Stone of Wrath, an excerpt

Jedidiah Mason knew rookie firefighters were often given cleanup duty. He shouldn’t be surprised or irritated by having it now. But he was so tired he was ready to drop right there in the rubble of the still smoldering abandoned office building.

He leaned against the heavy wooden broom he’d been using to sweep up debris. Could he fall asleep standing up? How long had he been working on the site? The call had come in at two Saturday afternoon. It had to be close to midnight now.

“It’s okay, kid, you’re done for the day,” his supervisor, Firefighter Nels Henderson, said, clapping him on the shoulder. “We’ve got the rest. You’ve been working hard.”

Jed perked up. “Really? You sure?”

“You’re practically asleep anyway. Go back to the station with Jonesy. You’re off the next three days, right?”

“Yeah and I think I’ll sleep through two and a half of them.” Jed grinned and waved when Henderson walked away. He ran a grimy hand over his sweaty face. He needed a long, hot shower.

Jed was just turning away when something glittered in the rubble. He crouched down, tilting his head. Maybe his tired eyes were playing tricks on him. Now he saw nothing.

“Jed, you coming?” Jonesy called from next to the smaller of the two fire trucks.

There!

A flash of dark yellow. Reaching out, his fingers closed around something about the size of half a fist. Jed lifted the heavy rock-like object.

“Mason, get over here now!” Jonesy yelled.

Jed stood and pocketed the rock. He hurried to the engine, tossed the broom inside and swung up onto the back. The driver started the red truck and pulled away from the curb.

* * * * *
Jed slammed his locker door closed. He’d changed out of his uniform into his jeans and black t-shirt but hadn’t bothered with the shower. Too anxious to get home. He could shower there.

He reached in and fingered the yellow rock he’d transferred to the front pocket of his jeans. Truth was he couldn’t seem to stop touching it. It was just a dumb old rock, wasn’t it? Jed pulled it out to look at it again. It was singed and covered in ashes and soot. But there was something about it.

It looked almost like a gemstone. Hell, who in their right mind would drop a big gemstone like that in an old abandoned building? If it really were a gemstone, from the size it would be worth a lot. Weren’t there a couple of yellow gems? November’s birthstones. Citrine and golden topaz or something. His mother and sisters watched the shopping channels. They probably knew. He’d clean it up and show it to them next time he saw them. Shrugging, he stuck it back in his pocket and left the locker room.

“Hey, kid, you going home?”

Jed glanced to his right. Standing next to the paramedic truck was the captain, Adam Denton. Captain Denton was just the sort of man Jed found attractive. Rugged and muscular. He figured the captain was in his forties. And married with children. Of course. Not that Jed would let anyone at the station know he was gay. Actually very few people in his life knew.

“Yes, unless you need me to stay?” Jed prayed the answer would be no. He would stay though, if they needed him. Dog-tired or not.

Captain Denton smiled. “Nope. Go home. See you Wednesday.”

"Good night.”

Jed walked out of the station into the back area where the men parked their cars. He found his Harley, put on his helmet and prepared to drive home. His thigh vibrated.

What the fuck?

He kept his cell phone in his back pocket. The stone? Couldn’t be that. He put his hand over the pocket. Nothing. Must have imagined it. Geez, he really was tired.

Jed pulled out of the parking lot and headed for the freeway. It was just a short drive to his apartment near Old Town San Diego. Jed, born and raised in San Diego, had considered animal training for the zoo or the wild animal park as a career. In the end, he decided, though he loved animals, he wanted to help humans more.

Just as he exited the ramp that would take him down the street to his apartment, his thigh thrummed. He nearly lost control but he managed to keep the Harley on the road. He stopped at a red light and glanced down at the pocket with the stone. Nothing again. He couldn’t have imagined the second time. Or could he? He was really tired.

The pocket heated his thigh and glowed yellow. Jed stared.

Honk!

Damn. He drove away from the stop and made the right turn into the driveway of his apartment building. Parking the Harley under his carport, Jed grasped the rock through his jeans. It was still warm. Had the fire earlier kept it that hot? Simple explanation, of course. But then why had it been cool when he picked it up from the rubble?

Still Available from: http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-5044-455-stone-of-wrath.aspx

I Just Love Easy Edits

Got my edits yesterday for Ticket to Ride and they were a breeze! I can't tell you how happy that made me. Even though my cold is still hanging on a bit that put a giant smile on my face.

