?: No

Book Blurb:

The Earth shook the morning actor Ethan Bradley arrived in Los Angeles looking for a second chance. He hoped his former producers Reese Matheson and Toby Griffiths meant it when they said to look them up if he were ever in LA because he had no other options. The pictures the paparazzi took at the wrap party for their London show made sure of that. What he wasn’t counting on was the reception he got from their manager, Arthur Frye. He was absolutely the kind of together guy Ethan wished would notice him, and for more than his pretty face and talent. Too bad Arthur only sees Ethan as a complication.

Arthur Frye has his hands full with his best clients—and best friends. The last thing he needs is another diva to care for, especially one who has a reputation for causing trouble. He has a strict rule against getting involved with the talent, no matter how pretty they are. Only Ethan Bradley shines for real, and when Arthur realizes his nice-guy innocence is genuine, he’s ready to do anything to help Ethan get his career back on track and get him out of LA. He’s too much of a temptation, and Arthur can’t afford to lose focus…not even for a chance at happiness for himself. Especially not when his star clients are about to risk their professional and personal happiness with their newest creation; a musical about two boys falling in love in the 1960s featuring music written by Reese’s grandfather, whose health is in decline.

Ethan Bradley shakes things up wherever he goes, and Arthur Frye is afraid he’ll be left in the wreckage if he gets too close. Can these two opposites find love on solid ground?

Warnings: implied sexual abuse off page

Series Blurb:

Forces of Nature follows a group of talented men who are natural disasters, and the men who love them.

Non-Exclusive Excerpt:

The morning after Ethan Bradley landed at LAX the earth shook. Literally. Being from Iowa, he’d always been afraid of earthquakes. He remembered watching footage when he was a little boy of the one that hit Northridge and it stayed with him. He’d even turned down a part in the film San Andreas because he was terrified of the real thing.

Plus—at the time—he’d wanted to be considered a serious actor, and accepting a role in a Hollywood disaster blockbuster didn’t fit in with his professional goals. Instead, he’d ended up going to London to film a clever romantic comedy. Then came the stage and more accolades at the age of twenty-six than he’d imagined possible.

When his hotel room rattled his first morning in LA and sent him diving under the desk in the early hours, he’d wished he’d stayed.

But London had nothing to offer him after the paparazzi ruined his life, and he couldn’t go home. So there he was, back in the states, and ready to grovel before his former producer—and crush—for a role, any role, that would allow him to get back to doing what he loved…acting, singing, performing.

Love was a strong word. It was what he knew, what he was good at, where his God-given talents lay.

He’d come to LA with a plan. Sort of. Go see Reese Matheson. Pray he opened the door and took pity on him. And that he didn’t hold a grudge.

He plugged the Malibu address he’d gotten from his London manager’s office into the Lyft app and went outside to wait for his ride. And prayed.

If Reese wouldn’t see him, he had a plan B.

He’d go to see Reese’s business partner Toby Griffiths. Which was probably a terrible idea, but the best he had.

Because there was no plan C.

He had exactly fifty dollars cash on him and a credit card dangerously close to being maxed out. Rock bottom was flying up to meet him fast.

The Lyft driver dropped him off at the end of a long driveway leading to a quaint little house that backed up to the Malibu shoreline. He knew nine o’clock on a Sunday morning was early, but the earthquake had shaken him so much, he couldn’t wait to get out of his room at the Holiday Inn. He’d been to LA before to promote his films, but he’d never felt comfortable among the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

Malibu had the scenery people thought of when they imagined Southern California. Palm trees, mountains that broke off into the sea, miles of sand with beautiful people jogging along the water’s edge. It was picturesque, and sometimes cliché. For Ethan, it represented his last hope.

He climbed the steps, cleared his throat, reached for that enthusiastic confidence that used to come so easy for him once upon a time—

The door opened before he even had a chance to knock.

The short Filipino man standing there in a pair of scrubs had one eyebrow raised and a hand on his hip.

“Can I help you?”

His tone didn’t come across as helpful, despite his words.

“Yeah, sorry. I’m looking for Reese Matheson? My name is—“

“I know who you are.” The man’s raised eyebrow turned into a frown. “Just a minute,” he said before closing the door with a little less force than a slam.

