THE BILLIONAIRE BARITONE

Amethyst loves music and enjoys hip-hop dancing to spice up her dull and dreary life. But one evening on her way home from dance class, she hears a voice that drew her away from her route.

Caught in the act of eavesdropping, her life is about to change in a way she has never foreseen.

David didn't quite know what to do with the beautiful trespasser, but when he learned that she was injured, taking care of her was the only solution.

Little did he suspect that she was about to take care of his lonely heart in return.

CHAPTER 18

I counted on my fingers. “I am not smart, or beautiful like your other girlfriends. Hell, I fall over my own feet for no reason. I swear. I am penniless. I didn't finish high school...do you want more?”
Then David sat down next to me and muddled my reasoning again when he kissed my hand before holding it between his. “You're beautiful, more so than those empty headed women, I used to hang out with. And no one blames you for your circumstances; you did the best you could. You can finish high school and study anything you want, which I know you can do. If you insist, you can work. And," he mock-glared at me when I opened my mouth, "I think it's cute when you say 'hell'.”
I groaned his name. “Aren't you listening?! I don't fit in your world. People will say I am a gold digger and laugh at you behind your back. Maybe I am a gold digger out to catch a rich husband.”
The next moment I find myself on his lap. "What are you doing?"
He chose to ignore me. “I am listening much better than you think. I know you are not a gold digger. You are too independent for me to believe that for one moment, your financial status notwithstanding. Secondly, your concern for your colleagues and the people at my factory told me more about the kind of woman you are than any private investigator could.”
My heart sank. “I suppose I cannot blame you for getting a PI to investigate me. I would have done the same to protect my family against someone like me.”
I wanted to leave, but he held on tight. “Someone like you? Explain.”
I shrugged. “You know. Poor. Unsophisticated. Born on the wrong side of the tracks.”
It was his turn to frown, and yet he didn't let go of me. Didn't he hear anything I said?
“You like my mother don't you?”
I nodded. “Sure, I think she's great. What does she have to do with anything?”
“A lot more than you think. She came from nothing too. She married my dad for love, and they made the rest work. Did people gossip and say all kinds of terrible things? Yes, they did, but they didn't let that stop them from being together. In fact, they chose to befriend people who didn't care about those things either and were the better for it.”
I sighed. What was there left to say? He had answers for everything it seemed.
“You're sure you don't mind?”
He lifted his hand, palm towards me. “I solemnly promise that I love you and that I don't care about all the other things. We can make it work if you want. Do you want to marry me?”
I swallowed hard. Could this be happening? I put my trembling hand against his. “I solemnly promise that I love you and that I will marry you and will try my best to be a good wife.”
His laughter made me smile until he pulled me tightly against him. I forgot everything when he kissed me.
“Excellent!”
David pulled back and sighed aloud. “Can't we get a little privacy in this house?”
It was my turn to laugh. Who cared about the intrusion when I held the heart of the man whom I loved with the whole of mine? I lost my breath when he kissed me again.

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Author Interview: Charmain Lines

I welcome the first JOURNEY author to my blog today, Charmain Lines. She is a return visitor and I am happy to have her back.

1. What made you decide to take part in the JOURNEY project?

I needed motivation to focus on my writing and from previous experience with a writing project run by Linzé, I knew the project was just what I needed. Furthermore, I had recently read a book that had left me with story ideas that were a perfect fit for the “Journey” theme.

2. How did you come up with the title of your story?

It is called “The wars of men” and I only came up with it after, during my final edit, the main character uttered these words.

3. What inspired your story?

A book I read about Eugene de Kock, a security police operative during South Africa’s apartheid years.

4. Please tell us about the journey of your character(s)

The main characters are a woman and her two sons who move from South Africa to Ireland to start a new life. The story is set some 20 years after their physical move and plays out on the day they are confronted with the past.

5. What other things, besides writing, do you like to do?

At the moment I travel! My husband and I are on a 3-month European adventure that is taking us from Spain to France to Ireland to Italy. My day job is freelance writing and editing for mainly corporate clients.

6. If the end of the world is about to happen, which person would you want to be with for those last minutes?

My husband. We’d be able to talk about what is happening, remind each other of the great memories we have made together, and comfort each other.

