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 11

Phyllis switched off the television set. They had just seen the whole spectacle on a live news broadcast.

My heart ached for those people, but I also felt proud of the way David handled the situation. It must have been really hard to tell them that they no longer had a job.

The TV presenters didn't show what happened after that, but somehow I knew David didn't dessert his employees.

I had no right to feel that way, but there was no getting away from one's feelings. I twisted the blanket around and around as I considered my own situation. The chances of me still having a job by the time I got released was remote. It wasn't a good feeling.

I looked at Phyllis, sitting next to my bed serenely sipping her tea. To be honest, I envied her. Having money was one thing, but to be so content and happy were things I had not experienced since my parents died.

She had eaten Jeff's intended lunch, even a little of the dessert, after confessing that she didn't like ice cream or custard.

I looked at my own empty dishes. People who complained about hospital food had never gone without. My stomach was aching, but I held my tongue and finished my own cup of bush tea.

“What is going to happen to them?” I asked nodding at the TV hanging high above the floor against the wall.

Phyllis put the cup down and looked at me. “I don't know; my poor son.”

“Why did you say 'poor son'? It is his responsibility, isn't it?”

Phyllis put her cup and saucer back on the tray and sighed. “David has a brilliant mind for business strategies—”

“But not with people?”

She nodded. “He was always the quiet one, finding it hard to make friends.”

I found that almost impossible to believe given all the women I had seen him with in the tabloids. Maybe those women were only interested in his money. I couldn't be with someone and not want to talk to him. Listen to him talk about his dreams for himself and his future.

Phyllis smiled. “Jefferson is the opposite, but he chose the piano instead.”

“The piano?”

That was a surprise. I thought Jeff had been the one singing that night.

“Yes, he is a classical pianist. We should go to a performance soon. He would love it if you came.”

I couldn't afford it, but held my tongue. It would sound ungrateful after everything the Morecrofts were doing for me.

“Does he sing too?” I had to ask.

Phyllis laughed. “No, that is David's pleasure. I love it when both my sons make music together. And trust me, that doesn't happen very often these days.”

I could feel my heart jump when I remembered that rich and shiver-inducing voice. “It was David singing at the house? Outside in that theater thing you have at the back?”

“Yes, it was him. He likes to sing opera arias, the focus it requires helps him deal with stress.”

She stopped and took my good hand. “Is that why you were there? To hear him sing?”

“I didn't know he sang. I was on my way home when I heard someone sing. It drew me. It was so beautiful. I am not smart enough to understand opera, but I love music, and I couldn't help but go closer to listen.”

Embarrassed I looked down at my aching hand. “I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused you. I shouldn't have gone there in the first place. Getting injured is a sign that I screwed up.”

“Nonsense,” Phyllis replied. “None of us think that. In fact, we are all happy to have met you.” She winked. “My sons especially.”

“I like them too,” I replied avoiding her eyes.

Exhaustion dragged me down in the bed, and I closed my eyes. My foot hurt, but it was okay. I was going to be okay. It was what survivors did.

Even drifting off I wondered why David didn't sing all the time. He had such a beautiful and expressive voice. My problems didn't exist when I listened to him sing.

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Linzé's Mischief: 23 August 2016

