tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31517559222325778722024-03-13T14:16:28.273-05:00CHRISTA TOMLINSONM/M Erotic Romance Author
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-84920674336567440252017-09-25T10:23:00.000-05:002017-09-25T10:25:31.580-05:00I've Moved! <h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>You can find me, my books and all of my news at <a href="http://www.christatomlinson.com/" target="_blank">ChristaTomlinson.com</a>! Stop by and visit me. </b></span></h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-26882221481850821762015-05-20T12:08:00.000-05:002015-05-20T12:10:00.182-05:00Hop Against Homophobia, Bi and Transphobia 2015<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qNcRBoC8m4/VVypOQRT4UI/AAAAAAAABF4/4W1expmxBk8/s1600/HAHABT%2B2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qNcRBoC8m4/VVypOQRT4UI/AAAAAAAABF4/4W1expmxBk8/s200/HAHABT%2B2015.png" width="148" /></a>Hello everyone! As you can see by the beautiful badge here and on the side bar, I'm participating in the 2015 Hop Against Homophobia Bi - and Transphobia. As you can also see, my post is late. I went back and forth on what I wanted to write about. In the end, I decided to go with the topic that most often comes to mind when I think of the fight for Gay Rights.<br />
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I'm an African American woman. And to me, the fight for Gay Rights and against homophobia is very similar to the African American Civil Rights movement and beyond. I honestly cannot understand how anyone who has the skin of a people that have been discriminated against for the entirety of this country's history can't feel sympathetic to the Gay Rights cause. Our family members endured water hoses and police dogs during marches. They suffered milkshakes poured on their heads during dinner sit-ins. They were spit on when going to vote or integrating schools. But in the end, the sacrifice and abuse were worth it. African Americans can go to school where we want, we can shop where we want, and we can <b>marry who we want</b>.<b>*</b> So how can anyone who has that history in their blood turn around and want to deny the same rights to the Gay Community?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eE5mlufo5-M/VVyzpvsN47I/AAAAAAAABGM/tyQy-WqIkxU/s1600/gay_marriage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eE5mlufo5-M/VVyzpvsN47I/AAAAAAAABGM/tyQy-WqIkxU/s320/gay_marriage.gif" width="320" /></a>Whenever I see someone of African American descent saying that gays shouldn't have the right to marry or adopt children, it makes me disappointed and sad. Slave owners twisted passages from the Bible to justify ownership of Black men and women as slaves. They prevented slaves from marrying, because they were property, not humans. After slavery's end, laws were created that prevented African Americans from marrying who they chose. It wasn't until 1967 with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_v._Virginia" target="_blank">Loving vs Virginia</a> case that the Supreme Court overturned any remaining laws against interracial marriage. How distasteful it is to me that some members of the Black community now
have the same mindset when it comes to the Gay community. <i>(Some may disagree by saying that people don't choose to be Black while they do choose to be gay. That belief always confuses me. Why in the world would anyone choose to live a life that brings with it discrimination and the danger of violence committed against them?)</i><br />
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It is my sincere hope that sometime in the very near future, people of other marginalized groups: minorities, women, persons with disabilities, etc. will realize that as humans we all deserve the basic right to legally be with the one we love.<br />
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Thank you for reading this post. For my contribution to the Hop, I am offering a prize: A $10 gift card to Amazon and a donation in your name (or alias of your choosing) to <a href="http://www.montrosecenter.org/hub/" target="_blank">The Montrose Center</a>. <br />
Enter by commenting below. Leave your email in case you are the winner. If you prefer not to leave your email, be prepared to check back on May 25th when I announce the winner.<br />
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You can view the list of others participating in the Hop Against Homophobia and Bi Transphobia here: <a href="http://hopagainsthomophobia.blogspot.com/">http://hopagainsthomophobia.blogspot.com/</a> You can also visit the Facebook page here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1641992786037710/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1641992786037710/</a><br />
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<i>*I'm not naive enough to think things are perfect for Blacks in America. The recent civil unrest in cities like Baltimore are Ferguson is glaring proof that it is not.</i> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-77075649065050092682015-05-07T10:28:00.004-05:002015-05-07T19:34:40.488-05:00HELP ME CHOOSE, WIN A PRIZE! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqI61myspjs/VUogZyQGEaI/AAAAAAAABDA/6gRF759LB4I/s1600/original%2Bprompt%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqI61myspjs/VUogZyQGEaI/AAAAAAAABDA/6gRF759LB4I/s1600/original%2Bprompt%2Bpic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">Original Prompt Image</span></span></td></tr>
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This week I'm finishing up a short free read for a Goodreads group I'm a member of. The <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/20149-m-m-romance" target="_blank">Goodreads M/M Romance group</a> puts out a yearly anthology of stories written based on prompts and images provided by group members. I discovered the project last year and I picked a contemporary threesome prompt. I choose it because it was something I hadn't really done before, and I wanted the opportunity to challenge myself. This year I picked a historical prompt, which has Mars, the God of War, becoming embroiled in the passionate love affair of two warriors. Yummy, right? <br />
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Again, I wanted the challenge of doing something I hadn't really written before. When I was in middle school and first practicing writing romance novels, I wrote historicals because that's all I read. As an adult, however, I've only written and published contemporary stories. But I'm a big ole history nerd. I took multiple history classes in college because I thought they were fun. I used to binge watch The History Channel before they moved to all those reality shows. This prompt in particular is set in one of my favorite time periods. I love the ancient world. Xena: Warrior Princess is one of my favorite all time TV shows. Gladiator (hot damn Russell Crowe was hot in that movie) is in my top five favorite movies. And I love Starz's Spartacus series. I'm currently Netflix binging it since I didn't watch it when it aired. Andy Whitfield was glorious in the role. I'm on season two and still a little iffy on Liam McIntyre. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuoLadlpa_A/VUt98VDTAMI/AAAAAAAABEg/Jj8noJ2c5UM/s1600/spartacus%2Benters.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuoLadlpa_A/VUt98VDTAMI/AAAAAAAABEg/Jj8noJ2c5UM/s400/spartacus%2Benters.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">Andy Whitfield entering the arena as Spartacus. So glorious</span></span></td></tr>
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Anyway, back to the purpose of this post. I'm enjoying putting my spin on the rough and brutal beauty of that era. And in the mental lineup of books I want to write, I've got plans for a series set in the ancient world. So this is great practice for me. Since I'm so excited for this year's story, I thought it would be nice to have my own cover made for it. The amazing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jay.aheer.1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Jay Aheer</a> will be creating it for me. But before she gets to work, I need help picking the image she'll build the cover from! I have four pictures below. Let me know in the comments which you think would be best for the cover art. Each vote will be entered to win a prize! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIh3V1fwnsI/VUoo14AsTFI/AAAAAAAABDY/BSzZOgiecbI/s1600/cover%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIh3V1fwnsI/VUoo14AsTFI/AAAAAAAABDY/BSzZOgiecbI/s1600/cover%2Ba.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">OPTION 1</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">OPTION 2</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLoES9pBAdI/VUoo14Uh9nI/AAAAAAAABDc/mCMF1wEo0ik/s1600/cover%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLoES9pBAdI/VUoo14Uh9nI/AAAAAAAABDc/mCMF1wEo0ik/s1600/cover%2Bc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">OPTION 3</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOlABRnNlrk/VUopVSlHt0I/AAAAAAAABEI/CtQTo_-dSAo/s1600/cover%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOlABRnNlrk/VUopVSlHt0I/AAAAAAAABEI/CtQTo_-dSAo/s1600/cover%2Bg.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">OPTION 4</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6uKJUPAK5I/VUuEKCUEzeI/AAAAAAAABE4/i9C_GJ7JTYM/s1600/socks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6uKJUPAK5I/VUuEKCUEzeI/AAAAAAAABE4/i9C_GJ7JTYM/s400/socks.png" width="400" /></a>Here's the fun prize the winner will receive, a pair of super cool Bookworm socks! Remember, leave your vote in the comments on <b>this blog post</b> to be entered. One entry per person, open to US only. Votes must be received by 12 am CST 5/7/15. Winner will be randomly selected from all votes posted. Thank you for helping me choose!<br />
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Love,<br />
Christa<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-8040798765203743282015-05-04T09:31:00.000-05:002015-05-04T09:31:18.548-05:00May 1stI survived another May 1st. What's the big deal with May 1st? Nothing, for most people. For me, it's the anniversary of my boyfriend's death. Tom passed away from skin cancer on May 1, 2009. Unfortunately, I remember that morning very vividly. Tom had spent the previous night at MD Anderson for tests and treatment. I woke up suddenly at 4:45 and just laid there for about twenty minutes, feeling sick and anxious, until the phone rang. As soon as it did, I knew for sure something had happened. Tom was already gone by the time I got there. He was hooked up to machines so that he was still breathing, but unconscious. So I sort of got to say goodbye, but not really.<br />
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The first few May 1sts after that were extremely difficult. I was depressed for the days leading up to them and for several afterwards. Depressed to the level where it was a struggle to do anything. I spent most of those days in bed, hiding away from the world. Then it started to get easier to survive May 1st. And oddly, that made me mad. I didn't want it to be easier to get past those painful anniversaries (his birthday, when he was diagnosed, etc) because it made it seem as though Tom was even further away from me.<br />
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Now, six May 1sts later, and I was neither depressed nor angry. I was moody that evening, but it wasn't horrible and it didn't hurt. I want to say that I've accepted his death and I know he's in a better place, etc. etc. And I know all that. I even dreamed a few years ago that he came to check on me. I opened the front door and he was there, as tall and wonderful as ever. There was nothing behind him but the brightest golden light. I was so happy to see him and I told him that I was alright. So yes, I know that he's gone and that he is in a better place. But I'm still disappointed that we aren't sharing a life together. I wouldn't say I'm bitter. I'm just ... disappointed. Maybe once I've moved past that feeling of resentment that he was taken from me, I'll be able to say those things without the underlying layer of disappointment that makes those words sound so fake.<br />
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Until then, I survived another May 1st. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUEN2dFdVTo/VUeBOaZtlJI/AAAAAAAABCE/CxeUpMxuR3o/s1600/tom%2Band%2Bme%2B1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUEN2dFdVTo/VUeBOaZtlJI/AAAAAAAABCE/CxeUpMxuR3o/s320/tom%2Band%2Bme%2B1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Pic: Tom and I at home. Bottom Pic: Tom and I visiting the Busch Brewery on a trip home to meet my family.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JCfjagEetM/VUeBOYeSFZI/AAAAAAAABCI/8H44-UyB0xw/s1600/tom%2Band%2Bme%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JCfjagEetM/VUeBOYeSFZI/AAAAAAAABCI/8H44-UyB0xw/s400/tom%2Band%2Bme%2B2.jpeg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom and I in Jamaica, 2008</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-4495611059793552492015-04-19T22:28:00.001-05:002015-04-19T22:31:29.980-05:00SLEEPRight now, I'm sitting on my couch. I've just finished Game of Thrones. And I'm sleepy. Not due to GoT, just because it's 9:30 at night, I've been up since early this morning, and as usual I didn't sleep well last night. You'd think I'd go to bed, right? Wrong.<br />
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For whatever reason, I fight sleep.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-7zwzNZMrU/VTRvvygyyFI/AAAAAAAABBU/iRL5OCPVvM4/s1600/enemy%2Bsleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-7zwzNZMrU/VTRvvygyyFI/AAAAAAAABBU/iRL5OCPVvM4/s1600/enemy%2Bsleep.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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2:30 a.m. is my normal bed time. And by that I mean the time my body refuses to stay awake any longer and I pass out. I don't know why I do this to myself. It certainly isn't healthy. I'm no doctor, but I suspect my lack of sleep (I average five hours or less a night) are factors of my weight gain and sluggishness throughout the day. The sleep I do get isn't fulfilling due to my knee, both pre and especially post surgery. I wake several times throughout the night in order to rearrange my leg into a more comfortable position. So what do you think is the first thing that pops into my head every morning? If you guessed, "Man I can't wait to go back to bed." You guessed right.<br />
