Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Milestones and Mindfulness


Yesterday, as the day wound down, I reflected on where I am with this whole… “Hey, I’m gonna write a novel.”…thing.

And for the first time since starting this journey, my heart swelled large enough to trigger unforeseen tears. I felt a sense of pride. A sense of success. And a cathartic wave of accomplishment.

This past weekend, Beyond the Masks was sent to the editor for the final edit package. The story (itself) is finally complete. What does this mean?

Well, it isn’t ready for a release just yet. But when I sent off the manuscript to my editor in January, I thought it was complete, the main parts of the story that is. But this was editing round number one. Developmental Edits. These edits pinpoint glaring changes and suggestions that will aid in telling the right story. To tell the story the way the characters want you to.

But when I hit send on that email, somewhere deep inside I knew the story was incomplete. It felt like when you leave the house and say, “Am I forgetting something?” That agitation nagged me. But I had taken Shane, Jacob and Gavin’s story as far as I could at that time.

When I received the edit package back, the notes and conversations I had with my editor opened so many locked doors. She guided me to where these characters were actually heading. She said, “I just gave you the key, you’re the one who unlocked and opened the door.” But without her key, I would not have found the path to a powerful story.

With that said, as I drove home last night a feeling of joy overwhelmed me. Never have I stopped to smell the roses in order to enjoy the process of something. You see, I’m a sprinter not a long distance runner. And in learning to pace myself I have become mindful of the small successes. Enjoying the mile markers is almost better than the end game. Remembering how you got there makes the finish line so much sweeter.

So here’s to the next “chapter” of Beyond the Masks and this “I’m gonna write a novel.”…thing.  Because it has taught me so much more about myself, where I’m headed and the impossible things I can achieve.

Coming Soon 2017…

Much Love~
NFG

There's more to love...come join me:

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Seven Weeks in Heaven, Episode One: The Set Up (Part One)


***Disclaimer*** This is a free write story conjured up as I go (or at least as the characters tell me what's next). Therefore the story is UNEDITED by a professional, only self edited. Also this is made to enjoy over time as each episode is released.***End***


Story Synopsis/Blurb

Charlotte Kline is a high maintenance glamour girl without a penny to her name. The creditors are knocking down her door unless she finds a way to pay them. That is until an opportunity to become a reality television star falls into her lap. This could be her ticket to stardom and to financial freedom! The catch? Pretend to fall in love with whomever she is matched up with...

Harris Miller is destined to be a "life-long" bachelor at the ripe age of twenty-seven.  His mother refuses to pay his way any longer unless he finds a wife. Sparks fly when he's paired up with Charlotte on the realty television show, "Seven Weeks in Heaven". He has only a matter of weeks to convince her to marry him. For his sake of course...

Will Charlotte be able to tolerate Harris' brash, no-nonsense tendencies in order to claim her winnings? And will Harris convince Charlotte he is the man for her?


ENJOY!
XOXO ~ NFG


Seven Weeks in Heaven
Episode One
The Set Up 

Part One:

            “Come on, Jonah. I need the cash.”
            He peered over the refrigerator door. The milk carton hovering from its spot on the shelf as he held it. “Why now, Char?”
            Disappointment interwoven with skepticism colored his handsome face. The same look her parents gave when she messed up. And now her best friend wore it. She shrunk a little inside.
            “I just do,” she whined.
            “Creditors coming after you again?  The spending is out of control.” The refrigerator rattled as he slammed it shut. “I guess I won’t be seeing the rent again this month.”
            She forced a counterfeit smile to sway him. 
            “I’m gay, Charlotte. That shit doesn’t work on me.” He leaned back on the counter crossing his feet at the ankles. “This is becoming a serious addiction. And you need a job. Structure would do you good.” His hazel eyes displayed a level of concern she’d never witnessed.
            Her eyes fell to the peep-toe Louboutins adorning her manicured feet. He wasn’t wrong in his remark but she couldn’t give up the lifestyle. It was a full time job. Calling it an addiction insulted her hard work. People have said she’s fashion forward, strikingly beautiful and always ahead of the trends. She was fabulous and believed it.
            “I’m structurally unemployed.” That earned her a weak smile. “Please say you’ll help me?”
            “So you can continue doing what you’re doing?”
            “No, silly. To get you the money you need and to get the debt collectors off my back.”
            “And to make you famous?” he asked rhetorically.
            “Well, duh.” She twirled her long hair in her fingers imagining her dream coming true.
            Jonah produced the reality television show Seven Weeks in Heaven. He took the experience of reality-based programming to a new level. She thought of it as Survivor meets the Bachelorette with a healthy dose of Big Brother. Couples are matched, fall in love and America votes who stays. The winners walk away with a hefty check and sweet social media victory. Win. Win.
            She touched his muscular bicep and leaned into him. “Okay. Look. Help me get a clean slate and I promise to look into my–“ She waved her hands at him.
            “Addiction,” he said dryly.
            “Yeah. That.” She paused, guilt plaguing her insides.
            With her pouty face in full force she said, “You know I’d make a perfect addition to the show. Besides, you’re the one that gets to pair me up with the lucky guy. A guaranteed win for all.”
            “Are you sure you can make it believable?” His messy curls flopped over his forehead as a hand ran through them.
            She crossed her arms. “Feigning love for a juicy payout? Do you know how I work?” She didn’t have a designer wardrobe all on credit.
            He scratched the tight beard on his face. “You are the perfect concoction of crazy and high maintenance.” He exhaled. “I feel bad for the poor sucker.”
            She bounced up and down as excitement surged through her. “You won’t regret it!”

TO BE CONTINUED....


Monday, January 2, 2017

2017 Goals, Beyond the Masks Update and a Little Fun...



**Yawns while stretching muscles**

What a day!  What a year!  So much planning over the last two days as we embark on a fresh start.  Feels great right?

I have been in the writing cave (which is totally and somewhat redone, or at least organized), slaving over a hot keyboard to plan for this amazing year to come.  I feel like I was in training during 2016, just to come over the mountain and run toward my destination(s).

Fun agenda this year:

  1. Half Marathon!
    1. You betcha.  I am one crazy son of a be-otch to even consider doing this. But alas, my friend twisted my arm and here I go!  My new running shoes are sleek and are breaking in nicely.  This Boss Babe will be training from now till May!
  2. HAWAII!
    1. What?  This is the year of the bucket list!  My mother (love her so much....muah) and I are traveling to the beautiful islands of Maui and Kauai for a total of 10 days in paradise.  2016 made me realize I needed to get off my ass and get sh$t done. And while I am doing that I am going to relax as well ;) Can you say - BIKINI BODY?
  3. New Years Eve 2017 - In NEW YORK CITY
    1. Ahem....too soon to think about next new years? I don't think so. This has been a life long dream to see the ball drop. But no worries, I refuse to wear Depends and struggle to breathe amongst the people in the 'cage'. I will simply stroll by to catch a glimpse then scurry back to the hotel suite to par-tay down.
Business Agenda:

Well, not all business when there is so much joy that revolves around the writing part. The major part of this being "Business" is catching you up on the comings and goings of this little gal. ;)

