tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77830886456064289032024-03-21T07:00:29.831-07:00Dane WatersA link to the literary works of Dane Waters, and a glimpse into how her mind works...or doesn't. Check out her published books. Find out what she's working on, or follow her blog. No one knows what she's going to say. Not even her.Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-56048968837443985182024-02-20T14:20:00.000-08:002024-02-20T14:20:12.824-08:00Rabbit Tails - Blurb<p> </p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While dreading the responsibility of being the next
alpha and ruler of the three territories, Kaine meets Robbie. Getting closer to
this adorable rabbit brings to light the fox's ongoing harassment of Rabbit
Town. As the mystery behind the disappearance of Robbie's parents unfolds,
Kaine finds himself fighting for the truth as well as the strength to make the
world accept the never before seen love between a wolf and a rabbit?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Robbie's quiet life of raising his siblings and
tending his garden is shattered when he's cornered by a wolf. After realizing
Kaine isn't going to eat him, Robbie enjoys spending time with his first ever wolf
friend. Determined to become more than a stupid rabbit while protecting his
tail to avoid Horny Rabbit Syndrome, Robbie lets Kaine into his heart. Feeling
he's not good enough for Kaine, Robbie refuses to let anyone make him give up
Kaine, knowing he'll be abandoned by the wolf he loves some day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Robbie tries to overcome his fears and
insecurities, Kaine faces the shameful reality of the black wolves' failure as
protectors of the three territories. Solidifying their relationship becomes the
least of their concerns when the fox's attempt to hide their crimes puts
Robbie's life in danger. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-515791686728254922024-02-16T13:36:00.000-08:002024-02-16T13:36:24.029-08:00<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IXVtYjnlHA_hQH6reQhily2smIoM8zjswZzViONXH6j-RZ7GJ38kpNd8LHzvkTkQ9GWMoMEKXTKqE8X_YzBJFaObpAWrrpgxwUS_KFvFpX2dE8gYvTQyko5rAHknNA7Ykm3iD34ugRpE2FQT72KLnI_GjQtpAmQzblHjsDH3_JgZqMtkwgr4SdkvtYA/s454/WithThisRing%20Cover.png" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IXVtYjnlHA_hQH6reQhily2smIoM8zjswZzViONXH6j-RZ7GJ38kpNd8LHzvkTkQ9GWMoMEKXTKqE8X_YzBJFaObpAWrrpgxwUS_KFvFpX2dE8gYvTQyko5rAHknNA7Ykm3iD34ugRpE2FQT72KLnI_GjQtpAmQzblHjsDH3_JgZqMtkwgr4SdkvtYA/s320/WithThisRing%20Cover.png" width="216" /></a> </p><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Chapter One</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The limo turned onto the dirt road and under the archway of the Triple T ranch.</p><p class="MsoNormal">“What do ya think, baby?” Elaine asked.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean scooted forward to see through the front windshield. “Wow.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">With a huge red barn and corral to one side and a row of small cabins to the other, the log house at the end of the lengthy driveway looked to have been plucked from another century. One with a detached three-car garage and a satellite dish.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean pointed to the hillsides around them. "Look at all the horses."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"It's a horse ranch, honey. We have horses."</p><p class="MsoNormal">He sneered at his fiancé. "If I can deal with your sudden accent, you can overlook my ignorance."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"I told you. It's not sudden. I just hid it in New York."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"I understand."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Elaine latched onto Dean's arm. "Do you like it?"</p><p class="MsoNormal">"I love it. I didn't know Texas could be so green."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Not Texas, baby. My accent."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Oh." He shrugged. "It's okay."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"<i>Just</i> okay?"</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Yeah. You know..."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Elaine pouted in a way he hadn't seen before.</p><p class="MsoNormal">He kissed her on the forehead. "I'll get used to it."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Good."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean gazed out the window. He was in awe of the openness of it all. Elaine's childhood home was breathtaking. He wondered why they hadn't visited sooner. "You're not going to talk like that when we get home, are you?"</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Oh, you." Elaine playfully smacked his arm and scooted away.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"I'm kidding. I'm kidding."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Aside from a Texas accent popping out Elaine's mouth the moment they stepped off the plane, her need to cling was off the charts. She practically hung on him in the airport. He was afraid to use the restroom, thinking she'd follow him in.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean wasn't opposed to showing affection, but the most they'd done in public was hold hands. He assumed Elaine's personality changes were a result of wedding jitters. He saw no reason to object; not of her nor where she chose to have their wedding. If only for the beauty of it, he was glad they came to Texas. From the looks of the giant standing on the front porch, Dean wished he'd never left New York. "Who is that?"</p><p class="MsoNormal">"That's Daddy. And, that's Jimmy next to him. He's the ranch foreman."