Please visit my new site at http://www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com/!
See you there!
CUMBERLAND LIBRARY PANEL OF RHODE ISLAND AUTHORS!
Cumberland Library presents…
RI Published Authors
Talk & Book Signing
When: Monday, February 8, 2010
6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Cumberland Library
1464 Diamond Hill Road
Cumberland, RI
Hayden Center Rooms 1 and 2
Come hear local writers talk about their experiences, what Rhode Island Romance Writers, the writing group that meets at the Cumberland Public Library, has to offer, share info about themselves and the genres and titles that they have had published, and follow-up with a question and answer session.
Copies of their books will be available for sale. Authors will be available for book signings.
Contact person: Betty Havrylik (401) 333-2552, x2
Featured Authors:
Annette Blair, Blanche Marriott, Donna Russo Morin, Karen Frisch, Eden Elgabri, Rachel Moniz, Amber Skyze, Christine DePetrillo, Coralie Jensen, J.M. Griffin, Pat Grasso, Hannah Howell, and Joe Mazzenga.
RI Published Authors
Talk & Book Signing
When: Monday, February 8, 2010
6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Cumberland Library
1464 Diamond Hill Road
Cumberland, RI
Hayden Center Rooms 1 and 2
Come hear local writers talk about their experiences, what Rhode Island Romance Writers, the writing group that meets at the Cumberland Public Library, has to offer, share info about themselves and the genres and titles that they have had published, and follow-up with a question and answer session.
Copies of their books will be available for sale. Authors will be available for book signings.
Contact person: Betty Havrylik (401) 333-2552, x2
Featured Authors:
Annette Blair, Blanche Marriott, Donna Russo Morin, Karen Frisch, Eden Elgabri, Rachel Moniz, Amber Skyze, Christine DePetrillo, Coralie Jensen, J.M. Griffin, Pat Grasso, Hannah Howell, and Joe Mazzenga.
Holiday Lights
Which do you prefer, colored lights or white lights, for holiday decorating? Leave a comment to let me know.
Who would you most like to find under the mistletoe on Christmas morning?
TIME FOR A HOLIDAY POLL!
Browse through the hunky "elves" I've collected below and vote on who you'd most like to find under the mistletoe on Christmas morning. Don't see one you like? Tell us who you'd rather find.
Harry Connick Jr.
Alex O'Loughlin
Joshua Jackson
Richard Armitage
Orlando Bloom
Chris Daughtry
Alex Skarsgard
Michael Weatherly
Jim Parsons
Browse through the hunky "elves" I've collected below and vote on who you'd most like to find under the mistletoe on Christmas morning. Don't see one you like? Tell us who you'd rather find.
Harry Connick Jr.
Alex O'Loughlin
Joshua Jackson
Richard Armitage
Orlando Bloom
Chris Daughtry
Alex Skarsgard
Michael Weatherly
Jim Parsons
CONTEST ALERT...CONTEST ALERT...
Happy December, folks! In honor of the merriest month of the year, I am giving away a free copy of my holiday novella, MIDNIGHT MISTLETOE, set for release on the 19th. All you have to do is visit my blog, sign up to be a loyal follower, and make a comment that completes this line:
"'Twas the night before Christmas..."
Make it something nice, or make it something naughty, but make it something fun! I will pick the one that intrigues me the most and send you a free copy of MIDNIGHT MISTLETOE to heat things up on a cold winter's night.
Here's mine:
'Twas the night before Christmas, and under moonlight, undead creatures were stirring, and preparing to bite..."
Contest ends December 20th.
"'Twas the night before Christmas..."
Make it something nice, or make it something naughty, but make it something fun! I will pick the one that intrigues me the most and send you a free copy of MIDNIGHT MISTLETOE to heat things up on a cold winter's night.
Here's mine:
'Twas the night before Christmas, and under moonlight, undead creatures were stirring, and preparing to bite..."
Contest ends December 20th.
BEACH MOMS
Here's a poem inspired by my observations of moms at the beach:
Beach Moms
Sun glistens off grains of sand.
Water laps the shell-studded shore.
Seagulls soar across the hazy blue sky,
and Mom leads the expedition
onto the beach.