Breathe. It’s fine. Reese is a good guy. He won’t be angry that I showed up. He’s a generous, kind person—

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQFV9XLB

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203877193-earthquake-ethan

QueeRomance Ink Link: https://www.queeromanceink.com/book/earthquake-ethan/

Giveaway:

R.L. is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card with this tour:

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47309/?

About the Author:

Author Bio:

R.L. Merrill brings you stories of Hope, Love, and Rock ‘n’ Roll featuring quirky and relatable characters. Whether she’s writing about contemporary issues that affect us all or diving deep into the paranormal and supernatural to give readers a shiver, she loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after.

Winner of the Kathryn Hayes “When Sparks Fly” Best Contemporary award for Hurricane Reese, Foreword INDIES finalist for Summer of Hush and RONE finalist for Typhoon Toby, Ro spends every spare moment improving her writing craft and striving to find that perfect balance between real-life and happily ever after.

She writes diverse and inclusive romance, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and works on various other writing and mentoring projects that tickle her fancy or benefit a worthy cause. You can find her connecting with readers on social media, educating America’s youth, raising two brilliant teenagers, trying desperately to get that back piece finished in the tattoo chair, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more Rock ‘n’ Romance.

Author Website: https://www.rlmerrillauthor.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/rochellerlmerrill/

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/rlmerrillauthor/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlmerrillauthor

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9828914.R_L_Merrill

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Oscars 2024 – A Fashion Post

March 16, 2024March 14, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 5 Comments

Welcome to my annual Oscars-Fashion critics a la AJ. This year my post does not follow immediately the Oscar Award Show, it’s a week late. My apologies for that.

Other than the delay, nothing has changed. As I do every year, I am not discussing movies, performances, or anything else. I looked at the guests, the red-carpet show, visitors, participants and their gowns. I’m presenting my personal opinion here, nothing more. Your taste might be very different, but we know this will happen. I hope you’ll have a little bit of fun with this post.

I’d like to start with a few dresses that I consider being listed ‘somewhere in the lower third’ of the list. They’re not bad, but they’re not great either. Maybe they’re on the safe side, without much risk or personal style.

The Safe Side

Gabrielle Union in Carolina Herrera and Greta Gerwig in Gucci are shining, gorgeous, and a bit bland. It’s just ‘the way it is. ‘It’s nothing special, but definitely not horrible, even though I get the impression Gabrielle Union has an awkward resemblance to a thimble.

Regina King is dressed in a classic, with a twist. She looks beautiful. The only unusual pick within this dress is the color. However, it makes her shine. She really rocks it.

As for Raitreyi Ramakrishna: This creation is the dream prom dress of every high school girl. It’s cute, nothing special, and unfortunately, the ‘bow’ is never a good choice, no matter who the designer is. Cute – but not more

Anya Taylor-Joy looks radiant in this classic slightly sparkly Christian Dior gown… but she, too, picked one of the dresses on the ‘safe side’. Pretty… but not more.

Greta Lee showed up in Loewe… It’s a classic black gown with an awkward white curtain decoration, which gives me the impression of looking at a canopy bed.

Danielle Brooks looks beautiful and happy in her classic Dolce & Gabbana gown. The train gives the dress the impression of being Hollywood worthy – unfortunately the high leg slit negates that look again. All in all, I would say, nice but that’s all.

America Ferrara beams in her pink Barbie-worthy classic shimmering dress. I’m not saying it’s bad, it’s just a bit ‘bland’. Sorry – she’s well dressed – but best dressed? Not in my book.

Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli (with Husband John Krasinsky)

Ava Du Verney looks nice in her baby blue Louis Vuitton dress… as it’s known, I’m not the biggest fan of Louis Vuitton Haute Couture since I think the designers should have stuck to the luggage. Here is an excellent example that proves me right. Look at Ava’s shoulders… buckles? Really?

Emily Blunt and John Krasnisky are beaming on the red carpet. Emily keeps topping the best-dressed list every year. She has impeccable taste. This year is the first time I ‘demoted’ her to ‘just okay’. She’s safe, white – and a bit too bridal.

The Best

Carey Mulligan as well as Emma Stone picked classic-style Hollywood dresses and are both shining on the red carpet. The Mermaid dress is stylish and cute, pronounces Carey Mulligan’s beauty, and leaves us speechless.

