Guest Post for GRL

Just letting everyone know that I am at Elisa's Reviews and Ramblings today for the GRL countdown. Check it out here. And don't forget to enter the giveaway!!!!

Thursday Update-5/29/14

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday! I hope everyone had a great week. I have had a great week. Why? Because I am now officially on vacation from the Evil Day Job. And I don't have to go back until the 13th of June. I'm very excited about that. But outside of my EDJ, there is my writing job. So here's what's going on with that.

Escape is moving along nicely. I'm hoping to get to the 40K word mark by the end of the week. Furthermore, I'm hoping to have the first draft done by the time I go back to work. It's an ambitious goal, but I'm hopeful it will get done. Keep your fingers crossed.

Finding Love in the Darkness is also moving along. I have the whole thing planned out. I just need the time to write it. That will probably get my full attention when the first draft of Escape is done.

Still waiting on word from MWMGML.

So that's about it. Now I am flying out to California on Saturday and I won't be back until late on the 6th of June. So there will not be any new posts next week and my presence on social media will be sketchy at best. But don't worry because I will be back in two weeks with a brand new update! Talk to you all then!!

~Sophie

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 24

Happy Memorial Day everyone! A special thank you to all of the military men, women and their families on this day. I hope you all have a very Happy Memorial Day. And, of course, Happy Monday! Here's the latest post in The Saga of Steve and Joey. Enjoy!

Part 24

Joey

“Should we be worried about him?”

Steve looks up from his medical journal and stares at me. “What do you mean?”

“Well, look at him,” I say, gesturing to Aiden who’s crawling around on the floor.

“What’s wrong with him,” Steve says, clearly not getting the point.

“He turned one year old last week.”

“Yes,” Steve replies. “I know. I was at his party and everything.”

“So shouldn’t Aiden be walking by now?”

Steve puts his journal down and gets up to sit with me on the floor. He watches Aiden playing with his toys for a minute before sighing.

“Joey, there’s nothing wrong with him. Believe me, I would know if something were wrong with him.”

“I know you take care of him and everything. And you’re a great doctor, but I’ve read the literature and they say he should be waking by now.”

“It’s true that most babies are walking by now, but it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with him. He crawls well. It could just be that he doesn’t want to walk now. He will.”

“So when do we worry?”

“If he doesn’t start walking in four months, then we can worry a little.”

“Four months?!”

“Joey. Aiden is a healthy little boy. He’ll walk when he’s ready.”

Steve kisses the top of my head as he gets up to start dinner. But somehow, his calm demeanor wasn’t helping me to feel better at all.

More than a week after that first talk, nothing changed. Aiden still isn’t walking and I’m more nervous than ever. But what’s even more infuriating is the fact that Steve isn’t worried at all. I hate it when I am freaking out over something and he’s as cool as a cucumber. Hell, even Aiden is still his happy, smiling self. And I’m a nervous wreck. Not okay.

“Joey, I’m telling you. Aiden is fine.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do. He’s fine.”

I shoot Steve a death glare, which he returns with a head shake and fond smile. Standing up from the couch, I go over to Aiden, who’s playing on the floor.

“Come on, baby.”

Gently picking him up, I set him on his feet, holding his hands to keep him steady. I try to get Aiden to walk with my supporting him. He takes a few shaky steps, but it’s clear he would fall if not for me holding him.

We walk for a little bit before Aiden loses interest and starts to whine. I pick him up and kiss him before setting him back down with his toys.

By the time Aiden turns thirteen months old, I’m a nervous wreck. I am convinced there’s something wrong with my son and it’s killing me. Now whenever Steve and I sit in the living room, relaxing after a long day, I can’t even read or work on my laptop. All I can do is watch Aiden, praying he will walk.

“Joey, did you hear anything I just said?”

“Huh,” I reply, not really paying attention.

“Joey!”

“What,” I say, turning away from Aiden to look at Steve.

“You haven’t heard one thing I just said, have you?”

“No,” I sigh. “I’m sorry. It’s just…”

“I know. You’re still worried about him.”

“I don’t understand how you can be so calm.”

Steve shrugs. “I don’t know. I guess it’s just because I know this is within the range of normal. I see things that worry me medically every day. Aiden doesn’t worry me.”

“I know. I’m paranoid.”

“No, you’re a concerned parent. It’s okay.”

“I guess. Now what were you saying?”

“Lucas and Hal want to do another double date soon. I’m sure my parents will babysit.”