New Year's Resolutions and Unfinished Paintings

I am all for having New Year's resolutions, but like many people I have a hard time sticking to them. This year, however, seems to be the exception to that rule - to my delight, I have to say.
When the first of the year rolled around - seven months and a few hundred hours ago - I made myself the promise to do more art this year. Sure, I have always set aside one month of the year, usually December, where I do nothing else except art.
But as a writer first and foremost, this created some problems: despite my intentions, I always ended up writing instead. I did paint, or sketch, but not as much as I wanted to, and always had to spend more time getting my fingers into 'art' more instead of writing mode.
So I set a new challenge for myself: I was going to do art one weekend every month. It lessens the guilt and withdrawal symptoms of not writing for days on end, and my fingers don't forget their art skills. Win-win all around!
And it has been working like a charm. I have three books (maybe four) coming out this year, one being the fourth novel in my fantasy romance series, and I have managed to do more sketching and painting than I have managed in the Decembers of the past few years.
After submitting my tiger for the Art Feeds the Soul competition in my art group earlier this week, I have been wondering what to do next. I have some ideas, one or two already outlined, but somehow the call of the paintbrush/pencil/pastel didn't come when I looked at those. Frustrated, I went back to editing Waiting for Adrian, and then got stuck in a scene where I have to rewrite the whole thing.
Irritated with my lack of progress in any creative project, I set about cleaning up the library (where I paint) at home. And there stood (taller than I am!) an unfinished painting that I started many years ago. I took off the very dusty plastic covering and stared at it for an indecent amount of time - it was like staring at the scary blank screen when starting a new writing project. Something had to be done!
It is an abstract resembling a lead-glass window inspired by a book I bought, even more years ago with the designs from Frank Lloyd Wright. I took one look at that book and bought it without giving it a second thought. So while my brain ponders the rewrite of that very important scene between Erin and Adrian, I will be expending my creative energies on painting my orchid lead-glass window on canvas.

What do you do when a creative project is not going to plan?

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 10

With worried faces, the managers followed David into the building as the fire alarms started screeching.

They followed him to the production floor and then outside to the loading bays where the two groups were now throwing insults at each other. The women looked scared and were clutching their purses like a lifeline.

Once they were spotted the crowd turned their ire to them. David raised his arms. The crowd quieted down.

Those arrested were put inside police vehicles with bars and armour protection.

“You remember last year during the strike of the whole textile industry I told you if anything like that would ever happen again, I would have to close down the factory.”

People were getting fidgety.

David looked around. The labour representative was missing. Typical. Now that he was in trouble, he left the people he was supposed to represent to fend for themselves. Maybe they would learn from this and stop supporting people who didn't really care about them.

“That day has come,” David continued. “The sabotage this morning destroyed the future this factory still had once and for all.”

A roar started up, and the police reinforced their position.

David held up his arms once more and waited for long minutes for the crowd to quiet down again.

As he waited, he heard a young woman say to her friend. “What now? I have a baby. Where am I going to get a job?” She started crying.

Amethyst's face appeared before him. Like her, they were people who depended on their salaries to support themselves and their families.

He never got involved at this level of his businesses, but meeting Amethyst changed all of that.

“I know this is a difficult situation that we didn't plan for—”

“What do you know? We need these jobs to feed our families!”

David nodded. “I know. If you would give me a chance to continue?”

The crowd murmured among themselves but kept looking at him.

“As I said, we didn't plan for this to happen. We have a list of everyone who have families to support and we will start with you. Single parents and single income families will be looked at first to see where we can find work for you.”

He looked around. “Where are the HR people?”

Five people raised their hands in the air.

He pointed towards them while addressing the crowd. “Okay. Make sure that they have your details on files and that your work experience record is up to date. I will have them contact other companies in the area, to start looking for opportunities for you. This might take a few days, so please be patient. Your salaries are covered until the end of the month, so there is no need to panic. Any questions?”

While he answered questions, the young woman who mentioned her baby came forward and managed to get onto the loading dock with him. Without saying anything she ran forward and hugged David.

“Thank you,” she whispered, wiping her face.

He swallowed hard as she stood back and blushed furiously. “I am sorry,” she whispered.

He reached out and took her hand. “No, I am sorry that this had happened, but we are going to try and make it better again. Okay?”

She nodded, smiling now.

He nodded to one of the women who stuck up her hand earlier. “Please start with...what's your name?”

“Cynthia,” she whispered.

“Cynthia,” he continued, making the crowd applaud.

When the questions were no longer coming, he turned to the managers still with him. “Our people got a raw deal today. Make sure you pull all your contacts and favours to help them get jobs in the area.”

He pointed a finger at them. “I want daily progress reports. Not just numbers, I want the details Who, where, when they start, their new salaries, benefits, the works. Got that?”

They all nodded.

“Good. Your futures depend on your success in helping them,” David said and pointed over his shoulder, “and helping the police sort through all the evidence they need.”

He paused for a long moment. “I have a feeling this wasn't some random labour incident.”

