Reappearing after My Disapperance

Once upon a time there was a woman who wrote novels about strong mythical women. Prophecy of Vithan and Stone of Cruento were well read and told of women put in impossible situations. They survived and even prospered coming out stronger than ever.


It is wonderful to read of women, whether real or imaginary, who overcome hardships. Sometimes, in real life, we don't come out on top. Sometimes, we sink. But as all women who survive, we eventually swim to the top of the muck and mire and start over again.


As many of you know, I am my husband's caregiver. He is the victim of stroke and a quadriplegic. For six years I have been taking care of him and his has been improving, little by little. Then about a year ago, he stroked again. He forgot how to drink, how to eat, everything. I was devastated. That is when I sunk into the lake of despair.


My husband is recovering. He has relearned and even gained ground.


I am back. It took a year for me to recover my writing, my sense of security, my strength.


However, I am coming back by not just swimming to the top. I am swimming and diving off the big board.


I have entered NANOWRIMO 2009. I will put myself on the line by putting my word count on MySpace www.myspace.com/charleneleatherman You can click on the NaNoWriMo icon to go to my page and see word count, excerpts and leave comments. Rooting me on is encouraged -- (grin).



I am going (if the creek don't rise) submit my wip (work in progress) to Cerridwen Press and see if it is accepted. The working title is Vials of Pyxis. I will be blogging on MySpace and my other sites about the novel now and then.



I am going to start blogging again. So check back here on the 18th of the month and every month after that to see what is going on with my work. There might be tidbits about life as well.



I am reviewing a book, and interviewing the author starting November 9. The book is Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow.



You can find the book on Amazon.com

So, for now, that is what is going on. I'll see you again, here, on the 18th. I'll let you know what is going on. Hopefully I'll have good news about Vials of Pyxis. I'll tell you all about Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor. And, (I'd cross my fingers but then I couldn't type) I'll have a wonderfully huge word count in the NaNoWriMo. See you then. Charlene.

Dangerous Summer Heat

I live in the desert. Desert Center California to be exact. We are near the Salton Sea between the Lower Desert and the Higher Desert in the Colorado Desert. It gets hot during the summer sometimes over 120.

We just had our first Heat Alert. My husband is a quadriplegic so the Social Services calls us to make sure we know there is a heat alert and that if we need it there is a cooling center nearby.

August is showing to be a hot month, I thought I would tell you some safety tips for having a healthy, not overheated summer.

Heat related illness comes in many forms. From mild to severe.
WebMd enumerates heat illnesses as:
Heat rash which occurs when the sweat ducts to the skin become blocked or swell, and cause discomfort and itching.
Heat cramps, which occur in muscles after exercise because sweating causes the body to lose water, salt, and minerals (electrolytes).
Heat edema (swelling) in the legs and hands, which can occur when you sit or stand for a long time in a hot environment.
Heat tetany (hyperventilation and heat stress), which is usually caused by short periods of stress in a hot environment.
Heat syncope (fainting), which occurs from low blood pressure when heat causes the blood vessels to expand (dilate) and body fluids move into the legs because of gravity.
Heat exhaustion (heat prostration), which generally develops when a person is working or exercising in hot weather and does not drink enough liquids to replace those lost liquids.
Heatstroke (sunstroke), which occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and body temperature continues to rise, often to 105 F or higher. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Even with immediate treatment, it can be life-threatening or cause serious long-term problems.

To avoid any of the above, the Arizona Department of Heath Services suggests you:
Never leave infants, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Increase fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until thirsty to drink fluids; drink more liquid than one’s thirst indicates.
Avoid "heat hangover." Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous activity. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration, and help prevent the after effects of heat exposure such as headaches and fatigue.
Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they dehydrate the body.
Avoid very cold beverages as they cause stomach cramps.
Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its peak intensity. If active during this time frame, drink a minimum of 16 to 32 ounces of water each hour.
Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, may increase the risk of heat related illness. Consult your physician if you have questions.
When outdoors:
Wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15. Apply at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, and re-apply as necessary.
Rest frequently in shady areas so that the body’s temperature has a chance to recover.
If unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, gradually increase the pace and limit exercise or work time.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; sunglasses to protect the eyes; and a wide-brimmed hat to provide shade and keep the head cool.
Take special precaution with infants and young children by dressing them in loose, cool clothing and shading their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Protect their feet with shoes.
In general, be aware of the symptoms of heat illness. Try to stay cool. If you don't have air conditioning or windows you can open with a fan, go to a cooling center. If you don't know where one is, contact your local library, your local fire department (Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency. Call the information number found in your phone book), even your social services or local department of health.
To recap:
Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation.
Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center is the most effective way to fight heat. If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms. (do not try to use fans to cool yourself off with all the windows closed. many elderly have succumbed to heat stroke in rooms that are closed up tightly.) A cool shower or bath also is an effective way to cool off. Limit use of stoves and ovens to keep home temperatures lower.
Be a good neighbor this year. If you know of an elderly person or handicapped person who does not have air-conditioning, either offer to take them to a cooling center or invite them into your air conditioned home. If they will not accept either offer, be sure to check on them from time to time to make sure the heat has not caused them harm.

Sigh, It's Friday

It's Thursday

Today is Thursday. I am the pinch blogger. I blog in a pinch. You know when everybody is tied up and can't get here. I have been tied up -- You know

Just hanging around having fun.

This last week I've been tied in knots about my wip. Whenever I tried to get to the blog I was involved with something else. What could I do?

My hands were tied.
So I didn't stop by to see if my services was needed on Tuesday or Wednesday. But I am here today.

Now the problem becomes since this is an emergency blog, what do I blog about? Well, I discovered a thingy (you know that is a technical term - thingy) called Thirteen Thursdays. I didn't research it very much, and I really think its kind of silly. But here goes:

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday

Thursday.

There. I've blogged. Thirteen Thursdays. Hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

(by the way, apologies to the real Thirteen Thursdays blog group. This is a joke. It is only a joke. If this had been a real blog it would have been written while wearing a tee-shirt that reads "I blog therefore I am". Instead I am wearing fuzzy footed pink pajamas with furry bunny ears. Again, this is a joke.)

Have a Great Weekend

Chrysanthemum by Anny Cook

All my spare time today was spent reading.


That is unusual since most of my spare time is spent writing.


Today I read Chrysanthemum by Anny Cook.