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And yet, the next night comes and the cycle continues. I don't go to bed. I stay up doing ... hell I don't know. I know I spend a lot of time on the internet, some of it researching for writing stuff, some of it not. But other than that I have no clue what I do every night. My dogs are smarter than me. They settle down and go to sleep while I stay awake. <br />
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Speaking of writing, my lack of sleep is affecting it as well. I can't concentrate very well, so I'm not having much luck getting words down. That sucks a giant bag of ... lemons. <br />
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Why do we do this to ourselves? I say "we" because I know I'm not the only one who does this. *waves Hi at other sleep fighters* Why avoid going to sleep when we know if we get that eight hours (or however much your body requires to be healthy) we'll wake up refreshed, clear headed, and with energy to carry out our day? I don't have the answer to that for you. For me, I think it's being irresponsible. A few minutes ago, I was thinking fondly of the days when my Tom was here. On workday nights we were in bed and asleep no later than 10:30. Neither of us had any trouble getting up in the morning and I know I certainly didn't move around in the zombie like state I do these days. <br />
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I'd like to get back to being responsible and going to bed at a smart time. So I'm challenging myself. This week, my goal is to have electronics and lights off by 11:30 every night. I'm interested to see if by the end of the week, I have more energy than I do most days. I think I will. If you're a sleep fighter, I invite you to join me! Let's get some of that restorative slumber, together. Except not really together, you'll be in your bed and I'll be in mine. <br />
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So grab your woobie, your pillow and your special blankie and join my pup Chunky for a nice, eight hour nap.</div>
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Good night!</div>
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Christa</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-81810489754647350392015-04-14T14:59:00.000-05:002015-04-14T15:12:52.808-05:00WHAT'S GOING ON WITH CHRISTA?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_prUX6dq8qY/VS1ndJe3FeI/AAAAAAAAA_8/knefNcucyIY/s1600/licking%2Bambrollins.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_prUX6dq8qY/VS1ndJe3FeI/AAAAAAAAA_8/knefNcucyIY/s1600/licking%2Bambrollins.gif" height="186" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Or Ambrollins, as we wrestling shippers like to call them.</b></span></td></tr>
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Are you curious as to what I've been working on lately? Well let me share with you! As mentioned, I'm working on a starting a series. It will be set in the world of professional wrestling, which is why I've been posting my <a href="http://christatomlinson.blogspot.com/search/label/Hot%20Wrestler%20of%20the%20Week" target="_blank">Hot Wrestlers of the Week</a>. I figured a little bit of eye candy along with some bits of wrestling knowledge will help readers get into the series. And as I've mentioned before, wrestling is so deliciously homoerotic, how could I not write about it?<br />
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As this is my first attempt at outlining an entire series, I knew I'd need to go about it very carefully. I created a series bible to keep track of all the story outlines and characters. <br />
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I'd hate to give a guy brown eyes in book 1 and then compare his eyes to a summer's sky in book 4. <br />
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But speaking of my characters, I've got a great cast of people. They're different ethnicities and have varied backgrounds. That's the type of crew I like to read and write about. And yes, in the crew I have men and women, gay and straight. However, after asking for advice in the always fabulous <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MMBookRec/" target="_blank">M/M Book Rec</a> group, I decided to keep the gay stories separate from the hetero. Not because of any negative reasons. Simply to make it easier for consumers to know what they're are buying. So the part of the series that I am working on now is gay romance. I even have a series name! My lovely bestie Amanda came up with <i>Champions of Desire</i>. I love it! All of the stories in <i>Champions of Desire</i> will be interconnected, but you will be able to read them as stand alones. And as for the as yet unnamed m/f books, you will not need to read them in order to follow along with what's happening on the m/m side. They will be completely separate, so no one on either side will feel as though they are missing out. I think this is <br />
the best plan.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENy-FgwHNbs/VS1wpkUGvNI/AAAAAAAABAs/FNNqGbQH8I0/s1600/book%2Bbaby%2Bhug.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6-fO3__AYu8/VS1mUP56zbI/AAAAAAAAA_c/voHT7Iikxc4/s1600/dean%2Band%2Bcesaro.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6-fO3__AYu8/VS1mUP56zbI/AAAAAAAAA_c/voHT7Iikxc4/s1600/dean%2Band%2Bcesaro.png" /></a>Anyhoo, I'm working on the first book now. It's tough because I've got guys from other books clamoring in my head for my attention. Especially the guys from books 3 and 4. Pipe down boys! I can only write one book at a time. In book 1 you'll meet Chance aka The Chancellor and Devin. Chance is a vet with Frontier Professional Wrestling. He's smart, doesn't take any shit, and is very much in the closet. Devin is a young signee with FPW. He's got a slight case of hero worship for The Chancellor. And he wouldn't mind doing a little private mat wrestling with Chance, if you know what I mean. *insert douchey wink*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVBP9O3DiRA/VS1spyDmDtI/AAAAAAAABAQ/57S8U9mPboo/s1600/chance%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVBP9O3DiRA/VS1spyDmDtI/AAAAAAAABAQ/57S8U9mPboo/s1600/chance%2B1.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chance aka The Chancellor</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONq4-isLCM4/VS1spzRAYjI/AAAAAAAABAM/2qYeAmmWuc0/s1600/devin%2Bmuse%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONq4-isLCM4/VS1spzRAYjI/AAAAAAAABAM/2qYeAmmWuc0/s1600/devin%2Bmuse%2B14.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Devin</span></b></td></tr>
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So when will you get to meet these yummy fellas? I'm shooting for the end of June / early July. You'll keep your fingers crossed for me that I stay on track, right? Thank you kindly. Alright I must go. I left Devin walking around their hotel room in tiny little shorts, tempting the hell out of Chance. Better get back to them, I don't want Devin's legs to get cold. </div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Christa</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENy-FgwHNbs/VS1wpkUGvNI/AAAAAAAABAs/FNNqGbQH8I0/s1600/book%2Bbaby%2Bhug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENy-FgwHNbs/VS1wpkUGvNI/AAAAAAAABAs/FNNqGbQH8I0/s1600/book%2Bbaby%2Bhug.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my book baby.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-78701921405395448802015-04-13T13:15:00.001-05:002015-04-13T13:15:15.771-05:00HOT WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: NevilleThis week's Hot Wrestler of the Week is a newbie. Well, he's not actually new to wrestling, but he is new to the main roster for WWE. He debuted two weeks ago as Neville. I'm not sure why they dropped his first name, I prefer Adrian Neville for sure. But he's got gorgeous new gear, a super cool entrance and his in-ring work is as stellar as ever. Plus, he has muscles in places I didn't know the body could have muscles. Ladies and gents, I give you the tiny but mighty, Neville.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYB9FAxqEKE/VSvolioLLGI/AAAAAAAAA8U/uIiwEdH2_TY/s1600/neville%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYB9FAxqEKE/VSvolioLLGI/AAAAAAAAA8U/uIiwEdH2_TY/s1600/neville%2B2.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
<u><b>STATS</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbR_dQPUCZA/VSvomOW8N4I/AAAAAAAAA8o/rwjgTy8Eo5Y/s1600/neville%2B20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbR_dQPUCZA/VSvomOW8N4I/AAAAAAAAA8o/rwjgTy8Eo5Y/s1600/neville%2B20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> From: Newcastle upon Tyne, England<br />
Age: 28<br />
Promotion: WWE <br />
Height: 5'10<br />
Weight: 194<br />
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Neville is just starting out on a new phase in his career. He wrestled for years in Europe, the American indies and Japan. In 2012 he was signed to work in NXT, the training ground for the <a href="http://www.wwe.com/" target="_blank">WWE</a>. But now he's been called up to the most visible wrestling show in the world, WWE Monday Night RAW. I wasn't there for his first match, but I was very excited to be in the crowd for his second match against the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, <a href="http://christatomlinson.blogspot.com/2015/01/hot-wrestler-of-week-seth-rollins.html?zx=d4e479dcda4e5540" target="_blank">Seth Rollins</a>. I definitely marked out when his music hit. Here's the two shitty pictures I took!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nrEfUkCWywM/VSwFxs7BNOI/AAAAAAAAA-8/mfPuZPACyrs/s1600/neville%2Bme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nrEfUkCWywM/VSwFxs7BNOI/AAAAAAAAA-8/mfPuZPACyrs/s1600/neville%2Bme.png" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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Why was I so excited to see Neville? Well, he's one of those wrestlers that is a real crowd pleaser. His tagline is <i>The Man That Gravity Forgot</i> and he seriously deserves it. His arsenal includes all sorts of death defying moves that he makes look easy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJKCExHee8/VSvoh0GE-ZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/RZ-yE315xZ0/s1600/neville%2B11.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJKCExHee8/VSvoh0GE-ZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/RZ-yE315xZ0/s1600/neville%2B11.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u96cL5E9ug4/VSvoqWyG8UI/AAAAAAAAA9k/dJ8HWsVNLNM/s1600/neville%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u96cL5E9ug4/VSvoqWyG8UI/AAAAAAAAA9k/dJ8HWsVNLNM/s1600/neville%2B5.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a><br /><br />
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The height this man gets on his high flying moves is insane. I don't think he ever did gymnastics. Which means he self-trained himself to flip and tumble through the air like a freaking acrobat. Amazing. Also, check out those back and thigh muscles! <br />
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But it's not just his high flying moves that make him stand out. He's also freakishly strong. A few weeks ago he dead lifted 266 pound NXT champ, Kevin Owens, into a German suplex. Jeepers! My eyes could barely believe what they were seeing when they saw it. But of course, there's a gif to prove it happened. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80aGtdumgv0/VSvojA2o9PI/AAAAAAAAA70/fcxHfQw-61Y/s1600/neville%2B15.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80aGtdumgv0/VSvojA2o9PI/AAAAAAAAA70/fcxHfQw-61Y/s1600/neville%2B15.gif" height="193" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbR_dQPUCZA/VSvomOW8N4I/AAAAAAAAA8o/rwjgTy8Eo5Y/s1600/neville%2B20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbR_dQPUCZA/VSvomOW8N4I/AAAAAAAAA8o/rwjgTy8Eo5Y/s1600/neville%2B20.png" height="400" width="322" /></a> I'm sure that big things will happen for Neville now that he's on the big stage. After all, he was the NXT Champion. He defended the title in some great matches before eventually losing to a guy I think might be getting a turn on the HWOTW rotation soon. But I'm okay with him losing that title, because it means he got to move up to the main roster. <br />
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And with him on the main roster, more people will get to see his wonderful talent, which includes one of the most bad ass finishers I've ever seen, The Red Arrow.</div>
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Did you miss it? Here it is again. </div>
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So yeah, I'm pretty pumped for Neville. But high flying moves and freakish strength aside, there's another reason why I think he's wonderful. As talented as he is and with that amazing body, he still has moments of self doubt. Back when he was wrestling as Pac, he did an <a href="https://soundcloud.com/coltcabana/aow-78-pac" target="_blank">interview </a>on Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling Podcast. He spoke of being insecure with his looks and nervous about his performance and how he will be received by his peers and fans. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oi_O28nvp7Q/VSvop1b0dgI/AAAAAAAAA9g/6LvO1IejLHw/s1600/neville%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oi_O28nvp7Q/VSvop1b0dgI/AAAAAAAAA9g/6LvO1IejLHw/s1600/neville%2B4.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This man who to me looks like a freaking super hero, worried about being rejected and felt like he shouldn't try to reach for the top. It's crazy right? His incredibly endearing confession spoke to that part of me that is insecure about my writing and downplays the love the readers have for it. Seeing him achieve success after success has helped inspire me to stop being so freaking hesitant and just go for it. You should give the interview a listen, if only to hear his lovely accent. </div>