I also re-read Ticket to Ride from page one to the end and I have to say, I was very pleased with the result. The first couple of intimate scenes between my protags, Chad and Jack, I think, are among my best.

I can even forsee myself revisting these two in a future book or two.

Anyway, I cannot wait until its release in December to learn what everyone thinks.

Ah...the Heartache

Recently, several people have mentioned my latest release, Sweet Reunion, is me returning to the angst-loving voice. I admit I did have a few lighter romances recently, most notably Car Wash and Beyond the Norm, but others were probably not up to the angst found in Perfect Man or Trust or even At Long Last.

When I set out to write Sweet Reunion, I didn't really think, wow I haven't written anything pain-filled lately. Honest! It's just that as I started writing Jason Sweet the character went that way for me.

It's true I do like angst. I think that is why Ava March and I work so well together. We both like the angst. Though, you know, once I suggested only half-kidding that we should co-author a book together and she didn't even respond, lol! Don't know what that says.

I have to admit though, that my next few books are probably going to be on the more heart-breaking side. I don't mean my next two releases, Ticket to Ride (you'll have to decide if this is angst-filled or not) and The Best Gift (it's a Christmas story remember), but rather the next several projects.

So, um, yeah, I will say now, that if angsty romances are not your thing, you might want to stay away from those set in Sutter's Bay for sure. So, as my dear friend, Jack, said the "angsty Shawn is back".

Tried for Progress and Failed

I actually opened the file for Twice in a Lifetime last night all prepared to write the next part. Proud of myself even. Unfortunately the version I had at home was not the latest version, that version was at work. Sigh.

I shall try again today.

I've been talking with some fellow authors (Devon and Ava) about turning Sutter's Bay into a series. Sutter's Bay is where Sweet Reunion takes place and also Twice in a Lifetime. I already have an idea for a third story involving the diner owner, Adam, who appears in Twice in a Lifetime. I briefly mentioned his hero-to-be character in Sweet Reunion for those that read that book or plan to. Anyway the hero for Adam would be Harris who broke up with Danny from Sweet Reunion. Trust me, Harris will have his work cut out for him convincing Adam to be with him.

Anyway, that would already make for three books set in my fictional bay town in Northern California. So why not more? I'll have to give it some thought. I've had readers ask me to consider doing a series before so it is an option.

As the Beatles Sang...

I think I'm gonna be sad...

NOT!!! Ticket to Ride is done!

For all intents and purposes anyway. I sent off the last chapter for review by Ms. Ava March and I have some forms to do for Amber Quill, but I am intending to send it off to the powers that be tomorrow.

What a relief! I can't believe I finished it by the deadline of September 01.

I am ridiculously happy to have finished another one. The release date is December 13, 2009

Of course on another note, I lost a follower so I am gonna be sad after all, :(
Ah, well, all is well in Shawn Lane land especially since Handsome Jack is now following me.

Beyond the Norm Giveaway Begins

After closing his bar one night, Dave Johnson rescues Kyle, who is on the run after witnessing the murder of a federal agent in San Francisco. Dave knows Kyle is trouble but can't help falling in love; Kyle loses his heart but fears he's bringing danger to Dave's doorstep. When Kyle's pursuers close in, the two men are at an impasse. They can either separate and live in safety and loneliness, or find a way to stay alive and together.



Beyond the Norm is released next Thursday, September 3rd, and that means a giveaway. I'm starting it now. Just leave a comment and you will be entered. I'll let the randomizer thing choose the winner next Wednesday.

As you can likely tell from the cover, Kyle is Goth. Seems like a long time ago I originally started this story and for a while I let it just sit there unfinished until this past spring I forced myself to finish it and sent it off. Dreamspinner Press offered me a contract for it in June. So here is an excerpt if you want to see what you'd be getting (hopefully it won't prevent you from entering, lol):

Dave stood and reached down to help the kid up. He swayed a bit, and Dave held him. "You don’t think anything’s broken?"

"Nah," the guy said, feeling his ribs under his trench coat. "Just a little unsteady."

He had a slight lilt to his voice, but it was so faint, Dave couldn’t quite place it. Lightning flashed overhead and was followed quickly by a very large clap of thunder. "Look, we’d better get out of here. You got any place to go?"

The kid bit his plump, sensual lip pensively, and he shook his head. "Not really."