“Get going,” he ordered. He looked at the financial manager. “Nicole, walk me to my car.”

As they walked, they discussed the process to shut down the factory.

“I will get on it right away,” she said as he got into his car.

“Let John know if you need anything.” John Lambert was the chief financial officer of the whole group of companies.

She nodded. “I will.”

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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 9

All the way to the factory, the only thing he saw was the smile in Amethyst's eyes. While he called the company lawyer and the factory's manager again, he thought about were those blue eyes.

Upon arrival at the premises, he could see the workers outside. They were being held at bay by the police. This was bad.

When he got out of his car, he was met by the lawyers of both the workers and the company. The labour representative was there, as well as two of the managers of the factory. They all started talking at the same time. He held up his hands.

“Are the people still inside safe?”

The factory manager nodded. “We managed to get the troublemakers outside before they caused more damage.”

David looked at him. “What did they do?”

The production manager sighed. “They set fire to the stockrooms and destroyed the bales of clothing that were ready to ship this week. We got the fires out, but I am afraid we couldn't save any of the stock or the shipments.”

“I see. The security footage?”

“It is being checked right now with the police present.”

The lawyers started speaking again, but he shut them up.

“This is arson and destruction of property. Why are they threatening to strike?”

No one spoke. David arched an eyebrow towards the labour representative. “Well?”

David couldn't help the sneer he aimed at the man. He had never trusted the guy, but since he wasn't on the payroll, there wasn't anything he could do to get rid of him.

He was still glancing from the one to the other man in the group, avoiding David's eyes, when the factory manager spoke up.

“There was an incident on the floor. Two guys got into a fight.”

“And why wasn't it stopped then and there?”

The factory manager shifted from one foot to the other, but he didn't look away. “We were too slow. By the time security made it to the floor, people were already getting involved. We had to call the cops.”

The head of security and three police officers approached. “We have the names and faces of the ones responsible for the damage. Do you want to press charges?”

David looked away from the people with him towards the group of people making threats and shouting all kinds of slogans at the police.

“Yes, but can we wait for a few minutes. What about the two guys who started the fight?”

The head of security spoke up. “It looks like they were used to cause a distraction. The fires were started when most people were getting involved in the fight.”

“We will take them into custody for questioning,” one of the officers said.

David nodded. “Okay. Where is Nicole?”

The financial officer of the company was called. She came out with a police escort.

“Short answer,” David began after greeting her. “How much did we lose?”

The number Nicole mentioned made him clench his jaw. He nodded. It wasn't her fault, so venting his anger at her was not going to solve anything.

He nodded to the police. “Arrest the guys and charge them, but don't leave yet. I want to tell everyone with them present what damage they had done today.”

The cops left.

He looked at the security personnel watching the mob, then addressed their boss.

“Wait until the police have arrested everyone, and then activate the fire alarm to evacuate the building. Keep the women and the men inside separate from these people.”

“What are you going to do?” the factory manager asked.

Nicole replied. “The only thing he can.”

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Book Feature: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN by Lynn Steward

Linzé: How would you explain the value of good story telling in women's fiction?

Lynn:  Good story telling in women’s fiction transcends any period. An example would be Middlemarch by George Eliot. Although a Victoria novel, the themes are universal and relatable today: the consequences of life choices, conflicted spouses in an unhappy marriage, power struggles, and maintaining dignity. Periods, locations, and personalities may change, but human frailties remain the same.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a fashion buyer at one of New York’s most glamorous department stores, Dana McGarry is a tastemaker, her keen instinct for fashion trends and innovative ideas coupled with a razor sharp business sense. But like the elegant and conservative store that employs her, Dana is caught between two eras—between being liked and standing her ground, between playing by the rules and being a maverick. Dana is sensitive and beautiful, but what you see is not what you get. Behind the cool and attractive facade, Dana is both driven by her need to control yet impeded by her expectation of perfectionism.

As she competes to replace women at the top of their game, she is challenged by jealous colleagues. And when a wealthy love interest wants to open doors and support her ambition, she embraces Coco Chanel’s mantra of “never wanting to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird.” As the women’s movement paves the way, Dana finds a path to the career she wants at the expense of happiness that was not meant to be.

