Category Archives: Cathy Pegau

Founder’s Day–A Free Short Read

Hi, all! I wanted to share a short piece set after Rulebreaker featuring Zia and Liv. It’s a holiday story originally posted on Jessica Subject’s blog last year. Bit of a warning, there is some girl lovin’, so if you’re underage or just not into it, don’t read.

Otherwise, I hope you like the piece. Happy New Year!

Founder’s Day

Zia drew in a long, slow breath, letting the warm salt and floral tinged air of Pacifica fill her lungs, and released it with a contented sigh. The cooling pad beneath her provided the perfect barrier between the hot, lavender sand while countering the heat of the sun’s rays baking her from above. Optimum comfort was promised and delivered. Somewhere in the distance, she heard shouts and laughter of others, but no one close enough to bother her mid day repose.

She’d never allowed herself time to relax like this back on Nevarro. It was always work work work, stress stress stress. But since coming to the resort planet two months ago, she’d slowly let go of the natural drive that had seen her become VP of Research and Development for one of the top mining companies on Nevarro before she’d reached her thirty-fifth standard year.

Correction: Former Vice President.

Being on Pacifica was the result of her forced departure from Exeter Mining, but she was so very lucky to be here. And even luckier to be here with the woman she loved. Those last few months on Nevarro had been strenuous, and had nearly killed both her and Liv. They were safe now, taking a short holiday while they figured out where to go next.

Eyes closed, her breathing and heart rate synchronized with the lulling sound of the surf against the soft sand. Zia forced herself not to dwell on the worries of what they’d do to make their living after the visit to Pacifica was over. They’d figure it out soon enough. Right now, she just wanted to soak in the sun while she waited for Liv to join her.

“Happy Founder’s Day.”

Reluctant to rouse from her doze, but responding to the familiar voice, Zia opened one eye just wide enough to see Liv standing over her. Liv’s short dark hair flittered in the sea breeze, haloing her head. Like Zia, she wore a snug one piece outfit. The strapless garment showed off Liv’s lithe body, and Zia smiled in appreciation. “We’re not on Nevarro anymore, hon. They don’t celebrate Founder’s Day here.”

Every day was a celebration on the resort planet. How could it not be in a world marketed specifically for its just-hot-enough beaches, placid oceans, and low, rolling hills?

“I know.” Liv held out a red and silver box slightly larger than her fist. “Here.”

Zia rose to lean on her elbows. She’d assumed that leaving Nevarro meant they wouldn’t celebrate. Apparently she’d been wrong. “Sweetness, I didn’t think we’d be observing the day. I didn’t get you anything—”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She shook the box. “Just open it.”

Zia sat up and crossed her legs as she gave Liv a reproachful look. They often exchanged gifts—flowers or small tokens—without the expectation of reciprocation, but Founder’s Day was a major holiday on Nevarro, with parades and parties scheduled across the planet. Not that she’d participated in many. Work had always come first, and the few times she had someone to share the festivities with, she’d felt a certain amount of resentment if she had projects pending.

But things were different now. She was different now. And it was all because of Liv.

Smiling, Zia took the box and gave it an experimental shake. Neither heavy nor rattling, whatever it was thumped against the sides. Slowly, she ran her finger under the edge of the paper.

Liv bounced on the balls of her feet, sinking deeper into the sand. “You’re doing that on purpose.”

“What?” Zia asked, widening her eyes in mock innocence. Liv was not the most patient person; in some things, anyway. She finished loosening the paper and set it on the pad. Lifting the top off the box, she stared down at the circle of white fur inside. “Is it alive?”

“No, silly.” Liv huffed dramatically and reached in. With a flick of her wrists, she held a furry disc in each hand connected by a springy, flat band wrapped in the same material.

“Ear muffs?”

“Put them on.”

The grin on her face made her look like a kid, and Zia couldn’t help but smile back despite her confusion. “It’s over 34 degrees. Not exactly ear muff weather.”

A sly glint lit Liv’s brown eyes. “Put them on and come with me.”

What was she up to? Zia set the furry head gear over her ears, muffling the sound of the ocean waves. Liv extended a hand to help her up. When Zia was on her feet, she kissed Liv’s cheek. “They’re great, but—”

Liv covered Zia’s mouth with her own, eliciting a moan of desire from Zia as heat flashed from her breasts to her groin. God, she loved kissing this woman. Before Zia could deepen the kiss, Liv broke away and started toward the cottage they shared, tugging Zia along by the hand. “Come on.”