As for Emma Stone… Yes, it’s a beautiful dress, I like the color, too. Emma Stone is gorgeous and rocks it big time. Still, it’s a Louis Vuitton dress, after all, and shows the form of a travel tote. But hey… to each her own, right?

Both Ladies, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Marlee Matlin, picked wonderful choices for their Academy Awards. They both shine and embody the Hollywood classic chic. I’m impressed!

Michelle Yeho rocks the frock in Balenciaga. She’s elegant, happy, and absolutely gorgeous.

Margot Robbie picked a black Versace dress, most likely the opposite of what everyone expected her to wear. She looks beautiful, and the tight cut shows her gorgeous figure.

Both ladies look breathtaking and wear their respective dresses with pride and elegance, in my opinion. This is, how it’s done. Beautiful!

The ‘Not So Good’

Okay… Cynthia Erivo’s dress ended up on many best-dressed lists… not on mine. She’s a beautiful lady! What in the World has made her dress like a suitcase? Green Louis Vuitton leather? It looks a bit like the designer grabbed whatever leftovers from the last luggage production and hurried to make her a dress. Not so good.

Leah Lewis, you’re a cute lady who can wear pink. No problem. But why the ruffle-feather-wind-blown style? You look like you’ll be taking off to fly across the ocean South any moment now. Say hello to the Flamingos.

Andrea Riseborough, I’m sorry, but this is probably one of the ugliest Oscar dresses I have ever seen. This is fabric for a kilt, a quilt, or a wool blanket, but not for the Red Carpet of such an exquisite event. No-no!

Billie Eilish… I’m startled. After seeing you dressed up in a gown before you went back to the bad taste? Holy Canoli! Chanel, fine… but this looks like you have been trying on your great-grandmother’s five-o’clock-tea ensemble! Paired with these knee socks and the black little girl ballerina shoes, I suspect you might be at the wrong event? Schoolgirl dreams are in the adult section…

And now… let’s get to ‘the worst 2024 Oscar Red Carpet Dresses’! The Award goes to

Ariana Grande in Giambattista Valli

She’s such a beauty. Was her stylist drugged up – or simply drunk? This is horrific! She looks like she either exploded out of a pink canopy bed, holding on to a few pillows for dear life or…

… she just landed skydiving and couldn’t get rid of the parachute.

In any case, she should have refused to show up like this! I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry—poor girl!

Of course, there are so many other beautiful and tastefully dressed ladies: Becky G, LaVine Joy Randolph, Jennifer Lawrence, Jodi Foster, Lily Gladstone, and so many more… but enough for today. I can’t comment on all of them.

A Word About The Men On The Red Carpet

I hope you’ll permit me a few words about the men and their wardrobes, like last year. The classic and elegant suits are back! There is this modern touch on some of them, but it makes it attractive in most cases!

Both Gentlemen, Cillian Murphy, and Colman Domingo, wore Suits with matching jackets and trousers and looked elegant. Colman Domingo paired his outfit with Cowboy boots, which is not a novelty but still unusual. Well done

Both Gentlemen wear nearly classic suits, maybe with a little modern twist on Sterling K Brown’s side. However, both are rocking the classy suit!

What not to do…

It seems to me the classic hangover is the only explanation for the missing shirt and bow tie!

If this was not a mistake, then it’s worse… you know, only a well-developed and well-trained chest can pull this off. Omar, navel-wide open jackets and a chicken chest are not a good idea. Do that better next time.

This is it from my 2024 Fashion Corner on ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’. I hope, you had a little bit of fun reading this!

(All pictures were provided by either Reuters, or GettyImages)

Soul Taker Secrets: Cooking For A Dozen

March 14, 2024March 10, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 6 Comments

When the Council members’ consorts cook together, they often find new recipes. Normally, one or two of the consorts help Katie cook her part. Since their family grew and still grows, the consorts started to split the efforts, work, and time. Instead of cooking together, they decide on a meal, and usually, two consorts work on their part.

This recipe was brought into the family by River Guardian Eavan. She loves it, and the easy part is: it’s not hard to make, and you can take the recipe and multiply it easily, depending on how many participants are at dinner.

