Monthly Archives: July 2016

MiracleChallenge Week #7: #3 Romance Short Story

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romance

Write a short story using the 3 words : Keeper, couple, time.

 Playing for Keeps: My Short Story in response to this writing prompt.

There was a time when our love was so vibrant, so alive it was all I’d think about during the day. I couldn’t concentrate  at work, I’d constantly check my phone for messages. On my lunch break I’d walk over to  the park and find a bench, I’d sit by the water and daydream or  scrawl through all the messages we’d exchanged, with a smile on my face.  We were in love. What happened? What changed? 

Back then I thought you were a keeper, someone I’d spend my whole life with. I never imagined things could go so sour -like rotten fruit sitting out in  the heat for too long. We’re  now spoiled, rotten to the core and fit for the bin. We were in love. What happened ? What changed?

Is it all my fault? Am I too much? Can I have done anything differently? I sit on the same bench I used to have happy thoughts  about us as a couple, and  I   go over this question in mind. It’s on constant replay time and time again. I sit here and it feels like a cloud is over me, I have no happy thoughts of us as a couple, I have no messages to scrawl through and we’re no longer a couple…. well at least it doesn’t feel like it anymore. There’s nothing more I can do, it’s not all my fault, but I AM TOO MUCH for you. I’m not the right ”type” for you, I think.

 We were  in a ” relationship” in the same house together but we  were distant, we didn’t  talk  much, we didn’t  laugh much and we certainly didn’t love much.  So we took time apart, now we’re apart and I feel alive again- I wonder is it time to call it time up on our relationship, so I can start again? I feel in constant limbo over  this, some days I do feel like  I have  some kind of love left for you, some days I just want to slap you.

 One thing is for sure, you disappoint me, you make promises you didn’t keep and I’m not a priority. I’m saying goodbye to all this. I  always tried to keep my end of the bargain. Why did you not try to keep yours? You ask me ” how do I feel?”, the first time  you see me  properly in months, spin me some bullshit  that we’ll always be connected- wishful thinking? We’re not a couple, don’t do that let’s not confuse things, c’mon you know what this is- you know what time it is and you know what the deal is. You’re either in or out. 100% or nothing at all. I can’t and won’t wait for you so that makes me out, time is not on my side my friend. Life goes on this I have been learning, and so I will too go on and find someone new, because of you and all that you do- I’m not convinced you’re a keeper, if you had loved much deeper, may be then I’d look at you and consider you a keeper. 

“MiracleChallenge Week – 7” dated 26th July – 1st August, 2016

Sunday Vibes: Music to Feel Good

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I have done all the housework this morning with a You Tube play list in the background, I felt in a very ”Island” mood today. Maybe it’s the sun and warm weather I wish London was always like this all year around. I listened to two great artists from small Islands miles away from me, Bob Marley and Rihanna.

I’ve not heard this song by Rihanna ” Diamonds” for what seems like ages I played it about five times before moving on to the next one while cleaning. It’s a very catchy, empowering and uplifting song. I love the way she sings it, it’s very close to the original version (Sia wrote this song for her).  So today  I play tribute to a fellow Islander the beautiful Rihanna from the sunny island of Barbados in the Caribbean.

Shine bright like a diamond people! Have a wonderful Sunday, I’m off to do some chapter edits and writing.

Daily Word Prompt Response: Admire (One For My Girlfriend)

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IMG-20160730-WA0004 (1)Admire

Write a response to today’s word prompt: Admire

  1. “To regard with respect or warm approval”
  2. “To look at something ( impressive or attractive) with pleasure”

(Oxford Dictionary definition)

For today’s response I want to share with you my admiration for the girl on the left, no it’s not Kim Kardashian it’s one of my best girlfriends Ellie! If you have read the preview chapters of my novel, you will see in the acknowledgements I thank Ellie for being such a dear girlfriend. We took this picture today . We both had a well deserved break from motherhood, left our sons with their fathers and took off to enjoy London’s sunshine. We head to the shopping mall, had lunch, gossiped,laughed,shopped,went to Starbucks and sat outside in the sun talking some more.

