Monday, June 29, 2009
Stop and Smell the Roses Multi-Author Blog Bouquet
All Day – Today – June 29, 2009
A blog tour hosted by the authors of the Wild Rose Press.
www.TheWildRosePress.com
Visit one of the participating author’s blogs, and then visit the rest. At every stop, leave a comment and be entered to win a prize from that author.
20 blogs and 20 Winners
Participating Blogs
http://amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com
http://authorsstudio.blogspot.com
http://bettyhanawa.blogspot.com
http://christineclemetson.blogspot.com
http://findagreatromance.blogspot.com
http://www.freewebs.com/lesmora/apps/blog/
http://freewebs.com/teriwilson/apps/blog/
http://grgiall.blogspot.com
http://hywelalyn.blogspot.com
http://jennfrancesca.blogspot.com
http://joycemoore.blogspot.com
http://lianalaverentz.blogspot.com
http://LindaHopeLee.blogspot.com
http://lje1.wordpress.com
http://noveltrails.blogspot.com
http://plotsandthoughts.blogspot.com
http://tanyahanson.blogspot.com
http://tinagayle.blogspot.com
http://traveltheages.blogspot.com
http://willtravelforromance.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The first contest is a Cowboy Lovin' Basket. This basket will be filled to the brim with a silver-toned cowboy boot necklace, a CD copy of SALVATION BRIDE, a cowboy hat keychain, and other cowboy goodies. To enter to win this basket just visit my website http://www.aklanier.com/ and leave a comment about your dream wedding in my guest book. (More info on the contest can be found on my contest page).
The second contest will be a plaque with a quote by Deborah Rozman, "Joy: Find your joy by following your heart." To be eligible to win it, just leave a comment during June on any post on my blog....the more comments, the more chances you have to win! http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/.
The third contest is a basket of 12 romance books, just in time for your summer reading, including a CD copy of my novella SALVATION BRIDE. Just visit The Roses of Houston's blog for all the details: http://rosesofhouston.blogspot.com/2009/06/anna-kathryns-june-give-away-basket.html
Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
Heartwarming, Sensual Westerns
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
Friday, June 26, 2009
Sapphire and Gold's Official Release is Today!
Sapphire and Gold is also available in paperback through:
- bn.com http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sapphire-And-Gold/Penny-Rader/e/9781601544759/?itm=2
- amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Gold-Penny-Rader/dp/1601544758/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246028033&sr=8-1.
Here's a blurb and an excerpt of the story.
Blurb
In 1752 Philadelphia, Alexandra Whittaker overhears the man who has raised her--and intends to marry her--admit to kidnapping her. She then uncovers a locket containing a portrait of herself as a child. Confused and frightened, she flees, heading for Williamsburg, Virginia, the place inscribed on the back of the locket. On her way out of Philadelphia, she stumbles across a bear and ends up in the river.
Sea Captain Derek Tremaine is guilt-ridden over the disappearance of a small girl left in his care as a youth. Always searching for her, he hears she may be alive and travels to Philadelphia where he discovers an unconscious young woman in the river. She bears a strong resemblance to the mother of the missing girl who has haunted his dreams. He is drawn to assist and protect her as she sails with him to Williamsburg in her hunt for answers about her life. But will the truth give them peace and allow their growing love for one another to blossom? Or will it drive them apart?
Excerpt
The man assisted her. "Easy now, lest you cause yourself further injury. Mayhap you should lie still." Impatience crept into his voice again.
She winced at his mild rebuke and lowered her gaze, only to realize she was clad in her bed gown. "Sir, has a woman been caring for me?"
"Nay." Amusement glittered in his eyes. "Women are not allowed on vessels. They bring bad luck."
"Aye, that is true." He nodded, his expression unfathomable.
Please visit me at http://pennyrader.com/.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Check out my interview on Pink Fuzzy Slippers blog!
Check it out!
Thanks!