Feeling a little silly mincing across the scorching sand while wearing ear muffs, Zia wondered what Liv had in store. The breeze off the ocean tossed her long hair over her shoulders, but the ear muffs kept it out of her face. Another change since being with Liv; she used to wear her hair up and controlled.

The sweet scent of the false hibiscus blooming beside the cottage drifted on the air as they walked to the rear door. Like the other dwellings further along the beach, the white-washed exterior reflected the sun’s heat while the blue roof tiles collected and converted its energy for use.

Liv stopped on the slate porch of the rear entrance and let go of Zia’s hand. Instead of opening the door, she reached behind the carved stone bench beside it. She turned around, a long, puffy coat the color of putty in each hand.

Zia took a coat from her, one eyebrow cocked in a silent question.

“Humor me,” Liv said. She shrugged into the other coat, closed it up to her throat, and withdrew her own ear muffs from the deep pocket. “And hurry up before I melt in this thing.”

Zia donned the garment as Liv reached behind the bench again. The coat came down to Zia’s shins. It was already getting too hot, and she was grateful for the cool stone beneath her feet.

“These too.” Liv handed Zia a pair of fur-lined boots.

She brushed the sand off her feet and did as she was told. The boots felt awkward and alien after weeks of running barefoot on the sand or with the thinnest of sandals when propriety demanded shoes.

Liv put on her own pair, a grin still splitting her face. “All right. Now, close your eyes.”

Zia complied. She had an idea what Liv had done, considering the cold weather gear she currently wore on a beach planet, but didn’t want to spoil it. Part of a gift was the giver’s anticipation. Goodness knows she was just as delighted to give Liv some trinket as Liv was to receive it. She felt Liv’s fingers entwine with her own and gently squeezed them. Liv squeezed back.

The door clicked open. A burst of icy air hit Zia’s face and she instinctively sucked in a breath. Beneath the coat, her body gave a reactionary shiver, even though it was well protected. Her sudden inhalation brought with it a distinct metallic hint to the air. Just like Nevarro’s. How had Liv dropped the temp in the short time Zia had been out of the house? How had she managed the very taste of the air? The enviro controls must be pushed to their limits.

“Don’t open your eyes,” Liv admonished.

She ushered Zia in and the door closed behind them. In her mind’s eye, Zia saw the layout of their little cottage by the sea. They’d entered the enclosed porch with a long, low couch she and Liv often used during their evening meal so they could watch the peach and purple sunsets. From the outside, the one-way windows appeared to be solid walls, giving them complete privacy while enjoying the view. And each other.

Through the arched doorway and to the left was the kitchen where Liv sometimes cooked their meals, but more often than not they had the Compu-Chef whip up something.

Liv led her to the right, into the small living room. After a day in the luscious heat of Pacifica, Zia’s cheeks felt frozen even though it was probably only ten degrees C. A trace of some tantalizing scent came to her. Cinnamon? Hard to say with her nose as cold as it was.

“Over this way.” They approached the place where a low table sat between two chairs and a short couch. Instinctively, Zia swerved away from what would be the corner of the table.

“Now sit,” Liv said, taking her shoulders and easing her down to the couch.

Trusting her lover, though still not quite sure what to expect, she sat on the edge of the seat. Liv moved away and busied herself in front of Zia. Though she listened hard, she couldn’t determine what Liv was doing. A few taps, a muted beep. The urge to peek nearly overwhelmed her, but she didn’t want to ruin Liv’s surprise. Whatever she had planned was important to her, and that meant it was important to Zia. After a moment, Zia felt a wave of warmth cut through the cold.

“Open your eyes.”

Zia opened them and gasped in delight, the cold all but forgotten. The entire living room was lit with strings of tiny white lights. The table had been moved aside, and on the bare floor in front of her was a roaring fire encircled by smooth stones. The hologram looked and felt so real, Zia’s nose warmed. Liv stood near the table. On the honey-colored surface waited a platter of pastries, a basket of huskberries, and a colorful coffee pot with two matching mugs.

“I couldn’t find a Founder’s Day flag here,” Liv said, her breath coming out in a silvery puff, “and getting one shipped over was more credits than I could justify.”

“It’s amazing.” Zia’s voice caught around the lump in her throat as a surge of love squeezed her chest. “I can’t believe you did all of this.”