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean didn't hear much beyond 'daddy'. "<i>That's</i> Buck?" </p><p class="MsoNormal">Elaine mentioned her father was a big man. Not a seven-foot cowboy who looked strong enough to take on a grizzly. Buck was in good shape for a man in his sixties. His pronounced chin might not have looked odd if his head weren’t so square. Or maybe it was the scowl on his face.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"He doesn't look happy," Dean said.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Nonsense. He always looks like that."</p><p class="MsoNormal">The driver rounded the fountain in the middle of the circular driveway and came to a stop near the front steps.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Elaine hopped out. "Daddy!"</p><p class="MsoNormal">Buck smiled. "There's my baby girl."</p><p class="MsoNormal">She trotted up the stairs and jumped into her father’s arms.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean slid out of the car. Seeing Elaine with her father was touching. The size difference between Buck and his petite daughter was almost comical. Dean gazed at the rose bushes lining the porch that ran the length of the house. Their scent made the lung-roasting heat almost bearable.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"I missed you so much, Daddy." She repeatedly kissed his cheek as the big man laughed.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean made his way up the steps. He nodded to Jimmy; who returned the gesture in kind.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Buck set Elaine back on her feet. "I think you've gotten prettier since the last time I saw you." He looked at Dean; not a trace of a smile on his face. "Which has been too damned long."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Being six foot three, there weren’t too many people Dean had to look up to. Buck Tucker was one of them. He reached out his hand. "It's nice—"</p><p class="MsoNormal">Elaine collided with his arm when she rushed to swallow Jimmy in a tight hug.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean clasped his hands behind himself, worried he'd interfered with some Texas greeting ritual.</p><p class="MsoNormal">“Jimmy. Jimmy. Jimmy. Jimmy. Jimmy.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">The foreman held his cowboy hat on his head to keep Elaine from knocking it off. “That’s enough, girl. You’ll get your dress all dirty.” He gave her a one-arm squeeze before aiming her toward her father.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Latched onto Buck, Elaine held her hand out to Dean. “Daddy, this is my future husband, Dean Marshall.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">Queue the handshake. “Mr. Tucker, it's nice to finally meet you face-to-face.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">Buck glanced at Dean’s hand. “You got some reason for keepin’ my little girl chained up in that city? You ever heard of frequent-flier miles, boy?” Buck took Dean’s hand and squeezed hard.</p><p class="MsoNormal">If Dean were a weaker man, it might have hurt. The last thing he wanted to do was arm wrestle with Elaine’s dad, so he held his composure until the man let go.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Elaine stepped away from her father and wrapped her arms around Dean’s waist. “Dean is a very busy man, Daddy, and I like New York. Besides, my baby takes great care of me.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean draped his arm over her shoulder to give her the P.D.A. she seemed to want so badly. "If you'd like to visit, our door is always open."</p><p class="MsoNormal">“New York is no place for me or my little girl.” Buck looked Dean up and down. “Full of nothing but drug addicts and lowlifes if you ask me.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Quit talkin' out your ass," Jimmy said. "We got things to do."</p><p class="MsoNormal">The front door opened at the same time Buck started to say something Dean probably wouldn't like.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Elaine flew off him and into the arms of three very attractive – and loud – women. The air filled with squeals and high-pitched screeches. They hugged, kissed each other's cheeks, and hopped up and down like rabbits.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean's eyes widened. He focused on Elaine’s mousy-brown ponytail bouncing around, with the hopes that her sudden attention-grabbing behavior was wedding jitters too. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The women spoke over each other at record speed. Dean caught a couple of “oh, my God,” a few “you look hot, girl,” and a slew of “tell me this” and “tell me that”. Otherwise, it was a foreign language made even more confusing by four of the thickest Texas accents he’d ever heard.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean smiled and prepared himself to meet those he assumed were Elaine’s bridesmaids. Please, let handshakes and not hugs be the proper etiquette.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As quickly as they showed up, the women scurried into the house, all fighting for a look at the rock on Elaine’s finger.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Buck tossed Dean a key attached to a thick piece of wood. "You're in cabin five." He stepped into the house and slammed the door behind him.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean glanced at the key, and then the door a few times. He looked at Jimmy. "I'm in what?"<i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">"Don't try to make sense of it, you'll go bald." Jimmy tipped his hat back. “The name’s Jimmy.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean shook his outstretched hand. “Dean Marshall.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">“So I heard. You need help with your bag?”</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean swiveled to see his suitcase sitting by itself on the white stones where the now-missing limo had been. “Uh. Elaine had—"</p><p class="MsoNormal">"They're already in the house."