Anny Cook is an author who I have had the privilege of working around. She has the same editor as I have. And as authors do, we share excerpts of our writing - sometimes for fun, sometimes for critique, sometimes we want to get something started on our message group. The reason I mention this is that I knew something about Chrysanthemum before I started reading it.

Chrysanthemum is the first in the Flowers of Camelot series. You know King Arthur, Camelot, the Round Table. Well, that is where the premise starts.

Here is a blurb:

"On that dark day Arthur, mortally wounded, was taken to the Isle of Avalon by Vivian, Lady of the Lake, and Merlin, where he died and was laid to rest in the crystal cave…"

Well, actually, that's not quite the way it happened.In truth, Queen Vivian and Merlin abducted the king and returned him to his home planet, Avalon. Now he's anxious to marry off his youngest son, Gareth. When Florian LeFleur, his wardrobe guardian, asks permission to bring his three unmarried daughters to court, Arthur decides it's the perfect opportunity and assigns Gareth to oversee their time at Came-a-lot Castle.

Despite her determination to remain heart-free, Chrysanthemum immediately falls for Gareth. Life should have been rosy but there were roadblocks along the path to happily ever after. The Blue Knight captured Arthur, Percival the dragon demanded a virgin, Queen Vivian decided it would be the perfect time to stage a coup and the Abbott at Solomon's Choice Abbey chose Chrysanthemum for their ritual deflowering.

Will Gareth get Chrysanthemum to the priest in time to save the king and Avalon?

There is only one thing I can say about the book Chrysanthemum - It is delightful. It is fun to read, constantly surprising you with twists and turns where Anny takes English Literature involving King Arthur, Camelot, and all the Knights of the Round Table and turns it on its head. If you like a rollicking romp filled with love, dragons and lots of hot sex you have got to get this book. It is available at Ellora's Cave. Trust me, you will thank Anny for a fun summer read.

Charlene Leatherman

Prophecy of Vithan Reviewed by Fallen Angel Reviews

I was pleasantly surprised when I recieved notice on myspace that Prophecy of Vithan was reviewed by Fallen Angel Reviews.

The link for the review is http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2008/June/Jean-ProphecyOfVithan.htm

It got 5 angels which rocked my world. Thanks Jean of Fallen Angel Reviews.

Charlene

Excerpt of WIP Vials of Aquilonia

Vials of Aquilonia is my currrent work in progress. It is about a mermaid and a sailor. To set up this excerpt a bit. The sailor found the mermaid in a marketplace in a tank of rancid water.The mermaid has been changed into a human woman. She no longer has a tail.

This except is unedited.

Jaden spewed a chain of expletives as she rubbed her hip. Using the staff she was practicing with to push up, Jaden got up off the floor. She looked at the synthetic wood planking. She half-expected to see a dent considering how many times she had fallen.
“That must hurt,” Khai said from the doorway.
“It does. It hurt every time I did it. I can’t figure out what I am doing wrong. I am quite capable as a warrior underwater. Now, with two legs, I am useless.”
“Not useless from where I can see,” Khai said smiling at his wife.
“What does that look mean?”
“What look?”
“Your eyes are smoky and I feel as though I should be embarrassed, but I don’t know why.”
“Probably because I am imagining you without clothes, the way you were when I pulled you out of the tank. Glistening, radiant, all curves and so beautiful you took my breath away.”
“That was the rancid water that took your breath away,” Jaden said smiling. She lowered her eyes to her clothes. Morgan gave her a trim fitting flight suit. It fit over her legs and hips smoothly. The front closure lay flat over her muscled stomach and cupped her breasts comfortably. She had the neckline opened to the place between her breasts. Even with long sleeves she was not too warm. According to the Regent the suit was made to accommodate the body with an optimum temperature. She had set the gauges for Jaden to a lower than normal human setting since she was used to being in cold water.
“Am I ugly in these clothes? Is that why you are imagining me out of them?”
“Ugly? No, not at all,” Khai took the two steps to clear the space from the doorway to Jaden. He took her in his arms, pulling her tight to his chest. “You are magnificent.”

Also, Look for my other novels Prophecy of Vithan and Stone of Cruento

Does Everything Seem Upside Down?

DON'T WORRY MONDAY IS ALMOST OVER!

Work in Progress - Vials of Aquilonia

Excerpt from "Vials of Aquilonia" wip unedited.

The ship rocked with the force of the wind and the waves. The eight original crew members were at their stations. The new men had all been assigned and were attending to their jobs. Jarvis was strapped in at the helm monitoring the storm. Carus paced the deck.
“Would you calm down?” Jarvis asked for the seventh time.
“I should be with her,” Carus said, pacing.
“I thought she was nothing to you.”
“Logically I believe that. My emotions are all tied in knots. I don’t even know what 'go to water' means, yet I feel I need to be with her.”
Jarvis unstrapped with one hand. He pushed up from the chair. Catching himself as the boat rolled he managed to walk to Carus.
“I don’t know the whole of it, but going to water means bad weather. Some how the mers cause it. I warned you about Jaden. With the plague and the vials and the change in you, you may be liked to her somehow.”
“Hell, I don’t know what is or is not anymore,” Carus said. “What is the weather doing?”
Jarvis moved back to the monitor. “Getting worse. I recommend that we dive below and wait it out.” Jarvis stumbled as the ship shuddered. He sat down and strapped in. “Carus, you have had a hell of a week. Why don’t you go below and rest. You sure as hell aren’t helping up here, Captain.”
Carus grinned lopsidedly at his captain. “Yeah, I guess I am in need of a nap. That and a drink. Damn, these things feel strange.” Carus touched the back of his ears. “Jarvis, take her down to 500 feet. See if we are below the weather at that depth. I will be in my cabin. If we need to go lower, use your discretion. Call me if anything comes up. Mister Jarvis, you have the helm.”
Carus slapped Jarvis on the back. Jarvis grinned back and nodded.

