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"Amy" is FREE on Amazon - May 24 & 25!

2012-05-24T02:30:31Z

Here's your chance to get a FREE Kindle ebook of "The Possibilities of Amy." There's nothing to buy, and you don't have to be a member of the Amazon Prime Program. Just fire up your kindle and download your free copy of "Amy" on May 24 & 25 from Amazon.

Here’s the Amazon link:http://www.amazon.com/The-Possibilities-of-Amy-ebook/dp/B007LPVXIA/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332085581&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Don’t have a kindle? No problem! To download “Amy” to your cloud reader, computer, Smartphone, or tablet, use one of Amazon’s FREE reading apps. Here’s the link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=sa_menu_karl3?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771

If this is your first time on the blog and you have no idea what "Amy's" about, here's a brief synopsis:

Amy is the ultimate trophy girl—gorgeous face, killer body, and a vivacious personality. But there’s something else about her, something that makes her even more special. Amy is new. A transfer student from out of state, she’s starting her senior year without knowing a soul. And that means she’s up for grabs, available.

Thank you for taking a look. I hope you enjoy the read, and if so, I'd love it if you posted a review on Amazon.

Until next time,

Jaye

http://www.facebook.com/jayefrancesauthor

The Truth Lies In The Men's Bathroom

2012-05-16T18:28:40Z

I was in Ft. Lauderdale this past weekend, enjoying the beach and playing the part of a wide-eyed tourist on vacation. I drive down about four times a year and stay for as long as it takes to recharge and give my brain an opportunity to develop a new story idea.

I was having lunch at one of the sidewalk cafés on A1A. Commonly referred to as “the strip,” it’s a great place for people watching, listening to live music, and buying overpriced drinks. When the server—young, hot, probably of Cuban descent and definitely distracting—brought my order, she was smiling and shaking her head.

Naturally, I had to ask.

She told me there was a new sign in the men’s room. It had been posted over the urinals and several of the guys were asking if she’d seen it.

“What would I be doing in the men’s room?” she asked. “I don’t know if they were asking because the sign is actually interesting or just to see my reaction.”

As I ate my fajitas and sipped on a margarita served in a glass large enough to use as a hot-tub for four, I also began to wonder about the men's intentions. When she came back to check on me, I asked her: “Have any idea what was on the sign that would make it a topic of conversation?”

“It’s supposed to be a list of little known facts, but they could also be lies.”

Now I was curious. “Want to come with me, to take a look?”

She stared at me as if I had asked her to accompany me on a train bound for the pit of hell. “I can’t. I mean, I’d like to, but if someone complained, I could lose my job.”

“I suppose after closing, you can take a peek.”

She shook her head. “Servers aren’t allowed in the customer’s restrooms. There was an “incident” a few months ago, so since then, we have to use the staff bathroom.”

An incident. No doubt involving a smoking hot babe from Cuba. God, I love this place.

“Leave my drink on the table. I’ll be right back.”

The walk down the hallway was a piece of cake. Then I got to the door. No way could I plead confusion. It was clearly marked—MENS—and underneath, the international symbol for penis envy, a pair of legs wearing pants. I waited a few seconds, checked behind me to make sure no one was watching, then opened the door and walked in. I decided if someone was inside, I would announce, “inspection.” I wasn’t sure what they might think I was going to inspect, but at least my presence would have a sense of official, and hopefully excusable, intrusion—sort of like being felt up by a TSA officer under the guise of national security.

My first glimpse inside the door was a mirror shot—a guy at the sink, washing his hands.

I forgot my original ploy of eliciting respectability via feigned authority. I tried to smile and almost back-peddled into the hall. I stopped when I saw the man grin. I managed to mumble something about the ladies room being out of order, and made a bee-line for one of the stalls.

Oh, and by the way, before I forget—you guys are pigs. No wonder the few attempts at unisex restrooms have been disasters. Pick up the damn paper towels from the floor, and for God’s sake, flush.

Hearing the door compression closer pop and hiss told me there was a good chance I was alone. I looked out from the safety of my stall and, not seeing a male fixture of any kind, walked directly to the line-up of urinals.

Remembering my new-found friend who was hopefully still guarding the remaining half of my 64 ounce Margarita, I pulled out my cell phone and took a several shots. Here’s what was on the sign:

No piece of square, dry paper can be folded more than 7 times in half

Clinophobia is the fear of beds

A jiffy is an actual unit of time for 1/100^th of a second

The average life span of a major league baseball is 7 pitches

It takes 25 muscles to swallow

The thumbnail grows the slowest, the middle finger the fastest

The 57 on the Heinz ketchup label refers to the varieties of pickles the company once offered

Porcupines float in water

Over 2500 left-handed people are killed each year by using products made for right-handed people

You forget 80% of what you learn each day

OR NOT!

Get it? We’re conditioned to believe—without question—the unusual, the strange, the uncommon, especially when it’s presented as fact, and done so in a manner that appears to be non-threatening and suitable for framing.

It’s the basis for half-truths, white lies and sleight-of-mouth. Politicians are expert at it. So are media news producers, advertising executives, corporate moguls, lawyers, bankers, students who don’t do their homework, men who cheat on their wives, women who invite the reggae-singing milkman in for a cup of tea with cookies, and . . . writers.

Writers know how to sling the bull better than most, because we do it for a living. Our income is dependent upon how well we construct the facts, engage the imagination, and convince our readers of an invented reality. Someone, circa Mark Twain’s era, and for the life of me, I can’t remember his name, said: “Writers are just a bunch of professional liars.”

Can’t argue that.

I’ll leave you with this: If the popularity and success of a writer is a reflection of their ability to make the nonsensical a possibility, let’s make sure they never consider the gullibility of their audience as a pre-established assumption. At a minimum, let’s give them a moving target.

Until next time,

Jaye

"The Cruise - All That Glitters" is Released!