“Okay. Just talk to your parents first and we can work it out.”

“I’ll call them tomorrow. Oh and Joey?”

“Yeah?”

“Is this where I get to say I told you so?”

I give him a puzzled look, not getting the point. Steve just smiles and nods towards Aiden.

I turn to see Aiden standing up on his little legs, clearly getting ready to try something. Could this finally be it?

Tears welling in my eyes, I get off the couch and sit on the floor. Resting on my knees, I open my arms to my son, who’s only a few feet away.

“Come on, Aiden. Walk to Daddy.”

Aiden is focusing on his feet, clearly trying to figure out how to do this. Steve gets down too, wrapping an arm around me.

“Come on, Aiden,” Steve echoes. “You can do this.”

As if that was all the encouragement Aiden needed, he slowly moved his foot up and lowered it a little bit in front of him. Tears start to fall from my eyes as Aiden takes a few shaky steps towards us.

After four little steps, Aiden’s feet get tangled up and he falls forward. I reach out and scoop him up before he can hit the floor. Peppering his face with kisses, I hold Aiden tight.

“See? I told you he was fine.”

“Shut up,” I mutter.

Steve just laughs before joining me in congratulating Aiden with kisses and hugs.

I blow out a sigh of relief. Aiden is okay. He might have been a little slow, but he’s healthy and walking. What more could I want?

And there’s Part 24! I hope you all enjoyed it. Especially since this will be the last new post for two weeks. I’m going on vacation and will not be around to give you a new story. But don’t forget you can always catch up on my past free reads here. See you in June!

Thursday Update-5/22/14

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday!!!! I hope everyone has had a great week so far. Mine has been fairly productive. Here's my update for the week!

Death will be moved into the editing phase officially on June 11th. I really excited. Fingers crossed it will be out by GRL!

Escape has once again been my focus for the week. I am just about to cross the halfway mark. Here's hoping I can finish it on vacation.

Finding Love in the Darkness hasn't moved much this week. But I'm hoping to work more on that tomorrow.

I think that's about it. I wrote so much this week, but when it's all one story it doesn't make for an exciting update. Check back on Monday for a new part in The Saga of Steve and Joey. Have a great weekend everyone!

~Sophie

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 23

Hello everyone and Happy Monday! Sorry this is a little late, but I couldn't get to my laptop before now. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this new part of The Saga of Steve and Joey!!

Part 23

Steve

I place the napkins on the table and do one last check. Everything looks good. There are napkins, paper plates, plastic silverware and places to place the food Joey is making inside. There are folding chairs and brightly colored tablecloths on the picnic table. I can’t help but smile as I see the balloons Joey places on the table as a centerpiece.

Today is Aiden’s first birthday. It’s still amazing to me that it’s been a whole year since he entered our life. He’s just made our home so much better. He’s growing up so fast, though. There is a part of me that wants to freeze time so he can stay this size forever. But then when I think that, I see him do something new and I want him to grow up faster so I can see what he does next. Parenthood is confusing.

“Steve, I think your parents are here.”

I smile as I hear Joey’s voice filtering outside from the kitchen. With one last glance around, I walk into the kitchen. Joey is busy dishing potato salad into a large bowl.

“I heard a car pull into the driveway and since Lucas is always late…”

“Yeah, I get it,” I say, kissing Joey on the cheek.

“Wanna go say hi to your grandparents,” I ask Aiden, whose sitting in his high chair, munching on some Cheerios.

Aiden looks up at me and gives me a smile. I smile back before lifting him into my arms and walking to the front of the house.

I open the door just as my parents come up the walk. We all exchange hellos as my Mom takes Aiden out of my arms, cooing him all the while. Aiden smiles back and clumsily claps his hands. He always loves attention.

I lead my parents to the kitchen where they hello to Joey. I admit that the relationship between them and Joey was strained when I first started dating, but they have really warmed up to him. Of course, Aiden has helped in that regard.

The four of us are just starting to catch up when the doorbell rings again. Excusing myself, I go to get the door.

“Hey Lucas,” I say as I open the door. We really don’t have too many people that we were close enough too to invite to Aiden’s first birthday party. So I knew it was going to be him.

What I don’t expect is the guy standing next to him. He’s not the hottest guy in the world, but even I have to admit there is a cuteness about him. He’s really skinny with blonde hair and thick glasses. And he is fairly average height. Actually, that kind of describes the rest of him. Average. But was makes me stops and stare is the arm Lucas has wrapped tightly around him.

