Sunday, March 31, 2013

Weekend Writing Warriors - A Hell Hound's Fire - Giving In


Welcome to the Weekend Writing Warriors and Happy Easter! Thank you so much for visiting on this busy weekend. I will be in and out as I celebrate with my family, but I'll try to get to everyone's blog. If you choose to comment, I really appreciate it. Most of these snippets are unedited, works in progress, and while my snippets aren't consecutive, they are in order within the story. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Today, I'm offering another snippet from an upcoming paranormal romance available April 2nd 2013, entitled A Hell Hound's Fire. SQUEEE two more days! :D Ahem, still not excited in the least. ;) In this snippet, Alex finally gives into his need and kisses Sarah. This is in Alex's POV.

Sarah whimpered and her nails dug into his back through his shirt as she wrapped one leg around his thigh. She ground her mound against his rock-hard cock and he swore his eyes rolled back in his head.

Want, want her now, True Mate. Tugging her head back again, he broke the kiss and licked her throat, lust demanding he mark her as his. He worked his hand between their bodies and stroked the crotch of her jeans, the heat and dampness there searing his fingers. Feral need exploded through him and the scent of her arousal insisted he mate with her immediately.

And he would have, except the pasta pot boiled over right beside them.

They broke apart, Alex scrambling to turn down the heat on the stove. His cock throbbed against the fly of his jeans, mourning the loss of Sarah’s warmth, but guilt hit him straight between the eyes. What the fuck am I doing?

So much for his control, but it doesn't sound like she was protesting all that much. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and a few of my favorites are Sarah Ballance, Charmaine Gordon, Goran Zidar, Karla Doyle, and A.S. Fenichel.

If you're interested in A Hell Hound's fire, here is the cover and blurb:

Love can be found in the most unlikely places, even the heart of a Hell Hound.

Alex MacLaren figures he'll never find love again after his mate dies. As one of the rare Hell Hound werewolves, his chances are slim to none. And slim went home. When the local Morukai shaman calls on him to protect a lovely Irish werewolf and her young son from demons, he can't help but take the job.

Sarah Flanagan is desperate to save her son Liam from the deadly monster trailing them, but she's out of options and places to hide. She lost her mate the last time she encountered a demon, and with Liam depending on her, the stakes are far higher this time. After meeting Alex, she's not sure about the Hell Hound, but she’s no fool. He’s their best hope for survival... and hers for another chance at love.


Thank you all for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Friday, March 29, 2013

#ThursThreads - Week 64 - Winners

 

Week 64 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales! Thanks to all who came to write yesterday. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. Thank you for coming back again and again to write. And I'm delighted to see new writers stopping by. Great thanks go to J. Whitworth Hazzard for reading the stories.

Entries:
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
  • Jeff Hollar | @Klingorengi
  • Kayla West | @bookwormattack
  • Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
  • Robin Abess | @Angelique_Rider
  • Leslie B Ramey | @LeslieBRamey
  • Fraser McFraze | @FraserMcFraze
  • Dr Magoo | @drmagoo
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • HL Pauff | @HLPauff
  • Veronica Jordan | @RevolutionaryVJ
  • Nellie Batz | @solimond
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
James says: What a great group of entries this week! It was extremely tough narrowing down my favorites to four entries, but it’s a good problem to have with this calibre and range of writing styles. For the curious, whether I’m reading, writing, or judging flash fiction, I’m looking for one of two things, intrigue and/or drama. All four of the winning entries had these qualities in spades. And thank you, gracious hostess Siobhan Muir for letting me pop in to judge this week. I had a great time on your blog, as usual.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions
 
Robin Abess | @Angelique_Rider
James says: Revenge. Who doesn’t love a good revenge tale where justice is dealt out by the wronged? Excellent tension and build, great finishing twist.

Leslie B Ramey | @LeslieBRamey
James says: An act of mercy or a cruel test of loyalty? You be the judge. Either way this tale packed a ton of well-crafted drama into a tiny word count.

Fraser McFraze | @FraserMcFraze
James says: Intriguing, sweet, cute, and prompts me to want to learn some spells of my own before my daughter starts dating. One of the only entries that didn’t weaponize the prompt and go for the obvious meaning.

Week 64 Winner


James says: Gut check time. This tiny tale had drama, intrigue, smarts, and heart. Post-apocalyptic tales often deal with this difficult moral theme, and Jeffery did it well. When you can’t save everyone, someone’s got make the tough calls.