Steward captures the nuances of 70s life in New York City and provides the perfect backdrop for an independent woman determined to make her mark. What Might Have Been is a story that transcends any period.

Title: What Might Have Been

Genre: Literary fiction/women’s fiction

Author: Lynn Steward

Website: www.LynnSteward.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-Might-Have-Been-McGarry-ebook/dp/B00U8CR2KG

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynn Steward, a veteran of the New York fashion industry and a buyer on the team that started the women’s department at Brooks Brothers, created the Dana McGarry series, set at a transformational time in the 1970s world of fashion and in the lives of multigenerational women. What Might Have Been is the second volume in the series. A Very Good Life, Steward’s debut novel, was published in March 2014.

LynnSteward.com

Pinterest.com/LynnStewardny

Facebook.com/LynnStewardnyc

Twitter: @LynnStewardNY

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 8

True to his word he returned quickly but had a frown on his face.

“What's wrong?”

He crossed his arms. “The nurse said you could only have ice cream if you eat proper food first.” He dropped his arms and sighed.

“So we will just have to eat proper food before we can have dessert.”

David turned when he heard laughter coming from her room, distracted from his call. When the man said his name again, he closed his eyes for a moment. “Okay. Don't panic. I will be there as soon as I can.”

After he rang off, he spotted Phyllis coming towards him.

“Good morning, Mother.”

She smiled as he kissed her cheek. “And how is our patient?”

He waved her inside and followed. “Why don't you ask her yourself?”

“I have to go. There is a problem at the factory on Main street. Jeff, don't you have a concert to prepare for?”

Jeff looked at his watch. “Yeah, gotta go. The damn conductor is a pain in the butt.”

He kissed Amethyst and Phyllis on the cheek. “Sorry, ladies, the great Jefferson Morecroft has a concert hall that awaits his genius.”

The women laughed at his antics, and David envied his brother's easy going personality. Despite his drama queen act, he was a great guy.

He turned to the women. “I will see you later. Mom, a moment please?”

Phyllis patted Amethyst's leg. “You relax, and I will be right back.”

Outside her room, David rubbed his forehead.

“There is a labour strike threatening at the factory. Could you please look after Amethyst? Make sure she eats properly?”

Phyllis nodded. “Of course, don't worry.”

He turned then stopped. “One more thing: find out what the hell she was doing at the house.”

Ignoring his mother's scowl at his language, he dug out his car keys and left.

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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 7

With Jeff leading the way, the two men quietly entered the room. David stood back and watched his brother with the young woman. Amethyst. A most unusual name. She looked even more fragile against the pale bed linen. More subdued. Perhaps still feeling the after-effects of the anesthesia.

“Hi,” Jeff said taking her healthy hand in his. “How are you feeling?”

She gave him a tired smile. “Thirsty.”

David spotted the glass with water and straw on the other side of the bed. He came closer and lifted it to her lips. The bed was already raised to make it easier.

“Here,” he said. “Drink slowly at first, okay?”

She turned her head towards him and blinked slowly as if to make sense of him. When she licked her dry lips and wrapped them around the straw he was holding, he felt a kick in his gut.

Maybe not for the first time, but now he couldn't help but see how beautiful she was. He reached out and gently put one hand over hers to help her hold the glass.

Her eyes smiled at him. They were still a little fuzzy after the operation. They were a deep blue and too large for her face.

Tim might have reported facts to them, but she was underweight and he would guess because she had skipped meals too often. He tightened his hand, making her eyes go wide.

“Sorry,” he said quietly. “Have you had enough?”

She let go of the straw. “Thanks.”

Somehow he thought she did that only because he asked, making him feel like a dog.

Jeff had been observing the other two in silence. He was sure that they had forgotten that he as there and it made him smile inside.

David was a hard nut to crack, and he had never seen him look at a woman the way he was doing now like he wanted to lock her up and keep her safe from all the bad things in this world. Their dad had been the same when it came to his family.

A loud noise broke the soft silence. David cursed under his breath. He put the glass on the bedside table and reached inside his pocket.

Judging by the look on his face, it was work matters.