Liv shrugged, but the smile on her beautiful face told Zia she was pleased with Zia’s reaction. “I programmed the Chef with a recipe I found for the pastries. They’re pretty close. And the cocoa is good. Had to fight to override the temp setting. Seems the Chef couldn’t quite understand why I wanted such a hot drink here.”

Zia laughed. Leave it to Liv to argue with a kitchen appliance.

Liv’s grin faded a little as she continued. “What happened on Nevarro probably isn’t stuff either one of us wants to remember.” She knelt in front of Zia and grasped her hands. Cool skin warmed quickly when their palms came together. “But it’s where we met, and I never want to forget that. By leaving like we did, we never had the chance to share one of my favorite holidays.”

She released Zia’s hands and rose to pour cocoa—the Nevarro Founding Father’s preferred beverage and a tradition of the holiday—into each of the mugs. Passing one to Zia, Liv sat beside her. The mug radiated enough heat to warm her hands while the delectable scent of chocolate made her mouth water.

She sipped the rich beverage and smiled. Careful of the hot drinks, Zia kissed Liv’s cheek. “I will never forget this. Thank you.”

Liv took the mug from her and set both back on the table. “There’s one more thing.”

She rose, taking Zia’s hand again, and led her toward the bedroom.

Zia’s smile broadened. This was definitely going to be one of her better Founder’s Days.

Liv glanced at her as she pushed the door open and moved aside. Zia stepped into the room and her mouth dropped open. Flames flickered from dozens of white candles that filled every flat surface except the white fur-covered bed. The scent of wax and cinnamon tinged the icy air.

“How?” Was all Zia could manage.

“I’ve be getting things together for the past two weeks,” she said. “It’s not easy keeping surprises hidden from you.” Liv took Zia’s hand and led her to the bed. She ran her fingers under the closure of the coat and pushed the garment off Zia’s shoulders. The chill air on her chest made her shiver. “I took advantage of your time down at the beach. Now I’m going to take advantage of you.”

Eyeing the promise of the fur on the bed, Zia’s nipples tightened from the cold and from the anticipation of what was to come. She covered Liv’s mouth with her own as she opened Liv’s coat and ran her hands up her lover’s arms to her shoulders and neck. She threaded her fingers through Liv’s hair and deepened the kiss. Liv’s arms came around Zia’s waist, one hand at the small of her back, pulling their bodies together, and the other working the closure of her beach frock.

“Hurry,” Zia said as she lowered her hands to Liv’s clothing and did the same. “I’m freezing.”

They peeled each other out of their clothes and kicked off the fur-lined boots. Despite the cold, Zia stopped for a moment to stare at Liv. The Pacifica sun had darkened her skin to a golden brown that glowed in the candlelight. Cold and arousal made her nipples pebble, and Zia couldn’t stop herself from reaching out to caress Liv’s breast.

Liv sucked in a breath and moved closer, her hands skimming along Zia’s sides and up to her chest as their mouths came together. Tongues twined and heat blossomed throughout Zia’s body. Liv’s scent filled her, increasing Zia’s need to have her.

One hand at Zia’s breast and the other at her waist, Liv eased her around and guided her backward toward the bed. Zia’s legs hit the side. As she lowered herself, still kissing Liv, she reached out and flipped back the fur blanket. They broke the kiss only long enough to get into bed, but kept one hand on each other as they moved, neither willing to lose contact with soft, hot skin even for a moment. Zia realized they both still wore their ear muffs, but didn’t care.

Liv covered Zia’s body with her own, her weight and they way they fit together giving Zia a sense of contentment she’d relished for the last two months. Breast to breast, stomach to stomach, thighs pressing between legs, she couldn’t think of any other place she’d rather be than in the chilled room with the woman she loved.

Liv pulled the fur around the two of them, creating a cocoon of warmth. Only their heads were exposed, and Zia delighted in the contrast of the nip in the air while her body heated beneath Liv’s as they kissed. After several breathless moments, Liv lifted herself away, her gaze wandering over Zia’s face from brow to eyes to lips.

Zia cocked her head. “What? What are you thinking?”

Their gazes met and Liv smiled. Zia’s insides melted. “I’m thinking,” Liv said, “how I’m very grateful Carmine Nevarro discovered keracite on that cold rock, otherwise we wouldn’t be here. I love you.”

Zia ran her fingers through Liv’s hair and drew her back down for a kiss. “Love you too. Happy Founder’s Day.”

