Pinar Tarhan, Author at Addicted to Writing

This Romance Writer’s Top 10 Romance Movies

Posted on February 9, 2021 Written by Pinar Tarhan

It’s romance week on Addicted to Writing!

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and as a romance writer, what better week than this to talk about romance? Today’s post is about my favorite romantic movies: romantic comedies and romantic dramas.

I’ll talk about my favorite movies, give a bit of a plot summary, link to my entertainment blog if I’ve reviewed them in detail before, and of course, talk about why these movies come before others.

I’ve watched them in their entirety several times. I’ve seen some of them probably more than 10 times. I frequently revisit my favorite scenes.

For this list, I’ve included romcoms, romantic dramas, and the occasional romance with other genre elements, like fantasy or sci-fiction.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them, I might earn a little something.

Ready? Let’s roll!

Pride and Prejudice (2005) starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen: Romance, Comedy

It really is my favorite romantic movie of all time.

What’s not to like? We have a strong, smart, modern, and gorgeous female lead who is her own person. Our male lead is well, Mr. Darcy, the ultimate epitome of tall, dark and handsome. He is also adorably flawed, but a total romantic at heart.

Pride and Prejudice Plot Summary:

Living in the early 19^th century England, Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) doesn’t quite belong. She loves to read and take long walks. She is perfectly happy wearing plain clothes, is opinionated, and will not settle for anything less than true love.

Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) is shy, rich, and he hates parties.

During a ball, Elizabeth and her sisters meet Mr. Darcy and his best friend Mr. Bingley. But when Darcy acts cold and Elizabeth overhears him saying not-so-great things about her, she speaks his mind and astounds him.

From then on, Elizabeth is on a mission to be even more herself and not impress Darcy. Darcy does his hardest to avoid crushing on Elizabeth: this strong, confident, extroverted woman. Of course, to no avail.

We end up with the greatest romantic comedy of all time.

And if you need more reasons to watch, the cast includes Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, Carey Mulligan, and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl).

 

Forget Me Not (2010) starring Tobias Menzies and Genevieve O’Reilly: Romance, Drama

I usually prefer romantic comedies over romantic dramas because life is bleak enough and romcoms guarantee a happy ending.

But some romantic dramas are so good that you forgive them for any tears they might cause you.

Forget Me Not is one such movie.

I have covered it in detail here:

Forget Me Not: Will Not Be Forgotten Any Time Soon

But here’s the plot in a nutshell:

Musician Will (Tobias Menzies) is struggling with a horrible condition and wants to end his life. One night, he saves bartender Eve’s life, and as he accompanies her to a party. They end up staying up all night in London and becoming closer by the minute. But Will’s secret threatens to blow up the magic.

The acting is top-notch, and a 24-hour love story set in contemporary times in a big city makes us believe in love and connection again.

It’s a definite must-watch.

A Royal Affair (2012) starring Mads Mikkelsen and Alicia Vikander: Biography, Drama, History, Romance

Set in 1700s Denmark.

A young queen is set in a loveless marriage. So, she gets close with the royal physician, where there is a meeting of the minds. They don’t only fall in love, but they also try to change the country for the better together.

Unfortunately, others aren’t exactly rooting for enlightenment, and this – along with a pregnancy – brings tragic consequences.

It’s a beautiful period piece and turned me into a Mads Mikkelsen fan for life.

What makes A Royal Affair so powerful and remarkable is that there is a meeting of the minds, and that makes it way more appealing than most opposites attract sort of stories out there. They think alike, and that’s what draws them together.

For more details, check out:

Review for A Royal Affair starring Mads Mikkelsen: Denmark’s Submission to the Oscars

Your Love Sleeps With Another Guy or You Lose Your Baby: A Royal Affair-Most Enthralling Story Conflicts 5

Forever Young (1992) starring Mel Gibson: Romance, Drama, Sci-fi

Forever Young is a different kind of romance movie. It follows the male protagonist’s journey, and the love of his life doesn’t get that much screen time, and for solid, logical plot reasons.

It’s 1939, and pilot Daniel (Mel Gibson) is in love with his childhood sweetheart Helen. But just when he is about to propose, Helen is hit by a car and goes into a coma.

