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
Buy Links

Amazon (print)

Amazon (Kindle)

BarnesandNoble (print)

BarnesandNoble (NOOK)

multiple ebook formats (Smashwords)

IT’S TIME … TO TALK ABOUT IT

The month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

This April, the 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign centers on promoting healthy sexuality to prevent sexual violence.

“Consent, by definition, means

permission for something to

happen or agreement to do

something. Consent is more

than yes or no. It is a dialogue

about desires, needs, and level

of comfort with different sexual

interactions. Healthy sexual

interactions are rooted in

consent and respect.”

I wrote Bartlett’s Rule to emphasize that “victims of sexual assault” can be survivors. These women (and men) can live and love again. Sexual assault affects more than just the survivor, it effects all of the people around her or him.

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.

From the introduction: “He is a pompous ass!” When Paige Andrews is given the assignment of courting a famous writer for the publishing company she works for, she meets and entices the sexy, charming and thoroughly dangerous womanizer, Lon Bartlett. Lon immediately takes a not-so-professional, personal interest in the young woman and pursues her. Lon is thrilled when Paige finally succumbs to his charms only to find that her haunting past sets off a terrifying reaction. Lon learns a heartbreaking reality – Paige is a rape survivor.

Will Lon be able to change his womanizing ways? Will he want to? Will Paige ever learn to trust again? Can they learn to love and live, together?

Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero

AMAZON B&N OMNILIT PDF

KINDLE SMASHWORDS MULTIFORMAT

Bartlett’s Rule was named one of
Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s
Top Ten Reads for 2009

Bartlett’s Rule
By Barbara Moroch
A fantastic read — a love story between two seemingly very different kinds of people. Between all the tribulations that get in the way of their romance, they ultimately triumph. The story is so well crafted and the characters evoke lots of emotion from the reader. The plot takes lots of twists and turns and underscores the severity of rape crimes and the lasting damage it inflicts upon its victims. I look forward to reading the author’s second novel, “Forgotten.” Its preview seems to be as captivating as this book was!

Make it your rule to read “Bartlett’s Rule”
By Bobi
When Paige and Lon met it was purely for business but it wasn’t long before their hearts took control. Paige’s past comes back to haunt them and they soon come to realize that the devastating effects of rape and abuse extend beyond time and place to impact more than the primary victim herself. Lon has to grapple with his own intense anger and hurt over Paige’s assault. He also has to overcome misperceptions of his personal character while building a foundation of trust between himself and Paige.

Ms. Cordero skillfully tackles this topic as she poignantly tells the story of their journey to heal and develop a relationship based on strong reliance.

“Bartlett’s Rule” is more than a love story; it relates a valuable lesson for both men and women.

Chelle Cordero has arrived.
By Cara Somers
In Bartlett’s Rule the author skillfully captures emotion and feeling in a well written and thought out novel. Its a great read as are her other novels. This author is a true hidden gem.

Your next book club discussion: Bartlett’s Rule

Book Club Discussion Starters

Bartlett’s Rule

by Chelle Cordero

• How does Bartlett’s Rule explore the two distinct personalities of the main

characters?

• Discuss how the different personalities emerge in the beginning of the

novel. Do these personalities stay constant?

• How much do you think society’s expectations influenced Lon towards

building his reputation as a player?

• What pressures does society place on men in relationships? How different

are those pressures now in 2008 as opposed to, let’s say, the 1950’s?

• Lon admits he has to rethink his view of rape when he learns that Paige was

raped by an ex-lover and not a stranger with a weapon. Discuss different

concepts of what is rape, what is sexual abuse?

• Have a discussion about Paige’s emotional scars and the trust she felt was

betrayed. Should Paige “just get over it”? How realistic are some of her

reactions? Was Paige allowing herself to move ahead? Discuss Lon’s support of

her.

• Hal attempts to blame people like Lon for the way he treated Paige. How

does TV/music/movies/novels affect actions and at what point is the individual

responsible for his/her own actions? For example, courtroom dramas like to

blame the influence of TV, etc. for today’s violence.

• Some TV/radio/print personalities enjoy an almost cult following and are

considered “experts” in their various fields. Discuss some of these selfproclaimed “experts”: Dr. Ruth, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Geraldo, etc. Do these ‘stars’

sensationalize rape? How so?

• How do you think you would feel if your private life, particularly romance,

was scrutinized by the paparazzi? How much does a public figure owe to the

public and fans in terms of privacy? How much does the media have the right to

report

Download a complete Book Discussion packet including extras HERE

buy links: Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero

AMAZON B&N OMNILIT PDF

KINDLE SMASHWORDS MULTIFORMAT

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.

Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero

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.

April VHP Specials to Benefit Sexual Assault Survivors

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.

Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero (Smashwords)

Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero (Kindle)

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

Bartlett’s Rule & S.A.A.M.

Please read my post today on
Lindsay’s Romantics!

Bartlett’s Rule
for print & Kindle

Buy the ebook Bartlett’s Rule

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

“Rape is not just a woman’s problem. Nor is rape something that happens to someone else, somewhere else. It happens everywhere, every day, and every minute to girls and women of all ages. Family and friends of victims are also affected.

We are all affected: rape is the result of a culture that promotes male dominance and views women as inferior beings. It’s the extreme expression of a continuum of sexist behaviors that inhibit women from having equal access to opportunities; these behaviors range from sex-role stereotyping and sexist remarks and jokes to sex-based discrimination and, ultimately, to actual sexual harassment and violence against women.” (http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/sexassault/assault.cfm)

http://www.rainn.org/statistics

In Honor of
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April 1 – April 30, 2009

Vanilla Heart Publishing
has an amazing selection of E-books
available to help increase awareness
and offer comfort to survivors
at greatly reduced prices

~Sets~
Bartlett’s & Survivors ~ $10 each ~ Courage & Strength / Man

Namid’s books ~ $5 each

See my Xanga Blog for more information on
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month