Brenda Desormeaux

Reposted with Permission

From: Debra Durham

To: Dark Eden Press Authors

Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 6:23 AM

Subject: [darkedenauthors] ***VERY VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE***

I don't often share much personal stuff about myself or what is going on with me, so I never thought I would be coming to any of you with this but sometimes life comes at you and you have to deal with it, and this is one of those times for me.

I could beat around the bush here but that's not me. You deserve the truth even if it is painful for me to talk about.

I have found out recently, very recently, that my cancer has returned. For those of you who do not know, this is my 6th time around with this in a little over 10 years. It started as cervical cancer 10 years ago and each time has gotten worse and spread to other places. I will be starting chemotherapy and radiation treatments shortly and as I have been through these same treatments twice already, I can honestly say it isn't pretty.

After discussing the issues and options with Susan and Billi, and then Gretchen and Brenda, it was decided for a few reasons that I will discuss below, that the only option was to close Dark Eden as of April 1st. I have to devote my energies and my time to getting better, and to my daughter.

One reason for closing is the treatment plan itself. I will be in no shape to run a company, much less take care of anything else. Another reason is with Brenda having gone back to work fulltime, that would leave just Gretchen to do it all and as great as she is, she can't do it by herself. Billi works fulltime and does her part of the business in the evenings and on weekends. Susan has health problems that she didn't have when we started this company and wouldn't be able to do the things that I do. It was hard enough after the house fire to keep things running smoothly and even then they were getting some help from me. They pitched in and ran things beautifully after the fire but that was only for a few months, this would be for the next 6 months at the very least.

The last reason is all of you. All of you deserve an owner who is going to be here, who is able to get the things done that need to be done. I don't want my authors trying to figure out why I haven't answered emails for a couple of days, or why royalties are late, or wondering when the things that need to be taken care of are going to get done, when the reality is that I will be too sick to do it.

I will spend the next two weeks preparing letters to release your book rights to you, doing March royalties, and closing the readers group. I will then begin shutting down all the DEP email addresses except for my own and forwarding all mail from that to my personal email address. By May 1st, I would hope all payments have cleared the bank, and on that date I will also close the author group.

On a personal level, I feel horrible that this has to be done to all of you. I have come to know almost every one of you personally and I feel as if I have let you all down when you trusted me with your stories, and I am so sorry for that. You trusted in the fact that DEP would be around for a long while and I am truly sorry that we are not going to be.

If you have any questions or problems, please don't hesitate to email me as I will be working to get last minute things tied up over the next several weeks.
Please feel free to post this on your blogs or websites as you see fit. I would rather have the truth out about why we are closing, even if part of it is a personal issue, than to have DEP's name trashed across the blog universe. Lord knows some of those people do not have enough to do but sit around and pick their next victim. I do not want it to be this company.

If I have not told all of you lately, it is and has been, a pleasure working with all of you gifted writers and DEP's fantastic staff.

Debra Durham

President

Wow, it is upon us again, and this is my 3rd Christmas to spend in the Blogger World.  Amazingly, I am getting better about blogging too!

Two More days and it is Christmas already...Can You Believe It?

My first Christmas without my Dad.  I always looked forward to this time of year, as it was one of the only times that I would get to spend time with him.  Since he was a long haul eighteen-wheeler driver, we hardly saw him, but since Christmas is also my birthday, he always made it to our family get-together.

So imagine the pain of not having him here with me.  It will be rough, with lots of tears, but we will survive this as we have survived the last 3 years without my nephew, John, whom I miss so dearly.

Well I must finish getting ready, as my Mom will be here tomorrow.

Talk to every later.

XOXOX

Brenda

The EiC at DEP has challenged all of us to completed a 50K novel for publication by DEP.  I have taken the challenge and will be writing for the month of November.  My Goal is to write 50K in 30 days.  I don't care if I win the contest at DEP, but having another book published would definitely be a great thing.

So stick with me and keep checking back and I will try to give you an update weekly on what I have written so far.

Don't get excited, I do have other stuff going on but like every year, I am going to try my best to do this.