2012-05-09T23:38:28Z

It’s available on Amazon immediately. You can check it out on this link:
[Click Here]

Here are a few things I’ve been waiting to share with you:

The title of the book was originally “All That Glitters.” But I kept being hounded by an old adage: “All that glitters isn’t gold.” And with a bit of research, I found a number of books already published with the same title—the makings of a perfect storm for confusing new and potential readers who don’t know me from the bald guy who wrote about the temptations of money and the love of it being the root of all evil. (I can’t blame them just because I put an “e” on the end of my first name.) So, to make a long story short, I added “The Cruise” to the title, and thankfully, have received a lot of positive feedback. (“I had no idea the story took place on a cruise ship – the new title is much more interesting.”)

I am anticipating some really “stimulating” guest posts and interview questions from this book. It’s a bit (okay, more than a bit) cheeky, taking liberty with those politically incorrect and personally sensitive issues that are so glaringly obvious—the ones we’re constantly thinking about and are dying to mention—but decorum, etiquette, and Emily Post have all warned us to give them a wide berth.

Finally, I really appreciate your Amazon reviews - they overwhelmingly tell me that you're a thoughtful, intelligent bunch, and it makes the days and nights I spend hammering away at my keyboard so much more rewarding. And yes, I love it when I hear someone is reading one of my books based on a recommendation. It's really the biggest favor you can do for me - if you really like what you read, recommend the book to your friends.

Until next time,

Jaye

New Summer Reads

2012-05-06T16:54:44Z

There have been lots of questions from readers concerning the status of my collection of short stories, Journeys From Above and Below the Belt. I’ve been hesitant to answer them until I'd reached a decision concerning how to bring the book to market. In the time since I started writing “Journeys,” the publishing world has gone through some sweeping changes, not the least of which has been the Kindle (and the Nook, for those of you who are of the BN persuasion). Digital readers have made a huge impact on the way books are being packaged and sold. And of course, Amazon is quickly becoming the leading force in the conversion from paper to digital content.

What does that have to do with Journeys? Let’s go a back a couple of years – about two, in fact. And if you look closely, you’ll see me at my desk, happily banging away at the computer keys, and looking forward to the day when I would be able to offer a 400 page plus collection of novellas and short stories, then with a working title of Journeys from the other side of the brain.

Now, press the fast forward button to the beginning of this year. I’m talking to my business manager (for those of you who know me personally, it’s the one I’m sleeping with, not the other one who is constantly calling me on the phone, wanting me to attend a conference in New York in the dead of winter – silly twit). He’s telling me that a big book of short stories is not the right way to package content for a digital world. And if it isn’t right for the Kindle, it isn’t right, period. His advice? Deconstruct the book. Take it apart. Give readers what they want. Offer the longer novellas as individual books and repackage the short stories as a free bonus to promote new releases.

It sounded radical. Unconventional. Like a kid with two box crates and a broken set of skates trying to compete in the Indy 500. (If I lost you with the vague reference to an early skateboard, think “Little Rascals,” an old TV series.) But then the Indy 500 is pretty much the same racetrack as it’s always been. The publishing world is not. I know that. But I’m still a bit mesmerized every time I pass a bookstore, usually pausing to look at the new releases in the window, the temptation of wanting to wander in and ask if they have a copy of The Kure in stock often too overwhelming to resist.

But I digress.

So, bottom line, the collection of novellas and short stories that I’d originally planned to include in Journeys From Above and Below the Belt has been changed. In addition, I’ve decided the next book release (after The Cruise – All That Glitters) is going to be The Beach, and will include a bonus short story titled “Short Time.” Together, they represent the genres of sci-fi fantasy and suspense. I’m including a few surprises (and I’ll reveal some hints as we get closer to a release date) so I’m anxious to get them completed and into Amazon’s digital hands. The plan is to make them available on Kindle about the middle of July.

Finally, The Cruise – All That Glitters is almost here! The official release date is May 10. It will be a part of the Amazon Prime program, which means The Cruise will be an exclusive Kindle release for the first ninety days. However, if you’re a reviewer, blogger, or industry big-wig looking for your next mega-seller, and you need a version formatted for the Nook, shoot me an email and I’ll make sure you receive a copy in your preferred format.

Until next time,

Jaye

Middle Age Crazy

2012-04-17T16:20:48Z

The Possibilities of Amy has produced lots of feedback from readers, including some emails about poignant, bittersweet stories of a high school romance that didn’t happen. It seems taking a hind-sighted look back at our adolescence produces as much frustration as nostalgia. But we were young and naive (some of us, anyway), and our old friends, reason and logic, were often overwhelmed by our hormone-sharpened emotions.

Not all the emails, however, were focused on the teen years.

“Sometimes, when I think about my twenties, I’m certain I would have been better off if I’d put my life-clock on hold and skipped the decade entirely,” one person wrote. Another summed up her twenties in two words: “surprise and disappointment.”

It got me to thinking about my own memories of those ten years. I found the usual imprints collected by most young people rushing through their twenties: a first marriage, the shock-waves of divorce, the strange sense of frustration and helplessness over death, and the guilt that rises from good-byes that were never meant to be permanent. In short, it was very different from the magical whirlwind of health, ambition, energy, and opportunity portrayed by a media-inspired youth-culture and its not so subtle suggestion that a fresh, unlined face was a first class ticket to new adventures and lots of success.

Maybe that’s the problem; for most of us, the reality of our young-adult years was a far cry from the never-ending peak experience we believed it was going to be.

Our generation had expectations beyond those of the previous—or any generation since. We wanted just the right occupation—one that would provide personal expression and a unique and lasting impact on the world. Determined our personal life would not separate from the professional, we promised ourselves they would flow together, blending in a synergistic ooze of Peter Max graphics and Desiderata posters. When it came to relationships, we insisted our chosen mate have just the right amount of yin to balance with our yang. And if we experienced one of our periodic but certain sexual lows, we told ourselves we could top off our tanks with an occasional sniff from the flower garden growing across the street, or next door, depending on who was home. And even though we spoke English, we talked a different language. We spoke in concepts, of visualizing our lives as an expandable space in which we could create a desirable destiny. Est bubbles—inflated with honest intention and tendencies of permanence, built to accommodate our finest moments, but never occupied.