7. What did you learn about yourself or your journey as a writer during this project?

I was reminded, again, to trust the process and be ok with not knowing exactly where the story will go.

8. What do you see as your biggest challenge as a writer?

Spending more hours at the keyboard than what I already do as a professional writer.

9. What tool/software/technique/process do you find the most valuable to you as a writer? 

I don’t use any writing tools, but the most useful and valuable technique is to never start editing before the first draft is done.

10. Do you have another project in the pipeline that you would like to share with my readers?

I’m working on a full-length novel, this one in Afrikaans, which is my home language.

Thank you, Charmain. Enjoy your travels!

Linzé's Mischief: 9 October 2016

Thursday, 6 October
With the ebook version of JOURNEY now available for pre-order (hint, hint!) I am focussing on helping the typesetter to format the book for printing. Since the ebook and print book look quite different in terms of layout and front matter (the stuff that goes between the cover and the story), it is taking me a while to get my head around to that.
I thought to add the author photographs to the book, but unfortunately, only two of us have photographs that are suitable for printing; resolution of photographs for printing have to be at least 300 dpi. So I guess that idea is a no-no.

Friday, 7 October
Updates have been sent to the typesetter, and now we are getting closer to printing. Now I have to do the cover of the whole book. Fortunately, the text of the back cover is already done, I just have to add it to the graphic. A task for the weekend :)

I often tell people that I don't brag about Francois' photographs because he is my husband. I brag because the medals hanging on my living room wall are the evidence of my enthusiasm. Then, we found out today that three of his photographs are going to be part of an international photographic exhibition that opens next Sunday in Rosebank, Johannesburg. I went, wow!
Guess where I will be next Sunday? Will make sure to get some pictures to share with you. I am so proud of him.

Saturday, 8 October
The second part of the Indie Author course was postponed - people getting sick - so I convinced Francois to go to the Belgian Market, which seems to be an annual event. I am a huge fan of Belgian chocolate, so it was a must for me to go.
It was a bit disappointing that my favourite Belgian chocolate brand did not feature at the market. But, the waffles were great. And Francois bought a gift pack of beer that he likes. (Check him out here)

Earlier in the week
After doing the Tai Chi course, I wrote a review for the website selling the course, practically begging them for the 42 form Yang style course. I have a book, but videos are so much better, don't you think?
It became available last month. I almost fell off my chair with excitement. Within two ticks it was on my wishlist, waiting for the invariable discount vouchers to come. Having an exchange rate where $1 costs me almost R14, can be stressful on the wallet.
That meant that I had to be patient, despite my overwhelming need to click that 'buy' button. Then my self-control and patience were rewarded. Within four hours after putting the course on my wishlist, the 20% discount offer popped into my mailbox.
Of course, five minutes later, the invoice and payment confirmation also appeared. Now I just need to find the time to start the new course in earnest. In the meantime, I am still practicing the 24 forms.

The course on Business English I am taking will finish this coming week, then I will have a little more time on my hands. That is after reading three books for review, completing the editing on Waiting for Adrian, organising and hosting the book launch of JOURNEY, and doing NaNoWriMo at the same time?
Yeah, December sounds about right. Damn!

Lots to do this week, so I better get cracking on planning everything.
Until next time!

THE BILLIONAIRE BARITONE

Amethyst loves music and enjoys hip-hop dancing to spice up her dull and dreary life. But one evening on her way home from dance class, she hears a voice that drew her away from her route.

Caught in the act of eavesdropping, her life is about to change in a way she has never foreseen.

David didn't quite know what to do with the beautiful trespasser, but when he learned that she was injured, taking care of her was the only solution.

Little did he suspect that she was about to take care of his lonely heart in return.

CHAPTER 17

His hand was warm and distracting. And confusing to my head which had to be clear right now. I could feel the frown showing my confusion and pulled I my hand away. “You mean I still have a job?”

David frowned in return. “Why wouldn't you?”

“Mr. Henry is not a nice man. He managed to fire some people in the past even when they did nothing wrong.”