Melissa Beck
The Daddy Issue
Available now from The Wild Rose Press
www.amazon.com
New review for Duende and the Muse!
WDRF rated The Duende and the Muse, my short Faery (fantasy) story from The Wild Rose Press, as Memorable Good.
Here's the best part of the review:
"The author weaves a great tale with a creative way of using words that makes the story refreshing to read. It sparkles and fizzes with energy and the dialogue is sparky and natural. Both characters are independent and strong and although I didn't really identify very closely with them, they were engaging, interesting and likeable. What more can you ask for from a story of this length? I don't think you can go wrong with this- so have a read. If you are looking for something light and distracting then this is ideal."
Cate Masters’ novels, novellas, short stories and flash fiction have appeared in various web zines and epress sites. Visit her online at www.catemasters.com, www.catemasters.blogspot.com or follow her on Facebook
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
"Yes, Professor" - Releases today!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Stop and Smell the Roses Multi-Author Blog Bouquet.
All Day – Monday – June 22, 2009
A blog tour hosted by the authors of the Wild Rose Press.
Visit one of the participating author’s blogs, and then visit the rest. At every stop, leave a comment and be entered to win a prize from that author.
20 blogs and 20 Winners
Participating Blogs
http://AnnWhitaker.blogspot.com
http://bethcaudill.blogspot.com
http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com
http://catemasters.blogspot.com
http://christinecolumbus.blogspot.com
http://donnamichaelsauthor.blogspot.com
http://happyendingsblog.com
http://KyAnnWaters.blogspot.com
http://laurirobinson.blogspot.com
http://lindabanche.blogspot.com
http://lynnreynolds.blogspot.com
http://marywritesromance.blogspot.com
http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com
http://missmaesite.blogspot.com
http://nicolemccaffrey.blogspot.com
http://plparker.blogspot.com
http://romanticcravings.blogspot.com
http://roniadams.blogspot.com
http://sherilewiswohl.wordpress.com
http://skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy summer Solstice and your fortune cookie -
6/22 - 4th week of June - ALL SYSTEMS GO! OKAY, THE GLITCH THIS WEEK IS A WHOLE LOT OF EMOTION SPILLING INTO OTHER ACTIVITIES. BY WEDNESDAY LEADERS START TO EMERGE AND FRIDAY BRINGS ORDER AND MAYBE A WELL-PLANNED WEEKEND.
I have a short story titled “Neat Alyssum” in the June issue of Crossed Genres Magazine
and a short story titled “The Sweetest Boyfriend” at LongandShortReviews
Deja Vu Lover, Vintage Rose, by
Phoebe Matthews, 2009 Eppie winner
http://phoebematthews.com
Friday, June 19, 2009
My new release
'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'
Today sees the official release of the sequel to my debut novel 'Starquest', by The Wild Rose Press. I have to tell you I loved writing 'Starquest' it was 'the book of my heart' as they say - but I really enjoyed writing 'Children Of The Mist' too, and the characters had a few surprises for me, which were fun to discover along the way.
My sweet friend and fellow WRP author, who has, herself, some wonderful releases with the Wild Rose Press, and some more in the pipeline, is generously hosting a contest to celebrate my new release at:
http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/
Please help me show my appreciation by popping along to her blog and enter the contest - you have nothing to lose but a little time and enjoy browsing around her fascinating blog while you're there.
I'm also intervied by Twisted Sisters at
http://3twistedsisters.wordpress.com/
This is another great blog, which I'm sure you'll enjoy.
Here's the blurb to 'Children Of The Mist' and a short excerpt:
Blurb:
Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own. Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities.
EXCERPT:
Tamarith stopped and gazed for a moment across the water. The G-type sun, now fully risen, caused the lake to shimmer like a veil of golden silk, with scarcely a ripple disturbing its calm. The pastel-colored walls of the graceful buildings on the shore reflected the glow of both suns. In the distance, the mountains encircling the settlement reached high into the cerulean sky. The swirling mist that hid their summits was as much a part of Niflheim as the earth upon which she and Vidarh stood.