Balancing The Equation

Jase had no need for his scope to see the puff of dust kick up. He groaned softly as he watched the rabbit scamper away, vanishing into the rocky landscape below. He wasn’t sure what irritated him most: the loss of much-needed protein, the expenditure ammunition or the fact Cale didn’t seem capable of hitting a damned thing he aimed at.

Not for the first time, the old drifter wondered if he’d made the right choice taking the kid in. In the apocalyptic wasteland the world had become, resources were few and diminishing rapidly. Finding enough to get by alone was a challenge. Adding an unknown variable into the equation for survival was foolhardy at best.
In this case, he’d decided with his heart and not his head. Leaving the boy alone and dying amongst the rotting remains of his family had simply not been something Jase could allow.

After two months, though, the boy had proven no help whatsoever and a more telling drain than Jase could any longer allow. He knew what had to be done and steeled himself before lying down next to the scruffy boy.

Placing a broad hand on the back of Cale’s neck he adjusted the angle of his head slightly. “If we’re gonna eat any time soon you gotta learn to shoot better, lad. Aim…like this. See?”

Before any reply came, Jase twisted sharply at an angle, snapping the urchin’s thin neck like a twig. Nothing personal kid, he muttered to himself.

James says: For your glorious win, you’ll be getting a copy “Dead Sea Games: Adrift” and “Dead Sea Games: Exiled”; episodes one and two of my zombie serial now out on Kindle and Nook.

Congratulations Two Time Winner Jeff, Robin, Leslie, and Fraser! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :)

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 64


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked, and #ThursThreads, the Challenge that Ties Tales Together. Let's get started. It's Thursday again, so what should you be doing? Writing #flashfiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 64 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Need the rules? Read on!

Here's how it works:
  • The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
  • The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.
Rules to the Game:
  • This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
  • Incorporate the prompt as written anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
  • Post your story in the comments section of this post
  • Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
  • Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
  • The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
  • The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)
How it benefits you:
  • You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
  • You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
  • Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 64:


Geek-For-Hire, biophysics Doc, and fantasy/horror author, J. Whitworth Hazzard.


So now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Aim… like this.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck! :)

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Weekend Writing Warriors - A Hell Hound's Fire - Catching Himself


Welcome to the Weekend Writing Warriors! Thank you so much for visiting and if you choose to comment, I really appreciate it. Most of these snippets are unedited, works in progress, and while my snippets aren't consecutive, they are in order within the story. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Today, I'm offering another snippet from an upcoming paranormal romance available April 2nd 2013, entitled A Hell Hound's Fire. SQUEEE one more week! :D Ahem, not excited in the least. ;) In this snippet, Sarah Flanagan and her son Liam came to Cloudburst, Colorado, seeking help in escaping a demon. They're werewolves, Moon Singers, and have arrived at Alex MacLaren's safe house. Alex has just made dinner and Sarah has offered to help, laying her hand on his arm. This is in Alex's POV.


    He fell into her pale green gaze and his heart stirred along with his cock. This one, this one is the right one. His Brother let loose a whimper and Alex almost pulled Sarah into his arms and kissed her. But lightning flashed and thunder shook the house, making him jump. He stepped back.
    “You’re welcome. Just all part of the plan to keep you safe. You’ve had a rough night and I’m happy to help.” Alex glanced out the windows to see rain smattering the glass in great sheets. “Looks like we caught a break, though.”
    A cute crease developed between her auburn brows. “How so?”
    “Fitzroy said water confuses demons. I figure between the river and the rain storm, we got it covered.”

 Oops! He almost got caught his his hand in the cookie jar...or his lips on hers. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and a few of my favorites are Sarah Ballance, Charmaine Gordon, Goran Zidar, Karla Doyle, and Monica Enderle Pierce.
If you're interested in A Hell Hound's fire, here is the cover and blurb:

Love can be found in the most unlikely places, even the heart of a Hell Hound.

Alex MacLaren figures he'll never find love again after his mate dies. As one of the rare Hell Hound werewolves, his chances are slim to none. And slim went home. When the local Morukai shaman calls on him to protect a lovely Irish werewolf and her young son from demons, he can't help but take the job.

Sarah Flanagan is desperate to save her son Liam from the deadly monster trailing them, but she's out of options and places to hide. She lost her mate the last time she encountered a demon, and with Liam depending on her, the stakes are far higher this time. After meeting Alex, she's not sure about the Hell Hound, but she’s no fool. He’s their best hope for survival... and hers for another chance at love.

