tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83665894712161544512024-03-05T23:58:18.639-05:00Twenty-Six KeysThe life and times of author Rayne ForrestRayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-17468518149687789492018-10-24T01:00:00.000-04:002018-10-24T01:00:01.927-04:00Across Time by Rayne Forrest for the Midweek Tease<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhah5fC0JB-hYNZ0Ynud569o9LUt6TGhFNSQTB9-gPoNUPXz6GKWqs1k6oSoQY9YFIRpJ95n1Im3zP8aTDa_Fz4Bs-ebIXMuzQhWPktoZhvnzmiCycy3vDVJ7dektkbvXbs-Mw0bnqQTKNF/s1600-r/MWTease15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhah5fC0JB-hYNZ0Ynud569o9LUt6TGhFNSQTB9-gPoNUPXz6GKWqs1k6oSoQY9YFIRpJ95n1Im3zP8aTDa_Fz4Bs-ebIXMuzQhWPktoZhvnzmiCycy3vDVJ7dektkbvXbs-Mw0bnqQTKNF/s1600-r/MWTease15.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>Welcome to the Midweek Tease blog hop! This is the first time I've joined in as Rayne, and it's </b><b>long overdue.</b><br />
<b><br /></b> <b><a href="http://midweektease.blogspot.com/">The Midweek Tease blog hop</a> is hosted by Angelica Dawson. Be sure to check out the other participating blogs by using the linky list at the end of this post. This blog hop is open to authors, so if you are one, be sure to check it out at midweektease.blogspot.com. The info is there.</b><br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Here's a tease from Across Time. Enjoy!</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8n_9X9DmoNYmOpVlVbI5Dq29Vm8C4K0I9igw_5HMAUdJKa1blC1lKXIoqxBpxP5K7R_kEI60bmv6RlN4biUKrs4y4L0foQC9Hvh5X-ZapfoH1iGkYw0uazScJFTh5JqM4QKO9RnirkRW/s1600/Across+Time+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8n_9X9DmoNYmOpVlVbI5Dq29Vm8C4K0I9igw_5HMAUdJKa1blC1lKXIoqxBpxP5K7R_kEI60bmv6RlN4biUKrs4y4L0foQC9Hvh5X-ZapfoH1iGkYw0uazScJFTh5JqM4QKO9RnirkRW/s320/Across+Time+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<b>_*_*_*_</b><br />
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<br />
<div class="AQPGalley" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Devin quickly gathered his gear and headed for their best shuttle. The Moira was powering up as he tossed his pack behind the pilot’s seat and strapped in. Greg Roland didn’t bother to acknowledge him, just flipped a few switches to bring the pilot’s boards active. Devin ran the sequence checks, then ordered the bay depressurized and the huge doors opened. Lack of gravity took over. The Moira rose a scant six inches from the deck and the Stargazer slid out from under her.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<i><b>It didn’t take long for the call from the Avery McKenna to come. Rose had followed protocol to notify other orbiting ships of a shuttle launch and that a ship’s captain was onboard. Devin grinned wolfishly as Corri’s voice filled the shuttle.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“What do you think you’re doing, Tremaine?”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="AQPGalley" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>“Well, hello, Corrine. Fancy meeting you way out here.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“Listen, you son of a bitch. You land that shuttle on Adhara VII and I will personally take you into custody.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>He didn’t think he’d mind that too very much, especially if she used handcuffs.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“Your momma needs to go get her money back from that fancy finishing school she sent you to. Tsk, tsk. Such language.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“You are not funny. Park that shuttle anywhere but back on that piece of garbage you fly and I’ll have to arrest you.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>He could challenge her on that because there was no way she had a warrant. Carlton would have covered such a contingency. “Show me your open authorization to arrest anyone on Adhara VII and show me your open warrant on me, in particular.” The silence on the other end of the transmission was evidence her bluff had been called.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“You keep away from Dr. Winston and his team. You stay away from my personnel. And you stay away from me, Tremaine.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“I’d love to stay away from you. I have every intention of staying away from you. As for the rest of it, you’d better tell Winston to steer clear of my people. Cooperation is a two-way street, and if your people don’t respect mine, I’ll personally order them to stand up for themselves.” Let her stew about that, he thought smugly.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="AQPGalley" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>“You idiot! You can’t give them permission to start brawls!”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“Sure I can. My people have brains, Dunn. The military hasn’t sucked the gray matter out of their skulls and replaced it with rhetoric. They can actually think for themselves. And they’ll know if they’ve been insulted.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“This is serious, Devin. You stay away from Winston or I’ll have to take appropriate action.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“Your actions are always appropriate, aren’t they?”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“You bastard.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“I do lack parental units, that’s true.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>Devin grinned as the com link went dead. “That went well, didn’t it?” he said to Greg. Behind him, Meredith snorted.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="AQPGalley" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>“I don’t know, Devin,” Greg replied. “Did it?”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>Devin ignored them and rose to check on the crew riding down to the surface in the cargo bay.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i><b>“What did I just hear?” Greg asked Meredith innocently, as soon as Devin disappeared.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
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<i><b>Meredith grinned at him. “Foreplay.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b>ACROSS TIME</b></div>
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<b>Sci-fi romance</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Corri Dunn has the posting of a lifetime as captain of the Avery McKenna, but she had to give up the man she loves to have it. When she’s ordered to transport an archaeological team to Adhara VII, she finds he’s arrived ahead of her. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Devin Tremaine lost the love of his life five years ago when a younger Corri chose her career over his love. As captain of the Stargazer, he’s ordered to secretly transport a mercenary to Adhara VII - knowing Corri will soon be there.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Passion burns brightly between the reunited lovers, but trust returns more slowly. Years of longing for each other, and second-guessing their abandonment of each other has left them treading on shaky ground.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>When the mysterious Ori-Arkee visits Corri, she must turn to Devin for help. Together, they embark on a quest to discover the secrets of Adhara VII and discover they’ve found more than the way back to each other and a completely vanished civilization. They’ve stumbled on the way across time…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>ACROSS TIME</b></div>
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<b><o:p> </o:p>Available at:</b></div>
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<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><o:p> </o:p>Amazon: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Across-Time-Rayne-Forrest-ebook/dp/B01FR14LQU">www.amazon.com/Across-Time-Rayne-Forrest-ebook/dp/B01FR14LQU</a></span></b></div>
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<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>iTunes/Apple: <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1114396792">itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1114396792</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Barnes and Noble: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/across-time-rayne-forrest/1006854086">www.barnesandnoble.com/w/across-time-rayne-forrest/1006854086</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Kobo: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/across-time-7">www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/across-time-7</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <b>Rayne Forrest</b><br />
