The Athenaeum's Index Of Fiction and Fan Fiction

...and A Canopy For Happy Endings by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Short Story - 26 pages \| Finished \| Feb-04 Cast: Julian, Kiki, Tiger, Eugenia, Rudy, Chris, Deanne, Rhonda Part 2 of the Lowe family Series Series List: Rock for Remembrance (A), ...and A Canopy For Happy Endings, Skipping Stones

This is SUCH a beautifully written story!! It's short, punchy but had everything in it to make it a MUST READ! - Anonymous - Feb 24th, 2004 A wonderful way to join two souls. - Calliopenjo - Jan-27-2008 wonderful story - shirley - Mar-06-2008

Amazonia by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative (Mature) \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 137 pages \| Finished \| Apr-04 Cast: Bebo, Annie, Audrey, Boden, Bo, Reggie, Emelda, Titus, Terry, Laine, Amazonia, Bekka, Larissa, Steph Honors/Awards: #43 in 2004 Part 1 of the Amazonia Series Series List: Amazonia, Amazonia: Book 2
"The acts of the one for the good of the many." This is the motto first adopted by the Amazons centuries ago and still upheld by the warriors of current day Amazonia. In "Amazonia - Book One," we meet Princess Bebo of Leon as she sets off on her first diplomatic mission on behalf of her mother, Queen Audrey. On a cold day in Washington D.C. the tall warrior finds her path in the soft eyes of Annie Paddio. The only problem is, Annie is already committed to someone else. "Amazonia - Book One" brings to life a modern day warrior and the quest for her destiny. Join in the adventure as the ancient world of the Amazons is brought to life in the 21st century.
Once again, Ms. Valdivia has given us one of her enthralling tales. Like every other piece she has given us out here, she fills our time living the amazing the lives of her intriguing characters taking us away from our mundane lives. As with every other story of hers I have read, I was unable to stop until I have read every word, and ended up all night. It's like giving steak to a starving person. I find her stories original and refreshingly well written, her characters seem to come to life for the reader and you find yourself deeply involved with each of them. I hope Ali will see her way clear to give us more of this wondrous world of Amazonia, and its fascinating citizens. - Alex P - May 5th, 2004 WOW!!! Once I got started, I couldn't stop! I was up all night reading this wonderful, enthralling story. Another masterpiece from an outstanding author. Beautifully written and engaging, full of twists and turns, a definate classic. Awesome!! - Peaches - May 6th, 2004 Another wonderful addition to the Ali Vali collection. Romantic and heroic and all the things fairytales are supposed to be. The fact that this one takes place during modern times just adds to the wonder and excitement. A must, MUST read for all. - Roxy - May 9th, 2004 I don't think there is a story that Ms. Valdivia has written that hasn't been excellent. The way she tells her stories puts her characters right there in your mind to see and hear and feel as they do, and everytime i go back and visit them, they seem more alive then ever. Now she gives us Amazonia, and all i can think to say is. My dear Ali if i beg and plead and wish really really hard do you think you can actually make this island of Amazonia a real place, because if you can i know it would be overpopulated in a day. Your bardic "voice" is an amazing gift. Thank you for sharing. - Scotti - May 17th, 2004 This is a simply wonderful tale, I was absolutely captivated by it from start to finish. I have read all the works by this author and this story really stands out. Can't wait for Book 2! - Ang - Nov 20th, 2004 I have read every piece in the Ali Vali collection, this one all but tops the bunch. It is wonderful, captivating, and I stayed up all night reading it - I just couldn't stop. I can't wait for Book 2 - and I hope it won't be too long of a wait! - Laura - Dec 2nd, 2004 Love this author's writing and this story is no exception, although it had my eyes crossing at the end trying to keep up with who was who! That part could have been a bit clearer or maybe it was just muddled to my feeble brain. One thing's certain and that is I will always read her stories because I know I'm clicking on something truly original, with just the right amount of humour and erotica. - Femmester - Dec 9th, 2004 Read this one! Romance, adventure, humor and modern-day Amazons. - Cam - Apr-10-2006 Just one of many great stories by Ali Vali. I am looking forward to Book 2. - Anonymous - Apr-11-2006 the BEST, most romantic fairy tale i have ever read, bravo! it got me reading all through the night, singing in the shower, smiling at strangers day after day, it made my...day? week? well, it's still making... so when it stops i'll tell you what it made :) meanwhile, read it NOW!PS thank you, Ali Vali!!!! - Kati - Apr-20-2006 This is an awesome story with good character progressions and developments - Gemma - Nov-04-2006 A wonderful drama fantasy. - Calliopenjo - Jan-27-2008 I love this story! It is plan out so well. It grabs you from the start and doesn't let go until the end. The Amazonian world Ali Vali creates here is so real you find yourelf wanting to believe they are. This story never gets old it continues to capture me in it's world no matter how many times I read it. - Anonymous - Mar-28-2008

