Dark Villains and Romance

It's no secret that I am addicted to reading about murder and serial killers. Where did this love of the dark, twisted minds come from? I used to read nothing but romance o the high seas or gothic romance. I suppose while the mystery and suspense were a part of these stories, I began to gravitate to the modern romance thrillers. I'm fascinated with how the psyche of these dark villains.

I suppose once being in an abusive marriage with a man who was not only paranoid schizophrenic, but also manic depressive has something to do with it. During college, my favorite courses were psychology. I loved studying about the different types of personalities. It also helped me with understanding a bit of what made my previous husband tick.

My very first book, in draft stages, began with a scene that broke my heart. But I knew it wouldn't fly in a romantic suspense book. However, it did help me to understand the villain I created and why he did the things he did...and how he felt justified in his actions. And,I enjoyed having my heroine find her soul mate, just as I did in real life.

With this passion inside me, perhaps there will be a book to come from me which will incorporate some of these insights. Not everyone likes to be frightened by what they read, but a part of me is still that little girl who liked to sit in a circle with her buddies at a pajama party telling ghost stories.

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What's Not to Love About My Beloved Katie

Katie had many nicknames: Doodle Dog, Katie Bug, Doodles. She didn't care. She would come at the sound of any of her names. She grew from a black and white furball into a ninety pound dog with soft flowing fur, deep brown eyes that could touch your soul, and a heart full of love. She followed me from room to room, even as she grew old and feeble. Her job was to be near me, to protect me. She'd wait patiently outside the bathroom door until I came out. She'd lay on the floor beside the bed while I slept. And when I'd sit in my office to write, she lay at my feet, her nose on her paws, her eyes watching me. I loved her.

As arthritis claimed her hips and she could no longer climb up and down the stairs of our bi-level, my husband built her an elevator. The elevator consisted of a box attached to a boat winch mounted on our railing. Katie would go onto the deck, into the box and we'd winch her down to the ground. She could enjoy the backyard, do her duty and when she was ready, she'd climb back into the box for us to winch her back up.

Katie and I talked about her pain, about getting older, and about being together again one day. When she had her stroke, she understood. Her eyes held mine telling me it was time to let go. I didn't think I could bear it. But she spoke to me, telling me it was time and that she'd be waiting for me. So I held her close, hugging her and talking to her as the vet administered the meds that would ease her pain forever.

Katie's cross is in my back garden where her ashes are buried. I still cry when I remember her and how special she was. She showed me unconditional love.

What's not to love about a friend like this?



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And the Winner is...

Tina Joyce is the winner of a free copy of HEART OF THE WITCH, by Alicia Dean.

Alicia drew the winner on Tuesday night from the names of all who commented on her Monday blog post. I had promised to include it in my blog yesterday morning and unfortunately was in such a hurry to get to work that I forgot to include it in my post.

Tina, congratulations!

I look forward to welcoming Alicia back to the blog again. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and to everyone who commented. For those who didn't win, be sure to get your copy from your local bookstore on November 24th!!

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Police Surveillance...on our Family Party!!

My family is hilarious. Everyone has such a unique and crazy sense of humor that when we get together there's bound to be one thing we'll all laugh about for years to come. Labor Day is one holiday we usually plan a big cookout at somebody's house. In 2007, my daughter hosted it since her yard was so large...and when you have a large family...

Her side yard sloped downward to a wooded area which extended behind the entire lot. So, she thought it would be funny to post a sign at the bottom of the hill that says restrooms with a sign pointing one direction for girls and one for boys. On the side of the sign she placed a roll of toilet paper. What a hoot!!!

One of my son-in-laws decided to pose for a picture after inspecting the sign. Not too funny, right. But at that time a police helicopter came by and happened to spot us. They were laughing so hard...yep, they came low enough for us to see them because the guy hung out of the helicopter and took a picture!!!

Enjoy!


You can see the wheels turning in his mind....





Maybe he couldn't decide what he was?





A day for all to remember!!



I hope your day started with a smile. Be sure to share your smile with others!

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