************

rulebreaker-smjpg_0I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Liv and Zia’s life. If you want to see how they got together, check out Rulebreaker, available at Carina Press, Amazon, and B&N.

Posted in books out, Carina, Cathy Pegau, F/F, fun, romance, Rulebreaker, SFR | 2 Comments

The Next Big Thing

Last week, Suzie Carr tagged me to participate in The Next Big Thing blog tour. The idea is to hop from blog to blog to discover exciting books we might not have heard about or that are still Work in Progress (WIPs). My offering for Week 20 is a WIP I’ve been working on from time to time for the past several months. Other book deadlines put this particular story on hold for a bit. I hope it sees the light of day (and the eye of an editor ; ) soon.

What is the working title of your book?

Right now, this one is called “The Girls Who Hunt Demons” for lack of name. Titling is hard sometimes. Either one hits right off the bat or I’m at a loss. Currently, I’m at a loss here : P (Suggestions welcome!)

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I’ve been mulling the idea of doing a paranormal histroical for a while, trying to find the right plot and characters. Demon hunters have been pretty popular, and while I don’t try to play the market, this idea came about from that genre’s current run.

What genre does your book fall under?

Probably paranormal historical romance. There is a lesbian relationship, but I don’t define couplings as genre, really. Just thougth it would be helpful to know ; )

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Emily Blunt as Maggie and Naomi Watts as Grace.

I love both actors for their ability to play strong, yet vulnerable women.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Grace and Maggie were the Diablo Society’s best demon hunters, so why did the Society split them up?

What is the longer synposis of your book?

Grace Parker and Maggie Mulvaney weren’t supposed to be Source and Catalyst, the matched pairing that the Diablo Society trains to combat demons walking the world. But from the day they meet in a mansion on Long Island, NY, they know they were meant to be a team. And then some. For three years, Grace and Maggie fight demons as they fall in love. One day, Maggie disappears. Grace is told she was called home to her native Ireland for a family emergency, but she doesn’t believe Maggie would leave without telling her herself. After a year of inquery and searching, Grace finds Maggie in Wyoming. But Maggie has no idea who Grace is. Slowly, Maggie regains her memory of who and what she was, and what she meant to Grace. One question begs for an answer that could get them killed: Who stole Maggie’s memory and why?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Not sure what will happen to it. I’ll let you know!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It’s only about half done, so I have no idea : )

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I enjoy historical westerns, stories with paranormal elements and strong female characters. Combining those aspects spurred me on.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I’ve been researching the Long Island town where I grew up to get a good handle on the place where Maggie and Grace meet and train together. “Modern Times” was a happening place back in the late 1800s. I’m having a grand time integrating the history of the area with my demon-hunting society!

 

I didn’t tag anyone for next week, but if anyone wants to take up the reins that would be great : )

Posted in Cathy Pegau | Comments Off on The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing! Deep Deception

The lovely and talented Amber Kallyn tagged me last week for The Next Big Thing blog meme (her post is here) where writers can connect with readers to reveal a little something about their works in progress.

I’m cheating a tad, since the book I’m showcasing is almost done being a WIP and on its way back to my editor : ) Still, it and the connected books are fantastic and you should totally check them out! 

What is the working title of your book?

DEEP DECEPTION is the only title it’s been known as, really. During the writing, it was “Book Three” or “Natalia and Gennie’s Story.” Neither terribly creative : ) So I challenged my family to come up with a title. After giving them the premise of two women digging for secrets in a mine while trying to keep their own secrets, my husband suggested DEEP DECEPTION.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

While writing the first book in the series, RULEBREAKER, I thought some of the secondary characters were too dang interesting just to leave alone. Nathan Sterling gets his story in CAUGHT IN AMBER (Jan 2013). Natalia had small roles in both RULEBREAKER and CAUGHT IN AMBER, and Gennie is in CAUGHT IN AMBER.  Now both are in DEEP DECEPTION, which is a kicking ride ; )

Though the books are connected by being set on the same planet and some overlapping characters, I’ve tried to write them so you don’t have to read them in a particular order to understand the current story. But read them all! ; )

What genre does your book fall under?

Science fiction or futuristic romance. It’s not hard SF. And if you read lesbian or f/f or want to give it a go, this would fit the bill. There are a couple of love scenes that are more sensual than erotic. I’m not one to write graphic sex.