Amazonia: Book 2 by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 71 pages \| Finished \| Apr-06 Honors/Awards: Top-25 #1. Part 2 of the Amazonia Series Series List: Amazonia, Amazonia: Book 2

The romantic fairy tale continues. Thanks to the author for continuing this great story. READ and ENJOY! - Cam - Apr-26-2006 As an avid Ali Vali fan I can again say, I still wish there was an Island of Amazonia and I still say if there were it would be overpopulated in a day. This was a great addition to what i hope will be an ongoing story. Thank you again Ali, for sharing your gift with us. Oh buy the way I bought Ali's DVD Gillery's Little Secret, It was lovely so I urge you to see it too. - Scotti - Apr-27-2006 Another great Story Ali. Thanks. - Kasey - Apr-30-2006 I loved the story, though I still, somehow, think that there's a lot more to tell. The ceremonies, both the 'funeral' and the joining, were very beautiful. Please write some more! Besides, I also like your other stories. - romansilence - May-05-2006 I am delighted that the author has given us another insight into Amazonia. The first book was wonderful and this piece continues in the same way. A delight to read. - Ang - Jun-23-2006 I only wish a Book 3 exists. - Calliopenjo - Jan-27-2008

Game, Set and Match by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative (Mature) \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 92 pages \| Finished \| Cast: Parker, Emily, Gail, Gary Honors/Awards: Fan Favorite In The Category Of Mushball Story.
Parker King is riding high after winning the prestigious Wimbeldon Tournament only to be shot down by a feisty airline pilot named Emily Parish. King Kong as she's known on the courts falls hard, but will it be because of the person who wants to kill her or for love?
This story combines excellant writing with one of my favorite sports. All that's missing is an ending. Another great story from Ali Vali. - Rachel - Aug 18th, 2002 What a wonderful story! I have enjoyed every story Ali Vali has posted on the net. If you haven't read "Play It Again, Sam", you don't know what you're missing. I hope that it is posted on this website soon for those of you who haven't read it. This is truly a gifted storyteller and I've never been disappointed with this authors' work. If I could give it a 10 star rating, I would. - Maria - Oct 19th, 2002 I really enjoy this writer's stories. They are funny, and warm, and very entertaining. I especially enjoyed the characters in this one. I look forward to anymore strories this bard may grace us with in the future. - Anonymous - Apr 20th, 2005 In short, great story, fun characters, consistently entertaining author. Enjoy! - anonymous - Dec 2nd, 2005 I had no idea that ali vali didn't have a No. 1 before today. Seriously, what a fun, talented bard. In hopes of upping her stock...I thought I'd recommend one of my favorites of hers. This is total mush- but well written and fun mush. If you haven't read it and you enjoy the genre...please do! - Anonymous - May-01-2006 Ahhh - A sweet romance with enough action and suspense to keep you hanging onto every word! A delightful story! - Opus - May-01-2006 i've just happened across this story again after a few years and boy does it bring back memories. i absolutely loved this story when i read it; definately one of my favourites ever and isn't Ali such a class author? simply brilliant! - Queen Victoria - Aug-07-2007