Ellie and I met years ago, in our early 20s at university here in London, we both left our previous careers (she’s a qualified lawyer)  and went on to study to qualify as teachers. Our paths crossed as we were placed in the same group to work together on a project, I’m not going to lie when I first realised I was placed with Ellie  I looked her up and down and I thought ” Oh my god, this girl is going to be hard work  to work with number 1. she is beautiful with her  big wild dark curly hair and perfectly applied make-up,  and nice clothes and  number 2 she’s a qualified solicitor (lawyer) she’s bound to be argumentative and a real diva.”  I remember I took a  deep breath, slapped a smile on my face and hoped for the best as she said ‘‘ Hey I’m Ellie”. How wrong I was, she is one of the most kindest, down-to-earth and gentle females I have come across. We also have so much in common we both spend way too much time on You Tube watching make-up tutorials and product reviews. In another life  we’d both be make-up artists. We are both spiritual souls.

I realised looks can be deceiving and I was wrong to pass judgement on her due to how she looks and what she did previously for a living. Her clear brains and beauty are  non diva like at all. All these years later she has not changed.

Anyway, why do I admire this lady? Why am I dedicating this post to her with my word prompt response? Why did I thank her so openly in my author acknowledgements and why would I be upset if I lost her friendship?….

  1. Ellie introduced me to ”The Secret” and the ”Law of Attraction.” She is a very spiritual soul. Thanks to Ellie my already spiritual self was enhanced when met in our early 20s. To this day, the main achievements in my life especially my publishing deals I’ve scored,  have been thanks to this school of thought Ellie introduced me to. She has helped shape how I walk through life. One afternoon over lunch about 6-7 years ago when we were having a deep conversation about life, religion and beliefs I  I was learning about her cultural background-she’s of Iranian decent, she pulled out her phone and started to show me all this ”stuff” I never looked back. I admire her way of thinking about life and how forward thinking and positive she is.  She may serve you up some blunt home truths, but she means well. She is very straight down the line, fact based, no bullshit kinda person. Probably the lawyer in her but I admire it.
  2. When we were broke students, I was in a panic  one day as I had received final notification from my electricity suppliers. They were going to cut off my supply for late and non payment. I am not ashamed to say this  I had NO money to pay! Ellie knew something was up, I didn’t know her well enough to explain my situation, I just lightly brushed over money worries as a broke student  which she could relate to. Ellie paid my bill, just like that, that very day. I did not ask her she got it  out of me what the ”real” issue was. She never asked when I will repay her. Of course I did in bits and pieces I  was determine she’d get her money back. Bottom line, she is very generous, caring and trusting she hardly know me  back then. We met in September this was like October/ November time. She saved my ass big time. I will never forget this. I admire her giving heart.
  3. Ellie helped me understand the legal aspects of my publisher’s contract and oversaw that all my interests are protected. I lucked out making friends with a lawyer! I admire that no one can pull the wool over her eyes.She’s a smart-ass when it comes to the law.
  4. She constantly has my back and encourages me. I admire that she is a friend that has your corner, and never makes you feel like the friendship is one sided.
  5. She’s a great mother,   I admire how she juggles work and family life so well.

I admire, respect and trust this lady. It feels like in some past life we knew each other we just click and she just gets me! Thank you for your friendship. I also did another writing prompt on the word buddy which you can read here.

Writing Prompt: Private Investigator Short Story.

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Female-Private-Investigators-Eliza-0614333632_1Crisis

Taken from my fabulous ”#642 Things to Write About” prompt book thought I’d write something a little different this morning.

Writing Prompt: You’re a private investigator, you’ve been following a cheating husband for a month. Write a report to your client-an emotionally unstable wife (in crisis) telling her what you did and what you’ve learned.

