#FlashFiction and News of Monumental Proportions (at least to me)

Sorry I've been so quiet lately. I've been working on organizing a few things, writing some #flashfiction, and sitting on a HUGE secret that I haven't been able to share until now.

But first, to build tension as every good author should, I'm going to offer you a look at the flash fiction I wrote this week (at least my favorites) and then I'll reveal the news.

First was #TuesdayTales hosted by @theglitterlady and she had two prompts: the photo below and the word "preternatural". Only 100 words allowed.

I stared in horror at my sister’s slack face. Thick red lines drooled from her lips over her chin, dripping off onto her chest. She lay with her head against the back of the couch, her eyes mere slits. Her arms draped haphazardly on the seat cushions as if to ward off some preternatural creature. The air smelled of burnt toast and cinnamon and the crumbs of some dark pastry marred the pristine white porcelain of her plate.

“Heidi! Oh, God!”

She jerked awake, blinking at my recoil.

“What happened?”

She wiped her face. “Sorry, red velvet cake sugar coma.”

My great friend Cara Michaels judged this contest and while I didn't win, I had a heck of a good time writing about miss droolface up there! ;)

Yesterday, I attempted @DRyanLeask's #3-4Thursday Classic challenge (up to 300 words) and there were three prompts: Special prompt "macabre", Phrase prompt "fear pulsed through (his/her/its/my) veins", and Word prompt "congeal(ed/ing)". There's voting today for the best story. Just click on the link and vote for your favorite. :) Mine is below and a title was required.

To Dance Forever

“Macabre? Why does everything in October have to be nasty and congealed for the flash fiction challenges?” I shook my head as I clicked on the different links. “Same stuff, different blog.”

“Oh come on, it’s not that bad,” my sister remarked.

“Says you who LOVES the dark and slightly frightening.”

“What, did you only want to write about flowers and butterflies?” Linda scoffed as she typed another 100 entry like a pro.

“No, but it’s all the same, you know? Dead things and blood. What about the more mystical?”

“Fine. There’s always cemeteries.”

I sighed. “Yeah, cemeteries and ghosts.” I grabbed my coat and car keys.

The Danse Macabre; the dance of death. I’d never seen it. Visiting cemeteries at this time of year was something my Spanish teacher in high school liked to do for Dia de los Muertos, but no fear pulsed through my veins then. Nothing happened in cemeteries. They were full of dead people. Big deal.

But tonight in the mists wafting off the cooling grounds, I caught sight of a pair of apparitions wheeling between the headstones in a stately waltz and rare excitement and wonder zinged through me. The couple winked at me as they passed, then they were gone.

I sat down with the thump, ignoring the damp soaking into the butt of my jeans. Wow, how cool was that? I rested my chin on my knees and wondered what it’d be like to be loved like that; loved so much my honey would dance with me through the mists of death.

“I’ve missed you, dearest.”

I twisted around at the hollow voice and stared into night sky eyes of a handsome man dressed in a tailcoat and cravat.

“You’ve missed me?” I squeaked.

He brushed my cheek gently. “Shall we dance?”

He he he, I really enjoyed writing that one. So much for nothing ever happening in cemeteries. ;)

Today, I tried a new challenge. It's called #FridayPictureShow and it's hosted by @JenD_Author. She had only two requirements: the photo prompt and exactly 100 words.

“Did you see that hit? It was outta the park!”

“Shhhhh! I can’t hear my soap. Derrick’s gonna tell Susannah about his incurable disease!”

“Oh, man, that chick dancing with Donny is soo hawt, but she can’t hold the rhythm much.”

“Do you think Castle’s gonna get to kiss Det. Beckett this season?”

“Caw-ha-ha-ha! Jeff Foxworthy cracks me up!”

A piercing whistle stopped all conversations and the viewers looked over their shoulders as Death stepped into the room.

“Break’s over, guys. Time to get back to work.”

Grumbles followed as each TV was clicked off and Death’s messengers took wing.

This one cracked me up while writing it. If you can't laugh at your own writing, you're in the wrong field. I hope you enjoyed the little snippets I had to share.

Now . . . (deep breath) A week ago I mentioned that a publisher told me they were interested in my werewolf tale. I received the contract last night and am thrilled to announce I'll be publishing through Sapphire Blue Publishing for this first novel. I don't have an idea how soon it will come out, but I promise I'll shout it to the rooftops when I do know! Thanks for keeping up with me and cheering me on (you know who you are: LR, GV, EKY, SA, CM). Your faith has been the best any author can hope for. I hope your week as gone as well as mine and keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming release!

God it feels great to say that! Happy reading! :)