Guilt by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative (Mature) \| Mystery \| Novella - 54 pages \| Finished \| Jul-03 Cast: Sydney, Blithe, Charlie, Kay, Grace, Vincent, Mordecai, Matt, Marie, Carlotti
Mordecai Sydney O'Shea, a young aggressive prosecutor in New Orleans, deals with evil on a daily basis. Sydney plays it by the rules - always, it's what's put her at the top of the prosecutorial heap in sin city. But what happens to that strict moral code when evil comes to visit the people she loves? CAn she turn her back on the law she lives her life by? Only the women in Sydney's life have the answer to that question of Guilt in the Twilight Zone.
Whoa! What a story! This one would have done the "Twilight Zone" TV series proud...very proud. It's an awesome fictional tale that will hold the reader spellbound and thoroughly entertained at the same time. It certainly catches the reader's attention. Once you start out to read this one...you will not want to stop...even after the last sentence has been read. Once you read this story...you'll understand what I mean. And what a thrill you're in for when the finale catches you unaware. This is one story I shall be reading time and time again. Why? Because it's that good! This writer knows her craft and has, indeed, done very well for herself. //Ag - Anonymous - Jul 23rd, 2003 This story captured my attention. It is one of my top ten favorite stories. Simply magical!!! - robinnight - Jul-19-2006

How Do You Mend a Broken Heart by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative (Mature) \| Romance (alt) \| Novel - 171 pages \| Finished \| Jan-06 Cast: Desi, Rachel, Tony, Sally, Kenneth, Byron Honors/Awards: Fan Favorite In The Category Of Drama. Part 1 of the Harry and Desi Series Series List: How Do You Mend a Broken Heart, All It Took Was You, Bell of the Mist
Do you remember your first love? Harry Basantes did. She remembered with vivid clarity the way young love could break your heart and leave you empty inside with its unanswered questions. Unanswered questions that have haunted her for sixteen years. Would seeing the object of her pain after so much time drive Harry to forgiveness? Or will it giver her the opportunity to be the one to walk away?
Oh by the gods! This was a great great story and I am so very happy I read it. Thank you to the author. - Liana Travis - Jul 20th, 2002 I enjoyed this story immensely but then I have all of hers. The sequel All It Took Was You is even better. - Linda - Jun 24th, 2003 I can't think of any other way to describe this story except fabulous. I would highly recomend it to anyone looking for a good enthralling read. I wasn't able to stop reading it until I finished every word, and it's sequel, "All It Took Was You" did it again the next night. Excellent work Ali. - Alex P. - Oct 19th, 2003 I have just finished reading, for the third time, this thoroughly delightful and most entertaining romantic tale, "How Do You Mend A Broken Heart"...and it's just as wonderful sequel, "All It Took Was You". I equally loved both of these romantic tales. Why not? These two stories are all one and the same...the continuation of a beautifully told 'love story'; the sensational saga of 'Harry and Desi Basantes'. Did I say "Harry"? Yes, I did...but don't let the name fool you. This story(ies) are going to be a delicious surprise for you. And you can't read the first one without desiring to read more about 'Harry and Desi'...thus, your search for the sequel. And what two wonderful stories they are! The first story is so masterfully written to flow ever so easily, ever so gently, into it's sequel. Ali Vali has truly written a most enchanting 'love story'...one for the heart. There are some DV situations that were written in as part of these fictional tale(s), but you'll easily sail through these 'paragraphs' as easily and as smoothly as I did. Because this very talented author has written these two romantic tales so well and in such a manner as to overshadow anything else. And 'LOVE' is what is happening...and where it's at! I can say for sure that you'll never be disappointed in reading anything that is written by this marvelous writer. This writer can most definitely be called a 'bard's bard'! Thank you Ali Vali. - //MjM - Oct 25th, 2003