Her troops are in line,
all colorfully clad
in bright matching swimsuits
for easy identification.
No one gets left behind.
Picking out her spot
on the crowded sands
is a matter of strategy,
a triangulation between
restrooms, ocean, and parking lot.
She sets up camp.
The team must resist
the beckoning water
until the perimeter has been secured
with an old bedspread no one ever liked.
The umbrella is up,
a rainbow-striped flag,
claiming the area.
It is one among hundreds
all bought on sale at Target.
The troops must be prepped
for combating the sun’s ruthless fire.
Armor is poured out
in coconut streams
while little bodies slither out of reach.
Dad slithers too,
but even he cannot escape
the white shields of lotion
Mom applies to his chest, back, arms, legs,
that growing bald spot on the crown of his head.
Finally the squadron is deployed to the sea.
Mom settles into her command post,
one eye on the troops,
the other on the muscled, nearly naked lifeguard
manning his own battle station.
They nod to each other, Mom and the lifeguard,
a silent signal that although she admires the muscles,
those are her babies out there
braving the waves,
and if he doesn’t save them, she’ll take him down.
Hungry stomachs drag the soldiers to headquarters,
and Mom opens her bottomless bag of rations,
while dusting sand off blanket corners, kids, nectarines.
Her PB&J refuels, her wet wipes refresh,
and the troops return to that line between land and sea.
Mom smiles approvingly
at the sand sculptures erected,
the moats dug,
the waves jumped,
the dad buried in the sand by the most industrious of her platoon.
Finally the sun hits that place in the sky,
that it’s-time-to-go-home spot.
Mom rallies the crew
and hands out supplies.
Everyone carries something.
She leads the sun-weary, water-logged company
to the asphalt hangar,
sandy footprints zigzag behind her.
The car is packed with scientific precision
and everyone does the shaking sand off dance.
Car windows open to release the heat
and welcome the salted air.
A deep inhale to take home for the ride,
and the tank rolls out.
Another battle at the beach is won.
cdepetrillo2009
Beach Moms
Sun glistens off grains of sand.
Water laps the shell-studded shore.
Seagulls soar across the hazy blue sky,
and Mom leads the expedition
onto the beach.
Her troops are in line,
all colorfully clad
in bright matching swimsuits
for easy identification.
No one gets left behind.
Picking out her spot
on the crowded sands
is a matter of strategy,
a triangulation between
restrooms, ocean, and parking lot.
She sets up camp.
The team must resist
the beckoning water
until the perimeter has been secured
with an old bedspread no one ever liked.
The umbrella is up,
a rainbow-striped flag,
claiming the area.
It is one among hundreds
all bought on sale at Target.
The troops must be prepped
for combating the sun’s ruthless fire.
Armor is poured out
in coconut streams
while little bodies slither out of reach.
Dad slithers too,
but even he cannot escape
the white shields of lotion
Mom applies to his chest, back, arms, legs,
that growing bald spot on the crown of his head.
Finally the squadron is deployed to the sea.
Mom settles into her command post,
one eye on the troops,
the other on the muscled, nearly naked lifeguard
manning his own battle station.
They nod to each other, Mom and the lifeguard,
a silent signal that although she admires the muscles,
those are her babies out there
braving the waves,
and if he doesn’t save them, she’ll take him down.
Hungry stomachs drag the soldiers to headquarters,
and Mom opens her bottomless bag of rations,
while dusting sand off blanket corners, kids, nectarines.
Her PB&J refuels, her wet wipes refresh,
and the troops return to that line between land and sea.
Mom smiles approvingly
at the sand sculptures erected,
the moats dug,
the waves jumped,
the dad buried in the sand by the most industrious of her platoon.
Finally the sun hits that place in the sky,
that it’s-time-to-go-home spot.
Mom rallies the crew
and hands out supplies.
Everyone carries something.
She leads the sun-weary, water-logged company
to the asphalt hangar,
sandy footprints zigzag behind her.
The car is packed with scientific precision
and everyone does the shaking sand off dance.
Car windows open to release the heat
and welcome the salted air.
A deep inhale to take home for the ride,
and the tank rolls out.
