|
Some
cool themed merchandise at CafePress
Blurbs
for the other 6 stories in the anthology
Excerpts
for some of the other stories in the anthology
Blog
entries regarding the creation of the anthology, and my answers
to a few questions about my story.
Try
your hand at puzzles made with the cover.
Additional
Blurbs:
'Midnight
Confession' by Cheri Valmont offers a journey to the wild,
untamed settlement of 1750s New Orleans. A place where a special
house, a magical diary, and a pirate captain named Miles Chadwick holds
the key to Catherine Ashbury's everlasting happiness... or complete ruin. (historical
- pre-Revolutionary)
Serena Duclos is
torn between two men and one very extraordinary request. Luckily, she lives in
a house where wishes can come true and passion isn't always defined by
convention ... in Emma Wildes' 'An Extraordinary Request' (historical
- early 19th)
In Jude Mason's
'Of Death and Desire', Jonathan Strand moves himself and his terminally ill
lover, Philip, to one of the lovely historical houses of New Orleans. Later,
consumed by grief and tormenting dreams, he finds a diary, and perhaps the
answer to his prayers. But at what price? (historical - turn
of century 19th; M/M)
In 'The War
Within' By D. Musgrave, William Beauregard returns from WWII, only to find the
visions of the death and destruction haunting him still. He can't shake them
and it's pushed him away from his wife, Sheila. These hauntings have him
afraid of the voices and images and worries he may lash out at them, hurting
his wife. To rid himself of the ghosts, he must take
a huge risk, one that could lose his wife to him for ever. (historical
- WWII)
In 'Let The Sunhine In' by Jamie Hill, Scott
and Terri Walker move to Remembrance Lane hoping for a fresh start in their
marriage. Handsome, hirsute Rafe McAllister isn't precisely what they're
looking for, but might be exactly what they need. (historical - 70s; MMF
menage; werewolf)
Mix in an old
house, a magic diary, a sexy young college student and a sinfully handsome
vampire and you've got a story sure to stir the... blood
in Skyler Grey's 'My Vampire, My Love'. (contemporary;
vampire)
_____________________________________________________________
Excerpt:
Natasha
shifted, not wanting the delicious sensations to end, but her
mind demanded she wake up. It definitely ranked as the most
erotic dream she'd ever had, including the night after her one
and only visit to a strip club.
Shivering
at the feel of a hand running up her inner thigh, Natasha's eyes
fluttered open, unwillingly banishing the phantom remnants of
her dream.
Shrieking,
she sat up. Frantically, she pulled away from the strange woman
in her bed. With her lush features and flaming red hair, she was
attractive in a deeply sensual way. There was nothing subtle
about her, and Natasha found herself responding on a deeply
primal level.
"Who
the hell are you?" she demanded, in her best "don't
lie to me" professor tone, giving her words a strong bite.
Realizing how stupid her actions were, she rolled over and
grabbed the phone. She moved back, watchful of her intruder. The
woman was gone, vanished.
Looking
around the room, she saw the red-haired woman seated on her
dresser, mile long legs crossed at the knee. There was no way
she could have moved that fast—no mortal could. The medallion
resting between her breasts suddenly grew warm.
"Forget
who. What the hell are you?"
With
a puff of crimson smoke, the woman disappeared, only to join her
in bed. This time, she sat cross-legged, Indian style, at the
foot. Completely naked.
Natasha
licked her suddenly dry lips. Her mind fought the realization
that reality was suddenly spinning away from her clear cut world
of science. She had to be dreaming, there was no other
explanation for what was happening.
A
nagging reminder at the back of her consciousness screamed about
the strange diary she had finally found the key for a few weeks
earlier; the diary that told of all the paranormal exploits of
the inhabitants of this very house. Shrugging off the incessant
reminder, she confronted the woman in front of her with the same
single-minded determination that had gotten her tenure before
many of her colleagues, including her husband.
"I
had better start getting some answers here, before I come to my
senses and call the cops."
"Your
mortal police have no power over me. I will be gone before you
get the number dialed, and you will have lost your chance to
find the answer to the truly important question you need
answered."