Memories of the Heart by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 61 pages \| Finished \| Cast: Briar, Megan, Vivian, Shelia, Alan, Claire, Rueben

Aqwsome writing ince more time from this author. Its a 10 in the scale of one to 10... - nerymari - Mar-27-2008 I read this a lont time ago and it was great to revisit a wonderful romance. - Anonymous - Apr-24-2008

Million Reasons (A) by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 58 pages \| Finished \| Feb-05 Cast: Jolie, Claire, Becker, Constance, Oscar, Vegas Honors/Awards: #93 in 2005
When Claire convinces her partner of five years, Jolie, to let her gamble away their mortgage money in Las Vegas for the weekend on the promise of a better life, she has no idea the gamble she was taking. After meeting Becker Gaudet, one roll of the dice changes all three of their lives forever and none of them would ever look at Valentine's Day the same way again.
Another great romantic tale from Ali Vali. I liked this story so much more than the somewhat similar plot in the movie starring Robert Redford, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson. Read and enjoy! - Cam - Dec 3rd, 2005 A wonderful love story. - Calliopenjo - Jan-27-2008

Place To Dance (A) by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative (Mature) \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 120 pages \| Finished \| Sep-03 Cast: Jolly, Christina, Mimi, Tim, Lisa Honors/Awards: Fan Favorite In The Category Of Original/Uber.
How do you build your dreams. For Jolly Andolini it was easy. They started on her drafting table and came alive under her talented hammer. Jolly is an architect who finds her true love at an art exhibit opening, or does she? This is the story of Jolly and the women who make her life both interesting and complete.
I really loved this story. It's a lovely romantic adventure for the mushball in all of us. I have no doubt this will remain on my personal list of favorite stories, along with just about anything else penned by Ali Vali. - Beth Goodman - Sep 10th, 2003 Whoa!!! Hey y'all...read this one. You're gonna love it! It's a wonderfully entertaining story...with some tissue time thrown in for good measure. This is one very talented writer who certainly has honed her craft. I have never been disappointed in anything of hers that I've read. And this is good. - amg - Sep 11th, 2003 I first read amazonia then went on to read the rest of her stories. Place To Dance should read everybody will be looking for any new stories thanks. - m mason - Mar-30-2006

Play It Again, Sam by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative (Mature) \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 120 pages \| Finished \| Oct-02 Honors/Awards: Fan Favorite In The Category Of Romance. Links: Published or soon to be published - no longer available online
This story in no longer available online. It was published as "Carly's Sound" by Bold Strokes Books in the summer of 2006.
I really loved this tale. Rather bittersweet, yet funny and comes with a perfect ending. I love Ali Vali's writing and this is one of her best. - Beth - Jan 29th, 2003 Really a sweet story. How nice for all of us to find such a love. - A friend from TX - Feb 2nd, 2003 I think that this was a pretty decent story but in some parts it was rushed. I don't think that we saw enough of the time Julia and Poppy spent together as their relationship and feelings grew and I think that that should have been one of the most important parts in the story. We saw plenty of Carly and Poppy in the story sharing moments, but I feel it would have made Julia and Poppy's relationship something more unique in the end if we could have seen more special moments between the two. Also, I think that Julia and Poppy could have been any two women. The only thing that seemed to distinguish them as Xena and Gabrielle was there looks. Not many of the same traits or mannerisms could be seen. But, overall it was still a nice story and I enjoyed it. - Anonymous - May 27th, 2003 A wonderful tale of the magic of love and life with a touch of reality, the story of Carly and Poppy only enhancing the story of Julia and Poppy by giving a wonderful insight into how Poppy becomes the woman she is. I can only hope for a sequel. - N.E.T - Jun 15th, 2003 I loved this story. It was the first one of Ali's that I read and it just had me coming back for more until I had read everything of Ali's that was available. Let me tell you...I was NOT disappointed. Whenever I find myself needing a good fanfic fix, I always return to Ali Vali's stories. I know that some wonderful reading will be waiting for me. I look forward to reading more of her work. And Ali, of your're rading this, I can't wait until "Play It Again Sam" retitled as "Carly's Sound" comes out in print. Just another book to add to my library of favories. Oh, and a sequel to "Play It Again Sam" sounds like a very good idea ;-) - Dal - Jun 27th, 2003 There was magic in this author's finger tips as she wove this totally delightful, bewitchingly enchanting, and thoroughly entertaining romantic fictional tale. This is an awesome story, people! This story is a MUST READ! Then you'll be able to see for yourself just what I'm talking about. I have never, ever been disappointed in in this author's ability to write a most superb story. And she has done so again with this one, "Play It Again Sam". Thank you Ali Vali for making yesterday evening's reading event an unforgettable one for me. - MjM - Sep 25th, 2003 I love this story. But then I love most of Ali Vali's stories. I have yet to be let down. - Sparky - Jun 25th, 2004 This story is what caused me to become addicted to fanfiction and this fabulous author. - Calliopenjo - Jan-27-2008

