Book Trailers: Cost Effective Marketing Tool for Authors, Publishers and PR Firms

With the increasing number of free video sites on the internet, book videos or book trailers are becoming an increasingly effective tool for book marketing. By combining voice-overs with appropriate graphics and music beds, trailers have the ability to not only create interest, but increase book sales. However, many authors, publishers and PR firms have been afraid to put them in their marketing toolbox because either they don't have the technical skill to create an effective one or they think trailers are financially beyond their reach.

No longer limited to just YouTube, most of the major search engines have added the option of uploading videos directly into their system. AOL, Yahoo and Google are only three of which have video sites. Most of the popular social network groups such as MySpace, Facebook and Gather have added the ability to upload videos to their sites. By adding links to networking sites such a Digg or Drop Jack, the videos effectiveness is extended. In addition, there are a multitude of individual groups that target interests, genres and activities who also allow videos to be uploaded. These groups allow the author to interact with their target audience, which not only offers sale opportunities, but to also allows the author to receive feedback on her or his work and more fully understand what the readers are looking for. Readers’ responses will only serve to help make the author more effective as both a writer and representative of her or his work.

Placing the trailer on these different sites is only the first step. It can be a well crafted trailer, representing an excellent book, but if the readers can't find it, it is totally worthless. Using search engine optimizing keywords in the tag line and title of the trailer will make it more searchable. The genre, author, and title need to play an active role in the tag line; however, the tags also need to include what makes the book unique and relevant. In addition, by being creative in the way it is tagged, it can be connected to existing books or topics. It is away to help others who are interesting in the same topic to find the book. The best way to know what keywords the search engines are keying into is to actually do the search. Not only will it give the author additional ideas for keywords, but it will also show what has been successful for other authors.

Unlike other book marketing tools, book trailers are a multi-media asset. Using both audio and video, they carry an interactive message. The voice over gives the direct pitch, while the graphic give emphasis and subliminal support. The music bed sets the ambiance. From romantic to scary, the music will accentuate the message, especially during the times when the voice over isn’t called for. When these elements are intermixed properly, they make a successful trailer.

As effective as they may be, some authors, publishers and PR agency are still reluctant to use them because of the cost, which can be into the thousands of dollars. These trailers use existing movie video or create their own, which radically increases the cost. However, still pictures with the help of special effects and transitions, can have the appearance of movement at a fraction of the cost. Coordinating the effects and transitions with the audio portion adds depth and increases the trailer’s effectiveness, while keeping the costs low.

Valkyrie Publishing produces cost effective book trailers in all genres, as well as offering online distribution services. Go to http://www.youtube.com/user/Tirgana to watch the trailers Valkyrie Publishing has produced for authors, publishers and PR firms. To learn more about what their services, email Valkyrie (at) yahoo (dot) com or go to www.theresachaze.com

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When Don Imus said racial and sexist comments on the air, he was fired. Racist liberal talk show host, Michael McGee was suspended indefinitely when he wished a local conservative talker had burned to death. Other individuals in the media, sports, and the movie and music industries performers, who made harmful and bigoted comments, were held responsible either by censure, firing or suspension. Yet when Kathy Lee Gifford said, "The Pagans. The nasty, bad Pagans believed that it was bad luck to carry metal on their right side." she received no consequences for her bigoted remarks. In addition, her apology was condescending and patronizing. It was shallow and flippant; I'm sorry for whatever I have done; she never admitted that her remarks were harmful.

For the past seven years, according to the FBI statistics, violence against non-Christians has been rising, as has the cases of discrimination in the work place, housing and the legal system. People have been fired from jobs without cause. They have been kicked out of housing. They have lost custody of their children. They have had their businesses vandalized and the police refuse to actively investigate.

Indiana Judge Cale Bradford overstepped his authority in the parents that they may not expose their 9-year-old son to their Pagan beliefs while he was officiating their divorce case. Both parents were Pagan; neither had an issue with the spiritual path.

This past winter, a Wisconsin town opened their holiday display include all faiths. When the Wiccan wreath with a pentacle in the center was destroyed, it was not allowed to be replaced. Yet the Christian display was allowed to remain.