Another battle at the beach is won.
cdepetrillo2009
STATUS REPORT
I've been hard at work getting know Gini and Patrick and outlining their story. Doing just a bit more research and then I'll begin writing. Also working on revisions to ALASKA HEART, my adult contemporary romance that will be published by The Wild Rose Press. I'll be attending a writing institute at Rhode Island College where I'll try to polish a young adult manuscript. Then I'll be shopping that around hopefully.
Just ONE more day of school left and then Summer Writing Christine will be unleashed! Look out!
What are you working on? Doesn't have to be writing. Could be some other passion. Tell us.
Just ONE more day of school left and then Summer Writing Christine will be unleashed! Look out!
What are you working on? Doesn't have to be writing. Could be some other passion. Tell us.
CREATE THE STORY
Votes are in and our story will be told in third person point of view.
Recap:
Hero: Patrick Barre, firefighter/carpenter
Heroine: Gini Claremont, photographer
Setting: Vermont
Point of View: Third Person
I'm currently in the process of revising a full-length contemporary adult romance that The Wild Rose Press is interested in publishing. (Yay!) Once that is squared away, I will begin drafting Patrick and Gini's tale based on your votes. While I'm doing that, we can have some blog fun by interviewing our characters. Please post questions on this site in the comments section, and Patrick and Gini will answer them. This will give us the chance to get to know our characters. Let's get the questions rolling!
P.S. Thanks to everyone who participated in the voting. Hope you had fun! I did!
P.S. Thanks to everyone who participated in the voting. Hope you had fun! I did!
CREATE THE STORY--VOTE #6 POINT OF VIEW
People, people, people! Vermont is our lucky winner for the setting with Rhode Island as a close second. Perhaps our photographer, Gini Claremont, will need to do a shoot in little Rhodey at some point in our tale. She can take Patrick along and feed him clam cakes and Del's lemonade. :)
Next up is point of view. How would you like to hear our story? Please select your choice and leave your vote in the comments section of this blog, on Facebook, or hire a sky writer to display
it in the clouds. I'll leave it up to you.
Point of View
A. Third Person--both Patrick and Gini's perspectives
Example: Patrick ignited Gini’s desire as he ran his fingers along the curve of her back. She sighed and shuddered under his touch.
B. First Person--Patrick--inside his head
Example: I’d never seen flesh so flawless. My fingers traced Gini’s contours, memorized her perfection. How had this angel come to be in my bed?
C. First Person--Gini--inside her head
Example: He touched me as if I’d vanish under his fingers if he pressed too hard. His wide palms were rough and calloused, but warm. And uncertain. Terribly uncertain. How could I convince him that I wanted this, wanted him?
Next up is point of view. How would you like to hear our story? Please select your choice and leave your vote in the comments section of this blog, on Facebook, or hire a sky writer to display
it in the clouds. I'll leave it up to you.
Point of View
A. Third Person--both Patrick and Gini's perspectives
Example: Patrick ignited Gini’s desire as he ran his fingers along the curve of her back. She sighed and shuddered under his touch.
B. First Person--Patrick--inside his head
Example: I’d never seen flesh so flawless. My fingers traced Gini’s contours, memorized her perfection. How had this angel come to be in my bed?
C. First Person--Gini--inside her head
Example: He touched me as if I’d vanish under his fingers if he pressed too hard. His wide palms were rough and calloused, but warm. And uncertain. Terribly uncertain. How could I convince him that I wanted this, wanted him?
CREATE THE STORY--VOTE #5 SETTING
Alrighty, folks, Virginia (Gini) Claremont, photographer, is our heroine. Patrick ought to make her picture-taking finger itch, no?
Up next, voting for the setting of the story. Please indicate your choice in the comments section of this blog, on Facebook, or by stopping me to chat in the toilet paper aisle in the grocery store. Enjoy!
Settings:
A. Rhode Island
B. New York
C. Vermont
D. Arizona
CREATE THE STORY--VOTE #4
Pretty chick B is our winner for heroine. She looks great with Patrick, our hero.
Now we are on to the heroine's name and job. Who is this gal? Please leave your votes in the comment section of this blog, on Facebook, or in a sealed envelope so that you can claim to be psychic when you predict the winning name and job. Have fun!
