Grand Adventures Release Day

Hello everyone! Today is the day! The Grand Adventures anthology featuring my short story When Friendship Becomes More is now available from Dreamspinner Press. All of the links and the official blurbs are under the My Books tab on the right. It's really exciting!!

I'm also proud to announce the anthology is rising up the bestseller list. As of right now, it's number 3 on Amazon and number 2 on Dreamspinner. Let's work to make it number 1 for TJ and Eric!!!!

As previously mentioned, there is no new part in The Saga of Steve and Joey. That will be back next week. But for now, come chat with me, Brandon Witt and John Amory on DSP's FB page at 7 PM EST.

And check back all week long for updates!

Thursday Update-3/27/14

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday! Here's my weekly update!

When Friendship Becomes More is being released THIS MONDAY as part of the Grand Adventures anthology. You can preorder your copy now. (The link is under the My Books tab on the right.) Remember all of the proceeds go to help TJ and Eric so get your copy now! As part of the release there will be a joint blog tour hosted by some of the biggest bloggers in the genre. Here's the schedule:
    March 29-Kimi-Chan
    March 30-Boys in Our Books
    March 31-Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
    April 1-Boy Meets Boy
    April 2-The Blogger Girls
    April 3-MM Good Book Reviews
    April 4-Sid Love
    April 5-Joyfully Jay
    April 6-Mrs. Condit
    April 7-Prism Book Alliance

I will be at MM Good Book Reviews on the 3th, but be sure to check out all of the spots to hear from the other amazing authors in the anthology! I hear there will also be a giveaway!

Also, as part of the book release, Dreamspinner is opening up their Facebook page for a massive author chat. Chat will be going on from 12 noon until 10 PM (EST) so come by to chat. I will be there from 7-9 PM EST with Brandon Witt and John Amory so come chat with us.

Outside of that, my biggest news for the week is the fact that I just submitted one of my short stories for consideration! A Big, Beautiful Love (formally A Big Love, in case you couldn't figure that out) is done! I should hear back in a few weeks. Keep your fingers crossed!

This week my biggest project has been MWMGML. I have written almost ten thousand new words for the story. It still needs a lot of work, but it's getting there.

Nothing new to report on Elpis, The Phoenix or Escape. Death has not yet entered production, but hopefully soon.

I think that's about it. Remember there will be no new chapter for Steve and Joey this week because of the release, but come chat with me instead on FB. And preorder your copy of Grand Adventures now!!!

~Sophie

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 16

Hello everyone and Happy Monday! And because it's Monday, I'm here with Part 16 of The Saga of Steve and Joey. Now this part is a direct continuation from last week, so if you don't remember what happened go here and read that first. And without further ado, enjoy!

Part 16

Joey

I watch as Steve tries to process what I just admitted. He probably thinks it came out of nowhere. I’d never dropped a hint about this before, so I probably blindsided him. And yet, in this moment, I couldn’t find it in me to care. I need him to tell me it’s okay.

I’d been thinking about a baby off and on for a little while before. I never told Steve, but the thoughts were still there. They would creep up on me watching a baby food commercial or seeing a mom jogging with a stroller in the park. But I can’t ignore it anymore. I want a baby.

I just have to convince Steve of it.

My husband is staring at me with wide eyes, his face betraying the shock he’s feeling. I bite my lip as I wait for a response. Patience was never my strong suit.

“A...a…baby,” Steve finally stammers out.

“Yeah. A baby.”

“But we’re men!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the statement, despite the tension wrapped around my body in a vice grip.

“Yeah, I did notice that. But you’re a doctor. Surely, you know there are other ways to have a baby.”

“Like?”

“Well, adoption is my first choice. There are too many kids out there who need good homes. It would take a while for the paperwork to go through, but I think it’d be worth it. And even if we got a surrogate that would still take at least nine months.”

Steve stops my rant with a raised hand.

“Okay. I get it. I just don’t understand. You’ve never mentioned this before. Why now?”

I sigh. “Because I want a child. It’s something that’s crossed my mind ever since we got married. But today at work, I got assigned to do this story. It was a child abuse story. The mother beat her son mercilessly, torturing him daily. She didn’t feed him, forced him to sleep on the floor and…it was just horrible.”