Last Halloween a man hung a witch in effigy and called it a decoration. When his neighbor complained she was harassed and called a crackpot. Yet when empty nooses where hung in a tree, it became a national controversy.

In Mississippi, a family of four (the parents with two small children) were evicted from their home with three day notice because of they were Wiccan.

In Texas, an occult shop owner was driven out of town and followed to others with death threats; the police did nothing.

In North Carolina, a woman asked that the prayer at the opening and closing of the township board meeting be more inclusive and none specific, she was ignored. She sued and won, which ended the prayers all together due to the violation the separation between church and state. She was harassed on the street. Her home and business were vandalized. Her pets were killed, including her parakeet, who was decapitated. There was a note attached promising that she would be next. The police claimed she was doing the damage herself.

In California, a private Beltane celebration, which was held on private property, was invaded by thugs, blaring Christian music, and harassing the participates. The police arrived two hours later and did nothing.

In Michigan, a small store was vandalized. The owner’s car had the bolts loosened to the tires along with other damage. The sheriff did nothing.

Gifford’s apology never addressed the bigoted statement. She never accepted responsibility for spreading bigotry and ignorance. Her attitude was someone said I did something wrong: I don’t think so, but I’ll say I’m sorry to make it go away. It was very clear by her attitude that she was patronizing those that complained. She said the words; she didn’t mean them. In order for the Pagan and Wiccan communities to receive justice, Gifford has to suffer the same penalties as Imus and McGee. She needs to be fired or suspended. Her comments were no less harmful than theirs were.

The problem is that the Pagan/Wiccan communities can’t see beyond the difference to see that they have more in common. Herding cats is easier. These situations are allowed to continue because we can’t come together as a single political force. We are the fastest growing religion in the country, yet we have the least amount of power. It is time we start working together financially and politically. When we do, there will be real changes made. Below is contact information. I wasn’t able to find Gifford’s. Hate filled ranting letters won’t make the point. However, being calm logical and to the point will get their attention, especially if the sponsored are boycotted. Hit them in the wallet and you have their attention,


Gifford site address: http://www.kathieleegifford.com/. There is a chat room, but no contact link.

Today’s mail address: today@nbc.com">today@nbc.com

Today Show producers: Today@NBCUNI.com">Today@NBCUNI.com

Meredith's blog address is: http://meredithtoday.ivillage.com/entertainment/

MSNBC corporate email address for letters to the editor: letters@msnbc.com

Snail mail address:

MSNBC on the Internet
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052

About.com poll address
http://paganwiccan.about.com/b/2008/06/26/take-the-poll-does-kathy-lee-gifford-hate-pagans.htm


Other videos and responses:














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Six Simple Steps to Successful Publishing


Doing a simple search on the net for predators and editors, it is easy to discover how many individuals and companies are waiting to take advantage of writers. Making grandiose promises of making their book a best seller, they con unsuspecting writers out of the money, talent and royalties. Even those writers who do the research can find that they have been taken advantage, However, with the new technological advances in computers and in printing, writers no long have to depend on others to make their publishing dream come true. Print on demand opens the door for authors to not only maintain creative control, but also retain all of the profits from their work. There are six simple steps to getting your book successfully published and distributed.

1. Write your book, making sure that it is properly edited.

Not only does you book have to be creative and interesting, but it has to be readable. Meaning that you need to do more than run it through the spell checker. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors will detract from the content and discredit the author. Although mistakes can even be found best selling books, they are rare and quickly fixed in the next edition. First time authors especially need to make sure the work reaches the highest standard possible.


2. Format you book so that it is easy to read and looks professional with an eye catching cover and enticing back cover blurb.

Formatting your book not only is resizing it to fit the appropriate book size, but it is also making sure the typesetting gives the pages a professional appearance. Margins need to be justified to give the pages a clean look. In most cases, book covers should be kept simple and uncomplicated; the graphics need to lure the reader to pick it up. The back cover blurb needs to tempt the reader into reading a few pages. The pages within should persuade the reader the book is worth the money.

3. Find a printer who can produce quality books at a cost effective price.

The list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the "print on demand printers", the writer can find an impressive of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Some POD printers provide printing services without set up fees; however, they have limited distribution, which will also reduce the number brick and mortar stores who will be willing to carry the books. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Most POD printers charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options for book size, colors, and binding. Lightning Source is a connected to Ingram. Printing through them and paying the 12.00 yearly fee gets you listed with the distributors Ingram and Baker & Taylor.