Slumped over my desk, I screw up my face at all the evidence I’ve gathered against Mr X. For a month I’ve been instructed by Mrs X to investigate her suspicions over her husband’s infidelity. The poor women, Mrs X has been married to Mr X for just 4 years and already their marriage is in crisis.I pull up my profile on the married couple:

Mrs X 35, a stay at home mum to two boys aged  five and two. A degree in psychology, she gave up her career in criminal psychology to start family life with Mr X. 

Mr X is 36, a wealthy banker working in the heart of London’s financial district. He is a top investment banker for one of the UK’s biggest banks.

Late nights and early mornings have led Mrs X to suspect her beloved husband is cheating on her. She made contact with me on the  1st February 2016, a nervous voice on the other end of the phone explained how distraught she had been since Christmas 2015. He failed to make any real effort over the festive season, she also found a receipt for Victoria Secret’s lingerie  he bought on Christmas Eve-  lingerie that she never received.

Humm, I’ve got to get this report in today, I have so much evidence against this ass-hole but at the same time I don’t want to overwhelm Mrs X, she’s already very unstable emotionally. There have been times I spoken to her on the phone, before mid day and she’s slurred her words. She’s not going to like what I write, but better the truth be told, set the poor women free from this crisis.

I turn my attention to the thick file of evidence, photos, credit card transactions, emails that the bastard exchanged with a number of women. For the last month, his attention has been on  two women Sam and Jane. They both have one thing in common, tall, slim and blonde. It’s clear Mr X has a type – certainly not his wife’s short , curvy brunette physic.

I pick out  three day’s worth of evidence as a taster for Mrs X and draft a short report, if she wants more evidence I’ll supply the rest:

Dear Mrs X

Thank you for making contact with me on the 1st February 2016, following our phone call I set to work as instructed.Below I enclose for you a summary report of my findings over three  days. Please read and refer to the attached  evidence. I understand that this is a difficult time for you and the information gathered may cause further emotional distress, however I can confirm your suspicions over infidelity on the days you had question marks over his whereabouts.

5th February 2016:  Mr X arrived at his office in Liverpool Street central London at 6:00 a.m he did not leave his car, he sat and waited. Approximately 10 minutes later a black Ford Fiesta pulled up behind him, a tall slim blonde I’ll refer to as Ms A got out of the car and greeted Mr X. A kiss on the lips. The pair got into Mr X’s car and departed. I followed behind at a distance in my own car. They pulled up outside a quiet cafe   in Shoreditch  a short drive from the financial district in central London.The pair entered the cafe. I waited 5 minutes and followed them in. I can confirm between 6:30 a.m and 7:.30 a.m the pair had breakfast at the cafe, held hands and openly flirted their body language was not ” business like” if she is a co-worker.  Please see  photographic evidence sample A.At 7:35 a.m the pair depart the cafe, I followed them to a  closed in car park. Ms A parks in a corner facing parking space. I park a few spaces away, it appeared to me at the time the couple were intermate at this spot. Please see photographic evidence sample B.

8th February 2016: Following the information you gave to me via phone, that your husband was due to attend a work function until late the evening of the 8th February 2016 I can confirm after hacking into his personal email account, during the day of 7th February 2016 he exchanged a number of emails with Ms B. The two organised to have dinner at a Thai restaurant on King’s Road  south west London on the evening of the 8th February. Please see evidence sample C the emails exchanged between Mr X and Ms B. I made reservations at the same restaurant at the same time the couple  were due to dine, as I dined that evening, on my body camera I gathered further photographic evidence of the couple. Ms B is not the same women from my last sighting of Mr X with another women. Please see evidence sample D photographic evidence of Mr X dining with Ms B the evening of the 8th February 2016 at 19:00 hours  – 21:00 hours. The pair then went on the have drinks downstairs in the restaurant bar until 24:00 hours .