Why do we have all these vacancies? I think we overbuilt.

So now, twenty years later, we join the spa, cut down on the red meat, and hope our friends notice how much younger we look. And yet, that nagging thought stays with us—an ironic awareness that even if we were able to put our bodies into double overtime and score just one dream performance, it would be out of sequence, just a compensation for what might have been, making it all too clear that the difference between making it real and compensating for reality continues to be driven apart by the wedge of time.

Which brings us to the big question: Now what?

Are we resigned to face each other in Yoga classes and ponder the strength of those invisible threads that connect us—to each other, to the big picture, to monkeys on an island whose name we can't pronounce? Or do we take a less physically demanding approach, and start shopping for a comfy front porch rocker so we can while away the days trying to remember that exact moment when circumstances scrubbed our chance to be an original in a world choking with boring predictability and repetition?

All very heady stuff—but not very productive.

Life is far too short—and precious—to waste. Spending what’s left of it in a state of constant introspection can be costly. Especially as we get older, and time gets more valuable, and we have more to be introspective about. (Get the insanity of it all?)

Perhaps the key to dealing with the past is to value the perspective it can bring to the future. Hidden in our angst, there is purpose and, even more important, promise. Our bittersweet memories of lost love, fortune and prosperity can become gentle reminders that life is simply what we choose to make it. The best we can do is to periodically examine our lives, check direction, and make adjustments. Maybe that’s been the plan all along—to spend the first thirty-five years or so getting acquainted with ourselves. And then listen to the feedback from our souls. The fact that we hear and feel a bit of disappointment—and even frustration—are all signs of a working receiver.

I’ll leave you with this: There is something very liberating about facing the demons from our youth. It instills a greater appreciation for the “now,” giving us the courage to move forward with not only a calm acceptance of the past, but also an optimistic resolve for the future.

Good ’ol Forrest Gump may have had it right all along—except in my case, life is just a box of Good and Plenty.

New Year's Resolutions - An Update

2012-04-05T02:01:56Z

A little over three months ago, many of us participated in that traditional ritual of making our New Year’s resolutions. It’s that one time of year when lots of people formalize their intentions to stop smoking, get a better job, lose weight, and hundreds of other wanted changes in their lives. This year I decided to consider a few resolutions that were beyond the predictable—ones that would challenge many of the artificial and self-limiting beliefs that seemed to be draining my energy and keeping me from accomplishing my highest priorities.

How am I doing? As I look back on the last three months, I’d have to give myself a C+. Not bad, really, especially when I remind myself that my goals are still in their formative stages, which is another way of saying that I need a lot more practice.

I had hoped to create a stress-shedding umbrella, woven from fabrics imported from Shangri-la—perspective, patience, and tolerance. But it seems the idea of keeping an “enlightened” attitude front and center—especially when overwhelmed with life’s daily “emergencies”— is not only difficult, but often arrives as little more than a well-intentioned afterthought. Bottom line, if serenity is the desired result, I’m afraid I’ve got a long way to go.

Am I giving up? Absolutely not! I’m going to keep at it, and short of taking a Sherpa-led pilgrimage to the Himalayans to sip tea with monks, I’m determined to create my own little corner of bliss-filled nirvana.

What were those resolutions so neatly penned in my notebook three months ago? I don’t mind sharing. Just no laughing—remember, while a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, it also ends with blistered feet and some really sore muscles. So, without any more nervous hesitation, here they are:

•    I won’t wait for tomorrow. The dance of life is short. There are no rehearsals, and the best life we live is the one in which we fully participate—right now! So I resolve to dream big, and make my first goal to do the most I can with the time I have left.

•    I resolve to let happiness and enthusiasm guide my journey. When I’m happy, I’m also healthier and more creative. And for me, happiness provides a built-in “life barometer,” helping me to consider and evaluate new ambitions beyond the traditional definitions of success. So I resolve to review my goals often and not hesitate to revise or eliminate those that no longer motivate and inspire me to higher levels of happiness in my work—and life.

•    I won’t let my age restrict my dreams. Aging is the “great equalizer,” promoting an attitude of acceptance—and celebration—of our differences. It starts with our bodies, and naturally expands to include an appreciation of simply being human—regardless of the number of years we’ve occupied our skin. So as the enthusiasm and energy of my youth is gradually exchanged for the experience and wisdom of maturity, I eagerly look forward to the next phase of life.

•    I will look forward to the future with hope and optimism. I realize in our current economic situation, this sounds easier said than done. But I won’t let yesterday’s disappointments influence tomorrow’s opportunities. I’m going to hold on to those magical memories from childhood, where everything was possible, and the next miracle was just a bike ride around the block. I’m confident the future will bring new friends, ideas, and opportunities into my life—if I’m ready to receive them. Optimism and hope are free, available on demand, and can pay dividends beyond our expectations.

•    I resolve to be more grateful. Sometimes I forget how much I have for which to be thankful. I’ll be more aware of what I often take for granted—enjoying a gentle breeze on a late summer afternoon, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and allowing an unfettered connection to the environment lift my spirits. In short, I’m going to try to appreciate life more by inviting it to tickle and caress me.

Until next time,
Jaye

"Amy" Debuts Today!

2012-03-23T01:45:01Z

"The Possibilities of Amy" debuts today at Minding Spot Book Reviews.

Here is the link:

http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/2012/03/possibilities-of-amy-author-guest-post.html

Hope you have a chance to stop by, visit the site, and take a sneak peek. You can also enter the giveaway for a free kindle of the book!

Until next time,
Jaye

On The First Day of Spring

2012-03-21T22:20:41Z

They arrive wrapped in welcome sunshine—drifting clouds, soaring kites and cherry blossoms. All promises of spring. They bring with them a sense of growth and renewal, of rejuvenation and revival, and according to Alfred Lord Tennyson, “thoughts of love.”