“Hey, Steve. This is Hal. I hope you don’t mind I brought him.”

“Of course not,” I say, trying not to let my shock show too much. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too. I’m sorry to crash your son’s party. He made me come,” Hal says, looking at the ground.

“Hey, it’s no problem. I’m certainly always interested in meeting Lucas’s boyfriends. And Aiden’s only one so I don’t think he cares.”

Hal gives me a shy smile as I stand aside and motion them inside. Lucas guides Hal into the kitchen where I can hear the introductions being made. I can’t help but stay behind and shake my head. Lucas with a boyfriend. That he took to meet me and Joey. On Aiden’s first birthday. This guy must be pretty serious. I never thought I’d see the day.

As the afternoon went on, things started to get even more interesting. We go out in the backyard and have a great meal. And on the surface, it is quite normal. The odd thing is every time I look over at Lucas he has his hand or his arm on Hal. It isn’t sexual, just comforting and sweet. Now don’t get me wrong. I love Lucas like a brother and he is one of the sweetest guys I know. But not with his boyfriends. Actually it wasn’t even boyfriends. It was more like friends with benefits. But this is different. And I am dying to know more.

Finally, I get the chance when Joey asks me to go get the cake, having his hands full with Aiden. Taking my chance, I ask Lucas for help. He shoots a look at Hal that makes me wonder if he is going to come, but he gets up and follows me into the house.

“So what’s up with you,” I blurt out as soon as we are inside.

“What do you mean,” Lucas asks, grabbing the dessert plates.

“Hal. I’ve never seen you care about a guy like that before.”

Lucas sighs. “He’s different, Steve. I think…he may be the one.”

I turn around from the cake and look at my best friend. He has a small blush and a smile on his face. Walking over, I wrap him in a hug.

“I’m happy for you. You deserve it.”

“Thanks. I’m happy. I’ve envied what you and Joey have had for years. But until I met Hal, I didn’t think it was possible.”

“And now?”

“Well, we’ll have to see. But I’m hopeful.”

I pull back and smile at Lucas. “I’m glad. Now let’s get the cake before Joey sends a search party.”

Together, we gather up the cake, plates, matches and the candle formed in the shape of a one and walk them outside.

Setting them on the table, I light the candle and we sing happy birthday. Aiden is confused by it all and Joey has to help him blow out the candle, but he loves the cake, smashing it in his face as soon as he gets a piece.

We all sit around the table, laughing and eating the delicious cake. But through it all, I can’t help but sneaking glances at Lucas and Hal. The soft touches and smiles say all I need to know about the love between them.

Love is certainly growing around here. And it’s a beautiful thing.

And there's Part 23! What does everyone think of Hal and Lucas? They were first featured in a free short story that can be found here. (Although, that part is set a little farther down the road.) I was thinking that maybe I should write their story when Steve and Joey's is done. What does everyone think? Let me know and check back next week for more of Steve, Joey and Aiden!!!

Thursday Update-5/15/14

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday! I hope everyone's had a great week. I didn't have the greatest week in the world, but thankfully things have really calmed down. I had a lot of personal issues to handle in the past seven days and it kind of dragged me down. As a result, it has been a quiet writing week. But here's my update anyway:

My big news for this week is Death has moved into the editing phase. I should be getting the first round of edits in the next few weeks. I'm really excited about this one, so I'm happy we've moved into the next phase. I can't wait for everyone to read it!

I had two big project I worked on this week. The first is Escape, which is very close to crossing the 20K word mark. It's coming along very nicely and I think it could be a great series. The second is a new short story called Finding Love in the Darkness. This is is an adult fantasy that I'm working on for an anthology call. I'm hopeful this one will be more successful at finding a home than my last few short stories.

I think that's about it for now. Still waiting on word about MWMGML, but that could still be awhile. I just have a hard time with patience. And The Saga of Steve and Joey is still ongoing so be sure to check back on Monday.

Have a great weekend everyone!

~Sophie

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 22

Hello everyone and Happy Monday! I hope everyone is having a great start to the week. And to all the Moms out there I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday. Anyway, I have the new part in The Saga of Steve and Joey. Enjoy!!

Part 22

Joey

I smile as I watch Joey sleep in his carrier. It’s been seven months since Aiden was born. And I can honestly say it’s been the best time in my life. Of course, it wasn’t always easy. I had a really hard time in the beginning finding a balance between taking care of Aiden and taking care of myself. But Steve was a huge help and now I’m happy to say I am getting this parenthood thing down. Of course, it does help that I’m not working anymore. I quit to take care of Aiden full-time, a decision that I couldn’t have been happier with. At some point, I know there’s a chance I might want to go back, but for right now, I am happy being at home with him.

