A Note/Warning To Aspiring Writers: Avoid Vanity Press Scams

For years now, I’ve been an aspiring writer. I’ve self-published multiple books, which I go out of my way to promote. I’ve also been published by a couple of small-time publishers, which I also go out of my way to promote.

I know it’s an uphill battle. I’m also aware that very few writers ever achieve mainstream success. For every George R. R. Martin, Stephen King, and Stephanie Meyer, there are thousands of writers toiling away, working on amazing manuscripts that’ll never see the light of day. Most of the time, writers on my level are content to get whatever exposure we can and whatever minor bit of money comes with it, which is usually very small.

It’s a sad fact of life for aspiring writers. Most will never get published by a mainstream publishing house and few will ever be able to make a comfortable living.

That’s not to discourage anyone from writing. Most people, like myself, genuinely enjoy writing novels, short stories, and anything else that comes to mind. It’s both a hobby and a passion. Even if we can’t ever turn it into a career, it’s something we love to do.

To those same people, as well as those who dream of that rare success so few achieve, I have an important message. It’s not meant to encourage or discourage you from pursuing that dream. You should totally keep working for it. That’s advice most aspiring writers don’t need.

This is different.

This is also important because it might cost you more than a manuscript you worked hard on.

And it boils down to this.

Do NOT fall for Vanity Press scams who claim they can help you sell your book. They’ll just take your money, your book, and whatever else they can get away with.

Now, I’m not just offering this advice on a whim. I promise there’s a good reason why I’m bringing this up in hopes that other aspiring writers will see it.

For the past couple years now, I’ve been getting a number of unsolicited calls from people claiming to work for real publishers. They’re not your typical robocall or phone scams. These are real flesh-and-blood people who usually don’t read from a script. They even leave voicemails that sounds like something a real human would leave.

But don’t be fooled by the human element. These people are working for the least scrupulous part of the publishing industry. They’re what’s called a Vanity Press scam. In short, it’s a type of grift that attempts to get an author to sign the rights over for a book they’ve written while also paying the vanity press for marking services.

On the surface, it sounds like a good deal. You give them your book and some money. They in turn market your book to a wider audience. It sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

There’s just one glaring problem.

They don’t really market your book. They just take your book, your money, and leave you with pretty much nothing. They rely on authors who don’t know much about the publishing industry and would prefer to have someone else market their book. It’s shady and exploitative as hell, but it sadly works way more often than it should.

I’ve been dealing with several of these scams for the past couple years now. They keep calling me, asking about one of my self-published books, usually “The Escort and the Gigolo” or “Skin Deep,” and claim they can help me market the book. They’ll even claim they came across the book and it met their criteria for a book with serious sales potential. All I have to do is give them money and publishing rights to realize it.

That’s a lie.

If a legitimate publisher really believes your book has major sales potential, they pay you in the form of an advance. To them, it’s an investment. But a vanity press scam is nothing of the sort. It’s just looking to get you to fork over money to do marketing that’ll never actually manifest. They may claim they have a robust marketing team. They’ll even claim they can get you into major bookstores. Some will go so far as to claim they can get your book noticed by Hollywood producers.

Again, that’s a lie.

It’s little more than excess flattery to convince you to give them your money. Don’t fall for it. They aren’t going to help you sell more books. You may even lose the rights to your own work if you sign one of their contracts. That might end up costing you more down the line and not just in terms of money.

Now, that’s not to say all vanity press publishing is a scam. There are legitimate vanity press publishing companies who essentially help writers self-publish their books in exchange for a fee. The key, though, is that you seek them out and not the other way around. Vanity Publishing is largely the domain of self-published authors who already have an audience or are unfamiliar with how to self-publish across multiple platforms.

There is a place for that kind of service in the publishing industry. But if someone from a publisher calls you and is asking for money in exchange for your book, chances are they’re not representing a real vanity press. They’re just scammers trying to get you to pay them money to make bold promises they have no intention of filling.

In the past two months, I’ve received voicemails from two “publishers.” A quick Google search is usually all it takes to find out that these people are not representing legitimate publishing companies. I usually don’t respond to them. But when I do, I make it a point to ask them if they’re going to charge me for marketing or promotional services. If they say yes or refuse to answer clearly, I hang up and you should too.

I hope this helps any other aspiring writers out there. I urge every one of you to keep writing and keep fighting to get your book out there. Just make sure to avoid vanity press scams. They don’t care about helping you succeed. They just want to take your money, your book, and all the work that went into it.

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Filed under Jack Fisher's Insights, writing

Happy Veterans Day 2022!

Today is Veteran’s Day.

For some, it’s just another federal holiday that may or may not afford them a day off.

For others, it’s a bittersweet day to remember those who are serving in the military, as well those who have served. It’s also a day in which we take the time to acknowledge and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service.

These brave men and women are worth honoring. And if you have any veterans or active military in your family or community, please use this day to show them some appreciation. Whether it involves donating to a military charity, volunteering to help wounded veterans, or just being extra kind to those you know who have served, there’s plenty you can do to support these people.