Knowing
how
Alice
would have felt as she fell down the rabbit hole, Natasha
struggled with the science she chose to believe in and the
curiosity that prompted her to question the existence of things
science hadn't yet explained.
"Ok,
I'll bite—what question should I be asking?"
The
woman shook her head, sending her cascade of red tresses
swirling in a riot of curls. "I can't tell you the
question."
_____________________________________________________________
Additional
Excerpts:
Phaze's
Excerpt of Midnight Confession by Cheri Valmont
Derek
Musgrave excerpt of The War Within
Jude
Mason's excerpt of Of Death And Desire
Jamie
Hill's excerpt of Let The Sunshine In
Cheri
Valmont, Skyler Grey, and Emma Wildes do not have excerpts
available on their sites at this time.
_____________________________________________________________
Reviews:
Arianna
for Two Lips Reviews
Amanda Haffery for
Romance Junkies
Willow
for Joyfully Reviewed
|
Midnight
Confessions by Cheri Valmont
The year is
1750. Catherine has gone from London to America in search of her beloved
Andrew. While inquiring of him she and her servants are captured and
taken to the house at 413 Remembrance Lane. The owner is Captain
Chadwick, a pirate who uses the house as his getaway. By writing in her
diary Catherine has bound her love for Andrew to the house. Will she
find happiness and love where she least expects it to be?
Cheri
Valmont has written a vibrant story of love and courage of a
woman willing to cross the ocean and face danger for the man she loves.
Extraordinary
Request
by Emma Wildes
The year is
1815. Serena and Henri Duclos are happy in the house at 413 Remembrance
Lane. One day at the port Henri is bitten by a spider. After a very
miraculous recovery Serena and Henri learn that he is impotent. Henri
asks his best friend Arthur Roland to help get them with child. Arthur
accepts and tension in the household flares. What will happen when
Serena writes in the diary? Will the diary and the house rescue their
marriage from ruin?
Emma
Wildes has written a story packed with selfless decisions and
the bounds of true friendship. Her character deals with the need to
complete the family and the sense of inferiority when impotence comes
between husband and wife. Serena and Henri keep their love blazing even
through uncertainty.
Of
Death and Desire
by Jude Mason
The year is
1898. Jonathan and Phillip travel from Memphis to New Orleans to spend
the last of Phillip's days in the comfort and peace of 413 Remembrance
Lane. Soon after moving in, Phillip's consumption takes his life.
Jonathan spends weeks in a fit of drunken depression. He finally cleans
himself up and buys the home they loved so much. Soon he begins feeling
Phillip's ghostly touch and haunting voice whispering to find the
diary. Once found what will his wish be and what will he give up to have
it?
Jude
Mason's story is about the life changing grief of losing
someone you love. Readers can grasp the emotions of death and relate to
the dream of a second chance by making a simple wish.
The
War Within
by D. Musgrave
The year is
1945. William has come home from World War Two to the house at 413
Remembrance Lane and his beautiful wife Sheila. The war has changed
William; he is haunted by flashbacks and relives the deaths of his
platoon members daily. The first night he is home William has a
flashback and strikes Sheila while they are in the middle of lovemaking.
To save himself and Sheila he seeks the bayou voodoo witch. William is
told to find the diary and write his story and make his wish. What will
his wish be and will the couple be able to overcome the effects of the
war?
The
War Within touches everyone's heart. Coming home without
being twisted by the horrors of war is impossible. This story provides
hope that all families can survive the effects of war with a little bit
of magic and courage.
Let
the Sunshine In
by Jamie Hill
The year is
1971. Terri and Scott Walker are given the house after Scott's father
dies. After moving in, they meet Rafe McAllister in a local diner. One
thing leads to another and they find themselves in a whirlwind
relationship of carnal appetites and love. Rafe is the key to close the
door on the tragedy of Terri's miscarriage. Then the bombshell is
dropped. Rafe admits to being a werewolf. To makes matters worse Terri
thinks she is pregnant. They seek the diary to see if they can salvage
the life they have built together. What does the future hold in store
for all of the lovers?