She sensed his mind discreetly touch hers and realized he was staring at her keenly. She turned back to face him, returning his questioning glance and studying him in turn. Taller than average, and broad-shouldered, today he wore a sleeveless, belted leather shirt over thick breeches, with long, icecat-wool lined boots. His upper arms were well muscled, his skin tanned as if he were used to working outdoors. His curly, dark auburn hair, kept away from his face with a plain leather band, reached almost to his shoulders.It caught the sun’s rays and gleamed like the polished dark red wood of the trees that flanked the feet of the mountains.
She took in his clear, hazel eyes, with their friendly twinkle, the long, straight nose, strong jaw line and smiling mouth. He would have been fighting off the local unattached young women if the situation they found themselves in were not so serious. Not that she was particularly interested in his looks, or those of any other man, for that matter.
No, something else about Vidarh of Ragnak excited her curiosity.
.
You can see my new trailer for Children Of The Mist on The Wild Rose Press website, or at Blazing Trailers
Thanks,
Lyn
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Win a Copy of Erin's Rebel
The countdown is on for the July 17th release of my first full-length romance novel from The Wild Rose Press, Erin’s Rebel, and I’m having a contest on my website all month long. Starting Wednesday, June 17th, visit my website: http://susanmacatee.com/News.html to find out how you can have a chance to win one of three prizes.
#1 – An autographed print copy of my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.
#2 – A download of the e-book.#3 – A $10.00 gift certificate for The Wild Rose Press.
The contest will run until July 15th. All three winners will be announced July 16th.
Erin’s Rebel blurb: Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past change those plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp. Captain Will Montgomery, the man of her dreams, is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. But the Irish beauty holds a secret he needs to unravel before he can place his trust in her. Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? Or is she doomed to live out her life with nothing but regret?
Excerpt:
The sound of her name on his lips made her skin tingle. She tore the paper off the package. At the sight of the brooch, her breath caught.
"Do you like it?" he asked anxiously. "I had it made just for you."
Eyeing him, she had a hard time finding her voice. This was Erin O'Connell's brooch, the very one that had sent her back in time. It shone in her hands, new and unworn from time and wear.What did this mean? She must be following Erin O'Connell's footsteps. As far as she knew her being here hadn’t changed anything. Will was still destined to die this year.
"I didn’t mean to upset you, Erin. If you don’t want the brooch--"
"No." She clasped the pin against her chest as the meaning of his gift sank in. "It just means so much to me."
His look of concern softened into a lopsided grin. "I'm happy you feel that way."
"Thank you, Will." She slipped the brooch into the pocket of her wrapper, then stood on her toes, lifting her arms to circle his neck. She kissed his cheek, inhaling his musky scent.
His mouth was on hers, hot and urgent. The softness of his moustache and chin beard tickled her lips. She opened to him, her tongue slipping inside to taste him thoroughly. He groaned, pressing the length of his body against her.
Erin's Rebel, coming July 17th from The Wild Rose Press.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Official Release Date for Sweet Redemption
Sunday, June 14, 2009
This week's fortune cookie -
6/15 - 3rd week of June - AND CHANGES CONTINUE THRU THE WEEK. MAYBE A LITTLE BIT OF AGGRESSION ON TUESDAY, A CALMER DAY THURSDAY, AND A WEEKEND OF FINDING ANSWERS TO THE WEEK’S PROBLEMS. This week I have a short story titled “Neat Alyssum” in the June issue of Crossed Genres Magazine at http://crossedgenres.com and a short story titled “The Sweetest Boyfriend” at LongandShortReviews at www.longandshortreviews.com
Phoebe Matthews, urban fantasy
http://phoebematthews.com
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Summer Reads Give-Away Contest
She rode into town for her own deliverance, but will Doctor Laura Ashton heal Sheriff David Slade's pain before the dark secret in her past turns up to steal his SALVATION BRIDE?