“Excuse me.”

Amethyst's eyes followed him out of the room before she remembered about Jeff.

She fiddled with the blanket. He smiled at her adorable embarrassment.

He touched her shoulder for a moment. “Hey, I know it's almost lunch, but I have a hankering for custard and ice cream. Would you like some too?”

The near desperate look he saw on her face, made his heart ache, but he decided to keep it light. “Since we own this place, the staff will give you anything you like, so what do you say?”

A smile lit up her face. “That would be nice.”

“I will be right back. Don't go away now.”

She laughed softly and shook her head. “I won't.”

Linzé's Mischief: 24 July 2016

It isn't every day that I cannot make up my mind about something. I have several hobbies and as a result of those, always have a problem to store all the items associated with each hobby.
So earlier in the week I spotted a makeup trolley at an online store. It was expensive, but it would suit my needs perfectly to organise and store all the thread, fabric, needles and even magazines for all the cross-stitch stuff that I have. But I couldn't decide.
On Friday morning, the website told me the item wasn't available anymore and I went, phew! problem solved. But, as luck would have it, they still stock of the trolley in black. Amazingly enough, this time, my first choice had been the silver instead of the black colour. Be that as it may, they had stock. If the other colour was sold out, price notwithstanding, I had to decide if I really wanted the trolley.
Unlike the silver coloured item, the black trolley link showed more detail of the interior of the drawers and separators. I should have paid more attention the first time around, because if I did, it would have saved me the agony of indecisiveness for three days. The trolley won't work for what I want it for. Damn.
So back to searching for more options. I found plastic storage containers in the end, and while they are not perfect, they will do the job just as well. And at a much more affordable price too.
If all goes to plan, they will be delivered next week (I have ordered another item that they didn't have in stock, so it will take a few days) and then I can start reorganising my home office. Hopefully, there will be more workspace when all the thread and fabrics are properly stored, instead of dumped on the second desk.

Airbrush kit

I undertook another search, this time for an airbrush kit for a painting project. After consulting a few artistic colleagues, I decided to buy my own. It was a bit of a battle, these things were more expensive than what people told me, but I found a kit at a tool retailer. And it was very reasonable priced.
It can be used with a compressor (I bought it with a can of pressurised air) so if I like the result, and can master the technique, of course, I can utilise Francois' compressor for any future projects.
But that is for next week. I still have to finish my Camp NaNoWriMo project and validate it before I can tackle the art competition with my new airbrush.

Wishing you a terrific week ahead,
Linzé

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 6

Jeff entered the waiting room holding a cup of coffee and a box.

“Have you asked her yet?”

David shook his head as he took the food, before uncapping the coffee. “After the operation, there will be enough time. Did Tim get the financial report?”

Jeff sighed and pulled out his mobile phone. He scrolled to his email. “Yeah. His initial assessment was right. Our little trespasser earns a minimum wage and spends most of it on rent and food.”

He glanced up at his brother. “She barely eats judging by the numbers. The company that employs her provides their employees with a basic lunch every day, but I don't think it is intended to be their main meal of the day.”

David listened as he sipped his coffee. The meal was forgotten on the seat next to him.

“What are you saying?”

Jeff shrugged. “I think we could offer her a job.”

David turned his head. “She hasn't even finished high school.”

“I know that.”

He sighed. “I just thought that we could help her that's all. She seems like a nice person and not star struck by your reputation. Maybe if she was given a better opportunity, she could finish her formal education.”

David frowned. “I hate that damn label.”

Jeff slapped his shoulder. “So do I. Do you know how many women want to cuddle up to me just so they can meet you?”

David winced. “Sorry about that, I didn't know.”

Jeff shrugged. “Yeah, well. Hey, I have an idea!”

“I don't like it when you get that expression on your face. What the hell have you cooked up now?”

Jeff grinned. “You could marry her.”

“What?! What have you been putting in your coffee?”

The younger Morecroft stopped smiling. “Think about it. You are not the playboy bachelor the tabloids make you out to be. You want a family and a home life like Mom and Dad, and the women that you usually meet definitely have no such plans.”