Let
the Sunshine In is more of a theme then a little short
story. Jamie Hill has written a unique read of love.
My
Vampire My Love by
Skyler Grey
The year is
1993. Candy Thibodeaox moves into 413 Remembrance Lane and immediately
finds the house's diary. A short time after moving in she receives a
late night visitor, Avakis Dregan. She invites him in and he seduces her
willingly and takes her maidenhood. The next morning upon waking, Candy
finds him gone. Crushed, she spends the day agonizing over her
carelessness. The phone rings and its Avakis. He confesses his love and
a secret; he's a vampire who has promised his master the next virgin
he finds. Avakis doesn't want to risk losing Candy to his master so he
is leaving forever to protect her. Grieving, Candy turns to the diary
and wishes for Avakis to be mortal. Two lonely years go by and Candy
still pines for him. What is the sacrifice made for writing in the
diary? Will they ever be together?
Skyler
Grey has made love at first sight seductive and alluring with
her handsome blond vampire. This short story makes you wish Mr. Right
would knock on your door late at night.
The
Life Not Lived
by Michelle Houston
The year is
2000. Natasha divorced her husband Andrew after almost thirty years
together. She didn't feel right carrying on the lie of loving him when
she is attracted to women. She is visited one night by a red-haired
succubus. After pleasuring her to an extraordinary release, the succubus
takes the locket Natasha found in the house. The succubus tells her that
if she continues to live unhappily she will end up a succubus herself.
What will Natasha write in the diary? Will Natasha be able to save her
happiness?
Michelle
Houston has written an awesome story of the difficulty of
making decisions with your heart and mind. She shows the reader the life
long heartache of making choices to appease others. In
The Life Not Lived a single epiphany can change
your life for the better.
413
Remembrance Lane is an awesome read. The different time
periods and authors flow together, making this anthology a heartfelt
celebration of life. As you read you discover how much diversity an old
house can hold, from tragedy to love, and heartbreak to bliss. This
house has recovered, grown in strength and brought together lifestyles
and families. All of these authors have come together and told the life
story of a grand New Orleans house. Each story flows seamlessly through
the timetable, straight into your heart. |
BY: Jamie Hill, Derek Musgrave,
Emma Wildes, Michelle Houston,
Cheri Valmont, Skyler Grey and Jude Mason
SNIPPET: 413
REMEMBRANCE LANE: DIARY OF A HOUSE is sinfully delicious! From
pirates and vampires to same sex loving, there is something
that will appeal to everyone in this book from today's hottest
authors.
Midnight
Confession-1750 by Cheri Valmont
Catherine
Ashbury is in disguise as a pirate. She is in New
Orleans trying to find her beloved Drew when she and
her companions are kidnapped by a group of men. They are taken
to a huge house where she is tossed into a room to await her
fate. She wants to know why Drew broke their engagement and
where he's disappeared to. Apparently, the captain that
resides in this strange house has the answers. When Catherine
discovers her nanny has bespelled the diary she gave her,
Catherine soon realizes she's tied to 413 Remembrance Lane for
better or worse. How in the world does Drew tie into this
strange place and will she ever actually get the answers she
seeks?
This was a very
sensual and heart-breaking story. Drew basically fakes his own
death to protect Catherine from ever finding out the truth
about him. Catherine has waited for so long to be with the man
she loves, she's not going to let anything stand in her way,
especially him. The passion that finally erupts between them
is spellbinding. MIDNIGHT CONFESSION is definitely the story
to start this collection with. It's grabbed hold of me and I
can't wait to see what the other authors have to bring to the
table!
An
Extraordinary Request-1815 by Emma Wildes
When Arthur
arrives at 413 Remembrance Lane, he thinks it's just to spend
a month with his closest friend and his new wife. However,
when Henri and Serena beg him to help Serena father a child,
Arthur is dumbstruck. Henri is impotent now due to a spider
bite, but he and Serena always wanted children. How can Arthur
possibly refuse this desperate couple? Serena and Arthur never
expect to find themselves actually attracted to one another
Baby making
isn't the only thing going on in Serena's life, however. She
has discovered the diary left in the house. By writing in this
diary, Serena will magically be able to receive her hearts
desire. However, what is Serena's heart's desire…Henri, her
husband, or Arthur, the man that brought passion back into her
life?
