Heloise is a member of my critique group who writes beautiful, lyrical prose. Her primary interest lies in time periods which are not our own, and she has a particular affection for Venice and all parts Italian. (What can I say? The lady has good taste!)

Her short story with Dreamspinner press has just released as part of the Juicy Bits anthology. If you haven’t heard about it, the idea was essentially to strip away most of a full length novel, leaving us with just those bits that you come back to read over and over again.

Here is the premise of her story:

In Renaissance Florence, legend says the statue of Neptune, once a man who spurned women, walks the night in search of his lover. Sculptor Beltramino also yearns for a lover. Marco, on the run and accused of a crime he did not commit, finds shelter in Beltramino’s garden, as if in answer to Beltramino’s prayers. The two submit to a formidable erotic attraction that transforms them into lovers who are stronger together than apart.

If you want to check out her blog, she’s going to be doing some fascinating posts about the legend mentioned in the description above, and about some of the history that plays into the setting and the central idea.

Keep an eye out for this chick. I’ve seen what’s coming down the pipe, and you’re not going to want to miss it.