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But I know, you're a busy person and podcasts are long. So instead, check out a few more pics of Neville, along with a video of him doing his thing. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMSqmo4qIFo/VSvorBZiO0I/AAAAAAAAA94/bfHRdcQQn54/s1600/neville%2B7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMSqmo4qIFo/VSvorBZiO0I/AAAAAAAAA94/bfHRdcQQn54/s1600/neville%2B7.png" height="400" width="252" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">This man has muscles under his armpits! I didn't even know that was a thing. </span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dorvZW9I_M/VSvomZ9As_I/AAAAAAAAA8k/0QhxeZVpyRs/s1600/neville%2B21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dorvZW9I_M/VSvomZ9As_I/AAAAAAAAA8k/0QhxeZVpyRs/s1600/neville%2B21.png" height="400" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">He's very flexible. He must do yoga.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y97YZexM00M/VSvoowxNGpI/AAAAAAAAA9M/MTUWzNUwzfc/s1600/neville%2B26.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y97YZexM00M/VSvoowxNGpI/AAAAAAAAA9M/MTUWzNUwzfc/s1600/neville%2B26.gif" height="183" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">I love to see a guy doing push ups with such perfect form. </span></b></td></tr>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Christa</div>
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With the exception of the two shitty ones, none of the pics, gifs, and video are my own. All were found on the interwebz and used to showcase <i>The Man That Gravity Forgot</i>, Neville. Also, to hear the part I referenced on <a href="https://soundcloud.com/coltcabana/aow-78-pac" target="_blank">The Art of Wrestling</a>, skip to about the 52 minute mark. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-8886152942105661462015-03-26T16:20:00.000-05:002015-03-26T16:20:46.963-05:00HOT WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: Randy Orton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello there! I had to take a short break, but I'm back with the next hottie in my Hot Wrestler of the Week series. This week's guy is a personal favorite of mine. He is amazing in the ring and has the body of a chiseled Greek god. We're both from St. Louis and were in high school at the same time, although in neighboring districts. I like to pretend this means we could have been friends. Ladies and gents I give you Randy Orton.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESZqI24kaJA/VRRw0Mc1JAI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/dyIX0lHWowU/s1600/randy%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESZqI24kaJA/VRRw0Mc1JAI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/dyIX0lHWowU/s1600/randy%2B2.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></div>
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<u><b>STATS</b></u><br />
From: St. Louis, Missouri<br />
Age: 34<br />
Promotion: WWE <br />
Height: 6'5<br />
Weight: 245 <br />
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Although Randy is young, he's a veteran of the WWE. He's been with the company going on thirteen years, and he's been a top star for nearly that entire time. On TV he's been an (sort of kayfabe) entitled third-generation wrestler, handpicked for championship shots. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77lkGYFI6cw/VRQy74Z2iGI/AAAAAAAAA28/ZUBVkLehiTQ/s1600/Randy-Orton-Pictures-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77lkGYFI6cw/VRQy74Z2iGI/AAAAAAAAA28/ZUBVkLehiTQ/s1600/Randy-Orton-Pictures-51.jpg" height="400" width="362" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTbzw1Mfr9k/VRQy99F-1rI/AAAAAAAAA3U/-8qLtxs65SY/s1600/rko3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>He's been a (kayfabe) legend killer where he took out the stars of yesterday in brutal fashion. </div>
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And he's been a sadistic, crazy bad ass, ruled by the voices in his head that tell him to drop any and everybody with his finisher - the RKO. (Jury is still out on whether or not this part is kayfabe)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RoWe77fj4A/VRQX2Kh9siI/AAAAAAAAA1E/UxSOKxpNLwU/s1600/orton%2Bsmirk.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RoWe77fj4A/VRQX2Kh9siI/AAAAAAAAA1E/UxSOKxpNLwU/s1600/orton%2Bsmirk.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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What's the RKO you ask? It's a cutter where the victim has his gead gripped and driven into the mat. It's hard to put into words so here's some gifs.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uf5hTIkpMaA/VRRhEX0cXwI/AAAAAAAAA34/Klc-v7q0-U8/s1600/rko2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uf5hTIkpMaA/VRRhEX0cXwI/AAAAAAAAA34/Klc-v7q0-U8/s1600/rko2.gif" height="384" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dFsc4RlEf9Y/VRRhDA9e1XI/AAAAAAAAA3s/-wF3Vu0SufM/s1600/rko.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dFsc4RlEf9Y/VRRhDA9e1XI/AAAAAAAAA3s/-wF3Vu0SufM/s1600/rko.gif" height="177" width="320" /></a><br />
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I'd like to take an RKO, just once to see what it's like. I'd survive, right? <br />
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On second thought, I'd rather not fall off a ladder and have my face smashed into a wrestling ring, so I'm gonna skip it. <br />
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It's a cool move and it often happens *cough* out of nowhere. There was even a hysterical series of RKO Vines that went around last year. Some of these look painful, so if you're squeamish, skip it.<br />
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Randy's quick movements in the ring along with his writhing, I mean errr... slithering have earned him the nickname The Viper. Randy often finds someway to get in trouble outside of the ring and has a mouth on him that causes him to get <i>bleeped!</i> on camera a lot of times (naughty bad boy!) but I think his mannerisms and move set are one of the best. The fact that he looks like this is just icing on the cake. Cake that I'm sure he never eats with abs like that.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwawY0szhoc/VRRmSsQ8WLI/AAAAAAAAA4g/gcd8yjEe4tY/s1600/randy%2Borton%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-0JyBKumks/VRRmpHcoqGI/AAAAAAAAA48/6zdvjR7qrWg/s1600/sexy%2Brandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-0JyBKumks/VRRmpHcoqGI/AAAAAAAAA48/6zdvjR7qrWg/s1600/sexy%2Brandy.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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Did you notice the sheen to his glorious abs? Here's another look in case you missed it. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMCUzHsjBzE/VRRxF99Ed9I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/o_EHR99JUjY/s1600/randy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMCUzHsjBzE/VRRxF99Ed9I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/o_EHR99JUjY/s1600/randy.png" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnNZnCGFB_0/VRRrOoXd2KI/AAAAAAAAA5I/f88rByHZcwk/s1600/baby%2Boil%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnNZnCGFB_0/VRRrOoXd2KI/AAAAAAAAA5I/f88rByHZcwk/s1600/baby%2Boil%2Bsign.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
They shine because he really likes to oil up before matches. The man glistens under the lights. I mean seriously, I don't know how he keeps from throwing himself belly down on the ramp and going down it like a slip and slide. I like it, but I can't help but tease. Sir Oilyness inspired me to make this sign for a live event I went to a couple years back. Sadly, he didn't select me for the job.<br />
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Sigh. I guess I'll have to continue to admire him from afar. Like in his match this Sunday at Wrestlemania, where he takes on a growing favorite of mine, <a href="http://christatomlinson.blogspot.com/2015/01/hot-wrestler-of-week-seth-rollins.html" target="_blank">Seth Rollins</a>. Can't wait until this Sunday to see more of Mr. Orton? Then feast your eyes on the pics, gifs and video below.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jEYtOoEytw/VRRmS0N2QOI/AAAAAAAAA4c/Py37lzasCIg/s1600/randy%2Borton%2Blegend%2Bkiller.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jEYtOoEytw/VRRmS0N2QOI/AAAAAAAAA4c/Py37lzasCIg/s1600/randy%2Borton%2Blegend%2Bkiller.png" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGtgHS-pCSc/VRRmSWJOQSI/AAAAAAAAA4M/lK8LFehcIb0/s1600/randy%2Borton%2Bblack%2Band%2Bwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGtgHS-pCSc/VRRmSWJOQSI/AAAAAAAAA4M/lK8LFehcIb0/s1600/randy%2Borton%2Bblack%2Band%2Bwhite.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Maybe he has an ouchie there that I could help him with? I have Band-Aids</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Who gave this poor man a wedgie?</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrGj-_ApfXk/VRRxFz9nk-I/AAAAAAAAA6k/lqAgJgG5wVg/s1600/randy%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrGj-_ApfXk/VRRxFz9nk-I/AAAAAAAAA6k/lqAgJgG5wVg/s1600/randy%2B3.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Randy in a shirt AND pants is a rare occurrence. This is from the WWE film he starred in, Twelve Rounds: Reloaded</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for reading!</span> <img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BiQSRIGL94/VRRt44eOYMI/AAAAAAAAA5U/eNS9OGkmTmc/s1600/orton%2B17.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></div>
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<i>*With the exception of the baby oil pic, none of the images or videos are mine. I borrowed them because they're pretty, but they remain the property of their owners. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-27441144322102904842015-02-11T12:51:00.001-06:002015-02-11T12:51:15.555-06:00WHO DESERVED BETTER? My Thoughts on Chris Kanyon's AutobiographyProfessional wrestling can be awesome. It's fun to watch and most of the guys who work in the business absolutely love it. But at the same time, like any performance industry, or hell - life in general, it has it dark sides. It's no secret that many wrestlers have died young. Accidents, drugs, health problems and other causes have taken many wrestlers away from the ring before their time. Suicide has also claimed the lives of several wrestlers, including Chris Kanyon.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUap1s6WJw0/VNqIz7xAakI/AAAAAAAAAsA/615Q7u8ofps/s1600/kanyon%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUap1s6WJw0/VNqIz7xAakI/AAAAAAAAAsA/615Q7u8ofps/s1600/kanyon%2B2.jpg" /></a>Who was Chris Kanyon? He was a professional wrestler from Queens, NY. He trained in small promotions throughout the East coast, eventually ending up in the now defunct WCW. He had mid-level success there and when the WCW closed its doors he had a short run in the WWE. But in 2010, Chris Kanyon died of a drug over dose. His depression lead him to take that final step. And that depression was exacerbated by living life as a closeted gay wrestler.<br />
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I didn't know this until last year. When Kanyon was actively wrestling, it was mostly on WCW. I've always been a WWE mark, so other than the big names, I didn't pay too much attention to what was going on in WCW. I knew who he was of course. I remember his pretty dark hair and his catch phrase, "Who better than Kanyon? Nobody!" But that was pretty much it. So when I came across his name in an article listing deceased wrestlers I was surprised. One, because I didn't know that he was dead. Two, because other than Pat Patterson and Darren Young (who came out in 2013), I'd never heard of any openly gay wrestlers. I did a little Googling and discovered that he'd co-written an autobiography, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-Reality-Kanyon-Wrestlings-Superstar/dp/1770410287/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423604674&sr=8-1&keywords=wrestling+reality" target="_blank">Wrestling Reality: The Life and Mind of Chris Kanyon, Wrestling's Gay Superstar</a>. I ordered it, not sure what to expect.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVEhz9vevLs/VNujxwQbq-I/AAAAAAAAAtA/Xgnscl52svU/s1600/kanyon%2Bbook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVEhz9vevLs/VNujxwQbq-I/AAAAAAAAAtA/Xgnscl52svU/s1600/kanyon%2Bbook.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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What I quickly realized, was that Kanyon was an awesome story teller. Yes, the book is co-authored by Ryan Clark who did an amazing job. But I couldn't tear myself away from Kanyon's stories. I know that it can be incredibly painful to be a gay youth in America. I see examples all the time and have some small personal experience with it because of a beloved family member. I don't pretend to understand that struggle. But reading Kanyon's experiences as a confused gay teen touched my heart. His recounting of confiding in a member of his church made my face hot with anger. And the story of his first kiss with a boy and the events that came after made me sad, both for him and the boy he scared away.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4vQp-7PW_A/VNqI0acXtOI/AAAAAAAAAsY/cYayldV6Uu8/s1600/kanyon%2B3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4vQp-7PW_A/VNqI0acXtOI/AAAAAAAAAsY/cYayldV6Uu8/s1600/kanyon%2B3.gif" /></a>I did laugh a lot as I read Wrestling Reality. It was interesting to read his journey from kid who idolized wrestlers to becoming one himself. And I groaned at some of the backstage wrestling idiocy he revealed. But overall I was just ... sad. This man lived his entire life in the closet just so that he would be accepted and able to pursue the career he loved. He was so terrified of people finding out his secret that he went years without being in a relationship. That loneliness must have been awful. I couldn't imagine having to make a decision like that: be who you are in your personal life or have the career you want. He couldn't have both, so he sacrificed who he was in order to perform.<br />
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Were there other gay wrestlers in the industry at the time? Oh, I'm sure there were, percentages alone tell you that there have to have been. Were any of those wrestlers partially out - where their wrestling buddies but not the general public knew? More than likely. But Kanyon felt he wasn't able to come out, and when he tried to do so, it seems as though he were punished for it. After that, he hit a low patch in his wrestling career, his depression worsened and finally, he committed suicide. <br />