Carus poured himself a tall glass of brandy. He felt the vibrations of the ship as it transformed from sailing ship into underwater ship. The masts retracted. The fo’c’sle and the figurehead disappeared as the hologram was turned off. Mechanisms hummed creating a soothing vibration in the floor and his cot. Carus sank into the captain’s chair and put his feet on the desk. His boots thunked against the wood.
Many a night he slept in his cot being lulled to sleep with the ship vibrating beneath him. The hum of the engines was all for show sake. True shifting from sailing ship to space craft to submarine vessel took actual mechanisms. The engines themselves were of the highest tech. There was no vibration, no sound, no feeling of movement at all. Gyros kept the ships flooring constantly stable. However, studies found that humans needed to feel movement to keep their bearings.
So Carus felt vibration. He felt the ship begin its descent into the water.
The brandy in the glass was real, not the synthetic kind. Jarvis stocked his ship with only the best. Even though Carus was officially captain now he still considered Jarvis the real captain. He felt guilty sitting in the captain’s cabin while Jarvis manned the helm. Jarvis insisted.
Carus closed his eyes. He sipped the brandy willing his body to relax.
He heard the sound inside his head at first. He thought it was simply his mind wandering. Sweet singing, a melody with a warning built inside. The tones haunted him. The music grew louder and louder. Carus sat up in the chair. The glass of brandy dropped from his hand and smashed to the floor. He put his hands to his temples to drive the sound out of his mind.
She was calling him.


Jaden was vaguely aware of Triscaler watching her from an overhang in the rocks nearby. She sat on a precipice her tail curled under her. She stretched out her arms her hands open to the sea.
Jaden called to the denizens of the underwater world. She warned them of her sorrow. She warned them she wanted the water to respond to her feelings. Every sea creature, sentient or not, swam for cover.
Jaden wanted every sea creature away from her and hiding, safe from the raging storms that would result from going to water.
She wanted one man to be with her. Her chosen one. Jaden could feel Carus responding to her call. If she let logic control her mind, Jaden knew she should not call Carus. He was not hers to have. He was joined with her only to save his life from the plague. He did not love her, nor did he want her. Carus resented what she did.
Logic did not control Jaden at this moment.
Sorrow, loneliness, loss, mourning, and hurt controlled Jaden.
She intended to release all of her hurtful emotions into the water. She wanted Carus to support her, to hold her.
Jaden felt a warm masculine chest press against her back. Strong hands moved her hair over her shoulder. Muscular arms touched her arms as fingers interlocked with hers. A long thick tail curled around her.
Tail?
Carus has legs.
Jaden could lower her arms to push Triscaler away. If she did all the negative emotion would fester inside her. She would transform into a hideous sea hag. She would be condemned to forever be filled with negative evil emotions.
If Triscaler stayed he would override the joining between Jaden and Carus. She would be linked to Triscaler for the rest of her life. He would have his wish.
Carus would probably like that.
Jaden willed the water to swirl around her creating a water spout to the surface. She wanted to drive Triscaler off her. The center of the spout thrashed and pulled touching Jaden’s fingertips and pulled her hair into a whirlwind around her face.
Jaden felt Triscaler’s tail wrap tighter around her. His thick clumsy fingers curled over her fingers holding her in place.

“Carus, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Jarvis shouted into the communications link to the shuttle bay. A light blinked on. The outside hatch opened.
“You have the ship. You are captain, always have been,” Carus responded. “I'm going after Jaden. She needs me.”
“Carus!” Jarvis slammed his one good hand into the control panel as the readout indicated there was one less person on board. The outside hatch closed.
Carus launched himself from the ship. The Odysseus was settled on a ledge about five hundred feet below the surface. It was a silver bullet in an agitated world of blue and green.
He could see tiny fish hiding among the branches of colorful coral trees. Larger fish sought shelter from Jaden’s storm in the caves that dotted the rock formations.
The call came from a plateau on the other side of the ridge. Not thinking of anything but Jaden’s call, Carus swam effortlessly through the storm stirred waters.
Reaching the ridge Carus realized why he didn’t have to struggle. The ridge acted as a breakwater. On the plateau in the middle of a tempest larger than Carus had ever seen sat Jaden. Her arms were outstretched. Behind her fighting to hang on Triscaler wrapped his tail around Jaden as he had when Carus saw them in the water before.
At that time Carus was concerned for Jaden’s well-being. If she and Tricaler had a thing going on so be it. That was Jaden’s concern not his.
Now was different. Carus wanted Triscaler away from his woman. He wanted the interloper destroyed. He was going to do the destroying.