<a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_AcrossTime.html"><b>kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_AcrossTime.html</b></a><br />
<br />
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=287947" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->KC Kendrickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710305809896296828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-82292562219911486142016-12-29T09:57:00.000-05:002016-12-29T09:57:56.195-05:00Prophecy<b>It's become more difficult to be an indie author. On the afternoon of December 28, 2016, Lori James, owner of All Romance eBooks, sent out emails that she is closing her storefront. She cited the reason as being the company would post its first financial loss for 2016. </b><br />
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<b>I have questions. Many, many questions. I'll let that go for now.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>As always, it's the authors who end up with the real loss. We've lost a valued (and we thought trustworthy) source to market our books. We are now pushed even farther into Amazon's loving embrace. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Amazon is not the author's friend no matter how benign it appears on the surface. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>There's been discussion for many years that sooner or later Amazon will be the only game in town. With the closing of ARE, it's one step closer to being a reality. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Be careful what you give away for free. Free is not without cost, and that cost is the authors themselves. I know a handful who are dropping out, too exhausted to continue. Those voices have been silenced, and that's too high a cost to bear. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Rayne</b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-62094371541916863662016-11-24T18:58:00.000-05:002016-11-24T18:59:47.375-05:00Thanksgiving in new ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The "holidays" bring a set of expectations to the door. We all get the yearly visit. While the particulars vary, the overall similarities are part of the American culture. We celebrate and give thanks with family, friends, and food.</b></div>
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<b>The gatherings of my youth are but fond memories. The older generations, those people who passed the family name down, are gone. What remains of my parent's generation is fractured by death and ill health. My generation is equally scattered on holidays, busy with the younger generations of children and grandchildren. I have no biological children. My father has been gone for many years. My mother has Alzheimer's. The sister of my heart moved away. I am, for all intents and purposes, alone on this day, without blood relatives who share my memories. </b></div>
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<b>That's not to say I don't have people around me. My online posse is far-flung but wishes for a happy day arrived. My partner is the oldest of his siblings and we have an unconditional welcome at his youngest sister's house all days. </b></div>
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<b>Life goes on in different directions. We had a traditional Thanksgiving meal at the care facility with my mother. Afterward, we had traditional Thanksgiving dessert at his sister's house. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzTcEiWkcuEk0f8TpdDlqmLMn6hHzySFxBmSjgwILgXw9IwGmqspLXLkY0r0s6GZBIj-FGx0GBA3I98N9KOUiXL1_HAs8Uoqo3tb38NiMzKsNSoXKMghGcwbb9YRnPw0wyXmJNY470taZ/s1600/autumnbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzTcEiWkcuEk0f8TpdDlqmLMn6hHzySFxBmSjgwILgXw9IwGmqspLXLkY0r0s6GZBIj-FGx0GBA3I98N9KOUiXL1_HAs8Uoqo3tb38NiMzKsNSoXKMghGcwbb9YRnPw0wyXmJNY470taZ/s320/autumnbridge.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>So while the day didn't unfold as in year's past, it was nonetheless a good day. I could be morose that the beautiful memories of yesteryear will not be re-lived, but I'm not. This is what I have now, today, and I count my many blessings. </b></div>
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<b>Now that my partner and I are finally home again and into our comfortable old clothes, it's time to call a few of my cousins. It's time to embrace a new normal and make it my own as I go forward in life. I'm sure it will provide a new set of Thanksgiving memories, and Thanksgiving opportunities to enjoy and to be thankful for. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Rayne</b><br />
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/">rayneforrest.blogspot.com</a></b></div>
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Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-27665988475118745232016-11-02T01:00:00.000-04:002018-10-23T11:13:17.706-04:00They stole my story!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1btnoQjtkVTZmrIOSPBGdcHtpi8VaDrjK6ZKeIE_k1_JDmIwg5WXfMYmQqcq4KTO90V7BFs1WYo_N4eARNIKDFyCJXcplTPbzXwHZDv1GclTf_3L08ma3BxITkrAy60SniYTFMbwQkjsg/s1600/InsecureWritersSupportGroup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1btnoQjtkVTZmrIOSPBGdcHtpi8VaDrjK6ZKeIE_k1_JDmIwg5WXfMYmQqcq4KTO90V7BFs1WYo_N4eARNIKDFyCJXcplTPbzXwHZDv1GclTf_3L08ma3BxITkrAy60SniYTFMbwQkjsg/s200/InsecureWritersSupportGroup2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>The Insecure Writer’s Support Group</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><b>http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com</b></a></div>
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<b>There you are. It’s a rainy evening and you’ve written over one
thousand words in the current work-in-progress. You’re winding it down for
the day. A little surfing at your favorite online bookseller is in order. You
can download a new book and tottle off to bed to do a little reading. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMoogyQmiJs/VZ7_XbSRM4I/AAAAAAAAEBo/2FC779Ben8I/s1600/med_CatNamedHercules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b></b></a><b>Not so fast. There is YOUR cover on someone else’s book! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Okay, okay. You know everyone and their sister is buying cover stock from a very limited available pool of quality stock. You just have to grin and bear it and remember you bought
that cover stock because the guy is pretty sexy. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>So you scroll a few more pages
and then it happens. Holy crap! SOMEONE STOLE YOUR TITLE!!! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Well, it’s not exactly your title. Your
title’s The Alpha’s Broken Finger and this - this - this THIEF used The Alpha’s
Broken Toe. And you can't copyright titles and names. But dammit! That’s awfully close. And both stories are about how
his mate, be that mate male or female, saves him. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What the heck is
going on?? Is this something serious or did we simply inspire another writer? Haven't we all gotten inspiration from someone else somewhere along the line? Who hasn't read a story and been blown away by a particular turn of a phrase and then had it creep into our usage? </b><br />
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<b>Plagiarism is a risk we all take when we publish a book.
While I wrote the above tongue-in-cheek, the theft of intellectual property is
no laughing matter. The honest among us have all seen covers and stories so
similar to our own that the hair on our arms raises in alarm, disgust and
anger. It’s not a good feeling. So what do we do about it?</b><br />
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<b>The serious among us view our work as both creation and business. There are steps we can take if we’ve been pirated (DMCA letters) or suspect plagiarism (an attorney versed in the applicable laws). One of the sad truths about this business is it’s stacked against the author. We do the work of creation and everyone makes a profit on our backs.</b></div>
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<b>I could let the ugliness of theft stop me from writing, but I won’t. I could put my money into lawyer fees (and if seriously pissed off I will). I submit DMCA letters albeit in a lazy fashion. For better or for worse I’ve accepted the risk because I believe Karma exists.</b><br />
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<b>If we accuse another writer of plagiarism and it turns out
to be a weird coincidence, we’ve gained an enemy, one unlikely to ever forget.