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After I finished Kanyon's book I felt so bad for him. So I decided to do a small thing in his name. The first book in my M/M professional wrestling erotic romance will be dedicated to the memory of Chris Kanyon. And a portion of the proceeds from the series will be donated to <a href="http://www.athleteally.org/" target="_blank">Out Athletes</a>, a nonprofit organization that helps build inclusive sports organizations. It may be silly and perhaps some might not approve of involving his name with the type of books I write, but it makes my heart feel better.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie1boZ1Tiow/VNqI086ZEzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/eYI-6lvnYCk/s1600/kanyon%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie1boZ1Tiow/VNqI086ZEzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/eYI-6lvnYCk/s1600/kanyon%2B5.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chris Kanyon's book, WRESTLING REALITY is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-Reality-Kanyon-Wrestlings-Superstar/dp/1770410287/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. I invite you to check it out. If you do, be sure to tell me what you think.<br />
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Love,<br />
ChristaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-21579238495006627022015-02-09T12:40:00.000-06:002015-02-09T15:17:23.613-06:00HOT WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: Kota IbushiContinuing on with our Hot Wrestler of the Week posts! This week I'm venturing into territory that is still new to me, New Japan Pro Wrestling. As I've mentioned, I've been a wrestling fan since I was a kid. But I never really paid attention to what was going on in Japan, first because I was clueless. Then because I was a typical lazy American and didn't want to put forth the effort to discover Japanese wrestling and listen to Japanese commentary. But NJPW is gaining popularity in the American wrestling audience so I gave it a go. And I love it! The athleticism and story telling in their matches are amazing. Their wrestlers are so talented that I don't even care that I can't understand the commentary. One of my favorites is Kota Ibushi. He's pretty. And he's super talented. And he's pretty.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUaw_iXOIOc/VNjuLw5yfmI/AAAAAAAAAro/6lp9bx93aPY/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bstanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUaw_iXOIOc/VNjuLw5yfmI/AAAAAAAAAro/6lp9bx93aPY/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bstanding.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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<u><b>STATS</b></u><br />
From: Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan <br />
Age: 32<br />
Promotion: NJPW & DDT <br />
Height: 5'11
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Weight: 190<br />
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Since I'm still learning about NJPW and Ibushi, this post will be mostly pictures. But you don't mind, right?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuXEHSDApFw/VNjpEWX7UUI/AAAAAAAAAq8/QCWKsYgYwrA/s1600/kota%2Bibushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuXEHSDApFw/VNjpEWX7UUI/AAAAAAAAAq8/QCWKsYgYwrA/s1600/kota%2Bibushi.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I do know that Ibushi has been a Junior Heavyweight Champion on multiple occasions, both as a tag team and a singles competitor.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZF7MsyhnbI/VNjo8tttgMI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/wA6z9tc4pZI/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bchamp%2Bbandw.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZF7MsyhnbI/VNjo8tttgMI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/wA6z9tc4pZI/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bchamp%2Bbandw.png" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SMPEAAGgYE/VNjpEdHU3XI/AAAAAAAAAq4/-9ku2lNE6yo/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bwith%2Btrophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SMPEAAGgYE/VNjpEdHU3XI/AAAAAAAAAq4/-9ku2lNE6yo/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bwith%2Btrophy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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How is it possible to be this adorable after wrestling a match?</div>
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Kota Ibushhi has some moves that make my heart jump into my throat when I'm watching him wrestle.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKoBU_NgHSY/VNjo_mJzyuI/AAAAAAAAAp8/mV3gQRjS8ro/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bhurricanrana.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKoBU_NgHSY/VNjo_mJzyuI/AAAAAAAAAp8/mV3gQRjS8ro/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bhurricanrana.gif" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6HgUXgx1MDg/VNjo-yzbcSI/AAAAAAAAApw/Yz6fEcojj5s/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bflippy%2Bshit.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6HgUXgx1MDg/VNjo-yzbcSI/AAAAAAAAApw/Yz6fEcojj5s/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bflippy%2Bshit.gif" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Standing Shooting Star Press into a Moonsault</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol7k5njDo8s/VNjpCK9xHDI/AAAAAAAAAqc/LoG86LEnTuE/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bphoenix%2Bsplash.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol7k5njDo8s/VNjpCK9xHDI/AAAAAAAAAqc/LoG86LEnTuE/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bphoenix%2Bsplash.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Corkscrew 450 Splash</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyZrH1dDhFU/VNjpDroz5II/AAAAAAAAAqw/3Zlwd3mnRpw/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bturnbuckle%2Bflip.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyZrH1dDhFU/VNjpDroz5II/AAAAAAAAAqw/3Zlwd3mnRpw/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bturnbuckle%2Bflip.gif" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This guy has NO fear.</b></span></td></tr>
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But he's also strong and has moved up into the Heavyweight division. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lc2mktnzLlM/VNjo_qqSWnI/AAAAAAAAAp4/PNRr3YSLYuo/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bkick%2Btorso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lc2mktnzLlM/VNjo_qqSWnI/AAAAAAAAAp4/PNRr3YSLYuo/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bkick%2Btorso.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
The
first match I ever saw of his was versus Shinsuke Nakamura for the
Intercontinental Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 9. Ibushi lost, but it
was by far my favorite match of the program. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aThLp9GdcpU/VNjo9Xn7saI/AAAAAAAAAps/jJ4ruZyLMmU/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bclothesline.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aThLp9GdcpU/VNjo9Xn7saI/AAAAAAAAAps/jJ4ruZyLMmU/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bclothesline.gif" /></a></div>
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I bet there are more championships in his future. In the meantime, he
can go on being amazing and looking gorgeous while doing it.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F98cObcNfDM/VNjpCSl9RKI/AAAAAAAAAqk/f18OGxlPex8/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bsweaty%2Bchamp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F98cObcNfDM/VNjpCSl9RKI/AAAAAAAAAqk/f18OGxlPex8/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bsweaty%2Bchamp.gif" height="346" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKl7Ujje7ek/VNjo51X-o-I/AAAAAAAAApQ/eADxeWIzbgk/s1600/kota%2Bibushhi%2Bon%2Bhorse.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKl7Ujje7ek/VNjo51X-o-I/AAAAAAAAApQ/eADxeWIzbgk/s1600/kota%2Bibushhi%2Bon%2Bhorse.gif" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Move over Old Spice Guy, Kota Ibushi is on a white horse.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_HupEKfSLQ/VNjo6g09KMI/AAAAAAAAApU/2Qg7f0k-gjE/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bat%2Bbeach.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_HupEKfSLQ/VNjo6g09KMI/AAAAAAAAApU/2Qg7f0k-gjE/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bat%2Bbeach.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hmmm... which Ibushi do I like better? Beach Ibushi?</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hHfwHMAN9o/VNjo7kPHpdI/AAAAAAAAApg/V5t3YboeJJ4/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bbubbles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hHfwHMAN9o/VNjo7kPHpdI/AAAAAAAAApg/V5t3YboeJJ4/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bbubbles.png" height="400" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Or Bubbles Ibushi?</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Kidding, Bare Bum Ibushi is my fave.</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r58cb_8NaCg/VNjo7l3ydTI/AAAAAAAAApk/KzaJqNQDXfA/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bbutt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r58cb_8NaCg/VNjo7l3ydTI/AAAAAAAAApk/KzaJqNQDXfA/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bbutt.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to figure out what's happening in these two matches. </div>
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Professional Wrestling, ladies and gentlemen. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdgm8KYPJGc/VNjpBRDYQsI/AAAAAAAAAqU/NuUfKN9eFZA/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bkissing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdgm8KYPJGc/VNjpBRDYQsI/AAAAAAAAAqU/NuUfKN9eFZA/s1600/kota%2Bibushi%2Bkissing.gif" height="204" width="400" /></a></div>
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Visit <a href="http://www.njpw.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">New Japan Pro Wrestling</a> for more on Kota Ibushi and others. Thank you to creators of pictures and gifs. None of the images used are my own.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-29804682297124835612015-02-02T09:00:00.000-06:002015-02-02T10:06:17.137-06:00HOT WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: Bobby Roode Continuing on with our Hot Wrestlers of the Week! This week I'm jumping over to a different promotion, TNA. What's a promotion, you ask? A promotion is a wrestling company. It can also be referred to as a federation. The different promotions range in size, talent and wrestling styles. Smaller indie promotions can be found across the globe. They often put on shows in places ranging from VFW halls to small arenas. Two of the largest wrestling promotions are World Wrestling Entertainment and New Japan Pro Wrestling. There are also two mid-sized companies, Ring of Honor and TNA. One of the most popular (and good lookin') guys in TNA is Bobby Roode.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnOP_AwIIEk/VM5rz9Cxp2I/AAAAAAAAAm8/W8yUzl3HVt8/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bin%2Bcloak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnOP_AwIIEk/VM5rz9Cxp2I/AAAAAAAAAm8/W8yUzl3HVt8/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bin%2Bcloak.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ux5n_L4Cpg/VM5r0Sxj29I/AAAAAAAAAnA/_cMkAEXFtSk/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bold%2Bschool%2Brobes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ux5n_L4Cpg/VM5r0Sxj29I/AAAAAAAAAnA/_cMkAEXFtSk/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bold%2Bschool%2Brobes.gif" /></a></div>
<u><b>STATS</b></u><br />
From: Ontario, Canada <br />
Age: 37<br />
Promotion: TNA <br />
Height: 6'0
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Weight: 240 <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgLjJ94p9qU/VM55ITE2qAI/AAAAAAAAAoI/CzXulHX0bUQ/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bfull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgLjJ94p9qU/VM55ITE2qAI/AAAAAAAAAoI/CzXulHX0bUQ/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bfull.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>If you like the burly, manly, Canadian type, Bobby Roode is for you. When Roode first debuted in TNA he was the enforcer for his group, Team Canada. An enforcer is the guy who you don't want to mess with. He comes in and solves problems by knocking heads, enforcing the superiority of his stable. And with a physique like this, it's obvious why Roode held that role.<br />
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Roode has been a key player of TNA Impact Wrestling for going on eleven years. That's the type of longevity that shows a wrestler has a passion for the business. His skill and and passion have paid off with multiple championship titles. He's been one half of several TNA championship tag teams.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOFhkXGI7kU/VM6GX3wi6RI/AAAAAAAAAoo/7uaQmD4c1cY/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bbeer%2Bmoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOFhkXGI7kU/VM6GX3wi6RI/AAAAAAAAAoo/7uaQmD4c1cY/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bbeer%2Bmoney.jpg" height="157" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobby Roode as the "money" in Beer Money Inc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tag Team Champ with Austin Aries</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFUcZHIUVoE/VM5rznUz8pI/AAAAAAAAAm0/T5Z_F-oh3Fg/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bcolor%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFUcZHIUVoE/VM5rznUz8pI/AAAAAAAAAm0/T5Z_F-oh3Fg/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bcolor%2Btitle.jpg" height="400" width="302" /></a>He's also reached the highest levels as a singles competitor. Roode has earned the TNA World Heavyweight Championship on several different occasions, including one reign that lasted for 256 days. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjbBj5EQnh4/VM5ryUXMaGI/AAAAAAAAAmk/L_MTLJaohhI/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bbandw%2Bchamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RRzV0d-O-U/VM5r0ob1lEI/AAAAAAAAAnM/FSbmOacEW0s/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Breading%2Bpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RRzV0d-O-U/VM5r0ob1lEI/AAAAAAAAAnM/FSbmOacEW0s/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Breading%2Bpaper.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjbBj5EQnh4/VM5ryUXMaGI/AAAAAAAAAmk/L_MTLJaohhI/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Bbandw%2Bchamp.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></div>