Dave hesitated. He knew nothing about this young man. For all he knew he could be an axe murderer. He might regret this, but…. "I don’t live far. Let’s get you dry and look at your injuries and maybe get you some food."

The younger man assessed him for a moment and then nodded. "Sounds good."

"Can you make it? Or do you want me to bring the truck over here?" Dave asked. The kid took a step but wobbled. "Stay here. I’ll be back."

Dave ran back to his truck, got in and started it, and drove across the parking lot to stop next to the kid, who opened the door and climbed in the passenger side. He leaned his head back on the seat and closed his eyes.

"What’s your name?" Dave asked.

"Kyle."

"Kyle what?"

Kyle stared at Dave. His mouth curved up at the corners just a bit. "Just Kyle."

Dave pulled out of the parking lot, switching on the windshield wipers. "Mine is Dave Johnson."

"Thanks, Dave Johnson."


Dave nodded and turned down the street that led to the block his house was on. He wasn’t kidding when he’d said he didn’t live far. His house was literally about two streets over from the bar. He’d chosen it for that very reason. "So why were those guys beating the crap out of you? Were they friends of yours?"

"Did they seem like friends?"

"No. So, then?"

Kyle sighed and ran his long pale fingers through his wet black hair. "Could be one of two reasons, I guess. I’m Goth, and for some reason that annoys certain people."

"And the other?"

"I’m gay. That seems to annoy guys like that even more." Kyle shrugged. "Maybe it was some of each."

Dave’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. Okay, so Kyle was gay. He was probably too young anyway, and Dave was supposed to be rescuing him from a bad situation. Not lusting after him. But, God, did he have to be gay? Because Dave’s cock had certainly perked up at the news.

Progress is Made

After a not so successful weekend, I am making decent progress today on Ticket to Ride. I've got close to 1,000 words done and that's just on a break and lunch at the EDJ. Pretty cool. I'm hoping tonight I can finish up the chapter.

I broke the 15,000 word mark too so I think by the time it's finished it will officially be novella length. I figure I have 2-3 chapters left. Can I finish it off by September 01? Um, well, I don't know, honestly. That's just a week away. But if not by then, not too many days after.

I can already see a sequel to these two, Chad and Jack, coming in the future. Thankfully if it does come down to a sequel it won't be until spring 2010. I have way too much to write now to even think of it now.

When this is over, I think in the last few months of this year (Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec), I can get maybe two stories done. One will be Twice in a Lifetime. This is the story of Jude, my rather flamboyant Englishman from September's release of Sweet Reunion. Jude is definitely insisiting he is next. Depending on how long Jude's story takes it is possible I can get to another story, but no promises, especially since I also plan on writing and posting the Christmas stories for my heroes in Pulling Away and Car Wash.

Still if Twice in a Lifetime ends up being the last book I write this year, I think I've had a very, very full year of releases and hopefully 2010 will bring many more.

Saturday Updates

I'm at the stage now where I am reviewing the galleys for Beyond the Norm so that is pretty exciting. Book comes out in less than two weeks now as it comes out on September 03. I will be doing a giveaway of a copy of course. I'll probably post about the giveaway next week.

I know I mentioned my submission of my Christmas story, The Best Gift, but the deadline for the Christmas stories has been extended so I will be waiting a few more weeks for the decision than I originally thought. So, some time in September I should know.

And speaking of Christmas stories, I'll be posting more about this as the holidays approach but look for some free Christmas stories on here featuring Kevin and Michael from Car Wash and Noah and Charlie from Pulling Away. These will be sexy stories, I promise.

Just recently, one of my publishers showed us some covers up for grabs for possible inspiration of a story for them. Though many of them were very tempting, I am trying to resist. I really have too many stories I must write now. Really. So I am remaining strong.

A Requested Update

My friend, Ryan, who checks out my blog on a regular basis complained that I hadn't updated it all week so this is for him.

As you probably know, I have no releases in August, so it's difficult for me to find much to post about.

I will say that I am going right along on my song-themed story, Ticket to Ride. I just crossed the 12,000 words mark and expect it will end somewhere around 20,000 words when I end. Which is novella length.

Unfortunately, Ticket to Ride is part of the song themed PAX collection for Amber Quill and though it wasn't due until September 01, five other AQ authors beat me. Their stories are already done and submitted. So, my story will not be part of the first collection being released in November. Bummer.

No worries, though, it will be released either in December as part of a second collection or on its own.