Promise Me Forever by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Ancient \| Alternative (Mature) \| Romance (alt) \| Short Story - 47 pages \| Finished \| Cast: Ramses, Sarah, Corby, Philbus, Isaac, Dennu, Nina, Dalia Honors/Awards: Fan Favorite In The Category Of Action/Adventure. Part 2 of the Ramses and Sarah Series Series List: To Capture A Heart, Promise Me Forever, Sex, Wives, and Misunderstandings
In the sequel to "To Capture A Heart" we return to ancient Egypt to continue the story of Ramses and Sarah. The story starts four months after Sarah and her son Samuel come to live at the palace with Ramses. They are preparing to move to the summer palace to prepare for the birth of their second child when tragedy strikes. It is the second sorry of the woman pharaoh and her Hebrew queen.

Purple Irises by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Very Short Story - 8 pages \| Finished \| Nov-05 Cast: Rane, Sasha

Rock for Remembrance (A) by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 81 pages \| Finished \| Feb-04 Cast: Julian, Kiki, Eugenia, Cassandra, Lowe, Katherine, Darlene, Rudy, Chris, Tiger, Rebecca, Nanna Part 1 of the Lowe family Series Series List: Rock for Remembrance (A), ...and A Canopy For Happy Endings, Skipping Stones

Another wonderfully written tale by Ali. Even without the 'happy ending' follow-up, I believe that this story is one of her best. Those who can't see the love that shines throughout the tale and only look at the 'supposed' unhappy ending, are missing the boat (or a few screws). It left me thinking that there HAD to be a sequel, love always prevails (at least in fiction) and there was a sequel!!!I think it fits the Valentines's genre perfectly - well done oh bardly one! - Lori - Feb 19th, 2004

Sex, Wives, and Misunderstandings by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative (Mature) \| Drama \| Short Story - 34 pages \| Finished \| Cast: Ramses, Sarah, Nina, Belizar, Ram, Isa Part 3 of the Ramses and Sarah Series Series List: To Capture A Heart, Promise Me Forever, Sex, Wives, and Misunderstandings
A few months after the birth of their second son, Ram, Sarah and Ramses are having trouble finding time to be alone. The more they try to build on the bond they share, the more misunderstandings come between them. This is the third in the Nile series.
Ali is one of my favorite authors! It was great to imagine there being a female Ramses (Pharaoh)... Can't wait to read more of her work! - Katia N. Ruiz - Dec 30th, 2002

Skipping Stones by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Novella - 67 pages \| Finished \| Mar-06 Part 3 of the Lowe family Series Series List: Rock for Remembrance (A), ...and A Canopy For Happy Endings, Skipping Stones
It's been a few months since Julian and Kiki Lowe stood under a canopy and promised to spend the rest of their lives together. Skipping Stones is the next chapter in the Lowe family series visiting these characters as they start their married and family life with their two children, Summer and Tiger. There is a new love brewing, a Valentine's Day to be celebrated, but will they achieve what Kiki and Julian want most?