“Hey,” Steve says, snapping me out of my thoughts. “They’re ready for us.”

Shooting a smile up at my husband, I stand up, grabbing Aiden’s carrier as I go. Taking Steve’s hand within mine, we walk hand-and-hand into the courtroom. Margie is already standing in the courtroom in the front row of seats. We give her a nod as we walk up to one of the tables in front of the judge.

I set Aiden down on the table and sit down, Steve’s hand still in mine. Once settled, I look up at the judge and take a deep breath.

This is it. Today, Aiden becomes ours. Forever.

Margie told us that once a quarter a judge from the county would come in on a Saturday and clear out all of the waiting adoption cases. And so here we are.

“Mr. Rogers-Matheson and Mr. Matheson-Rogers,” the judge calls, his loud voice making me jump. The judge is a very large man with a grey beard and tiny reading glasses. He reminds me of my high school principal. I was terrified of that guy.

Thankfully, I don’t have to say anything as Steve replies in the affirmative.

I am expecting the worse as the judge starts to speak, but it is all in vain. I can only listen as the judge talks about our records. He commends us for adopting and the wonderful job we are doing raising Aiden. I can’t help but blush as he goes on and on about us. Maybe this guy isn’t so scary at all.

“Well, everything seems to be in order,” the judge concludes. “It is clear no one has legal rights over the parenthood of Aiden and the two of you are clearly doing a wonderful job. Therefore, I am honored to declare Mr. Steve Rogers-Matheson and Mr. Joseph Matheson-Rogers the soul parents of Aiden. They are now legally responsible for his physical, mental and emotion well-being and will be recognized as full parents in every legal way.”

I clutch Steve’s hand a little tighter as tears start to well in my eyes.

“Furthermore, I approve Aiden’s legal name change. He will now be known as Aiden Matheson-Rogers. Congratulations.”

A tear slips out of my eye and the judge and everyone in the court applauds. I look over to Steve and see he is crying too. I lean over and place a gentle kiss on his soft lips. As the applause dies down, the clerk comes over and hands us a copy of the official order and a teddy bear for Aiden, who is still sleeping, completely unaware of everything that just happened.

Steve takes the paperwork and the small brown bear, while I take Aiden. Margie is waiting in the aisle for us and together we all walk out into the hallway.

“Well, this is it,” Margie says once we’re outside the courtroom. He’s yours. You don’t need me anymore.”

“Thank you so much,” Steve says, holding out his hand to shake hands with Margie.

“No, thank you. I wish I could guarantee all of the children in my care such a happy ending. And if you ever decide you want another one, give me a call.”

Steve and I nod, but we both know it could be awhile before that happens. Then together, we walk out of the courthouse, a true family in the eyes of the law.

Well there's part 22. I hope everyone liked it. I'll have a new part for everyone next Monday. Until then, have a great week.  

Thursday Update-5/8/14

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday! I hope everyone has had a good week. Mine was quiet, which is nice. And because of that I managed to get some writing done. Here's this week's update:

My news for this week revolves around A Mysterious Savior, which is part of Less Than Three Press's Charity Anthology for Project Fierce. The book is now up on the Less than Three Website! There you can see the cover and a full list of all the authors participating. All of the info is under the My Books Tab on my website. The book releases on July 16th so be sure to check back for the latest information.

My big project for the week has been Escape. It has been a bit of a change to go from intense editing to writing again, but it's been nice. I've crossed the 15,000 word mark so I am about 25% done. Maybe a little less. Either way, progress is being made and I am on track to finish the first draft by June.

On a less happy note, I just received word that A Big, Beautiful Love has been rejected. It's always hard to get rejected. And I really liked this one. But life will go on. I still have a couple of releases for this year so my stories will still be heard.

And...that's about it. I'm still waiting on word from MWMGML and Death. The Saga of Steve and Joey is still ongoing so check back on Monday for the next part. Have a good weekend everyone!

~Sophie

Project Fierce Information!

Hello everyone! I'm very excited to present the latest information on the Project Fierce charity anthology. The anthology, published by Less Than Three Press, features 20 different stories, including my short entitled A Mysterious Savior. You can read all about the anthology at the LT3 website here. And check out this fabulous cover!!!