Not knowing how to handle his grief, Daniel does something drastic: He persuades his scientist friend to freeze him. He will be woken up if Helen wakes up.

But things don’t go according to plan. Two kids playing where they shouldn’t be wake up Daniel up accidentally – in 1992. Daniel is still in his 30s.

With the help of one of the kids (Elijah Wood) and his mom (Jamie Lee Curtis), Daniel tries to adjust to a life five decades later than his own.

Unfortunately, the side effects of the experiment catch up with him. As he starts to age rapidly, he also finds out that Helen is still alive.

A race against time begins to reunite Daniel with the love of his life.

While you won’t be watching two people falling in love, it is a sweet and quality testament to love and friendship. And it was written by none other than J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost).

Dirty Dancing (1987) starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey: Drama, Romance, Music

And of course, the classic. Set in the early 60s, Dirty Dancing is the love story between Johnny and Baby.

In Dirty Dancing, Baby (Jennifer Grey) goes on a vacation with her parents and sister and is bored out of her mind until she meets the resort’s dance instructor Johnny (Patrick Swayze). Dealing with his problems and his best friend’s, Johnny doesn’t exactly take a liking to Baby at first sight. But when she replaces his dancing partner and they start practicing together, they fall for each other.

I don’t remember my first viewing because I was three. No, really. Mom and dad discovered their hyperactive child loved the movies and stayed quiet there. So they took me to see this. Of course, I have seen it many, many times since then. Dirty Dancing is responsible for a lot of things: my love for dancing, my love for Patrick Swayze, and my taste in men.

Amazing soundtrack too.

If you are a romantic, you need to see this (again).

Iconic Line: Nobody puts Baby in a corner.

Patrick Swayze Tribute post

What Women Want (2000) starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy

What Women Want is a romcom with a fantasy element, and arguably, it is funnier than it is romantic. But written and directed by Nancy Meyers (The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give), it’s a wonderful and original story about one man’s transformation from a selfish, womanizing, career-oriented advertising executive into a better lover, parent, and human being.

Nick (Mel Gibson) thinks he is god’s gift to women. After an accident, he gains the ability to hear their thoughts. Initially, he uses his gift for selfish gains, like one-upping his co-worker Darcy (Helen Hunt) and bedding the cute barista (Marisa Tomei). But as he gets to know women better, including Darcy and his own daughter, he starts to become a better man.

What Women Want is the kind of romcom that guys should never complain about being dragged to. After all, it’s comedy gold first and a romantic treat second.

The Ugly Truth (2009) starring Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl: Comedy, Romance.

Romantic and uptight television producer Abby (Katherine Heigl) isn’t a fan of Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), the handsome but misogynistic TV host of The Ugly Truth. But when her network forces her to work with him and she seems to be getting nowhere romantically with her cute doctor neighbor Colin, she accepts Mike’s help. As Mike helps her become desirable for her crush, he starts falling in love with the real Abby.

The Ugly Truth is a hilarious romcom with ultimately two great messages: The person will love you as you are. And you shouldn’t let your past disappointments turn you into a cynical asshole.

Some of you will be baffled that I chose The Ugly Truth over P.S. I Love You, Gerard Butler’s other great romantic hit. Arguably, Gerry (Butler’s character in P.S. I Love You) is a much better partner than Mike.

And you’d be right. Gerry is adorable, goofy, hot, fun, romantic, nice, and if he has flaws, we don’t quite see it in the film. He is a musician to boot, too.

And while it is indeed one of my favorite romantic movies, I prefer The Ugly Truth because laughter is more fun than pain. I love that the protagonists live and get a happy ending.

27 Dresses (2008) starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden: Comedy, Romance

Jane (Katherine Heigl) is potentially the world’s best PA and bridesmaid. She’s been a bridesmaid 27 times. She’d love to get married, but her handsome boss George (Edward Burns) isn’t aware of how she feels about him. Things get a lot worse when her sister starts dating him. Wedding journalist Kevin (James Marsden) wants to do a piece on her, and things get even more complicated.

27 Dresses is endearing and funny. I love how Kevin and Jane’s relationship progresses, and I like how the “wrong” guy is also a pretty decent guy.