Reaching the ridge Carus realized why he didn't have to struggle. The ridge acted as a breakwater. On the plateau in the middle of a tempest larger than Carus had ever seen sat Jaden. Her arms were outstretched. Behind her fighting to hang on Triscaler wrapped his tail around Jaden as he had when Carus saw them in the water before.
At that time Carus was concerned for Jaden's well-being. If she and Triscaler had a thing going on so be it. That was Jaden's concern not his.
Now was different. Carus wanted Triscaler away from his woman. He wanted the interloper destroyed. He was going to do the destroying.
Carus watched the whirling water from a distance. He gauged the speed of the stream swirling around Jaden. He checked for angle and what force he would need to break through. Carus took in all the information in a moment. He was a fighter and a strategist. These kind of decisions were second nature.
Pushing off from the rock ledge Carus streaked toward the surface. Kicking against the water Carus propelled faster and faster. He burst from the water. Storm tossed waves struck against an indifferent Carus. He immediately dove back into the water, his speed tremendous. Diving straight for the underwater spout Carus struck the whirling water. With his speed Carus sliced through the wall.
Using the trajectory he computed earlier Carus careened head first into Triscaler. The merman was ripped from around Jaden with the force of Carus’ first strike. Slamming against the wall of water, Triscaler swirled past Carus for a moment. Leveraging his tail against the wall he careened off it toward Carus. He burst forward grabbing his rival by the throat.
Carus struggled as he was lifted from the rock floor into the air by Triscaler. He was small compared the merman since Triscaler had a tail. He felt his air cut off. Gripping the merman’s arms Carus fought to get free. He shifted his legs to one side. Wrapping both his legs around Triscaler's body, Carus raised one arm and slammed it across Triscaler’s elbows. The maneuver freed Carus. Moving his legs through the water Carus rammed his feet into the merman’s stomach.
Triscaler recovered, reaching for him again. Carus grabbed his hands. Over and over they tumbled and fought. Each battling and holding the other at bay.
Carus butted his head into Triscaler’s chin. He could hear the merman’s jaw crack. Triscaler pushed Carus away from him. He separated himself curling his tail under him.
Carus watched as small balls of swirling water formed in Triscaler's hands. He crouched down waiting for the next attack. The balls stretched longer and longer until they joined. Taking one end of the the water stream Triscaler flicked it toward Carus.
Carus fell back as the water whip sliced into his cheek. Blood floated inside the circle made by Jaden's whirling water spout.
Triscaler drew back his arm for another strike.
Carus planted his feet on the rock.
Two can play at that game.
Pulling power from a place hidden deep within Carus balled the water between his hands. He rotated his hands around and around creating a cannon ball of water.
Triscaler slung the water whip back and flicked it forward.
Carus hurled the cannon ball at the merman.
Carus rolled to the ground as he released the watery orb. The whip cut thru the water mere inches from his chest. Triscaler flicked the whip again as the cannon ball sailed through the water. Guided by Carus’ thoughts the ball swerved away from the whip and returned to its target. The whip cut hit Carus on the thigh.
Carus yelled as the water cut to the bone. Blood colored the water.
Triscaler raised his arm for the kill. The cannon ball struck him full in the chest. It pushed him toward the outer rim of the water spout.
Whirling water slammed into Triscaler. The moving wall shoved him off his feet ramming him into a crevice in a boulder. The merman was wedged between the boulder and the fast moving water. The crevice held him. The water was crushing Triscaler.
Carus heaved himself from the rock. He would not let a worthy opponent die in this fashion. He swam to where Triscaler was trapped. There was no way he could pull the merman free. Pushing or ramming against Triscaler would only trap himself. The only way to free the merman would be to use the same power that created the cannon ball of water.
Carus focused his mind on the line of connection where the water touched Triscaler's chest. He concentrated on widening the line. Slowly, tiny bit by tiny bit the water backed away from Triscaler. As the pressure on his body was released the merman glared at Carus.
"I won't let you die this way no matter how you feel about me,” Carus said into the water. His words did not go further than a few inches from his mouth. He continued to widen the gap between his rival and the wall of water Jaden was creating. The whirling water continued to encircle them. Carus caused a detour, a bend in the water tube. He didn't stop it. He couldn't stop it.
When the edge of the water was a few inches from Triscaler’s chest, the merman pulled himself from indentation. He mouthed words Carus did not understand. Pushing away Triscaler swam away, defeated.
Carus sank to the hard rock. He watched as the merman disappeared into the shadows.
Carus turned to look at Jaden. He watched for a few seconds taking in the wonder of the woman he saw. Beautiful, strong, alluring and dangerous. He was drawn to her. His body wanted her, but more than that his every existence seemed wrapped up in her.
He took a deep breath through his gills.
Carus pushed himself off to a standing position. The whirling water cut a wall around him. If he stuck a hand into the vortex he would be thrown into the cliffs like Triscaler. Carus looked around. Boulders loosened by the storm tumbled down the mountainside. The waterspout created by Jaden kept the avalanche from falling on her.
“Thank the Spirits,” Carus whispered into the water. His gills flared as he stood drawing much needed oxygen into his abused body. Staggering as though drunk Carus pushed through the enlarged eye of the storm toward Jaden.
Following instinct more than method Carus knelt behind the mermaid. He sat on his knees, his legs tucked under him. He put his arms around her waist and buried his face in the space between her neck and her shoulder. Breathing deeply through gills, Carus nuzzled close to Jaden resting from the struggle he had with Triscaler.
How strange it is to realize I can breathe in her scent underwater. Carus thought. This is where I belong.
“This is where you belong,” Jaden answered in Sea Speak. The words floated in the water. Carus did not understand them. Jaden repeated what she said. The words echoed in the water and in his mind at the same time.
The gold-green of Jaden’s hair danced around the two creating a frenzied cocoon as the whirlpool closed in on them. Strands of hair performed a ballet around the cut on Carus’ cheek and his chest. Soothing and healing Jaden’s hair touched each wound and each bruise.
Carus could feel his strength returning, his body being restored to health.
Stroking Jaden softly, Carus placed his strong hands first on the flat of her stomach. Moving slowly, savoring every moment, Carus cover her breasts. He thumbed the nipples until they were taut. Carus drew his hand away caressing the top of her chest dragging his fingers along her neck. Trailing his fingers he touched her arms. Smoothly he aligned his arms with hers.

Seven Hero Hunt

This afternoon my husband watched the movie The Seven Samurai. It is one of his favorite action movies. I knew that there was at least one movie that was a remake of this original. That is The Magnificent Seven
I decided to search for Seven Hero Movies and see if there were any other movies that could declare The Seven Samurai in their ancestry.
I found (not in any particular order)
A Bug's Life
Beyond the Stars
According to Wikipedia Dirty Dozen and The Guns of Navarone could claim The Seven Samurai in their ancestoral plot line.
Even The Three Amigos have a claim that they are derived from The Seven Samurai.

The plot is basic but then every good story has a basic plot. If you have a plot that is too convoluted the reader gets lost or the viewer gets bored.

A poor village is being bullied by a large fierce force of villains. The villagers find seven heroes. (more then seven or less than seven depending on the version) and they hire them to save the village. The heroes train the villagers to fight and to stand up for themselves. Some of the heroes live, some die, some find redemption, some find love, depending on the version you are watching. But no matter what the version, you have action packed fights, and heart pounding adventure. Sometimes the movie cloaks the heroic actions in comedy, sometimes it is sweetened for kids of all ages. But one thing is for sure, the hero who risks his life for the 'little guy' has been around for a very long time. Whether the heroes come in packages of only one, or three, or seven or more, Heroes are great to watch in movies and to read about.

The Goddesses of StoryTelling each and every one of them tell stories that will keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. And isn't that what a good story teller does? If it's a movie, you watch and forget your popcorn if you are in the theater. Or you are frustrated when a commercial comes on if it is television. And a book takes you away into a whole different dimension where every day things fade away.

So, Find your seven heroes (or your one) and experience some adventure this week.!
Charlene

A Taste of A Serial Novel

Here is a taste of the Serial Novel I am writing on my regular blog.