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Whether he's sporting a classic diamond encrusted robe or slowly unbuttoning a white dress shirt, Roode has the look of a man who means business. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHsLywc8I6w/VM6JqCFMkAI/AAAAAAAAAo8/bVjLtR7VEjA/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Brobes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHsLywc8I6w/VM6JqCFMkAI/AAAAAAAAAo8/bVjLtR7VEjA/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Brobes.png" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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He says he's got the It Factor, and I definitely agree. Take a peek at a few more of his pics and tell me what you think of Mr. Bobby Roode. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNA7XgJrH84/VM5r1tfsNyI/AAAAAAAAAnc/iLV06wmEUTg/s1600/bobby%2Broodes%2Bass.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNA7XgJrH84/VM5r1tfsNyI/AAAAAAAAAnc/iLV06wmEUTg/s1600/bobby%2Broodes%2Bass.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuTiYi0lrZ8/VM5rybZLqRI/AAAAAAAAAmg/bXFV1hCsFBw/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuTiYi0lrZ8/VM5rybZLqRI/AAAAAAAAAmg/bXFV1hCsFBw/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tr0aUS-LfZc/VM6JqAOp2qI/AAAAAAAAAo4/_TZEibB4M74/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Btorso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tr0aUS-LfZc/VM6JqAOp2qI/AAAAAAAAAo4/_TZEibB4M74/s1600/bobby%2Broode%2Btorso.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Thanks to creators of pics, gifs, and videos. None of the images used are my own</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-24472158761267598802015-01-27T13:26:00.001-06:002015-01-27T13:27:19.111-06:00HOT WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: Roman ReignsAs I write my romance series set in the world of professional wrestling,
I will be creating all original characters. But, I still like to look
at the real ones for inspiration. I know that some of you know of who
these guys are. But some of you are, as my friend Denise puts it,
wrestling virgins. So each week, I'll do a hot wrestler of the week
profile. That way, everyone can get to know some of these wrestling gods. This week, the 2015 WWE Royal Rumble winner: Roman Reigns.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8AEH_qovvg/VMfSP3DyqsI/AAAAAAAAAkw/0_CYWFeNLOQ/s1600/roman%2Bfull%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8AEH_qovvg/VMfSP3DyqsI/AAAAAAAAAkw/0_CYWFeNLOQ/s1600/roman%2Bfull%2Bshot.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<u><b>STATS</b></u><br />
From: Florida<br />
Age: 29<br />
Promotion: WWE <br />
Height: 6'3
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Weight: 265<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHerrFhL72E/VMfXqk_ANrI/AAAAAAAAAlw/ix5fuyIf5qY/s1600/roman%2Bfootball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHerrFhL72E/VMfXqk_ANrI/AAAAAAAAAlw/ix5fuyIf5qY/s1600/roman%2Bfootball.jpg" /></a>Roman is, as the announcers like to say, a power house. As a member of The Shield, the greatest faction ever, (Oops! My bias is showing) he was the muscle that put an emphatic end cap on the beatings his brothers, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, dished out to opponents. He often puts guys down with a Spear, aka a running tackle. This move makes sense for him, since he played football in college.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F4iU44Ybxc/VMfX1SHZvWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/K0AfbbJM6tg/s1600/romans%2Bspear.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F4iU44Ybxc/VMfX1SHZvWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/K0AfbbJM6tg/s1600/romans%2Bspear.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Roman is also a member of the esteemed Anoa'i family, a powerful Samoan wrestling dynasty. Its members include The Wild Samoans, Yokuzuna, The Usos, Rikishi, and more. In fact, wrestling and Hollywood superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is Roman's cousin by marriage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Rock and Roman Reigns</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oChV9wo5By8/VMfSsDLJrcI/AAAAAAAAAlU/wLd9E__CVTo/s1600/roman%2Band%2Brock.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oChV9wo5By8/VMfSsDLJrcI/AAAAAAAAAlU/wLd9E__CVTo/s1600/roman%2Band%2Brock.gif" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Rock raising Roman's hand in victory after the Royal Rumble</span></td></tr>
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It's an exciting time for Roman Reigns, as he's chosen to be the next big thing for WWE. He'll have a bit of a struggle, since some of the fans aren't behind him. But that adversity is what builds a wrestler's character and makes their rise interesting to watch. <br />
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Roman is definitely gifted athletically. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBeQtkHw7Rc/VMfhZn6jS6I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/RzypYcTn0NM/s1600/roman%2Bdropkick.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBeQtkHw7Rc/VMfhZn6jS6I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/RzypYcTn0NM/s1600/roman%2Bdropkick.gif" height="206" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ring Apron Drop Kick</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk-Z-GV1nnk/VMfhRQHLQ6I/AAAAAAAAAmI/5P24BaKRDU0/s1600/roman%2Bsuper%2Bman%2Bpunch.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk-Z-GV1nnk/VMfhRQHLQ6I/AAAAAAAAAmI/5P24BaKRDU0/s1600/roman%2Bsuper%2Bman%2Bpunch.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Superman Punch</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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But he's also very pretty! Thanks to his long, luscious locks, he's been
given the nickname Samoan Silky. I think you can see why.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx4iUHlRjD4/VMfJqMDVXVI/AAAAAAAAAkM/A93lhrZVkio/s1600/thick%2Bhair%2Broman.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx4iUHlRjD4/VMfJqMDVXVI/AAAAAAAAAkM/A93lhrZVkio/s1600/thick%2Bhair%2Broman.gif" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67dutkbR5OY/VMfJqI3EgQI/AAAAAAAAAkI/l5TRW4t2tt0/s1600/roman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Unfortunately he's currently wrestling all covered up. But this is what he looks like when he stops being bashful and shows a little skin. <br />
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Well, I think my work this week is done. But before I go, put a bomb shield over your ovaries to keep them from exploding, because I've got a few more pics for ya.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ftJp_hvho0/VMfJpLIIHDI/AAAAAAAAAj4/1iPH6bN0tq4/s1600/roman%2Bsmiling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ftJp_hvho0/VMfJpLIIHDI/AAAAAAAAAj4/1iPH6bN0tq4/s1600/roman%2Bsmiling.png" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67dutkbR5OY/VMfJqI3EgQI/AAAAAAAAAkI/l5TRW4t2tt0/s1600/roman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67dutkbR5OY/VMfJqI3EgQI/AAAAAAAAAkI/l5TRW4t2tt0/s1600/roman.jpg" height="400" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Is this guy a freaking model?!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHP5lrVSwLM/VMfSRdnlDyI/AAAAAAAAAlE/kID0hDDcYCU/s1600/roman%2Bpush%2Bups.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHP5lrVSwLM/VMfSRdnlDyI/AAAAAAAAAlE/kID0hDDcYCU/s1600/roman%2Bpush%2Bups.gif" height="231" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lx4JxHbou-U/VMfSQq2hoOI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Fhm2f6xGAgw/s1600/roman%2Bprays.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lx4JxHbou-U/VMfSQq2hoOI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Fhm2f6xGAgw/s1600/roman%2Bprays.gif" height="164" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Getting ready to go out to the ring.</span></td></tr>
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Want to see Roman Reigns in action? Check him out every Monday on RAW at 8/7 on USA. Or take a gander at the below clip. Thanks for reading! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/bscu1yArDlU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bscu1yArDlU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Thanks to creators of pics, gifs, and videos. None of the images used are my own.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-51345984889372545232015-01-21T13:46:00.000-06:002015-01-21T13:46:21.191-06:00NEW DESK! Furniture building. I am not good at it. I get impatient, throw things, and cry when I'm not done in the twenty minutes I think it should take. But my back was suffering at my old desk so I went out on Black Friday and bought a really cool new one. After a few days of looking at the box, as impatient as ever, I was ready to build it on my own. I figured it would take me an hour - max. Of course when I posted the picture of what the completed project was supposed to look like: desk, attached L-piece, hutch, drawers, and doors, I received both chuckles at my naive belief I could build it on my own and offers of help to build it. Thank goodness!<br />
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My friends and roller derby league mates, Speed O' and Sam I Slam came over to help me put it together. At this point, I still believed it would only take an hour to build it. Once we were underway however, I realized I was wrong. We got off to a great start. Speed O' organized the pieces alphabetically (I wouldn't have thought to do that) Sam read the directions (I scoff at directions) and it was on. Well, we did hit one snag. After Sam laid out all the little small baggies of screws and whatnot in order, Speed O' picked one up and ripped it open. Pieces flew everywhere! Thank goodness for spare parts, right?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sam in black and Speed O' in gray. They rightly relegated me to handing them tools and documenting the process. </span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7uQAFOTSBWI/VL_7rKGr4NI/AAAAAAAAAis/egFlnb6e9QE/s1600/mindy%2Bguarding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7uQAFOTSBWI/VL_7rKGr4NI/AAAAAAAAAis/egFlnb6e9QE/s1600/mindy%2Bguarding.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">My dog, Mindy. She's either making sure we're doing it right, guarding me to make sure I'm okay, or plotting evil. You can never tell with her. </span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB3kZvMlwnY/VL_7oeZZG2I/AAAAAAAAAiU/-9fy7A0QAN0/s1600/foreman%2Btan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB3kZvMlwnY/VL_7oeZZG2I/AAAAAAAAAiU/-9fy7A0QAN0/s1600/foreman%2Btan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">My niece, Tan, came in to play foreman. </span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbRpp1wmylg/VL_7sb6VGxI/AAAAAAAAAi4/i2fwENWX6aM/s1600/sam%2Bholding%2Bdoor%2Bopen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbRpp1wmylg/VL_7sb6VGxI/AAAAAAAAAi4/i2fwENWX6aM/s1600/sam%2Bholding%2Bdoor%2Bopen.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>After FOUR HOURS we were done. I don't know how in the world I thought this massive desk would take an hour to build. We ran into a bit of trouble with the doors. I of course, was the only one who had a good picture of what the finished product would look like. So when Sam and Speed O' went to attach the doors, they assumed they opened outwards like most doors do. Nope! These raised up like DeLorean doors, but I failed to mention that. We got them all the way on and were confused as to why the handles didn't match up before we realized we'd attached them wrong. Minor setback.<br />
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So thankful for my friends! They got my desk built without me having to cry or throw anything once. Just one of the awesome examples of my friends and family supporting me in my crazy career path of writing smexy books.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ET9RNdJqrGM/VL_7t4naLRI/AAAAAAAAAjI/9J2I-VpKd_0/s1600/us%2Bon%2Bdesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ET9RNdJqrGM/VL_7t4naLRI/AAAAAAAAAjI/9J2I-VpKd_0/s1600/us%2Bon%2Bdesk.jpg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6biXRs_QfM/VL_7u_zE5zI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/B8UKGFqZzTQ/s1600/completed%2Bdesk.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6biXRs_QfM/VL_7u_zE5zI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/B8UKGFqZzTQ/s1600/completed%2Bdesk.png" height="640" width="540" /></a>And now I have this masterpiece to sit at and work the book writing magic. Love it! Thank you Sam and Speed O'! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-25597441321906380882015-01-19T15:08:00.000-06:002015-01-19T15:44:39.883-06:00HOT WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: Dolph ZigglerAs I write my romance series set in the world of professional wrestling,
I will be creating all original characters. But, I still like to look
at the real ones for inspiration. I know that some of you know of who
these guys are. But some of you are, as my friend Denise puts it,
wrestling virgins. So each week, I'll do a hot wrestler of the week
profile. That way, everyone can get to know some of these wrestling gods. Next
up, the master of the Ziggle Wiggle, Dolph Ziggler<br />
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<u><b>STATS</b></u><br />
From: Ohio<br />
Age: 34<br />
Promotion: WWE <br />
Height: 6'0<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Ziggle Wiggle</span></td></tr>
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Weight: 213<br />
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Dolph Ziggler is a great talent. He's been a fan of professional wrestling since he was a kid. In college he did amateur wrestling, setting a goal at his school for most career wins. On Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling Podcast, he tells a hilarious story of how he convinced his wrestling team to come out to music just like they do in WWE.<br />
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Today, Ziggler is a baby face, or good guy. He's a top guy but not <i>the </i>top guy. But, he's on his way. Ziggler is definitely a crowd favorite. The internet wrestling community (IWC) is filled with people wanting the WWE to *push Ziggler. And he's worthy of it. He's a small guy in comparison to many of the giants in professional wrestling. (I met him in person once and was surprised at how "small" he is.) But he makes up for his size with charisma, talent out the wazoo, and a willingness to take insane hits.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Great Height on Ziggler's Drop Kick</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Taking a Power Bomb Onto a Ladder</span></td></tr>