AN
EXTRAORDINARY REQUEST is quite addictive. I really love the tie-in of the diary
through each of these stories so far. I felt so bad for Serena, all she wants is
her husband but he doesn't think he's a man anymore. Henri is such a
self-conscious fellow. If only he'd believe his wife's words instead of thinking
since he can't offer her sex, she won't want him. Henri brings in his best
friend, Arthur to have sex with his wife which was totally hot! I really enjoyed
this story a lot and will be looking for more of Emma Wildes stories soon!
Of
Death and Desire-1898 by Jude Mason
Jonathan and
his lover, Philip, are descending to 413 Remembrance Lane on a
vacation of sorts for Philip to try to rest. Philip has
consumption and no treatments have been able to help him. When
Philip dies, Jonathan is inconsolable. He's in a non-stop
drunken rage, up to his neck in his own vomit and ready and
willing to end his own life. Something strange is happening
here at Jonathan's new home. He is actually feeling Philip
touch him, caress him and is sure it's Philip bringing him to
orgasmic delight. But how can that be? Philip died! Jonathan
has cut back on drinking and is taking better care of himself
so are these hallucinations or Philip's last wish in the diary
finally taking hold?
OF DEATH AND DESIRE had me
bawling my eyes out. It was such a heartbreaking story. These two men basically
had to hide what they were from the world. During the time period, gay men
didn't exist. With Philip's illness, my heart tore for Jonathan. I couldn't
believe how much I fell for these characters. The romance between these two men
is exquisite. It's very heart-felt and truly an inspiration. The diary is a huge
event in this story and by the end, I was still crying, only this time in
gratification. Philip and Jonathan definitely earned a place in my heart.
The
War Within-1945 by D. Musgrave
William is just
returning home from the war. He and his love, Sheila had
bought 413 Remembrance Lane before he was whisked away, and
now he's returned home to surprise her. He's always loved the
old plantation house and he and Sheila hoped to have a happy
life here. Unfortunately, William isn't as carefree about his
time in the war as he lets on to Sheila. He is having
flashbacks of his time fighting the guerillas and he's sure
he's hearing them scream. Things are getting stranger and
stranger however, when William's flashbacks get so extreme,
it's like he's having out of body experiences. When he strikes
his wife, he knows he's in serious trouble.
William decides
it's time to talk to the voodoo witch. When he finds and talks
to both her and the spirit of pirate Drew (MIDNIGHT
CONFESSION), he is instructed to find the diary hidden in the
house. Only with this diary can William and Sheila truly be
set free from the spirits trying to claim their souls. Will
William head their advice and locate the diary in time?
THE WAR WITHIN
both spooked me and left me dying to know how it was going to
end. I can't imagine coming home from the war and reliving all
of my friend's deaths and being haunted by evil spirits. I
sure as hell can't imagine being Sheila and having some
strange spirit, who I thought was my husband, bringing me to
orgasm. William is a hero to me and the lengths he goes to in
order to protect his wife and his home will have you
enthralled with this story in no time. D. Musgrave has become
one of my favorite authors and THE WAR WITHIN definitely
cements him there. This story will have your blood turning
cold, your libido shooting up to the moon and leave you
wondering just how much this diary in the house is capable of.
Let
the Sunshine In-1971 by Jamie Hill
Scott and Terri
left California
to get away from the crime spree ripping through the area.
Moving into 413 Remembrance Lane should be making both of them
very happy. However, Terri hasn't been in the mood for making
love as of late, which is really surprising to Scott. She's
been feeling very jumpy lately and now Scott is having weird
dreams. Ever since he and Terri met Rafe in the diner, Scott
has found himself having very erotic dreams about the man.
However, Scott soon discovers he's not the only one having
sinfully delicious dreams of Rafe…so is Terri!