XOXOX

Brenda

Well today is 3 years that I have been without my nephew, John.  I thought about him all day and the pain that his parents have had to endure every year.  What a special boy, and those that knew him, knew how special he was.  John, Aunt Brenda Misses and Loves you very much!

XOXOX

Brenda

Well my book just came out at Dark Eden Press, and you will find all the information below in order to buy a copy of my book.  Also enjoy the blurb and excerpt.

XOXOX

Brenda

     Title - The New Beginning
     Author - Brenda Desormeaux
     Release Date - October 26, 2007
     Cover Artist - Skylar Sinclair
     Category - Mainstream
     Genre - Contemporary
     Heat Level - Sensual
     Word Count - 24,096
     Price - $3.50

 

 

Pleasure Island Series, Book 1:
The New Beginning
by Brenda Desormeaux

Welcome to a new week and the first work day, Monday, for most of us. I received my cover for Pleasure Island, created by Skylar Sinclair, and also my first edits from my editor, Helen, and she is wonderful. My Novel, Pleasure Island: The New Beginning, is coming out at Dark Eden Press on October 26, 2007.

I will drop by tomorrow and leave a blurb about it, and see if I can get permission to post an unedited excerpt.

XOXOXOX

Brenda

Thirteen Things I'm Going to Miss about my Dad1. The smell of his cologne when he has just shaved. 2. The way he looked at me over the top of his glasses. 3. The love that only a daddy can give his little girl. 4. His funny little laugh when I would tickle his feet. 5. And then the yelling at me that came afterwards. 6. The new memories we could have made. 7. Hearing his voice on the phone. 8. And hearing the words "I Love You", when he would hang up. 9. The great conversations we used to have about computers and books. 10. Telling me how proud he was of me for being an author. 11. Hearing him tell everyone about the time I made Chicken and Dumplins and how much water he had to drink because I used way too much pepper. LOL. 12. Getting to see the pictures of his plants because he was so proud of them! 13. and last but not least, Feeling the warmth of his hugs and kisses. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I'll add you here!)

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March 17, 1944 - September 18, 2007

My Daddy lost his battle with cancer and passed away September 18, 2007 at the age of 63.

It hasn't really hit me yet, but will when the holidays come since that was when we saw him.

I love you Daddy, and until I see you again, keep smiling down on me!

XOXOXOX

Brenda

Well it has been one heluva week. I haven't blogged since last Tuesday, when my Mom took my Dad to the doctor's office. So I guess this is going to be a normal time to text, once I know about my Dad, and am feeling completely drained of emotion.

So here it is...my Mom took my Dad to the Doctor on Tuesday again, as he hasn't been feeling very well and in a lot of pain. The doctor said that my Dad is jaundicing due to the failure of his liver. My Mom said the doctor told her that now my Dad only has 2 weeks to live.

I am on my way to my hometown this weekend and will stay through monday. Every day that I can spend with him is critical for my sanity and the sanity of my children.

He is in a lot of pain and I am ready for his suffering to be over, but am truly worried about my Mom.

XOXOX

Brenda

Thirteen Things I Love About My Hubby1. How he touches me in the morning before he leaves to go to work. 2. How he looks at me when I am talking to him about something. 3. The smell of his cologne. 4. That he loves me and only me. 5. That he is a wonderful father. 6. That is he is my best friend. 7. I can tell him all of my secrets. 8. That he gets along well with my family. 9. I didn't have to train him much to be a good hubby . 10. He loves to cuddle on the couch and watch Lifetime TV. 11. He holds me when I am sad, and lets me cry. 12. He remembers our anniversary and my birthday! 13. He brings me a Dr. Pepper on his way home from work. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I'll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Yesterday my dad was taken to MD Anderson Cancer Center, with hopes that they would begin chemotherapy to help with the cancer in his liver and lungs. Upon seeing the doctor, they told my mother that he should not receive it because one dose could be fatal and he could die. My dad is very weak and in alot of pain. The doctor before this one told my mom that he expected my dad to live about 6-12 more months. This doctor told my mom about 3 more months give or take a week. Needless to say my mom is beside herself, but she has to remain strong and continue to take care of my dad till his last day. She can't give up and neither can he.