I pause, memories of the story sweeping into my brain. The research I’d uncovered was so horrible, I couldn’t even begin to process how the child survived as long as he did.

“And you want to adopt this boy,” Steve guesses.

“No. The child died,” I whisper.

Steve pulls me back into his arms and kisses me on the top of my head.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers.

I don’t reply, soaking up the warmth and comfort of Steve’s arms.

“But I don’t understand,” Steve says after a minute. “How did you get from this story to wanting a child of our own?”

“Don’t you see,” I implore sitting up and turning so I could look Steve in the eyes. “This child needed someone and they weren’t there. But there are lots of other kids out there and we can be there for them. That…and…”

“What?”

I rub at the tears starting to well up in my eyes. “I want a baby. I want us to be parents and to raise a child to adulthood. This story might have lit the fire under me, but I’ve thought about it all night. And this is something I want to do. We have the money and the house and I just think it’s time to expand our family.”

“You don’t like just the two of us?”

I swallow down my fear. I know he won’t make a decision without all of the information, but I’m still scared.

“It’s not that. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And I know I could be happy if it was just the two of us. But I still want a child.”

“Does this have anything to do with your family? And how they rejected you?”

“Look. I’m not going to lie and say that didn’t hurt. I hate that I have no family other than you. But this isn’t about them. It’s about us. And how we’re going to spend our future.”

“We work all day. Who would watch this child?”

“I could quit my job. Work freelance. We both know your salary can support us both now that your parents’ wedding gift paid off the last of your student loans.”

Steve sighs. “Are you sure you want this?”

I nod. “More than anything. But it’s not just about me. It has to be about us.”

“I need some time to think about this.”

I nod. I understand the request, but I hate not having an answer.

The next morning, I’m hoping to have an answer, but Steve goes off to work without a word on the subject. He doesn’t say anything that night either.

By the three day mark, I’m about ready to go out of my mind. I need to know if we’re going to do this. I get that Steve needs his time, but I’m not sure how much longer I can wait for an answer.

As we lay in the bed, I’m biting my lip questioning if I should bring it up again. I don’t want to bother him, but I need to know.

“Steve?”

“Yeah?”

“Have you thought about what I asked you?”

“The baby?”

I nod, knowing he can feel my head move from its position on top of his chest.

“Honestly. That’s all I’ve thought of for the last three days. The pros and cons. Everything.”

“And?”

“Well, at first I thought it was a horrible idea. I really asked for the time to think because I couldn’t bear to tell you no after I promised you I wouldn’t.”

I close my eyes against the tears that are forming. He’s going to say no.

“But then I really started to think about it and I realized that maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea. We do have the means. And I like kids. I thought about what our lives would be like with a kid. And I realized something.”

“What,” I ask, still trying to hold back the tears.

“That I would love nothing more to build a family with you.”

I sat up and looked at Steve, hope shining in my eyes brighter than the moonlight coming through the window.

“Does that mean…?”

“It means I would love to have a baby with you.”

I let out a little laugh as I start to cry for a whole new reason.

“We’re going to be parents,” I exclaim.

“Yeah,” Steve says pulling me back down to his chest. “Isn’t that a scary though?”

“Actually, I think it’s perfect.”

And there’s Part 16! Steve and Joey are going to be parents! Their story will continue in TWO weeks as the adoption process starts. There will be no story next week as it is the release date for the Grand Adventures anthology. But I’ll still be around. I will be on Dreamspinner’s Facebook page promoting the book from 7-9 EST, so be sure to check by. And remember to come back on April 7^th for Part 17 of The Saga of Steve and Joey. 

Thursday Update-3/20/14

Hello everyone! I have a lot of news this week to share with everyone, so let's get to it.

First of all, the Grand Adventures anthology has hit DSP's Coming Soon page. This anthology features stories by 28 authors, including myself. My short story is entitled When Friendship Becomes More. I've put all of the information, including purchase links under the My Books section of this web page. You can also go to DSP's coming soon page here. And remember: all of the proceeds go directly to help TJ Klune and Eric Arvin!