When
Rafe comes to dinner with some wine, friendship suddenly turns
to a whole lot more. Scott and Terri get an experience with
Rafe they never could have imagined. When they discover that
Rafe has a whole other side to him, they are unsure whether
they should run screaming for the hills or just embrace his
furry side. He really is the most amazing thing to happen to
them, after all. When Terri remembers the diary she found in
the house they realize that they may just be able to wish for
Rafe to be all man. Wishing on the diary always comes with a
price though. Is this threesome ready to pay it?
LET
THE SUN SHINE IN is orgasmically delicious! I couldn’t get
enough of the scrumptious sex between Rafe and Scott. Terri
wasn't my favorite character in this story for some reason. I
just couldn't really relate to her like I could to Rafe and
Scott. To me, they stole the story and Terri was just kind of
along for the ride. This is not meant to be critical of Jamie
Hill at all. I just felt the romance and passion more between
Scott and Rafe then either or both of them with Terri. This
was a spellbinding tale of lust, trust and acceptance. I
honestly can't see just two of these characters together. They
all really belonged in this threesome they created! I am a
huge fan of all of Jamie Hill's work, but I have to say, LET
THE SUN SHINE IN is my all time favorite! I love her male on
male action and can't wait to see what else she has in store
soon.
My Vampire, My Love-1993 by
Skyler Grey
Candice has
just moved into 413 Remembrance Lane. She's already discovered
the diary in one of the rooms and how to open it. Candy has
also discovered a new friend on the property…a mangy black
and white cat. When a man calls her explaining that he's the
nephew of the owner of the home and wishes to speak with her,
Candice is nervous to say the least. However, the man's voice
sends her insides to quivering and she cannot seem to stay no
to him. He introduces himself as Avakis. His touch melts
Candice from head to toe and she can't seem to get enough of
him. He should not be able to touch her this way! Why can't
she seem to stop him?
Avakis
is a vampire, cursed to take pleasure from women until he
finds a virgin, whom he must turn over to his master to be
tortured. He discovers that he can't give his master Candice.
He is hopelessly in love with her. There is no way he can
remain with her without his master finding out. Is there? When
Candice explains the diary, both discover that they may be
able to be together after all.
MY
VAMPIRE, MY LOVE is a titillating good time to be had by all.
Avakis is so protective of the only woman he's ever loved.
Explaining to her that he is a vampire would shock and scare
the hell out of most people, but Candice takes it in stride
because she loves him. She's willing to fight his master along
side him to remain with Avakis forever. Once again, the diary
plays a pivotal role in their lives which I absolutely love! I
definitely want a diary like this to make my wishes come true.
Avakis and Candice were wonderful together. The passion that
explodes between these two will leave you breathless!
The Life Not
Lived-2000 by Michelle Houston
When Natasha's
divorce goes through, she gets to keep her house at 413
Remembrance Lane. She also receives a strange package in the
mail. Figuring it's from her sister, she dons the beautiful
necklace inside. Natasha has been hiding a side of herself for
a very long time. Being a closet lesbian has always stood in
the way of her and her husband's relationship, but Natasha
can't fight it anymore. She needs a woman in her life that
will give her everything her heart and body craves.
When
Natasha's erotic imaginings become a reality and she finds a
strange woman with her in the bed, she freaks! The woman tells
her she is called a succubus. She is sure she is just dreaming
the woman bringing her untold pleasure, but decides what the
hell, my as well ride it out. The succubus is here to help
Natasha change her fate. Once upon a time, Natasha left behind
the woman she loved more than anything to pretend to be
normal. Maybe, with the help of the diary Natasha has found in
the house, she can go back and change her mistakes. No fake
marriage, no pretending to me straight when she's not and most
of all, a chance to be completely and utterly happy again.
THE
LIFE NOT LIVED was phenomenal! I truly fell in love with
Natasha. I understood her hesitation at ever telling anyone
that she was a lesbian. Growing up in the times that she did,
she would never have been accepted. However, like she
discovered too late, marrying a man to hide your true self
will never work. I wanted Natasha to find the diary, to make
her wish and to find her lost love. I was really rooting for
her throughout. She brought tears to my eyes on more than one
occasion, and the provocative pleasure she discovers will make
your teeth melt. Michelle Houston is a favorite author of mine
and I am so happy to have been able to delve into another one
of her masterpieces yet again!