The novel is titled A Rose By Any Other Name

Zna moved, twisted first one way then the next, stretching in preparation for the hunt to begin. There always seemed to be something that delayed the beginning of the hunt. Sometimes it seemed the broadcasters did something purposefully to increase their viewers. Suspense! Anticipation! All the elements of drawing in a larger audience. She glanced at the hunter, Lovac. He seemed as nervous and edgy as she was. Zna wondered what went through a hunter’s mind prehunt. She slightly shook her head. No, she didn’t wonder what went through hunters’ minds, only this hunter’s mind. She watched as the referees discussed something in low tones. She caught herself just before she reached for the key Tosca gave her. She couldn’t give away the location of the key.
The Minister of the Hunt appeared on the floating vidscreen hovering over the starting gate.
“We at the Ministry of the Hunt regret to announce that due to the lack of audience each night, we must cut back on expenses. As such we will be eliminating certain positions.”
Tosca and the other Handlers walked quietly onto the staging platform. Tosca had a look of resignation on his face, uncovered by his mask. The other Handlers looked confused, a little frightened. The referees moved away from the platform.
A light flashed brilliantly.
Zna blinked, partly at the light, partly to keep the tears from falling. Her feline eyes adjusted to the light immediately. She knew the humans, the referees, the hunter, all were blinded for several seconds. They did not see the bodies destroyed, disintegrated by the light ray. Rather they only saw the empty platform when the light cleared.
“We no longer need the Handlers. They have been transferred to another place,” The Minister announced over the vidscreen .
Zna heard the humans in the audience murmur in understanding. Those standing on the platform had been moved from one place to another place where they would be useful. Zna resisted the urge to extend her claws, leap into the audience and rip the throats out of the people. They are so stupid. They choose not to see the truth. Some day the government will turn on them. Leana will have her revenge someday.
The Minister of the Hunt bade everyone a good night. The vidscreen shimmered and changed to the view of the first lap of the hunt. Cheery lights and popular music danced around the staging area.
The hunt was about to begin.

If you would like to read the entire serial so far visit www.charleneleatherman.com

Serial Novels, eBook Novels and Novel-tees

I have been writing a serial novel on my various blogs. This blog is shared with several talented writers so the serial has been on other blogs as http://www.charleneleatherman.blogspot.com/ or www.myspace.com/charleneleatherman

The title of the serial novel is A Rose By Any Other Name. Here is an excerpt. If you want to follow the serial you need to check in at the above blogs. The full novel so far is available in the archives.

Excerpt.

Lovac rolled his shoulders, stretching, readying himself for the hunt. He despised what the government called entertainment. The hunt was a tradition centuries old. His father and grandfather were hunters. In the old days, a hunter sought a lioness, pursued her then if he captured her he was given the right to compete against the lions for her attentions. It was the way of Dyad to keep the gene pool level between the feline based humanoids and the covjecji, or the non-lion humans.
Female covjecji used to hunt with the lionesses, bringing game to the lions to compete for the attentions of the male feline. The government stopped the female covs as they were called from hunting. Human females could only mate with human males.
Lovac watched as the gene pool became weaker. It had been ten years since a healthy baby was born to a totally covjecji couple. Dyad was simply not meant to have the species separated. Lion and cov were meant to compete, to couple, to mate. It was the way the Ancients planned it. The Spirit of Dyad, Leana was pictured as a woman with the head of a lion. The two species combined.
The government changed the way it was meant to be. The government chose blood-thirsty hunters out of the thousands of registered hunters. They sent the men out to destroy the lions. Wiped out hundreds of lions. Orphaned thousands of cubs and widowed hundreds of lionesses.
Probably took the husband of the beautiful lioness standing before him. She certainly held the look of hatred in her eyes.
The government also took advantage of the mating instincts of the lionesses. The female felines were almost driven to mate. The powers that be wanted to keep the lion gene pool unchanged. They wanted the lioness to mate with the covs. Lovac didn’t know the reason why, he didn’t care. The government also wanted the process broadcast over the moon-wide holovision.
Lovac took a deep breath. He hadn’t been given a choice. If he had he certainly would not have chosen to be part of some twisted Minister’s idea of entertainment. His father, in his old age, became a prolific gambler. Lost everything his family ever owned. Lost more than everything. The government took Lovac as a young man and enslaved him. He could have run, but the government still had his mother and sister as hostage. If he didn’t hunt, the Ministers would kill his mother and sister. So, Lovac hunted. And he hunted a lot since he was the choice of most of the audience.
Hunters were chosen for their gene appropriateness. Lovac was considered a perfect mate.
Perfect! Yeah, I’m perfect. A perfect stud. I hunt, or pretend to hunt depending on how badly the lioness wants to mate. I capture and impregnate. There is no hunt anymore. No thrill in the chase, no pursuit, no competition. All there was any more was a moon-wide broadcast of my sexual exploits. I’m perfect alright, a perfect whore. Lovac eyed the lioness before him. Perhaps she would be different. There was something challenging about her. The way she stood perhaps. The confident swish of her tail. The way her ears laid back. Not to mention her curvaceous body. The hunting jumpsuit did nothing to hide her lush hips, the full globes of her breasts and her flat stomach. Lovac could feel arousal thrumming through his veins. He inhaled deeply, pulling from his training as a hunter to remove the evidence of his attraction. The Ministers would not be happy if he displayed too soon.

If you like stories about strong mythical women and prefer a sensuous novel you should check out Prophecy of Vithan or you prefer your strong mythical woman to be HOT and Erotic you might enjoy Stone of Cruento. Both eBooks can be found at Cerridwen Press

Simply click on the the cover you prefer

And

This Novel-Tee tells it all. (You are under my spell. You will Read the Tee. Read the Tee)

If you are a writer or just like neat tees you can get this tee-shirt at www.cafepress.com/promoho.

A Serial Story

I blog sporadically. You've probably noticed.
I am always at a loss of what to blog about. So I end up blogging about Invisible Space Alien Vampires (see yesterday).
I decided to start a Serial. Whenever I blog I will write the next installment. This serial will be written off the cuff, so I have no idea where it will go. You will find out as I do. I will let the Characters write the story.

Now, since I wrote about cats yesterday, I decided to develop a story about a moon in the thirteen planet system called Dyad. If you have read Prophecy of Vithan and/or Stone of Cruento you know that there is a Twin Planet System in which there is two planets Dkr and Sonij encircled with thirteen moons. Each moon has its own ecosystem, its own type of inhabitant based on different animals and mythic creatures.

Dyad is a moon based on the lion. The Spirit is named Leana. She is a lion-headed woman holding an onyx staff. The heroine's name is Zna Menita. The hero's name is Lovac.
That is all I am going to tell you tonight. Stop by for the next installment tomorrow.


By the way, Lise Fuller of the DangerZoneAuthors.com blogged about
Guatemala - Land of Volcanoes. She says "“Sweat beaded my brow, but when the afternoon came, the torrents of rain chilled me to the bone…”
~ Lise Fuller, her journal of Guatemala Stop by and read the full blog.