And do we want to apply the stigma of plagiarism to someone else who may have
simply had a similar idea? How would we feel if we were unjustly accused of
such a thing?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I know that sooner or later savvy readers will catch on and
avoid suspect “authors.” The problem of <i>deliberate, premeditated theft</i> is so pervasive that even with a
hundred thousand keyboards raised against it, it’s not going to go away. And
that’s not right and that’s not fair.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The best thing I can do is put my energy into writing the
next story and not dwell on the inequities of this business. I could allow it
to discourage me, but I won’t. I do what I do for the honest readers and there
are enough of them left to keep me going. And that will just have to be good
enough until karma kicks butt. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b><br />
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/">rayneforrest.blogspot.com</a></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>(This is a modified version of a post that was written for another venue in 2015.)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMHTvRnXQvl1Z4TBzcYZlnS5gyZIMK1UkJqou_W83H_7gBoK1PQSxtW_nQhaAmHaPomYROsw7t8TwwlfOq0NghAkJBm3IHkHojmjaELsJbO8NsS7m1wExziYFdYXSx98pBCx51nBcMHI/s1600/Across+Time+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMHTvRnXQvl1Z4TBzcYZlnS5gyZIMK1UkJqou_W83H_7gBoK1PQSxtW_nQhaAmHaPomYROsw7t8TwwlfOq0NghAkJBm3IHkHojmjaELsJbO8NsS7m1wExziYFdYXSx98pBCx51nBcMHI/s200/Across+Time+COVER.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Science fiction romance</b><br />
<b>Time travel romance</b></div>
Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-55501394545343242722016-10-05T00:30:00.000-04:002016-10-05T00:30:07.562-04:00Drop back and punt<b>Being a list maker, I had a plan for today. But life is hectic. On top of the day job and my partner's health, my mother is now in a care facility. </b><div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Sooooo....... I'm going to refer you to the <a href="http://kckendricks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Between the Keys</a> blog today. </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Stop by and see KC Kendricks for this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group. The topic is email etiquette. </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Maybe not standard operating procedure, but some days you just do the best you can and move on.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Rayne</b></div>
Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-59820386682600364182016-09-07T00:30:00.000-04:002016-09-07T00:30:08.981-04:00Sustainability (IWSG) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ABm0XBW8Vg7h-BzR0TPsob9XmoOLXAv_o49GwL94qOq6EiJS7S6Dmi0quVUgMUw-Y8jeSDJvqLDLbNUAD1MS74KWpwJhWntNAf-b-9jUrUUPr7utg2fGymbbr_HBeRtQhn6teh9CAbE/s1600/InsecureWritersSupportGroup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ABm0XBW8Vg7h-BzR0TPsob9XmoOLXAv_o49GwL94qOq6EiJS7S6Dmi0quVUgMUw-Y8jeSDJvqLDLbNUAD1MS74KWpwJhWntNAf-b-9jUrUUPr7utg2fGymbbr_HBeRtQhn6teh9CAbE/s200/InsecureWritersSupportGroup2.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Sustainability is something authors must strive for if they want to achieve the creation of a body of work. It's something I struggle with as Rayne Forrest. When I began, it was easy. Now it's not. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I still have the desire to write, but I'm no longer willing to spend hours sequestered with the computer as my only company. There are simply too many other things that require my presence. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>At this writing, I have seven books that need to be published as second editions. I didn't set out to be an indie author, but there's really very little choice these days as I no longer trust publishers. Based on sales numbers, I even wonder about the last one I was with. That's number of units sold, not dollar amounts, by the way. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>In less than five years I plan to "retire" from the workforce. That doesn't mean I'll sit on my ass all day. I'm looking forward to some traveling, expanding the work on my genealogy, and applying for DAR membership. And yes, being able to write. Until then, I fear I will continue to grapple with sustainability. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I can't change much of what is happening in my life. I can only ride it out and make time when I can. But what I can do, and will do, is not whip myself over those things I can't control. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Perhaps that's the real key to sustainability. Accepting the ebb and flow of life and time, and making the best of every opportunity. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Rayne</b><br />
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/2016/01/rayne-forrests-bookshelf-february-2016.html" target="_blank">Rayne's bookshelf</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Across Time - sci fi romance available <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Across-Time-Rayne-Forrest-ebook/dp/B01FR14LQU?ie=UTF8&keywords=rayne%20forrest%20across%20time&qid=1464893029&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">at Amazon</a></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMHTvRnXQvl1Z4TBzcYZlnS5gyZIMK1UkJqou_W83H_7gBoK1PQSxtW_nQhaAmHaPomYROsw7t8TwwlfOq0NghAkJBm3IHkHojmjaELsJbO8NsS7m1wExziYFdYXSx98pBCx51nBcMHI/s1600/Across+Time+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMHTvRnXQvl1Z4TBzcYZlnS5gyZIMK1UkJqou_W83H_7gBoK1PQSxtW_nQhaAmHaPomYROsw7t8TwwlfOq0NghAkJBm3IHkHojmjaELsJbO8NsS7m1wExziYFdYXSx98pBCx51nBcMHI/s200/Across+Time+COVER.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-9955006748741879952016-08-03T00:30:00.000-04:002016-08-03T00:30:04.918-04:00IWSG: Voice <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS39j2zCLlmtjCkbnFuaFEsvGaOtTVG9EDjgjBWtkOvkEbZGzFweRNJafr8rldtDNYlpRnHAiUZKAb1yOXWOZIKMiS4ySYqDS9IpMRDt3Xr5XOdeXt7Jf91sIIResTjIeXlkJyOFo9c4/s1600/InsecureWritersSupportGroup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS39j2zCLlmtjCkbnFuaFEsvGaOtTVG9EDjgjBWtkOvkEbZGzFweRNJafr8rldtDNYlpRnHAiUZKAb1yOXWOZIKMiS4ySYqDS9IpMRDt3Xr5XOdeXt7Jf91sIIResTjIeXlkJyOFo9c4/s200/InsecureWritersSupportGroup2.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Insecure Writer's Support Group</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/">http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com</a>/</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The writer’s voice. We read about it, talk about it, angst
over it, and yet we struggle to define exactly what it is. I once read where
voice is a literary term that describes a writer’s style (style being defined
by the use of character development, dialogue, syntax and diction). </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’m a simple girl. For me, voice is where the ‘telling’ of
the story and the ‘showing’ of the action blend. The more seamless the blend,
the better the finished story. Voice is each author’s unique and individual
style of bringing the reader inside the story to the same place as the author.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A writer’s voice will show some of their inner character and
personality. The characters created often reflect some of the writer’s
attitudes. How can they not? Laying yourself bare for the reader isn’t easy.