  • Beyond the Masks
    • The debut Novel (by yours truly) will be releasing this year. When? Unclear at this point.  My editor will be receiving it this week (EEK) **Side note...she is marvelous and wicked smart and knows the Erotic romance genre like the back of her hand. I am THRILLED to be working with her. **
    • After we reconvene later in the month, I may have a clearer picture on timeline. I'm trying to refrain from putting out an arbitrary month until I know more. Trust me its hard...The bull in me wants it done, but good art takes time, so I will live this mantra daily. -----> "PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE" Whispers: And I don't have it.. :)
  • Next Book?
    • Here's a little peek into the Beyond the Masks: It is a LOVE TRIANGLE. It's messy and oh so beautiful!  Therefore our heroine, Shane Vaughn, will be hard-pressed to choose an alpha hero at the end of this book...What does that mean? The other hero will be without a love. And therefore the will receive his own story. **dances in chair** 
      • No sneeky-cliffhangers in the first book---> all will be revealed. *Shifty eyes*
      • The second book will be a continuation, if you will. In total, this will be one steamy duet about betrayal, music, and love.
  • Writing fun?
    • As a new writer I am on a quest to practice, practice, practice.  Just like the muscles in your body, your brain needs exercise too!  I want to keep pushing my mental limits and honing my craft as you follow me along this new found passion.
    • What does that mean, you ask?
      • I am kicking around an idea on releasing UNEDITED scenes on a novella that's stewing in my brain. The first "Episode" of Seven Weeks in Heaven (we'll call it that) - will be out tomorrow. Right here. On this little blog thingy. See bad ass picture below to tantalize your eyeballs.
  • What else for 2017 and into 2018?
    • In my "BOOKS to write" file sits THREE series, all in skeleton plots, in addition to this duet with Beyond the Masks. In total I have about 10 total books (singular) to write over the next 2+ years. Too soon to even consider timeline for it all. After all I am a loving wife and mother to a particularly needy pup, Griswold. In addition to working full time. **Exhales** Alas, it will come in time. There is the PATIENCE thing again. Ugh...
To wrap up, one thing (if not MANY) I have learned is planning is the key my lovelies! As much as I loathe planning and running life on a schedule...my mind craves structure. It is hard to be a "Creative" and still desire structure. Either that or I spin my wheels shaking in a corner mumbling obscenities. *Just Kidding* 

In the end I hope to stick to the outline of my plan for this year. And as the good man Gideon Cross says, "Revisit and Revise" if need be. 

Much love!
NFG

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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

For Money or Love?





Story 7 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge!

Trope: On the Rocks.  Our couple is going through hard times...
Character Conflict: He's already won...

For Money or Love?

            "Take another look at those winning numbers ladies and gentleman…”
            William did a double take at the television as the edges of the ticket crinkled in his hand. “Wha-what?” He could hardly breathe. “One, sixteen, seventeen, thirty-two, Fifty…holy shit…” The screen of the television burned into his eyes. “They match.” He jumped from the couch. “I won!”
            The unmistaken jingling of keys at the apartment door had him shoving the winning ticket into his worn jeans. He sunk into the couch. He tried slowing his breathing hoping Fara wouldn’t notice.
            “Still on that couch?” she barked as she past him to the kitchen. Every night had become a test of who could yell the loudest. She was miserable.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

The Wrong Guy





Story 6 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge!

Trope: Jilted Bride...Our heroine is left at the altar.
Character Conflict: He doesn't see her in a romantic way.