David didn't argue. Jeff was a concert pianist and worked just as hard as he did to make a success of his professional life. But that success came at a price. Jeff might be the easygoing one, but deep down David knew his brother also wanted what their parents had.

Their parents had made their life work for them. Mom had been a teacher until she married a successful businessman and became a society wife. But she did it for them, not because of the prestige. When Dad passed away, she withdrew from her public obligations and focused on the literacy foundation that had been her passion.

“Why don't you marry her?” he asked instead.

“Because she doesn't look at me the way she looks at you, brother. She might not be drooling over your suit like the Barbie doll of last night, but I think she likes you.”

David didn't want to think about the woman who practically propositioned him the previous night. It happened all the time and to be honest, he was sick of it.

He attended the event with Jeff because it supported a music school for underprivileged children and the Morecroft Foundation was a major donor. He almost smiled when he recalled the children's faces when they got to play silly duets with a world famous pianist.

Jeff had a point as much as he hated to admit it.

He wondered if Amethyst liked children.

“You are thinking about it, aren't you?”

David shrugged as the doctor interrupted their conversation.

“I had to put pins into the broken fingers since her bone density is low. If she follows the instructions I left with the nurse, she should regain full use of her hand without problems.”

“Thanks, Doug.”

The doctor smiled. “Anytime.”

“How is Clarisse doing in the new school?”

Doug's smile widened. “Thanks to you and Jeff, my daughter is blooming. Trust me, I still have to hear how her 'uncles saved her from that dreadful establishment'.”

The men burst out laughing.

“Sounds like she found the classics.”

Doug shook his head. “You have no idea. Last week it was Dickens. I shudder to think who she will be quoting next week.”

They shook hands before the surgeon lifted a ringing phone from his pocket. “Hi hon,” he answered as he left the room.

A nurse came to tell them that they could see Amethyst.

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Linzé's Mischief: 17 July 2016

I often forget how much I love a good story. Being too immersed in everyday stuff, and then spending my free time writing, my reading time is often limited and during Camp NaNoWriMo, it is nonexistent.

Except this weekend. Aside from writing these words to you today, I have not written a single word since Friday evening.

Of course, there were some laundry and things to do, but I took my iPad everywhere with me when I left the house. Even took it to bed to read, while my husband was asleep next to me. Unlike my Kindle, I can read the iPad in the dark, so as not to disturb Francois' sleep. No need for both of us to lose sleep over a book.

I really liked the stories I read (I am busy reading an anthology, entitled Alphas Love Curves) and still have to finish the last one.

The good story I was referring to, is The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks. Another thing I don't usually do: watch TV. Which I did this afternoon, to watch the movie version of this story.

Being a writer also makes me watch a movie with different eyes. When that started happening I cannot say for sure, but it is as if I am more aware - more aware of the elements of good story telling: characters, conflict, tension, etc.

But it also makes me appreciate a good story more too. I wasn't wearing my glasses at the start of the movie so I had to stand fairly close to the TV so I could see what was going on. I think I stood there for about an hour before I rushed off to get my glasses to sit and watch the rest of it. My back had been hurting the whole day so standing wasn't a chore. But standing still for such a long time wasn't helping.

But I couldn't leave. I had to know what was going to happen next. Only when my back hurt too much, did I find my glasses.

And that is what a good story should be, don't you think? Captivating. It should hold the attention of the viewer, or reader, to the extent that only physical pain or discomfort forced you to do something else.

While The Longest Ride did not involve car chases or high action drama, the story was human, bull riding scenes notwithstanding. It felt real. I cried, dammit!

And yet, when it was over it was as if I had gained something too. Something beautiful had existed in my busy life for an hour and a half. Maybe I had a moment of transformation. Maybe I came away thinking that there is still a place for something akin to hope and joy in this ugly, violent and greedy world of ours.

Maybe I am being wistful or foolish. Then again, why not?

While I was ahead of my word count target on my Camp NaNoWriMo project, that advantage has shrunk quite a bit. So back to the computer for a few hundred words tonight.

May your week ahead be filled with joy and beauty everywhere you look.

Linzé

International Author's Day - Blog Hop

What is it about the mystery of a book that appeals to so many of us?