Thank you all for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Saturday Souvenirs - Cover Reveal for A Hell Hound's Fire


Woot! Did you see it? I got a new cover!

Okay, I'm a little excited, but this little tale started from a weird dream and became a short story for an anthology. That was rejected and I revamped it as a free read that will be available April 2, 2013. SQUEEE!

Here's the blurb:

Love can be found in the most unlikely places, even the heart of a Hell Hound.

Alex MacLaren figures he'll never find love again after his mate dies. As one of the rare Hell Hound werewolves, his chances are slim to none. And slim went home. When the local Morukai shaman calls on him to protect a lovely Irish werewolf and her young son from demons, he can't help but take the job.

Sarah Flanagan is desperate to save her son Liam from the deadly monster trailing them, but she's out of options and places to hide. She lost her mate the last time she encountered a demon, and with Liam depending on her, the stakes are far higher this time. After meeting Alex, she's not sure about the Hell Hound, but she’s no fool. He’s their best hope for survival... and hers for another chance at love.


Keep an eye out for A Hell Hound's Fire on Smashwords early next month. Thanks for visiting and happy reading! :)

Friday, March 22, 2013

#ThursThreads - Week 63 - Winners


Week 63 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales! Thanks to all who came to write yesterday. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. Thank you for coming back again and again to write. And I'm delighted to see new writers stopping by. Great thanks go to Jeff Tsuruoka for reading the stories.

Entries:
  • Cara Michaels | @caramichaels 
  • Silver James | @SilverJames_
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • Jeff Hollar | @Klingorengi
  • Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
  • Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Antonio Angelo | @AntonioAngelo21
  • Robin Abess | @Angelique_Rider
  • Susan Hayes | @capricia13
  • Dr Magoo | @drmagoo
  • Sandra Bunino | @SandraBunino
  • Meredith Smith-Lane | @squee79
  • David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
  • Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
  • Nellie Batz | @solimond
  • Grace Black | @blackinkpinkdsk
  • Lisa McCourt Hollar | @jezri1
  • @LupusAnthropos

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions
 
Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
Jeff says: Got a big laugh out of this one... A great take on the prompt.

Susan Hayes | @capricia13
Jeff says: I love the pacing of this story, the whoosh of urgency carried from the first line right through the ending.

Dr Magoo | @drmagoo
Jeff says: What a powerhouse of a first sentence... and the rest of it stands up just as well. Perfectly rendered.

Week 63 Winner


Jeff says: Beautiful uncluttered prose partners with intense imagery and strong atmospherics.  Great stuff.

Justice

She felt his arms around her and shivered. Her stomach fluttered as his hands closed around hers, positioning her fingers around the cold instrument.

“Never point it unless you intend to use it. Aim… like this.” He guided her hand up, aiming the gun at the target that was in front of them. “The safety is here. Cock the hammer. Pull the trigger.”

Tanya squeezed and felt the kickback reverberate through her arms. He held her steady and showed her how to balance her stance so that it would be easier. She breathed in his scent. She had longed for her best friend’s brother for a long time now. She and Amy had once joked that they could be sister-in-laws if Jacob would only notice her. He never did and now it was too late. Amy was dead, the victim of a rapist that had been terrorizing the city and Jacob’s arms around her didn’t bring the comfort she had once thought.

After an hour he declared that she would at least be able to defend herself without shooting out an eye.

“Any questions?” He asked.

She had lots, but none that would provide a suitable answer. She had been there when Amy was attacked. No one knew because she had hid, watching… too afraid to move. But she’d seen his face. She knew who Amy’s killer was.

She cocked the hammer and put the gun to his head. Then she pulled the trigger.

Congratulations THREE TIME WINNER Lisa, Cara, Susan, and Dr. Magoo! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :)

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Thursday, March 21, 2013

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 63


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked, and #ThursThreads, the Challenge that Ties Tales Together. Let's get started. It's Thursday again, so what should you be doing? Writing #flashfiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 63 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Need the rules? Read on!

Here's how it works:
  • The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
  • The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.
Rules to the Game:
  • This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
  • Incorporate the prompt as written anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
  • Post your story in the comments section of this post
  • Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
  • Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
  • The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
  • The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)
How it benefits you:
  • You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
  • You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
  • Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 63:


Monster movie lover, fry cook, and Daily Picspiration author, Jeff Tsuruoka.



 So now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Any questions?”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck! :)

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Rites of Spring Blog Hop - Falling for the First Time


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the Rites of Spring Blog Hop. I love this time of year because I can open the doors and windows of my house and enjoy the breezes that come through. I also get to see new growth on the trees and flowers in the garden. New beginnings. The best time of year.