It’s a gradual process, one you can move through at your own pace. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When a writer is just starting out, everyone encourages
her/him to develop their voice. The only way to do that is to write so the
voice can emerge and develop. The time it takes to do that is another reason
aspiring writers get so frustrated with the industry. It takes as long as it
takes, so be patient. Remember - there are no worthwhile shortcuts to success. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Over the years, my voice has matured. I see it as a matter
of gaining confidence - I’m no longer afraid to sound like myself. Having the
reader come and sit in the same spot from where I wrote the story is no longer
scary. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Whether it’s conscious or not, everything we do as authors
strengthens our voice. Making each story better than the last is ingrained in
our psyche. We constantly strive toward that goal, collectively and
individually. We nurture our voice, and our ultimate reward has nothing to do
with money. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s reading a book and, at the end, saying, “Wow. I wrote
that.” </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>rayneforrest.blogspot.com</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-19701317725860191582016-07-06T00:00:00.000-04:002016-07-06T00:00:10.683-04:00IWSG: We Must Respect Our Own Worth<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS39j2zCLlmtjCkbnFuaFEsvGaOtTVG9EDjgjBWtkOvkEbZGzFweRNJafr8rldtDNYlpRnHAiUZKAb1yOXWOZIKMiS4ySYqDS9IpMRDt3Xr5XOdeXt7Jf91sIIResTjIeXlkJyOFo9c4/s1600/InsecureWritersSupportGroup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS39j2zCLlmtjCkbnFuaFEsvGaOtTVG9EDjgjBWtkOvkEbZGzFweRNJafr8rldtDNYlpRnHAiUZKAb1yOXWOZIKMiS4ySYqDS9IpMRDt3Xr5XOdeXt7Jf91sIIResTjIeXlkJyOFo9c4/s200/InsecureWritersSupportGroup2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Insecure Writer's Support Group</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/">http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When I first got into this crazy business of publishing, as
opposed to writing, I was stunned by some of the ideas put forth as “truths.”
But being a newbie, I ducked my head and kept writing. It didn’t change the real
truth, one that too many writers either forget or never figured out. One very
serious problem I’ve witnessed over and over throughout my years of being a
published author is that too few of us realize our own value. This must change
- and it is changing.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>There is no one more important to the publishing world than
the author.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The entire publishing industry rises and falls with those
authors willing to publish their intellectual property. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Without the author, there are no stories. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Without the author, there are no books.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Without the author, there are no readers. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Without the author, there is no publishing.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Each and every one of us is absolutely vital to our
industry. There are no exceptions.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Each and every one of us has something so unique to offer
that only the individual can provide it. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Each and every one of us is deserving of the respect of our
peers and our publishers. We are created equal and that equality has nothing to
do with sales numbers. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Each and every one of us is entitled to the protection of
copyright. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s 2016. Publishers need authors far more than authors
need publishers. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Let us always remember: Authors are the publishing industry.
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>We must respect our own worth. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Rayne</b></span><br />
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-72327373292998270472016-05-07T14:52:00.000-04:002016-05-07T14:52:36.013-04:00Across Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae1BL1_lWI9P_iO0EI72IvnuJeETvY7e-pPmX3MfoPd6Hw0m_nTBQz7ICFPw2cpu9o8x_qbMJ4ngKfaJ8kIRyqLEjNVkoLqBd4RFwgy2Sge5wj9SwF2Jdko1yzEdBUf7I_hPvBOCjyCs/s1600/Across+Time+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae1BL1_lWI9P_iO0EI72IvnuJeETvY7e-pPmX3MfoPd6Hw0m_nTBQz7ICFPw2cpu9o8x_qbMJ4ngKfaJ8kIRyqLEjNVkoLqBd4RFwgy2Sge5wj9SwF2Jdko1yzEdBUf7I_hPvBOCjyCs/s320/Across+Time+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a><b>Across Time is a great story, if I do say so myself. Actually, good reviews and a Recommended Read say it, so maybe I'm just seconding the motion. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>It's taken me going indie to finally get it the cover it deserves. How'd I manage that? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The old adage applied. If you want something done, do it yourself. So I did. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Across Time will be available again soon with a cover that finally speaks to the story. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Rayne</b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-28657364529540995712016-04-30T07:30:00.000-04:002016-05-06T18:27:01.066-04:00Z is for Zest<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU4aqXcUjisZvaz4ZesqyFQ1oM7rvSZYDU-FU6_Fzv8IbWIVoLFQMGd3FTaQ7munz-sBO7FxjUZge1_azlRZOcJN6pzKo4lFKafYCOfK6HgN4he2532SAKRW0LGF9nUG6CyaD7iF1CmY/s1600/Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU4aqXcUjisZvaz4ZesqyFQ1oM7rvSZYDU-FU6_Fzv8IbWIVoLFQMGd3FTaQ7munz-sBO7FxjUZge1_azlRZOcJN6pzKo4lFKafYCOfK6HgN4he2532SAKRW0LGF9nUG6CyaD7iF1CmY/s1600/Z.jpg" /></a><b>It’s the last day of 2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge! It’s
been great fun to bring Rayne Forrest to the challenge, and I come to this last day quite pleased I’ve completed it as both Rayne and KC, every day on time. But I will admit I'm also looking
forward to a bit of a blogging break. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>While I had this entry up at a different blog a few years ago, it's still appropriate for today and for a new audience. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I appreciate meeting so many new people through both blogs. Each person brings
something to my life even if it’s just a fleeting comment on the blog. It’s
still a connection to someone else’s world and that’s the point of all. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Now on to ZEST.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Zest: a noun</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1. lively excitement : a feeling of enjoyment and enthusiasm</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2. a lively quality that increases enjoyment, excitement, or
energy</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3. small pieces of the skin of a lemon, orange, or lime that
are used to flavor food</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A new acquaintance once asked me if my apparent zest for
life was for real. A deeper friendship with this person never developed, which
is a shame. When we encounter each other we always speak, but her world has too
many gray corners for us to be bosom buddies. I fear she’d suck the zest out of
me if I let her in too far. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I do have a certain amount of zest for life. The small
things around me are a source of enjoyment, and often wonder. Every year I
eagerly await the first green tips of the bulbs breaking ground. It’s a ‘wow’
moment when I realize the mountain has taken on a reddish blush as the maples
prepare to bring forth their leaves. I feel the energy of the changing seasons
on a molecular level. It’s who I am. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My late grandfather lived every day until a month prior to his death with a zest for
life. He was born on the cusp of WWI and lived through WWII and the Great
Depression. He buried his wife, his parents and all his younger siblings. And yet,
until his eyesight failed, this man lived every day and looked forward to
tomorrow. This was my shining example of having a zest for life. I hope I
learned well the lessons he so lovingly taught. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I wish for all of you reading this that you also may have a
zest for life. I wish that you experience joy, no matter how small, no matter
from what source, in every day of your life. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thanks for being a part of my world in the 2016 A to Z
Blogging Challenge.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b><br />
<b><a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html">http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b></span>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-86720521503371828402016-04-29T04:29:00.000-04:002016-04-29T04:29:03.713-04:00Y is for You, the Critical Ingredient<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz-hof79hWj6XX0uojZKlYD1sn-tRiUNIli4RTZWNyoW67WDbMX78qWbTbl56gYQ-Rc197gpT2dYEa6EjdFwDd6xrtXacGOfZnU31QR5uZ02YDXGlWeCm6BGAMuX-32nUHjCiyRZ1ZRM/s1600/Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz-hof79hWj6XX0uojZKlYD1sn-tRiUNIli4RTZWNyoW67WDbMX78qWbTbl56gYQ-Rc197gpT2dYEa6EjdFwDd6xrtXacGOfZnU31QR5uZ02YDXGlWeCm6BGAMuX-32nUHjCiyRZ1ZRM/s1600/Y.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I have a very brief post for this next to the last day of
the 2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge.
