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Check Mate - Chapter 1

-Nine months earlier-

CHAPTER 1

11:30 a.m. - Friday, August 15th

Andre’s head practically hung half way out the car window. He resembled a pet Labrador retriever as his wife of eight years drove along the mountain side.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this. How did I let you talk me into this mess? You’re crazy, you know that?” Andre slapped the glove box. “You need to calm down. I know that much,” Dionne said. Her eyes narrowed down to slits as she focused on the narrow winding road. She’d had enough of his complaining for one day.

The white Ford Escape whizzed past a sign that read: “Welcome to Grandridge, home of the Red Tornadoes.” The quaint town sat nestled in what’s called the foothills of the Smoky Mountain range, which cast its considerable shadow over the small college based community. The mountain filled spectacular views in the distance were a far cry from city noise and endless blocks of concrete they were familiar with.

North State University would never be mentioned in the same breath as Notre Dame, Michigan, or Duke, but still, a major university.

The professors at the school were paid well. Very well.

“I’m serious DeDe. I should have put my foot down. Give me one good reason to move here,” Andre said. His nostrils flared.

“For starters, you don’t even have a job. You keep up all that yelling and we gonna have some problems,” Dionne pointed at him. “Problems? Like what? Are you threatening me again? Don’t let that little professor title go to your head.”

“I’m not going to tell you again. Lower your voice. I’m not trying to argue with you on our first day here.”

“I’m not trying to argue either…I’m just saying.”

“Saying nothing, as always. You’re always talking. Why don’t you actually do something for once?”

“Whatever.” He folded his arms.

“Anyway Andre. I’m not letting you drag me down.”

Andre sulked in his seat. But inside he cringed. They would be living in a strange town, far away from home, in a house that dwarfed their former two bedroom brownstone apartment. It wasn’t the thought of a mortgage that scared Andre. It was the size of the mortgage.

The summertime heat offered little relief in the form of a breeze as they crept along through the sleepy town which seemed deserted with the students gone for summer.

“Look, there’s the campus where I’ll be teaching. Can you believe it? I’m a real professor,” Dionne said, pointing to her left.

“What’s that smell?” Andre wrinkled his nose and sniffed into the wind several times, ignoring her enthusiasm.

“It’s called fresh air. For real. I’m sick of your mouth. Nobody twisted your arm into moving here. You could’ve stayed in New York.” She sucked her teeth.

“It’s like that now?” Andre lifted an eyebrow.

“What do you expect me to say? I’m looking for a little support. I’m nervous about the move too. I’m looking at the positives.”

Andre closed his eyes and reclined in his seat.

No amount of negativity he dispersed would totally thwart Dionne’s state of bliss. If he was unable to partake in the delight and warmth she possessed for the relocation, too bad.

Ever since Dionne accepted to take the position to teach at North State all Andre heard about was how wonderful a place it was. Grandridge made the list as one of the top 100 places to live in America
by a recent online poll.

She’d shown him every website imaginable about this quiet college town. Charming. Rustic. Majestic. Pleasant. Those were the words used to describe this hidden gem of a community.

He used his own set of words. Boring. Expensive. Overrated.

Website Update

There have been many changes to my official website. Please stop by and visit. Once there, you'll be able to read excerpts, hear me read excerpts from my books, and watch book trailers. You can learn all about the exciting changes and what's in store for the future...  Click HERE to learn more about RL Taylor's books.

It's been too long...

Hello all,

It's been way too long since I've posted. My apologies to those who noticed. To those that didn't. Shame on you...and me. I have been away tending to what we call the necessities of life. Job, family, responsibilities sometimes can slow us all down on our life journey. I've experienced many changes (all for the better) and now I've returned, ready to share once again. I hope you will join me on this journey as I strive to share my thoughts and my writing with you. I hope all is well with you and yours and I look forward to interaction and spirited discussions in the future. There are some new announcements I'll be making in the very near future. Stay tuned. As always, thank you for your time and interest.

Sincerely,
RL Taylor
http://www.rltayloronline.com/

Busy, Busy, Busy

We all lead full lives. When you are very busy it is hard to imagine time for yourself, let alone planning and prioritizing that time. If you do create time to be alone...congratulations! (You're one of the few)

If you don’t, consider this: when you are not taking time out for yourself, you risk living a life that is disconnected from who you are. I'm willing to guess that it's difficult to remember what you did last Tuesday.

By taking time out just for you, to quiet your mind and have peace, you are able to reconnect your head with your heart. When you are disconnected you might find yourself anxious, indecisive and making decisions that please others rather than decisions that serve to create a better life for you. Take a little time to enjoy the simple things; perhaps a glass of wine or a good book (hint, hint)

It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate. All you have to do is simply schedule at least 15 minutes everyday for yourself. Choose a comfortable, quiet place—it can be anywhere, in a park, in your room. Take a deep breath, quiet your mind and settle down.

As you make this a daily practice or as often as you can you will begin to notice that you feel more grounded, relaxed and more content with your life.

How often do you feel run by your schedule?
Do you feel like there is not enough time in the day to achieve what you want?
Are you able to find relaxation time?

If you enjoy reading, please take a look at my website: http://www.rltayloronline.com
Perhaps a good book will take your mind to another place. I'm gigving away a FREE 15 Chapter preview of my latest novel. Sign up for your copy by clicking the above link. Enjoy!

Disturbing Facts?

Can we believe these statistics?
They were posted online and I questioned their authenticity...
How can each of us help create positive change?
Are authors and entertainers instrumental in influencing societal behavoir?
What types of storylines are you most interested in?
Is this propaganda?

