12/20/15 WEWRIWA

There’s a nip in the air, folks and I don’t like it. I even saw a few snow flakes. Phooey and I’m still wearing a sweater. Oh well.

This is the second snippet of Gleason’s Greetings. Our off beat heroine, Liz is making friends and her own brand of Valentine cards. Do you know the myth of the holiday? She finds out , makes cards, adds cupids and carries on with cuppa coffee to please customers and now chocolate chip cookies.

Excerpt:

The little bell rang at the door and in came a customer. Red ink on her perky nose, she turned around to see OH, MY, a good looking hunk.
“Good afternoon, welcome to my new shop, you’re my first customer and I’m Liz.”
“Hi yourself, I’m Roger Mathews looking for a special Valentine’s Day card so  I’ll just look around.”
She wanted to say marry me, I’ll cook and clean and have your babies, well uh no babies at her age so instead she shut her mouth and went back to the painting table when suddenly he roared with laughter.
“What’s the matter?”
He held up the ‘I see London’ card, “I’m looking for something for my mom and then I saw this one; it’s funny and in my business we never cut funny.

Intrigued, she asked a question, something she hadn’t done in a long time, “What business?”
“ Writing scripts for television, for instance and where do you get your ideas?”

“It’s no big deal, not Shakespeare and I’ll probably be out of business in a month and to think I went to Harvard.”

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I’m Honored to announce the following

Download the Updated VHP Catalog with all titles, descriptions, and clickable purchase links to Vanilla Heart Publishing books by Chelle Cordero, Lauren Shiro, Malcolm R. Campbell, Charmaine Gordon, Angela Kay Austin, Tamara Philip, Neva Squires-Rodriguez, Gwendolyn Jensen-Woodard, Paul Zunckel, and Namid!

Download the Updated VHP Catalog with all titles, descriptions, and clickable purchase links to Vanilla Heart Publishing books by Chelle Cordero, Lauren Shiro, Malcolm R. Campbell, Charmaine Gordon, Angela Kay Austin, Tamara Philip, Neva Squires-Rodriguez, Gwendolyn Jensen-Woodard, Paul Zunckel, and Namid!

News and New!

vanillaheartpublishing.com

News and New!

vanillaheartpublishing.com

Check us out for a variey of fantastic well written books.

Love to all.

Charmaine

8/23/15 WEWRIWA

We’re off to Ocean City, MD for a few days. Granny, Grandest and Daughter. I will be checking in on everyone’s snippets during the week but here I go with another episode of the twin Costigan sisters, kidnapping, Aunt and Uncle Alfred and their manservant, Edgar up to mischief. They’ve arrived in a limousine at the ranch in Utah owned by sister Elizabeth, who years ago had thrown her four children away like garbage.  She is taken by surprise. They have papers powerful enough to convict her for murder of her first and possibly second husband.

excerpt:

“On the flight, I will show you the completed plan of attack that reads like a script so follow my lead and we’ll be fine.”
“Does Elizabeth know we’re coming?”
“Not an inkling because we’ll arrive in a chauffeur driven limousine.”
“Edgar will be with us.”

Edgar stood on the alert in the dining room where he’d been forever, a part of the household in his black suit; tall, narrow, hair turning a bit gray, he stifled a smile. Edgar never smiled but he stifled a lot.

“Stuart, this is not a cowboy movie,” as she ate a dainty portion of salmon.
The portly lawyer twisted an imaginary moustache and said “Oh yes it is and this time I’m the one who rescues the damsels in distress and slays the dragon at the gate.”
“The girls are not damsels in distress.”
“Oh yes they are, they just don’t know it.”

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8/2/15 WEWRIWA

Someone posted only fifteen Fridays ’til Christmas. Oh, No. Please let us have a gentle winter this year. Meanwhile, here we are in August and my sweet hubs will stay home with three cats and work while daughter and grandest granddaughter take a short vacation at the beach, Long Beach Island, N J here we come.

Continuing with When Double Becomes Single, Sharon Michaels must break the sad news to her sons. The younger one lives in Denmark, the older one is in NJ.

Excerpt:

1:30 a.m. in New York 7:30 a.m. Denmark Skype: “Mom, what’s up? You never call this early.”

