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EricaBeale.com

Cosmic Cons for Love and Profit

A Serial Story available on Amazon Vella

On 2/11/23, I released the first three episodes of my newest story, Cosmic Cons for Love and Profit. My plan is to update the story once a week. Please stop by Vella to give it a read. Keep in mind, you can’t read them from the Amazon App, but you can read them online.

In a future where mankind has colonized the solar system and mysticism still prevails, Raekah Merrin is a con artist scamming people as a psychic. When a bounty is put on her head, she must return to her guardian but finds herself caught up in her biggest scam yet. Pursued by three men, she must navigate a dangerous and romantic landscape while trying to survive and find love. With secrets, lies, and desires at every turn, she finds that the con of a lifetime may lead to adventure.

Though the first three episodes are free, I still get a couple of cents for every episode read, episode and story likes. So, if you could, it would really help me out if you have time to do so. I appreciate any and all hook-ups.

For now, though, you can check out the first episode RIGHT NOW!

Episode 1: In Space, No One Can Hear You Brew

Raekah Merrin was hard at work in the small laboratory on her spaceship, The Laveau. Beakers and test tubes, bubbling and steaming with brightly colored brews, filled the tiny room. Shelves lined the walls with exotic plants and glass containers of long dead critters floating in fluid.

She sat at the center console, grinding up black seeds in a pestle and mortar, making a thick paste. Once she had it to the consistency she wanted, she grabbed a bowl of steaming red liquid, bringing it closer to her.

Altair, her AI companion, hovered nearby, watching her closely. “Raekah, are you sure you know what you’re doing? Those two items together are very dangerous for the human digestive system.”

Raekah turned to him, a smirk on her face. “You worry way too much, Altair. I’ve got this under control.”

But Altair wasn’t convinced. As she added the paste to the liquid, it popped and fizzed suspiciously. He floated closer, his eyes fixed on the mixture in the bowl. He raised a thin brow at her while he pursed his lips. “You’re not even sure what you’re making. That client who wants it could put his kid’s life in danger.”

Raekah just rolled her eyes. “Hey, the client pays, I deliver. That’s the way it’s always worked. No one has died on our watch yet.” She reached to her left, grabbing a new, empty container to pour her potion into. She gave Altair a wry smile. “Don’t make me rewrite your program to mellow you out.”

It was his turn to smirk. “The purchase agreement you made says you are legally not allowed to change my matrix.”

She huffed with laughter. “And I always follow the rules?” After waving at him dismissively, she turned back to the brew and continued the job at hand.

Continue on page 2

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The Valentine’s Day Post

Obligitory Toast to Love

It’s Valentine’s Day! I’m sure you knew that already, though. You know your resident Smut Writer had to do a little Quickie for you to celebrate the day. It’s a bit broken off a story I never finished. It’s about a woman whose lover is dead. The lover asked his friend to take his place as the tradition of their people.

Did I mention the two dudes are dragons in human form and the main woman doesn’t know?

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it as always.

Other than that, I’m not sure what I’ll be doing today, especially since I’m writing this post in advance. I mean, other than working my day job. Mondays are the absolute worst.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t really give me a lot to talk about from my real life. That’s when I thought, I could always present my top 5 favorite romance movies I watch when I want to be swept off my feet for a couple of hours. If that’s not Valentine’s Day in the time of Covid, I don’t know what is.

My Top 5 Fav Romance Films

5. In Your Eyes (2014)

Now I’ve only watched this one once and it was a long time ago. I randomly came across it on Netflix one bored night long after Nate fell asleep.

From IMDb: Two seemingly unconnected souls from different corners of the United States make a telepathic bond that allows them to see, hear and feel the other’s experiences, creating a bond that apparently can’t be broken.

It gave me warm fuzzies. The only disappointing thing is it’s written by Joss Whedon, and he’s on the outs with everyone right now. Still, a lot of people worked hard on the film, so that shouldn’t stop someone from enjoying it. I mean, one asshole is just one asshole. Besides, the movie graced this world with a wonderful song by Twinbed called Trouble I’m In. Great song for writing a saucy, romantic sexy scene.

4. I Origins (2014)

I’m a sucker for past life stuff. Love it. I’m not sure how I’ve never written my own story about it.

From IMDb: A molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it.

The synopsis doesn’t really do it justice. It’s about finding a profound connection to someone, losing that love, and despite moving on, how those feelings can haunt you. Especially when the disconnect was sudden and you never really made peace with it. This one made me cry at the end.

3. Equals (2015)

This movie is beautifully sad with a great atmospheric soundtrack.

From IMDb: In an emotionless utopia, two people fall in love when they regain their feelings from a mysterious disease, causing tensions between them and their society.

Between this movie and The Great, Nicholas Hoult is one of my favorite Hollywood dudes. This was another movie I accidentally stumbled across late one night (it’s a pattern for me). He and Kristen Stewart really sold me on the forbidden romance thing. You could feel the anxiousness, frustration, and passion when they’re together. Good film to get you in the mood to write something a little depressing, but with twinges of hope.

2. Legend (1985)

I honestly don’t know if I’d really consider this a romance. It’s a fantasy film with romance, which is good enough for me.

From IMDb: A young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.

So, this might be a problem, but Tim Curry was hot as Darkness. I don’t know what to tell you. I could be broken, but that’s ok. No shame. And let us not forget about the wonder that is Tangerine Dream’s soundtrack. I’ve written many scenes to Jack and Lily’s Theme. If I had to pick a favorite movie from childhood, this would be it.

1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Yes, I know the BBC mini-series is superior, but…I can’t help myself. I love this version to pieces.

From IMDB: Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?

I don’t even have any words. It was wonderful. I’ve watched it more times than I can count now. I will say that I would take either Colin Firth’s or Matthew MacFadyen’s Mr. Darcy ANY DAY. Too hot. Too, too hot.

Get Some of that VD Lovin Feeling

There are plenty of wonderful romances out there. Maybe you’re in the middle of your own. And, hey, if you are, tell me about it! I can always use inspiration. But, if you don’t have (or want) a romance of your own, I hope you’ll pop on one of these movies and it gives you the same amount of warm fuzzies as it does me.

Until later, hugs and kisses (and some other stuff, too)

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