Beyond the Norm, my goth/biker story, releases in less than three weeks so I will do a giveaway closer to the date.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Eye Candy Day

This beauty is the very image of what I envision for Christian, my duke's son from the as yet unwritten Regency M/M, Undeniable.

So when you read that book imagine him. I will, :-)

Beyond the Norm Release Date

Got a release date of September 03, 2009 for Beyond the Norm.

Also made the coming soon pages

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/comingsoon.htm

Just a Little Something...

I don't generally post reviews here. I usually include the best snippets under "reviews of Shawn's work" on my website. But I decided to post this today for a couple of reasons. The first reason is, I think a little cheering up is in order, and the second is, this is my first "5 Star Recommended Read" from Fallen Angels Reviews. Pretty cool.

http://fallenangelreviews.com/2009/July/nene-mostlikelytosucceed.htm

Rainbow Reviews Author Extravaganza

Now that it is is August, don't forget myself and several other well known authors of the lgbt genre are giving away books throughout the month of August. I'm not until the end of the month but check out the details and get involved if you'd like to win books from these great writers.

Details here: http://rainbow-reviews.com/?page_id=1542


Blog here: http://rainbow-reviews.blogspot.com/

Sweet Reunion

I finished my work in progress (which means it is no longer in progress), Sweet Reunion, and I have a release date of September 20, 2009.

Here is the blurb in case anyone is interested:

Retired from the police force after a tragic shooting, Jason Sweet hasn’t been back to his hometown, Sutter’s Bay, for fifteen years. With his mother’s final days approaching, Jason returns to make peace with his mother and his past. Part of that past includes former best friend and lover, Danny Yarrow.

Danny’s satisfied with his life as a drama teacher at the local high school, but the one thing missing is the love of a good man. He’s only too happy to be reunited with Jason. They’ve both grown and changed since their broken teenaged relationship. Jason hasn’t had an easy time of it since leaving Sutter’s Bay, but Danny intends to convince his friend and lover their love is worth taking chances.

Once I get a cover, I will post it.

And now back to work on Ticket to Ride.

Also...

I also wanted to mention I got a lovely review for At Long Last from Barbara who runs a really lovely blog called Happily Forever After.

Check it out if you get the chance. http://booklover125.blogspot.com/

Speaking of At Long Last

At the end of July, Until the of Time will be released. This is a sequel to At Long Last. It continues the story of Preston and Scott.

Seven months into their relationship, Preston has yet to tell his parents he is gay and living with Scott. When they are invited to the wedding of Preston’s ex-wife, a wedding Preston’s parents will also attend, Scott hopes Preston will finally admit to their relationship. But Preston fears having the same strained relationship Scott has with his father or worse, being disowned.

While Scott is beginning to believe Preston will always be ashamed of their love and will never come around to admitting the truth, Preston wonders if Scott will bolt if he doesn’t stick to Scott’s timetable.

Preston has a tough choice. Trust his parents with the truth or risk losing Scott forever.

So my question here is, should I do a giveaway of Until the End of Time or not? If there is interest, I'll do one. But if not, well, then, I won't.

Edit: Since enough people want the giveaway, I will do it close to the release date. Sorry for not saying so earlier. Got distracted by other releases.

Lawyers in Love

Some time in July my first paperback release with Amber Quill comes out. It is an anthology of some of my stories that have been released there.

As you can see, it is called Lawyers in Love because they all have the theme of having lawyers who fall in love.

The stories included are: At Long Last, Most Likely to Succeed and Car Wash.

So if you are wanting to collect any of my works in print that will be your chance.

Just Some Updates

Two guys kissing, sigh. Something so sexy about that.

Things are going along fine with Beyond the Norm coming from Dreamspinner. Got my draft cover and I think the final product will be great. They took my request for Kyle to appear Goth on the cover to heart which really pleases me. The blurb for the book is also done. I cannot wait for the book to make its debut later this summer.

Sweet Reunion is coming along well, too. I'm past the first two chapters and about to cross the 5,000 word mark. I submitted the forms to Amber Quill for it, too. I still intend to be finished with it by next Sunday, July 5, 2oo9.

Once Sweet Reunion is done I will return to full time work on Ticket to Ride so I can get that obligation (due September 01) out of the way and I can move on to something else.