The Wrong Guy 

            The cloud of smoke floated into the air just like her failed marriage. Poof. Taking another drag, the paper crackled as it approached her lips. It felt good to be bad for a change.
            Flicking the cigarette she looked down at the toecap of her white Converse peeking out from under her wedding dress. This tomboy would ever have the chance at happily ever after.
            She slid down the pillar of mother’s wrap around porch. A tear slipped from her face. “Don’t, Beth. Don’t give him your tears.” She breathed out as her chest ached.
            Footfalls came up behind her. “Hey.”
            “Hey yourself, Sam,” she said without looking up.
            He sat next to her on the stairs. He looked incredibly adorable in his suspenders and suit pants. His gingham bow tie hung loosely around his neck. He looked good. “He’s a jerk.”
            “Whoa, strong words there.” She smirked nudging his shoulder.
            He rubbed his hands together. “Not sure what to say. Sorry for your loss?” His goatee curved as he chuckled his…what…nervous laugh. She waved it off.
            A loss was the perfect thing to say. Kellan was supposed to take her away from here. Help her see the world.
            She yanked the veil from her tightly wound bun. “Ugh, how do women wear these things?” She shook out her hair as if to rid herself of the entire “girly girl” she held within. Which wasn’t much.  
            “There much better.”
            “You should’ve left it up. It looked pretty.” His speckled hazel eyes softened. Was he…? Forget it, Beth. He was Sam. Her best friend since practically birth.
            “Thanks, I guess.”
             “It’s the truth.” He stared a little too long until he cleared his throat. “So he’s a jerk. Did you really think he was “forever”?” He air quoted.
            Yes! No. “I don’t know. Maybe. I mean, come on Sam, who would want this?” She gestured down her boyish frame. She didn’t even have the cleavage to fit the gown. Her mother insisted on inserts to make it appear she had something to offer.
            “Someone will.”
            “Would you?” The words blurted out before she could stop them.
            His lips thinned. “This is awkward. Your…”
            “Forget it’s me for a minute. Would you even look at a girl walking down Main Street that looked like me?”
            “I don’t see anything wrong with the way you look.”
            “That’s not an answer,” she said sternly.
            He rubbed the back of his neck as words tried to form on his lips. “Yes, I would check someone out if they had your…your…ya know…looks.”
            “Really?” Hope spurred her insides.
            “Sure, I mean….”
            Her lips were on him before she could let him speak. His head landed against the wood pillar as his prickly goatee rubbed against her chin as they kissed. Or tried too. Opening her eyes she was greeted by the look of fear that Marty McFly would be proud of.
            She quickly sat back. Nausea swept her stomach. “Oh my god.” She covered her face. “That was so stupid. It’s just that with being left at the altar and…shit…I’m all over the place…”
            “Uh, Beth?”
            “It’s okay, right?” Her eyes looked back meeting his confused face. “I mean it was just a kiss,” she rambled on.
            “Beth…” His face fell.
            “Geez, Sam. It couldn’t have been that bad,” she said bitterly. She tossed the veil into the grass as her cheeks flamed.
            “Wait. It’s not…” his voice faded as the blood flooded to her ears in anger.
            What was I thinking? He’s just a friend. Of course he wouldn’t see me as more. She stomped across the lawn to hide in the barn. Touching her lips she could still feel his bristly facial hair. She exhaled. It wasn’t really all that terrible.
            Rounding the corner she entered the barn. It was set for what would’ve been her reception. White daisies and tiger lilies covered each table as the china sparkled, anxiously anticipating the evening. Just like she had.
            “Beth?”
            Her vision fixed on Kellen. He was handsome with every blonde hair in place. The collar of his dress shirt unbuttoned as he shoved his hands into his tuxedo pockets. Devastatingly put together. Crap. “Here to twist the knife in a little further?”
            “It wouldn’t have worked,” he said plainly.
            She grabbed her middle trying to find strength. “Why?”
            He sighed approaching her. “We’re different.”
            “What’s that supposed to mean?”
            “Your…” She cocked her head to the side. “Too good,” he finished.
            “And that’s a bad thing?”
            “Look, I need someone that’s adventurous. Can think for herself. And…”
            “Someone that doesn’t need saving,” she interrupted.
            He grimaced nodding his head. So the truth comes out. A poor girl from the country could only want a man for his money. The straw broke. “I didn’t need saving. You…” She pointed to his chest. “You were the one that said you liked me that way. I changed who I was for you.”
            “Did you?” His question held so much reality.
            He grabbed her arms. His touch sickened her as she stared at the floorboards watching her life flash by. Was he right? Was she always the little puppy looking for a home? Is that how the world saw her?
            “I didn’t come here to fight. You will thank me someday.”
            “Just go.”
            He stood silently for a moment and squeezed her shoulders before walking out. She crumbled into a nearby chair as a hand touched her.
            “I said go, Kellen.”
            “Wrong guy.”
            She looked up seeing Sam’s dapper presence. He always reminded her of a young but modern Clark Gable. “What?”
            He crouched next to her and said again, “Wrong guy.
            “What do you mean?” Her lips quivered.
            “You didn’t let me explain back there.”
            She blew out a breath. “Please, I don’t need your pity, Sam.”
            “Just listen. Maybe we could try that again.” 
             His boyish grin made her mouth go dry as her heart rate ticked up. The air changed around them. How could she have been so blind? He kissed her, all coherent thoughts leaving her mind. It was tender yet strong feeling…right. Wow. 