Jeff, the youngest son, squinted at the screen to see his mother crying and said, “Oh God, Mom, It’s Dad. Last time we talked you said he had a bad cold and now he’s gone, right?”
He watched her cry without stop, heartbroken to know his dearest Dad died and through tears, Mom told the whole story. Inge, his beautiful wife, came running from somewhere in their house to hold each other as they listened to the worst news. Jeff’s father dead and they’re so far from his home in the states. Jeff felt a crack in his heart where solidity had always been.
“We’ll catch the next plane out, Mom, they are lenient with a death in the family.
“Mamse, what a terrible loss; Jeff will pull strings to get us to you as fast as possible.
“Inge, talk to me. You and Jeff are my lifeline right now.”

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Paul and Eva on their wedding day in Denmark

Dynamic Authors Chelle Cordero and Charmaine Gordon at Palaia Vineyards July 31

Dynamic Authors Chelle Cordero and Charmaine Gordon at Palaia Vineyards

 July 31 … 6PM to 8PM

     

Multi-published Vanilla Heart Publishing Authors Chelle Cordero and Charmaine Gordon will be at Palaia Vineyards on Friday night, July 31, 2015, 6:00PM to 8:00PM to read from their books, interactive discussion of the stories and the writing process, and sign book copies. Copies will be available for purchase. There is no cover fee; participants must be at least 21-years old.

 

Chelle Cordero is an award-winning author who writes stories of Passion and Suspense; VHP has published ten Cordero novels including Final Sin, a murder mystery based in the Hudson Valley. You can find more information about Chelle Cordero at her website http://ChelleCordero.com.

 

Charmaine Gordon is a former actress who writes books about women who Survive and Thrive; Charmaine’s first novel with VHP, To Be Continued, has been optioned for a television movie. More information about Charmaine Gordon is available at https://AuthorCharmaineGordon.wordpress.com/.

 

Kimberlee Williams, Managing Editor at Vanilla Heart Publishing, said “Our VHP Dynamic Duo certainly promises to be entertaining and make for a fun-filled evening at Palaia Vineyards.” Vanilla Heart Publishing is an independent publisher based in Washington State .

 

Palaia Vineyards is named for the winemaker’s grandfather, Angelo Palaia, who emigrated here from  Italy and passed his winemaking skills on to his son and grandson. Over ten acres of vineyards are situated on a 200-year old Hudson Valley former dairy farm. The old barn has been restored and is now a beautiful, clean winery on the lower level, with storage and a tasting room above preserving the look and feel of the historical building.

 

Palaia Vineyards is located at 10 Sweet Clover Road in Highland Mills, Orange County, New York; it’s easy to get to by car, the vineyard is five miles north of the Woodbury Commons Outlet Stores on Route 32.

 

 

5/10/15 WEWRIWA

Hi kids, another yum Sunday on wewriwa so join in the fun. Gorgeous summer weather the past few weeks and today was my release on Volume 2 of River’s Edge series. Three long/short stories I’ve shared pieces with you and used comments to improve the stories.Thank you all for your contributions.

excerpt in ten:
Excited, Misty drove down the Palisade Parkway and thought about the audition, a chance of a lifetime and the opportunity to dance with Sandor Klein. Wow, he’s well known and thanks to my favorite teacher who has known him for a long time, she hooked me up with him. I should have kissed Mom, left a note telling her where I’d be.

When the door opened, Misty’s jaw dropped and she said, “You’re so handsome!”
He laughed and said, “And you’re so beautiful so let’s see if you really are a triple threat.”
“Okay, I’m dressed in leotards so let’s do it.”

Sandor’s apartment had a wide open area for them to use as a practice hall, he put on some music , an oldie from Cole Porter.

Begin the Beguine filled the room as he swept her into his muscular arms and when the music changed to Don’t Fence Me In, a different tempo, Misty didn’t miss a beat.

“Okay, let’s hear you sing,” so she drank a bit of water and sang Stormy Weather, one of her favorites as her voice belted out the song, caressed the words, and made Sandor cry.

“Read this scene with me, then we’ll have a light bite and go to sleep and don’t look worried, my new best friend, I’m gay.”

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Announcing

River’s Edge Trio, Volume 2

Three more stories from the small town with a big heart!

by Charmaine Gordon

Three more stories in the Charmaine Gordon series River’s Edge,  combined in one volume. Breaking New Ground; Bridging the Gap; and Spreading Her Wings. These  Charmaine Gordon stories of love, passion, and suspense set in River’s Edge, the small town with the big heart, are also available as singles in all ebook editions.

Now in Print and All Ebook Editions!

Breaking New Ground 

River’s Edge comes together to protect Celia Brown’s property when the CEO of a major construction company claims a part of her property… and he has no idea who he is messing with. The elderly widow and her six year old granddaughter prepare for battle. Romance, suspense, and more.