New Work In Progress

Working on something new. I hope to have it done and off to Amber Quill by the end of the Independence Day Weekend here in the United States. If I can manage, shortly after I should have a release date. Will post further details as they become available.

New story is called, Sweet Reunion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are you working on now?

I am working on Ticket to Ride. The story premise is that just as a has-been rock star is looking to make his come back his boyfriend announces he is leaving him. Then the boyfriend ends up being murdered. I have no idea of the length. It’s supposed to be finished by September.

2) Anything else?

I’m also working on Pieces. It’s a story of depression and moving on from grief and finding or re-finding new love. One hero’s boyfriend killed himself and he’s having trouble moving on from that and it’s going to take him falling in love all over again with his first love to get his happily-ever-after.

3) Sorcerer’s Lover 2 just released, do you have any more sequels in the works?

Sorcerer’s Lover will definitely have a third installment. In the third one, the war between Benedict’s brothers, James and Henry, will heat up and at least one of them will look to using Warin’s powers to become king. I am anticipating late 2009 or early 2010 for that one.

I am also intending to conclude Nick and Ray’s story from The Other Side 2 as well as get out Ray’s brother, Devon’s story at some point. Those are the only sequels planned at present.

4) You seem to write pretty fast. How do you do it?

I don’t know, really. It’s something I’ve always been able to do when forced but lately I have been slowing down a bit. Which is why I have only got Until the End of Time to release at the end of July for Amber Quill and Beyond the Norm to release in September for Dreamspinner Press. Nothing else is completed but as mentioned I am working on it.

5) Do you read reviews of your work?

Sometimes. I am learning the painful lesson some people just won’t like your work. I’ve gotten great reviews and bad reviews, but honestly I don’t see either kind affecting the sales for my books much. I know for myself, as a consumer, I don’t really pay attention to reviews on review sites when choosing books for myself.

I pay more attention to reader reaction than review sites and for the most part I have gotten very positive reader reaction to the majority of my stories. It’s always lovely getting an email from a reader or a comment on the blog from someone who loved my story. That always makes me very happy.

Any person who puts out their work whether it is writing or acting or painting is going to be subject to criticism. There are millions of people in the world and we don’t all like the same things.

6) Do you have a writing routine?

No. I don’t write for so many hours or force myself to work on any given day. I try to write every day but it just doesn’t work for me. I usually write at the day job at lunch during the work week. Sometimes at night when I come home and I am vegging in front of the television I can get a little more done. And on the weekends I might get 500 words done for the entire time. But if I am determined to write and finish something I will work a lot more and a lot faster. When I decided to do Until the End of Time I got 2,000 or more words done on that per day.

7) Do you plot or just write as it comes to you?

Well, every story is different. Right now as I am working on Ticket to Ride I am just writing it. Don’t know who the killer is or why or anything. I know the killer is not Chad or the cop-love interest, Jack. But for Beyond the Norm I pretty much knew where I wanted to go with that story when I started. Same with Trust. Those were both plotted in my head before I wrote them. I rarely ever sit down and write down a plot even when I do have the plot in mind. I store them in my brain.

8) When are you going to write the Regency lord and butler story?

I have visions of myself starting that in late summer or early fall. But it’s also entirely possible it will have to be pushed to early 2010.

9) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers of the m/m genre?

First, please read and enjoy the genre you are writing. Don’t just start writing it because you hear it is the hot thing. If you don’t enjoy the genre readers will know. I was reading m/m well before I ever penned the first one (Another Chance). The other thing is join writing groups, on line chapters are good if you can’t find a local one, RWA now has a Rainbow chapter, find a critique partner you mesh with, and finish the story. Endless re-writes of your beginning chapter will get you no where. In order to get published you have to submit. If you can’t find a critique partner, enter a few contests that will take the genre and get some feedback that way. Also, research publishers who publish what you write. Read their stories and get a feel for what they like.

10) Since your first published erotic romance, The Squire, came out a year ago is there anything you’ve done to promote your books that you think has worked?

Actually, I joined a reader’s site called, Goodreads. I was talked into it, really, by Ava March, but I am glad I did. I have been able to talk about different books we’ve all read or wanted to read in the genre and gotten some great recommendations I might never have known about without them. I’ve also met some really wonderful readers that I have become good friends with, Shellie for instance, and my favorite person in the universe, Shayne. I’m extremely grateful for their kindness and friendship. And I know both have convinced other readers to try my books and I can’t thank them enough for their support.