Next, Death: Meet Love and Happiness is now officially under contract!! DSP has picked it up and is scheduled for a Sept./Oct. release. More details to follow.

I have done a lot of work on my short stories this week. The first draft of The Phoenix is now complete. It may need some revamping in the second draft, but the core is solid. Also, I have started another short story for an anthology call. I wasn't going to do this one, but I saw an plea of Facebook that got me inspired. Really inspired. The first draft of A Bigger Kind of Love is done. And it shouldn't need too much editing before it's ready to go,which is a good thing considering how fast the deadline is approaching.

But not all of my news this week is great. MWMGML is going back to the editing stage. It will be undergoing major changes and rewrites before being submitted for consideration again. I still believe in this story, but it might take a while for it to get a contract.

I've gotten so overwhelmed with all of these other projects Elpis and Escape didn't get any attention this week. Maybe next week...

Whew! So I think that's it for this week. Check back on Monday for the next part of The Saga of Steve and Joey and I'll have a brand new update for you next Thursday. Until then, have a great week!

~Sophie

Upcoming Release

EXCITING NEWS!!!! Dreamspinner Press has put out an anthology to benefit TJ and Eric! The Grand Adventures Anthology will be available on March 31st. But you can preorder your copy on the DSP website now! It looks like a fantastic anthology, featuring stories by some of the biggest names in the genre. I feel honored that my short story "When Friendship Becomes More" is part of such a wonderful anthology. And the best part: all of the income goes directly to TJ and Eric! So preorder your copy today in ebook or paperback.

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 15

Free Read Monday! This story is set about a year and a half after Steve and Joey get married. Enjoy!

Part 15

Steve

My life is perfect. There’s no other way to describe it, I think as I drive home from work one night. Joey has been married to me for the last year and a half and it’s been the best time of my life. I don’t know where I would be without him.

Things in my career were going well too. I finally finished my residency and was now working in a joint practice with three other doctors, working as a general practitioner. It’s perfect. I only had to work five days a week for about forty hours and then I could come home and spend the rest of the time with Joey.

I pull into the driveway and cut the engine, smiling all the way. Maybe it is just a good day of work or maybe it’s just a general love of love, but I feel great heading into the house. Dropping my stuff by the door, I head into the kitchen where Joey is cooking something. I’m not sure what it is, but it smells fantastic. My smile only gets wider as I think about how lucky I am to have a husband that cooks.

“Hey, babe,” I say as I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around him. I gently kiss him on the neck before staring at the food he’s chopping up on the counter. “What’s for dinner?”

“Pork chops,” Joey says tensely before going back to cutting up some lettuce for a salad.

The second the words left his mouth I know something is wrong. Normally, Joey is relaxed and smiling, but not now. He looks really upset.

“Joey? What’s wrong?”

But Joey just shakes his head and moves away from me. I don’t know what to do. Joey is usually so open and now he’s completely shutting me out. Deciding to give him a little bit of time, I don’t say anything as I start getting ready for dinner.

The rest of the night passes as one uncomfortable blur. Something has clearly gotten to Joey, but he isn’t saying what. But the signs are all there. He shrugs me off every time I give him a gentle touch, refuses to talk about even the simplest of topics and keeps staring off into space like he’s thinking about something.

This new Joey is freaking me out a little bit. I’ve never seen him like this before and I don’t know what to do. I guess I just have to wait until he figures this out. Or at least starts talking to me again.

Finally, it gets late enough for us both to go to bed. Joey is like a zombie as he brushes his teeth and finishes the rest of his bedtime rituals. When we finally crawl into bed together, I try to take him in my arms like I do every night. After all, we sleep wrapped up together every night.

At first, Joey resists me, sliding back to the edge of the bed. I’m devastated that my husband would avoid me like that. But eventually, he slides back over and I’m able to wrap him in my arms.

“What’s wrong,” I ask again, desperate for an answer. “And don’t tell me nothing.”

Silence.

I’m about to beg him again, when I hear a soft whisper. “I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“What you’ll say.”

“What do you mean,” I ask, genuinely confused.

“I want to tell you. But if you say no, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

“Hey,” I whisper back, before placing a soft kiss on the top of his head. “Have I ever told you no before?”

“No.”