Spring has traditionally been a time to celebrate our relationships, to rekindle the spark of passion and intimacy. And while the popularized example of an April Love usually focuses on the young and their quest for a new romantic interest, it’s equally important to commemorate the existing relationship we have with our spouse or significant other. For most couples, a good marriage/relationship equates to a great life. (And unfortunately, visa-versa.)

In January, I met a wonderful couple who, many years ago, took the rites of spring to heart. They told me a very poignant story about their commitment and devotion to each other, and how every year they celebrate a very personal love ritual. I hope you’ll find their example as inspiring as I did.

Married on March 21, 1961, Henry and Alice were both seniors at Arizona State University and just two months away from graduation. That summer, Henry was hired by Mountain Bell, and was looking forward to quick promotions and success in the corporate world. But within eight months, he received his draft notice, and after completing basic training, was assigned to the Campbell base in Heidelberg, Germany. He and Alice decided that she would stay in Arizona—close to her parents—and visit Henry as often as possible.

Leaving Alice behind was one of the hardest things Henry had ever done, but before he deployed for overseas duty, they celebrated their first anniversary. That night, he took Alice by the hand and repeated their wedding vows, adding that if he could do it over again, he would “marry her in a New York minute.”

Two years later, Henry completed his military service and returned to his job at Mountain Bell, working rotating shifts as a central office technician while Alice struggled through her first pregnancy. Money was tight, and she did her best to help out by baking wedding cakes for one of the local reception halls.

Through the years, they experienced the predictable and the unforeseen, and yet they never forgot their first anniversary ritual. And although their second anniversary had to be shared by telephone, it was the only one they celebrated apart. Every following March 21^st, after Alice had cleared away the dishes and they had opened each other’s card, they took each other’s hand and repeated their vows, words they now knew by heart.

This March, Alice and Henry will recite their wedding vows for the 50^th time.

During our recent visit, I asked them if they would share their secret to a happy marriage. They looked at each other and laughed.

“I suppose it’s a lot like a prescription,” Henry began. “It changes for what ails you. Sometimes, it’s an equal dose of tenacity and patience. Other times, it’s simply being there, supporting each other when life throws you a curve ball. If there’s anything we’ve learned about having a sucessful marriage, it’s simply deciding—each day when you wake up—that there’s no other person you’d rather be with. You commit to each other because you know how important your relationship is, and how much better your life is because of it.”

We continued to chat for another hour, with Henry and Alice recalling memories of their first real vacation together, the births of their two children, and the time they were pulling a travel trailer cross-country and Henry drove away from a gas station with Alice still inside the Texaco rest room. (“I really thought she was in the trailer,” he said. “I never saw her get out.”)

Although Henry and Alice continued to good-naturedly dismiss the value of any specific advice that they might share with other couples, I gained a great deal of insight from our conversation. And so from their stories, memories and remembrances, here’s what I learned:

There are no mind readers. Your spouse needs to know your expectations. When you find yourself upset or unhappy, explain to your mate why some situations and behaviors leave you disappointed, and more important, what could have been done to prevent it. By the same token, listen to your spouse when he or she needs the same consideration. Healthy relationships do not spring from movie magic and romance novels.

Support your partner with everything you’ve got. Make your spouse’s happiness and well being a priority. Put them first in your life and see what happens. Build your life together with mutual goals. And if you sense that you’re pulling ahead or away from your spouse, talk about it and if necessary readjust your priorities. Value each other as you would a priceless work of art—keeping it safe and protected for as long as it is entrusted to you.

Don’t let the intensity fade. New relationships are full of highs and lows, but over time, familiarity and the general consistency of life tend to even out our emotions. And while that means the disappointments are generally less devastating, it can also mean the feelings of excitement can become little more than a memory. Don’t take your spouse for granted. Remind yourself of the quality, companionship and contentment they provide. Try to imagine how much you would miss them—what your life would be like without them.

Cultivate common interests. We’ve all heard that opposites attract, but sorry, it just isn’t true. For long-term happiness, it’s important to develop and cultivate common interests. Explore things you like to do together, especially if it means learning a new skill or activity that both can participate in.

It’s the little things. When Henry and Alice described the best parts of their lives, they never mentioned the new car they were driving, or the several homes they had bought and lived in, or even the accomplishments they achieved in their careers. They reminisced about the little things: Sitting together on a porch swing; walking in the rain; holding hands on the beach—the kind of memories that are made by spending simple times together, without worrying about the future or fretting over the past. Strive to find quiet moments that you can share, without the distractions and demands of career and material accomplishments.

Until next time,
Jaye

Available Now! "The Possibilities of Amy"

2012-03-18T16:57:49Z

It's official! "The Possibilities of Amy" is now available in kindle on Amazon.

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Possibilities-of-Amy-ebook/dp/B007LPVXIA/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332085581&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Here's a short synopsis:

Amy is the ultimate trophy girl—gorgeous face, killer body, and a vivacious personality. But there’s something else about her, something that makes her even more special. Amy is new. A transfer student from out of state, she’s starting her senior year without knowing a soul. And that means she’s up for grabs, available.

Infatuated from the moment he sees her, David is determined to meet Amy, and if the fates are willing, to spend the rest of his life with her. But his shyness prevents him from approaching her—until his friends devise a contest to determine who will be the first to prove their manhood by seducing her.

The story line of "Amy" is quite different from "The Kure," and I'd really like to know what you think. And of course, if you like it - and I'm hoping you will - I would love it if you would post a review on Amazon!

Until next time,

Jaye
www.jayefrances.com

It's All A Matter of Choice - Part Two

2012-03-17T17:08:18Z

An acquaintance of mine had a fairytale start in life. Born into a loving and financially secure family, he followed the role models of his parents, attending the best schools, excelling at sports as well as scholastics. After graduation, he moved up the corporate ladder and became a successful executive. And at age thirty, he married the girl of his dreams. She was beautiful, intelligent, and supportive of his career and life goals. And as they stood before a packed church repeating their wedding vows, most couldn’t help but envy them.