It’s for </b><b>every writer out there, published or not. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>YOU are the critical ingredient. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Without you, <i>the writer</i>, there is no publishing industry.
There are no books, be they print or digital. Without the writer we begin to
lose knowledge. If we lose knowledge, the whole human experiment begins to unravel. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Never forget that you, the writer, has the power to change the world. </b></div>
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<b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html">http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-33804620255269611322016-04-28T04:28:00.000-04:002016-04-28T04:28:03.103-04:00X is for X Marks the Spot<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8XBK6WAIfroVAd1I2aWTMwYIZz2XJdggRK0f6qpRSSSKmL2xGroBSum8YW3AKwtjUv5TgZat6t33MM1oDi22XsvdL4r3_c7nviP_8xBfsvhfevwkra6Y7UBALmRFMJs0SNJFF6doAEg/s1600/X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8XBK6WAIfroVAd1I2aWTMwYIZz2XJdggRK0f6qpRSSSKmL2xGroBSum8YW3AKwtjUv5TgZat6t33MM1oDi22XsvdL4r3_c7nviP_8xBfsvhfevwkra6Y7UBALmRFMJs0SNJFF6doAEg/s1600/X.jpg" /></a><b>What do you want to accomplish as a writer? What mark, if
any, do you want to leave on the publishing world? There are as many responses
to the questions as writers. It doesn’t matter if no one else is privy to your
reply. This question is just for you. For a lot of people, myself included, one
easy answer won’t suffice, and I can only speak for me.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I think it’s important for people to understand what
motivates them to do something. I constantly examine the ‘whys’ of my actions
but I rarely share them. I don’t have to. My reasons are specific to my own
path. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The first novel I wrote has never been published. No, it’s
not that bad. I wanted to prove to myself I could write a story and so I wrote
it just for me. But that experience led to questions, namely could I do it
again? So I wrote a second novel, just for me, which lead to another question -
is there a possibility I could get published? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’ve passed the half-century mark and I know that writing
fame isn’t what I want. I had the good fortune to have a world famous author
move to my little hometown back in the early 1970s. The poor woman can’t make a
move without someone spotting her. I really don’t want to live like that.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“Journey” is an overused buzzword. So is “path.” I get tired
of hearing them - and using them. Ditto for “life experience.” The problem is I
can’t come up with anything better. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>All that happened a lot of years ago and it’s been a fun
ride to get to today. But somewhere along the line I realized that whatever
mark I make on the publishing world (or not) isn’t anywhere near as important
as the mark I make on myself. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>That’s the one that counts.
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html">http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-57662331303021861622016-04-27T04:27:00.000-04:002016-04-27T04:27:01.690-04:00 W is for Work<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYPrOKCwWLCBieBXj09v2cOtH5P1dpF8sQgPD4VdKzz_NaVoMcVTYey149Y6dEy2XvEAOZLw4SigMrGzYH7M4m7Q3jcIcOOdIWyhoblT-LWr13DX-227f7902ZPvBM12B6qhn8gsaXB4/s1600/W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYPrOKCwWLCBieBXj09v2cOtH5P1dpF8sQgPD4VdKzz_NaVoMcVTYey149Y6dEy2XvEAOZLw4SigMrGzYH7M4m7Q3jcIcOOdIWyhoblT-LWr13DX-227f7902ZPvBM12B6qhn8gsaXB4/s1600/W.jpg" /></a><b> Work is a four-letter word. I’ve been working for someone
else since I was sixteen. It’s not always </b><b>fun, but I’ve decided it’s not all
that difficult to get out of bed and go to work when I get paid to show
up. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My idea of fun is writing full time. That day is coming but, until then, I
work. According to my retirement countdown counter, I still have one thousand
days to go until I can tap my heels together and proclaim, "there's no place like home!"</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Working outside the home is a good thing on many levels. It
gets me out of the house. Time out in the world is something I’ll have to plan for once I
become a full time writer. Working in general keeps the mind engaged and
sharp whereas as being idle allows everything to atrophy. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’m enjoying the idea of working for myself. Whether or not
it will actually be as sweet as I imagine is yet to be proven. But for now I can
envision myself working in the garden in the morning when it’s cooler and working
on a story inside on hot afternoon. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What I can’t imagine is not working at all. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Strange, isn’t it? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html">http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-74080298610251580372016-04-26T04:26:00.000-04:002016-04-26T04:26:02.703-04:00V is for Variety<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-71FGcTxiNyTSHTFOhopX-pC0FHPmY4Lx6p95DVBZyhHQN50sdQXOjK39DhkGRRi9y7eemHWwLrxtWTHmHa77-9NP5SQbghD-mmoM5EdlLWcr42dE-Nt1erNdbh_rz9EMjN309Z5MeE/s1600/V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-71FGcTxiNyTSHTFOhopX-pC0FHPmY4Lx6p95DVBZyhHQN50sdQXOjK39DhkGRRi9y7eemHWwLrxtWTHmHa77-9NP5SQbghD-mmoM5EdlLWcr42dE-Nt1erNdbh_rz9EMjN309Z5MeE/s1600/V.jpg" /></a><b> Someone once said, and has now been quoted endlessly, that
“variety is the spice of life.” That may </b><b>be true, but sometimes one can have a
bit too much spice in the dish and muddle the flavors. Variety, to the writer,
can be a double-edged sword.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Most writers excel at a particular type of story but that
doesn’t mean they don’t yearn to expand into other genres. As Rayne Forrest, I
write contemporary romance, romance set in the near future, and sci-fi romance.
