For Those Who Have Loved and Lost. How a Dragonfly Healed Me.

Welcome. I apologize, this is a rather personal post but one I had to share.

My Dad died nearly a year ago on July 29th, 2011.

It’s hard to believe a year went by so fast. I suppose, however, I’ve been in a fog through most of it. It’s no easy thing losing a parent. A father.

For all I thought long and hard about what to write in this post, there aren’t enough words. At least not the ones that sum it all up. 'All of it' being a lifetime of memories with an amazing man. And let me tell you, I’m sitting here now, totally blank, not sure what to write. One thing I can say is that he loved and loved well. Certain people came into his life later and I know he poured his heart into getting to know them better, the best way he knew how. I know he would want them to be happy always.

So now I'm writing a blog post about him and it's terribly hard. Why? Well, it’s an unimaginable thing to try to write on a blog about your feelings when you feel so strongly. 

The past year has been one of new beginnings. I have to look at it that way... as new beginnings. Because that's what it is when your entire life changes in a single moment, for better or worse.

I still remember those final moments in the ICU last year. Me, mom and my sister, Debbie, were there every day for two weeks. Dad faught the worst type of Sepsis poisoning as a result of chemo and pulled through. He'd had less than a 10% chance of survival. But he pulled through.

We got one more wonderful day with him. We were given the chance to say how much we loved one another. It was a gift. 

Regrettably, lung cancer victims don't come off the breathing incubator well. So he faught a hell of a battle only to lose. But we were all holding hands when he passed.

Life changed after that.

Too Soon For Intimacy? Be Honest.

I had to post about this because it’s been weighing on my mind lately. When is it too soon for the characters in a book to have sex in a non-erotic story?

We’re not talking the number of sex scenes or their intensity but the right ‘window of opportunity.’ Whether it’s behind closed doors or out in the open, I’d like to pin-point the moment when the magic’s right.

I’ve always enjoyed the build-up myself. Like real life, if one jumps into the sack too soon with their partner, it often takes away that delicious shiver of anticipation. And, oftentimes, the relationship fizzles out fast.

But it’s also important to stay true to the characters. In my current work in progress the hero and heroine are dare-devils and eager for the next big rush. Late twenty-somethings. That said, they get intimate a bit faster than most. It almost felt wrong to wait too long with them. I’m still not sure if it was a good thing or not but the thought of removing their first time together seems… off kilter.

So what’s the word? WHEN is too soon in a book? In my case, with this tale, it happened by chapter five. I think on average, things get smokin’ hot by chapter ten. In many cases, chapter thirteen.

This post is all about YOUR opinion. I'd love feedback from readers and writers alike.

When is it time for SEX in a book? Be honest.

Wishing My Little 'Bro' Love And Happiness Always!

This weekend is solely dedicated to my little ‘bro’ who is getting married to a fabulous woman, Jill Forzese.

Donnie, I still remember you at five. Lord, you never stopped talking! You have done so well over the years. You've grown up in to one heck of a man. I'm incredibly proud of you.

Wishing you and Jill many, many wonderful years together. Can’t wait to join you today when you become husband and wife.

Salute!!!

~Sky