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And unsurprisingly, Dolph and his Ziggle Wiggle are very popular eye candy. He's got a sculpted jawline, roughened by the perfect amount of stubble, a great physique, and other assets.<br />
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As it says on his spankies, he likes to show off. So I'm gonna let him do it. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Dolph as Intercontinental Champion</span></td></tr>
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Want to see Ziggler in action? Check out the below video, or watch him live on Monday Night RAW on USA 8/7 pm.<br />
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*A push in wrestling is when a wrestler gets put into top storylines, is chosen to win, and generally made into a star for the promotion. <br />
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<i>Thank you to the creators of the pics, gifs, and videos used in this blog post. None of the images used are my own.</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-40012615563415977762015-01-13T14:53:00.001-06:002015-01-14T10:06:36.146-06:00HOT WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: Seth RollinsAs I write my romance series set in the world of professional wrestling, I will be creating all original characters. But, I still like to look at the real ones for inspiration. I know that some of you know of who these guys are. But some of you are, as my friend Denise puts it, wrestling virgins. So each week, I'll do a hot wrestler of the week profile. That way, everyone can get to know these wrestling gods. First up, the man we like to call Crossfit Wrestling Jesus, Seth Rollins<br />
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<u><b>STATS</b></u><br />
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From: Iowa<br />
Age: 28<br />
Promotion: WWE <br />
Height: 6'1<br />
Weight: 217<br />
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Although Seth is young, he's been doing this for a long time. The two pictures just above are from when he wrestled in the independents as Tyler Black in his early twenties.<br />
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He's also rather infamous for a role he did in his youth, Cyber Fights. How do I explain Cyber Fights? Well, it's not porn. But it's a way for pretty young wrestlers to showcase their talents and assets in order to make money. They wrestle in skimpy (skimpier than usual) trunks while getting themselves into suggestive (more suggestive than usual) positions. It goes on the internet, fans pay to watch it and the wrestler gets paid. Everyone is happy. Below, a few gifs from Cyber Fights, courtesy of P.o.J. from tumblr.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHP-6rYUYFI/VLVu-4MQONI/AAAAAAAAAbs/f8_RjBFKqRQ/s1600/worship%2Bme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHP-6rYUYFI/VLVu-4MQONI/AAAAAAAAAbs/f8_RjBFKqRQ/s1600/worship%2Bme.jpg" height="400" width="317" /></a> Right now, Seth Rollins is the top heel, or bad guy, in the WWE. The WWE is the biggest wrestling promotion in the world, so he's at the top of the food chain. And his character is a smug little bastard who knows it.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PSGM7NN0Ms/VLVu5-J3LvI/AAAAAAAAAaE/hnxuwxobo38/s1600/lazing%2Bseth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Seth is also amazing in the ring and is an insane fitness nut. We call him Crossfit Jesus because he works out daily in Crossfit gyms across the world, in whatever city the promotion is in that week. And it shows.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wy-bQaNdyX4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Want to see Mr. Rollins in action? The link above will take you to a match featuring Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose. <br />
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And that's hot wrestler of the week #1: Seth Rollins. You can learn more about him on his <a href="http://www.wwe.com/superstars/seth-rollins" target="_blank">WWE profile</a> and catch him Monday nights on RAW at 8/7 on USA. Here's a few more pics of him before you go. Enjoy! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-15455870324488900232015-01-13T13:46:00.001-06:002015-01-13T13:46:22.513-06:00Why Wrestling?As I mentioned last week, my current WIP is set in the world of professional wrestling. But I bet a lot of you are confused as to why I chose this setting. Or, you're curious about it and would like to know more. Well, I'm here to help! As I work on my series, I'll also spend time posting about wrestling so that all of you lovely readers will be well informed by the time the first book in my series comes out. As you read, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when I say ring rat, go home, or kayfabe. To be clear, I'm not an expert on wrestling. I'm a mark, but not a smark. The only info I have is what's readily available to the public and what I've picked up in my twenty odd years of watching.<br />
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Let's start with <b>kayfabe</b>. It basically means <i>to be fake</i>. Yes folks, professional wrestling is scripted. You'll notice I didn't say fake. That's because the wrestlers are athletes and they work hard. They protect each other when they are doing their moves in the ring, but it still hurts when they crash onto the mat, take a chop across the chest or any of the other dozens of moves they do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3pUaJV7Kwk/VLVhIZiVQOI/AAAAAAAAAY8/QytdL6gphE0/s1600/northern%2Blights%2Bsuplex.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3pUaJV7Kwk/VLVhIZiVQOI/AAAAAAAAAY8/QytdL6gphE0/s1600/northern%2Blights%2Bsuplex.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Northern Lights Suplex</span></td></tr>
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These men and women have to be skilled in order to make it look like they are killing each other, while at the same time keeping themselves and their opponents safe. Unfortunately, in spite of this, accidents and injuries do happen.<br />
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Of course, outcomes of the matches are decided before they ever hit the entrance ramp. But that's okay, because it's a TV show. For example, fans of Law & Order enjoy watching Benson and Stabler (why did he leave SVU?!) chase down sex criminals. You know there's a formula to the show, but you don't know who the bad guy will turn out to be and if he will get jail time. Same with wrestling. There's a formula, but the fans don't know who will win the match.<br />
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So yes, kayfabe means to be fake. It's from carny, or carnival, talk. Wrestling as we know it today got it's start in traveling circuses and carnivals. The wrestlers would use their own made up language to keep the locals from knowing what was going on in their matches. Today, most fans over the age of ten are aware of kayfabe, but we suspend our disbelief in order to enjoy the show.<br />
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But other than my love of the sport, why did I choose professional wrestling to write about? Well, I think we can all agree that most romance novels feature MCs who are in over the top career fields, yes? Sheiks, billionaires, and firemen, oh my! There <i>are </i>novels that have regular Joes, but most people want to read about characters who are doing something exciting and outside the norm. Professional wrestling definitely fits the bill. They travel the world, take on larger than life personas when they're on screen, and have dangerous jobs. Most of them have tons of charisma and they have very fit bodies that are pretty much all on display. Bless whomever decided that the official wrestler's uniform should be little spankies and boots. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6FUvpufu6Q/VLVb9BAxsrI/AAAAAAAAAYs/XGJX5o9MqYs/s1600/cesaro%2Bfull%2Bbody.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6FUvpufu6Q/VLVb9BAxsrI/AAAAAAAAAYs/XGJX5o9MqYs/s1600/cesaro%2Bfull%2Bbody.png" height="320" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Swiss Superstar, Cesaro</span></td></tr>
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Also, the men and women in the elite wrestling organizations are on the road 5-6 days a week, nearly 50 weeks a year. They spend more time with each other than they do their families. Even those wrestlers who are on the smaller indy circuits become so close that they form their own brotherhood. Combine that closeness with the drama of the industry and it's the perfect setting for a romance.<br />
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And last, but certainly not least. Wrestling is so super slashy. Sweaty, mostly naked, oily men rolling around with each other is pretty darn homoerotic. I give you:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Exhibit A</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Exhibit B</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Exhibit C</span></td></tr>
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And in order to win, you have to make your opponent submit, by laying on top of him and errr... raising his legs in the air. <br />
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I could go on, but I think you get the gist. So! That sums up why I choose professional wrestling for my next erotic romance series. Any questions? Ask me in the comments. Thanks for reading!<br />
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Love,<br />
Christa<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Ring Rat</b> = Fan, most often female, who hangs around wrestlers with the goal of sleeping with them. Wrestler groupie.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Go Home</b> = Final moves to end a match. Or, final televised show before a big Pay-Per-View event.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Mark </b>= Giant fan of wrestling. Wrestling geek. Me</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Smark </b>= Smart Mark. Fans who profess to have all the insider knowledge. Armchair wrestling bookers.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-39868821810860046572015-01-06T17:55:00.000-06:002015-01-06T19:56:50.621-06:00WWE House Show Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went to a WWE house show this past Saturday. What is a house show you ask? A house show is a non-televised event put on by a wrestling company. These are normally a lot of fun. The wrestlers are more relaxed because they aren't bound by the things that have to be done for the TV show. They interact with the crowd, do silly moves in the ring and just all around have a good time. The crowds are also smaller, so you normally get to sit closer and it feels much more intimate. I enjoy going to them. I had a great time at this Saturday's show. My favorite part was a small silly thing. Referee Charles Robinson (you'll see a pic of him below) was counting out someone who'd been knocked out of the ring. In professional wrestling, you have until 10 to get back in or you'll be disqualified. And as he counted, he looked to this little kid to make sure he was staying on track. He didn't move on to the next number until the kid held up the next finger. It was adorable. I let him know I thought it was cute on Twitter, and he was kind enough to respond. (I may have fangirled for a moment that he tweeted me.)<br />
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Here are some of my pics from the show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWR7VKjSmZE/VKxuMQcFS_I/AAAAAAAAAW8/6c5uuFHmYqU/s1600/bffs%2Band%2Bsign%2Bguy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWR7VKjSmZE/VKxuMQcFS_I/AAAAAAAAAW8/6c5uuFHmYqU/s1600/bffs%2Band%2Bsign%2Bguy.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right, Cameron, Sasha Banks, and Summer Rae. They're yelling at super fan, WWE Sign Guy.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ht4fkdWWjE/VKxxWXdAB-I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Ngx5Eok_qoQ/s1600/triple%2Bbaseball%2Bslide.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ht4fkdWWjE/VKxxWXdAB-I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Ngx5Eok_qoQ/s1600/triple%2Bbaseball%2Bslide.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi, Emma, and Alicia Fox going for a triple baseball slide right onto their opponents.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cesaro. He's cheering for himself after doing something dastardly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEnmkcoSPEU/VKxuL6jI4fI/AAAAAAAAAWk/C3_LYtInqgA/s1600/cesaro%2Bon%2Bswagger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEnmkcoSPEU/VKxuL6jI4fI/AAAAAAAAAWk/C3_LYtInqgA/s1600/cesaro%2Bon%2Bswagger.png" height="168" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cesaro, with a sleeper hold on Jack Swagger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YX44pffBP3g/VKxuMrtkpmI/AAAAAAAAAW4/z7NAfHbokTQ/s1600/crunch%2Band%2Bmunch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YX44pffBP3g/VKxuMrtkpmI/AAAAAAAAAW4/z7NAfHbokTQ/s1600/crunch%2Band%2Bmunch.png" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm the cheapo who sneaks Crunch 'N Munch into the arena. Habits learned from my parents stick with me! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moswO-moeMk/VKxuM5ywB2I/AAAAAAAAAW0/TXAc3PJa4eY/s1600/darren%2Byoung.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moswO-moeMk/VKxuM5ywB2I/AAAAAAAAAW0/TXAc3PJa4eY/s1600/darren%2Byoung.png" height="320" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darren Young. He's an Out and Proud gay wrestler. He's also just returning from ACL surgery. I admire the hell out of him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iePo2VeIq6c/VKxuN6lDMoI/AAAAAAAAAXE/RiLYmuahKHo/s1600/kidds%2Bsmile.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iePo2VeIq6c/VKxuN6lDMoI/AAAAAAAAAXE/RiLYmuahKHo/s1600/kidds%2Bsmile.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyson Kidd. He's a bad guy, but he's amazing to watch in the ring. He returned last year from a severe knee injury.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KHt3tzB36I/VKxuNpTXKUI/AAAAAAAAAXI/qu5o6TGO1Go/s1600/kidds%2Bhalf%2Bcrab.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KHt3tzB36I/VKxuNpTXKUI/AAAAAAAAAXI/qu5o6TGO1Go/s1600/kidds%2Bhalf%2Bcrab.