Monday, December 5, 2016

Amy





Story 5 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge!

Trope: The hero falls for his best friend's sister. She is strictly off limits.
Character Conflict: She may or may not be real...


 Amy

            Beep. Beep. The constant sound droned in my ear causing my eyes to peel open. So tired. The bright hospital lights stung as my vision came into focus. I see her. My Amy. Hovering over me her lips moved, but I couldn’t make out the words. Beep. Beep.
            “Brian?” she asked. I grunted. My throat felt like it was on fire. “Hold on, okay?” The soft skin of her hand brushed my head. “You’re burning up. Let me get someone.”
            She turned to leave as my hand lifted weakly to stop her. The room went black.
***
            I open my eyes to the sound of tears. She held my hand. “Amy…,” I squeaked out as my lips crack.
            Her head lifted from the bedside as the smile on her face melted my insides. “Your awake.”
            “What…happened?”
            Her face sobered. “Car accident. You don’t remember?” I shifted to sit up as pain burned down my leg like wildfire. “Careful. Lay still,” she soothed, covering me with a blanket.
            “It’s…fine,” I objected.
            “Always the tough one.”
            I squeezed her hand. “Kiss me.”
            She laughed. “Dave is right around the corner.”
            Her older brother, Dave, would have my balls in a vice if he found out we were dating. He’d made it clear­–on several occasions–she was off limits.
            “So?” I croaked out. “Come here.” I lifted one arm, the other wrapped in a cast. She kept one eye on the door as she leaned forward.
            “Make it quick,” she giggled. Her lips touched mine and it was as if my body sprung to life. I felt every broken bone as the warmth from her kiss spread over me like a sunrise coming over the horizon. She was my sunrise, my everything. “Are you okay?” I suddenly wondered if we’d been together when the car crashed.
            She grimaced as her full lips tightened. “You should rest.”
            I laughed, the pain in my chest causing my eyes to close. She always put me first. “You look gorgeous, Amy. I love you.”
            She touched my cheek. “I love you too.”
***
            Two months had passed before I started feeling myself again. Hoisting my body into the wheelchair by the bed I moved my casted leg into the brace. Moving toward the kitchen, the house was quiet without Amy. She’d become a ninja slipping out in the night to bypass Dave. The last thing I remember her saying was breakfast was in the fridge.
            Making it into the kitchen I swiped the egg burrito she had wrapped in foil.
            “I see you found my burrito.” I looked over the refrigerator door to find Dave walking into our apartment.
            “I thought A…never mind.” I said with a mouthful of food almost slipping up.
            He set a grocery bag on the counter as if it weighed a ton. “Had a break in class. Thought I’d check on you.”
            I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve checked on me every day since I got home.” He always had an excuse to cut class.
            “Who else is gonna help?” He asked walking into the living room.
            I carted behind him. “Whatever, man. I’m good.”
            “You look like shit,” he said shortly.
            Running my hands through my hair and down my face the long stubble from my chin made me realize I needed to shave. “Yeah, well. I ain’t trying to impress any one.” Except Amy.
            He flicked on the television, surfing the channels with the remote. “What do you want to do today?”
            I shrugged knowing she wouldn’t be back until later. “You could help me shower.”
            His hand dropped to the couch. “No way.”
            I laughed pivoting toward the bathroom.
***
            “Have you been sleeping?” Amy asked as music blared around us at a frat party. I hated these things. The usual beer pong and keg stand hoopla didn’t do it for me anymore. Not since I found her.
             “Not really. Just have a ton of catching up to do before finals.” Missing two months of class and hobbling on a cane didn’t help matters.
            Her brow furrowed. “You want to leave?”
            “Only if you do.”
            “Brian, you need rest. You’ve only been out of your chair a few days. We didn’t have to come.”      