It takes a special kind of person to serve their country. Even those who are willing aren’t always able. And those who are able aren’t always willing. What they do and why they do it requires a rare set of traits that only a handful can willingly channel. These same remarkable individuals are the ones we trust to defend our country, our values, and our way of life. Throughout our history, we’ve called upon them and they’ve answered. We can argue the merits and politics behind these conflicts. But we should never doubt the bravery and spirit that our veterans wield in carrying out their duty.

I also think that Veteran’s Day this year holds even more significance than usual. The world has become a much more dangerous place these past two years. Between the threats coming from reactionary forces within this country and emerging threats overseas, there are still conflicts for which we may need to rely on these rare souls. Hopefully, it never comes to that. Talk to anyone who has ever experienced combat.

Nobody hates wars more than soldiers.

Sometimes, it’s necessary and unavoidable. We still don’t know just how dangerous things will get in the near or far future. Whatever happens, we will need these brave men and women to answer the call as they’ve done before throughout history. It’ll be hard then, but that’s all the more reason to support them now.

I have close family members who have served. I also have relatives and ancestors who did see combat. There’s no getting around how it affected them. They needed more support than most when returning. Some are lucky enough to have family, friends, and various mechanisms of support. But not everyone is that lucky. They’re the ones who need today more than most.

Our nation is what it is because of the veterans who fought to defend and preserve it.

So, whatever you do to honor them, please make today special for them.

Happy Veterans Day!

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It’s Election Day, America. Now Vote!

My fellow Americans, it’s finally here.

I’m as sick of all the campaign ads as you are, but it’s here.

Election Day 2022 is upon us.

Now, I know I’ve been very pessimistic and cynical lately. And I stand by all of that. I still believe that today will mark the last true democratic election the United States will ever have. After today, it’s just a slow and steady descent into Christian Nationalism. Given some of the things I’ve said about organized religion in the past, I fully expect to “suffer a tragic accident” at some point later in my life.

We’re all screwed is what I’m saying.

But that’s all the more reason to cherish this last Election Day. This will be the last time I’ll be able to vote in something meaningful for the country I love. I’m really not looking forward to a bunch of right-wing reactionaries turning this Country into a Fox New fever dream until the world ends. But, as a country and an idea, I think America has had a good run.

Historically, most democracies don’t last for very long. And America has lasted a lot longer than most. I think that still counts as a win in the grand scheme of things. This country succeeded on a level I think few ever expected. There’s a lot to be proud of in that regard. But all good things must come to an end. And today is the beginning of that end.

So please take the time to enjoy it.

Get out there and vote.

Thank you, America. I’ll miss you.

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Combating Hate And Politics With Kindness (With Lessons From Mr. Rogers)

We live in a strange time.

I know you could say that about many other periods in history. Even within my own lifetime, I’ve experienced periods that are well beyond the scope of what we think of as normal. The recent upheavals with the COVID-19 pandemic certainly qualify.

But as overwhelming as that was, I still find today’s current state of affairs both unusual and striking. It’s not just that things are changing so fast and we’re all struggling to keep up. That has been a constant for much of the modern world. It’s more that people seemed so overwhelmed, so upset, and so frustrated that they’re forgetting the most basic elements of getting along with fellow human beings.

It’s true. People have always been mean, hateful, and downright cruel to one another. You don’t have to look far into the recent or distant past to see humans committing egregious atrocities on other humans. And I certainly don’t deny there have been worse times in that regard. If you’re alive today, you should consider yourself somewhat lucky. It wasn’t that long ago that such atrocities were both disturbingly common and largely unpunished.

But even with that perspective in mind, I feel like our collective capacity to hate one another has escalated considerably. You could blame politics, going back to the 2016 Presidential Election or even the 2008 Presidential Election. You could also blame the media, pop culture, social trends, religion, and everything in between. I know I’ve criticized those things plenty and will likely continue to do so in the future.

At the end of the day, though, I understand there’s only so much you can do to influence another person. Whether it’s on politics, personal tastes, or personality quirks, we’re all still individuals. We still have our own thoughts, feelings, and biases. That has always been the case. But I can’t recall a time when those elements we all share have been the fuel for so much outright hatred.

It’s easy to notice online, but it’s happening more and more in real life. Real people are committing real acts of violence and hatred towards other people for the simple crime of not agreeing with them on something, be it politics, ideology, or pop culture. It’s getting to a point where the disagreements don’t even have to be about something big like politics or religion. Just being different and existing is now sufficient to invite someone’s hatred.

That is not a tenable state of affairs.

That is not good for individuals, people, or the world in general.

You can blame the internet and political polarization all you want on this, but that only goes so far. At the end of the day, it’s people who still act. It’s people who still speak and send messages through various mediums, be it mundane or hateful. The tools we use don’t create the hate. They may reinforce and spread it. But like it or not, we are the ones that create it. We are the ones that use it as excuses for violence and hate.

I don’t deny that I’ve said dumb things on the internet. I’ve expressed hateful sentiments, both in real life and online. I’m only human and I do regret it. But I also try to counter those inclinations with something stronger. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that doing so is not that difficult. It doesn’t even require some kind of radical rethinking of your current thoughts, beliefs, or biases.

It all comes down to a simple approach.

Be kind.