The Holiday (2006) starring Cameron Diaz and Jude Law

Yes, I love writer/director Nancy Meyers as you can see from me featuring two movies from her in a top 10 list.

But what kind of romantic would I be if I didn’t include the lovely and funny The Holiday?

The Holiday is about two women who are stuck in different places in their lives, though they are both unlucky with men. So, movie trailer maker Amanda from Los Angeles (Cameron Diaz) and English Iris (Kate Winslet) swap their houses for the holidays.

While they were planning to stay away from men, they both meet someone that will change their lives for the better: Amanda falls for Iris’ brother Graham (Jude Law), and Iris gets close with Amanda’s friend Miles (Jack Black). But there will be a lot to figure out before we can get our happy ending.

While You Were Sleeping (1995) starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman: Romance, Comedy

Yes, I am a 90s kid, can you tell? 🙂 This gem is from 1995 and has always been one of my favorites to (re)watch.

Starring Bill Pullman and Sandra Bullock, While You Were Sleeping is a wholesome romcom with a crazy concept that can be enjoyed with your entire family.

Hopelessly romantic Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is in love with Peter, a man (Peter Callagher) she has never met but sees on his way to work every day. One day, she saves his life but he goes into a coma. People at the hospital think she is his fiancée, so she doesn’t correct them to be able to see him. But when his family gets there, the situation spirals out of control before Lucy can correct them. Now, Peter’s handsome brother Jack is convinced Lucy is lying and is out to prove it. But as Jack and Lucy end up spending time together, romantic feelings emerge.

Can Lucy get her happy ending with the right brother without losing the family she has come to love as well?

If you are a romantic, you need to watch While You Were Sleeping. It will have you watch it with a big smile on your face, and making you wish you could meet your own Jack.

*

Because I had to pick 10, I had to leave some darlings out. Check these out if you are looking for more suggestions.

– Ghost starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. Comedy, romance, drama, fantasy.

– The Last of The Mohicans starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe. Action, adventure, drama. But the romantic storyline is one of the best. It’s the second highest-rated on IMDB of all the movies I’ve suggested.

– Cold Mountain starring Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. Adventure, drama, history, romance.

– 10 Things I Hate About You starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Comedy, romance.

– Jane Eyre starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender. Drama, romance.

– Before Sunrise starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Drama, romance. The highest-rated on IMDB of all the movies I’ve suggested and the first movie of the trilogy.

– Lake House starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Drama, romance, fantasy.

– Chocolate starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp.

Review for Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing by Olga Mecking

Posted on January 21, 2021 Written by Pinar Tarhan

US cover edition for Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing by Olga Mecking.

I’ve just finished reading Olga Mecking’s wonderfully entertaining, educational, and relaxing book Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing (aff. link). Worry not, I’ll explain in my review how this book is all that and why.

But before I get to what the book is about and my review, let me tell you a bit about Olga and the wonderful concept of niksen.

Olga Mecking & Niksen

Olga Mecking is a Polish journalist, freelance writer, author, and novelist. She’s been living in The Netherlands for 11 years, and she has experienced the culture firsthand. She first wrote about the concept of Niksen for Woolly magazine, but it was her essay for The New York Times’ Smarter Living section that really kicked things off. For more about how the book came to be and how Olga nikses herself, you can read my interview with her.

Niksen is basically doing nothing for the sake of doing nothing. Yes, it is enjoyable and recharges you. And it is a beautiful way to find inspiration and peace of mind in these hectic times.

The Book: Niksen isn’t your average wellness book

For one thing, Olga isn’t fond of wellness trends, especially if they preach their methods work for everyone – when their instructions followed to a t. She finds that these kinds of trends and books cause more stress because they don’t consider your personal circumstances and the culture you live in.

I’m glad Olga takes into account why and when niksen might be good for you, and when you probably shouldn’t attempt or force it.

She talks to many experts in her book, including business psychologists and other authors. One of my favorite experts featured is Gretchen Rubin. Rubin’s book on habits (aff. link) is a life-changer because she views everything through a personality lens, making changing easier and probable.