Which Actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I have always seen Tricia Helfer as Natalia, especially during her Battlestar Galactica years. When she first shows up in RULEBREAKER, she is platinum blonde, like Caprica 6. In CAUGHT IN AMBER and DEEP DECEPTION, her hair is a slightly darker shade. She definitely has the tall, cool blonde vibe going. Well, cool until she meets Gennie ; )

Anna Torv would be perfect as Gennie, with darker hair and eye color. Her mannerisms and intonations when she plays Olivia Dunham on Fringe are spot-on Gennie in my head. Like Olivia, Gennie plays things close to her chest, but there’s an underlying passion that erupts as violence or actual passion, depending on circumstances.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A Colonial Mining Authority agent and a former drug dealer’s assistant join forces to learn what a corporation is really shipping out of one of its mines, but while mutual attraction flares both have their secrets to keep.

That’s not the official one-line synopsis, but you get the gist of it.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

It will be out in May 2013 from Carina Press.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Several months. I started it pretty much as soon as I was done with CAUGHT IN AMBER. Then both books got contracted (yay!) and I suddenly had a real deadline : ) That’ll move things along.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Wow, I stink at this part. Um, books with a good amount of action, smoldering looks between characters, shooting and sex? (Not sex while shooting people though. That would be tricky.)

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Since this book is the third in the series, the characters did. I don’t necessarily think characters speak to me, but they sure as heck stand around in my head, tapping their toes and looking very impatient. Then they poke my brain until a plot oozes out and off we go!

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

The characters are very real and down to earth. They are far from perfect, and often far from law-abiding. The setting is on another planet in a far-off future, but the problems my heroines face both personally and professionally are relatable.

For next week (#19) check out who I tagged in The Next Big Thing:

Diane Dooley

Alyssa Linn Palmer

Posted in book coming out, books out, Carina, Cathy Pegau, F/F, romance, SFR | 1 Comment

Release Day for Priestess of the Nile by Veronica Scott


I’m honored to have my friend and fellow Carina Press author Veronica Scott here on her Release Day! Isn’t that a gorgeous cover?

I’m so pleased to be visiting today at Cathy’s blog, not only because today is Release Day for my debut novella, a paranormal romance set in 1500 BC Ancient Egypt (squee!!!!!) Priestess of the Nile from Carina Press, but also because I figure Cathy could use some hot sunshine after being virtually snowbound up there in the frozen tundra! So close your eyes and let me transport you back to a warmer time and place, when all the clothing you needed was a sheer little white linen sheath and sandals. No snowboots! Oh and maybe an amulet to protect yourself from being eaten by the Nile crocodiles. If the Crocodile God Sobek was in a good mood! (Never said Ancient Egypt was perfect, just not frozen under snow and ice 18’ deep!)

Picture yourself standing on the banks of the river Nile late on a hot Egyptian afternoon. There’s an abandoned temple up on the bluff, where Sobek was worshipped in days gone by. He’s not much regarded nowadays as the newer gods like Isis and Osiris have risen. His primary responsibility is to keep the river flowing smoothly. But one person still tries to keep the traditions alive, sings the old songs in her beautiful voice – Merys, a descendant of the last priestess, whose pendant she wears on a black leather thong as she sings and wades in the shallows to fish….

Drawn to his old temple by the enchanting song, Sobek is even more captivated by the sight of the singer herself. Appearing to her as a man, he enjoys conversing with her. Though he desires her greatly, Sobek believes Merys deserves to be more than just his mistress. Merys is attracted to the handsome stranger, who arouses passions in her that no man ever has. But with no dowry and no hope of ever leaving her village, she dares not dream of the future—or love.

Sobek takes every opportunity to visit Merys, taxing his resolve not to take her as his mistress. When he saves her life, their mutual desire must be sated. But of course in the world of paranormal romance nothing can be uncomplicated, the gods have rules about such romances, the goddess Isis is very unhappy and so the couple faces many challenges along the way.

OOPS, ding ding ding, time’s UP, turn in your sheath, sandals and amulet and you’re back to the land of icicles and snow shovels! (Just like a Disney ride, no?)

If you’d like to know how the story of Sobek and Merys turns out, or just get back into that hot Egyptian sunlight, the book is available at Carina Press Amazon Barnes & Noble.

Ooooh, you are a tease : ) Thanks for the taste of sun and sand. Congratulations, Veronica! Wishing you great success!