The first two years were idyllic for the couple, and while there were adjustments—moving to a new state, making new friends and coping with the demands of an upwardly mobile corporate career path—they were, in the most real sense, truly happy.

It was on a quick trip to tour a property that had just come on the market—their potential dream home—that Janice suddenly felt dizzy. Although she told Mark she was fine, she fainted in the car on the way home. She dismissed it, passing it off as a benign symptom of fatigue, probably caused by a lack of sleep from a recent whirlwind trip to Barbados.

Three days later, while Janice was busy in the kitchen preparing a snack for a visiting neighbor, she fell to the floor, unconscious.

Mark stayed by her hospital bed for three days, hoping—praying—that Janice would open her eyes. He knew the doctor’s prognosis wasn’t good. She had suffered a stroke on the left side of her brain, potentially affecting her memory and the muscle control of the right side of her body.

Her recovery was long and arduous—and incomplete. Even after several years of therapy, she remained confined to a wheelchair and experienced difficulty remembering her home address and phone number.

The misfortune brought a natural outpouring of sympathy from family and friends. It was a natural reaction to an unexpected tragedy. But then something unusual happened. After a year or so, after the shock of the event had subsided and people came to accept Janice’s situation as an unfortunate happenstance of life, they directed their sympathy—and pity—toward Mark. Some even saw him as the victim, denied his rightful destiny because of the “obligation” of being forced to care for his invalid wife.

I remember one of the comments as especially cruel: “I hate to say it, but she’s an albatross around his neck, keeping him from realizing his true potential.” Thankfully, Mark never heard it, at least not directly.

Mark had made changes in his priorities. Instead of staying on the fast track to a vice-presidency at a Fortune 500 company, he asked to be demoted to a less demanding staff position, which would have eliminated the need to travel. The company fired him.

He could have felt sorry for himself, bemoaning his sudden reversal of fortune. After all, he had worked hard, sacrificing his personal interests to concentrate on career advancement and future financial success. Instead, Mark found an on-line sales rep job, allowing him to work from home while he cared for Janice.

While others assumed his decision to change his priorities—and his life—to be a no-win obligation, Mark didn’t see it that way. “I always had choices, he said, “but leaving Janice in the hands of strangers was never one of them. I was used to corporate titles, and how the business world uses them to motivate, reward, and establish responsibility. It made me realize there were only a few titles that really mattered. So in my way of thinking, I simply added the title of caregiver to my previous status of soul mate.”

Mark’s courage in a seemingly impossible situation made me realize that many of the so-called obligations in our lives are simply the result of personal choice—whether we realize it or not. Regardless of the situation or circumstances, no one else is going to live our lives for us, which places the responsibility of choosing honestly—and wisely—directly on us.

Turning obligations into choices—I think it’s what George Eliot was talking about when she said, “The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.”

Until Next time,
Jaye

It's All A Matter Of Choice

2012-03-16T16:26:51Z

I was reading a business article a couple of weeks ago, and I noticed the writer using the phrase, “being comfortable in your own skin.” I wondered why such a widely-read business author would use such a trite and overused metaphor.

The term actually became popular many years ago, describing an attitude of acceptance, surrendering to the results of genetic malfeasance while reframing negative attitudes about our physical appearance. Over time, the expression evolved into a popular way of describing a state of personal authenticity—creating and experiencing a sense of flow in our lives, of doing things in a way that makes the most sense, even when our choices are far from the traditional.

After a little research, I learned the phrase is on the verge of making a comeback. Perhaps it’s time. Seems like every ten years, the self-help industry checks the recycle bin for second-hand concepts that can be re-packaged into books and seminars for the next generation. So with the latest re-issue of “finding a personal comfort zone” pre-eminently upon us, I’d like to make a suggestion: Let’s include a context that goes far beyond the reluctant acceptance of situations and issues beyond our control. Let’s make it about the celebration of choice.

Since I often share personal experiences with readers, I’d like to offer an example that is near and dear to my heart. A few months ago, my husband and I celebrated our eighteenth wedding anniversary. But unlike the customary observance, we renewed our desire to continue our relationship for another year. It’s something we’ve done since our first anniversary, seventeen years ago. And while not the traditional box of candy and Hallmark card, it’s a commemoration of truth, of looking back on the years that we’ve shared together and deciding the future is better with each other than without.

Perhaps more important, it’s recognizing the fact that both he and I have many options and choices in life, and yet in spite of those many other opportunities, we agree to continue as partners, best friends, and lovers. To me, it’s a nearly overwhelming concept—to have that choice, and know that I would never choose otherwise. It’s acknowledging that choice is part of commitment—for us, the most important part.

We are together because we choose to be. And we make that choice every December.

But our example pales in comparison to the choices others have made, willingly and without hesitation. I’ll continue with part two tomorrow.

Until then,

Jaye

Great Minds Think Aloud

2012-03-06T15:48:58Z

Join me at Great Minds Think Aloud with interviewer Kitty Bullard and read an excerpt from my paranormal-occult romance novel "The Kure". Kitty's website is a great resource for all genres and is a wonderful place to spend some time to share and receive recommendations for new reads and authors.

Here is the link:

http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=interviews&thread=1181

Thank you for following!

Until next time,
Jaye
www.jayefrances.com
http://blog.jayefrances.com

A Gift From the Mayans

2012-02-27T12:00:00Z

According to the Mayan calendar, the current 5125 year-long cycle will end on December 21, 2012. The idea has made for some interesting movies and several best-selling books—most of which are little more than over-dramatized fiction with little basis in fact.

There is, however, a small group of people who have construed this event to be the literal end of time—and life—on this planet. Other radical interpretations suggest the “end-of-days calendar” is really a kind of astronomic time-table, warning us of apocalyptic changes in weather and geo-centricity that will result in the loss of much of the world’s infrastructure that we now take for granted.

The world’s leading experts have assured us that we have little to fear. And that in all likelihood, December 21 will come and go without incident, with most people’s thoughts focused on Christmas shopping, holiday parties and egg nog.