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Oh." Dean looked all around him but there wasn't a soul in sight.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Jimmy pointed to the side of the house. "They went that way."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"I see."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"You gotta be quick if you want to survive around here." Jimmy's calm demeanor and slow drawl wasn't insulting, merely informative.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean smiled. "I think I can handle it."</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Follow me." Jimmy ambled down the steps.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean grabbed his bag and accompanied the old cowboy along the stone walkway.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Jimmy moved the same way he talked; in no great hurry.</p><p class="MsoNormal">They stopped in front of the farthest cabin from King Buck's castle.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"There she is," Jimmy said. “Dinner's at seven. Don't be late.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">"I won't."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Jimmy walked away.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"If they let me in the door," Dean mumbled. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"Ya never know."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Jimmy hearing him wasn't surprising. Dean didn't think much got past that man.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean's thoughts wandered as he watched a group of horses trotting across the hill. The mild-mannered secretary he was going to marry had morphed into a country diva. His future father-in-law was five seconds from shooting him in the back. His lungs were close to spontaneous combustion. His Ermenegildo Zegna suit was soaked with sweat, and he was stuck in, of all places – Texas. "Wonderful."</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean stepped into the cozy little cabin. There was a large window by the front door. The two double beds with thick log headboards looked comfortable. The little table and chair set appeared to be handmade. The same Native American print covered the bedding, curtains, and the throw rug between him and the bathroom. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Dean dropped his suitcase on the nearest bed and peeled off his jacket. It wasn't as hot as outside, but he was going to melt if he didn’t cool down. He headed for the air conditioner under the small window between the beds.</p><p class="MsoNormal">He unbuttoned his shirt with one hand and hit the switch on the big metal box with the other. Nothing happened. He pressed all the buttons and turned the dials before he grabbed the cord hanging from the side. He held it up and stared at the neatly cut wires that ensured he’d be sweating bullets all week. “Wonderful.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>FOR CHAPTER TWO, VISIT THEDANEWATERS.BLOGSPOT.COM</b></p>Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-5112947575863391562024-02-13T17:43:00.000-08:002024-02-13T17:43:54.499-08:00<p>Here's a preview of Rabbit Tails. Go to <i>thedanewaters.blogspot.com</i> and click on the Rabbit Tails tab for chapter two. </p><p>Chapter One – I wish I was a rabbit.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Kaine lay on the giant boulder with his chin on the back of
his hands and reveled in the tranquility of nature. He preferred the peace and
quiet of the forests to the clamoring of Moon City. A quaint little house would
fit perfectly in the clearing before him. He could spend his days lounging in
the grassy field beyond. A little garden would be nice too.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The crickets and frogs abruptly halted. The rustling of
bushes triggered his wolf instincts. Kaine lifted his head. His pointed ears
twitched. At the snap of a twig he looked over his shoulder and sniffed the
air. A familiar scent mixed with that of the woods on a cool spring evening. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dash stepped out of the thick brush. "Damn
bushes." He slapped at the leaves clinging to his clothes. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"What took you so long?" Kaine returned to planning
his future homestead.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"This is a three thousand dollar suit. Not my first
choice for traipsing through the woods in the middle of the night." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine scoffed. "We may have human bodies, but we still
run like wolves." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Not in these shoes." Dash hopped onto the boulder
with ease. "Mom caught me before I could get out the back door."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"You're so slow."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Let me know the next time you want to fight with our
mother. I need to plan my escape."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't tell me you didn't hear all the yelling."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I was in the shower. I didn't know what was going on
until I heard something break."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"She threw plates at me," Kaine said.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"What? Mom?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I think she's bored with the design. Now Dad will have
to get her a new set."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"That'll make her happy." Dash sat cross-legged next
to Kaine with his bushy tail resting on his lap. He meticulously picked out the
twigs and leaves from the silver fur. "We haven't been out here since high
school. Where are the territory markings? I can't make out the boundary between