SALVATION BRIDE has received a 5 book review from Long and Short of it Reviews. Lilac said, “"Salvation Bride" is a wonderful story that I would definitely recommend!”
Read Lilac's review here.
Just visit The Roses of Houston's blog for all the details: http://rosesofhouston.blogspot.com/2009/06/anna-kathryns-june-give-away-basket.html
Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
Heartwarming, Sensual Westerns
http://www.aklanier.com/
Thursday, June 11, 2009
4-Star Review for The Duende and the Muse!
I love finding little treasures in Google searches. Today I happened across Review Your Book's 4-star review of The Duende and the Muse. Here's the best part:
"The Duende and the Muse by Cate Masters was awe-inspiring. A muse wasn’t able to accomplish a task in four months, but when working together with a Duende, the task was complete in a short amount of days. I love how Cate Masters could make two opposites work together... I love this short story."
I love this review! Especially the "awe-inspiring" part - awesome! Thanks, Debra!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
DYSLEXIA AND WRITING
This is a long post, but one that's near and dear to my heart. I hope you'll all have time to read it.
I love the written word. This is a love affair that began when I first discovered reading and spelling way back….. Well, we won’t go there. Let’s just say that Dick and Jane watching Spot play were part of my curriculum. For those of you who don’t remember those old reading primers, I can just say, “That’s unfortunate because Dick, Jane and their dog Spot were wonderful friends for young children first learning to read.”
I have two grandchildren with Dyslexia; my twenty-year-old granddaughter and her twelve-year-old brother.
My grandchildren were, and are, fortunate to attend Prentice School for Dyslexic Children. It goes from K-8 grades, and uses the Slingerland method of teaching—a very specific method for dyslexic children. What a wonderful boon for these children to be in an environment where all the students have the same learning disability. During their time at Prentice they are taught not only to read, spell and comprehend—along with the usual school requisites—but they are prepared academically and socially to enter the public school system in the 9th grade.
I helped my grandson with his homework the other afternoon, as I do most days. This time as I watched his painful struggle to read and process the written words, it dawned on me how much I take reading and writing for granted. It saddened me that what comes so easily for some is so hard for others.
Like most of you, probably, I am a voracious reader. Always have been. Reading came easy for me in school. I can remember in grade school I was always in the top reading group. And weren’t those in the bottom group dumb? Why couldn’t they get what was obviously so easy? They just weren’t trying! How wrong I, along with so many others over the years, was. Thank God, I have matured since then!
So, while helping my grandson with his homework, I decided to search the internet for information on dyslexia and to find out about authors with dyslexia. First I researched facts.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services. (The International Dyslexia Association)
What causes dyslexia?
The exact causes of dyslexia are still not completely clear, but anatomical and brain imagery studies show differences in the way the brain of a dyslexic person develops and functions. Moreover, most people with dyslexia have been found to have problems with identifying the separate speech sounds within a word and/or learning how letters represent those sounds, a key factor in their reading difficulties. Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods, dyslexics can learn successfully. (The International Dyslexia Association)
What are the effects of dyslexia?
The impact that dyslexia has is different for each person and depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of instruction or remediation. The core difficulty is with word recognition and reading fluency, spelling, and writing. Some dyslexics manage to learn early reading and spelling tasks, especially with excellent instruction, but later experience their most debilitating problems when more complex language skills are required, such as grammar, understanding textbook material, and writing essays.
People with dyslexia can also have problems with spoken language, even after they have been exposed to good language models in their homes and good language instruction in school. They may find it difficult to express themselves clearly, or to fully comprehend what others mean when they speak. Such language problems are often difficult to recognize, but they can lead to major problems in school, in the workplace, and in relating to other people. The effects of dyslexia reach well beyond the classroom.