Back to the book Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing

What the book covers

– What Niksen is,

– Why we should consider practicing it,

– When and how we might implement it into our lives,

– How other cultures have embraced Niksen,

– Potential roadblocks,

– How she experiences it herself,

and more.

Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing is a fast read. And it’s also not.

It’s easy to read this book (aff. link) fast. Olga’s conversational and friendly style can have you devouring it in one cozy setting. But I resisted the urge.

Whenever, there was a cultural, personal, or professional reflection on how much and how we niks, I stopped and thought about my relationship with niksen.

While I am notoriously bad at niksing on a couch, especially if there are electronics or books or notebooks around, I have my own ways. Olga mentions this in the book:

I love going to coffee shops (when there is no pandemic, of course) and working on whatever project there. My favorite shops tend to provide the best atmosphere for niksen: comfortable seating, great (but not-too-loud) music, and a gorgeous view. So, every once in a while, I mentally get lost with my coffee in my hand. It doesn’t take too long before I feel the urge to write something down, but I do it.

I also find it hard to get up in the mornings. Because I don’t usually have to be up by a certain hour, I take my time. I am awake, but I don’t rush. I literally do nothing. My eyes can be open or closed. I just enjoy the moments before another hectic day starts.

As I read the book, I consciously tried to add more niksen to my week.

The benefits appeal to me. I like it when I engage in it. Yet, the concept can sometimes scare me. I was a hyperactive child, and as an anxious/busy adult with a hyperactive mind, I worry I should be doing something. Something worthwhile.

But I am trying to recover from that train of thought. There is a reason a lot of creative ideas (in addition to relaxation) find us in the shower.

I read the book slowly but surely, true to the spirit of niksen.

Recommended for:

I recommend reading Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing to curious minds, anxious professionals, restless souls, and anyone who thinks they need to slow down a bit.

If you find yourself constantly wishing for more time, especially more time to wind down, you should read this book.

Reading it has a soothing effect. It will also show you that you are not alone.

Another thing I love about this book is that it doesn’t claim to be a be-all-end-all for wellness. In fact, both the writer and the book are highly skeptical of trends and one-size-fits-all advice. Olga even features a section detailing who shouldn’t be niksing and why.

As someone who hates standardized advice, this makes the book even more my cup of tea.

Who shouldn’t read Niksen?

I honestly can’t think of many people. But if you are extremely happy with your life, have time management skills and productivity levels you are proud of, and you couldn’t care less about a concept that is about doing nothing on purpose, then you probably shouldn’t read it.

Rest of the world? Give it a shot.

Book Review: Lizzie Chantree’s Networking For Writers

Posted on January 16, 2021 Written by Pinar Tarhan

About Lizzie Chantree

Lizzie Chantree is a successful entrepreneur and bestselling romance author who frequently features women entrepreneurs as her protagonists in her novels. You can check out her website and Amazon Author page for more information.

What Networking For Writers teaches you:

– Making the best of networking events and learning materials such as workshops and courses,

-Importance of networks and how to take advantage of networking events

– How to engage on social media,

– Networking online via social networks and through video,

– How to use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn to build your author brand and engage with both your readers and fellow authors – which includes consistency with your posts when it comes to your genre and writing style/and when/what (not) to post,

– How to get your audience to want to connect with you,

– How to schedule posts,

-Time management regarding social media,

– Branding: Advice on what to pay for and how to find people you will want to work with, how to get it done more cheaply or freely,

– Tips to make and keep marketing simple: checklists, content tips, engaging with followers, tracking spending and more,

– How to see what has worked/what hasn’t,

– Promotions while keeping in mind what the end goal is (More sales? Better ranking? Newsletter visibility?),

– Giveaways,

– Encouraging reader magnets,

-Facebook book hops (what it is/how it works),

– Other promotional ideas and new ways of marketing (or ways that you probably have heard of but not tried yet),

– Importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zones,

– Organizing your own creative events,

– Whether selling many copies of your books at events actually matters,

-Figuring out your skills and ideal customers,

– Importance of collaboration,

– Dealing with procrastination,

– Looking out for networking opportunities/relevant organizations for writers,

– List of resources the author personally uses,

and much more.

Review for Networking for Writers: A fun way to sell more books.