the rabbits and us."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I think it's that big log in the grass." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"If a storm took them out, the inquisitors should have
replaced them right away."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine's brows furrowed. "Do you think someone took them
down?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"That would be a violation of the treaty." Dash
sighed. "I forgot how peaceful it is out here. Although, I'm not too sure
how I feel about my future alpha being sprawled out on a sacrificial
rock."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"That story is a lie, and you know it. A rabbit can't
kill a wolf."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't tell that to the rabbits." Dash quit
grooming and rested his forearms on his thighs. "Mom is just thinking
about your future."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"She's more concerned with my future than she is with
me. What mother lays out a row of pictures and says 'Pick a wife?'."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Were they cute?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine growled.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't snarl at me. You're not my alpha yet. So? Did
you see anyone I might like in that stack of future wives?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"They were all black wolves."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Ew. Never mind. Black wolves are assholes."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine glared at him. "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I'm</i> a black wolf." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"My point exactly." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Mom and Dad are black wolves."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"They're the exception."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"It doesn't matter. I'm not going to marry someone
based on their bloodline. Why can't she get that through her head?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Because she's your mom."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"She's your mom too. How come she's not bitching at you
to get married?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm adopted. I'm not the next alpha. And I know where
all the best hiding spots are."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"What hiding spots?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm not telling you." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine watched the tall grass sway in the breeze. "I envy
rabbits. They live such simple lives. They grow their own food, live off the
land, and spend every day doing whatever they want to do. No one tells them who
they should marry or how to live their lives. They must be so happy."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Rabbits are stupid. They can't fight. Show a little
fang and they drop dead from a heart attack. I don't know how they can live
without cars. They don't even have electricity."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine sat next to his brother. His thick black tail lay limp
behind him. "When my father retires, my life is over. No more parties. No
more waking up naked on the beach. No more racing Bedlam Road to piss off the
foxes."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"No more sleeping with a different wolf every
night."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"It's not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every</i>
night. I've been careful not to knot any of them. And none of the females were
in heat."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"What about the males?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine smiled wide. "Oh, they were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> in heat."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dash laughed. "You're insane."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Probably. Why do I have to be Prefecture? I hate
politics. The last thing I want to do is deal with foxes. They're greedy, always
bitching about something, and you can't believe a word they say. I don't want
to spend the rest of my life in the same room with them."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I'll be there too; unless you chose a different aide.
Hey, what about Blitz? She'd make an excellent aide."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Nice try. If I have to be the next alpha, I'm taking
you down with me." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dash shrugged. "It was worth a try."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Being responsible for everyone in the three
territories scares the shit out of me. I'll have to decide who gets what
medicine and how much tribute each territory has to give every year. And the
trials."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"You'll only be judging capital cases."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Exactly. How am I supposed to decide who lives and who
dies?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I think fending off the rogue packs will be the
hardest thing to do."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine's shoulders slumped. "I don't know how Dad does
it." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"You'll be a great Prefecture. You're honest, fair, and
caring. Just be yourself and follow your instincts."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine looked up at the moon. "I wish I was a rabbit."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Well, you aren't. You're a wolf, so get over—"
Dash sniffed the air. "Do you smell that?"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kaine looked around and checked for scent. "Rabbits?"