Things That Terrify Me the Most by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative (Mature) \| Mystery \| Novella - 118 pages \| Finished \| Cast: Kendal, Piper, Lenore, Molly, Indigo, Asra Part 2 of the Vampires Series Series List: Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost, Things That Terrify Me the Most

This story is the sequel to Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost. I enjoyed this story as much as the first. The plot definitely thickens a this series progresses. - purplehawke - May-08-2007 SUCH a great story! It's not super long so you have no good excuse to not be reading it RIGHT NOW... slacker! - Arassar - Jul-05-2007

To Capture A Heart by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Ancient \| Alternative (Mature) \| Romance (alt) \| Short Story - 38 pages \| Finished \| Cast: Sarah, Ramses, Samuel, Nina, Corby, Larlis, Neftu, Dalia, Egypt, Philbus, Dennu Part 1 of the Ramses and Sarah Series Series List: To Capture A Heart, Promise Me Forever, Sex, Wives, and Misunderstandings
A story set in Egypt that tells the tale of Ramses IV, a female pharaoh. She falls in love with a Hebrew slave named Sarah and her son, Samuel. It is the beginning of a new era in ancient Egypt and the first story about the love shared by these two women.
I just finished reading the 3 stories in this series, and I must say, what a fun premise! Keep the series coming ;) - Anonymous - Jan-28-2008

Tree Huggers, Children and Broken Decoys by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Humor \| Short Story - 41 pages \| Finished \| Cast: Jillian, Junior, Avery, Baxter, Sally, Bailey, Maria, Susan, Minnie, Quinton, Jillie, Emmett Honors/Awards: Fan Favorite In The Category Of Comedy.

This is another one of Ali Vali's fine writings. If you've read any of Ali's stories and liked them, then you will definately like this one. It's funny, romantic and sweet. Thoroughly enjoyable. - Anonymous - Jan 15th, 2004 I loved this story. A. Valdivia (Ali Vali) is getting better and better with each story I'm reading. - purplehawke - May-03-2007

Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Mystery \| Novel - 165 pages \| Finished \| Oct-03 Cast: Kendal, Jacques, Asra, Piper, Bruce, Angelina, Indigo, Lionel, Dupont, Mackey, Louis, Abez, Tomas, Charlie, Joseph Part 1 of the Vampires Series Series List: Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost, Things That Terrify Me the Most
Kendal Mackey is at the top of her game as far as business goes, until she meets Piper Dupont and her grandfather, Mac. Add to that the most unusual brother anyone could hope and you start to understand why Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost are some of the things Kendal fears the most.
An amazing tale of a love that we wait a lifetime for. Truely a story i rushed home from work to read. good one a. valdivia. - lordlamberino - Aug-13-2006 I loved this story. I couldn't stop reading this and had a couple very late nights or early mornings to get to the end. - purplehawke - May-02-2007

Waiting In The Wings by A. Valdivia (Ali Vali)

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Short Story - 39 pages \| Finished \| Feb-03 Cast: Piper, Gwendolyn, Joshua, Ismarelda, Steinblack, Sol, Paris, Rio, Tribune, Grace
G.W. Steinblack is in Paris trying to lure the elusive Gwendolyn Flora to sign with the family's publishing house. While in a cafe for breakfast a young American, Piper catches her eye. A chance meeting allows the pair to talk and G.W. begins to fall for the woman. Unfortunately Piper is on holiday prior to getting married and reluctantly returns to America. A despondent G.W. finally lands Ms. Flora and returns to New Orleans where she finds out Piper again, only to find disappointment again....or does she?
This is a fabulous story! I loved the interplay with all the characters. The family story vs. the romance story read very well. Ali Vali is one of the most gifted writers with using just the right words. - TC - Oct 7th, 2003 This is a wonderful story. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to be read by everyone. - purplehawke - May-01-2007

It's been awhile since I've sent one of these out and I just wanted to let you all in on what's going on. Some of you have been asking me to put up a website already, and I decided to try a little something new. I have a new site up at myspace so if you'd like to take a look please visit www.myspace.com/alivali. I'll be posting new blogs every so often to let you in on what's going on with upcoming books, online stories and upcoming events. The site will also be a good place to keep up with Bold Strokes Books blogs and find out what other books are on the horizon.