This blog hop is all about firsts, and I'm happy to say I've just celebrated my FIRST publishing anniversary. Woot! So exciting.

I write paranormal stories because the very first book I remember my father reading to me was the Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling. Have you ever enjoyed his work? It's where I learned how the Elephant's Child got his trunk, how the Camel got his hump, how the Leopard got his spots, and the song of Old-Man Kangaroo. I whiled away many a night dreaming of the great gray-green greasy Limpopo River and the Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake, and danced to dreams of the Dingo-Yellow Dog Dingo and Old Man Kangaroo. The animals could speak and had adventures of their own. Better than Disney, it set me on my path writing about werewolves, dragons, goblins, and the magic of the Fae.


If you haven't ready Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, I highly recommend them, and they're great bedtime stories for your kids if you have them. I've introduced my kids to the Camel already and The Elephant's Child is next. :)

As for my own stories, the first book in the Callowwood Pack series, Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack, is out and available for your pleasure. It introduces my werewolves and how the wolves learned to walk like a man. ;) Oh yes, Best Beloved, you can learn this tale along with Julianna Morris as she trains to be the Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack. Here is the blurb:

Julianna Morris didn’t know werewolves existed…until she became one.

Hiding her new identity, Julianna returns home only to find her teenage crush, Jeff Lightfoot, is the future Alpha of the Callowwood werewolf pack. She’s unexpectedly chosen as a candidate for the pack’s next Luna, the Alpha female—and Jeff’s mate. This is perfect, except Julianna knows nothing about being a werewolf, and someone’s determined to make her fail the Seven Tests of the Luna.

Jeff Lightfoot lusted after Julianna for years, even when he thought she was human. Now she’s home and all his—if she passes the tests. She’s his True Mate and he wants no one else, but pack politics trump Mother Nature and will prevent him from choosing Julianna if she fails.

For the future she wants, Julianna must pass the tests to become Queen Bitch of Callowwood—or watch Jeff take another woman as his mate.

For this blog hop, I'm offering a Siobhan Muir tote bag full of swag (internationally), and there is also a Grand Prize of a Kindle Fire (offered international), and a First Prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card for the overall blog hop. The more places you hop to, the more chances you have to win. The hop runs from 12:01 am Pacific time March 20th until 11:58 pm Pacific time March 23rd. The winner will be announced on the blog on Sunday, March 24th.

Siobhan Muir Tote (the mug is there for scale)

To be entered for the Siobhan Muir Tote, you have to tell me what was the first bedtime story you remember that fired your imagination? Please leave a valid email address or Twitter handle in your comment so I can find you to let you know if you won. If you don't post your email or Twitter handle, you won't be included in the drawing.

To be entered to win the Kindle Fire or the Amazong Gift Card, please enter through the Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for stopping by. Don't forget to hop to the other blogs and see what firsts they're offering. Have a great spring and happy reading! :)

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Weekend Writing Warriors - A Hell Hound's Fire - Secrets

Welcome to the Weekend Writing Warriors and Happy St. Patrick's Day! Are you wearing green? Thank you so much for visiting and if you choose to comment, I really appreciate it. Most of these snippets are unedited, works in progress, and while my snippets aren't consecutive, they are in order within the story. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Today, I'm offering another snippet from an upcoming paranormal romance which will be a free read available April 2nd 2013, entitled A Hell Hound's Fire. Sarah Flanagan and her son Liam came to Cloudburst, Colorado, seeking help in escaping a demon. They're werewolves, Moon Singers, and Alex MacLaren is taking them to a safe house. Alex is also a Moon Singer, but not your average wolf. This is in Alex's POV.

    “I’m a descendent of those children, the Hell Hounds, Moon Singers with the ability to fight the Underworld dwellers with tooth, claw, and a coat of blessed fire.”
    “Aren’t Hell Hounds supposed to be evil?” Sarah’s wariness broke his heart.
    “That’s a myth perpetuated to keep everyone safer from what trouble we can attract.” Alex looked up ahead at the bridge crossing one branch of the river to his house. “Mostly we got the name from the hell we have to go through to kill the monsters and send them home.”
     He believed that was true. He’d never fought a demon himself. Hell Hounds lived on the fringes of pack life because of their extraordinary abilities.
 