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's Kidd putting Sin Cara in the Sharp Shooter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMYr_KWL3tY/VKxuOUun4eI/AAAAAAAAAX4/RRY6gL1seWc/s1600/me%2Band%2Bcharles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMYr_KWL3tY/VKxuOUun4eI/AAAAAAAAAX4/RRY6gL1seWc/s1600/me%2Band%2Bcharles.png" height="268" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to take a pic with referee Charles Robinson! He's a crowd favorite for his groovy hair and hilarious reactions in the ring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRzOaXJpnQ8/VKxuPgHkkzI/AAAAAAAAAXg/_1A4bg7xA8M/s1600/roman%2Bon%2Bturnbuckle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRzOaXJpnQ8/VKxuPgHkkzI/AAAAAAAAAXg/_1A4bg7xA8M/s1600/roman%2Bon%2Bturnbuckle.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Reigns! He's a current fan favorite. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMjv6O_bCZM/VKxuOlZuF5I/AAAAAAAAAXM/SfWX2jjGj_U/s1600/roman%2Bafter%2Bsig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMjv6O_bCZM/VKxuOlZuF5I/AAAAAAAAAXM/SfWX2jjGj_U/s1600/roman%2Bafter%2Bsig.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman after his signature ring apron drop kick.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dX0F1isd1wQ/VKxuPC1ZuUI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/O_Yq8rVPvo8/s1600/roman%2Bdown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dX0F1isd1wQ/VKxuPC1ZuUI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/O_Yq8rVPvo8/s1600/roman%2Bdown.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He did take a beating from the Bulgarian Brute, Rusev.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1y2gn3IGtzI/VKxuPcElo-I/AAAAAAAAAXc/ONenxoTh7WE/s1600/roman%2Bon%2Bropes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1y2gn3IGtzI/VKxuPcElo-I/AAAAAAAAAXc/ONenxoTh7WE/s1600/roman%2Bon%2Bropes.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But somehow managed to look cool even when 'on the ropes'. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj_lphhuNfk/VKxuQEyn03I/AAAAAAAAAXs/b5FWx1soKIk/s1600/usos%2Band%2Bmizdow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj_lphhuNfk/VKxuQEyn03I/AAAAAAAAAXs/b5FWx1soKIk/s1600/usos%2Band%2Bmizdow.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin brothers, Jimmy & Jey Uso making fun of The Miz. But not his stunt double, Mizdow. They liked him. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-6931269548633551932015-01-06T16:34:00.000-06:002015-01-06T16:34:25.645-06:00Wrestling: Entertainment and InspirationWrestling. I'm a big fan. But not of the collegiate / Olympic style. I mean professional wrestling. I've been a fan since I was a kid. My dad was in to it, and every Sunday morning my little brother and I would have our pancakes then sit on the floor to watch with him. In fact, some of my earliest memories are of attending wrestling matches.<br />
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The big shows were held at what used to be The Kiel. It was a great building. There was this long, smooth, circular ramp that lead up to the nosebleeds where we always sat. I remember sitting there in that smoky arena, watching Junk Yard Dog, Ric Flair, and the Von Erichs destroy each other in the ring. It was always a great night, but the only reason I was able to stay up for it is because my step mom would make me take a nap that I always swore I didn't need.<br />
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At one show, Bruiser Brody was in the ring, stomping around like a mad man. I leaned over to my Dad and went, "I think he's sexy." I couldn't have been more than six or seven so I don't even know how I knew that word. My dad just laughed and said, "What do you know about sexy?" I didn't have an answer of course. But that was clearly a bit of foreshadowing for the future grown up fan within me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpmo-_ww85M/VKxSAXbeOVI/AAAAAAAAAVw/8PvZyeZNpQw/s1600/Bruiser_Brody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpmo-_ww85M/VKxSAXbeOVI/AAAAAAAAAVw/8PvZyeZNpQw/s1600/Bruiser_Brody.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruiser Brody. The perfect man for a seven year old to think is sexy, right?</td></tr>
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I wish I had pictures of me and my Dad at one of those long ago wrestling shows. I don't unfortunately, but I'll always have those memories in my head. And at least I have these pictures of us:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnvm_TaBmFI/VKxQsb9ptMI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4SyTDZBkS40/s1600/nitro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnvm_TaBmFI/VKxQsb9ptMI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4SyTDZBkS40/s1600/nitro.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Issgmb9MGuM/VKxQ_PMRQZI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Svp_7EN4QLA/s1600/dad%2Band%2Bi%2Bat%2Brumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Issgmb9MGuM/VKxQ_PMRQZI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Svp_7EN4QLA/s1600/dad%2Band%2Bi%2Bat%2Brumble.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>This is me and my wacky family going to a WCW show, probably around 1998-1999.<br />
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And this is me and my Dad at the WWE Royal Rumble in 2012.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcCWzk_B8do/VKxWD68f_cI/AAAAAAAAAV8/vNjPpSDyIbI/s1600/dean%2Bwalking.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcCWzk_B8do/VKxWD68f_cI/AAAAAAAAAV8/vNjPpSDyIbI/s1600/dean%2Bwalking.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean Ambrose. Maybe he is a <i>bit </i>skinny.</td></tr>
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We still continue to go to shows. I think it's nice that we have it as a common interest. We even have some of the same favorites. My current fave is Dean Ambrose, or as my Dad says, "<i>Oh</i>, <i>that skinny boy? I like him</i>." If it were anyone else I'd pinch him until he took it back, Dean is a perfect male specimen after all. But it's my Dad so he gets a pass. <br />
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When I watched as a kid, I loved wrestling for the over the top characters, the story lines, and the wow moves in the ring. As an adult, I enjoy those same things. But now I appreciate the moves they do a lot more. Not only because wrestling has changed and become much faster and more athletic, but because I know they are putting their bodies, careers, and lives on the line in order to perform. <br />
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Speaking of bodies, *cough* these guys look <i>good</i>. It does irritate me when guys say women only watch for the hot guys in tiny trunks but, <i>there's hot guys in tiny trunks!</i> And they're all shiny. Like new pennies. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qrls4TmkN7E/VKxZQRhxX8I/AAAAAAAAAWI/vjIWOOIMfN4/s1600/Randy_Orton_orton_png4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qrls4TmkN7E/VKxZQRhxX8I/AAAAAAAAAWI/vjIWOOIMfN4/s1600/Randy_Orton_orton_png4.png" height="320" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Randy Orton. Bronzed god, shiny penny, professional wrestler.</td></tr>
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So when you take my life long love of the sport, the hot guys, gorgeous women, and over the top drama, you'll see it was only natural for me to start a series about the wrestling world. It's something I've wanted to write for awhile. And now that I have other things taken care of, I'm pushing forward with it. I'm excited and I hope you'll follow along as I share fun and sexy facts about wrestling (it's so slashy!) and chronicle my journey to book completion. It'll be fun. There will also be tears. Prepare to console me on tough writing days with chocolate. <br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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Love,<br />
ChristaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-34496038969191001232014-10-31T11:00:00.000-05:002014-10-31T14:15:37.843-05:00NaNoWriMo EveIt's NaNoWriMo Eve. I'm not putting any cookies on the mantle, but I am looking over the low star reviews for The Sergeant and Bad Boys Need Too. Why am I reading them? Isn't it awful to read reviews and see the bad things people say about my story? I'll be honest. Reading the negative reviews stings. But it's like getting a shot. It only hurts for a moment and afterwards, I'll be better for it.<br />
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So how will I be better for having read negative reviews about my boys? Because I'm using it as a learning experience. Listening to my audience is the best way to figure out what I can do to improve my writing. The main two complaints for The Sergeant especially and BBNLT on a smaller scale are that they are too long and have too many sex scenes. Alright, guys you've got me! That is 100% true. Like most authors I have lots of ideas and scenes in my head for my stories. And they all seem so lovely, I don't want to lose any of them. So I had to learn the hard way - through tough reviews - that readers enjoy a long journey, just not one that makes unnecessary pit stops.<br />
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Participating in National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, will help me with that problem. The goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in a month. If I'm held to that number, I won't be able to create another epically long masterpiece. (I know they're not really masterpieces. But in my head they are. Gotta have that confidence to be able to share my scribblings with the world). So as I work on my outline for Ortega's Pet, I keep reminding myself to keep it right and tight. If I dream up a scenario, great. But I'll be ruthless in deciding if it's necessary to write into the story. And even then, I'll still have to "trim the fat" and remove some of what makes it onto the computer screen.<br />
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On to the next complaint. Too much sex! Are sex scenes necessary to the story? Well, considering I write erotic romance, hell yes. But! Do I have to have so many? This one is difficult for me. I did a previous post where I discussed how I try to use my sex scenes to further the plot and to build the characters' relationship. I will continue to do this of course. I'll just have to do less of it. (Boooo!) I suppose if I'm planning a shorter story over-all, it won't be as hard to cut back on all the sexy good times as I think. And since there will be less of them, I'll just have to make sure they're even more deep and intense than usual. So that's a win for you, the reader. *insert cheesy wink*<br />
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I look forward to seeing how I come out this go round. I've got my red pens ready. Maybe I should also get a few boxes of Kleenex. I know I'll have copious tears to shed as I cut words out of my manuscript. <br />
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Are you entering the madness that is NaNoWriMo? What are you doing to prepare? <br />
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Here's a few links to visit that cover trimming the fat from your manuscript:<br />
http://www.writingcorner.com/resources/formatting-grammar/tightening-your-manuscript/<br />
http://www.novelrocket.com/2014/07/trimming-and-toning-your-manuscript.html<br />
http://www.rachellegardner.com/how-to-cut-thousands-of-words/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-3311418547552177532014-09-30T13:19:00.000-05:002014-09-30T13:44:34.916-05:00The ARCs Are Coming! Today I'm going to be offering Advanced Review Copies of my upcoming release, Bad Boys Need Love Too, to readers. And I'm terrified. Why? Well, of course there's the usual, "What if my book is horrible and no one likes it and they all laugh and WHY did I ever think I could be a writer?!" fear. But now I have another fear. Pirates. No, not the scurvy, swashbuckling kind. I'm too far inland to worry about them.<br />
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I'm talking about internet pirates. People who steal others work and put it out there on the interwebz to be enjoyed for free. I hate this. Not because I'm stingy and don't like to share. But because I work my brain hard to come up with my stories and I go through the expense and trouble of having them made into books. So having them stolen and given away for free not only hurts my feelings, it hurts my pocket book too.<br />
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As a new writer, there isn't that much to steal from me and put online. But the two books I have <i>are</i> out there. In fact, I woke up this morning to a Google Alert that found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sergeant-Christa-Tomlinson-ebook/dp/B00JTLAJ9S/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1412100414" target="_blank">The Sergeant</a> on a torrent site. Lovely. Now I have to send take down notices.<br />
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So yeah, it worries me that I'm about to give out a few copies. Especially after the huge book sharing scandal that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/leslirichardson?fref=ts" target="_blank">Tymber Dalton</a> broke a couple of weeks ago. Hell, it worries me that the book will be for sale in a few weeks. But if I don't put it out there, no one will read it and I won't get <i>any </i>money from it. Which leaves me no choice. It's a terrible thing all creative people have to deal with. As long as there have been inventors and artists, there have been thieves. It's so much more wide spread and easy to do now a days, but the practice isn't new.<br />
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Hell, <i>I</i> was a thief. When I was promoting The Sergeant this spring, I used all kinds of pretty pictures that I found on line. And they didn't belong to me. Shame! I was stealing from photographers! Once I had my duh! moment and realized what I'd done, I stopped using them. And this time for official BBNLT promos, I'm only using pictures I've purchased or that are free domain.<br />
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Some people see the piracy as just another form of promotion. I think that's utter nonsense. I just can't imagine that the amount of piracy that goes on brings anyone enough resulting sales to make up for it. Of course, I don't have any data to back this up, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.<br />