I am truly an emotional wreck. 3 months? It just isn't long enough for me. I don't want to say goodbye to him. I have great memories of my dad and I, but I want to continue to make more. I mean, seriously, his oldest grandchild, my son, is only 16, will be 17 in November, around that 3 month mark, and my son is named after him. My son and daughter both started crying last night when I told them. The distance that we live away from my parents has not allow it to sink in as we haven't seen my dad yet, but are going down there next weekend.

I am really sad for my mom. I just can't imagine the loneliness that she is going to be going through after being with my dad for 37 years. I have told her that if she wants to be by family she is more than welcome to move up here with her trailer and put it on our land. She says she has friends there, but will visit us as often as she can.

Anyway, I have a box of pictures to go through today, my mom wants some of my dad and all the memories we have made together. I am not looking forward to the emotions of going through those pictures tomorrow.

XOXOXOX

Brenda

Okay so my weekend was rather busy.  I found out friday that my dad has a spot on his lungs and liver that the doctors think might be cancerous.  I am very scared, and nervous.  My mom told me that they are going to do a biopsy, and she will let me know what the results are as soon as she finds out.

I just don't want to lose my dad.  I lost my grandmother when I was 15, and my kids are currently 16 and 12 and I don't want them to lose their grandfather at such a young age. 

But lets switch to a positive note here, the doctors told him he has to quit smoking or else.  So he is trying his best to quit.  Good for him.

Well, today I am off to do some school clothes shopping, and a few other things, so I will

catch ya'll later!

XOXOXOX

Brenda

Thirteen Things about Brenda Desormeaux 1. My favorite color is purple. 2. I like to eat pistachios and drink Dr. Pepper while I write. 3. My favorite movie is Serendipity. 4. I am the oldest of 2 children. 5. I am the mother of 2 teenagers. 6. I live in Texas. 7. I hate kraft macaroni and cheese. 8. I like all types of music except classical. 9. My first boyfriend's name was Roy. 10. I am left-handed and right-brained. 11. I am a Capricorn. 12. I was born on December 25th, yes a Christmas Baby! 13. and last but not least, I own my own business. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, 'll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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since my last entry.  However, I definitely have a very good excuse.  I have been working with a new e-publisher, Dark Eden Press, and built their website, and also maintain the pages.

I will have an e-book published with them in 2007, and I hope to have more on thier release schedule soon.

Anyway, just thought I would drop by and let everyone know why I hadn't been on in quite a while.  I will be blogging again regularly, so check back tomorrow.

XOXOX

Brenda

Okay so last night I stayed up until about 1 am cst writing my butt off.  I started around 8 pm, so with 5 hours of writing I managed a mere 2,889 words since thursday when it all started.  My pledge of 50K is still within reach, no problem, but I am going to have to work my ass off to get to the 170K that I have set for myself!

Here are the results so far:

Okay so I know I have a ways to go, but hey, I know I can do it!

So I am off here, and writing today and the rest of the week while my kids are in school!

Take care and have a great day.  See y'all during the week for an update!

XOXOX

Brenda

I belong to a group that is writing for the next 31 days.  I always pledge and do my best to reach my goal  This year I have pledge 50K words in 31 days but am actually shooting for 170,306 words in 31 days.

I haven't started yet but my beginning word count for what I want to complete is as follows:

Heartfelt Destiny is 15,656 goal is 80,000
Secrets is 13,108 goal is 50,000
Webcam Lover is 930 goal is 30,000
My entry in The Eight Deadly Sins is 0 goal is 10,000
I'll Be Loving You ... Love Me! is 0 goal is 30,000

If I reach my goal of +170K that will give me 5 completed novels that I will need to edit next month.

I know I can do this.  I need to get this finished.  I will stop in each evening before I go to bed and let everyone know how it is going and what my word count is for the day on each novel.

Wish me luck!

XOXOX

Brenda

As a writer/author, I belong to several groups that keep me up-to-date on information concerning the publishing world.  Today, in several of my groups, they are talking about pirated e-book websites, places that actually do alot of file sharing for free.  People download them for free, leaving the author without royalties.  Come on people, stop ripping us off.  We work so hard to get published, most of us e-published first so we can break into print, and the dang e-books sell for less than $10.00, with some of them as low as $1.95, I just don't get it.  What is wrong with paying that for a book?  Wouldn't you pay more to go and buy it in print from a book store? 