Seems like a shame, really. To have an ancient civilization like the Mayans—who left us with such a nifty collection of temples and the basis for modern day astronomy—predict such a significant event without attributing some credibility to their efforts.

Maybe our mistake in considering the 2012 prediction is our “all or nothing” context. By thinking only in terms of extreme opposites—catastrophic prophecy or entirely meaningless timekeeping—we might be overlooking a more fertile middle ground.

Just for fun, let’s consider the re-setting of the Mayan calendar with a different mentality. What if, rather than predicting a cataclysmic end to our way of life, the Mayans were encouraging future generations to periodically examine their lives, re-evaluate their priorities, and if necessary, make a few changes?

Personally, I like the idea. And it got me to thinking: What if, for the next ten months, I decided to live my life as if the world was really coming to an end? How would I spend my time? Where would I go? And who would I want to see—what would we talk about—if I knew it was going to be my last conversation with that person?

I quickly realized it would put a different perspective on the way I use my time—a different set of rules to live by. Now I was hooked. I decided to determine what my New Rules would be; little reminders to keep me focused on the things in life that were important to me. These are what I came up with. If you find any of them useful, feel free to borrow, modify or adapt to your own situation and life—not only for the balance of this year, but for all the years to come.

Go your own way. Live life by your standards. If you decide to adopt other people’s lifestyles, dictates and doctrines, do so only if it’s right for you. Once we’ve reached adulthood, we’ve earned the right to call our own shots—to live where we want, see who we want, and to spend our time in ways that are personally satisfying. As long as our choices don’t hurt others, we have the right to explore the opportunities of a lifetime. Choice is what makes life rewarding.

Use every day to advantage. Recognize that the days are passing. Our time is limited, so make each day count for something. When we’re twenty, the future is a vague and seemingly endless string of tomorrows. But those with the majority of their years behind them often encourage us to spend our time consciously, and in ways that make us—and others—happy. One of my oldest family friends (now 86) put it extremely well: “Don’t celebrate your eightieth birthday still wishing you had traveled more, worried less, made more friends, visited family more often, repaired broken relationships, or been more willing to try new things.” Whether you are looking at another fifty years or another five, live every day in appreciation of how you spend your time.
Remain flexible to change. Remember: Life is what happens while you’re planning your future. It seldom works out the way we think it will. But it does work out. Being receptive to alternative experiences can be a real source of joy and excitement.
Regardless of what happens, don’t take it too seriously. Socrates suggested it. Shakespeare said it. And Will Rogers made it a classic. Most recently, it was repeated very eloquently by Bill Harris, a brain-wave researcher at the Centerpointe Research Institute: “We adopt the role of actor, witness or author, giving our hearts fully to the game of life, knowing all the while that it is a great diversion and will eventually end.”

Looking forward to seeing you on December 21, and in the days beyond.

Catching up . . .

2012-02-26T18:38:53Z

This last week, I was hosted by three great book review sites. If you'd like to take a look, just click on the links. I've provided a brief description of the discussion/topic. Hope you enjoy.

February 22:
Paranormal Book Reviews
Question: Once in that state of mind - so you can see the horror well enought to describe it - how do you get it out of your head? How do you deal with it for days, and sometimes months, and still sleep at night? Go to the link to find out!
http://paranormalbookreviews-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/02/guest-post-giveaway-kure-by-jaye.html#comment-form

February 23:

Bitten by Paranormal Romance

Basing The Kure on historical practice and derivation of fact; the virgin cure.
http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/2012/02/guest-author-jaye-frances-giveaway.html

February 25:

Seeing Night Book Reviews
"Oh, the things we do for love."

http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/2012/02/author-guest-post-giveaway-jaye-frances.html#more

I have a revised release date for The Possibilities of Amy.

There's no one more disappointed than I, but the originally scheduled date of March 1 isn't going to happen. I've had some issues (otherwise known as delays) with the file conversion process to Kindle. I'm back on track, but I don't feel comfortable making any kind of commitment earlier than March 25. I'm hopeful that it will be out sooner, but then I was sure I would beat March 1 as well. So please forgive my much too optimistic forecast - I want it done right, and I want my readers to be happy with the result. It will still be available through Amazon as a Kindle eBook, and will also be placed in Amazon Prime. For a very limited time, it will be offered for free, so I'll keep you posted with the promotional dates.

Until Next Time,
Jaye

Potions and Notions and Books (Oh My!)

2012-02-17T19:16:38Z

When I was about twelve, my family was visiting relatives in a small town located in the great state of . . . well, it doesn’t matter, let’s just say it was one of the contiguous forty-eight. It was a pleasant little town, one of those out-of-the-way places that looked as if it had sprung right off the canvas of a Norman Rockwell painting. The storybook houses were set on deep, perfectly manicured yards, their long driveways sheltered by leafy canopies of oak and maple, while front porch swings buffered the illusion of Victorian propriety with down-home hospitality.

Downtown, the quaint storefronts were filled with displays of merchandise and smartly dressed mannequins, and people moved about their business in a friendly, unhurried way, often taking the time to stop and chat about the weather or the daily special at the local diner. It was one of those places where you would expect Andy and Barney to suddenly appear from Floyd’s Barber Shop, where they had spent the better part of the morning chatting with smooth-talking Gomer and his celebrity-impersonating cousin, Goober.

One afternoon, my mother and her two sisters talked me into going with them on a trip to the drugstore. My mom needed a half dozen rolls of film for her new Brownie StarFire, and there was no better place to buy film than the drugstore—because of all the other nifty things you could find there.

We parked on the street, right in front of “Drugs and Notions.” As we stepped up to the sidewalk, one of my aunts noticed it first—a hand-lettered sign prominently displayed in the store’s window: “Going Out of Business – everything 50% off.” My mother, concerned that her supply of notions was precariously low, made a bee-line for the front door.

Thirty minutes later, she began placing her items on the checkout counter, and the clerk at the register began to ring-up the merchandise. Meticulous at her job, the clerk picked up each item, examined it for cracks, tears or other flaws (as notions are notorious for collecting), and then punched the keys on the cash register. Noticing the prices were being entered at the regular, sticker price, my mother asked when the discount would be calculated.