That’s it. That’s really all you need to counter so much of the hate and mistrust that seems to infect our world at every turn. It may sound simplistic or cliched, but make no mistake. There’s real power in kindness. Most people understand that on some levels. But one man, in particular, dedicated his life to understanding it. You’ve probably heard of him. His name is Fred Rogers, better known to generations of kids as Mr. Rogers from “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.”

Now, there’s a lot I could say about him and his message. There are no shortage of stories about him that are so heartwarming, they help renew your faith in humanity. But in the spirit of keeping things simple, I’ll just share this clip that I think best explains the true power of kindness.

Please take Mr. Rogers’ message of kindness to heart. In a world as divided as ours, a little kindness goes a long way.

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Filed under Current Events, human nature, Jack Fisher's Insights

Justice League Gods and Monster: An Underrated Animated Gem (And Why DC Comics Should Revisit It)

The following is a video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This video revisits DC’s underrated 2015 animated movie, Justice League: Gods and Monsters. It was a bold movie that dared to retell and revamp the stories of its most iconic heroes, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Both the movie and the comic book tie-ins proved unique in so many ways. And while not much else came from this world, I try to make the case that it’s worth revisiting. Enjoy!

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Filed under Jack's World, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, superhero comics, superhero movies, YouTube

The Dragon Prince Season 4 Comes Out TODAY!

Normally, I don’t go out of my way to highlight certain premiers or debuts of a TV show or movie. Yes, I’ve done so in the past. I allow myself to get a little giddy when I’m genuinely excited for a show. My reaction to the news surrounding X-Men 97 should’ve been proof of that. But in general, I try not to make it a regular thing, taking the time to articulate those sentiments on this site or my YouTube channel. If I do, it has to be an extraordinarily great show or movie that gets me seriously excited.

As it just so happens, “The Dragon Prince” is one of those shows.

I hope I’ve made my love for that show abundantly clear. Even though I didn’t discover it until 2019 when the third season came out, it has quickly become one of my favorite shows, animated or otherwise. It’s not just that it’s a wonderfully well-crafted show, born from the same creative talent that gave us “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” It’s not just that the show has built some truly incredible lore, building an entire fantasy world full of dragons, elves, dark mages, and talking toads.

The show is just uniquely special in how endearing it is, building up all these dramatic elements that really came together by the end of the third season. It’s the kind of show that feels like a kids show in the beginning. But it quickly grows into something so much more, hitting you with all these dramatic moments that are so well-developed from start to finish.

When season three ended, I genuinely thought the show was over. There was no confirmation it would continue after that. Then, a fourth season was announced, but it was all up in the air after all the upheavals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I genuinely doubted that a fourth season would ever come, given the lack of news surrounding this series since 2020.

That was then.

This is now.

And today, after a long wait, season four of “The Dragon Prince” has arrived!

I cannot overstate how excited I am to binge this new season. There has been a lot of speculation among myself and fans regarding where the show will go after the third season. The ending to that season wasn’t definitive and certainly left open ended for more conflict. Now, it seems the show and this remarkable world is set to continue evolving.

The only thing we can confirm is that this new season involves a bit of a time skip, which makes sense given how the last season ended. We also know that a lot has changed in that time. Callum is now a high mage. Ezren is now King of Katolis. Rayla is missing, having gone off to hunt for Lord Viren, who survived their last encounter.

Then, there’s the mysterious Aaravos. He’s been a sinister force since season two and he clearly wasn’t defeated along with Viren. He’s now set to take center stage in this new season. And I couldn’t be more excited!

There’s just so much to love about this show. If you’re a fan of fantasy, animation, and cartoons that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, this show has something for everyone. And if you’re a big romance fan like me, then this show has a lot to offer in that regard too.

I’ve already highlighted the love story that unfolded between Callum and Rayla. But there are other quality romances within this show, including a few non-heterosexual romances among its incredibly diverse cast of characters. It’s hard enough finding a show or movie with one quality romance these days. To have a show that manages multiple romances is exceedingly rare, but that just makes “The Dragon Prince” all the more special.

So, starting today and probably for a good chunk of my weekend, I’ll be eagerly taking in this new season and processing all it has to offer. And if you need a new show to watch for the next couple months that is not holiday themed, check this out. Its appeal and impact is nothing short of magical.

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Filed under television, The Dragon Prince

My Post-Pandemic Workout Routine (And How It Came About)

The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of things for a lot of people. I think that qualifies as a gross understatement. I know I’ve talked about it, lamented on it, and repeatedly insulted those who refuse to get vaccinated (which I refuse to apologize for).

Believe me, I’m sick of talking about it, too.

There are so many terrible aspects to this pandemic and it will have plenty of terrible side-effects that’ll last long after it becomes a distant memory and/or an inconvenience nuisance. It has certainly changed major aspects of my life. It has also affected so many of my friends and family, both directly and indirectly.

But rather than dwell on the drama and hardship of those stories, I’d like to share one positive effect that has persisted since the pandemic began. It has to do with how I work out and stay in shape. I’ve noted before that getting into shape was quite a journey for me, personally. I also can’t overstate how poor my health habits were for my teen years and most of my 20s. I say that because if a guy like me can get into shape, then I’m confident anyone can do the same.