Most of the tips from Networking for Writers (aff. link) are doable and affordable, regardless of your personality, budget, and whatever crisis the world is going through.

I’ve been writing for a while. And I have also been collecting marketing tips for a long time. I still learned a lot from this book. I recommend reading it with a notebook and pen in hand. I’d also read it several times – if not the book in its entirety, then the parts that are new to you and the parts you kind of know but don’t implement consistently.

Her book Networking For Writers (aff. link) is a comprehensive gem that has something to offer you, no matter where you are in your marketing and networking journey.

Recommended, from beginner to advanced, to any author who wants to be more memorable, make more sales, and have a larger network.

Basically, if you’re not in the ranks of Stephen King, you will find it useful.

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Have you read Networking For Writers? What are your favorite books on marketing and networking for writers?

First Chapter of My New Romance Novel: A Change Would Do You Good

Posted on January 2, 2021 Written by Pinar Tarhan

A Change Would Do You Good. A romcom novel by Pinar Tarhan.

My upcoming novel is called A Change Would Do You Good, and it’s a romcom drama set in California. It features an ensemble cast of colorful characters, and my protagonist Janie has to navigate loss and a crazy amount of change if she wants to adjust to her crazy new world.

If I were to name chapters, this first chapter would be called Welcome to the Neighborhood.

Read on for a surprise at the end!

A Change Would Do You Good

Chapter 1

Los Angeles

Janie sat in her therapist Dr. Lucia Lopez’s office for the twenty-seventh time. She had been seeing her for about seven months.

Eight months ago, her boyfriend Lenny had died. Seven months ago, to add insult to injury, her two best friends Sarah and Andy had moved to Canada. That was when Janie knew she wouldn’t survive this without professional help.

It was the right call. They had talked through her pain, as well as feelings of abandonment and betrayal. Who would move abroad when their best friend was mourning the loss of her boyfriend? He had died two days before her thirty-fifth birthday. And a few weeks after his.

But, of course, it wasn’t that simple. Sarah and Andy weren’t just Janie’s best friends. They were also Lenny’s. Not that grief was, or ever should be a competitive sport. If it were, they would all probably be sharing the medal for first place: Sarah and Lenny had met when they were in diapers. Literally. Their parents were neighbors and dear friends. Luckily for them, their kids — both only children — had taken to each other immediately. Sarah had been inconsolable when Lenny’s father took a job in New York; they were in ninth grade. That’s when she met Janie.

Andy was Lenny’s college roommate. The two bonded over their dream to become Formula 1 drivers and realized it together.

Lenny had introduced Sarah to Andy, and after their move back to LA the four of them had been inseparable. Lenny was a close friend for years before he and Janie started dating.

Yes, the three of them were in immense pain. The difference was Sarah and Andy had each other. And Vancouver had them.

To be fair, Janie did see the appeal of making a new start in a new environment. Yes, she still felt a bit let down. But she was no longer angry with her friends. Talking things through with her therapist had helped immensely.

Lopez observed her patient as Janie studied the beautiful scenic photos of San Diego sprucing up the walls. She was particularly drawn to the blue-dominant one, where high, wild waves crashed onto the golden beach sand.

“Ever been?” Her therapist asked.

“When I was a kid. We vacationed there a lot. It was lovely.”

“Still is.”

Janie could hardly look away from the pictures. She was thinking. Planning. “I never went there with Lenny.”

“Might be just what you need to start over,” her therapist prompted.

“I turned down a job there a couple of weeks ago. Loved the firm. Loved what they offered. But I wasn’t sure I could handle such a huge change.”

“And now?” Janie leaned back and smiled. Her therapist continued. “Being the new person in an environment can provide a lot of distraction. And I definitely encourage you to go out and meet as many new people as you can. Still, never hurts to have someone you can call.” Lopez picked at the neatly stacked Rolodex on her desk. She searched a bit before she found the name she wanted. She took the card out and handed it to Janie. “Greg’s a good friend of mine from school. He’s a therapist himself, but he works for a corporation.”

Janie threw her a curious look.

“I’m sure he can recommend a few decent local therapists should you need one, but I’m really just giving you the number of a friend. He can show you around. Introduce you to people,” the therapist explained.