He smiled at his brother. "Let's have some fun."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">**Chapter Two coming soon**</p>Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-31008084438245186472024-02-07T09:40:00.000-08:002024-02-14T22:48:13.351-08:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8loeaGNXZsmmT7LOudhtUHrRt26JUWPxXnZtdXMNaV57484770V-TTvNEpChDk5NBKhMwy77vWrXmbf2r5KfOFTjr1FgZBgdjcCGOTn5JPAJE5OV0uTWwkVH-xqvMsy44O5v2L-KAlVfJ7BbzfE3ItbryjF2k-uNMivcpkq2wIKE2s5rCfAQezMxiG0E" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2582" data-original-width="2055" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8loeaGNXZsmmT7LOudhtUHrRt26JUWPxXnZtdXMNaV57484770V-TTvNEpChDk5NBKhMwy77vWrXmbf2r5KfOFTjr1FgZBgdjcCGOTn5JPAJE5OV0uTWwkVH-xqvMsy44O5v2L-KAlVfJ7BbzfE3ItbryjF2k-uNMivcpkq2wIKE2s5rCfAQezMxiG0E=w297-h373" width="297" /></a></div><br />Here is the 1st rendition of Robbie Whiskers from my upcoming book, Rabbit Tails. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so thankful for Bastian Varela and his amazing art. You can find him on Instagram. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Timid_Wolf_Noir</b></div>Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-45787821580588117652024-02-06T13:11:00.000-08:002024-02-06T22:29:56.471-08:00Falling in Love with Crazy - Novel<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "segoe ui", arial; font-size: 13px;">Economics professor Ryuu Tanaka suffers through the embarrassment of playing softball with his students to get closer to the man sitting under a nearby tree. Ryuu finds Daniel to be more attractive, more intelligent, and more mysterious than any human being has a right to be. Despite the fact Daniel isn't gay, possibly isn't all there, and isn't interested in any future conversations, Ryuu has no intention of letting Daniel walk out of his life for good.</span></p><br style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "segoe ui", arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "segoe ui", arial; font-size: 13px;">Avoiding arrest as a stalker is only the first hurdle Ryuu must overcome to be with Daniel. Once he does, their friendship quickly turns into a love that has Ryuu planning long nights with the perpetually horny and submissive Daniel bound and at his mercy. But Daniel's failing mental stability forces Ryuu to delve into Daniel's past. Ryuu learns Daniel's real last name, the possibility of a child and that the man in his bed may not be Daniel at all.</span><br style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "segoe ui", arial; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "segoe ui", arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "segoe ui", arial; font-size: 13px;">Ryuu is desperate to keep the certifiably insane Daniel from slipping into his fantasy world with Armor, the version of Ryuu Daniel has created in his mind, but a homicidal student with a crush has other plans.</span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "segoe ui", arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-22250970791188925182024-02-06T13:03:00.000-08:002024-02-06T13:12:05.080-08:00RABBIT TAILS - Novelette <p>RABBIT TAILS - MM, Romance, Mystery,</p><p class="MsoNormal">While dreading his future as the black wolf alpha and Prefecture of the three territories, Kaine meets Robbie. Intrigued by the timid rabbit, Kaine spends time with Robbie and learns the foxes have been harassing those of Rabbit Town. While investigating the disappearance of Robbie's parents, Kaine fights for answers to the mystery and key to Robbie's heart, not caring if the world will accept the love between a wolf and a rabbit.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Robbie's quiet life of raising his siblings and tending his garden is shattered when he's cornered by a wolf. After realizing Kaine isn't going to eat him, Robbie happily spends time with his first wolf friend. Feeling he's not good enough for Kaine, Robbie is determined to hold onto his wolf, knowing he'll be abandoned some day. Overcoming his fears and insecurities wouldn't be so hard if the foxes weren't try to kill him.</p>Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-58337839915896273162024-02-03T02:24:00.000-08:002024-02-03T02:25:45.873-08:00<p>I've started writing again. Falling in Love With Crazy is back on Amazon, and there are more stories to come. I'm trying to update this page as quickly as I can, but I have a LOT of books. </p><p>Best wishes to everyone.</p><p>Dane~</p>Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-35244015003919607242020-09-20T15:12:00.000-07:002020-09-20T15:12:25.945-07:0094 Books and countingLooking through my files, I counted 94 separate books; all in different stages of completion. I've been writing since 2007, had two books published, and I even won an award for the first one. I read through them often, and think 'Damn, I'm good'. Then, there are some that leave me wondering 'What the fuck was I thinking'. <div><br /></div><div>I've realized I suck at sex scenes. It will be clean romance from here on. I've also noticed that all of my characters have issues. I write damaged characters; always have, always will. And I don't love all of them. There are two that are hard to write, but they choose who they are; I just write them. One, in particular, is so bad that I will never publish his story. I'll write it because I have to. But, it will never leave my computer.