For years now, I’ve been working out on a regular basis. The structure and regiment of that workout has varied over that time. It used to be that I only went to the gym once a week, but I did a half-hour run every at least three times a week.

Then, once I got better at that, I started running six days a week while going to the gym at least twice.

Then, as I continued to improve, I started going to the gym three times a week while running a half-hour to 45 minutes six times a week.

Up until the pandemic hit, that was my main regiment. And I think it worked well for me. I probably would’ve continue that routine had nothing really disrupted anything.

Then, the pandemic came along and everything got disrupted, including my workout. But because this disease was so scary and everyone became so paranoid about their health, I suddenly had even more incentive to stay in shape. Moreover, I felt motivated to push myself even more.

That ended up being a real challenge because in March 2020, the gym I always went to closed. Even the secondary gym I frequented closed. For a while, I didn’t have anywhere to work out. All I could do was go running around my neighborhood, do body weight exercises in my living room, and use some old free weights I still had lying around.

It was better than nothing, but it wasn’t ideal. I also didn’t get the same feeling I usually got when I finished my workout at the gym. That told me it just wasn’t enough.

Finally, when the gym did open on a limited basis, I was determined to catch up. So, I decided to overcompensate by going even more often than I went before the pandemic. I committed to going to the gym at least six times a week for at least an hour at each visit. I thought if I could do that for a month or so, I would be back on track.

But after that month passed, I just kept doing it. Once I got into a rhythm, I didn’t feel inclined at all to stop. Going six days a week with one rest day in the middle of the week felt great. I even felt better results. It showed in how some of my shirts started feeling tighter and how some relatives began commenting on my appearance.

It’s a good feeling. I feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic than I have at any point in my adult life. I also credit this workout routine with helping me navigate COVID-19. A great many friends and relatives have tested positive and have gotten sick. I’ve even been in close proximity to them while they were positive.

But despite that, I always tested negative. I’ve never shown any symptoms. I’m nearly certain I’ve been exposed multiple times. But I’ve never gotten sick. I think my workout regiment is as much to thank as the vaccine I took.

So, in addition to sharing my experience, I’d also like to share my routine with everyone. Please note I’m not a personal trainer or fitness guru. This is just what I do and it works for me. If you can do the same or better, then more power to you.

Pre-Workout: Stretch my arms and do lunges to stretch my quads and calves. Then, drink a cup of black coffee or an 8 ounce bottle of water.

Workout Phase 1: Do 30 minutes of cardio by either going 30 minutes on an elliptical or by running at least 30 minutes outdoors.

Workout Phase 2: Do another 30 minutes of circuit training that include the following

  • Five sets of bicep curls (5 to 8 reps a set)
  • Five sets of tricep extensions (5 to 8 reps a set)
  • Five sets of butterfly chest press (8-12 reps a set)
  • Five sets of reverse butterfly chest press (8-12 reps a set)
  • Five sets of shoulder press (8-12 reps a set)
  • Five sets of lat pulldowns (8-12 reps a set)
  • Two sets of 10 to 20 pull-ups
  • Two sets of 10 to 20 dips
  • Walk around the block (about a half-mile) to cool down

Post-workout: Drink one protein shake and another 8 ounces of water

This is my current routine. There’s a chance it might change and evolve as my health continues to evolve. I don’t deny it’s a little intense. More than one person has commented that it’s quite strenuous. I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s something I had to work towards. It took me years to get to this level where I feel comfortable and not totally drained after exercising. But again, if I can do it, then anyone can do it.

The health benefits are remarkable. In wake of a global pandemic, we all have more reasons than ever to take our health seriously. Just taking the right medicine is only part of the process. Working on your body, your mind, and everything in between is a much bigger part of that process. And I encourage everyone to begin that process if you haven’t already.

You’ll feel better.

You’ll feel stronger.

You’ll even feel sexier, but that’s just a nice bonus.

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Filed under health, human nature

Jack’s CreepyPastas: Fermi’s Horror

The following is a video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This video is my second attempt at writing and narrating a CreepyPasta. This one has a bit more cosmic horror than the first. Enjoy!

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Filed under CreepyPasta, Jack's World, YouTube

My (Genuine) Worries About Election Day 2022

It’s almost here, my fellow Americans.

Election Day is almost upon us.

As per the constitution, Election Day occurs on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November. That means November 8, 2022, is a day every American should have marked on their calendar. Whatever you’re doing that day, please plan on voting, if you haven’t already. Make whatever accommodations you need, be it time off work or finding transportation. It’s not just an important responsibility, as an American. It may very well be necessary for the continued survival for this country, as we know it.

I know that sounds a little dire and hyperbolic. I also doubt I’m the first one you’ve seen make such a claim. Doom and gloom tends to come with every election. Every year, it seems, the election is framed as the most important election of our collective lifetime. I think I’ve heard that message in some form or another since I became old enough to vote. As a result, it’s hard to take seriously.

That being said, this year is different.

Yes, I know every year is different, by definition. But 2022 brings us a unique set of circumstances the likes of which this country has not encountered before.