Secon Season is done and will be available in July. This is the first story where I've written about New Orleans after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For more information please visit www.boldstrokesbooks.com. Now it's on to the third in the Devil series, but more on that later.

I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying the start of summer. After a year in the new house I did something on Sunday that I haven't done in forever. I walked barefoot in my grass. Yes, I know that sounds strange, but you had to see the lawn when we moved in, and just how crazy I am about my grass. After 365 days of watering, fertilizing and talking nice to it, the lawn finally resembles something of what we had at the old house. And we have trees and it would seem oyster shell, but you'll have to ask about that. lol

Take care and please check out the myspace page.

Ali

Author of The Devil Inside, Carly's Sound, The Devil Unleashed, and of Second Season due out in 2007 from Bold Strokes Books. For more information please visit www.boldstrokesbooks.com.

Tina from Liquid Film Works wrote to me and pitched the idea of a short film based on one of my stories - yet to be written mind you. She'd read all my stuff online and liked my style of writing, and wanted me to create something that could be turned into a screenplay. I believe the order went something like it had to be something based on lesbian characters and it had to be something never done before. Sure no problem was my response as I laughed.

I had attended my class reunion not too much before that and the idea just came to me after about a week of thinking about it. From my initial idea sprang the short story Calumet, which we later renamed "Gillery's Little Secret." As I sat in the place where our reunion was held and talked with some of the people I graduated with, it made me think how much people change over the years. You know those geeks that grew up to be successful and those that aren't quite over the whole high school thing? GLS was a little of both those concepts. Only Bernadette was missing love lost more than anything else high school had meant to her.

After I wrote it and finished it, I sent it on to Tina and the others working with her and she took out the section that went on to be filmed so we could concentrate on that. She put it in a screenplay format that I had no idea of how to go about, and then the rewrites started. Ooh, the rewrites. I believe we had about five overall total ones, and I stopped counting at the little sections we worked on.

As a writer I have to paint a picture as it were so the reader can visualize where I want to take you. In film not so much since you're looking at the screen and noticing how blue the sky is, what Gillery is doing with her hands, and that she's kissing her girl - well you know what I'm getting at. Description is seen not vocalized.

In a screenplay it's all about the dialog. Less is more, and the less has to pack a punch so that took a little while to get right. I kept trying to explain that being from the south it takes me about five pages to just say hello, and Tina kept up the mantra of cut..cut?cut.

Tina through her hard work then did her thing in getting the locations, actors and everything else so they could bring these guys to life. It was one exciting phone call after the next once she got that lineup together.

That first email from Tina that I mentioned asked for an original story and that I had to work for vodka. That is one of the reasons this project has been so special to me. All the actors involved worked for scale, and from what I understand that hardly ever happens. Scale is less than a hundred dollars a day, but folks like Annabeth Gish and the others just wanted the story told.

One of the sad notes from Hurricane Katrina was the nice bottle of vodka that the Liquid Film Works people sent me as a thank you got trashed when my frig went down. The thrashing it got made the top uncork. It was painful to toss it down the drain. lol

My part ended at the finish of the final screenplay. I really wanted to go to the filming but I didn't have the opportunity, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the feature production.

People were able to vote online for it, when will you know the results of this voting?

The film came in second overall and was one of the winners that will be featured in a special on LOGO. I'll make sure to tell Wizzy when that will be so everyone can watch if they're able.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and to see the film online. It was because of you that we did so well.

