It’s a Brave New World

…and I applaud the writers of Harry’s Law for challenging the assumptions of RAPE in tonight’s episode (And the Band Played On). Among the finer points (and I apologize if this is a little too brutal), it was stated CLEARLY that rape is not always a stranger holding a woman down at knifepoint  – it CAN be date rape, a man can be victimized, and at times the victim can even climax and it doesn’t mean they enjoyed it. The show’s characters even had some debates amongst themselves. It was a very interesting episode.
Bartlett’s Rule is a love story. When I wrote it my intention was to challenge the assumptions made about rape. Paige was raped by someone she knew and trusted and even the hero of the story, Lon, has to “wrap his head” around the concept. It all comes down to CONSENT.

In the real world many good and caring people have had to rethink their attitudes. As we wind down to the end of April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) I encourage everyone to continue healthy discussions about respect, sexuality and consent. Talk to each other. Talk to your kids.
For resources to help guide you, please refer to the Sexual Assault Awareness Month website. Click around for fact sheets and discussion starters. A bit of knowledge goes a long way.

Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero
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Ego Trip

I was chatting with a friend yesterday when she related a story to me – She and another friend (not mutual) were engaged in a conversation about books. Her friend told her about finding a great unknown author who comes from the Hudson Valley (NY) but she couldn’t remember the author’s name. She did proceed to tell my friend a little about the story and then remembered the name of the book – Bartlett’s Rule !!! Well my friend laughed, told her the author’s name and bragged that she knew me.

Wow, my head sure swelled after hearing that.
4.33 of 5 stars4.33 of 5 stars4.33 of 5 stars4.33 of 5 stars4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 (from GoodReads)
Bartlett’s Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige’s love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real ; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient.
Fiction and Non-Fiction

All during the month of April, Vanilla Heart Publishing is donating our share of all proceeds for a select group of books – Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero (Fiction), Voices of Survivors (Anthology), To Dance Amongst the Stars and the companion healing workbook by Namid, Secondary Survivors by Namid, and The Strength of a Man and the companion healing workbook by Namid.

during the month of April 2011,
buy Bartlett’s Rule for ONLY 99-cents