The clerk answered, “Oh, at the end, when I take the total and divide it by half. We couldn’t take fifty percent off each item—we’d go broke that way.”

Now, I know not everyone’s a math whiz. And personally, I have to use a calculator to figure out a twenty percent tip. But here’s what I remember about that experience that keeps it so firmly anchored in the bedrock of my childhood.

No one said anything. Not to the sales clerk. Not to each other.

There was a line of folks standing behind us, most of whom surely heard the employee’s comment. My mother didn’t seem to think it important , and my two aunts just smiled and reminded each other that dinner was at six that evening instead of six-thirty.

The point of the story is not to poke fun at hard working sales clerks. It is simply to point out that not everyone is going to “get” it. Not everyone needs to. And that’s okay.

For example, when I was growing up, I loved the satire of Woody Allen. And yet, many of my friends thought he was nuts—and not in a good way. Here’s another: Some folks read the lengthy sentences of Hemmingway and find themselves drifting off to places and times that keep them captivated for hours. Others read the same page and wonder if he was ever introduced to the concept of using a period.

That’s what makes the current publishing revolution so important—lots of new voices. And from that rising eclectic chorus, you and I now have the previously unequaled opportunity to choose our favorites. Here’s to choosing well . . . and often.

A note about your email:

I appreciate (more than you know) the ton of email I’ve received about the recent posts, “Myths, Legends and Lies,” and especially your comments about the The Kure’s realistic portrayal of rituals and spells derived from the dark arts. It’s made me wonder about my original decision to pull the historical references and source material from the end notes of the book. I left them out intentionally, wanting readers to experience the story with the same abject horror as those who lived in that time period. Now I’m rethinking that.

What’s your opinion? Do you think The Kure would be a better read—more interesting—if the historical references were included with the book? Or would it spoil the “surprise” factor, increasing the predictability quotient?

If you don’t want to leave a pixel trail on the blog, shoot me an email.

Until next time,

Jaye

Guest Appearance - "Reading Lark After Dark"

2012-02-16T20:17:43Z

Today, I’m being hosted by “Reading Lark After Dark,” a wonderful on-line sanctuary for the 18+ reader where you can explore new books, read reviews, and learn more about your favorite authors.

In addition to my guest post, the reviewer, Michelle, posted an excellent review of The Kure.

Here’s the link for the guest post: http://readinglarkafterdark.blogspot.com/2012/02/guest-post-and-giveaway-with-Jaye.html

The link for the review is: http://readinglarkafterdark.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-kure.html

I encourage you to visit both.

I’m going to leave it short today, with a promise of more tomorrow.

Until then,

Jaye

Want to improve your relationship? Buy (him) some shoes!

2012-02-11T22:46:20Z

During a recent interview on a reviewer’s site, I was asked a question that made me think about the essential differences between the sexes when it comes to things like priority and value. The question was:

It seems you are quite a shoe shopper, do you think this is really only a female trait or do you think that men can be just as bad when it comes to shoes?

Here’s my answer:

I’d have to speculate that it’s most likely a singularly female trait—no doubt the result of some quirky twist in our DNA. My husband had long given up trying to understand the relationship between shoes and female chromosomes, until one day I explained the compulsion as part of an inseparable trifecta—a love for shoes, an insatiable desire for chocolate, and the ability to flawlessly apply make-up while driving. He’s never asked me about it since.

Pretty innocuous stuff. An innocent question designed to show the more personal side of an author, and a writer’s attempt at delivering a witty response. Nothing all that unusual, but it got me to thinking . . .

What if the age-old discussion about the differences between men and the fairer sex came down to just one essential ingredient—shoes? What if all the psychological studies and sociological debate over the inconsistencies and dissimilarities between men and women were simply reflections of how our feet hit the pavement?

My husband owns four pair – black and brown loafers, a pair of tennis shoes and some leather Sperry’s. He says that’s all he needs. But that’s what he’s supposed to say. Because he’s, well, a . . . man. He gets by with four pair because five pair would be extravagant, a waste of money, and . . . un-manly. He—like most men—suffers from obvious shoe deficiency (OSD for short). But really now, can a simple case of OSD make that much difference in a person’s behavior?

I’m sure of it. Pardon the personal reference, but if you threatened to cut my shoe stash down to four pair, you’d see some changes in my temperament. For example, I might not be inclined to pick my clothes up off the floor (or his either). I’d probably let the dirty dishes sit in the sink an extra hour or two, hoping Alice would decide to abandon the Brady Bunch and suddenly show up at my door. My usually glowing personality and charming disposition would take a dive straight into the dumper. And men, if you think a woman’s mood swings produced some radical behavioral shifts before we bought both the red and the white pair of the same style stiletto pumps, just take away our shoes and you’ll look back on our previous eruptions of alternative personas—including one of my all-time favorites, axe-wielding Lizzie Borden—as a precious memory you can only long for.

Bottom line, the huge gulf of silence and confusion that currently resides between Mars and Venus could be shrunk to the occasional pregnant pause, if more men made a monthly trip to Macy’s to check out the latest Florsheims. In fact, I’m sure if a man’s closet was stocked with an adequate complement of footwear, he would soon find himself enjoying the advantages of intuition, thoughtful reflection, and sympathetic sensitivity.

Just sayin’. . . .

Until next time,

Jaye

Myths, Legends and Lies (Part Two)

2012-02-09T23:33:37Z

As promised in part one, here’s a little more detail about the historical basis of The Kure and in particular, the ritual contained in the ancient and demonic book of healing the good doctor kept hidden in a secret compartment behind his bookcase. (You can’t imagine all the places I originally considered for a hiding place – the attic, under the floorboards, a hollow bottom in the doctor’s instrument cabinet. But the more I thought about it, I decided the most appropriate place to hide evil was in plain sight – with (and behind) the doctor’s other books.)