413 REMEMBRANCE
LANE: DIARY OF A HOUSE is sinfully delicious. Be prepared to
disappear into a multitude of time periods for a few hours.
Each author brings their own special ingredients to this
heart-stopping collection. There is no way I can pick my
favorite story, as each one I seemed to love more than the
last. From pirates and vampires to same sex loving, there is
something that will appeal to everyone in this book from
today's hottest authors. The diary itself really kept my
attention. I would love to be able to find one in my home and
share all the other inhabitants' adventures! This was such a
unique storyline that kept my attention riveted to each
individual story. I will be talking about this collection to
everyone I know for a very long time to come.
413
Remembrance Lane Diary of a House
by Cheri
Valmont, Emma Wildes, Jude Mason,
D.
Musgrave, Jamie Hill, Skyler Grey, Michelle Houston
Phaze
Publishing
Historical/contemporary
erotic romance
ISBN:
978-1-59426-992-9
Reviewed
by Willow for Joyfully Reviewed
Be sure
of your heart’s desire. The diary grants a single wish to the one meant to
find it, but that one must be willing to make a sacrifice in exchange for their
heart’s desire. Welcome to 413 Remembrance Lane.
“Midnight Confession”
by Cheri Valmont (1750)
Catherine Ashbury has waited
six years for Andrew Townsend to return home to marry her and when her father
tells her that Drew has released her from their betrothal, Catherine decides she
will have none of that. Accompanied by two family servants, Catherine crosses an
ocean to find the man she has loved since she first saw him. Andrew is not the
man he once was, and is sure he is not the one to give Catherine the kind of
life she deserves. Catherine knows magic and fate will give bring her heart’s
desire.
“Midnight Confessions”
is a sweetly erotic story of how true love can conquer feelings of inadequacy.
Catherine proves to Drew just how much she loves him. The opening story for this
anthology gives us the setting for all of the stories here. The house on
Remembrance Lane comes to life from Cheri Valmont’s words.
“An Extraordinary
Request” by Emma Wildes (1815)
Selena Duclos loves her
husband Henri with all her heart. Henri fears he will lose her love because he
is unable to give her a child. He comes up with a plan for giving her a child to
complete their lives, and it involves his best friend Arthur. Selena is
determined to keep her husband and make him see that his plan is foolish; she
needs no one but him.
“An Extraordinary
Request” teases the reader from the very beginning, and continues to do so to
keep the reader interested. I was hooked from the first paragraph by the mystery
surrounding Henri’s request. I like stories that make me wonder “what are
they up to?”
“Of Death and Desire”
by Jude Mason (1898)
Jonathan lives for his
beautiful, young master, and does everything he can to make him well. But even
his riches cannot save Philip from dying of consumption. When Philip succumbs to
his illness, Jonathan is inconsolable. He is willing to give up his second love
just to have Philip healthy again. But will the diary work to bring Philip back?
“Of Death and Desire” is
my second favorite story in this anthology. It is the first story by Jude Mason
that I’ve read, and I will definitely be reading more. Jonathan’s love for
Philip is so strong that my heart broke right along with his.
“The War Within” by
D. Musgrave (1945)
William Beauregard is home
from the war and he wants nothing more than to pick up where he and his wife,
Sheila, left off three years earlier, but he hasn’t returned alone. He’s
been followed home by ghosts, and visions from his time overseas. The ghosts
want his soul, and when they're finished with him, they want Sheila. William is
willing to give up everything to keep her safe.
“The War Within” is the
darkest story in this anthology. Many soldiers come back home after war
accompanied by their own ghosts and memories. Our hero, William, is given a way
to get rid of his demons of war.
“Let the Sunshine In”
by Jamie Hill (1971)
Scott and Terri Walker moved
to New Orleans to get away from California when Scott’s father leaves him the
house on Remembrance Lane. Rafe McAllister is an artist who has also recently
moved to New Orleans. When they meet, there is an immediate attraction;
especially for Scott and Rafe. But can they have a relationship, especially
after Rafe confesses to being a werewolf? Terri wants a baby and Scott wants
Rafe. Will the diary grant this wish?