This year, we’re not just voting for new candidates to represent us at multiple levels of government. We’re voting on the continued existence of real democracy, itself.

This time, it’s not hyperbole or a marketing gimmick. This a real, tangible issue that we can’t avoid.

That’s because this year, a sizable chunk of the American electorate will have to vote on a ballot in which at least one candidate still denies the validity of the 2020 election. That is not a trivial issue to overlook.

We’re not talking about radically different opinions on tax policy, budget allocations, or welfare programs.

We’re talking about people who believe an election is not valid if their side loses. That’s not a simple difference in opinion or political ideology. That’s an unequivocal denial of both democracy itself, as well as reality.

Now, I don’t want to get too heavy into the objectively absurd claims that a bunch of right-wing whiners have been making about the 2020 election. There’s are plenty of legitimate news outlets that counter those claims and provide clear evidence that the results of the 2020 election reflected the will of the American people. If you are someone who refuses to accept that for whatever reason, then I’m sorry. You’re no better than a creationist and a flat-Earther at this point.

But regardless of how provably wrong such claims are, plenty of candidates, mostly within the republican party, cling to this absurdity. What makes it even worse is that a non-insignificant part of the electorate believes it too. And they will vote for candidates who share those beliefs, no matter how wrong they are or how stupid, corrupt, or cruel the candidate is as an individual.

I’m convinced these people would vote for Satan, Lex Luthor, and the corpse of Ted Bundy if it simply told them they would vote in line with their regressive Christian Nationalist platform. And make no mistake, that platform is completely un-American with respect to democracy, human rights, freedom, liberty, and overall decency to your fellow human being.

These individuals, as well as the people who vote for them, may sincerely believe they’re right. They may truly believe that anyone less conservative than Pat Robertson eats babies, worships the devil, and wants to utterly destroy America. But those individuals cannot and should not be taken seriously in any society that seeks a healthy democracy. These people are in a dangerous death cult.

The cult leaders are exploiting them for money, power, and exploitation.

The cult followers are enabling them by actually voting for these sociopaths.

Now, here in 2022, they’ve so weakened democracy and so polarized the country that they’re within a handful of votes from holding real positions of power. And once sociopaths have power, they never give it up willingly. If enough of them do get elected, they won’t just further the agendas of election deniers and Christian Nationalists. They will make it so that it’s much harder to vote them out of office and it’s much easier for them to hold onto power, even when the vast majority of the American people don’t share their positions.

It’s already been happening due to voter suppression and gerrymandering. It’s no longer enough for the will of the people to be against them. The people actually have to vote in overwhelming numbers to at least hinder or slow these sociopath’s pursuit of power. But if that doesn’t happen this year, then expect it to get much worse in the years to come.

Power seeks more power.

The powerful will always pursue greater power.

It has played out in history many times within many societies. America is not immune to it. All it takes for democracy as we know it to end is for people to willingly elect those who undermine it. At that point, your vote truly doesn’t matter. And America, as we know it, changes into whatever these sociopaths desire, be it a Christian theocracy or a corporate-owned oligarchy.

I don’t want that for the country I love.

Most Americans don’t want that.

But the only way to stop it is to vote in such overwhelming numbers that these right-wing sociopaths never gain the power they seek. That’s not to say those on the other side of the spectrum are angels. They’re not. I’m not too fond of the democratic party in America, but at least the candidates on that side actually believe in empowering people to vote, rather than subverting it. And for America to continue, as a functioning free society, we need to retain that, as well as improvement. We certainly can’t expect those who deny the 2020 election and objective reality to do the same.

So please, my fellow Americans, do what you can to vote this year.

Do whatever it takes.

Because this year, it’s not just a choice between a republican or a democrat.

It’s a choice between someone who believes in democracy and someone who seeks to destroy it for their own selfish benefit.

If you need resources, please use the following link:

https://www.usa.gov/voting

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Filed under Current Events, politics

Sexy Short Story: My Werewolf Lover

The following is a sexy short story about a sexy supernatural romance involving a werewolf. I think it’s a perfect story to share before Halloween. Enjoy!


“Another cloudless night. Another full moon,” said Adriana Luma. “It’s going to happen again. The beast within is going to awaken. But I’m ready for him!”

The beautiful young woman took one last glimpse from the open window. From the small cabin that she and her boyfriend, Riley Green, had purchased last year, she had a perfect view of the night sky. It was a view she didn’t used to admire that often. Having grown up in a big city, she didn’t think there was much to admire.

Then, she moved to a quiet, fairly rural area a hundred miles from the city. She also met Riley, a skilled electrician who used to work on oil rigs. Then, he decided to become a veterinarian so he could work with animals, which just so happened to be her profession.

Their love seemed generic – a former roughneck turned animal lover, falling for a veterinarian. Most of the people in their small town rarely gave them a second look. She and Riley were just that cute young couple who lived on the outskirts of town.

There was just one major detail that they didn’t know about.

Riley was a werewolf. And tonight, he was going to transform.

“I know you’re coming, Rex,” Adriana said into the night. “You don’t have to fight it anymore. I’m here for you.”

Rex was what Riley called his werewolf form. The nature of that form and how he became a werewolf was a long story. There were all sorts of myths and legends surrounding werewolves. None were true, but all had a small sliver of the truth within.