14th February 2016: Following your information you gave me that Mr X would be away on a work business trip the weekend of Valentine’s Day. Please see evidence sample E and F emails exchanged between Mr X and Ms A ( the lady from the first sighting of Mr X’s infidelity). As you can see the couple organised a romantic weekend away in Paris, the trip was instigated by Mr X and fully funded by him. To confirm this please see evidence sample G – his credit card statement confirming a booking for two tickets to travel via  Eurostar  direct from London King’s Cross to La Gare Paris. Evidence sample H further showing a booking for a hotel in Paris under Mr X’s name for a double room for the duration of the weekend. 

I decide that’s enough evidence, I have more of course. Mr X was very active over the month of February I ping over the email, and evidence samples. I give it until Easter I bet my bottom dollar Mrs X files for a divorce and rapes him financially for every penny he has- good for her. I am meant to be objective in this line of work,but he clearly is a man with no heart. Half an hour later my phone rings, I know it’s her. I snatch up the receiver

” Kim’s private investigations, Kim speaking can how can I help you?”

” Kim, it’s… it’s me Mrs X I just got your report.”

I bite my lip, and brace myself for her emotional melt down. Mrs X’s voice is small and horse like she has already cried a million tears over the bombshell.

” How could he Kim?! How Could he!”

I take a deep breath, I’ve seen this a million times, heard it a million times a  distraught wife  in crisis calling me for some kind of explanation, after they receive my report. Like it’s not clear enough already that their husband is a cheating bastard.

” Mrs X, I am sorry for what the evidence shows I really am.”

“I’ll kill him!  KIM I’M GANNA KILL THAT CHEATING SON-OF – BITCH!”

Mrs X screams down the phone, I look up at the ceiling, this is going to be a long day…..

 

 

 

 

 

About to sign publishing contract #2!

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Success

 

Oh! What a way to end the day, well it’s 1:00 a.m London time but still you know what I mean. I’m not tired, I’ve been up doing word prompt writing challenges and reading blog posts- catching up on what I’ve missed these last few days. I should really be in bed, as my little boy will be up bright an early expecting to go to nursery school but it’s the summer holiday  bless him.  

It’s been a busy end to last week and start to this week. Last week, I received the edited version back of novel #1 “A Stranger in France”  I’m pleased to say no edits to my actual story, my editor left it untouched at this stage. Just edits to allow the book to be better read. I’m happy. Today, I also received (an hour ago) an email from my publisher with a contract for the short novella story I wrote. It’s due for release Christmas 2016, as my publisher will be releasing a number of Christmas themed books then I guess to pump up sales around the festive season. I am beside myself with nerves, happy thoughts and positive vibes. Since it’s after 1:00 a.m in the morning, I can’t call anyone and scream down the phone yet- hence the blog post. 🙂

So, I will look over the contract, sign and return along with the request for a brief on my book cover. I actually don’t have any idea how I visually want the cover to look. (Yet)…. do I bling -it- up and go all festive, or keep it sexy and romantic it is after all a contemporary feelgood romance, with slight suspense based around the festive season… decisions decisions.

The book is complete, and submitted already.  I’m just waiting for the edited version. In the meantime I’m still working on edits for ” A Stranger in France” I’ve got a lot on writing wise but loving it.

Stay tuned to the blog I will do a cover reveal again and chapter preview again for novel #2.

 

The Power of Words

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It always intrigues me when I read well written romance stories and realise the author is a man! I like this writing prompt response. It’s prompted me to attempt this challenge somehow before Tuesday! If I can fit it in . Well done Harlem

Harlem Inner City Blues: Random Thoughts

(Cloud bubble to self.. “I’m feeling her spirit. It transcends through from the very next aisle. I haven’t seen your face and yet…

I see you, very clearly.”)

power of wordsThe Power of Words

I was studying in the library on campus and heard the sweetest voice coming from the next aisle.

It was a voice I could listen to for the rest of my life.  Her voice had substance and conviction.  I placed my pen down and looked around hoping no one would notice.  The words of wisdom that came from her instrument moved me like no other.  Her insight touched me in a way that changed my DNA and unreleased sperm forever.