BIO: Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library full of books as its heart, and when she ran out of things to read, she started writing her own stories. Married young to her high school sweetheart, then widowed, Veronica has two grown daughters, one young grandson and cats. She can almost always be found on twitter at @vscotttheauthor – usually tweeting outrageous things with Cathy! Her blog is at http://veronicascott.wordpress.com

Posted in Cathy Pegau | 12 Comments

Happy Snowy New Year!

While the rest of the country laments their woeful lack of snow, we here in the semi-frozen north are being snow hoarders. Hoarders. Not that other “H” word. For that, I apologize. Oh, God, how I apologize. We have been slammed with snow. Pretty much every day since the beginning of December, we have had some measurable amount, averaging over 6 inches. Per day. For the season, which is, mind you, only 1/3 over, we have had over 160 inches of snow. That’s 13 feet. There’s another community that is also getting buried, and we’re only getting HALF of what they’re receiving. Glad I’m not there. But I am here, and this is what “here” looks like lately:




Posted in Cathy Pegau | 10 Comments

Happy Snowy New Year!

While the rest of the country laments their woeful lack of snow, we here in the semi-frozen north are being snow hoarders. Hoarders. Not that other “H” word. For that, I apologize. Oh, God, how I apologize. We have been slammed with snow. Pretty much every day since the beginning of December, we have had some measurable amount, averaging over 6 inches. Per day. For the season, which is, mind you, only 1/3 over, we have had over 160 inches of snow. That’s 13 feet. There’s another community that is also getting buried, and we’re only getting HALF of what they’re receiving. Glad I’m not there. But I am here, and this is what “here” looks like lately:




Posted in Cathy Pegau | 10 Comments

Back from a Fantastic Trip

Oh what a month it’s been! The journey to England and Switzerland with my oldest daughter and her Girl Scout troop was fabulous. Not perfect or all smooth sailing by any stretch of the imagination, but when traveling for so long with so many people (particularly a gaggle of teen girls) you learn there is a grading curve for how well the trip goes. So overall, yes, it was fabulous.

We started by staying in little villages outside Colchester in eastern England. Our leader, Anita, had met with some Guide and Scout leaders (Scouts are predominantly boys and Guides only girls for most of the world) several years ago who invited her/the troop over for the Centenary celebration the UK was throwing this summer. One hundred years of Girl Guides is a big deal, of course, and the history of how the girls back then essentially crashed a Boy Scout gathering and demanded something for themselves is a testament to the inner strength I admire in Girl Scouts and Guides.

The people of Feering and Kelvadon were incredibly warm and generous. They put us up in their homes, fed us, and transported us to various places when we couldn’t take local buses or trains. They even picked the 14 of us up at a bus stop when we missed the last bus back from the Colchester Zoo one evening. (We missed *that* bus because the earlier bus we should have been on totally blew past us while we were at the stop. Yeah. Not cool, Mr. Driver. Not cool at all.) We also attended their local Centenary celebration, a day-long fair of sorts with activities, entertainment, games, and a concert by a local band as well as the winner of their “Britain’s Got Talent” contest. A great day of fun surrounded by 3,000 local girls and many new friends.

Our next stop was London, where we stayed at Pax Lodge, one of the World Centers for Guides/Scouts. From Pax we set out on daily excursions to do the tourist thing. The Tower of London, Camden Market, the London Eye, Westminster and the Parliament, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace are some of the places we visited. Yes, *some*. We were a busy group. Some of us visited London Dungeon, an attraction that highlights London’s more horrific history like Jack the Ripper, the Plague, the Great Fire of 1660, and Newgate Prison’s “interrogation” techniques. Scary but fun. We also saw “Lion King” and “Sister Act” on stage. Amazing productions! By the time we returned to Pax each evening we were exhausted but thrilled with all we’d seen and done.

From there we headed to Switzerland to attend sessions at another World Center, Our Chalet in Adelboden. The journey there deserves its own post, so I won’t go into it now. Suffice it to say, it was fraught with anxiety and cost some of us time as well as money. But we all made it to Switzerland eventually and had a blast. What a beautiful country! There is not a bad view anywhere. The girls partook in activities ranging from abseiling (repelling) to visiting a castle, learning about Swiss chocolate from an elite chocolatier to swimming in a mountain lake, and then some as they learned about the global themes the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) would be focusing on this year. On our last day in Switzerland, we headed to Zermatt, the small town near the Matterhorn. We rode gondolas up to the Ice Palace and were rewarded with stunning views and clear shots of the unique mountain. At 2600+ meters, the altitude was a bit much, but we loved it.