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In the end, all I can do is create what I want to create and share what I choose to share. I feel strongly that the number of good people out there who come by my work honestly, outweighs the meanies who like to steal. Besides, I don't have any choice but to write. It's in my skin. Literally.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPlhT2s6VfY/VCrv6xhkRwI/AAAAAAAAARg/zdmvFHFOUL8/s1600/lemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPlhT2s6VfY/VCrv6xhkRwI/AAAAAAAAARg/zdmvFHFOUL8/s1600/lemons.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh, and PS. It's Teaser Tuesday. Take a look at sneak peek from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Boys-Need-Love-Too-ebook/dp/B00NR6X7YK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412100229&sr=8-1&keywords=bad+boys+need+love+too" target="_blank">Bad Boys Need Love Too</a> <br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
Love,<br />
Christa<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-64271994220683537662014-09-23T10:58:00.001-05:002014-09-23T10:58:31.523-05:00Another Book, Another Month of Excitement! Well, I'm just all aflutter with excitement! Things are ratcheting up for the release of my next full-length novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Boys-Need-Love-Too-ebook/dp/B00NR6X7YK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411481633&sr=8-1&keywords=bad+boys+need+love+too" target="_blank"><b>Bad Boys Need Love Too</b></a>. This book is completely different from The Sergeant, but I love it just as much. Why? Because it features Gage, the tortured bad boy, and Joseph, the good guy who falls for him. I do love an angsty love story, and these two gave it to me in spades. Bad Boys Need Love Too will be available October 21st on Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com and All Romance eBooks.com. For those you you who like to get that pop up notification first thing in the morning on release day, you can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Boys-Need-Love-Too-ebook/dp/B00NR6X7YK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411481633&sr=8-1&keywords=bad+boys+need+love+too" target="_blank">pre-order</a> Gage and Joseph's story through Amazon. As a special bonus, if you send me a pic of your pre-order confirmation on Facebook or Twitter, you'll be entered to win a signed paperback copy of Bad Boys Need Love Too!<br />
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So, are you wondering how you can get to know a little about Gage and Joseph before October 21st? Well, you're in luck! I present to you the beautiful cover, designed by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JaysCoverDesigns?ref=br_tf" target="_blank"><span id="goog_564210085"></span>Jay's Book Covers By Design</a>, along with a few thoughts from Joseph. <br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><br /><span id="goog_564210086"></span></a>
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You can also read the first three chapters of Bad Boys Need Love Too <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_aQMwNcIhpFTG5Ca3FmX21qYk0/edit" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It will open in a PDF file. </div>
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Still want more? Visit the <a href="http://twochicksobsessed.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/exclusive-cover-reveal-and-giveaway-bad.html?zx=60165878a23722c7" target="_blank">Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy</a> blog. They have an exclusive excerpt. It's Not Suitable for Work, and I don't want you to have to explain your blushing cheeks to your boss, so make sure you read it in private. And while you're there, don't forget to enter to win a free e-copy. But you'll have to hurry. As of this posting, there's only 12 hours left! </div>
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Make sure you're following me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christa.tomlinson.1" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://twitter.com/christa_writes" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. And stop by the <a href="http://christatomlinson.blogspot.com/p/bad-boys-need-love-too.html" target="_blank">Bad Boys Need Love Too</a> page on this blog every Tuesday and Friday. I'll have teasers, inspirational images, contests and more between now and launch day.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Christa</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-74457955047346416592014-07-31T17:54:00.002-05:002014-07-31T17:54:59.510-05:00Let's Talk About Sex, Baby!I walk the line. A fine line between too much sex, even for an erotic romance. Okay, actually I probably fall over that line, but I'm okay with that. Why? Because I don't write sex just for the sake of sex.<br />
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I won't have my characters boinking gratuitously because there's been 100 pages since the last time they boinked. But I will write sex in order to move the plot along. In my stories, when my characters get horizontal (or vertical against the wall, whatever) it's because one or both of them wants something. Or maybe they're trying to say something but sex is easier than finding the right words. Regardless, sex is important and meaningful in the relationships of the characters I write. There's always a reason behind it.<br />
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I know that not everyone will enjoy reading all the smut on the pages of my books, and that's okay. There's been plenty of times where I've skipped over a sex scene in a book, but that doesn't mean I didn't go back and read it later. Every time I think about changing the way I tell my stories, I think back to a review I saw on Amazon for The Sergeant. "I hope the author doesn't change her writing style." Was she referring to all the horizontal mambo going on with Logan and Clay? No clue. But I appreciated that she liked my style enough to take the time to put it in a review.<br />
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Does that mean that I don't think I should change anything about my writing? Hell no! I know I have lots of learning and improving to do as a writer. I look forward to seeing how my writing will mature over the years. But the basic way I tell a story, I think that will stay the same. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-25678065383943549712014-07-23T17:10:00.000-05:002014-07-24T08:55:19.327-05:00Never Give Up! (Except When You Should)I don't know if it's because I'm from Missouri and I won't believe it until you Show Me or because I'm a bull-headed Taurus. Regardless, I am one stubborn miss. You see, I made this plan on what I would write next. I had this great idea for a story between a doctor and a tattoo artist. I wrote an outline, did research, organized the chapters. I even had some good looking guys to use for my muses. I was ready. But when I sat down at my computer nothing came out. There was a short in the brain-fingers-keyboard connection. I could see the story. But it wasn't sexy, there was no passion.<br />
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But you know what was sexy? The other story (okay stories) that was in my head. But I ignored it. I was determined to soldier on with the plan. Why? Two reasons. First, I felt that if I'm going to be a SERIOUS WRITER that I should be disciplined enough to finish what I started. So giving up on those boys felt like well ... giving up. Second, I've gained lots of followers in the m/m genre. And I hate to disappoint those readers that would like to see another m/m story from me. Hence the bullheadedness.<br />
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Still, when nothing came I asked for advice. I posted on Facebook, asked my sister and my mom. <i>Should I write what I'd planned or move on to what my brain was screaming at me to do?</i> EVERYBODY (including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Alexander/e/B009Q82Y0G" target="_blank">Kindle Alexander</a>, she's really smart) told me to move on to what my brain was telling me to write. I got what they were saying. Really, I did. But I tried one last time to do the other story. Because I'm more stubborn than a Missouri mule apparently. So, there I was at my desk. Staring at a document that wouldn't move past 2500 jumbled words. Finally I gave a great big sigh and closed the document.<br />
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The second I went to pick up a notebook to start working on the story I really want to do, I got all giddy. Scenes and ideas popped into my head. Characters and plot points jumped onto note cards. I even have a title, which is normally the hardest thing for me to do. Today I made a playlist of songs to sing and dance to while I write. And I have plans for getting some face to face BDSM research done. When I picked up the pen to write the outline, the ink flowed smoothly across four pages. I accomplished all this in two days, whereas the other story took weeks. I feel good. Real good.<br />
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So what <i>am </i>I writing next? Well, you remember that awesome couple that helped Logan and Clay from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sergeant-Christa-Tomlinson/dp/0996037004/ref=la_B00JEL9M82_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406152977&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Sergeant</a> work on their relationship? Now it's time for them to have their story told. Yep! Senior Corporal Carlos Ortega and Corporal Tiffany Jackson are determined to tell you how they became lovers and Dom and sub. So I'm going to let them. I'm excited to share their story with you and I hope you'll be just as excited to read it. It's a big relief and my brain is very happy that I've made this decision. <br />
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*As for the other stories I mentioned above - that's a secret project I'll be starting after Tiff and Los. Stay tuned! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-22212945288770930852014-06-02T10:52:00.000-05:002014-06-02T10:52:59.778-05:00Goal Achieved! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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*Blows dust off blog* Hello! It's been awhile since I've posted. I may have gotten a little distracted with my first self-publishing project. How did it go you ask? Wonderful! The Sergeant is finally loose in the world. It sold like hot cakes (What exactly are hot cakes? Pancakes?) which pushed it to the #1 spot for Amazon Gay & Lesbian Erotica its second day on the market. Woohoo! Six weeks later it's still in the Top Ten. And the reviews have been great as well. I'll spare you my, "You like me! You really like me!" reenactment, and just tell you that I am over the moon happy. I did lots of ugly crying at some of the sweet comments that readers took the time to send me on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you all so much!<br />
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In all seriousness, I never expected The Sergeant to get the response it did. I had this book and these characters that I loved, and I hoped that a few people would love them too. I even had a modest little goal. Once I sold 314 copies, I would get a new tattoo to comemmorate it. I figured it would take a few weeks to reach that goal. Well I did reach it ... the same day I released the book. I went to bed with a super big smile on my face. And I'm getting my tattoo in a few weeks.<br />
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So I guess the moral of the story is, those cliches are true. If you want something, freaking go for it! You might get everything you want (Like Billy Blanks says) or if you don't reach the moon, you'll still land among the stars (like that poster that every teacher ever has in their classroom says). Publishing a book, creating art, starting a business - all of it is scary. But just imagine the big grin you'll have once you sell your own 314 copies. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151755922232577872.post-57105920323396466442014-03-28T13:51:00.001-05:002014-03-28T13:51:32.195-05:00Sexy Time ClichesSo the other day I'm scrolling through Facebook when I came across a picture on one of my friend's pages. The pic was Erotic Romance Bingo, where you play by - you guessed it - covering a square every time you come across a cliched phrase in an erotic romance.<br />
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When I first saw this, I cringed. I've used some of those phrases! That must mean that my writing is cliched crap! I got all red in the face, positive no one would buy my book. Then I calmed down and did the math (yes I'm that obsessive). I used 8 of those phrases. That's only 33%! Since I'm only on my second book and still learning, I'll consider myself in the clear.<br />
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Of course I want to grow as a writer and come up with inventive new descriptions, but hell, there's no need to reinvent the smut wheel. Sometimes "scissoring fingers"* might just be the best way to get the point across. Besides, as I've aged (like fine wine, yo) I've discovered that purple prose & flowery euphemisms annoy the hell out of me. That's why I choose to write erotic romance, where we tell it like it is.<br />
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I realize that Erotic Romance Bingo was all in good fun. I just thought it would be even more fun for me to share my characteristically overly dramatic reaction to it. However! There is one cliched phrase I will no longer be using. Liquid heat. Why? Well...<br />
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It'll be too hard for me to describe lady parts as liquid heat now that I know it's something that can be used to unclog a backed up sink. No woman wants a va-jay-jay that powerful. At least, I don't think they do. I swear, I didn't know whether to use it to fix my sink or put it in a pair of underwear and set it loose on unsuspecting men. The lines are so blurry.<br />
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*Wanna know the other squares from this bingo I used? Well you'll have to buy The Sergeant, available April 26 to find out. See what I did there? ;-)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463506105269147066noreply@blogger.com0