“So tell me what’s going on?”

Joey looks up at me, fear clear in his eyes.

“I want a baby.”

And there’s Chapter 15. I know, I know. I left you guys with a cliffhanger, but I have to every once in a while. Don’t worry though. Next chapter will be up next week. See you then!

I'm in the (Author) Spotlight!

Hey guys! I'm being featured in an Author Spotlight over at the Harmony Ink Press website with John Goode as part of their anniversary celebration! Check it out at here.

Thursday Update-3/13/14

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday! Here's this week's writing update.

The big news for the week is that A Mysterious Savior is now under contract with Less Than Three Press! The short story will be part of a charity anthology for Project Fierce in Chicago. It will be released sometime in July. More details to come!

The first draft of Elpis Academy-Atty and Chase is now done. The second draft will need some work, something I will be starting next week.

My other big writing project this week has been Escape-Book 1 in the Noxium Trilogy. This trilogy is set in 2438, in a world where an evil dictatorship follows Derik and his quest to survive. But his world is turned upside down when he finds a young man, injured in an alley. Right now, I have about 9,000 words and three chapters down. I'm really happy with this new project, but I think it will take me awhile to finish because of other projects I have going on.

The Phoenix is progressing quite well. I have about 75% of the first draft done and I'm hoping to have the first draft done by the end of the week. It should come in at about five thousand words.

Still waiting on news for MWMGML and Death. 

I think that's about it. Next week, I'm hoping to have more information on When Friendship Becomes More and its upcoming release. Until then, have a great week everyone!

~Sophie

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 14

Hello everyone! Welcome to the final installment of Steve and Joey's wedding. Enjoy!

Part 14

Joey

I cling to Steve’s hand all the way through dinner. I don’t want to let him go. And judging by the way, he’s holding onto me, I don’t think he wants to let me go either.

After the wedding, we all came down to Luigi’s for a fancy Italian dinner. There really wasn’t a need for a big reception, since there was only five of us at the wedding, but we still wanted to do something. Dinner just seemed like the easier method. Steve and I don’t leave on our honeymoon until tomorrow morning, so we’re just planning on having a quiet evening at the restaurant before going home to sleep before tomorrow’s flight.

As I finish a fabulous meat and five cheese lasagna, Lucas picks up his fork and starts gently hitting his wine glass, the tink-tink sound filling the air.

“Why are you doing that,” I hiss, trying to ignore all of the people around the restaurant now staring at us.

“Because I always wanted to,” the bastard says with a smile.

I look over at Steve, but he just smiles and shakes his head at his best friend. Still holding on to Steve’s hand, I lean back in my chair, prepared to let him say whatever he feels the need to say.

“Okay, guys, I just wanted to say how happy I am for both of you. I hoped for the best when I set you guys up on a blind date, but I never thought I would be here toasting you two on your wedding day. And I’ve also never been so happy to be wrong. I’m thrilled beyond all belief that you two found each other. And I can only hope that one day I’ll find someone who completes me the way you two complete each other.”

I feel tears welling up in my eyes as Lucas goes through his speech. I didn’t know Lucas was capable of talking like this.

“Now I know this is the part where I’m supposed to give you a present, but I’m driving you two to the airport at three in the morning so that should be present enough.”

Lucas gives us a wicked smile and sits down. I know that look. He has a present for us. He just doesn’t want to give it to us in front of Steve’s parents. Interesting.

“Well,” Steve’s Dad says. “I guess that means it’s our turn to say something. Steve, I’d be lying if I was to say this is who I’d end up with.”

‘AKA, you hate me,’ I think.

“But it’s plain to see that you and Joey are happy. And that’s all your mother and I have ever wanted for you.”

Steve’s Dad reaches into his jacket and pulles out a simple white card envelope. He looks at with a small smile before handing it over to Steve.

My new husband gives my hand a squeeze before letting go and accepting the card from his Dad with a hand shake.

“Open it,” Steve’s mother says quietly.

Steve nods and opens the card. I glance over, but I don’t look over his shoulder. It just doesn’t feel right, even though technically it’s a gift for both of us. Steve pulls a very nice card out of the envelope, reading the kind words with a smile. When he opens it to read the inside, his breath catches, although I can’t see why.

