Published inTantalizing Tales·PinnedMember-onlySecrets of the Velvet Trap — 1Eleanor’s professional boundaries begin to blur in response to Eddie’s poignant revelations about her faith and sexuality. — In 1930s Chicago, a troubled psychoanalyst and her tormented young patient pursue an unethical affair. In the shadows of an underground fetish club, their dark eroticism exposes the raw edges of desire. SERIES LINK | READER’S GUIDE | PSYCHOANALYSIS The sun had already set on Chicago’s Hyde Park district, and…Historical Fiction9 min readHistorical Fiction9 min read
Published inTantalizing Tales·PinnedTales From the Velvet Trap #1Violet entered Vivian’s world an eager victim. — THE VELVET TRAP …a shameless speakeasy in Chicago’s warehouse district, where the jazz and gin flow as freely as the sin. Nights dissolve into pleasures only the most perverse can provide and the most wicked enjoy… VIVIAN …the mature deviant whose family money and mob ties give her the power…Pulp Fiction6 min readPulp Fiction6 min read
Published inDead or Alive·PinnedMember-onlyI Hate RomanceNobody wants to read a rant about sex. — What to expect: I’ll start personal and angry and end philosophically and angry. As I consumed mainstream culture growing up, I had to change the genders to see myself in adventure and romance stories. I didn’t imagine myself as the object of desire like my girl friends did. …Writing4 min readWriting4 min read
Published inTantalizing Tales·PinnedThe Sirens’ LairThe erotic tide, lashed into a storm by the siren’s touches, washed away the memory of Saan, leaving Sinru drowning in her body’s need. — Fantasy15 min readFantasy15 min read
Published inPrism & Pen·PinnedMy Trans Son: One Mom’s JourneyFrom “my little girl” to “my handsome young man” — My son shares some of his journey in this story, but this post is mostly about my journey as his mom: the concerns I had, why I had them, and how he helped me move beyond them. Most of my objections came from my own experience. That’s where being a…Transgender11 min readTransgender11 min read
Published inTantalizing Tales·1 day agoMember-onlySecrets of the Velvet Trap — 4Eleanor challenges Victor’s orthodox boundaries with nuanced desires and unconventional identities. — In 1930s Chicago, a troubled psychoanalyst and her tormented young patient pursue an unethical affair. In the shadows of an underground fetish club, their dark eroticism exposes the raw edges of desire. SERIES LINK | READER’S GUIDE | PSYCHOANALYSIS Dr. Victor Stahl was a paradigm of meticulous grooming. His striking…Historical Fiction8 min readHistorical Fiction8 min read
Published inTantalizing Tales·Mar 21, 2024Member-onlySecrets of the Velvet Trap — 3A night at the Velvet Trap reveals personal histories and hidden identities. — In 1930s Chicago, a troubled psychoanalyst and her tormented young patient pursue an unethical affair. In the shadows of an underground fetish club, their dark eroticism exposes the raw edges of desire. SERIES LINK | READER’S GUIDE | PSYCHOANALYSIS Located on Chicago’s Near West Side, the Clean Sweep Laundry supplied…Historical Fiction9 min readHistorical Fiction9 min read
Published inTantalizing Tales·Mar 14, 2024Member-onlySecrets of the Velvet Trap — 2Eddie seeks an escape in the shadows of the Velvet Trap, while Eleanor seeks a revelation at the Chicago Art Institute. — In 1930s Chicago, a troubled psychoanalyst and her tormented young patient pursue an unethical affair. In the shadows of an underground fetish club, their dark eroticism exposes the raw edges of desire. SERIES LINK | READER’S GUIDE | PSYCHOANALYSIS The night had draped its dark veil over the city when…Historical Fiction7 min readHistorical Fiction7 min read
Feb 28, 2024A History and Lexicon of Psychoanalysis to 1935An overview to accompany the historical fiction serial novel “Secrets of the Velvet Trap,” published by Tantalizing Tales. — The following provides a general background on psychoanalysis in 1935. The information focuses on aspects of interest for the serial novel Secrets of the Velvet Trap. SERIES LINK | READER’S GUIDE | PSYCHOANALYSIS Ancient philosophers pondered the nature of the mind, offering theories on rationality, emotion, and ethical behavior. Medieval…History10 min readHistory10 min read
Feb 10, 2024The Reader’s Guide to “Secrets of the Velvet Trap”“Secrets of the Velvet Trap” is a sequel to “Tales from the Velvet Trap” available at Tantalizing Tales. — In 1930s Chicago, a troubled psychoanalyst and her tormented young patient pursue an unethical affair. In the shadows of an underground fetish club, their dark eroticism exposes the raw edges of desire. SERIES LINK Secrets of the Velvet Trap is a Depression-era, slow-burn psychological drama about the turbulent relationship between…Writing4 min readWriting4 min read