Bridging the Gap 

Anna Youngblood and James Chandler have problems. His little daughter overheard his ex say she never wanted kids; Anna must make amends for breaking rules of her tribe; he has a serious concussion… and she’s pregnant. Can this couple find happiness in River’s Edge?

Spreading Her Wings

Kindness to Strangers in River’s Edge rubs off on all who live there. Sally Kirkwood responds to an emergency call from a friend one early morning. A daughter is missing and with Sally’s skill as a reporter, she finds her at an audition in NYC. Thus begins an adventure of show business, unfaithfulness, forgiveness and success.

PRINT EDITION on AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/Rivers-Edge-Trio-Volume-Trios/dp/0692441549

SMASHWORDS for ALL Ereading Devices

including Nook, iPad, and More!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/539923

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rivers-edge-trio-charmaine-gordon/1121859231

http://www.amazon.com/Rivers-Edge-Trio-Volume-Trios-ebook/dp/B00X1R8EJI

2/22/15 WEWRIWA

Not one post this week due to a cold thingy. Spring, are you coming soon? And here we are at our fave day, Sunday at Weekend Warrior Writers where we write eight sentences and terrific people with experience jump in to give constructive critique.

Several of the frosty days were spent dancing hot and wild with my grandest who, after watching me, commented, “You’re not bad for an old lady.” Are we having fun or what? You bet we are.

Today I begin a WIP-one without a title and I need HELP! This is another in the River’s Edge Series-Book 4. A fictional year has gone by, James Chandler, the vilified CEO is now back in good graces with River’s Edge and he and Anna Youngblood are a couple. Let’s call them lovers.

Excerpt in eight:

Moonlight shone through shutters in the elegant bedroom waking sleeping James Chandler as he reached for the woman who was supposed to be next to him.

She stood statue still, naked and slim this lovely young woman he’d made love with a short time ago, silky black hair cascaded down her shoulders and back; “Anna, come to me.”
“No, Jimmy. I can’t,” and she pulled on her short skirt, sweater, searched for panties not to be found and cried.

James Chandler, CEO of a huge Construction company stumbled out of bed, caught his foot in the sheets and sprawled forward, head bleeding from hitting the platform on the bed.
“You’re hurt. Stay still while I find a cloth and uh, stuff. “
His hands groped through the thick pile in the carpet, came up with her panties and grinning, he plopped them over his head.

When Anna returned with peroxide, washcloth and Bacitracin, she found her lover slumped over on the wooden platform with her best white silk undies on his head stained with blood.
“Jimmy, speak to me,” no answer so she listened to his heart, breath, pulse and everything she knew before calling 911.

for more snippets from talented writers:   http://www.wewriwa.com

2/8/15 WEWRIWA

A week of celebration with my grandest becoming seven years old and what a marvelous pal she’s become watching after me. How time has changed with me growing older as she is obsessed with caring for me. “Watch out for the black ice, hold my hand, follow my lead.” And the laughs as we drive to religion and karate. What a joy.

Here we are on my favorite day, Sunday where weekend writers write eight sentences and learn from constructive critique.

Today I’ll post one more snippet from To Be Continued. After a book singing at Barnes &Noble this afternoon wher customers wanted to learn more about the ‘optioned’ for a television movie, I can’t stor thinking about the pool guy Maverick who adds some spice into the awful blow to Beth Malone’s life.

She learns that Maverick means separated from the herd and realizes her husband Frank did just that when he married her. Beth and Maverick have built a covered Olympic size pool so she can swim all year. One night he knocks on the locked door as she finishes her workout.

Excerpt in eight:
He shuffled around in his boots looking ashamed for disturbing her and then picked a towel off the rack and patted water from Beth’s arms, “Sorry. Didn’t mean to frighten you,  He dried Beth’s arms, and looked into her eyes.
They were close; so close she dripped on his cowboy boots.
Beth noticed once again the age lines around his eyes, creases next to the nice mouth and thought , no way was he a young kid; more like late thirties—early forties and she was definitely fifty eight.
What was the question she’d heard she’d heard in the ladies locker room at the club; how many times does forty go into fifty
eight?
He kissed her, stopped with the pats, pulled her wet self closer, and kissed the hell out of her. The climate controlled air upped an notch, bare toes left the puddled surface and steam came from Beth’s lycra swim suit that suddenly felt a size too small.
“Whoa,” Beth said but he didn’t whoa; instead he nibbled his way down Beth’s neck to her shoulder, slipped off the left strap and licked her skin as he continued with merciless kisses, a tongue Beth dreamed of when she was
young and every night since. “That day. . .I intruded on your private time and watched a beautiful lady dive and swim, graceful with so much power, I’ve wanted you ever since.”
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To Be Continued
in Audio, Paperback, and Kindle

2/1/15 WEWRIWA

A new month begins. How I love February, month of my birth. More about that in a couple of weeks. Welcome to our wonderful community of writers where each week we post eight sentences and in return receive constructive critique to improve our writing.