The reality wasn’t quite as fanciful as the mythology. According to Riley, werewolves were an echo of humanity’s more primal past – a link to the feral creature they used to be. For most everyone, that creature remained dormant was never awoke. But for a select few, this creature awoke during a full moon. He just happened to be among those few.

How the moon became a catalyst was still not known. Riley’s grandfather once theorized that in ancient times, the moon was a beacon for their ancestors to hunt – their prey not able to hide from the usual shroud of darkness. So, the apex hunters of the time used it as an opportunity to be extra aggressive, seeking and pouncing upon more prey. It was an imperfect theory, but it made as much sense as any.

Riley didn’t care for the theories. His greatest worry had been transforming in a public place or hurting someone while in his werewolf form. He claimed it was like part of his brain being turned off while the rest of his body and senses went into overdrive. When Adriana first saw it, she was genuinely scared by it. Riley was such a gentle, caring person most of the time. But the creature he turned into – it was the complete opposite.

At the same time, though, that creature did not scare her away from loving Riley. If anything, it drew her to him even more. Ultimately, this creature became part of the life they were building together. And that extended to their sex lives.

‘I love you, Adriana. This thing inside me won’t stop me from loving you. But if our love is going to work, we can’t ignore the beast inside me.’

Those had been his words to her shortly after she witnessed his transformation. He must have expected her to run away from him because he’d held his head low, as if bracing for her disgust.

But instead, Adriana embraced him. She even told him something that caught him by surprise.

“That beast won’t stop me from loving you, either. In fact, it might just make you sexier!”

She still vividly remembered the bewildered look he gave her. She’d committed that look to memory. It was just that priceless.

Since that fateful night, she and Riley had learned to confront his werewolf side – making it so the creature knew her, trusted her, and would not attack her on instinct. That proved challenging. But in the process, Adriana awakened a side of her she didn’t know was there.

Apparently, she had a think for big, strong, snarling wolfmen. They made her horny on a level she didn’t think possible.

“Hurry up, Rex. I’m so hot for you!” she said into the night.

Adriana was already brimming with anticipation. She’d set everything up in their cabin, like they’d planned. She put on a seductive see-through nighty, as if to create a display for the animal within. She also put on this special makeup and perfume that Riley helped her formulate. It was laced with special pheromones meant to arouse his werewolf form in a very specific way.

Once he got a whiff of her scent, there was no stopping him. The beast within would hunt her down, but not out of bloodlust or hunger.

Adriana checked the clock one more time, making sure they had timed it just right. Less than a half-hour ago, Riley had kissed her on the lips and stripped naked as the moon rose. He knew things were about to get chaotic within him. And just as the clock struck midnight, she heard that distinct howl in the distance.

“Rrrraaoooorrrrrr! Rrrraaoooorrrrrr!”

The silence of the night shattered, she could already sense it happening. Riley was transforming, his flesh morphing from the pale, lanky man who nobody recognized in a crowd to a hulking half-wolf, half-man creature.

Closing her eyes, Adriana vividly remembered the process of that transformation. It started with Riley shedding his clothes, clutching his side, and falling to his knees under the light of the full moon. From there, muscles and sinews bulged and tensed. Thick dark hair formed all over his body, starting from his chest and spreading out in every direction. The structure of his face shifted, his teeth becoming sharp and his eyes becoming a distinct gold hue. All the while, he just kept howling and roaring.

‘If only he knew how much that turned me on.’

A sultry smile crept across her face. Just imagining her love’s transformation was enough to make her excited. But imagining what came after made her wet between her thighs and weak in the knees.

Because once he transformed, Riley became Rex. And Rex was a creature of instinct. He didn’t think or hesitate. He just acted. For much of his life, Riley had gone into the woods to transform, just like his family had taught him. There, Rex could be right at home, hunting and exploring like a true apex predator. If he could satisfy those instincts, then Rex wouldn’t hurt anyone. He used to think there was just one way of going about that.

Then, Adriana showed him another and it didn’t involve hunting.

“Time for the final ingredient,” she said, still grinning.

Turning away from the window, Adriana applied the special perfume that Riley helped her formulate. It was a simple concoction of pheromones, concentrated and potent. To her, it barely smelled like the morning dew in the woods. But to Rex, it was a siren’s song like no other.

Moments after applying it, she heard another roar through the night. She also heard heavy resulting in the fields outside.

“Err! Err! Rrraaahhhhh!” Rex howled.

A new excitement took over as Adriana got into position. She had already locked away her things. She now awaited her transformed lover in the small bedroom set up in the rear of the cabin. Reeking with pheromones and adorned with lingerie, she had made herself the perfect manifestation of desire for the man and the beast.

Closer and closer, the growls and rustling drew near. She could already hear the aggressive footsteps shuffling through the grass and brush.

Then, the door burst open. And within the dimly lit hallways, she saw him – the hulking, snarling creature of the night. Even though she’d seen him many times before, Adriana’s heart still skipped a beat – partially from fear and partially from arousal. But over time, the arousal vastly overshadowed the fear.