RL Taylor reads several chapters from his books. Listen by clicking here

-70% of all black children are born out of wedlock.
-62% of black families with children are headed by a single parent.
-85% of black children do not live in a home with their fathers.
-Only 15-20% of black children born today will grow up with 2 parents until age 16.
-70% of African-American boys in the criminal justice system come from single-parent homes.
-50% of all new AIDS cases are in the Black community which comprises only 12% of the population.
-85% of all AIDS cases in Atlanta are black women.
-African-Americans are 20 times more likely than other races to have gonorrhea.
-AIDS is now the #1 killer of black women, age 25-44.
-67% of black women with AIDS contracted HIV thru heterosexual sex.
-Black men in America engage in polygamous relationships, 3 1/2 times that of White or Hispanics.
-Nearly 2 million black males are either currently in a state or federal prison or have been in one.
-By age 30, only 52% of black women will marry compared to 81% of white women, 77% of Hispanics and Asians.

Can this be true? What can each of us do to help if it is?

RL Taylor hopes to create positivity through his writing.
To listen to RL reading excerpts from his novels click here

For a free 15 Chapter preview of his latest novel Champagne, Jellybeans, and Chocolate visit the official website at: http://www.rltayloronline.com/

Another review for The Last Ms. Understanding

Review written by Poeticsoul "Ginae" (Texas)

I see a sequel coming on..., October 24, 2009

4 out of 5 stars

The Last Ms. Understanding is a book that anyone can relate to. One cannot help but become engrossed in the story line from beginning to end. The book never becomes stagnant and will keep your interest throughout. The author does a great job of showing both sides of the story, but still keeping you guessing and wondering at what might happen next. Hold onto your seat as Rita and Lee ride one emotional rollercoaster ride after another...see what happens as two people try and keep secrets while sinking further and further into their web of deceit. Not only will you not be dissapointed, but you'll find yourself anxiously wanting more...yes, I see a sequel coming and can only hope that the author does as well...

Order your copy today! Now available as an e-book ($4) To order click here

RL Taylor is interviewed by Real Sista Writers

The following interview was conducted by Ginae from Real Sista Writers Yahoo Group.

My debut novel The Last Ms. Understanding was selected as their October Book of the Month

-Tell us how you got started into writing ?

A: I used to be a habitual reader up until about 7 or 8 years ago. Life got busy and my reading slowed down.

Then, a friend of mine told me he was writing a book and suggested I give it a try. That prompted the reading bug again, and the next thing I know I was writing. I also studied the craft very hard, submerging myself in articles, books, and magazines surrounding the subject of writing. For the past 3 years I have been writing almost daily, and I don’t see an end in sight.

-How did you come up with the title for your book and what was the mindset behind it?

A: The Last Ms. Understanding was my debut novel. The title is a play on words and basically means that sometimes in relationships understanding is needed. In this book the main female character is very understanding, but sometimes misunderstandings can be used as an excuse to hide the truth.

-Tell us about any current projects you're working on...

A: I am currently working on promoting my new novel; Champagne , Jellybeans, and Chocolate. I also have two other books completed and I’m having trouble figuring out which one to focus my attention on as I embark on the final edits for each. They are titled Check Mate and Dreaming of a Crayon Sun, which is the 2nd book in the Champagne , Jellybeans, and Chocolate series. The third book in the series is being written right now and titled, Dragonfly Summer. Read more about these books on the internet at http://www.rltayloronline.com

-What advice would you give other writers trying to write their first novel?

A: I would say to not give up, keep writing, and educate yourself as much as possible. Self-publishing can be difficult, especially when you’re trying to gain an audience and respect as a quality author. Don’t doubt your ability, you just may be talented.

-As a male, did you find it difficult to put a woman's voice to your book?

A: I thought about various women I know or have known. Being married to an independent professional woman was a blessing because I know how strong women can be. In each book I hope to portray women in a positive light. I see too many books today with women sleeping around and being promiscuous. I feel that is a bad representation of our women.

-How did you come up with the story line for your book?

A: The storyline evolved as I wrote it. I tried to stick to an outline but added extra twists and turns inside every chapter. I really wanted to keep the reader guessing as they read on. I put myself in each characters shoe’s to ask myself how I would react in their situation.

-Is there anything different or any changes you wish you had made regarding the story and/or characters looking back?

A: I kind of like how it ended up. The reason I say this is because I receive so many varying views on who was right, and who was wrong. Some female readers really were pulling for Rita. Others couldn’t stand her. The same is true with Lee. Most readers said he was the “typical man”, and I’m not sure if that was a compliment or not. You and others have hinted at a sequel, so I feel like I delivered. A sequel may be in the works soon…

-Which character do you find your readers tend to identify with the most?

A: I would say half and half. The women say either Rita or Simone. All men say Lee. I patterned a lot of his behavior after myself and decisions I’ve made. Good or bad. There is definitely a wide range of characters in the book. Everyone will be able to identify with one of them.

-What are some of your favorite books?

A: I have to say that I’m all over the map as far as reading. I will mix in some non-fiction at times, but fiction novels…. I really enjoyed, John Grisham “The Street Lawyer”, Brandon Massey “Cornered”, and Stuart Woods “Short Straw"

-Anything else you would like to tell us about RL?

A: I want readers to know that I am going to turn out books that are truly different. I will make sure to present women in a positive light and not degrade. At the same time I assure you that you will be thoroughly entertained. My goal is to not have any dull chapters. I want readers to love my books as much as I enjoy crafting the stories.

I’m currently running a free promo on my website. Readers can go there thru November and sign up for a free 15 chapter preview of Champagne, Jellybeans, and Chocolate.

Thanks again Ginae, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be selected as the book of the month and for this interview. I wish you all the best in any of your endeavors.

RL Taylor
http://www.rltayloronline.com

Next 3 novel Book Covers

For more information on any of these three novels, please click here.
You will be able to read excerpts, view book trailers, and learn much more about RL's latest projects...