That earned me a few raised eyebrows, but I had a more pressing concern. “Am I still getting paid, or do I need to find another job?” I looked down at my hands. The bandage and splint a reminder that my stay here would soon be over.  “I cannot afford not to have a job.”

“Okay, let's backtrack a few steps here. What did you mean he fired people when they did nothing wrong? There are laws against such things.”

I glared at David. “You cannot be serious! How can someone like me get a lawyer, let alone pay him, to fight a company for unlawful dismissal? Get real.”

My stomach suddenly rolled at the smell of freshly brewed coffee and perfectly toasted bread. I got to my feet instead. “I am not hungry.”

*  *  *

Jeff nudged his brother. “Go after her.”

“Why? I cannot force her to eat.”

Jeff rolled his eyes. “Idiot. She needs you to understand her position. You are in love with her, and you need to convince her to stay.”

“We want her to stay,” Phyllis added.

David's jaw dropped. “I am not in love with her.”

Jeff slapped his shoulder. “Yes, you are. Mom and I can both see that, so stop arguing with the truth and go get her. Now!”

Frowning, he got up. “Am I in love?”

“Yes!” the reply came in duplicate.

Shaking his head left the room. Was he in love with Amethyst? Even now his heart ached for the difficult position she could find herself in. 

In the hall he stopped, not sure where she went. She was mobile and could be anywhere on the estate.

He spotted the housekeeper in the entrance hall checking the fresh flowers in the tall floor-standing vase.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Neethling, did you see which way Amethyst went?”

“If I am not mistaken, she went to the kitchen.”

Thanking her he ran to the kitchen, startling the chef and one of the maids, and then out the back door without pause.

There were only a few places she could go from here. He doubted she had a hankering for the vegetable garden or the greenhouse. The only alternative left was the theater his dad had built for his two boys to sing and play the piano.

He found her just inside the fence where they met that first night. She was sitting on the ground staring into the street outside.

“May I join you?”

She shrugged and kept looking away.

“Do you really want to leave that badly? Does your job mean so much to you?”

Her shoulders moved again, but she didn't reply.

“Amethyst, please look at me.”

“I can't,” she whispered.

“Why?”

“Because.”

He smiled. “I used to say that to my mother when she asked me why I didn't want to sing duets with the other kids.”

She turned to look at him. There were tears on her cheeks. She quickly tried to wipe them. “Why didn't you want to sing duets?”

He reached up and wiped the tears away. “Because I didn't want to sing with someone who didn't understand that music was not just about the right notes and harmonies.”

“It had to come from the heart,” she whispered.

“Yes. I want you to sing a duet with me. Not just on a stage, but at night when we are alone, and no one else can hear us.”

She blinked her blue eyes wide with the same hope warming his heart. “Why me? I am nothing special. Just someone you felt sorry for.”

He shifted and brought her into his arms. “Maybe in the beginning. Maybe for about five minutes. But after that? I just wanted to be with you. It was hard not touching you, kissing you. It still is. Because I am in love with you. I want you—”

She gasped. “You're in love with me?”

He smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

She threw both arms around his neck. “I don't want to leave. I thought you were sorry for me. I don't want you to be sorry for me.”

He pulled back a little to look into her eyes. “Do you think you could love me? I know I am not a people person, but I could learn.”

She touched his cheek. “I don't have to think about it. I love you. I think I fell for you that first time you picked me up in your arms.”

He didn't give her another moment to explain. Sealing his lips to hers, he tightened his arms around her. Yes! his heart told his head. Never had anything felt so right than holding Amethyst in his arms.

Amethyst moaned softly when he touched her lips with his tongue requesting her full participation. He didn't just love, she gave love in return.

It was his turn to moan when she surrendered to their kiss.

“I think we should leave.”

They broke apart at the whispered voice.

“Jeff!”

She giggled at David's exasperated voice.

“You could have left without saying anything.”

Jeff grinned. “I could, but then you would have killed me when you saw your picture in the tabloids tomorrow.”

David groaned. He got up and helped her to her feet. “Sheesh, can't a man not even propose in private?”

Amethyst froze while Jeff's grin grew by leaps and bounds.

“Propose?” she croaked.

Jeff slapped his brother on the back. “I think you should take this inside before the press realise how close to the fence you are.”