“I know you sensed me, Rex,” she told him. “I’m here for you.”

Adriana approached the half-man, half-wolf beast – trembling, but confident. His snarls grew louder and his demeanor became more restless, a common side-effect of the transformation. Now, he was prepared to channel his primal energy.

When Rex narrowed his gaze on her, every feral feature came into view. He’d torn off his shirt again, revealing a ripped mass of masculine muscles. They utterly defied the slim stature of Riley Green that she’d seen earlier that morning. Even covered in gray fur, she could make out the sinews of every muscle. It was more than enough to evoke that basic twinge of arousal that was so familiar to a healthy heterosexual woman like her.

In addition to his transformed upper body, Rex’s lower body had changed considerably as well and not just with respect to resembling a more canine-like configuration. The male anatomy between his legs had grown to match his werewolf form. It was still very human in appearance. There was more fur around it, but it also had the primal energy of a hungry wolf fueling it.

And in seeing her, it started growing. As Rex began sniffing the air around her more intently, it grew and hardened rapidly.

“Yes, Rex,” she told him. “Those pheromones are real and true. They’re saying to you what I cannot put into words. But I can still send a clear message.”

Then, in an effort to supplement the pheromones, Adriana seductively shed her see-through nighty. Now wearing nothing but a pair of cheap panties, she took a step closer. She reached out and pawed his hairy chest. The warm feeling of her hand on his furry chest evoked more arousal within her. It also further stoked the instincts within the beast.

“Take me,” Adriana said intently. “Ravage me like the beast you are!”

“Hrrr!” Rex snarled.

She swore she saw a slight grin. Even through the rows of wolf-like teeth, the human part of his werewolf form showed. For once, both were on the same page. There was a willing, horny female before them. She was offering herself to him – inviting him to fulfill a need other than raw bloodlust. And Rex, being a creature of pure instinct, jumped at the chance.

“Rrrr mate!” he snarled.

No further tempting was necessary. He pounced on her like a true apex predator, but not for the purpose of hunting and hunger. Rex was now operating in a mode of pure, raging lust. And Adriana was the target.

“Yes! Mate with me, Rex! Mate with me!” she urged him.

Snarling and growling, the powerful creature took her in his arms and lifted her off the floor. Then, like an alpha male bringing home a new mate, he threw her atop the large mattress in the corner she’d set up. Now flat on her back with Rex hovering over, his feral penis already fully erect, he eagerly tore off her panties to leave her exposed and prone to this beast’s wrath.

Adriana’s heart skipped a beat again. The line between fear and arousal once again blurred. Her survival instincts told her this creature was going ravage her. But her sex drive also told her that this creature was going to ravage her, albeit in a very different way. Short of breath and brimming with anticipation, the young woman channeled the necessary instincts.

“I want this,” she said to herself. “I’ve made love to the man. Now, I want to get fucked by the beast.”

Adriana’s desires seemed to seep through the pheromones. Now that she was pinned and cornered, Rex proceeded to paw, lick, and taste her naked flesh. He eagerly sniffed and licked around her face and neck, grasped her ample breasts, and hungrily rubbed his furry body against her smooth skin. It was a very aggressive form of foreplay, but one quite common among werewolves and their bonded mates.

Riley once told her that when intensely aroused, a werewolf will always prime his mate to get her in heat. And if the bond between mates was strong, the male would tend to her in a very specific way – the intricate workings of her body becoming imprinted on him. It was part of what made a werewolf so loyal to his bonded mate. And Adriana had come to cherish such loyalty.

“Ooh Rex!” she cooed. “Taste me! Touch me!”

The lustful growling escalated. Rex continued sniffing and licking, drawing his tongue down her neck and onto her breasts. The way that canine-like tongue felt on her nipples always sent special shivers coursing through her body. Adriana giggled joyously, her body trembling even more under his grasp.

Such feral foreplay quickly got her to a state of arousal that triggered the next surge of instincts within Rex. His mate was now fully in heat, aroused and eager for his sex. The scent hung heavily in the air. She even supplemented it with her touch, running her fingers through his thick body fur. Following those instincts once more, he grasped her hips, turned her over, and got into position.

“Hrrrr mate!” Rex howled.

Adriana, now on her hands and knees, her hips angled up towards his waiting cock, held onto the dirty sheets below for what came next. And it happened quickly.

In a rough, focused motion, Rex – the werewolf form of her love, Riley Green – mounted her like an animal and entered her with a powerful thrust. The hot, heavy feeling of hard penetration followed, sending sharp sensations coursing up through her body. Adriana squeezed the sheets under her and let out a sharp gasp.

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed.

Those gasps were quickly muted by Rex’s lustful howls. His hardened flesh now inside her moist depths, he began humping with reckless abandoned. Adriana’s world rocked, along with her body. Back and forth, she followed the ravenous force behind each movement – each thrust driving his rigid penis deep into her vagina depths.

It was so jarring – so overwhelming – yet so, undeniably hot.

It was like being bombarded with the unfiltered pleasures of sex at its most primal.

Every higher faculty was tempered.

Every other function associated with sex went into overdrive.

Adriana might not have been a werewolf herself. But being fucked by one turned her into a unique creature of instinct – one entirely focused on this singular, intimate act.