Yes, I touched the fringes of the paranormal with A Hidden Heaven, but I don’t
go there often. At least not yet. I think I’d like to visit the genre. My alter ego did quite well with the Sundown saga.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So here’s a question I ponder. How much variety is just
enough? How much variety is too much? One of the accepted rules of writing is
if you want to write in a variety of genres, you need more than one pen name. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I certainly agree with this IF you want to write traditional
heterosexual romance AND gay romance AND something like inspirational stories.
Some things don’t mix well. That could be just a wee bit too much variety. And since I write both het and m/m, it's under different names using something we writers call "branding." </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>It's enough variety to keep the creative needs of this writer happy.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b><br />
<b><a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html">http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-4655130773248600752016-04-25T04:25:00.000-04:002016-04-25T04:25:00.599-04:00U is for Unique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6-4l8A9kIttl4tTKCZj0xkL8QbP6I4ZOQbK7DSXSgmTBRHY83UoKLF6Bc8y4QK775AB7U_-Lz5oZqlnSq_E2-bs9WKMNRPENjnLdkD0XJj-V8sOliaDVzsMJhxmZyGMvc4ozO5CFLWo/s1600/U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6-4l8A9kIttl4tTKCZj0xkL8QbP6I4ZOQbK7DSXSgmTBRHY83UoKLF6Bc8y4QK775AB7U_-Lz5oZqlnSq_E2-bs9WKMNRPENjnLdkD0XJj-V8sOliaDVzsMJhxmZyGMvc4ozO5CFLWo/s1600/U.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b><b>When I first started to write, newbies were told to
celebrate their unique voice. I wasn’t sure what that meant. After being in the
publishing industry for thirteen years, I still don’t know what it means.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Back in the day, and it's still heard today, that publisher want “unique new voices.” Only thing is, no,
they don't. They want what and who will sell and sell BIG.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>If the rise in indie publishing proves one thing, it’s that
the unique voice is determined to survive. I remember in 2005 pitching an idea for a sci-fi story where on some distant planet the males had multiple wives.
That got an immediate NO from a publisher. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Enter the era of the ménage in 2006. (I called that one right and I should have persisted.)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Don’t be afraid to be a unique voice. Write your story. I
wrote mine and the time is upon me to tighten it up. I can apply all my years
of experience to the story and set it free to be as unique as it wants to be. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s a wonderful time to be a [unique] writer. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html">http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</a></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b></span>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-44410814793493926562016-04-23T07:23:00.000-04:002016-04-23T07:23:05.107-04:00T is for To Bed A Spy<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2hZUjPt63wZ2sbvV-jPGgkZ_qGlVfPB0oefjyRIB7IndzPm8ijTfEjx3axgiI_OLGTBNQq31C_h61rTQzD1zYR8cEMzKP-_gfnHH3RHoM9wXWk-HhzQMIq45874WOAP92Gtu-vq8EYA/s1600/T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2hZUjPt63wZ2sbvV-jPGgkZ_qGlVfPB0oefjyRIB7IndzPm8ijTfEjx3axgiI_OLGTBNQq31C_h61rTQzD1zYR8cEMzKP-_gfnHH3RHoM9wXWk-HhzQMIq45874WOAP92Gtu-vq8EYA/s1600/T.jpg" /></a></div>
<!--[endif]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
T is for To Bed a Spy </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Writing Rules</div>
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<br /></div>
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April 23</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is a Saturday, so it’s time to do some double duty
here at Twenty-six Keys. Being Saturday, it’s time for the My Sexy Saturday
blog hop as well as “T” in the A to Z Challenge. Luckily, I have a “T” book -
To Bed a Spy. So today you get pure book promo. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rayne</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</div>
Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-45542019242927897092016-04-22T04:22:00.000-04:002016-04-22T04:22:00.861-04:00S is for Sticking With It<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hpW6zZGPi6CGAxa3PHTiLTIzZCjBrVIiJkybp3YRwEYFzXFdrY-y7_YDAOF-2qv4-XIsUZHXlrPJxg6Ma9vkaRhf3C8GGI-ZPnR9OXki6Xy0caNdtpkM1KgJgPUX5rJI_8tNsq9XkJw/s1600/S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hpW6zZGPi6CGAxa3PHTiLTIzZCjBrVIiJkybp3YRwEYFzXFdrY-y7_YDAOF-2qv4-XIsUZHXlrPJxg6Ma9vkaRhf3C8GGI-ZPnR9OXki6Xy0caNdtpkM1KgJgPUX5rJI_8tNsq9XkJw/s1600/S.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Nothing I have ever done in my entire life has called for
more determination and dedication than writing.</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I have never worked so hard and put in so many hours for a purely
personal satisfaction.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Every day I wonder why I’m doing this to myself because
writing romance can make the soul bleed. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Each new release opens the author up to unimaginable levels
of criticism from jealous friends all the way to jealous reviewers. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And yet I keep writing, and I’ll keep on writing, under one
name or another, until I can no longer sit at a keyboard or speak into a
headset.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<b><a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html">http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</a></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest"><b>www.twitter.com/rayneforres</b>t</a></div>
Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-67332523380402711832016-04-21T04:21:00.000-04:002016-04-21T04:21:00.709-04:00R is for Renewal <div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR4AiJwNU738bG6uF_QckU7wo6oIhelNNLawCwMMve_vSmUZBWN3hLaXNdBiNVzPWo7VTlixVIfHz4DsktQsCK1sLnnVBy-toDgybcRc8jTQoR0KdP_WbeahMzRl7wT3mm3W6GqlUfpk/s1600/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR4AiJwNU738bG6uF_QckU7wo6oIhelNNLawCwMMve_vSmUZBWN3hLaXNdBiNVzPWo7VTlixVIfHz4DsktQsCK1sLnnVBy-toDgybcRc8jTQoR0KdP_WbeahMzRl7wT3mm3W6GqlUfpk/s1600/R.jpg" /></a><b> </b><b>When my alter ego shanghaied me into the A-Z Blogging
Challenge this year, I wasn’t sure it was a good idea. Then again, I’ve been busy getting some of my stories back out into the
world so this is a good way to get the Rayne Forrest brand more visible. So
here I am, and it’s turning out to be a very good thing. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Writing under two names means, unfortunately, that one brand
gets shortchanged. That’s generally the Rayne Forrest brand. I confess I wish
I’d not used one of the family names. It has lead to “discussions” over the
years. The last time I was involved in one of those “discussions” I told no one
in my family and disappeared into the alter ego. I tend to remove myself from
situations and people rather than argue. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’ve been thinking, and wishing, I could find the right time
to be Rayne again. Like love, the moment I stopped looking for it, it found me.