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I'm happy with my books. I love writing. It's an obsession; that's for sure. As far as making money off my books, I'm good with that too. It's sharing them that's hard. Every story is a part of me, and I'm reluctant to share any part of myself with the world. Thanks to the support of family, and encouragement from my sister, Qwillia Rain, I've set my mind to publishing again. How many books I put out, and when, is questionable, but they are coming. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm excited to focus on the publishing side of being a writer. I'm not looking forward to edits, though. I don't think anyone is. Either way, it will be interesting to see how far I get in the coming years. Who knows, maybe I'll get them all published (save one), and I'll finally get a full nights sleep. LOL. As if!</div>Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-85773679601566806602017-04-22T22:17:00.003-07:002017-04-22T23:50:21.563-07:00THERE'S ALWAYS MORE ORANGE JUICE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I RAISE A GLASS (of orange juice, cuz I don't drink alcohol),
TO ALL MY FRIENDS (oh yeah. I have no friends) WITH DEPRESSION, IN THE HOPES (oooohhhh,
that's a pretty word, isn't it) OF THE DAY (or night, I'm not picky) WHEN
DEPRESSION (which really sucking fucks, by the way) IS NO LONGER A PART OF OUR
LIVES. AND, IF THAT DAY (or night - seriously? Don't start that shit again) NEVER
COMES (I suck at uplifting speeches), HAVE NO FEAR. THERE'S ALWAYS MORE ORANGE
JUICE.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for free image of a glass of orange juice" src="http://images.all-free-download.com/images/graphiclarge/orange_juice_glass_6813216.jpg" height="200" width="195" /><br />
This was a reply to a facebook friend who was having a rough week. I like it, so I thought I'd post it here. </div>
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Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-43822195064319480302016-07-14T02:39:00.002-07:002016-07-14T02:39:29.437-07:00Blogs and Books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Things have started picking up around here. Or, should I say, slowing down. After With This Ring came out, I spent most of my time relaxing and enjoying family. In November of 2014, though, we moved from the Willamette Valley to Portland for work.
Claire and I are finally settled in a nice apartment, with enough room for each of us to have our own offices. Jock-O and Dink are as happy as overindulged little Chihuahua's can get. Or, as my sister calls them, Chi-way-way's. Yes, I got the dogs when hubby and I split up. We don't talk, but I've forgiven him, and wish him all the happiness in the world.
The Evil Day Job is wonderful. Amazing even. I work with a phenomenal group of people, and I work from home 99% of the time. SCORE! I truly love my job; but it's not my only one. And that leads me to the part of my life that is picking up; the "obsessive writer" part.
My sister, mother, and I were all in the same house for a few days in April of this year, then again a few weeks ago. And we are all writers. If you are, know, or have experience with writers, then you understand what happens when you get a few with incredible imaginations in the same place. The creativity soars.
Sis is on day five of a writing challenge between her and another writer. You can learn more about that in the link below. She and I are discussing a joint venture: multiple novels with interlocking characters, and mom is going all out in building and painting projects in her back yard. She'll probably have a second story added to her place before the end of summer. As for me, I'm writing again. Every day.
My attempts at editing Dragon Prince earlier this year were disastrous. I butchered it when all it needs are a few adjustments here and there. Thankfully, I've come to my senses, trashed all changes, and have begun the steady and SENSIBLE process of preparing my first paranormal book for submission. Water Cooler, Emo Incubus, and a few others are getting attention too. I'm letting the characters choose the stories I work on each day. But it's not just novels I'm writing now.
I'm blogging. That sounds so strange when I say it, but that's what I'm doing. I may be a little late to the party, but I have something to say, so I'm going to blog until I can blog no more. When I decided to start focusing more on this site, the ideas for different posts flooded in. There will be no set pattern to what I'll write, but if I can't make you laugh, I'll try to make you think.
I hope everyone out there is doing well. To all of my Facebook friends, I love hearing about the new babies, new cars, and long planned vacations. I'm not the most talkative online, but I'm still there.