“Yes! Yes! Yes, Rex! Ohhh yes!” she cried out.

“Hrrrr Luma!” roared Rex.

In that moment – hearing him say her name through the beast within – that sent Adriana over the edge. It was more than just a sign that Rex saw her as his bonded mate. It was the love of the man and the lust of the beast combined into a single feeling.

And as he continued humping her from behind, she reached back and placed her hand atop his. Through the fur and flesh, she conveyed her own uniquely primal sentiment.

Then, she climaxed hard.

“Oohhhh Rex!” Adriana exclaimed.

The orgasmic rush washed over her, hitting her like hot waves of chaotic bliss from all direction. She closed her eyes, bit her lip, and arched her back. Rex even grabbed her in the process, cupping both her breasts as her lower body erupted in an orgasmic frenzy. Her toes curled and her inner muscles tensed, contracting around his hardened penis even as it continued slithering inside her.

Rex definitely sensed it. He let out that distinct hiss he always made when she came. It reminded her of an animal triumphantly standing over its prey. That seemed so fitting for a moment like this. He’d rendered her powerless, awash in fleshly pleasure. It effectively gave him free reign to ravage her until his desires were spent.

“Mmm…mate!” Rex growled.

Adriana barely had time to recover before her werewolf lover laid her on her side, hitched a leg up over his shoulder, and continued hammering away. Still drunk on the pleasure of her first orgasm, she just clutched the nearby pillowed and enjoyed the right. She even cooed as he licked and sniffed around her feet – another sign that the playful, gentle lover in Riley Green was still within.

Her sense of time quickly became obscure as their animalistic sex played out like it so often did on these clear nights. Rex continued ravaging her with his lust, going hard and fast with their sex. They remained on the mattress for the most part. But on some occasions, he mixed it up – pinning her against the wall, lifting her up in his arms, and lying her flat on her stomach while they went at it.

But Adriana wasn’t entirely passive in their sex. She always found a way to contribute, channeling her own knowledge of good werewolf sex. She frequently ran her fingers through the thick fur around his hack and shoulders. She also licked around his ear, something she knew Rex enjoyed a great deal. She even scratched around a particular area of his hip, which got him humping even faster – so much so that she climaxed again.

Her orgasmic cries seemed to encourage him even more. But even as Adriana became more dishevled and covered and sweat, she urged him on.

“More! Give me more, Rex! Please…I can take it!” she told him.

That had always been an important part of their love. Riley’s greatest fear had always been hurting her while he was in his werewolf form. It took a while for Adriana to convince him that she could handle that form. It was as much a part of him as his human form. And if their love was going to work, she had to accept him in every form.

It also helped that sex with a werewolf was incredibly hot. Adriana had always enjoyed rougher forms of sex, but none compared to that given by a werewolf. She often climaxed multiple times and tonight was no exception. She didn’t know how many she ended up having. She just knew how to show her appreciation once her lover drew close.

That moment finally arrived when she found herself on her back, her legs hitched over his shoulders, while he hammered away with increasing urgency. His fur-covered pelvis kept smacking against hers – his rigid member tensing inside her with anticipation. Adriana saw it in his face, his expression twitching and his hands trembling. She lovingly caressed the side of his menacing complexion, smiling up at him as his climax approach.

“I know you’re close, my love. Please…embrace it,” she told him.

“Hrr rah! Rah! Rahhhhhh!”

Rex’s howls escalated as he delivered the last round of humping. Finally, his movements slowed and his hips steadied. And with one final howl, her werewolf lover climaxed.

“Rrrrrr Luma!”

Him saying her named again was just so fitting. Adriana’s smile widened as she held on for the intimate rush.

She held him closer, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist while he pushed his cock into her extra deep. He then dug his hands/paws into the mattress, holding on as he filled her with his masculine fluid.

It always seemed a bit more voluminous in his werewolf form, but Adriana really enjoyed it. That hot feeling of his fluids mixing with hers inside her womb – it carried with it a special kind of warmth and intimacy. She’d come to cherish it a great deal, even if it left her tired and sore the next day.

As Rex took in the sensations of his sexual release, his growling and panting finally settled. After so much exertion, he collapsed atop her – his imposing form now pressed against her naked skin. Adriana eagerly caught him, catching him in her embrace and rolling him onto his side. She then curled up next to him, his body still furry and feral. It still felt so good to her touch, filling her with a special contentment that she sought to share with her werewolf lover.

“You did it, my handsome beast. You pleased your mate,” she told him. “Now please…lay with me. Rest. You’ve earned it.”

“Hnn….Luma.”

Her loving words, coupled with her tender touch, helped further soothe the beast. He continued his heavy panting, having exerted so much energy during their sex. All that wild, untamed bloodlust that often came from his transformation had been appropriately focused and directed. Instead of rage and destruction, it led to hot sex and primal intimacy.

For a werewolf and his loving mate, it was the best possible trade.

“Sleep, my werewolf lover,” Adriana said, kissing his furry cheek before he fell asleep. “You’ve shared with me your feral lust. Now, wake up as a man…next to the woman who loves you and the beast with him.”

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