“Mom. Dad. It’s too much.”

“No, son,” Steve’s Mom says. “We’ve been waiting to give that to you for a long time. Use it well.”

Steve gets up and goes around the table to give hugs to his parents. I glance over at the card. There’s a corner of a check sticking out of it. It must be a lot for Steve to be acting this way.

“Thank you,” Steve says again, walking back to his seat and taking my hand in his.

His parents just smile and nod.

We finish our wonderful dinner without another word about wedding gifts. Outside of the restaurant, Steve says goodbye to his parents who will be leaving later tomorrow. I shake hands with his parents, but there is still an air of tension there.

So while Steve finishes his goodbyes, I say goodbye to Lucas.

“I’ll give you your present in the morning,” Lucas whispers in my ear.

“I’m not worried about it.”

“I know,” Lucas replies with a glint in his eyes. “But it’ll be good for the honeymoon.”

Lucas opens his mouth to say more, but Steve comes over then and says his own goodbyes.

After one more round of goodbyes, Steve and I get in his car and start the drive home together.

“That was fun,” I say, once we’re on the road.

“The getting married part or the reception,” Steve asks, never taking his eyes off the road.

“Both.”

“And just wait for the honeymoon.”

“Yeah. Lucas said he would be bringing our present tomorrow morning.”

“Geez. I hope it’s nothing that will get us arrested by the TSA agents.”

“Speaking of presents, what did your parents give you?”

“Us. They gave us twenty-five thousand dollars.”

I started coughing on air as he said that. “What?”

“Yeah. I thought it was a little excessive too, but they said they wanted to make sure that we got started together on the right foot. I don’t know why, since we already have a house, but they wouldn’t take it back.”

“But they hate me.”

“No, they don’t,” Steve says with a smile. “They might be a little cold to you at times, but they don’t hate you. And they know you make me happy so that’s enough.”

Smiling, I lean over, touching as much of him as I can given our current positions.

“We’re married,” I say wistfully.

“I know,” Steve replies. “Isn’t it great?”

“Yeah, it really is.”

Well, that’s the end of the wedding arch. Tune in next week when we hit the fast forward button on their lives again.

Thursday Update-3/6/14

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday! I hope everyone is having a good week. Here is my writing update for this week!

My big news now is that as of today the first draft of Elpis Academy-Atty and Chase is done. The book still needs a good amount of work. I have to flesh out some things, but I think it has some real potential. I will probably be putting it aside for at least a week, probably two so I can look at it again with fresh eyes.

My other big story is about Someone who Loves the Real Me. I had really hit a wall with the story. I knew the character was right, but the story wasn't. But I'm happy to report the writer's block is now over and I know what I'm going to do with the story. Henceforth, the story will be renamed The Phoenix. More details later.

I just finished the galley proof for When Friendship Becomes More. I hoping to have more details on its release by the time next week.

Still waiting on MWMGML, Death and A Mysterious Savior. (I'm getting tired of waiting.)

On a personal note, I'm really excited to have the next three days off from work. (YEAH!!!!) While I do plan on doing some writing, I am also planning to take a day off to just chill. I'm really looking forward to that. The bulk of my extra time will be spent working on a new story, since I hate editing so much. After all, why work on something you hate when your on vacation?

So I think that's it for now. Have a great weekend and I'll talk to you all soon.

Sophie

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 13

Happy Monday everyone! I have a nice long post for everyone today. And this is a special post. Steve and Joey are getting married!!! Enjoy!

Part 13

Steve

I’m waiting outside for Joey to come out of his own dressing room. I should be sitting on the bench with my parents but I can’t seem to sit still. Joey and I decided to get ready separately since we have the option at our courthouse. We figure we could at least preserve a little bit of tradition and avoid seeing each other until the last second. And now I‘m regretting every second. I want him with me.

I turn as I hear footsteps coming up behind me. Turning, I hope I see Joey coming. But it’s only Lucas. I feel a little guilt for not being excited to see my best friend, but I need Joey.

“Where is he,” I snap at Lucas.

“Relax. He’ll be here. He said he just needed a minute alone.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

Lucas smiles and me and walks over to put a hand on my shoulder. “Nothing is wrong. I think he just wants a moment before he gets married.”