That's one Hell of a secret. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, doesn't it? ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and a few of my favorites are Sarah Ballance, Charmaine Gordon, Goran Zidar, Karla Doyle, and Monica Enderle PierceThank you all for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Friday, March 15, 2013

#ThursThreads - Week 62 - Winners


Week 62 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales! Thanks to all who came to write yesterday. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. Thank you for coming back again and again to write. Great thanks go to JN Johnson for reading the stories.

Entries:
  • Kayla West | @bookwormattack
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Cara Michaels | @caramichaels 
  • Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
  • Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
  • Doris O'Connor | @mamaD8
  • Sandra Bunino | @SandraBunino
  • Morgan King | @EroticWritings
  • Dr Magoo | @drmagoo
  • David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
  • Rebecca R Kovar | @RRKovar
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • @LupusAnthropos
  • JN Johnson
  • Jeff Xilon | @JXilon

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions
 
Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
JN says: How could you not love a story with an opening line like that “My heart jumped into my throat, and my stomach sank to my feet. And maybe my brain shut down all but one thought when I saw him”: With one line the author drew me in, and kept me reading. By the end of the 250 pages I wanted to know more. I would love to read this story in its entirety.

Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
JN says: Hot damn! There is nothing better than the heart pounding time before he sees you for the first time feeling. The anticipation of what’s waiting on the other side of the door. R. Brennen was able to heighten the anticipation in a few short paragraphs, with just enough to let us know it was a consensual relationship that was going to places I wanted to read about.  Come on, can’t we have 500 words?

Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
JN says: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and Miranda did a fantastic job showing us how pissed a woman can be. She kept me hanging by me fingertips, searching for the reason for the anger conveyed and I finally find out my anger spiked with her. Way to go Miranda, you were able to draw me in and piss me off at the same time. ;) Now I want to know what comes next, is there going to me a 9 to 5 moment with rat poison spiked coffee or will you surprise me. Keep writing, this is the start to something good.

Week 62 Winner


JN says: In 250 words Sandra was able to pull me and capture my attention with her fantastic descriptions and tantalizing words. She made a boring office meeting turn into an erotic dream. She was able to create a small world and interesting characters that made me want to know where these two had met and what had happened that it might be their last time together. World building is hard in such a short span of words but Sandra was able to let us know the setting, the weather and the feel of the room. She gave me a view into Roarke’s head and by the time her word count was up she had me sucked me in. This is a great little tease that leaves the reader wanting more.

Captured

Roarke's vision blurred, turning the words and graphs from the never ending parade of slides in the dark conference room into fuzzy blotches. His attention moved to the window where a sprinkling of snow flurries floated from the gray sky reminding him how he brushed a single snowflake from Julia's eyelashes just hours before.

What were the chances of meeting her again after so many years? Thoughts of lingering kisses and empty promises taunted him for weeks after their brief but passionate night together. It was the last time he would hold her, not that he knew it. Not then.

The scent of her perfume invaded his senses and put him on edge. His wool jacket captured the essence of lavender and jasmine from her embrace. The warmth of her body penetrated the suit of armor her spent years of building around his heart. He vowed never to let anyone in again. But that was before his lips reclaimed hers once more.

"And that concludes our presentation. Any questions?"

Roarke clicked his pen bit in quick succession. His heartbeat mimicked the rhythm as he pushed his seat from the conference table. "None here," he said over his shoulder as her pulled the business card and his phone from the pocket of his slacks. Sliding his thumb over the screen, he tapped in the phone number.

"Hello?" Her voice melted the remaining layer of ice over his heart. At that moment he knew it. He was captured.

"Hey there, beautiful."

Congratulations Sandra, Cara, Rebecca, and Miranda! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :)

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 62


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked, and a second year of #ThursThreads flash fiction. So let's get started. It's Thursday again, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 62 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Need the rules? Read on!

Here's how it works:
  • The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
  • The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.
Rules to the Game:
  • This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
  • Incorporate the prompt as written anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
  • Post your story in the comments section of this post
  • Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
  • Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
  • The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
  • The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)
How it benefits you:
  • You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
  • You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
  • Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 62:

Book trader, Narnia lover, and contemporary romance author, J.N. Johnson.



JN is offering a special prize to the Winner .She will give the winner an ecopy of her newest release, Passionate Tides. So now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Not that he knew it.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck! :)

Monday, March 11, 2013

Scavenger Hunt and New Release from Kathleen Grieve

Please welcome Kathleen Grieve on her blog scavenger hunt!