Tina and her crew are working hard to get support for the feature film. There was so much more to this story and I hope it makes it to the big screen.

It is though going to be in a few festivals around the country in the coming year. You can see it at the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in August, Frameline 30 which is San Francisco's LGBT film festival and Newfest in New York. If you live in the area then please stop by and seen it.

Poppy Valente has the world in the palm of her hand until fate steals from her the one thing that matters most - her wife Carly. When breast cancer ends their life together, Poppy finds herself not knowing how to begin to live again. Julia Johnson is running to Carly's Sound with her newborn daughter Tallulah in search of the path to her future. On a chance meeting two years after Carly's death, these two women form a bond of friendship that lays the foundation for something more. "Carly's Sound" will bring you from New Orleans to a five star resort in the Caribbean as Julia and Poppy struggle to define their lives and Poppy's past comes back to haunt her - literally.

Carly's Sound sprang from my experiences when my partner was diagnosed with cancer. Of all the things in my life that I've experienced receiving that diagnosis has to be by far the hardest and most painful. To let all those emotions out I wrote "Play It Again Sam." That was many moons ago as they say, and I've tried hard to refine my writing and my story telling skills.

Carly's Sound I think the readers will find will be a much better story because it's a more complete story. Working with Jennifer and Shelley, my editors at Bold Strokes Books, the story is so much more of what made the storyline so special.

Carly's Sound has been about three years in the making. There have been rewrites and then there have been deletions to some of the rewrites, but over all about three years.

What made you decide to publish this one with all the wonderful stories you have written?

Because of what this one means to me, it wasn't hard to decide. This one more than all the rest is a gift to my partner and my mom. They both battled cancer and sent it packing. I hope everyone finds it entertaining, but I also hope it helps those who read it that have been through the experience. Since I posted this story I've received so many emails telling me it has. Cancer doesn't have to win or defeat you; C and I are living proof of that.

I'd love to sign as many as people would like. For those that can't leave home or travel, they've mailed me their copy of the book The Devil Inside with a self-addressed envelope so I could mail it back. It's an honor for me to have someone buy one of my books so signing it is not a hardship believe me. I don't see anything different with CS.

Brains, guts, and ruthless ambition should be enough to come out on top in any fight. Except when the battle is over love, all bets are off!

Derby Cain Casey was groomed from birth to be the next leader of the Casey family business. Only in this case that meant becoming the head of a major crime family in New Orleans. She was as judicious with her heart as she was with her business until she met Emma Verde. The farm girl from Wisconsin breaks through to claim the mobster's heart and gifts her with their son Hayden, the next in line to lead the Casey Clan. "Devil Inside" tells the story of Cain's greatest joy and the pain that comes when that happiness is shattered by a betrayal that comes at the hands of the one person from whom she never expected it. While struggling with her hidden pain, Cain must do battle with two very different adversaries, both bent on bringing her down -- the FBI and the Cannala crime family.

"The Devil Inside" introduced the story of Cain and Emma Casey, their family, and the forces that sought to destroy them. Now, threatened from every side, Cain must unleash that devil to protect all she holds dear. A gunshot meant to end the legacy of the Casey Clan has left a weakened Cain fighting to regain control of her business while trying to protect her heart from the woman who left her. As the heat of violence rises, so does the passion. One by one, Cain faces her enemies and discovers the truth of who was behind one of the greatest losses of her life. Only this time she might not have to carry the burden of leading the family alone - if she is willing to take a chance on love again. But can she trust Emma not to run as she did once before when faced with the dark parts of the Casey family leader?

Original / Uber \| Modern \| Alternative \| Romance (alt) \| Novel - 242 pages \| Finished \| Jan-08 Links: The Academy Of Bards Part 2 of the Harry and Desi Series Series List: How Do You Mend a Broken Heart, All It Took Was You, Bell of the Mist

Very nice stories. Well done. - Anonymous - Apr-17-2008