See you on Saturday. :)
Dane Waters
http://www.qwilliarain.com/2016/07/making-writing-habit-i-cant-kick-blog.html
Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-78009015335513639612014-07-04T19:24:00.000-07:002018-01-18T23:43:40.055-08:00I Do Not Like Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>With This Ring, I Thee...Oh Shit!</b> is the title to my second book. It's a m/m erotic romance, and is scheduled for release, by Loose-id, on July 15, 2014. You have no idea how hard it was to get this book done. The changes in my life, over the last year, are the reason With This Ring is so far behind schedule.<br />
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I DO NOT LIKE CHANGE. It's aggravating, annoying, and an all around pain in my ass. Now, I'm not the type of person to back down from a challenge. I can take whatever comes my way. I just don't have to like it.<br />
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Exactly one year ago today, my husband and I split up. I will probably post on that after the divorce is final. Or after I figure out how the man I trusted and loved for over twelve years, turned into a total dick overnight. Whichever comes first. </div>
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With the split, came a move from La Pine back to the Willamette Valley. That meant going from a town with exactly three traffic lights, to a city of more than 350,000. Don't even get me started on the pollen count down here. It also meant moving in with my family who - I have to admit - is a little crazy. </div>
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All of the above played a part in my first case of writer's block, which is far more than mentally exhausting. It's physically painful. I'm talking sore muscles, headaches, and nausea 24/7. I hate to say it, but writers don't know how to function, as human beings, if they can't write. The stories are part of us, and without them, the sun is dull on it's brightest day. It's cold in 100 degree heat, and food is tasteless. Luckily, most of us get past it. How I did surprised me, and shocked the hell out of everyone I know.</div>
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I fell in love with a girl. Go figure.</div>
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Believe me, I wasn't looking for a relationship. With all the bullshit my future ex was throwing my way, dating was the last thing on my mind. But, there she was. My Claire. My interest in females and how Claire and I met is a story for later, but she played huge role in getting me back to my writing. She helped get With This Ring off the computer, and on the shelf, so to speak. </div>
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Yes. Change will forever sucks, but life is always good. Mine is so much better than it was a year ago, and there are nothing but great things ahead. </div>
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Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-65596452737574634712013-12-14T00:09:00.001-08:002013-12-16T01:04:53.032-08:00The AMB Ovation Award<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tonight is a very special night for me. Tonight is the night I went from being a published author, to being an 'award winning' novelist. I know, it's just a play on words, but just saying it rocks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4v5msz6vPh15K4hp0p-hlfZ-P1ISubF7pppuUFma8plSZivgTZV1wAoZlDH8TmaJZzNEIRcyZveFAZt7nMxJ0mjV8orM601pHute2E06EGWCcZ-r5LYAa4pZUn68dgw6DZBsylQEzWpU/s1600/AMB+Winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4v5msz6vPh15K4hp0p-hlfZ-P1ISubF7pppuUFma8plSZivgTZV1wAoZlDH8TmaJZzNEIRcyZveFAZt7nMxJ0mjV8orM601pHute2E06EGWCcZ-r5LYAa4pZUn68dgw6DZBsylQEzWpU/s320/AMB+Winners.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I am the recipient of the first AMB Ovation Award for Best Debut Author in LBGT Literature.<br />
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When I got the email in August, I thought -- "I probably won't win, but this is nice". I put out a little 'guess what' post on facebook, then didn't think too much more about it. Even in my thank you letter, I made it clear that being nominated was the big thing for me. And it was. Until I woke up today.<br />
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From the moment the sun came up, The Angie was all I could think about. I know what you're saying. "What a dork." But that's how it's been all day. I've ignored the laundry and my dog's dinner was even late. You'd think I was too old to get excited over such things, but damn if I wasn't wired.<br />
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To make matters worse, earlier this afternoon, a countdown clock popped up on Angeline Bishop's website. As if I wasn't stressing out enough as it was.<br />
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I finally told my family this evening. Yeah. They weren't happy with me. Lots of dirty looks and smacks to my arm for keeping such important news to myself. By the way, my mom still has a killer backhand. I didn't tell them exactly when the winners would be announced, just that it would be tonight. What can I say? I was getting a little worked up. I wanted to get past the 'damn, I didn't win' stage before telling them.<br />
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Go figure. I won. There was my book on the screen, my name being read. I think I actually stopped breathing for a minute. That had to be one of the best moments of my life. Definitely the best in my career so far. If one of my novels ever makes it to the New York Times Best Sellers list; it won't be as climactic as tonight has been. Too bad, New York Times. You guys are just too slow.<br />
