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Reading what has happened to James Rhodes certainty puts things into perspective in one's life.   Nothing - not rejection letters, not weak book sales, not even bad reviews - could compare to what James Rhodes has been through.   As a writer, I admire his dogged determination to see his work to publication.  As a human, I admire that small bubble of buoyancy he's kept alive inside of him despite the horrific things that have happened in his life. If you are unfamiliar with James' story, click here . Excerpt of article by Cherrybatched: "He said he hoped his book would help other survivors of abuse to find the courage to speak up, and that 'it will inspire those in pain to find solace in music'. Rhodes was repeatedly raped while a pupil at the junior school at Arnold House, a preparatory school for boys in St John’s Wood, north London. His abuser was Peter Lee, who worked at the school part-time, as a boxing coach. Lee was recently arrested and c

In Faking It , my heroine has an epiphany about her life while sipping potent champagne cocktails at a swanky beach-side bar in Cannes, France.  The scene wasn't entirely fictional.  There is actually a swanky beach-side bar in Cannes called ZPlage. Owned by the Hotel Martinez, a sexy, Art Deco hotel frequented by celebrities, ZPlage is famous for their premiere beachfront access, a rarity in the South of France, and their crazy-delicious champagne cocktails.   What to wear to ZPlage? Try Palazzo pants, strappy sandal, designer sunglasses, and statement jewelry. What to read on the beach in Cannes? Light, funny, empowering Chick Lit novels are the choice parfait! If you would like to read more about my visit to ZPlage, read My Lunch with Robert Redford .

"In 1999, Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month to recognize the service and sacrifice of those in uniform.  I have dedicated May to spotlighting authors connected to the military.  Today we welcome Air Force veteran and Kensington author Leah Marie Brown ..."  Kim Lowe, Editor of SOS ALOHA . Kim :  Thank you for your service in the USAF! What did you learn from active duty that you can apply to your writing career? LMB :  Wow! That's a good question. I learned a lot of during my tour in the United States Air Force, like the true meaning of sacrifice, patriotism, and respect.   I also learned: If you slip the base tailor twenty bucks, she will nip your Blues in at the waist a little to give you something resembling a female figure.    Singing I'm Henry the Eighth, I Am to yourself in a Cockney accent while standing in formation might not keep you from passing out, but helps makes the time pass quicker.   In a pinch, tw