4. Make you book financially attractive to bookstores.

New authors have be realistic about their profit margins. In order for bookstores to be interested, the books have to be reasonably priced with at least a 50% discount off the cover price. However, the current standard discount is 55% off. In addition, making the books returnable is a must. Very few bookstores will risk their money and shelf space on a book by an unknown author if it isn’t returnable. When setting the cover price all three factors must be considered in along with a royalty fee. Never forget to pay yourself for your work, but don’t forget that the higher the cost of the book, the few copies that will be sold.

5. List your book with a distributor who is widely used.

Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with publishing houses that have less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors has their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book.

6. Promoted and market you book 24/7

Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and readership. Creating a brand name is process where an author creates a strong connection with the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, book videos also called trailer and homepages are only four opportunities to attract readers, which cost little or no money. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds.

No longer costing thousands of dollars to get their books in print, more authors are starting their own publishing houses and going out on their own. By doing it themselves, an author can published and distributed to the public for less than three hundred dollars.

Valkyrie Publishing is a consulting service, which helps authors create their dream without risking their royalties or answering to another. I do my best to make the publishing experience as simple and inexpensive as possible. For authors who are not technologically savvy or would just like help with the process, I am an excellent resource and beneficial asset.

My service that helps you publish your book. At all times, you maintain control over the right. I typeset and create a cover--front, back and spine. If you need help promoting, I am also available to create promotional material.

Typesetting:
40.00 for the first 200 pages and .15 page after that. However, if I have to edit the print or type I charge 20.00 an hour at half hour increments. If you send me the manuscript as a word document as you want it printed, there shouldn't be a need to edit. For ebooks, there is a flat 40.00 fee unless you have a lot of graphics.

Covers cost 50.00 unless you want something really complicated; then we can talk.
For ebooks, I charge 40.00, which includes front cover.

Promotional material is 20.00 an hour with a minimum of a half hour for writing press release and for distribution of promotional material.

In addition, I produce effective book video, which are also called book trailers. My service includes full production, including writing the script, find the graphics and music, and adding the voice over. Currently, my rate is 35.00 an hour with one free edit. It usually takes 5-6 hours to create a video. I will also distribute the video for a rate of 20.00 an hour. I will also send you a copy of you video on disk for an additional 6.00 charge for regular snail mail--8.00 for Priority.


To see examples of what I can do for you click here

I accept paypal. With a half due at the start of the project, the rest due upon completion.



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Celebrate Our Historic Victory with the Veterans’ Pentacle Quest!

http://www.paganreligiousrights.org/

Celebrate Our Historic Victory with the Veterans' Pentacle Quest!

Advocate a Pagan Chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces!

Keep the focus on the VA to accept Thor's Hammer of the Asatruar
and the Druids' Awen symbol!

Join us in front of The White House for a
Pagan Religious Rights Rally and Ritual!

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007!
Lafayette Square Park
Washington, DC
Outside the White House and the Department of Veterans Affairs

Set-up between 10am and Noon
Speakers begin at Noon
Ritual begins at 2pm and transitions to...
Spirit Drum Circle until 5pm
Event ends at 5pm
Roster of Speakers:

Rev. Barry Lynn - Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Rev. Selena Fox - Lady Liberty League and Circle Sanctuary
Diana L. Paxson - The Troth, Fellowship of the Spiral Path
Rev. Michael Akins - Military Pagan Network
Rev. Robert Lee (Skip) Ellison - Ar nDraiocht Fein
Rev. Marcia Drewry - Sacred Well Congregation
Stephen McNallen - Asatru Folk Assembly

Caroline W. Casey - Visionary Activist Astrologer and Radio Host
Special Guest Diana L. Paxson, Pagan Elder and acclaimed author, will
lead a ritual to invoke the Founders of our nation to work with us to
protect the liberties they established and the land they loved.

Spirit Drum Circle after the ritual facilitated by Mz. imani, shaman
of the drum and founder of Conscious Collaborations. Through the
voice of the drums, our ritual intent will travel into the hearts of
the world, invoking harmony, justice and religious freedom for all.

