Blood Ritual of the Crimson Z
When we began to discuss putting together this anthology we ran through a few ideas but one day, in my mind's eye, I saw an old man sitting at a mystical shape. Magic controlled his fingers as he wove fibers of gold into a piece of jewelry. Zachariah was born in my mind. I knew then that whether the group accepted him as a key figure in the anthology or not I would write his story.
I did not have to worry though, the others loved the idea and the anthology was born. Originally, the concept was to be small interludes and a short story about Zachariah. However, as I worked on the story, Zachariah, Melanie and Lilith took over and became a major storyline.
Though I had known what I wanted to do with Lilith, the story of Melanie was still a little up in the air. Yet, the more I wrote, the more the story took over. There were times it wrote itself, and I was only the instrument that it passed through. The characters took on life.
I am looking forward to working on the sequel. There is still so much to tell of the stories of Zachariah, Melanie, Lilith and many more characters that have not even been introduced yet, and many more tales of the jewelry that carries the mark of The Crimson Z.
Author Robert Cloud
Love of a Pendant Heart
Some of you may know about problems on a certain computer server and the deletion of the “user” rooms. Before all of this happened, I came across a few rooms devoted to furries.
For those of you who don't know what furries are, think “Jessica Rabbit.” Furries are a combination of human and an animal. In these rooms I met a variety of characters and some of them led to the stories for “The Crimson Z". I say stories, because my story in the anthology is really two stories woven into one. Adrian and Crys and their tale of love found, lost, and reclaimed is one story. The love that Cara and Zaven find is another very different love story about the ability of true love to overcome many differences.
Though the concepts of anthro-foxes and so on might be foreign to you, remember the fairy tales of your youth and feel young again as you read, but not TOO young, because the romances depicted are not quite appropriate for youth!
Love of a Pendant Heart is a celebration of the infinite diversities of life and a celebration of the fact that just because people or creatures are different doesn't mean they can't find love. There are infinite diversities and the way they combine to create new ones is a wonder to behold. Enjoy these stories and consider just how different we all are and embrace those differences.
Author Lee Rush
The Anniversary
I regard myself firstly as an artist. I have been producing fine artwork and illustrations for more than twenty years. I first became involved with Black Velvet Seductions last year, when I was asked to do the cover illustration for Robert Cloud's book Toy's Story. During the production of that book cover I got to know the BVS family rather well in our group discussions.
In one of the meetings I took part in, the subject of an erotic supernatural anthology which came to be known as The Crimson Z was discussed. I assumed and hoped I would get the commission to do the cover, which I had the great privilege of doing. In addition, I was offered the opportunity to come up with a story for the anthology. I have been an aspiring author for several years, writing for myself at first, but later with a strong desire to get into print so I leapt at the opportunity to become a published author.
We decided as a group that all the stories should be linked. Robert Cloud volunteered to write the story of the jeweller whose creations tie all the individual stories together. For my own story I wanted to go further with my writing than I had gone before.
I find the subject of domination and submission fascinating and I wanted to show that it can exist within everyday relationships. I also wanted the supernatural element to be a kind of suspenseful part of the story.
The outline of the story is not over complicated, but the complexity comes with the nature of a rather uneasily balanced ménage et trois within a D/s relationship. An element of the story I hope I captured is the normality of D/s as well as the love, trust and commitment.
I also wanted to explore new areas with the characters. In many romances the men are tall, dark, and handsome and the ladies are catwalk models. I wanted my heroine to be a larger lady.
I am currently in the process of writing a novel for BVS. The Trainer is planned for release in 2007. Art wise I am busy working for four US publishers, creating covers and illustrations. I also paint commission pieces for private individuals and corporate bodies and sell prints of existing pictures which can be found at www.swage.net
Author Richard Savage
Incorrigible
When we started discussing the Crimson Z anthology, I knew it was the perfect vehicle for “Incorrigible,” the story of a spirited ghost who teaches a young woman how to savor life while they try to uncover the mystery of murderer that had been swirling around the back of my mind for some time.
Of all the stories I've written, “Incorrigible” is, and always will be, one of my favourites. Part of the reason is because it incorporates two of my favorite elements—mystery and paranormal, but most of all it's because the characters came alive to me, managing to evoke a wide range of emotions from a smile because of the irrepressible antics of a spirited specter, Virginia, bent on finding her murderer to heat squeezing moments over what might have been.
I have to confess there are times when I could swear Virginia is whispering ideas in my ear. So much so, that I've already started a sequel. She simply refused to pass over to the place where all ‘good ghosts go’ because she had one more task to complete before she can rest. Once you get to know Virginia ... you'll understand how ‘persuasive’ she can be.—G—
I hope that you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Happy Reading.
Author Abby Blythe aka Jessica Joy
The Awakening
As I worked on the story of Zachariah and Lilith I became aware that the short story I had planned to do was not going to be enough because I needed to go into more depth than I had originally planned. Lilith's tale was key. Whether you take her tale as being a fabrication, another in a long string of lies she told Zachariah, or the truth of her creation, within this story world it still helps you to see the lengths to which she will go. It helps explain her treachery and deceit and why she is the way she is.
In Zachariah's tale and the rest of the Awakening I build on the character of Zachariah and show the strength of the man. His nature and the foundation of all the magic that led to the current situation that plagues him and his new found love.
Author Robert Cloud
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The Crimson Z Page 63