The train ride from Zermatt to Geneva Airport was relaxing and, once again, filled with breath-taking scenery. I wondered if the people of Switzerland see the beauty of their country or if it’s just *there* for them. Here in AK, I think we sometimes take it for granted that we live in such an incredible place, and I’ve promised myself to be more aware of just how special it is.

A late night flight brought us into Liverpool, where we got to our hotel as quickly as we could and went to sleep. The next morning, a group of Guides from the area picked us up in the coach (big bus, not the kind with horses) they consigned and brought us to the UK’s giant Centenary celebration situated on the grounds of Harewood House , one of England’s stately manors in the Leeds/York area. The bus ride with the Liverpool girls was loads of fun as we compared sayings, TV shows and music. They were all so fun and friendly.

At the camp, we were among over 5,000 girls from around the world (mostly the UK). We were given tents that we brought back with us, and the girls attended a variety of activities from crafts to the heritage of Guides to rock climbing and SCUBA diving. Anita and I even chaperoned an afternoon at Diggerland, a heavy machinery theme park. No kidding. Our first stop was at a ride called Spindizzy, where we rode in the huge scoop of a real digger. As the name suggests, we were spun around and got very, very dizzy. Though it may appeal to mostly little boys, our teen-aged girls had a blast.

In the middle of the week, the organizers had put together a huge event called Fusion where there were more than a dozen venues of entertainment, food and activities for the girls and leaders from camp as well as another 13,000 Guides, leaders and their families. Over 18,000 people attended this incredible day of fun, but the camp and Fusion were more than the activities. It was a fantastic celebration of the 100 years of Girl Guides and Scouts.

Throughout the week, I heard few complaints, virtually no harsh words, and was inspired by the wonder and joy of most everyone I met, girls and leaders alike. The closing ceremony was a beautiful wrap-up of how we all had come together from around the world and shared so much not only in our involvement in Guiding or Scouts, but as women and girls (mostly) who are open to adventure and new experiences, who can achieve so much in this world as long as we are willing to try. During the mass renewal of the Girl Guide Promise, 5,000 voices strong, it was difficult not to be overcome by the feeling of belonging to a very special group.

The end of camp and the return to the States was bittersweet. We’d been away from home for weeks and missed our families, but we’d also had the time of our lives. We made many new friends that I’m sure we’ll keep in touch with for years to come.

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New Contest for Published Books/Authors

The Rainbow Romance Writers, the first and only LGBT chapter of
Romance Writers of America, is proud to announce the first annual
Rainbow Awards of Excellence (RAES) for published authors.

This contest, sponsored by RRW, will recognize the best in published
LGBT romance. The contest is open to all authors published in novel or
novella length romantic fiction during the 2009 publishing year as
long as the story in question has an LGBT romance as its focus and
fits within one of our seven categories.

The contest categories are:

list of 7 items
• Contemporary
• Paranormal
• Romantic Suspense
• Historical
• Sci-fi/Fantasy
• YA (full blown romance not necessary, as long as there’s *some* in the story that’s fine)
• short/novella (10,000-20,000 words)

All entries must be submitted electronically and will be accepted
beginning June 1 2010 through August 31, 2010. The entry fee is $15
and is payable through Paypal. Entrants need not be members of either
Rainbow Romance Writers or RWA. All heat levels are welcome from sweet
to sizzling.

Any questions regarding the contest in general or submission process
in particular may be directed to the contest coordinator, Sara Bell,
who may be reached at: wavyscribe @ aol . com (spaces removed).

For more information, or to submit an entry, please visit our web site at

http://www.rainbowromancewriters.com/2010/04/contest-2010-rainbow-romance-award-for-excellence-in-romantic-fiction

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Merry Merry and Happy Happy!

May your holiday be bright and your new year be joyous!

See you in ‘010! (Yes, that was intentional, a la Stephen Colbert 🙂

~Cathy

Posted in Cathy Pegau | 2 Comments

On Location at The Galaxy Express

I’m over at The Galaxy Express today talking a little about creating different worlds in SF and SFR. Pop over and comment!

Tomorrow, I may post here the piece that *didn’t* make the cut for my guest spot, so come on back : )

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