When they heard sounds like running feet, they ran themselves. Amethyst managed without stumbling or adding to her injury.

Inside the house, she planted her hands on her hips, wincing when the splint dug into her flesh through the light pants she wore.

“Are you okay?”

She glared back. “Don't change the subject.”

David bit his lip to keep from laughing. In pleasure. Their first fight. Women wanted to please him. Amethyst didn't seem to have that problem. She was perfect for him.

The matchmaker, Jeff, seemed to have miraculously disappeared, the bastard.

She folded her arms and frowned at him. “You can't marry me.”

“Why not? It is the next logical step once we now agree that we love each other.”

“For other people, maybe. But we can't.”

He took her head between gentle hands and made her look at him. “Again. Why not?”

She pulled his hands away and sat down on the stairs. “Why not?”

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Author Interview: Andrea Vermaak

Today I welcome Andrea Vermaak to my blog. Andrea's contribution to the JOURNEY anthology was invaluable. Not only did she contribute her own story, she was the editor for all the authors, and she let me bully her (okay, it wasn't that bad 😉) into mentoring Michelle's first forays into Young Adult stories.

What is the title of your story?

Break Away

What inspired your story?

Other writers always tell me to write what I know. I've drawn from many aspects of my life to write Break Away: from people I have met to experiences I've had. The old man in my story is, however, inspired by a few lines in 'Kill your heroes' by AWOLNATION.

Please tell us about the journey of your character(s)

Jenna, my main protagonist, goes on both physical and emotional journeys. The two journeys are inseparable; metaphorically speaking, of course.

What other things, besides writing, do you like to do?

Read! All writers have to read! I go to an adult ballet class once a week despite having three left feet, and I try not to sound like a dying mosquito when I attend my weekly violin lesson. I guess I adore music and movement no matter how bad I may be at them!

What did you learn about yourself or your journey as a writer during this project?

When I am stuck, I must not give up! This particular project has been very challenging because my story is a bit too close to the bone. I am afraid of who will read it, so I try to veer away from the truth, but the story loses its backbone when I do. I have to keep reminding myself that it doesn't matter who reads it, I must just keep digging deep and keep on writing!

What do you see as your biggest challenge as a writer?

To write a great ending. My draft endings are always too obvious, too soppy, or both.

Do you have another project in the pipeline that you would like to share with my readers?

I have two short stories for which I would like to write better endings (told you so), as well as bits of a novel which I would like to finish during NaNoWriMo this year.

Thank you, Andrea! It was a pleasure working with you on this project.

Note from Linzé: Andrea has agreed to be my editor for Waiting for Adrian - yay!

😱 If you missed the interviews with the first two JOURNEY authors, Melissa and Michelle, just click their names 😎

Cover Reveal: JOURNEY by The Pretoria Writers Group

The long wait is over!

JOURNEY is now available for the amazing pre-order price of only $0.99

Make sure to get yours, before the price goes up!

About the book:
Life's journeys are fraught with pain, difficulties, and despair. And yet it is our search for hope and happiness that inspires us to overcome these obstacles. JOURNEY is a collection of stories that cuts close to the bone of life, love, and courage . . . to remind us that the choices we make can change the future.

Looking for a print book instead? Keep an eye out, it is on its way. You can pre-order your print copy from Linzé (details here).

Here is that link again https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/669319

Linzé's Mischief: 2 October 2016

This week's post is really going to be a short one. I managed to do so many things last week, and as always the list remains a long one. But such is the life of a writer!
The good news?
JOURNEY's cover reveal is tomorrow - so keep an eye out for all the posts, tweets, notifications, and pins. No matter where you look, you will find a link to the ebook. It is available on pre-order while we get the print book ready for our local launch. Which reminds me, I have to check out the venue tomorrow.
Francois and I are going to a photographic exhibition (there are some of his photographs too!) and we intend to hold the launch of JOURNEY at the same venue.
On Tuesday you can meet another JOURNEY author, and on Thursday, Chapter 17 of The Billionaire Baritone will be live. It is almost the end of the story and I am going to miss David, Amethyst, Jeff and Phyllis too.
And as promised, that is that for this week.
Until next time!
Linzé