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I was nominated by P. Richardson from West Chester Pennsylvania. I wish I knew who P. Richardson was so I could thank him/her personally. All the stress I went through to get Falling in Love with Crazy published was so worth it.<br />
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And it never would have happened if my sister, Qwillia Rain, hadn't pushed me so hard to submit it. She can be so bossy sometimes. I was also lucky to get the best editor in the world, Venessa Guinta. Oh man, did she tear up FiLwC on the first round of edits. It was a much needed butchering, and she was so nice about it. If it weren't for her, there would be 'Kill Ryuu' groups popping up everywhere. Poor guy. And lets not forget Valerie Tibbs and her fabulous cover art. She got Daniel and Ryuu perfect from the start.<br />
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Well, son #2 has promised me dinner wherever I want to celebrate. I can't keep the family waiting.<br />
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If you'd like to hear who won in all the other categories, I've posted Angeline Bishop's website below.<br />
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Until next time<br />
Dane~<br />
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<a href="http://www.angelinembishop.com/the-angie.html">http://www.angelinembishop.com/the-angie.html</a></div>
Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-43692640936804478292013-12-09T00:35:00.001-08:002018-01-18T23:57:51.850-08:00Snowy Weather and Blue Pig Chai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, it's here. December is upon us. And with this festive month comes this...<br />
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Snow on the valley floor isn't common, but I've been living in LaPine for the last two years. These few inches are nothing compared to how many FEET of snow we got there. Still, I don't want to drive in it. I don't even want to step out of the house. I would, however, for a Chai Tea from the Blue Pig.<br />
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I love Chai Tea. I've been a big fan or Oregon Chai for years, but I can never get the coffee stands around here to make it right. There's always too much, or not enough ice in the summer. In the winter, it's always too weak, or someone decides to add something weird to it. Once, I paid $4.00 at a Dutch Bros. and ended up with a glass of milk. I was not happy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3FiCK1A5ZTqn991Ihlidbd74aH8mTVeTMKXmZAsdQZiOF7dRFnzn7uQ83nuV5o1oH1ooPenoYl89T6w11ouNIxkTbs0l5Z14laNLzVp6zafeGudQ8qUVa2Dn3dXooL_f55ZyuRVf-3U/s1600/Blue+Pig+Chai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3FiCK1A5ZTqn991Ihlidbd74aH8mTVeTMKXmZAsdQZiOF7dRFnzn7uQ83nuV5o1oH1ooPenoYl89T6w11ouNIxkTbs0l5Z14laNLzVp6zafeGudQ8qUVa2Dn3dXooL_f55ZyuRVf-3U/s200/Blue+Pig+Chai.jpg" width="200" /></a>Then I found The Blue Pig. It's a little restaurant inside the Indulge Antique Mall in Springfield, Oregon. For those of you who live around here, the address is 1461 Mohawk. In the same shopping center as Bi-Mart. For those of you who don't live in the Eugene/Springfield area...you should visit. You'll never find a better tasting Chai anywhere.<br />
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This little cup of yummy goodness can only be found at the Blue Pig. It's always perfect. No surprises in this little cup. I like my Chai with Cinna-Meg. That's Cinnamon and Nutmeg for those who don't know. It's great. I'll never get a Chai from anywhere else. As soon as the snow melts, I'm hitting the Blue Pig for my Chai.<br />
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Well, that's it for my first REAL post. Not very exciting, I know, but that's how it goes sometimes. Feel free to leave a comment. For those of you dealing with the snow...I'm with ya, man. For those living in the warmer states...I'm not talking to you until Spring.<br />
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Dane~</div>
Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7783088645606428903.post-61932073902405625092013-11-17T19:17:00.000-08:002018-01-19T00:02:50.615-08:00Gotta Unplug<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm taking a break, unplugging from the world wide web-monster, sneaking out of the party, slipping out the back door...blah, blah, blah.<br />
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This whole social media thing is crazy. Everywhere you look, there's a bog, or a tweet, people wanting to DM me. That sounds pretty kinky. Who the hell came up with this new language anyway? </div>
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It is kinda fun, though. (Yes, writers can use the word 'kinda'. I looked it up.) Fun? Yes. Overwhelming? Hell yes. Now we're back to the reason for this post. I'm shutting it all down for a day or two. Setting up this blog wore me out a little. So, I'll see you when I get back. </div>
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Between you and me, I doubt anyone is reading this post. That would mean I'm talking to myself. Eh...nothing new.</div>
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Dane~</div>
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Dane Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00867324910248737428noreply@blogger.com1