Name
A. Virginia Claremont (Gini, for nickname)
B. Hadley Thetford (Haddy)
C. Sara Barnet
D. Melina Fairlee
B. Hadley Thetford (Haddy)
C. Sara Barnet
D. Melina Fairlee
Job
A. Photographer
B. Dancer
C. Pastry chef
B. Dancer
C. Pastry chef
D. Stunt double
CREATE THE STORY--VOTE #3 The Heroine
Okay, folks. Our hero's name is Patrick Barre (by one vote). Since there was a tie between firefighter and carpenter, we'll make his primary job fighting fires, but his hobby, which he is very passionate about, is woodworking. Everybody, say hello to Patrick, a man who knows how to put out a fire...and start one.
Next up, our heroine. Now is your chance to play matchmaker. Please vote for your choice of leading lady in the comments section of this blog, on Facebook, or via carrier pigeon.
Who do you think will be good for Patrick?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Next up, our heroine. Now is your chance to play matchmaker. Please vote for your choice of leading lady in the comments section of this blog, on Facebook, or via carrier pigeon.
Who do you think will be good for Patrick?
A.
B.
C.
D.
CREATE THE STORY CONTEST--VOTE #2
Your Winner!
All right, folks, hot hero B is the winner. Yummy! I will be basing my next hero on his picture, but now we need to give him a name and a job. Please read your choices below, sign up to follow my blog, and cast your vote in the comments section of this post. You can also tell me your vote on Facebook if you'd prefer.
Hero's Name
A. Chase Wilder
B. Noah Bradford
C. Patrick Barre
D. Mason Rivers
Hero's Job
A. Firefighter
B. Wrongly-accused criminal
C. Doctor
D. Carpenter
CREATE THE STORY CONTEST
Help me write my next story! Sign up to follow my blog and vote on choices for hunky heroes, sexy heroines, beautiful settings, edgy plots, and even titles! Check back frequently to see if your vote won. Spread the word and get others involved in the fun! One lucky voter will win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card for participating. Just vote to be entered in the drawing
VOTE #1: CHOOSE THE HERO
Study the photos below and leave a comment with your choice of hero. Please indicate the letter. Enjoy!
A.
B.
C.
D.
VOTE #1: CHOOSE THE HERO
Study the photos below and leave a comment with your choice of hero. Please indicate the letter. Enjoy!
A.
B.
C.
D.
Afterthoughts, by Lynn Tincher
Afterthoughts, Mind Bending Book One: Detective Paige Aldridge’s sister Sarah was there for her when she was found beaten and without any memories of the previous few months. When her nephew is found dead a year later, she begins to have terrifying flashbacks: visions of the murders of her own family! As her loved ones begin falling prey to a serial killer Paige believes that she’s going mad. Then a mysterious woman shows up to help her. With her family dying around her and dark suspicions forming in her mind, Paige has to pull the pieces together before it’s too late.
Visit Lynn Tincher's Website: www.lynntincher.com
Hints
I went for a walk this weekend.
Though the streets were puddle-ridden from melting snow,
sand and salt exfoliating the soles of my sneakers
with each step,
Spring battled Winter,
and I cheered her on.
I knew she couldn't stay for long,
but I enjoyed her company,
her quick glance into what is to come.
Were it not for the white robe of Winter,
I wouldn't know how much to thank the Spring
for her sunshine mercy,
her spilled paintbox of petals,
eager to color the gray.
Though the streets were puddle-ridden from melting snow,
sand and salt exfoliating the soles of my sneakers
with each step,
Spring battled Winter,
and I cheered her on.
I knew she couldn't stay for long,
but I enjoyed her company,
her quick glance into what is to come.
Were it not for the white robe of Winter,
I wouldn't know how much to thank the Spring
for her sunshine mercy,
her spilled paintbox of petals,
eager to color the gray.
Lights in the Dark
Want a phenomenal glimpse into "our cosmic backyard" that will leave you breathless? Click here to visit Jason Major's Lights in the Dark site and journey to the final frontiers.
Deep Sigh
Sometimes every word I write sounds like complete and total crap. I don't even like that first sentence right now. Not one word of it. It disgusts me. Such is the life of a writer.
