To say it’s surreal to have my short story come light is an understatement. The vision for this story came to me months ago. I wanted to write a short story to raise awareness for Domestic Abuse.
This cause is very near to my heart. I also wanted to find away to use my story to raise money for the cause. After a few phone calls I decided I needed to look no further than my own back yard. I live near Buffalo, New York and we have a wonderful woman’s shelter that has helped countess woman and children get back on their feet.
October
is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I will donate 100% of the proceeds from The Calm Before the Storm in October to
my local woman's shelter, and 50% after that for the life of the book.
Here are some Domestic Violence Statistics
§ Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted
or beaten.
§ Around the world, at least one in every three
women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her
lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family.
§ Domestic violence is the leading cause of
injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
§ Studies suggest that up to 10 million children
witness some form of domestic violence annually.
§ Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a
relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented
with a breakup.
§ Every day in the US, more than three women are
murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.
Those facts alone make
you want stand up and do something. One thing you can do if you're in an abusive relationship or
know someone that is please get help by calling the hotline.
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224
How can you help? You can donate to The National Coalition of Domestic Violence HERE.
You can also purchase the Calm Before the Storm.
The last two years of Erica Bloom’s life
have been spent looking over her shoulder. Sawyer Marsh promised the day she
filed for divorce and left him, that if he couldn't have her no one
would. Even though Sawyer hasn’t contacted her in two years she’s still feared
for her life. She remembers all too well the nightmare their marriage was and
what it felt to be on the receiving end of his wrath.
The news of Sawyer’s engagement allows
Erica to finally let her guard down and enjoy her new life and budding
relationship with Brock Maxwell.
While away relaxing at Brock’s vacation
home on the Willow Lake, the past comes back to haunt her. Were the past few
years just the calm before the storm?
Excerpt:
Erica picked it up and smiled when she saw it was Joann
calling.
“Hey, Joann.”
“Hi, Erica. You busy?”
“No, not at all. I was just reading the paper.”
“Did you hear the news about Sawyer?”
Erica stood up. Chills
ran down her spine at the mention of his name. “What news?” she replied, just
above a whisper.
“He’s getting married.”
The words stunned her.
“Erica, are you still there?” Joann asked.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm down so she could
respond.
“How do you know?” she managed to stammer. So many feelings were
flowing through her body as she paced the floor. They ranged from fear to
relief. Was he truly moving on?
“Tim ran into his cousin at the hardware store. He said
they’re getting married in a few months.”
“Wow.” Erica breathed out.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. This is good news. He’s moved on. Maybe I can stop
looking over my shoulder every time I go out. Do you know who she is?”
“No. From what I understand, some woman he met while on a
business trip and Sawyer’s cousin
mentioned that she’s much younger.”
“The poor girl doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into.
I feel for her because I know all of his tricks. He’s sexy and charming in the
beginning and you’re so over the top in love with him. You marry him and get so caught up in the
fairytale you believe is your life, until one day he changes into the man he
truly is. A monster,” Erica stoically stated.
“Erica, I know you went through hell with him, but it’s been
two years. You have a terrific man in your life. I think it’s time you let go
of the past and live again.”
Erica sank down on the couch. She felt like she was hit by a
freight train. “I have a lot to think
about. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Let’s get together soon.”
“Sounds great.”
“Erica, relax. The nightmare is finally over.” Her friend
reassured her.
“Bye, Joann.” Erica ended the call and stared into space. Could it be that easy? Am I honestly free
from that man once and for all?
Watch the Trailer:
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