            “But you wanted to.” Moving her long corn silk hair I touched the chain of the necklace I bought her. Smoothing circles on her favorite spot with my thumb, it earned me a delicious shiver as she bit her lip.
            “Hey, Brian!”
            I looked up from my daze quickly dropping my hand. “I’ll be right back,” Amy said leaving the room.
            “Hey,” I called after her.
            “Dude, you look good!” Dave exclaimed smacking me in the chest.
            “Ow. Thanks.” Where did she go? I looked back around the corner.
            “You okay?” He followed my line of sight.
            “Yeah, just your sister…” I trailed off crooking my thumb at the door.
            “Amy?” His lips thinned as he slung his arm around my shoulder. “Come on. Let’s get you a drink.”
***
            “Come here, baby.” Her naked body rose from my embrace to straddle me. “I love you.”
            “I know,” she said with a sigh. Her green eyes pierced me like they always did, saying so much.
            “You okay?” I twirled her hair in my fingers.
            “We need to talk.”
            Here we go. I moved her aside, swinging my feet to the floor. No better cock block than bringing up her brother.
            “We need to tell him, Amy.” I stood pulling on my sweat pants.
            “That’s not what I was going to say.” She covered herself with the sheet. “I got some news today.”
            “What?” I asked sitting on the edge of the bed.
            “I was accepted into an internship program.”
            My eyes widened. “That’s great, Am! Was it the job in New York?”
            “Well, not exactly.” She exhaled. “It’s in Japan.”
            It felt like I took a punch to the stomach. Not what I expected. “Okay, that’s like a world away.”
            “It’s a great opportunity and I accepted.”
            “You accepted already?” I asked as my voice shook.
            “I had to. The deadline was today and I was accepted at the last minute.”
            I stood pacing the room, my anger percolating with each step. “Okay. We can make this work.” My breathing spiked as my heart felt empty. I was going to lose her.
            “Brian, look at me.” My eyes met hers.
            “I leave tomorrow.”
***
            My body jackknifed off the bed. Crunching sounds and screams haunted my dreams lately. I needed Amy.
            Rubbing my face, my eyes settled on her necklace neatly coiled on the nightstand. How could she pull the rug out from underneath me? And what’s with leaving her gift behind? Was this a sign to forget me? I hobbled into the kitchen to get a glass of water just as the front door opened.
            “Oh hey,” Dave said slightly slurring his words.
            I grabbed a glass from the cupboard. “Where were you?”
            “Out.” He stumbled to the couch and I heard his body fall into the cushions.
            I joined him in the adjacent chair. “Good party?”
            “Not a party.” His voice muted by the throw pillow where he landed. He turned his face. “Just me..and a bar.”
            “Are you okay?”
            His face held anguish as he stared at the carpet. “Yeah. It’s just hard, ya know? With Amy and all.” His eyes were bloodshot as if he’d been crying. They were very close. I could only imagine how he must feel with her leaving.
            I felt the same way. Something inside furled in anger. How dare she go without even a good-bye? I looked at him. If Amy wasn’t going to tell him, I would. “I know. I wished she would’ve said something sooner.”
            He sat up. “What do you mean?”
            I sighed scooting to the edge of the chair. “I need to tell you something.”
            “Forget it.” He rubbed his face throwing his hands in the air. “I don’t want to talk about Amy.”
            “We need to.”
            He stood. “No, we don’t,” he said through his teeth as his fists clenched at his sides. Did he know?
            “Did she tell you?”
            His chest heaved as wetness spilled down his cheeks. “Tell me what? You were the last person to see her.”
            “Dave, you should sit.”
            He exhaled visibly shaking with rage. “Just tell me.”
            I swallowed, never seeing him this riled up. My stomach took a nosedive, wondering if I should back track. But what did it matter now? Our relationship was over. She was leaving. “Amy and I…We’ve been seeing each other.”
            His body towered over me as I sunk into the chair.

            “Even if I was okay with this. Which I’m not.” He halted as his lip quivered. “It’s impossible for you to be with her.”