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Getting my completed title out is the beginning of a
renewal. Finishing a few projects for release is the next step. I have no set
timeframe for this renewal. My sense of it is this renewal is something that
cannot be forced, or rush. For it to happen, I must be content and let it
proceed knowing it will come to fruition in its own time. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’m good with that. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-47615767298383852512016-04-20T04:20:00.000-04:002016-04-20T04:20:04.443-04:00Q is for Question<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATr0wZDoAMXBPo4G6NG0JuTHHV0lJzeBtC90i1KpjDtrOoeJX2zbBcHEge70DFvij2eGd0v68INDiy_QKUas2BtoLqOkNwX8BnMGKrWJyAA8Zs3DQW-AX5NchE4Oru3s1i3VtR1BHbNg/s1600/Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATr0wZDoAMXBPo4G6NG0JuTHHV0lJzeBtC90i1KpjDtrOoeJX2zbBcHEge70DFvij2eGd0v68INDiy_QKUas2BtoLqOkNwX8BnMGKrWJyAA8Zs3DQW-AX5NchE4Oru3s1i3VtR1BHbNg/s1600/Q.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Happy Birthday to my Mom! </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Most days I have more questions than answers. It used to bug
the heck out of me that I didn’t have all the answers. As I’ve gotten, ehem,
more mature, I find I don’t like the answers so I’ve stopped asking some of the
questions. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Some, but not all.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>I believe it’s my constitutional duty to question those in
authority over me. I believe I should question what doctors tell me. I believe
I have the right to question any and all companies that manufacture food,
drugs, drinks, and anything that touches my person and the world I live in if
its products are safe. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>That doesn’t mean the questions should be asked with
disrespect. Questions are how we learn. They help us assimilate information.
Questions tend to keep people from thinking they can harm us, or use us. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Don’t be afraid to ask a legitimate question. The answer
might be just what you need to know. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b></span>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-40392979654643702212016-04-19T04:19:00.000-04:002016-04-19T04:19:04.381-04:00P is for Pride - have some<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUKOvVtL9k5iEfrMjmh24gBJe949Xff1JLgaCAhcQwoZnu5Ri65aEDV4wTvWszZKLCYMbCrfVOOrec5TpLcEeQutXi8PTSFCsLnMXwwylagG4s-mEOwOcd8YsS_1BrsvBLORS9lO-Bas/s1600/P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUKOvVtL9k5iEfrMjmh24gBJe949Xff1JLgaCAhcQwoZnu5Ri65aEDV4wTvWszZKLCYMbCrfVOOrec5TpLcEeQutXi8PTSFCsLnMXwwylagG4s-mEOwOcd8YsS_1BrsvBLORS9lO-Bas/s1600/P.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>This past autumn, there was an article in the Romance Writer’s
Digest about “taking back our writing.” I’m not going to lie and say I read the
RWR from cover to cover, because I don’t, but I did pause to read this article.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>In this article, the author admits to being caught in the
vicious cycle of meeting deadlines. Publishing is a dog-eat-dog world and a lot
of small press pubs rely on volume. Too many live and die by the short story.
The art of writing a full-length novel is dying, choked out by the need to
produce, produce, produce. The writer of the article acknowledged this. And
then she impressed me. She said it’s time to step off the treadmill. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>I agree with her. I want to write a story I’m proud of. I
decided quite a while back I could no longer churn out story after story to
meet the needs of a publisher. My alter ego did that for a bit and it’s too
exhausting to sustain. My library has a few books that suffered because I met the
deadline. Those stories got short-changed, both by the writer and more so the
editor. I think there are more writers besides myself putting out
indie-published books for that very reason. If an editor doesn't have time to do justice to your book, you need to take another path. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Take the time to write a story you can be proud of. Check
for typos, passive voice, missed words and continuity errors. Will you find all
of them? Probably not. And trust me - neither does an editor. You may be a
novice but your work doesn’t have to look like a newbie wrote it. When it comes
to finishing your story, speed is not your friend. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>It’s YOUR name on the cover of your book. This is one
instance where being prideful is a good thing. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b></span>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-14699050355941109032016-04-18T04:18:00.000-04:002016-04-18T04:18:05.459-04:00O is for OOPS!<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPuqlZHpRHgpN3q2jsRbxt4NzqM4rTPTOs11A34y-kdTCZ6G0P1XEfu6wH8RCGdVUyd6fJVNCd4d1zQCrz115ueB84IO8Y2miPgcyzQo54fpi03S0jY1KRVrJ4kiphSOnyD8BEz-XUxU/s1600/O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPuqlZHpRHgpN3q2jsRbxt4NzqM4rTPTOs11A34y-kdTCZ6G0P1XEfu6wH8RCGdVUyd6fJVNCd4d1zQCrz115ueB84IO8Y2miPgcyzQo54fpi03S0jY1KRVrJ4kiphSOnyD8BEz-XUxU/s1600/O.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>“Oh, oops….”</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>That’s a favorite saying of mine. It’s a lot more ladylike
than some expressions that fall out of my mouth. Really. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>I’ve made of a lot of “oops” in my life. I look at my
earliest manuscripts and I see “oops” all over the pages. Instead of being
embarrassed, well, overly embarrassed, I generally use the moment to remind
myself of how far I’ve come. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>There is no escaping the “oops.” You can live in denial if
you want to, but if you live you’ve got a few “oops” in your closet. (Like the
proverbial skeleton in the closet.) Instead of beating yourself up over them,
use them as opportunities to learn. Remain positive about the learning
experience. Fix it, if it can be fixed, and move forward. If it can’t be fixed,
tender what apologies are necessary and move forward. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Trust me. It’s highly unlikely you’re the only person to
ever do that particular “oops.” Don’t
let it define your writing career. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-13033886427738379062016-04-16T07:16:00.000-04:002016-04-16T07:16:00.209-04:00N is for NO<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDqaaIN_-wSfJxQ82NO9caH5ttwZoHkw2l-LIVCi6VJKhlgp9UeJ-hHHWL5P_TNo3aaAukuIT4m2InbJeH7tKohgRkanxYcFaLk08t9p3WsMf48ayWKzy0leKTN682To35Nscsv3BIwg/s1600/N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDqaaIN_-wSfJxQ82NO9caH5ttwZoHkw2l-LIVCi6VJKhlgp9UeJ-hHHWL5P_TNo3aaAukuIT4m2InbJeH7tKohgRkanxYcFaLk08t9p3WsMf48ayWKzy0leKTN682To35Nscsv3BIwg/s1600/N.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saying no. Toddlers are good at this, but somewhere along
the line we lose the ability to say “no” and stick to our guns. I’m not sure
why this happens except no one wants to be labeled as a
difficult-to-get-along-with-bitch.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>The thing is, saying no is a useful tool which can promote