This rally and ritual is organized and sponsored by Caroline Kenner
and Chesapeake Pagan Community. For more information, email:

caroline@paganreligiousrights.org

Don't Curse the Messenger: Free Prosperity Ritual
By
Theresa Chaze

With the challenging financial times that many of us are going through, it is easy to loose track of the blessings that we have and continue to receive. How many times have we reluctantly gotten the mail, dreading or even cursing the bills that we are certain that will be there. And sure enough, there are bills. The universe provided exactly what we expected. We asked. The universe delivered. However, if we changed our perspective by focusing on finding blessings, the universe would just quickly provide the them.

If every day, we looked to our mailbox as a source of income that is what it would become. By being grateful and blessing the source, we would not only make our mailboxes a prosperity source, but also open our lives for miracles appear. As silly as it may feel, if you thank your mailbox or computer or bank account--whichever way your money comes to you for the financial help and support, you will increase what you are given. This doesn't mean you can sit on your behind and do nothing; however, if you live in the moment and do your best, while keeping your perspective positive and open, you will allow the Divine to bless you.

Three Gem Mailbox blessing

What you will need:

Citrine-connected to the Divine
Rose quartz--representing love
Any green stone--representing healing and prosperity.

Hold them in your hands and say:

I call the Divine
to create prosperity that is mine.
With healing, hope and love
I accept the blessings from above.
Through this portal and all others
I accept financial blessings from soul sisters and brothers.
Let miracles manifest and ever flow
so that my prosperity continuously grows.


After blessing them with the spell put them in your mailbox. Every day make a point of thanking them. In addition, you can write the spell on a posty and place it on your computer so that it will also be a portal for prosperity.

There are more prosperity rituals, as well as love, protection and healing, in my Ebook of Shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light.. It is a Wiccan book of wisdom for the novice and experience worker. It is available at www.theresachaze.com.

To view the video click here

Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-0-9) is a story of magic, suspense and karmic justice combine in a tale of horror. Rachael moves to Coyote Springs to find a home and open her bookstore. Instead, she becomes the catalyst in exposing a murder and the target of a violent cult. She is forced to awaken her dragon spirit prematurely to save herself and all she loves. Will she be able to control the power of the dragon as it rises giving her the power to save all she loves or will the flames from within destroy her?


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Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-1-6) Cheyenne and Celeste came to Coyote Springs to save a child; instead, Cheyenne found a home. With the help of their new friend, Jane, they created a spiritual sanctuary. But when Celeste stopped running, her past caught up with her. Dominic arrived with promises of love and passion. Instead of love, he reawakened Celeste’s dark side, turning her against those she loved the most. With the aid of the dragons, Cheyenne was barely able to ward off their first attack. With each soul they bound to them, Celeste and Dominic’s greed and hatred grew until they would not settle for less than totally destroying Cheyenne and all she loves. How do you protect yourself from someone who knows how to steal your soul?