This week I have a story to tell about me, an actor for many years who suddenly lost my voice. It’s called spasmodic dysphonia–not pretty when your voice is no longer there when you need it. A friend suggested I write a book. I laughed. Who me? I didn’t know how to use a computer back then and with no writing experience, how would I begin? Creative juices kicked in and I stumbled through a story. Someone mentioned query letters. I didn’t have a clue but I found out and sent them to the agents etc I thought might be interested. Actors are accustomed to rejection. No biggie, I thought as the first few came in. And here’s where it gets interesting. A publisher of children’s books up in Warwick, NY wanted to open an adult section and she contacted me. Before long I was published. A year later the small company closed.

Then I got a call from Chelle Cordero, who invited me to B&N at the Palisade Mall on a Friday night, local authors only. We met. She had eight books. I displayed my one and only. She bought my book and I reciprocated. I called to ask about her publisher, Vanilla Heart Publishing and got a wow review about Kimberlee Williams. Chelle suggested I call her. She also said she loved my first and only book and mentioned me to Kimberlee. So I called.

Big discussion ensued about me getting the rights to the first book. Alas, it didn’t work and then she asked what else did I have tucked away. I told her about To Be Continued. “Send me the manuscript. Let’s see what it’s all about.”

And that’s how my writing career began. Now I’ve signed an option for a television movie with a producer. Good things happen when you least expect. Put in the time and don’t give up.

blurb:

After a night of passion with her husband of forty years, not a common event any more, Elizabeth Malone wakes to find a note. “Dear Lizzie, it’s not you, it’s me.” Saddened to find daughter Susie’s attitude is so casual,”Dad’s just having a mid-life crisis, he’ll be back.” Beth is determined to re-establish herself as the winner she once was. When Frank Malone returns, he’s in for a big surprise!

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To Be Continued
in Audio, Paperback, and Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Be-Continued-Charmaine-Gordon-ebook/dp/B0030IM65G

1/4/15 WEWRIWA

Now it snows? And tomorrow we’re expecting 60 degrees then a plummet of temps for the rest of the week. New York, New York, it’s a wonderful town.

Welcome friends to WEWRIWA for snippets galore and the opp to use constructive critique the writing of fine writers.

This week- a bit more in my WIP- Breaking New Ground-title suggested by Evelyn Jules. A major Construction Company owned by the egotistical James Chandler claims to own part of the property the widow Brown has lived on for fifty years. This week -introducing Cindy Lou, Celia Brown’s granddaughter who lives with her temporarily while her mom-a Marine-is in Afghanistan. The six year old needs help with a first grade project.

excerpt in eight:
“I have to interview the oldest member of the family,” she pointed the flashlight to her Granny, and that’s you, Grans, wow, 80! you sure are way old;” she planted a wet kiss on Celia’s wrinkled cheek almost knocking her on the head with a heavy black flashlight and said, “Don’t ever die, Grans.”
“Okay I won’t if you promise not to bonk me and please tell me why are you holding that big clunker?”
Cindy giggled, “It’s for the interview, like a microphone so here we go, ready or not.”
A smile crept over Celia’s face; what fun spending quality time alone with her granddaughter while her mom’s deployed to Afghanistan like Marine after Marine, war after war, for generations the Brown family had served in one capacity or another.
A beam of light flashed into her faded blue eyes and Celia blinked as a deep voice came from Cindy’s sweet mouth, “Once upon a time you were six years old, just like me so where did you live and go to school?”
Caught up in the moment, Celia answered in a little girl’s voice. “Chicago, Illinois, and as if she’d never left the town and grown up, Celia saw the red brick school with a big sign. “Volta School. V.O.L.T.A. and my mommy bought me pretty dresses, laced up shoes, white ruffled socks and I always wore a big red bow in my hair but she didn’t like polishing my shoes ‘cause she had to wait for them to dry and use a clean cloth to make them shine.”
Cindy looked puzzled, “White shoe polish? Didn’t you have sneakers?
The clock turned forward to real time; Celia had a moment of dizziness as she came back to the present and said,
“Honey, we thought sneakers were bad men who sneaked around stealing things that didn’t belong to them”

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