I'm awaiting the e-book publication of my first romance on Friday, February 27th. Since finding out that I was going to be published, I've been working on revisions and edits of THE LAST STALLION and on another, full-length romance titled, ALASKA HEART. While revisions can be challenging, I sometimes find them easier than drafting. At least there is always something on the page to work with. Some material to slosh through with your rewriting boots on. Progress is made any time you change a word, cut a scene, add a scene, play with dialogue, and so on.
Right now, I'm back in a young adult manuscript, trying desperately to create text that makes sense. I'm actually longing for revision time. I'm at a point where the story could go in about forty different directions. Thirty of them I don't like at all. Nine of them have potential. Only one of them is THE RIGHT ONE. I'm doing a lot of staring into space, looking for inspiration. I don't like it at all.
Deep sigh.
I did find out that I'm a finalist in the Ohio Valley Romance Writers of America Enchanted Words Contest with my young adult manuscript, AZTEC DAWN. Maybe that's the boost I need to return to the world of creating story. Somebody likes my stuff, so I need to keep at it.
I'm awaiting the e-book publication of my first romance on Friday, February 27th. Since finding out that I was going to be published, I've been working on revisions and edits of THE LAST STALLION and on another, full-length romance titled, ALASKA HEART. While revisions can be challenging, I sometimes find them easier than drafting. At least there is always something on the page to work with. Some material to slosh through with your rewriting boots on. Progress is made any time you change a word, cut a scene, add a scene, play with dialogue, and so on.
Right now, I'm back in a young adult manuscript, trying desperately to create text that makes sense. I'm actually longing for revision time. I'm at a point where the story could go in about forty different directions. Thirty of them I don't like at all. Nine of them have potential. Only one of them is THE RIGHT ONE. I'm doing a lot of staring into space, looking for inspiration. I don't like it at all.
Deep sigh.
I did find out that I'm a finalist in the Ohio Valley Romance Writers of America Enchanted Words Contest with my young adult manuscript, AZTEC DAWN. Maybe that's the boost I need to return to the world of creating story. Somebody likes my stuff, so I need to keep at it.
Muses
I'm a cat person. Now before you dog folks get all cranky, let me say that I actually love all animals, spiders and other creepy crawlies included. But cats definitely rule. Sleek and sophisticated. Cool and aloof. Cats know how to live without worrying about what others think of them.
I own two cats of my own, but since the summer, a third has been spotted enjoying my backyard. She stalks birds, rolls in the catmint, meows until you get down on your knees and pet her. She's the friendliest cat I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I'm beginning to suspect she's something more as well.
Where I live has been covered in snow for the last month, and I haven't seen this cat in some time. Last night, however, I dreamed of her. It was a vivid dream--one where I could feel her sandpapery tongue on my hands, hear her meows, smell her outdoorsy scent. When I woke up this morning, there she was, nosing around the ground outside below one of our birdfeeders. I opened the door and let her in. Everything she did was exactly as it was in the dream. It was very deja vu-esque.
I thought of her all day, and random writing ideas popped into my head as the day rolled on. I felt on top of my game, inspired. I think this cat might be one of my muses--one of those things in life that spark creativity. Full moons, sunshine reflecting off the ocean's surface, and the smell of lavender are some of my other muses. What are yours?
I own two cats of my own, but since the summer, a third has been spotted enjoying my backyard. She stalks birds, rolls in the catmint, meows until you get down on your knees and pet her. She's the friendliest cat I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I'm beginning to suspect she's something more as well.
Where I live has been covered in snow for the last month, and I haven't seen this cat in some time. Last night, however, I dreamed of her. It was a vivid dream--one where I could feel her sandpapery tongue on my hands, hear her meows, smell her outdoorsy scent. When I woke up this morning, there she was, nosing around the ground outside below one of our birdfeeders. I opened the door and let her in. Everything she did was exactly as it was in the dream. It was very deja vu-esque.
I thought of her all day, and random writing ideas popped into my head as the day rolled on. I felt on top of my game, inspired. I think this cat might be one of my muses--one of those things in life that spark creativity. Full moons, sunshine reflecting off the ocean's surface, and the smell of lavender are some of my other muses. What are yours?
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