For a moment, Jane remained in that in-between stage between sleep and wake. Before opening her eyes, she mentally checked her body for stress points. She wasn’t looking for anything specific. It was more of a vague feeling of her energy being off. In the past, she had been able to ward off physical annoyances by just checking her energy before becoming fully conscious. Her left side seemed a bit numb, most likely from sleeping in the same position too long. She usually didn’t move around much when she slept in a strange bed. It made Maxie crazy. He said it was like sleeping with a corpse. Thinking of him suddenly brought back the anger and sadness. Part of her loved him. Yet there was something that kept her from committing to him.
She drifted downward into her body. Opening her eyes, she stared at the orange and white striped sheets. An instant later, the pain hit. Starting at the base of her skull, it raced over the top of her head, grabbing her cheekbones, trying to flip them over. She moaned and rolled onto her back. Closing her eyes, she tried to force herself back into the upper realms, where she could balance whatever was out of kilter. The throbbing continued, preventing her from concentrating. Don’t fight it, came the thought, just allow it to pass through you. Keeping her eyes closed, she breathed deeply in through her nose, allowing the pain to flow over her like a wave on the shore. The pain lessened, only to be followed be a second then a third wave. She rolled over, ducking her head beneath the pillow and holding it tight trying to block the pain. Images appeared in her mind. She didn’t understand. It was the farm. A thin dark mist hovered around it. It reached for her. She retreated. It followed. Lightning flashed up from the ground. The mist scattered and recollected itself around the house. Just as suddenly, the pain dulled to a throb. Carefully she opened her eyes. Unsure of what she should do, she pushed the pillow away and slowly lifted herself to a kneeling position. She looked around. The room hadn’t changed, yet it was different. It was the smell. Ozone. She was more confused than ever.
Sliding off the bed onto her feet, she put on the short robe Raven had left at the foot of the bed. She tied the belt and opened the door. Continuing down the hallway, she stopped at the archway.
Raven was lying on the couch, a cloth across her forehead and eyes. In spite of the warmth of the room, she hugged her favorite comforter to her chest. She shivered beneath it.
The sun streamed into the room. From her perspective, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Raven shouldn’t be having a sinus attack. Yet, Raven was having what she would describe as a four-alarm attack.
Creeping further into the room, she noticed the broken teacup on the kitchen floor. Its contents spilled among the shattered pieces.
“Good afternoon.” The voice came from the couch.
“What happened?”
“Something blew through.”
“What?”
“I don’t know. I heard you scream once. Then I got hit.” Raven lifted one end of the cloth to look at her. “My shields didn’t hold. “
“I set up temporary barriers myself last night.”
Raven recovered her eye. “I know. It didn’t help.” Her voice was a combination of bitterness and anger. “I got images of darkness around the farm.”
Jane didn’t know what to say.
“It was an evil I haven’t experienced before.” Raven waited.
The unasked question hung between them, testing their friendship. Jane swallowed hard, not wanting to hear what was coming. Carefully she knelt and picked up the pieces of the broken cup. “It was your favorite.”
“Forget it!” Raven snapped. Her hands covered her face. She moaned in pain.
“I’m sorry.” Jane couldn’t move. She felt responsible, but she didn’t know why. “I don’t know what happened.”
“Celeste happened.”
“Why do you assume--”
“Because it’s the truth!” Raven’s voice quivered with pain and anger. “Just like Cheyenne has been trying to tell you.”
“She doesn’t have any proof.”
“But she does.”
“Why didn’t she tell me?” Jane snapped back and instantly regretting it. The dull throb sharpened into to stabbing pain behind her eyes.
“She tried to.” Raven emphasized each word. “You wouldn’t listen.”
If Raven was right, this was all her fault. Jane dropped the pieces. “She was just jealous...jealous because she didn’t have a man in her life. That’s all.”
Using one arm, Raven lifted herself into a sitting position. “Both Cheyenne and I fully dedicated the Samhain after she got the farm. She has no interest in dating or mating. Her total focus is on her spiritual path. Just like me.”
“I didn’t know.”
“There is a lot you don’t know.”
It wasn’t possible, Jane thought. She’s just trying to bait me. Cheyenne would have told us. Such radical commitments were never made lightly. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Fine. Believe what you like.” Raven tried to stand, but as quickly sat back down. “It’s your rude awakening. “
“I thought you were my friend.“ Her voice sounded whiny, but Jane didn’t care. Since she started on the investigation, they had spent many hours together not only talking about the case but their lives as well. Raven was the only one who truly knew who about Maxie. She had always been open and honest with her, yet Raven chose to keep the most important aspect of her spirituality a secret. It wasn’t rational, but suddenly Jane felt betrayed.