(Let me insert a side comment here. It breaks my heart when my grandson tries to tell me something and gets frustrated. He’ll say, “Oh never mind. I can’t think of the right words.”)
Dyslexia can also affect a person’s self-image. Students with dyslexia often end up feeling “dumb” and less capable than they actually are. After experiencing a great deal of stress due to academic problems, a student may become discouraged about continuing in school. (The International Dyslexia Association)
(Another side note: This is why the Prentice School for Dyslexic Children, or one like it in your area, is so important.)
Dyslexia Facts
· Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin.
· 15% to 20% of the population has dyslexia.
· Of the students with specific learning disabilities receiving special education, 70% to 80% have deficits in reading.
· Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties.
· Dyslexia effects males and females almost equally, and people from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds as well.
· 74% of the children who are poor readers in the third grade remain poor readers in the 9th grade and on into adulthood.
Information gathered from www.dyslexiadash.com
Then I researched “Authors with Dyslexia.” I think you’ll be as amazed as I was. There are so many, but I’m only including a partial list that I found on www.happydyslexic.com
1. Agatha Christie
2. Edgar Allen Poe
3. Elizabeth Daniels Squire
4. Fannie Flagg (Author of "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe")
5. F. Scott Fitzgerald
6. Hans Christian Andersen
7. Jules Verne
8. Kinely MacGregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon: Writer of Romance, Fantasy and Suspense
9. Stephen J. Cannell: screenwriter, producer, director, and novel writer.
And there are so many more. I cannot even imagine trying to write a novel if I were handicapped with dyslexia. After three surgeries for brain aneurysms, I experienced what the Psycho-analyst called “word-search difficulties.” I would come up with a word that began with the same letter, but was not the word that expressed what I wanted to say. With therapy I overcame that problem. In fact, I wrote my first book as part of that therapy.
But, obviously the prolific authors with dyslexia do not consider themselves handicapped. They have decided not to allow dyslexia to keep them from their dreams. What an inspiration for my grandchildren!
Oh, and another thing. Henry Winkler visited Prentice School for Dyslexic Children last week. He is dyslexic. Not only did he make a career for himself as “the Fonz” on Happy Days, among many ensuing roles, but he now writes children’s books!
To any of you reading this, who are Dyslexic, I applaud you. I admire you. For those, who may not have experienced it or don’t have a family member coping with it—I hope I’ve imparted a glimmer of understanding into the world of people with Dyslexia.
So the next time you hear someone pronounce a word “not quite right,” or stumble when they read—I hope you’ll remember this blog!
Oh, my granddaughter graduated from high school and entered college for a degree in Criminal Justice. She wants to work for the DEA – Drug Enforcement Agency.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Next week's fortune cookie -
6/8 - 2nd week of June - LAST WEEK’S GOOD IDEAS START SHAPING UP. ON WEDNESDAY LOOK FOR REVISIONS RATHER THAN STARTING SOMETHING NEW. STEADY ON UNTIL SATURDAY WHEN LIFE GETS A LITTLE BIT EMOTIONAL.
This week I have a short story titled “Neat Alyssum” in the June issue of Crossed Genres Magazine at http://crossedgenres.com.
For more fortunes, reviews, excerpts, check http://phoebematthews.com.
Deja Vu Lover, Vintage Rose, by Phoebe Matthews
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Gazebos: How to Find a Time Portal
See the setting for my Regency time travel, Lady of the Stars.
http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/2009/06/gazebos-how-to-find-time-portal.html
Thank you all,
Linda
www.lindabanche.com
Fabulous Review for THROUGH THE FIRE
Review from 'You Need to Read:'
Rating: You Need To Read
Reviewer: Laura
At the height of the French and Indian War, a young English widow ventures into the colonial frontier in search of a fresh start. She never expects to find it in the arms of the half-Shawnee, half-French warrior who makes her his prisoner in the raging battle to possess a continent––or to be aided by a mysterious white wolf and a holy man.