The book releases on Wednesday July 16th! So be sure to check back as the release date approaches for more information!

The Saga of Steve and Joey-Part 21

Hello all! I hope everyone has had a decent start to the week. And if not, hopefully, this will make it a little better. (Although let's be honest: all Mondays can get better. Even the good ones.) Anyway, here's Part 21 in The Saga of Steve and Joey. Enjoy!!!

Part 21

Steve

I groan as I hear Aiden crying out. I always knew a baby would be hard work, but I didn’t know how bad it would actually be. I’d as easier nights as a med student. Or maybe I’m just out of practice.

“Your turn,” Joey says, sleep heavy in his voice.

“I know,” I moan as I throw the duvet back. Swinging my heavy body up, I glance over at the time. Damn, it’s two thirty in the morning. And I have to be up for work in four hours.

Trying not to think about it, I get up and pad to the bedroom door. I spare a glance at my Joey before I go. He’s already fast asleep again. I should be jealous, but I can’t find it in me to be. He’s been running himself ragged since we first brought Aiden home two weeks ago. And it’s finally caught up to him. Thankfully, he is on vacation from work, so at least he can sleep when the baby does.

Although, that doesn’t seem to happen much.

Heading into the nursery, I walk over to the crib and gently pick up my screaming son. He calms a little bit when I pick him up, but not much.

“Shh,” I comfort. “It’s okay. Let’s get you a bottle and then we can both go back to sleep.”

I walk Aiden down to the kitchen and start making a bottle. In the two weeks that he’s been here, I’ve gotten very good at doing things one handed. Aiden is a very tactile child. He always wants to be held and often screams if he doesn’t get his wish. That was an adjustment, having a little squirming baby in my arms all the time.

I rock Aiden back and forth as I wait for his bottle to heat up. He isn’t crying as hard, but he is still whimpering a little. My sleep-deprived brain is thankful for the reprieve.

Finally, the bottle is ready and I take Aiden and the bottle into the living, settling in the recliner. Propping the arm holding Aiden up against the arm of the chair, I start to feed my son.

As Aiden starts sucking on the bottle, I can’t help but stare down as his face, amazed, once again, that this is real. I never thought I would have a child to call my own. But in moments like this, when silence takes over the house, I can’t imagine my life without him. I know Aiden has made me a better person.

Of course, there are times when I’m not sure I can actually do this. I don’t know if I can raise this tiny being to adulthood. Joey certainly thinks we can, despite his own brand of paranoia. But I have more doubts. It just seems like such a huge task. It won’t always be as simple as getting out of bed in the middle of the night and making a bottle with one hand. Aiden will actually need to be taught how to be a man. How do you do that?

I sigh as Aiden stops sucking on the bottle, eyes already starting to close in exhaustion. I gently move him to my shoulder and burp him.

By the time, I put the bottle in the kitchen and take Aiden back upstairs, he’s already asleep in my arms.

I gently lay him back in his crib, watching as he sleeps. I watch his chest to make sure it keeps rising and falling in a predictable pattern. I don’t know how many times I’ve done this in the past two weeks, but it seems like hours upon hours. It comforts me. I’d heard of parents doing that before, but I always thought it was stupid. Until I got Aiden. Now I can’t stop.

I stand there for a few minutes before I head back to my room next door. I’m still not sure I am ready for all of this. But now really isn’t the time to try and figure it out. Now I need to try and get some sleep. I can worry about the rest later.

And that’s Part 21. I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next week with Part 22. See you then!

Thursday Update-5/1/14

Hello everyone and Happy Thursday! I hope everyone is having a great week! Personally, I have had a fairly productive week. As you can see below...

My big news for the week is that MWMGML has been sent off for consideration. Again. I'm really happy with the changes, but it's so different from the first draft. It's been such a long road. Fingers crossed third time is a charm.

Also, this week, I finished the first round of professional edits for A Mysterious Savior. So that is coming along nicely. Release is still set for July so keep checking back for more information.

Now that MWMGML is done, I have turned my attention back to Escape. I wrote a couple thousand words on that this week and I'm hoping to get a lot more than that done in the next few weeks. My goal is that the first draft is done by June 12th.

Still no word on A Big, Beautiful Love and it's driving me nuts. I am checking my email every two second hoping for a reply. Ugh!

Well, I think that's it for this week. I hope I have more news for everyone soon. Have a great weekend everyone and remember to check by Monday for a new part in The Saga of Steve and Joey. 

~Sophie