“Could you put more cold water on this?” Raven held up the cloth. “And put the start the water for tea.”
Taking it, Jane silently walked into the kitchen, doubt rapidly growing within her. She ran the water and saturated the cloth. Wringing the excess off, she returned to the living room and gently covered the prone woman’s eyes. Raven murmured something. Jane didn’t understand. Briefly stroking the black mane, she turned and returned to the kitchen.
Could she have been wrong? But about who? Celeste or Cheyenne? Which one was lying? The past few months they hadn’t been as close. But all relationships change. Without growth, there would be stagnation and death. She filled the kettle and put it on the stove. It didn’t make sense. Nothing did. Not any more. Pulling down the herb jars, she placed them on the counter and took the mixing bowl off the shelf. Taking a pinch from the spearmint and chamomile, she ground the leaves between her fingers, allowing the pieces to drop into the bowl, and resealed the jars. A year ago, they had been planning an expansion of the classes and greenhouse. The classes had remained very popular in spite of the House of Christ. The few rented cottages supplemented the farm income. In fact, Jane admitted to herself, Cheyenne’s herbs were the only stable income they had. How did they become so dependent on her?
Across the room, the kettle began to bubble. She filled the tea balls and put them in cups. Nine months ago, she had taken a leave of absence from the TV station to help Celeste with the classes. They had built the web site. It was beautiful with pictures of the farm and information about Dragon Herbs. Both of them taught classes online. Cheyenne was too busy with the greenhouse and herbs to do more than teach one class. They were busy, tired and happy--a true team, each using their own particular talents for the best of the whole. Within a month, Dominic arrived.
The kettle whistled. Startled she grabbed for it and turned off the burner. Filling the cups, she watched the steam rise, carrying the scent of the herbs. She breathed deeply. For a few moments, her mind quieted. The tree outside had a bird’s nest safely tucked in one of the branches. From her perspective, she couldn’t see if it was inhabited. Elsewhere, birds sang. Traffic rolled to and fro on the street. People living their own lives. Were they happy? Or sad? A bit of both, she thought. Did they feel what happened earlier? Or was it hidden from them like a rude surprise to be sprung on them when it was too late to do anything? She returned the kettle to the stove, the contents still rumbling with the heat. Steam continued to rise from the cups. It was fascinating how the steam formed shapes and patterns. Sometimes, she just wondered why. She didn’t expect an answer. It was just something to occupy her mind, to keep it from asking questions she didn’t want answered. Dangling the tea balls by their chains, she watched the water color. It was such a simple thing. Judging the tea to be strong enough, she dropped the balls in the sink and picked up one of the cups.
Raven was still lying on the couch, the cloth over her upper face. With, her black curls fanned out on the pillow; she looked like she was posing for a centerfold. A chicken pox scar on her left temple was the only blemish on her otherwise smooth skin. How old she was, no one really knew. Some how Raven had always been able to dodge the question. She seemed in her late twenties, very early thirties. Yes several of her commits gave the impression and the ages of her two sons made her somewhere in her late forties. She had two sons by two different men. One she chose to marry, the other was a good friend who for one night became more. Now divorced, she had her own home, her own money, her own path to follow. Her children were a source of pride and pain. The eldest chose his father over her; the rules weren’t as strict. She shared custody of her youngest, but his primary residence was with his father. She loved him enough not to bounce him back and forth between the two homes. Some on the farm thought less of her for not having her sons with her while they were growing up. They didn't she wasn’t maternal enough to worship the Goddess. Her attitude was “whatever”, using the familiar hand gesture. It was something Jane had always admired about her.
Bending over, she placed the cup on a coaster and slid it within her reach. Raven didn’t stir. Sometimes sleep is the best medicine.
Taking her own mug out the back door, she sat on the steps. The shadows kept the cement cool, but soon they would creep back toward the house with the turning of the day. Protected by only the thin robe, her butt and thighs quickly felt the cold. Standing, she walked down the path into the sunlight. It warmed the back of her head and brought a smile to her lips. Mentally, she thanked Ra for putting his loving arms around her. The cup was hot in her hands, but the steam no longer rose from the liquid. She took a sip. It was good; lemon would make it better. The scent made her nose tingle.
The shadow of a bird flew across the lawn. She looked up. It was a jay. Ever present, ever watching no matter what the season. Some people didn’t like them at their bird feeders. Jane liked their tenacity and their ability to adapt to whatever life presented to them. They were character traits she wished she possessed. Sometimes she felt as if she had no control over her life that she was always reacting to someone else’s game plan.