“Let the Sunshine In” is
my favorite story in this anthology, not only because of the hot polyamorous
relationship, but because I am a child of the 70’s. This story holds memories
for me. Two hippies and a werewolf make for a strangely satisfying family.
“My Vampire, My Love”
by Skyler Grey (1993)
When Candace Thibodeaux
rented the house on Remembrance Lane, she never expected to have the most
satisfying night of her life. Avakis Dregan is a vampire who can’t stay
because he’s afraid he will hurt her. Candace uses the diary to set Avakis
free from his dark existence - but will she ever see him again?
“My Vampire, My Love”
gets straight to the heart of the story. Hot sex and a vampire….what could be
better? Well, being willing to make a wish for someone else’s happiness,
that's what, and a happy ending makes it even better. It was a lovely way to
make the reader happy and ready to face the housework.
“The Life Not Lived”
by Michelle Houston (2000)
Natasha Armstrong is a
tenured science professor with a failed marriage, and her only regret is that
she turned away from her lover, Lydia, so many years ago because their
relationship would have held her back. Natasha finds the diary and begins to
wonder if she can go back and live the life she wanted.
“The Life Not Lived” is
just a little different from the other stories contained in this anthology. I
liked the way the story was written to emphasize past and present. It puts the
spotlight on Natasha’s decision. The story also makes me wonder what would
happen if we could go back and change a decision made in the past.
413 Remembrance Lane
Diary of a House is well worth the
read. There is something here for everyone’s tastes, with each contribution
acting as a building block, used to tell one amazing story. I truly enjoyed this
collection of stories and think you will, too.
_____________________________________________________________
Blog
Entries:
The
Story Behind the Story
Q
& A with Michelle Houston
Q
& A with the other 413 Remembrance Lane
authors can be found on my blog - August 2007
The
Story Behind The Story: 413 Remembrance Lane
There are a few statements that come out of my mouth that
make my friends want to scurry for cover.
"I
have an idea" is one of them.
Mid last year, I joined a group of writers called the Sexy
Authors With Attitude. There
were a few personality clashes along the way, but we had a lot
of fun together.
Some of us even decided to start critiquing for each
other. Which allowed
me the chance to announce to about 4 other people, "So I had
this idea for a set of stories."
And everything rolled downhill from there.
They all liked the idea of having a diary in a house, and
each owner along the way writing their own entry.
But to make it more fun, we decided to have each of the
stories have a paranormal aspect to them too.
Then one of the authors dropped out.
We invited two others to join us, and the ideas started
flying.
We had a vampire and ghosts, a werewolf and a succubus.
The Diary demanded a price for its use, something you
didn't know you were giving up until it was done.
As each of the stories were written, we also decided to
keep the sexualities of the characters varied.
Then, when it was all written and edited to hell and back,
we had to decide where to submit it.
Phaze was at the top of our list of three, and we decided
to go there, since a few of us were already published there and
a couple wanted to be.
So we submitted the anthology, and waited.
When we got the good news back, we were ecstatic.
We worked together and hammered out the cover image we
wanted, we all wrote out short blurbs and some did some extra
work to create other promo items.
And now, what stated with words to strike fear into the
hearts of my friends, is going to be available in two days.
413 Remembrance Lane: Diary of a House … all stated
with the words "I have an idea."
Yes, when I say those words now, the others know to run
for cover. LOL
And often do. Several
authors have been known to lament that there isn't enough time
to write all their own ideas, let alone mine too.
Q
& A with Michelle
Houston
1.
Tell us a little bit about your characters in "The Life Not
Lived", your story in
413 Remembrance Lane
.
-
Natasha is a very level-headed scientific woman.
She has based her life around evidence and what made
sense, rather than what she wants.
Rather than the life she had planned, she finds herself
alone, with a career that doesn't quite satisfy her the way
she thought that it would.