“Won’t he be weirded out? Me being your patient?”

“Janie, you’re just going through a tough time. And honestly, I think you will hit it off.” Janie looked horrified. The therapist laughed a little. “Relax. I’m not matchmaking. I know you’re not ready to date again. And Greg is seeing someone. But he makes a damn good friend.”

“Thank you,” Janie said gratefully.

Janie wasted no time calling Greg when she went home. If she were going to change cities, she might as well start making friends. He sounded even more pleasant than described.

She made her second call to Ellen Parker, the head of the San Diego fashion design firm who had offered her the job.

Janie was in her bedroom, hastily packing the remainder of her wardrobe into the suitcase on her bed. She wanted to be out of there like yesterday. Her older brother Peter sat next to the suitcase, disapproving, which was his default mode. Janie kept ignoring him. That was her default in their relationship. He’d never change. And on the plus side, he couldn’t stand being ignored.

Janie looked at her almost full suitcase, and then at the other fully-packed carry-on on the floor. Her closet was far from empty. Peter read her mind.

“That’s what happens when you shop non-stop for three weeks.” Peter pointed out the obvious. Janie kept packing. “You don’t have to do this, you know,” he pressed.

She went into the bathroom. The moment she was out of sight, Peter unzipped the suitcase on the bed and threw the clothes back into the wardrobe.

Janie returned with her toiletries and saw Peter unpacking. “What the hell?” She darted to her bed, pushing him aside. She dumped the toiletries on the bed and quickly recovered the items from the wardrobe, throwing them back into the suitcase until it couldn’t take any more. Then she zipped it shut with one swift, angry pull.

“Hey, take it easy. You know I have nothing against you moving on. But transforming your whole life to do it?”

“Remind me, when did the love of your life die?” She lifted her suitcase from the bed and put it on the floor. She dragged the carry-ons as she exited the room.

Peter followed her outside. As soon as he saw the new red Chevrolet Camaro parked in the driveway, his eyes almost left their sockets – cartoon style. “What was wrong with your perfectly normal car?”

Janie just placed her suitcases in the trunk and shut it. The backseat was full of photo albums, DVDs and CDs.

“Do you have any savings left at all? And why are you still traveling like it’s the 90s?”

Janie smirked at the question. Peter looked like he might have a heart attack soon. She got in the car and closed the door. She took out what looked like a brand-new phone from her bag, gestured him to call her and drove away.

Peter frowned, then instinctively fished out his phone to test his theory. He dialed Janie’s number. No longer in use.

Janie sped away in her convertible. Her car’s speakers blasted AC/DC’s Highway to Hell for good measure. She smiled as she mouthed the lyrics, ironically feeling like she was escaping hell.

Janie looked out of the window of her new fourth-story apartment. She could see the beach down the road. On quieter days, she bet she could hear the waves splashing on the shore.

The neighborhood was stunning with just enough colorful buildings. Not too crowded. The tallest ones had five or six floors at the most, giving everyone space to breathe.

The inhabitants were intent on making the most of the beach. People who lived here weren’t exactly rich, but they didn’t have money problems either. Not that Janie cared about that. It would just be nice to hit Peter with the facts when he started nagging that she’d downgraded her life somehow.

A couple of hours later, Janie sat on her sofa and took in her spacious two-bedroom apartment. It was modern and vibrant without being too quirky. It was completely her. She had only a few boxes left to unpack. She smiled to herself, dialed her mom on her cell and left a message.

“Hi, mom. Just calling to say I’m almost settled. This place is amazing. Remember, you can’t give this number to Peter. Or my address. Not yet.”

She hung up and dialed Greg. Got his voicemail.

“Hey! You were right. This place is something else. Thanks for everything. Let me know when you want to meet up.”

Past midnight, Janie was sound asleep in her bed. Suddenly, loud hardcore metal music with brutal vocals blasted from downstairs and jolted her awake.

“What the hell?” she yelled and tried to go back to sleep. She buried her head in her pillow. The music continued. Frustrated, she took her MP3 player from her top night table drawer. She put her earphones on. Before she could push play, she heard the loud crack of a gunshot. Then another.

Shaking off her initial panic, Janie dialed 911.

*******

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