I'm truly pissed that some people are that way.  Once my book is accepted I will do everything in my power to keep these idiots from giving my books away!

XOXOX

Brenda

Welp, yesterday was a whole week that my full manuscript has been in the hands of one publishers, and a whole week today that it is been in the hands of another publisher.  Sheesh, I don't know if that is a good feeling, or a bad feeling, but I am definitely nervous as hell! 

I think one of the main things I need to do is focus on the other things I have conjured up to write.  I know ... I know ... but I just keep dragging my feet for some insane reason.

I have 15 erotic romance novels outlined ... 15 ... so tomorrow I will try to get started on something. 

Anyhoot fans, I am off here for the night.  We went and got pizza and it is almost time to sit down and watch American Idol!  Yep ... Yep!

XOXOX

Brenda

I finally did it.  I submitted my manuscript to a couple of publishers.  One of them came back to me and asked for the full MS.  So after much scrutiny, I submitted it to them today.

Wish me luck, I am so nervous.

Now I need to get back to writing and working on some graphics for my cafe' press shop.  Will post those details once I have them.

XOXOX

Brenda

I have been editing Pleasure Island for 3 weeks now, and have learned alot of things about my writing style.  Most of the members of my critique group tell me that it is pretty goo and suggest great changes.  My partner in crime, Loraine Mer, has been helping me with suggestions on POV and Passive Voice.  I think I am really getting close to getting this baby finished.  I wanted to submit it by tomorrow and I still might be able to, just gotta finish the edits.  I'm thinking of submitting it to either Startdust Press of Ellora's Cave.  Not sure yet.  Will keep everyone posted.

XOXOX

Brenda

I have actually finished my Erotic Romance Novella, Pleasure Island.  I have been in touch with an e-Publisher and need to finish editing and write a synopsis.  So if you do't hear from me this week, it is because I am busy, not because I am ignoring you!

XOXOX

Brenda

On Wednesday I finished the rough draft of my first novella, Pleasure Island.  I have been working on it since April 2006.  I'd say that eight months of writing off and on isn't bad for a first novella of 30K words.  I am submitting it to StarDust Press as soon as I am done with self-editing.

Which, I hope won't take me too much longer.  I am hoping to have it to submitted by Christmas.  Would that be nice!

Well, I must get my day started.  Talk to everyone soon, and have a great day!

XOXOX

Brenda

I finally finished configuring this dang blog.  I have been super busy lately with working on my website business.  In the big middle of NANOWRIMO, and haven't even written the first word.  Oh well, I'll just have to save it for when I finish Pleasure Island.  Which, by the way, I am 2 chapters away from finishing.

My friend, Loraine Mer, received the proof of her cover for her novella, Christmas Proposal.  What a great accomplishment for her, I am so jealous.  Now that things have settled down a bit at home, I am going to finish Pleasure Island starting on Monday.  I want this baby published and want to see my name in lights, well should I say my Pen Name in lights. 

Thanksgiving is over and now it is time for Christmas, have you finished your shopping?

I can tell you what I want for Christmas, a wild romp in the hay with my hubby.  Woohoo!

XOXOX

Brenda

I've been writing my butt off since my last post, however, it isn't on "Heartfelt Destiny".  I'm going to be finishing that one soon.  Life has been very busy now that the kids are back to school. 

We are having an in-ground pool put in and watching that develop has been a joy.  Just can't wait to get my pen and paper and write by the pool with a refreshing iced tea in my hand!  And watch the kids cool off in this hot Texas sun!

I'll try to keep up with this, but I can't guarantee anything at this point since I am writing my little heart out.

Stay tuned!

XOXOX

Brenda

Mood:  Anxious

Working On: Heartfelt Destiny
Words Written So Far:  16,042
Word Goal For Today:  2,000

I'm trying something new on my blog.  Trying to remember to include how I'm feeling and what I'm working on.  How many words I've written so far, and my goal for the day.