Have a look

Deviled Eggs Potato Salad

Ingredients

2 lbs. yellow baby new potatoes, unpeeled and halved (about 7 cups)
8 cups water
2 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, divided
1/2 cup mayonnaise (such as Duke’s)
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 Tbsp. drained dill pickle relish
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
6 dashes of hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
2 celery stalks (5 oz. total), diagonally sliced (1 cup)
Paprika, for garnish

Directions

Cook potatoes: Place potatoes, water, and 2 tablespoons of the salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to medium-high; simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
Prepare potato salad dressing: While potatoes simmer, coarsely chop 3 of the eggs; transfer to a large serving bowl. Cut remaining 3 eggs in half; scoop yolks into a small bowl. Coarsely chop egg whites; add to chopped eggs in large bowl. Add mayonnaise, parsley, relish, mustard, vinegar, hot sauce, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt to yolks in small bowl; stir until combined and smooth.
Mix potato salad:Transfer chilled potatoes to chopped eggs in large bowl; add mayonnaise mixture and celery. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with paprika.

Image and recipe courtesy of Southern Living

When Life Happens

March 11, 2024March 10, 2024 ~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 15 Comments

“

Sometimes, life doesn’t go according to plan… Mine hasn’t done that for several years, actually. And more than once I found myself in a nearly unbearable situation, no job, no money, everything I built up in danger, and instead of making things better, other people found it obviously hilarious to put a spoke in my wheel, sometimes not only one… my accounts get hacked. Some freaking moron finds it obviously hilarious to steal money I worked really hard for… the respective company does NOTHING to fix things for me. Instead of improving things, it gets worse… the delays are damaging my reputation, my finances, and my life…

“

In a situation like that, someone could easily consider giving up life altogether; it’s not even rare that this happens.

What do we say to someone who has that kind of difficulty to master and obviously suffers from depression?

There are a few things that are easily said and basically mean nothing… except a guaranteed pissed-off depressed person who’s already walking on a very small edge and ready to fall…

Healthline.com offers the following advice:

Just remember: Advice isn’t the same as asking for help. If they ask for your advice, give it if you so choose. But don’t offer them “helpful” solutions or statements that seem like a cure for their depression. This can feel judgmental or not empathetic.

Don’t say:

“Just think happy thoughts. I don’t understand what you have to be so sad about.”
“Everything will be OK, I promise.”
“I cut out sugar, and I was cured! You should try it.”
“You just need to snap out of this.”
“So many people out there are worse off than you.”

And Healthline.com is right. There are very few people out there I ask for advice and help, and even less I accept it from.

Understanding and empathy is very important to give to someone with depression. Don’t try to offer support if you don’t know what it means to be in that situation.

Depression is the part of you that fills with sadness everywhere that hope leaves a hole in you when it leaves…

~ A. J. Alexander ~

Depression makes it hard to move… sometimes even getting out of bed is a challenge. Don’t try to be helpful by being cheerful, and don’t try to support by being sad and co-suffering. It won’t help at all.

The best things to ask are: “What can I do to help?” or “If you want to talk about it, I’m ready when you are.”

Sometimes, talking about it is helpful… but sometimes, sitting in a corner, watching out the window, and crying does more for the person than words… Don’t offer advice if you can’t help… Occasionally, giving useless suggestions to a depressive person is about as useful as dancing naked in rubber boots down the alleyway.

And on occasion… if you know someone who knows someone who can help… This would be perfect in a very helpful way…

It’s not easy to be friends or related to a person with depression. It’s hard to watch a beloved person turning into a heap of hopelessness, and it’s harder to help the person out of that.

Sometimes, real help is needed. And I’m not talking about a shrink… I’m talking about law enforcement, legal support, financial aid – and a job.

And sometimes, only ice cream can make things better. It might sound trivial… but occasionally, only a banana split stands between your depressive friend and the end.

To a certain degree, it’s a metaphor. (It can be a steak and fries, too) But that’s not what I mean… I mean, it might help your loved one to feel alive, feel the little things that are enjoyable (like the taste of ice cream, hot fudge, and banana exploding on the tongue), but more so, to talk to a person who is interested in the things that make life so hard.

Be that person… be around, available, approachable… be there.