“But he’s okay?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t he be?”

“I don’t know,” I say, looking down at my shaking hands.

“Relax,” Lucas comforted, patting my shoulder again. “Everything’s good. And soon enough he’ll be yours.”

That makes me smile as I hear another set of footsteps coming our way. My smile gets even bigger as I see my Joey round the corner. He looks so good, dressed in his new tailored suit, the red rose standing out against the black material. But when he looks me in the eye, my heart skips a beat. He’s so perfect.

I try to come up with something say, but words escape me. So instead, I just look at him, hoping the love in my eyes in shining through. The way he smiles at me tells me it is.

“Matheson and Rogers wedding.”

With one last smile, I turn and look at the small woman who came out of the judge’s chambers. She’s dressed in a business suit, implying she’s the judge’s assistant.

“Here,” Joey says, walking up and taking my hand in his. I squeeze his hand tight.

“Great. The judge is ready for you.”

Joey and I walk into the office, hand in hand, the others trailing behind. But as much as I love Lucas and my parents, I only have eyes for Joey.

We head into a beautiful office, with hardwood floors, bookshelves lining every wall and a mahogany desk in the middle of the space. An elder gentleman dressed in judge’s robes met us, hand outstretched.

“Good afternoon, gentleman. My name is Judge Robert Simmons.”

We all shake hands with him and extend our own greetings.

“Is everyone here,” the judge asks.

Joey and I nod.

“Then let’s begin.”

The judge tells everyone where to stand so they can see. Joey and I, still holding hands, stand right in front of the desk.

“Dearly beloved,” the Judge began. “We’re gathered here today to join Steven Rogers and Joseph Matheson in matrimony.”

I smile at my man as the Judge starts what will be the most important speech I’ve ever heard. Joey smiles back.

I barely process the words, as the Judge starts talking. All I can do is watch my Joey. How beautiful he is. How perfect he is. How he is mine.

“Steven, would you like to say your vows to Joseph?”

I start when I hear my name, but I’m able to quickly remember the small speech I memorized.

“Joey. I’m thankful everyday that Lucas forced me to meet you. Ever since that day you have been my rock. You helped get me through med school with shoulder rubs and hot tea. You were there to comfort me when I had a bad day. We’ve built a home together that we can be proud of. And I can live the rest of my days in happiness because I know you’re going to be by my side. I promise I will always be there for you the way you have been there for me, in good times and in bad, standing by you as your husband forever.”

I see tears welling up in Joey’s eyes and he smiles at me.

“Joey, would you like to say your vows to Steve?”

Joey nods. “Steve. For years now, you’ve been my everything. I spent years of my life thinking that I would be alone. I was never outgoing enough to go out and find a man. But somehow, someway, I found you. And I’m thankful everyday for that. I promise I will do everything in my power to be worthy of the love you have given me. For richer or poorer, for better or for worse, I promise to stand by you as long as we live.”

I feel a swelling in my heart as I hear Joey’s words. And I know without a shadow of a doubt that he loves me just as much as I love him.

“Do you Steven Matheson take Joey Rogers to be your lawfully wedded husband for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” I say with a smile.

“And do you Joey Rogers take Steven Matheson to be your lawfully wedded husband for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Do you have the rings?”

Lucas walks up, holding the rings we chose in his hand. Joey and I release hands long enough to take the rings from him.

Once I have the ring, I take Joey’s hand in mine and slip the sterling silver ring on his left ring finger.

“Joey, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment and love.

Joey smiles as he glances down at the ring. He takes my hand and slips the other ring on my finger, repeating the words I just said.

“Now that you have joined yourselves formally in matrimony, may you strive all of your lives to meet this contract with the same sense of love and commitment. Together may you dream, and may you stumble, may you restore each other, and share all things, serving each other and humanity. Cherish, respect, comfort and encourage each other as long as you both shall live. It is now with great pleasure that I pronounce you spouses for life. You may kiss.”

And with those words, I grab Joey and kiss him with everything I got. After all, my husband doesn’t deserve any less.

So our boys are married! Check part next week for the last part of the wedding arch.