If you haven't read Prophecy of Vithan or Stone of Cruento you can go here to purchase your copy. Simply click on the cover picture of the book you want to purchase.

Stone of Cruento Excerpt Rated PG13

Here's a book you might like.

You can check out Stone of Cruento at Cerridwen Press.

Here’s a excerpt from Stone of Cruento available May 1 from Cerridwen Press.


Blurb:
Claren Maxwell felt like she was misplaced, like she belonged somewhere else. Even as a vampire she was not like the others.
Claren didn’t like to kill. She avoided intimacy with human men. It was too dangerous. So she dreamed, but the dreams were becoming too real. Claren wanted to fit in. She wanted to be loved and protected.
She dreams of three men. In real life she would have to choose one, right?
The three men in her dreams materialize. Belgretor is a giant of a man from Cruento who protects her. Daniel is a vampire from Earth who desires her. Jamros is a centaur from Cruento who is drawn to her by destiny. Together the four of them must find a way to stop the destruction of Earth and Cruento.
Can Claren choose between the three men she loves while saving the worlds she inadvertently put in jeopardy?

Reader Advisory: Stone of Cruento contains graphic sex that includes ménage à trois

Excerpt: Rated PG -13

Excerpt:
Claren wanted to leave. The chanting and the color shining from the stone made her uncomfortable. Yet, something deep in the stone called to her. Deep within her belly, the place that held her sex drive and her instinctive drive to exist, to stay alive, ached and yearned for whatever the stone offered. She pushed the curtain aside and stepped toward the stone.
“Claren,” Belgretor and Daniel both said her name at the same time. She jumped as though she was shocked.
“Sorry. Let’s get the stone and get out of here. All of this is creeping me out.”
“Agreed,” Daniel said. “Belgretor, I owe you an apology. Geoffrey is indeed a stupid king.” He turned to Claren. “Geoffrey has evidently succumbed to insanity. He believes that if he opens the stone he will achieve power over all vampires here and throughout the galaxies available thru the portal.”
“Me get stone,” Bel said, pushing the drape out of his way.
Claren inhaled raggedly, expecting the shades to attack. They didn’t move. Neither did the king.
Belgretor stepped past Claren and Daniel.
The portal shimmered as though a stone had been tossed into a pool of water. Circles rippled from the center out. Belgretor, Claren and Daniel turned to the unexpected disturbance.
“Ah, all three of you are together.”
Belgretor turned at the voice. It was a language he knew from long ago. Something familiar about the words. He turned to see a man step through the portal. The ogre was torn between desire to go to the stone and the need to keep Claren from harm. He paused a moment too long.
Jamros read the DNA signatures on the KumPl bands. He tossed the metal mesh into the air. Tiny whirling self-propelled spinners[HW1] darted through the air. Claren held up her arm in defense. The KumPl struck her wrist. Instead of bouncing off, it wrapped around and locked.
Claren heard foreign words then felt a mist fall over her mind as the mesh seemed to penetrate her skin. There was no pain, only a fog that separated her from reality. She watched as the metal straps attached themselves to Daniel’s neck and to Belgretor’s ankle. She observed, detached as though she watched a movie. The man who came through the portal was dark and tall. His black hair was curly and long, with touches of red that caught the light. His eyes were dark and strangely shaped. He was naked and beautifully formed. Claren wanted to go to him and wrap herself around him. She wanted him to be inside her. She wanted to have his babies. He was meant for her and her alone.
This is insane.
She couldn’t move. Strangely, this feels like a good thing. That I can’t move I can’t do what my body tells me to do with that man.
The man uttered words, sounds that Claren did not understand. Yet, she knew what they meant. She had to move. She had to follow the man through the portal.
Claren began moving past the hypnotized vampires. Her body moved of its own accord, following commands she did not understand. She couldn’t turn her head but she could hear the footsteps of Belgretor and Daniel. They too were following the commands. Moving slowly, she and the other two made their way to the portal. Claren left the banquet hall. She faced the portal. Belgretor and Daniel stood beside her facing the portal as well.
The chanting stopped.
Claren felt rather than heard the electric snap. The air shivered.
She heard a moan and a sigh. Then she heard screams. She wanted to run. She couldn’t move. Neither Belgretor nor Daniel moved. Claren could see Daniel’s eyes from where she stood. His eyes shouted with fear, frustration and anger. His eyes screamed at the stranger. Claren couldn’t see Bel’s face or eyes. He stood an inch or two behind her. She guessed his situation was the same. He wore the same weird thing she and Daniel wore. At least that is what she assumed. If he was free, he would have attacked the strange man by now.
Claren studied the dark man who had control of her body. Something familiar. The horse-man in her dream. The chest, the arms look so much like him. Could her dream have been a warning? Claren’s eyes wandered further down. Or a promise?
The man looked over Claren’s shoulder. His eyes widened in terror. He glanced at the ogre then at Claren and Daniel. Taking one more frightened glance at the scene behind them, the man stepped toward the portal.
“By the shield,” Jamros cursed as the screams got louder. “I will not stay in this two-legged hell any longer. Earth will have to take care of itself. Crudak can deal with you three.”

Bel wanted to talk to the stranger, tell the man that preventing him from taking care of the stone and the power that came from it was the worst mistake of the stranger’s life. Bel knew that he could stop the creature of the stone. He could prevent the disaster that hung in the air like spider webs. But he couldn’t move. He couldn’t speak.
Belgretor understood the words the man said. He knew the name Crudak. The man from the portal gave a command to follow him. Try as he might, Bel could not resist the command. He watched as his feet walked into the portal behind Claren and Daniel. Bel’s mind screamed that he belonged where he could stop the stone. He wanted to make sure Claren was safe and if the stone remained where it was, no one would be safe.
As Belgretor put one foot into the swirling portal, a singsong voice touched his ears. The voice sent chills down his spine.
“My beloved, don’t go. I’ve only just begun to play.”


“Get your copy of Stone of Cruento at http://www.cerridwenpress.com/ On May 1, 2008!

Charlene Leatherman

Defeating the villain, destroying the monster, delivering the hero, and never breaking a nail

5 days until Stone of Cruento comes to Cerridwen Press

Here is another excerpt from Stone of Cruento available at Cerridwen Press on May 1, 2008.
The excerpt is rated PG-13.

