Birthing Chapter One

It's been so difficult to find time to write over the past few years. I'm nearly done with writing the first chapter of Zhenya's tale and it's really surprising to find that it has taken me so long. At this point, I'm just thankful that I've been able to write. I'm glad this novel isn't going to turn into one of those millions of unfinished stories out there, just lingering in the imaginations of their authors and readers.

I say 'birthing' in the title, but it really feels like I've wretched something up slowly–not unlike a tapeworm lodged in your stomach and extracted through your esophagus. Don't worry, the story isn't gross like a tapeworm. It's very sweet and loving.

It's on.

Getting Something Written Down

It's been quite some time since I've posted material. I feel like it's because I know Zhenya's story and I'm not motivated to write it all down. Hopefully, this summer will provide some motivation and inspiration. Thanks for sticking around!

New Board

I've made a new Pinterest board that will serve as inspiration for the wedding of my characters Zhenya and Martinique. Check it out! <http://www.pinterest.com/blahaugen/zhenya-and-martinique-winter-wedding-inspiration/>

Equal Opportunity Love

Romance in Color asked the neatest question on their Twitter today: Would the hero in the book you are reading now drive a Porsche or a Range Rover?

I answered that Vanya, of "Full Circle," would drive something like a Porsche and Zhenya, of my upcoming book, would drive something like a Range Rover. Then I had another thought. What if the hero of the book drove something like a hooptie?

There's some criticism of the romance genre for its focus on wealth and riches. Honestly, it is very fun to think of wealth. Romance tries to fulfill and titillate the fantasies of its readers, so, the focus on billionaires who love Jane Doe is understandable.  Critics have cried out for heroes unlike these billionaires -- men who can't buy planes at the drop of a hat and don't command vast power in their circles of influence.

What do these heroes look like? I must say, it would be an interesting challenge to write about a regular joe. Several authors -- Pepper Pace, Jennifer Cole, Aliyah Burke -- write about dudes who aren't rich and powerful all the time. I like the way using a middle class hero can lend a touch of realism to the story at hand. There aren't too many billionaires falling for secretaries or ladies that they meet on the street. I've often thought, "Okay, this plot is a little ridiculous!"

The middle class guy fantasy is titillating because there's a higher potential for that fantasy to occur in the reader's world. A sweet man down on his luck, a neighbor, a handyman, the guy that runs the local resort -- stuff like that. Maybe I'll write about one of these guys soon. The genre could stand for some equal opportunity love.

Another Excerpt from "Full Circle: Zhenya"

“She’s – you know…”

“No, I don’t know,” Zhenya said, scrunching his eyebrows skeptically.

“Oh, come on, Gene!” Alexis huffed. “She’s pretty big.”

“You mean tall, right?” he corrected.

“No, I mean she’s fat.  Not like, gross fat, but like graceful fat.”

“Jesus, Alexis,” Deacon admonished her with narrow eyes, “just let it go!”

“I’m getting something to drink, and I’ll be back when you’re ready to stop saying disparaging things about people I care for.” 

With that, Zhenya turned his back on Alexis and Deacon.  He made his way to the bar, and by the time he was halfway there, he was smirking.  Since when had he ever stood up to Alexis?  Usually, he’d just let her prattle on to avoid confronting her with the hope she’d quiet down eventually.
       Maybe Martinique was getting to him.  If she had been there, he was sure she would have put Alexis in her place.  Just where was she anyway?  He’d made it clear he wanted her to come and made sure Monahan put her and a plus one on the guest list.  Earlier in the evening he’d cursed himself.  What if she brought some other guy as her plus one?  He’d been so busy trying to suavely ask her out that he’d forgotten to slip in a line about her bringing a friend - a girlfriend. 

New Excerpt from "Full Circle: Zhenya"

“God, I’ve waited so long to be with you.  I’m so glad you wore this dress.  You’re like a beautiful gift I’m getting to unwrap.”  Zhenya gave her light caresses and kisses and she placed her hands on his shoulders, nervous and excited. 

“Zhenya.” It was the only word Martinique could muster.  She’d been reluctant to say so, but she had to admit that she’d never felt this way.  Taking it slow had its advantages apparently; she was completely controlled by her growing desire.  Here, in the quiet of his bedroom, they were going to share themselves with one another in an incredibly intimate way.  For the first time in Martinique’s life, it wasn’t just sex.  They were building something here – something deeper, something meaningful, and something that would endure.
       “I want to give you everything you want, honey.  Tell me what to do, and I’ll give it to you,” Zhenya murmured as his ran his fingers through her hair.