It's finally friday, I've finished the few things that I needed to get done in the house, now I am off to getting my writing done.  I've been struggling with my sinuses and it definitely doesn't make me want to write, but I must trudge on. 

I am also trying to get into Freelance Writing so far without success.  It's really hard to break into freelancing.  But hey, I won't give up, if I give up it means they win!  And I can't let them win!

Off to writing, see you tomorrow!

XOXOX

Brenda

Yesterday was bath night for the hubby and I.  We share the tub for about an hour and talk about what has happened all week and what is planned for the rest of the week.  The kids even know that Wednesday is bath night.  It definitely gives SB and I some quality time together and a chance to talk to each other with out the interruptions of "Mom" "Dad" being yelled every 5 seconds.

So we are relaxing in our big garden tub full of 150 degree water and talking about our low-carb diet, which is going well.  SB has lost 11 pounds, and I have lost 5.  Men tend to lose weight faster than women do, but that is okay.  If you've been reading my blog you know that I quit my job in Sept '05 to become a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) and author.  So anyway, I asked him if he liked me being home, and he said "yes, of course, dinner is done, the house is kept clean, and the kids are happy your home.  We've managed without your income, and everything is fine." 

Feeling a little like I'm just not paying my way in the things that we do and not having the money to run and spend $2000 every other week on whatever we want that is impulsive that week, I tried to explain it to him

Don't get me wrong, SB is very proud of me for pursuing my dreams, and being a SAHM.  But it just feels different than when I was bringing in all the EXTRA money for entertainment etc.

Today we had talked to each other on the phone a few times, and I went on about my day.  At about 230 he called me and played the song by Trace Adkins titled Hot Mamma.  He is so sweet and romantic, every woman needs a man like mine, just not my man, who I've trained to perfection.

Have a great day!

XOXOX

Brenda

Well I made it to the middle of the week.  The house is clean and all the laundry is done.  I've written about 1000 words for Heartfelt Destiny and checked all my email.  The kittens are 1 week old and are getting bigger every day and Molly (the mother) has been getting out of the box and away from them more often.  She is such a good mother. 

You have to understand, Molly is my son's cat.  She is very people-oriented and loves to be held and cuddled with.  She has been missing that interaction since she has been staying in the box with the kittens.  They are so cute and we think they are going to look just like Molly.

My daughter is trying to talk her dad into keeping one of the kittens.  There are 3 girls and 1 boy, and she wants to keep the boy, matter of fact, she has already named him Cuddles. 

Well, I'm off to finish more writing.  Talk to everyone later!

XOXOX

Brenda

Hubby isn't feeling well.  He has been battling this cough since October that just won't go away.  He went to the doctor yesterday and they prescribed some steroids. Hopefully that will clear it up.  You see we live in the country and he has asthma and is allergic to just about every tree and grass known to man, so it doesn't help that we live on 11 acres in the middle of the sticks with trees and grass everywhere.  I asked him if it would make a difference if we moved to the city where there is concrete and rocks instead.  He said he doesn't want to move, he loves it out here and will just have to deal with the allergies and take his medicine.

Okay dear, if you say so! 

XOXOX

Brenda

It's already Sunday and time to start the week over again.  I think we are going to finish watching some of the movies that we bought last night and just veg out. 

So let me get to it.  Spending time with my family before tomorrow comes!

XOXOX

Brenda

Yesterday I told you it was our anniversary.  We decided to go out, the four of us, to dinner and a movie.  SB and I let the kids pick the first movie as we had intentions of watching two movies today.  They picked Date Movie and were very excited to go and see it.  Said that it was something like the Scary Movie series.  Which I found to be humorous in some parts but stupid for the most part.  Date Movie turned out to be just as humorously stupid. 

We are dinner at a chinese buffet place we frequent.  Enjoyed great conversation with the kids.  Did a bit of shopping at the local book store.  Headed to Walmart and bought a few movies and took them home to watch and finish our day

All in all, we had a great time and enjoyed spending our special event with the kids.  SB and I have always taken the kids with us when we celebrate a special event in our lives.  My Motto is "If my kids can't go, we don't go!"

It's pretty cold outside, but tomorrow it's supposed to warm up. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

XOXOX

Brenda