I am of an age now that I cannot remember not reading, or wanting to read. Books have always been a huge part of my life. Only when we moved into the house we live in now (almost 16 years come October) did we have enough space to have an actual library. Even when we viewed the house initially this odd little room screamed library to me.

Fitted with shelves from floor to ceiling on three walls, it is something special to me. The window has no coverings, making it an ideal spot to sit and read in natural light. I would often put two chairs facing each other when I am alone at home - one chair for my butt, the other for my feet. The room is too small to leave the chairs permanently like that.

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I also like to draw or paint in the library because of the light in the first place, but it just feels like the best place to be creative among all these wonderful words.

But it is primarily a place to sit and read. These days I cannot devour enough cozy mysteries to satisfy my craving for them. I still read the odd romance, and science fiction novel, but the mystery sleuth always gets my attention first.

I love the characters in these novels. Ordinary people who do things that I like to do upon occasion: knit, grow their own fruit (I have a vegetable garden), run their own business, be part of a writers group and so on. I love the way their stories grow with the series.

Their friends and relationships, and the support they give each other in good and bad times. Their good and bad choices and how things don't always work out the way they hoped. Cozy mystery novels are primarily a character based story, with the odd murder thrown in to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Who dunnit? Some authors like to drop tiny crumbs throughout the story, others like to play their cards closer to their chests, until the end.

I like to see if I can spot the clues. I like the 'realness' of the characters and the settings. Even though I have never been to a lighthouse library, or walked on a beach with a French poodle, or waded through an apple orchard in picking season, the authors made it happen for me too.

Their sleuths had to rely on logic, some well thought out questions and a few moments of gut instinct to find the killer, usually to save a friend or a close acquaintance from being locked for a murder they didn't commit.

Some part of the stories are predictable - the murderer will be found, and the sleuth will always carry on, but that is also what I love about them. Happy endings do not happen so often in real life, so the relaxing escape into a world where it does exist is exactly the reason I can spend hours with my feet up, coffee mug close and struggling through the pages with the sleuth to solve yet another murder.

The end.

In celebration of International Authors' Day you can find all my books discounted (no coupon required) until the end of the month - grab them all, since I am not going to do it again for a long time.

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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 5

I woke up groggy and hungry. My first thought was that I was going to be late for work when my body reminded me that I was in a hospital.

I lifted my bandaged hand and peeked at my fingertips. They were swollen and all kinds of horrible colours. I put it down and tried to reach the bell. It must have fallen off the bed.

It took some effort, and not without pain, to sit upright. Before I could swing my legs over, a warm hand fell on my shoulder.

I must have been too sleepy because he didn't scare me.

“David,” I said. I could feel the blush rising in my face. “I mean, Mr. Morecroft. Good morning.”

I felt like an idiot and shut my mouth. What was he doing here?

Instead of saying anything, he bent down and lifted the bell where it hung from its cable. I watched him press the button. A nurse came inside.

Embarrassed, I waved her closer. “I need to go,” I whispered, fervently hoping that he wasn't listening.

She nodded and helped me to stand. My ankle was strapped making it less painful to walk. After the fuss I had made last night about using a bedpan, she simply pushed her shoulder underneath mine, and helped me to the toilet.

Back in the room, having hobbled holding onto the rail, my audience was still there.

Once the nurse had helped me get back into bed, and rearranged the covers, David came closer.

“The surgeon will be here within the hour. We have contacted your employer and gave them the news. Your boss, a Mr. Henry, said that you have enough sick leave available so your job is not in jeopardy.”

I avoided looking at him as I thanked him. Mr. Henry hated his job and as a result made his employees' lives miserable if things were not to his liking. My being in the hospital would not be to his liking. I would need to look for another job when I was released.

I didn't mention that to David. I am grateful that the Morecrofts was doing this for me, but I didn't want more of their charity.

“Is there someone we can call for you. A friend? Husband?”

“No, it's okay.”

I know I sounded dismissive, but there was truly no one to call. I wasn't close to anyone I knew, and I preferred it that way.

Soon after a different nurse came to prepare me for the operation.

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