Looking back over her thirty-six years, Jane realized that most of her life she did what was expected of her. It was like she checking off chores on a list that someone else wrote for her. Her thirty-seventh birthday was nearly four months away and she still didn’t know what she wanted to be when she grew up. She no longer had a clue how to fill the rapidly growing void in her. For a while, the television station gave her a purpose, then it was helping Celeste and Cheyenne. She was tired of playing peacemaker between them, yet she wasn’t brave enough to confront them.
She sipped the cooling tea and continued to walk down the path, taking the left fork toward the swing. Sitting, she swiveled, crossing her legs and tucking her robe down between her thighs. Pulling on the support post, she started the back and forth motion. Closing her eyes and leaning back, she allowed the rhythm to comfort her. It reminded her of how her mother rocked her as a child when the monster in the closet wouldn’t let her sleep. Her mother had been dead for many years, but remembering her joyfully brought her back. A smile crossed her lips. She released the need to think beyond the motion. Alternating between shadow and sunshine, she enjoyed both. Her other senses filed in the blanks left by her voluntary relinquishing of her sight. She allowed the sensory information to pass though her without keeping note.
Somewhere close by a vehicle drove up and parked. Moments later, the swing jolted to a halt, spilling the tea into her lap. Her eyes snapped open. Maxie stood in front of her. Angrily she jumped to her feet, the spilled tea running down the front of the robe to the ground. She tried brushing it off before more could soak in.
“I thought you heard me.”
“Does it look like I heard you?” Jane snapped. “Look what you did to Raven’s robe!”
“Sorry okay.” He snapped back.
“Will that get the stain out?” She allowed her anger to flare. It was how she felt-angry and very much put upon.
“I’ll buy her a new one. Just get off it.”
“Get off it?” Her voice rose to a shriek, sending the birds, resting in the trees, into to flight. “I’ll get off it, you and the investigation!” She spun on the balls of her feet and headed toward the back door.
He grabbed her upper arm and yanked her toward him. “You listen-”
That was enough. She allowed him to spin her partially around. Using the momentum he provided, she flung her free arm around. The heel of her hand landed firmly on his chin. Stunned, he released her, staggering backward. Her robe slipped off her shoulder, opening at the front. She ignored it and stepped into a defensive stance.
Holding his chin, he glared down at her. “I could arrest you.”
“Really officer. On what charge?” She no longer found him cute and cuddly, fun to talk and make love with; he was just one more needy person. She met his eyes. They were angry and demanding. Last week, even yesterday, she would have given in and apologized. But not today. “On what charge?” She repeated.
“Striking an officer!”
“An officer who over stepped his bounds.” She countered.
“Just get dressed. They expect us at the station.”
“I quit.” It wasn’t a decision she consciously made. The words surprised her, yet at the same instant, a heavy weight was lifted from her heart. She knew it was the right thing to do.
“We don’t have time for this!”
“I do. What you do-I don’t care.” She spun and rapidly continued toward the house.
“You can’t!
Suddenly he was in between her in the back door. “I won’t let you ruin this!”
“Just what don’t you want ruined. The investigation or your sex life.”
“What ever bug flew up your ass last night--just get over it! Just get your clothes, we‘ll talk about it at home.”
“I’m not going with you.”
“Just do it!”
A breeze bellowed the robe open further. The sun warmed her breasts. He could arrest her for indecent exposure. “No!”
Taking a deep breath, he clenched and unclenched his fists. “I love you.” His voice was calmer, but the anger boiled just beneath the surface.
“Really sounds like it.” The back door swung open and Raven stepped out. “Who could resist such loving words?”
“It none of your business!” Maxie growled.
“It’s my yard, my house, my guest, and my business.” She matched his tone.
“Bitch-dike.”
“How quick the bigotry rears its ugly head. Just yesterday we were good friends.”
“Raven’s not a--”
“Don’t explain!” She walked down the steps. “Get lost or do I make a phone call to your supervisor? I’m sure she’d be real interested in this conversation. “
“What about your secrets?”
“Secrets? I don’t have any secrets. My life is an open book.” Raven smiled nastily. “You are the one who broke the departmental policy.”
“Jane doesn’t work for--”
“But I do!” Raven firmly planted her fists on her hips. “You have invaded my privacy. You have made sexual comments.”
“Jane this isn’t over!” Snapping around heal to toe, he marched back to his truck. The engine roared to life and leaped backward. The tires screeched and he was gone.
“Gee that was fun!” Raven reached out and closed the opening of Jane’s robe. “You keep flashing my neighbors and poor, old Mr. Radcliff is going to have a heart attack and the brat boys next door will have accidents in their drawers.”





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