After a late night visit from an otherworldly creature,
she finds out that there is another world out there – one she
never imagined possible. A
world of magic, mystery, and second chances.
~
2. How did you come up with
the idea for your story?
-
While talking with the other authors, and everyone else was
tossing out the paranormal aspect they wanted for their story, I
knew I wanted to make sure I didn't copy it.
So I had to come up with something slightly different,
and I was rereading a favorite book of mine where the character
is plagued by incubi. Since
I wanted my character to be a lesbian, to vary the sexualities
of the book further, I had to go with a succubus instead.
The
story just kind of poured forth after that.
~
3. What was your
initial reaction to doing a story based around a diary and a
house?
-
Actually, it was kind of my idea.
I had just finished reading an anthology where all the
characters lived in the same town and all the authors worked
together to make their stories mesh with each other.
It was something that had always interested me.
Most anthologies are on a theme, but the stories don't
have anything to do with one another.
I
wanted to do something different.
So I approached some writers I know with the idea,
together we approached some others, and then we all worked
together to work out the details and the kinks.
While
frustrating at times, the collaboration turned out far better
than I could have ever imagined.
I am so thrilled with how
413 Remembrance Lane
turned out.
~
4.
What was the most fun part about doing this in-depth of a
collaboration?
-
Having someone to toss ideas around with, hands down was the
best part. Normally
writing is a rather lonely task.
It's just you and your characters.
Yes, critique partners can help in the early stages, but
when it all comes down to it; it's you, your characters and
either a sheet of paper and pen or a computer.
From
the beginning, we all worked together and hammered out details.
And there were a lot of them.
Form the title, to the location, the details of the house
itself, the settings of the stories, anticipated length of
stories, where we wanted to submit it to when we were done, what
sexualities are character were, what paranormal aspects we
wanted to utilize, the list goes on and on.
Each detail it wasn't just me trying to figure out –
it was all of us.
With
each of us having an equal say, and always able to suggest new
things, the ides evolved from a simply vague story line of a
diary in a house, to the anthology that is
413 Remembrance Lane
.
~
5. Now that the anthology
is out and hindsight has had a chance to kick in - is there
anything about your story or characters you would change?
-
Honestly – no. My
story is the shortest of the group, at just over 5,ooo words,
but it is still complete. Characters
have a life before we meet them on page one, and their lives go
past the last page. As
writers, we capture moments in their lives, brief glimpses and
try to put them to words. I
believe that I did just that with The Life Not Lived, and that I
did Natasha justice.
~
6. What else do you
have coming out soon?
-
In September, I have another Phaze title coming out – Diggin'
Up Bones. It's a
novella, and the longest story I have written to date.
It's also a story very close to my heart.
All
Alisa wanted was to be left alone with her writings.
But the discovery of Native
America
bones on her property made that wish impossible.
The
last man she wanted to see was back in her life, and with him
Zach Bradford brought a whole lot of memories and some questions
she really didn't want to answer.
Now
besides digging for bones, he's digging into their past as well,
searching for answers as to why she broke up with him suddenly,
all those years ago. And
Alisa has to decide if she is going to keep living in the past,
or if she's going to let it go and reach for a possible future
with Zach. The
future she should have had.
Then
in October I have a short story in the Samhain Scorchers
anthology from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid.
It's an indirect sequel to my short story in the Summer
Solstice Scorchers anthology, also by Whiskey Creek Press
Torrid.
When
Shaylee escapes from a kidnapping attempt, she manages to get to
safety and the shelter of her neighbor's arms.
Unfortunately, her body has awakened to Garrett's, demanding she
mate with him. But will he be able to handle the fact that she
is a were-creature?
~
7. What are you
working on right now?
- I've always got about a dozen stories going at once.
Many times when I am writing I will have two windows open
in word and flip back and forth between them.
Currently, I am working on a werewolf BDSM tale, a set of
dragon stories, and a handful of real short erotica pieces.
But that can change from day-to-day.
: ) I
frequently work on several different stories at once, and try to
have al least a half dozen out on various submissions at any
given time. You can
always check out my website at www.eroticpen.net
for up-to-date information.
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