sanity. By saying “no” we lay down our boundaries. When a person respects this,
we can gauge his or her level of regard for us and give it back to them. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Too many people equate saying “no” in a purely
negative light and that’s not always the case. If someone tells you “no,” you
may want to politely ask for clarification. The answer to gently asking if it’s “no right now
or no not ever,” is a helpful thing to know. It can avoid confusion in the future. And if it’s “no, not right now,” give the person time. They may broach to topic to you at a better time for them. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b> So don’t be afraid
or offended by “no.” Take the time to figure it out what it really means. Take the time to use it wisely.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-67391782276701428222016-04-15T07:15:00.000-04:002016-04-15T07:15:05.376-04:00M is for Must<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7fEXAfglHeewCKwAZlZThaMOHAtB-Pr2mvUZ2utnmQj6CB9RjlkCUL-rAtQMwaXHYp2nsuFt7YxK-nQhhT03N1qobcqVzlhxxc4450xaqynMIkdcEYifNaLGE14rv4drfLzG6KXV4RM/s1600/M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7fEXAfglHeewCKwAZlZThaMOHAtB-Pr2mvUZ2utnmQj6CB9RjlkCUL-rAtQMwaXHYp2nsuFt7YxK-nQhhT03N1qobcqVzlhxxc4450xaqynMIkdcEYifNaLGE14rv4drfLzG6KXV4RM/s1600/M.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>The MUST day. The day when we MUST have our tax returns filed for the previous year.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>It's not my favorite day of the year for many reasons, mostly because I'm a little rebel at heart and when someone says I MUST do [fill in the blank], I don't react well. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>April 15. Why not say we must remember the sinking of the Titanic? That was on this day in 1912. It's a little before my time, but I've seen pictures. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Here's a better must remember for today. In 1964, the first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line. I must remember that the next time I see an old Mustang on the road. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I must remember to mix brevity with seriousness in my blog. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I must. M is for Must. </b><br />
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </b></div>
<b>www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-51854883193381534622016-04-14T07:14:00.000-04:002016-04-14T07:14:05.001-04:00L is for Little by Little<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2qXF5fsn3zXjEi-jK-N0dt7WSgidZEqC-o4EZ4uYmTTxhKQJ-lnZCjg_dWXYvM1eB5WBfEqJB7eIugn7V72UGv3n6sJm2MXPqMQ8X7dhmYVxD3QmnCinItQ5uoJ1qCWpDd_LE-25iNs/s1600/L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2qXF5fsn3zXjEi-jK-N0dt7WSgidZEqC-o4EZ4uYmTTxhKQJ-lnZCjg_dWXYvM1eB5WBfEqJB7eIugn7V72UGv3n6sJm2MXPqMQ8X7dhmYVxD3QmnCinItQ5uoJ1qCWpDd_LE-25iNs/s1600/L.jpg" /></a><i><b>Little by little, the time goes</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Little by little, the days pass by<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<i><b>Little by little, the air clears<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<i><b>Little by little, I can breathe again<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b><i>I can breathe again --</i> </b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Little by Little - Robert Plant</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Most days I feel I’m living that verse. Little by little the
minutes and days go by. I start the work day looking down a long, dark tunnel
and the closer I get to quitting time, the cleaner the air becomes. I get in my
car and take a deep breath. I drive home to begin my real life, which is very
different from the forty hours I spend at my job. I suspect I’m not alone in
this. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The closer I get to being able to retire, and the clock
stands at a little over three and a half years, the worse the days become. But I have no choice except to ride it out. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>But little by little, time moves forward in deliberate
increments to that magic day in 2019. </b></div>
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<b>Little by little, be they good or bad, the days full of
obligation pass.</b></div>
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<b>Little by little, the days spent breathing city air are
fewer in number. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Little by little, I dare to believe I’ll be able to fulfill
my dream of writing full time.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Little by little it’s going to be a reality. All I need is a
patience, little by little. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </b></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest"><b>www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html"><b>http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</b></a></div>
Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366589471216154451.post-89992273247101841222016-04-13T07:13:00.000-04:002016-04-13T07:13:02.767-04:00K is for K-cup Koffee<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXS19jOTcoM03RV1gP3-Ma_AC2OWU9uHx6uGc1iadeB08veA5pLBLYyAUH4bCem2I6X9ZjW-oL8Ds4atT4UCkukKM2jpKawpPkx5KPsvRAb5vLON8WBMfbRQTNu2U67MjSNvLgdevisf8/s1600/K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXS19jOTcoM03RV1gP3-Ma_AC2OWU9uHx6uGc1iadeB08veA5pLBLYyAUH4bCem2I6X9ZjW-oL8Ds4atT4UCkukKM2jpKawpPkx5KPsvRAb5vLON8WBMfbRQTNu2U67MjSNvLgdevisf8/s1600/K.jpg" /></a><b>We’ve made it to the halfway point of the A to Z Blogging
Challenge! And we’ll need more K-cups </b><b>to make it to the end.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s only in the last decade or so I’ve become a coffee
devotee. Sure, I’d have a cup now and then. I’d occasionally stop at the local
convenience store in the mornings, but I rarely brewed a pot at home even though
I only had a 4-cup brewer. All that changed when I was introduced to the K-cup.
</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A perfect individual cup of coffee or tea on demand? What’s
not to like? It’s not the motor oil my parent’s generation drank, that’s for
sure. Having each and every cup brewed fresh is a modern day miracle. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Now I know those individual cups can get expensive so I reuse
them. I hear you saying not possible, but oh yes you can. Just peel the top
off, fill it, and put the whole thing inside the auxiliary pod. I can get four
or five brews from one k-cup before the filter gives out. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So K is for K-cups. Everyone needs at least one vice. The K-cup is mine.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rayne</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://rayneforrest.blogspot.com </a></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rayneforrest">www.twitter.com/rayneforrest</a></b></span><br />
<b><a href="http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html">http://kckendricks.com/RayneForrest_bookshelf.html</a></b>Rayne Forresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829213213773363702noreply@blogger.com0