The room was cleaned, the bed made with fresh linen and Claren was dressed. She waited in the main dining room with three vampires. Claren could smell the death on each of them. She wanted to go home and shower. She knew she had the smell of death on her. Jack’s death. Once she’d planned to marry him. Then while at the cemetery to visit her recently murdered parents her life changed forever.
She was attacked. Essentially killed when a monster of some kind ripped her throat out. When she recovered from having her throat ripped out, Claren discovered she was a vampire. Not in the real sense. She could still attend church. She attended night services. Not because she couldn’t stand the light but because daylight was uncomfortable giving her the equivalent of a nasty sunburn. However, after her first kill, Claren felt uncomfortable attending church with so many heartbeats around her. Heartbeats that pumped blood that called to her.
She contacted the human resources department at her corporate job and resigned. She also contacted Jack and told him that she was unable to continue seeing him. She didn’t give any reason. He assumed it was because she was fragile after her parent’s murder. It was because she didn’t want to kill him.
Like I did tonight. Claren shuddered. She watched as the bartender spoke quietly to each of the three vampires. Next would be her turn. She swallowed hard as he came up to her.
“You know the drill?”
Claren shook her head.
“King Geoffrey owns the club and several like it. We supply the venue for you to hunt safely. If you turn your mark that person is your responsibility. If you kill your mark…”
“Jack wasn’t a mark. He-he was a friend.”
The bartender shrugged. “Whatever. If you kill your mark we clean up the mess. We make it look like a death due to an accident. We show you the accident so you can approve it. You know, if your mark doesn’t swim then a shark attack would not be feasible. Because we take care of the mess you owe King Geoffrey a favor. Those three,” the bartender jerked his head at the vampires. “Will be doing night work. Since your mark was in a high profile position in government the king may want you to do several things. Right now, he needs some people taken out of the picture.”
“You want me to kill?” Claren asked, horrified.
“If you hadn’t already done it once, here in the club, you wouldn’t be obligated to the king, now would you?”
Claren sighed. She had to pay for her weakness. She vowed it would never happen again.
She nodded to the bartender to continue.
“Since you are able to withstand the sunlight, your assignment will take place this morning,” The bartender handed her a slip of paper. “Here is the address and the time you are to meet with your mark. Collateral damage is acceptable however you must kill the mark. If you fail, well, other vampires have failed and were ashed. I don’t know what the king would do to you.”
“Why do you associate with vampires?” Claren asked lightly.
“Why do you live as a vampire? It would be simple enough to end your life.”
“You’re right. My question was rude,” She looked at the slip of paper. It was a restaurant in her neighborhood. She looked up at the bartender.
“Normally I don’t give explanations to the suckers. But the king told me that if you had a question to tell you what you wanted to know. King Geoffrey knows you keep your neighborhood free of crime and of suckers, except for you, of course. There is a human criminal who is killing off vampires.”
“A vampire hunter? What is unusual about that?”
The bartender shook his head. “No, a normal vampire hunter the suckers could handle themselves. This is a man who is starting a gang—low end crime but moving into drugs, prostitution, extortion and the protection racket. He is killing male vampires and enslaving female suckers. He uses some kind of drug to control them. Then he keeps them practically starved. He gives them just enough blood to keep them from ashing. He is moving into your neighborhood. He plans to have lunch at that restaurant. Actually, he plans to set up his headquarters in that restaurant and take over your neighborhood. He seems to think your neighborhood is a nice safe neighborhood and that makes it easy prey.”
“Why can’t you just do something about it?”
The bartender hesitated, considering how much to tell her.
“They have a vampire with them. Like nothing you’ve seen. Some creature that feeds on human and vampire alike. The suckers can only go out at night when it is alive. Evidently the thing sleeps in the wine cellar. It wakes when humans try to kill it and devours them. Humans aren’t fast enough or strong enough. You are.”
Claren crumpled the slip of paper in her hand. “Thanks for the information. Collateral damage is acceptable you said?” The bartender nodded. “How did you get this information?”

Be sure and stop by Cerridwen Press on May 1, 2008 and get your copy of Stone of Cruento by Charlene Leatherman.

Danger Zone Authors

Danger Zone Authors launches on May 11.
I will be the first blogger on Sunday and will blog each Sunday after that. http://www.dangerzoneauthors.com/
The Site is a site dedicated to action and adventure writers. Some write romance as I do, some write mystery, science fiction, thrillers, horror. There is something for everyone. The Danger Zone Authors will be a different kind of site. There is no other place on the Internet that speaks to action and adveture.
Come by, read a blog while you are jogging on your treadmill. Buy a book to read while your take some me time. I can guarantee the books will get your heart racing.
Here are the authors you can expect to find there in alphabetical order.
Danger Zone Authors
Denise Agnew
Cyndi Friberg
Lise Fuller
TL Gray
N.D. Hansen Hill
Marianne LaCroix
Charlene Leatherman
Shelley Munro

Excerpt Rated PG Stone of Cruento Coming May 1 to Cerridwen Press

Excerpt Rated PG
Stone of Cruento by Charlene Leatherman
Coming to Cerridwen Press May 1