Rebecca Elliot, although widowed and in a new country, is brave and determined. Her encounter with Shoka, a Shawnee warrior, has caused her to fall in love. The storyline of Through the Fire is well-written and uncommonly descriptive. It is obvious Ms. Trissel took great time and effort to research Indian beliefs and their way of life. I enjoyed reading about how they prepared for battle and their choice and use of weapons. I read with bated breath every time Rebecca let her temper and stubborness get the best of her. I love the interaction between her and all the other characters in the book. The tension between the Shawnee and the Catawba tribes is palpable. The author writes with great passion and emotion. I know anyone who buys this book will take great pleasure in it.
Wanted: Hot Summer Romances
In just a few days the Lawmen and Outlaws Anthology will be released. McKenna Smith is doing just that. His pardon is a heartbeat away. All he has to do is help catch a killer. Is it chance or fate that leads him to Audra Tadlock, with her crystal blue eyes and her pale hair-is her resemblance to Bubba Buchannan mere coincidence or is she hiding something? Bobby Morgan is just trying to buy himself a bit of time. He’s a sinner through and through and doesn’t feel a bit of remorse about taking a young woman captive. But this devil meets his angel in Naomi, the preacher’s daughter. Then you have the lawmen. Those tin stars certainly seemed to say a lot about a man. Quinn Riley is one of those men who wears his honor like his badge. So giving, so self-sacrificing, he is willing to put himself dead last. And Sheriff Adam McBride is a hard man, but a good man. Hannah Stewart is a runaway. She’s hiding something, a past he just can’t ignore. ~*~ Lawmen and Outlaws Anthology Loretta C. Rogers, Lauri Robinson, Helen Hardt, Linda Caroll-Bradd |
Marrying Minda Tanya Hanson Marrying Minda written by Tanya Hanson also comes out this month. For mail order bride Minda, ~*~ |
Miner In Petticoats Paty Jager |
Miner in Petticoats introduces us to Aileen Miller. She’s a widow who has gone through more than any one woman should. The husband she loved died, and unable to support herself and her small son she remarried a vile, abusive man. The town thinks she killed her second husband, while he certainly deserved it, Aileen was innocent. She has no place for another husband, and she’s not interested in another man to break her heart or complicate her life. Until she meets Ethan Halsey. He’s a giving man and devotes himself to providing for his brothers and the town and he needs a track of land to do so. Aileen has land he needs, but she’s not willing to part with it. These two stubborn souls lock in a battle of wills and as their lives become intertwined, their hearts do, too. As the summer heats up so does the romance... Happy Reading |
Excited that my book is coming out!
I'm so excited that my book, The Daddy Issue, is now on Amazon! Can't wait to get my author copies, which are on their way.
I've been writing for years and years, and this will be my second ebook but my first paperback that I'll be able to hold in my hand. When I get it, I'm gonna hold it in my hand and have a picture taken of me grinning!
This is turning out to be a great month for me publicity-wise! It so happens that I have a crazy Australian Cattle Dog, which had nothing to do with my book except that the Animal Planet show "It's Me or The Dog" is coming to **film at my house** this month, to see if my dog is wild enough to be entertaining on TV. So I'm thinking I should frame a poster of my book cover and put it in my den, for national exposure! What do you think? They told me not to wear logos, but hey, a poster on my wall is simply wall art, right?
It occurs to me that, now that I've posted this, the casting people could see my site, read this, and make me remove my poster. sigh
Oh, well. At least now people know that a TWRP author, owner of a spastic dog (who happens to be laid out on the floor snoring at the moment) might get to be on National TV!!
And if it doesn't work out, maybe I'll take our "show" to Letterman for Stupid Human Tricks. I've taught Shadow how to jump on my back and sit. Yeah. I have the toenail scars down my back to prove I taught him that.