–

Her laughter intrigued me to steal a peak.  Just a glimpse was all I needed to match the voice with the face. But what next?  From a distance I was drawn to a voice without a face…

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Three Day Quote Challenge: Day #3

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Sorry I missed yesterday, I got caught up. So today’s quotes are as follows and I believe I have completed my challenge I was nominated for….

quote 2

This quote means a lot to me, now I am not a religious person as I said on day #2 I’m  more spiritual than religious. But I really respect religion as a whole. This quote which is directly from the bible stuck with me when I discovered it ( and I was not reading a bible). It stuck with me  on a personal level and as a creative writer.

Firstly, as I do believe in the ”universe” and law of attraction- there is something  out there that guides and protects you, me and everyone. I don’t call it God or a person more like a force. Whatever it is that looks out for and guides us, you can do ” all this” whatever it maybe ( your goal or challenge) via that force strengthening us if that makes sense.  

The second reason this quote is important to me is because I selected it to use as a direct quote from one character to another  in my novel which is published in September. I won’t say how and why it features , or why it was said (that would spoil it, read the book and look out for it!). It is very fitting for a particular scene I crafted/  conflict  I wrote for one of my main characters in one of my chapters. 

36_ A Strong Woman Looks A Challenge Dead In The Eye And Gives It a ___ (1) - Copy

Well,what is there to say really? I think this one says it all! I can’t elaborate further …. I love this quote.

THE LIEBSTER AWARD

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Thank you E Denise Billups for nominating me, my 2nd one! Here are the answers to your questions
Do you have a summer reading list? And if yes, what are you currently reading?
– My reading list is always long, right now I am reading The Saffron Trail and I also want to read Letters to the Lost.
How do you discover your books?
– Mainly via my book club, or on Goodreads or Amazon
Who are your favorite authors?
– loads! But I really like Diane Chamerbain, Chimanda Nigozi Adichi, Martina Cole, Khalid Hosseni, Jo Jo Moyes, Stephen King the list is endless.
What is your e-reading device of choice? Or do you prefer a paperback/hardcover?
– I actually really like the feel and smell of paperbacks, but I do read on my tablet also.
Have you ever wanted to write a book? If so, what genre?
– Yes! Finally done it. Crime and romance are my thing.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
-Expression, getting into the head of other characters, being creative, the challenge.
Describe your desk?
– I have a big vase of long stemmed Lillies, a radio, books and note pads on the kitchen table where I am now writing. Oh and a vision board hung above.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
– Grew up in London, it influences my writing with the settings I use and the multicultural characters just like London. I tend to use some of the meanest streets in London as setting when I am writing crime.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
– my 2 year old son, he is so handsome, funny, and bubbly.
What’s your favorite hobby?
– fashion design/sewing, make -up artistry practice, and any form of dance.
What do you think is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you even if they know you extremely well?
– humm that one day I’d love to live somewhere else other than London, preferably by a beach/water.

I nominate:
Harlem ATL
MiracleGirl
Mr Romanus
I think most other blogs I follow are award free!

E. Denise Billups, Author

Liebster Award

Sascha Darlington nominated me for a Liebster. Thank you so much, Sascha!

The Rules

  1. Post the award on your blog.
  2. Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you.
  3. Answer the questions assigned to you.
  4. Nominate 11 deserving bloggers for the award.
  5. Ask 11 questions to your nominees.

Here are the questions:

1. What’s the first book you remember reading and/or liking?

The Bluest Eyes by Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eyes

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

To Kill A Mockingbird

I’ve read so many of the classics as a child. They’ve all had some impact on me. But I would have to say Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eyes stands out vividly. I read her novel when I was eleven-years-old. I remember the emotions I felt for the character and her personal struggles as a young black child growing up in a racist society. It’s been a while since I’ve read this book and I may have to revisit…

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