The wolf snuffed the air again as he ran. The smell of the Anterians was getting strong. Daniel detected a whiff of Claren’s scent as well. Leaping toward the scent Daniel increased his speed.
The tickle began in his tail. Skitters like fleas on a dog made Daniel flick it anxiously. The tickle grew and traveled along his spine.
Daniel growled low in his throat as he narrowed his focus away from the itching and on Claren. The growl changed from a reminder to himself into a warning as he felt eyes on him. His fur bristled as the strangers neared. Two wolf-like creatures, furred and four-legged, with tusks and six eyes on each animal sidled up to Daniel. One on each side they yipped in exuberant joy as they ran. They welcomed the newcomer to their territory with no malice.
Daniel pushed his speed. He didn’t need the two animals slowing him down.
Irritating flutters like thousands of spiders walking on naked skin began creeping all over Daniel. He whined at the torture. The two wolf-creatures stayed neck and neck with him. They answered his whine with yips of their own. Snapping at the creatures, Daniel drove them off.
Daniel slowed and stopped. Like a flea bitten dog, he began to chew at his skin. Pulling his snout away from his back, the wolf howled in agony. Shifting from wolf to human, Daniel scratched. He felt like he had poison ivy, everywhere. He wanted to rip off his skin. Clenching his hands into fists Daniel beat them on the ground trying to keep from tearing holes in his skin.
I can stop the misery. Panniyah’s voice spoke in his head.
Are you causing this? Daniel demanded.
No. It seems you have something inside you. A parasite perhaps?
Changes. Dammit! More damn changes. Daniel scratched his arms and legs. Rivulets of blood trickled down the scrapes his nails had made.
I can reach into your mind and stop the misery you feel. We are already connected. It would be simple to help you. I care for you Daniel. I hate to see you suffer this way. Panniyah said. The tender emotion of her thoughts filled Daniel.
Daniel shook his head. You don’t care if I live or die. All you want is Claren.
Nonsense. Wasn’t it you who I created first?
And Geoffrey you killed first.
Panniyah sniffed disdainfully. He actually expected me to obey him! Of course I killed him. He had delusions of grandeur. You on the other hand know where you fit in the hierarchy. Please, let me help you stop that awful misery you suffer. I don’t know what is causing it but I can stop it.
Daniel squeezed his hands tightly shut, digging his nails into his palms.
All right. Anything is better than this itching. Make it stop!
Immediately Daniel felt a calm in his mind, then a calming of his body. Daniel watched as the lesions on his arms and legs healed and disappeared.
Did you do that? Daniel asked.
No. You seem to have developed some interesting side effects to Cruento. You are searching for Claren, Panniyah stated. Would you like help in finding her, or are you still stuck in your male ego pride?
Your help comes with a very high price.
What harm can I do? Panniyah asked. I am on Earth. I can only speak to you and help your mind do what you want it to. I cannot harm Claren.
Daniel pondered Panniyah’s offer. The scent of Claren weakened with every breath he took. It could be days before he found her. She and Belgretor did not have that much time if Anterians and Crudak had anything to do with it.
All right, I’ll accept your help.

Excerpt Stone of Cruento Coming May 1 - Rated PG

“You want me to do what?”
Belgretor reached for the pacing centaur. “Please, Claren, calm yourself. There is no other way.”
Claren whirled around, her four legs getting tangled . Her knees began to crumple. Jamros stepped next to her. Using his body, he blocked the mare from falling.
“Damn legs,” Claren cursed. She nodded a thank you to Jamros. “There has to be another way. You can’t ask me to…”
“Am I that disagreeable?” Jamros looked stricken.
“She’s not saying that, asshole,” Daniel growled at the centaur. “She doesn’t want to be joined to you. She has other plans.”
“I can speak for myself, Daniel,” Claren said. “Tell me again why I have to do this. I’m still trying to get used to the idea of having four legs and being dead. I am a bit dense.”
Belgretor looked at Thoeak. “Why don’t you tell her? You are the one with the firsthand knowledge of the situation.”
Thoeak bowed first to Belgretor, Jamros, Claren then nodded his head to Daniel and to his daughter.
“I implanted my daughters with tracking devices. There have been disappearances of young women for some time. I wanted to make sure of my children’s safety,” Thoeak looked at Jamros with apology. “I understand that is against tradition but my daughters are my life.”
“Do not concern yourself. Continue your telling.”
“When I lost track of my daughter and could find neither Claren nor Theesal, I feared the worst. No one knows who takes the female children. The males have been found dead but never the females. I was just about to follow the beacon from Theesal when Crudak called me to serve him. He was in conference with Gracsaddi of the High Council. They stopped talking when I arrived and continued when I left. I am ashamed to admit it but I eavesdropped on the conversation.”
“It is well that you did,” Belgretor stated. “Your observation confirms what I feared.”
“I heard Crudak speaking with the Councilwoman. He assured the High Council Lady Gracsaddi that the intruder—I assume he spoke of Daniel—was taken care of. He continued to say that the traitor—I am sorry but I believe he spoke of you, Your Grace—was dead. Crudak went on to say that it would be proven unequivocally the claimant was a fraud and would be killed. I knew he spoke of you Lady Claren. I feared for you. I knew my daughter would be with you if at all possible. I used the tracking device in my daughter and followed her here.” Thoeak bowed to Claren. “My lady that is the situation in which you find yourself.”
“So, Bel, how does my marriage to Jamros solve this problem? And how does my marriage to Jamros stop the mess on Earth I caused?”
“Crudak believes I am dead. Since talking with Thoeak I have implanted a memory in the doctor and nurse that they succeeded in killing me. Crudak believes Daniel is dead as well or will be soon from starvation. He knew you were too old to take the cyanomorph berry and I think he wanted you to die in the transformation. Even though you are alive, the problem is you are vampire. He can use that information to convince all of Cruento, the High Council, even the Emperor you are a fraud and an invader and should be killed. From what I have heard, society is fragile with the terrors of possible invasion by aliens and by the Galactic Council. So, your position is tenuous at best.
“However, if you married Jamros, in a ceremony that not only Cruento approved but the Emperor approved and was broadcast to the entire Twin Planet system, you would be safe. Crudak could not openly attack you. He might try something covertly but we,” Belgretor nodded to Daniel and Jamros, “could protect you from that.” Daniel and Jamros nodded in agreement. The three men looked at each other. Claren watched as a bond formed between the three men. A bond that included her.

Danger Zone Authors

The following is a prologue that did not make it into Stone of Cruento.

The ebook that is coming out May 1 is even better than this.

Be sure to check out Stone of Cruento by Charlene Leatherman at Cerridwen Press on May 1.

Claren looked up. She was no where near the parking lot. She had wandered further into the cemetery. She was near the back of the acreage. A cement wall hemmed in the cemetery and closed it off from the rest of the world. The backside of the cemetery butted up against a street filled with old dilapidated houses, the street lights broken or dim.
Suddenly, frightened Claren turned and began running toward the front of the cemetery. She wanted to stop and tell herself that she was being silly, but her feet wouldn’t stop running. Her heart beat hard in her chest as the words chanted in her head.
Run little deer, my precious prey. Run. Run. Run. Make it enjoyable for me. Run. Run. Run.
The words made no sense. Claren felt fear tighten her throat and squeeze her chest. The distance from the back wall to the front of the cemetery that Claren walked so quickly now was worlds away. No matter how fast Claren ran she could get no closer to the safety of her car. The chilling words reverberated in her mind over and over again. Something was chasing her. Something wanted her as prey. Something…
Claren was knocked to the ground. The force of the attack knocked the wind out of her. She felt hands on her. She tried to struggle but the attacker was too strong. She fought to open her eyes. The monster she saw caused her to close them again. Red eyes and blood lust. Fangs and death.