My goal was to present the ritual as a derivation of the dark-spirited rationalized explotation of women throughout history, and in particular, young virgin women, who were often used – sacrificed - to serve the sexual pleasure and gratification of men.

As John Tyler (our hard-working, gorgeous hunk of a protagonist) suggested, "Harwell had read the most perverse instructions imaginable, a prescription designed to justify the actions of corrupt and evil men who craved the touch of a young maiden."

So why do satanic texts place such an emphasis on virgins? (And the word “satanic” in this context means any dark or demonic influence, not necessarily the infamous fallen angel, Satan, the CEO of hell.)

Virgins, often referred to as “young virgins” in historical writings, are the popular focus and preferred ingredient in dark rituals because of the “regeneration effect”—the release of energy, thought to be the actual life force. Ancient magicians believed that a living being was a container of stored power, the quality and quantity of which was reflected by the purity and moral character of the vessel. The greatest and purest force was thought to exist in perfect innocence – the virgin.

But what about the sexual connotation? Couldn’t they just have shaken hands?

Sex is an extremely common element in demonic rituals due to the explosion of energy at the moment of orgasm. Since these would-be sorcerers were all about stealing the life force from others—often called “soul snatching” in folklore—sexual activity was often used as a method to raise the energy levels of a practitioner’s victims to receive maximum energy transfer.

Demonic books and texts—represented by the ancient text of healing in The Kure—have existed for thousands of years. The rituals of black magic can trace its roots all the way back to ancient Babylon, with the organized practice of satanism rearing its ugly head within the societies of the Sumerians, Phoenicians, Hitites, Egyptians and Canaanites. (There are others, but hey, for our purposes, it’s a start. And it makes it very clear that these bad boys have been around for a very long time, had a lot of influence, and left their mark – both figuratively and literally – on a lot of unfortunate people.)

I hope I’ve answered your questions about the source and inspiration for the ritual contained in The Kure. There’s lots more information for those who want to dig a bit deeper, but as the old adage warns, “be careful what you look for, you may not like what you find!”

Until next time,

Jaye

Here's the Cover For "Amy"

2012-02-08T23:25:21Z

Here's the final cover design for "The Possibilities of Amy." The release date is March 1 - about three weeks away! I'm still planning some kind of promotion in which you'll be able to download it for free for a limited time, and I'll let you know the dates as soon as they're finalized. Available for Kindle only, it will be in the Amazon Prime program.

Tomorrow . . . Chapter two of Myths, Legends and Lies

Until Then,

Jaye

Myths, Legends and Lies

2012-02-06T22:25:44Z

Okay, I finally get to tell you. I’ve waited for over four months to talk about it. I kept my little secret even after receiving a couple of extremely vitriolic reviews that bluntly confronted the storyline of The Kure as unrealistic, implausible, and so farfetched that it came off as unbelievable – even for paranormal fiction – which by the nature of the beast can admittedly be a bit bizarre. From calling it “different and disturbing,” (thank you, I liked that very much, as I’ve always believed a good book should shake its reader out of predictable complacency – I mean, isn’t that what paranormal fiction is for?) to comments about a rancid zombie penis (again, thank you – although there is not a single zombie to be found in The Kure, sales of the book jumped significantly the day that particular review was published), the few but reaching attempts to discount The Kure’s believability quotient were misguided and ill-conceived.

As an aside, perhaps one day I will write a book about zombies, their penises, and the angst of the walking dead when faced with an attack of penile disintegration disorder (PDD), but for now, we’ll have to go with the existing character line-up.

Time to talk about the elephant in the room. It was always my intent to base The Kure on a derivation—or interpretation—of fact. When I started researching background material for the book, I found myself in the unusually fortuitous position of finding an incredible wealth of history, folklore and legend. And frankly, I wasn’t ready for what I found.

Disturbing? That’s an understatement. Just ask my husband, who spent more nights than he wants to remember trying to get me back to bed after my nightmares erupted into sleep-shattering screams. I re-wrote the ritual several times, trying to tone down its graphic nature, hoping to make it more palatable to those comfortably nestled in the upper strata of propriety. But with each new and diluted draft, I felt like I was cheating – as if I were describing a fatal car accident as a slight mechanical mishap, ignoring the loss, the victims, and the struggle to adapt to a life that was changed forever.

My readers – and you are the ones who count – deserved more.

So here’s the bottom line: The ritual, and the scene in the barn when Sarah combines the two spells to release the Kure’s power, are based on the recorded beliefs and practices of the “virgin cure” – the medieval concept of having sexually-based contact with a female virgin to cure the afflicted from all manner of disease. The graphic realism had to be there because it represented actual demonic practices of the time. It’s there because the story demanded it. And to ignore the ritual’s source and historical relevance – albeit a dark one – would have been an insult to my readers.

I wrote The Kure with the intent of opening a long-locked door, hoping I could provide a little peek inside a huge room filled with superstition and ignorance. And yes, I know The Kure has scared the be-jesus out of some of some you. But your laments over lost sleep were usually accompanied by a question, asking me when book two will be out, often expressing the hope that the next installment will be just as scary. (Don’t worry. It will.) It was exactly what I needed to hear. It confirmed my faith in an intelligent and demanding audience who would not settle for anything short of my best work. Which is exactly what you will continue to receive.

In book two, “The Karetakers,” I’m going to reveal the source, the linage of practitioners, and the historical practice of red magic. And while The Kure series is fiction, I promise to continue basing the evolving story on relevant and accurate references from some of our not-so-shining moments in human history.

The nice folks at Night Owl Reviews will be hosting me on their blog tomorrow, and I will go into a bit more detail about the historical relevance of The Kure’s story line. I’ll provide a link so you can take a look, and reprint the post here a week or so after it’s published.

I’d also like to share a bit more of my personal research with you. So in a day or two, I’ll talk about some of the more interesting aspects of the virgin cure—particularly why virgins were thought to possess healing power, and the rationale behind sexually-based contact enhancing curative powers when applied by practitioners of the black arts.

Hang on, it might get a bit bumpy before we’re done.

Until next time,

Jaye