Scavenger Hunt Instructions:
For Dating Impossible, I wanted to do something a bit more than just a regular blog tour. I thought it would be fun if you all looked for a secret word. From day one, there will be a secret word inside the body of each post.  When you string them together, they make a sentence. Be the first person to email me at kathleengrieveauthor@gmail.com with the completed sentence and win a $100 Amazon Gift Certificate! To be eligible, you must also leave a comment on each blog, follow my own blog http://kathleengrieve.blogspot.com , follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kathleen-GrieveAuthor/251669291518939 and on Twitter @kathleengrieve

I will also be picking one person from each comment section to win a free e-book copy of Dating Impossible, the second book in my Dating Series from Evernight Publishing.

I look forward to hearing from you! Now let’s have some fun!  First off, special thanks to Siobhan Muir for hosting me here today! It’s day #8 of 9 stops of me telling you all about my new release, Dating Impossible

Music! It’s a very important part of my writing process and plays a role in my stories. Listening to the right lyrics sets the mood for a particular scene to unfold.  In The Doctor’s Deception an old rock tune triggers a sad memory for heart surgeon, Stone Lassiter.  In the opening scene of Dating 911, firefighter Jett Avery sings The Police’s “Roxanne” to ER nurse Roxanne Carter and we find out she hates that song! LOL

In Dating Impossible, a little Sheryl Crow was in order.  Dr. JJ Jones has had one hell of a day and unwinds in the tub with a cold beer, lots of suds and the bluesy lyrics of Run Baby Run! What can be better than that? (secret word #8 “it”)

So what kind of music helps you relax when the world’s stressors have piled their load on your shoulders? In the comment section tell me your favorite song or group.  Don’t forget, comments are required on each blog on this tour in order to be eligible for the grand prize of $100 Amazon Gift Card. Don’t forget your email address so I can contact the winner! And I also will be picking someone for a free e-copy of Dating Impossible!

BLURB:
Focused on her career, Dr. JJ Jones doesn't have time to date—and she certainly doesn't want to date the "player" of the ER none other than her girlhood crush, Dr. Cruz Avery. JJ found out the hard way that romantic relationships in the work place don't mix forcing her to relocate back to Arizona and change jobs. She's determined to spend her free time enjoying her Harley, reading true-crime novels, and learning about the new community she lives in. Dogged by the gorgeous Dr. Avery with his skillful hands, disarming smile, and hot lips, her resolve wavers. For now, she's having fun making his mission to date her down right impossible!

EXCERPT:
But damn if she wasn’t all prickly one minute and hot and yummy in his arms the next. His cock hardened and he shifted in his chair. Large almond-shaped green eyes, pink pouty lips, and that sexy belly button ring and tattoos. Cruz shook his head. JJ was definitely a mix of contradictions. She was all innocence and badass rolled into one. And smart.
None of his usual bullshit lines would work with her. So how was he going to get past her no-dating-a-co-worker rule and find out if they had the possibility of a real future together? Christ, she was making this entire dating thing impossible. He rubbed the tense muscles of his neck.
Sex two nights in a row doesn’t mean we are dating. Or in a relationship.
Her words looped over and over against his skull and were the other reason why he couldn’t concentrate on jack-shit today. What he needed was a plan. But what?
He sat up straighter in his leather chair. The kernel of an idea blossomed. What if she didn’t realize they were going out on dates? Yeah, baby. He liked the notion already. But he’d have to tread carefully. JJ was a clever girl. Cruz would just have to be one step ahead of her in order to make his plan work. And once she was hooked on him… He glanced at his reflection in the full-length mirror that hung on the back of his office door and pointed to himself. His lips curved into a perfect smile and he winked.
Who could resist this?

Get your copy of Dating Impossible at Evernight Publishing.

About Kathleen Grieve
Full time nurse, amateur cake baker, writer, and zombie obsessed, Kathleen draws a lot from the real-life medical drama she experiences as a RN for her novels. Writing romance is a creative outlet where she can effectively deal with the daily stress and sorrow, adding levity and humor to situations that provide a happily ever after when there isn't one.

Connect with Kathleen here:
Keeping A Pulse On Life & Romance Blog: http://kathleengrieve.blogspot.com
Twitter @KathleenGrieve

Thank you for stopping by. Good luck on the scavenger hunt and happy reading! :)

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Weekend Writing Warriors - A Hell Hound's Fire - Introduction


Welcome to the Weekend Writing Warriors. Thank you so much for visiting and if you choose to comment, I really appreciate it. Most of these snippets are unedited, works in progress, and while my snippets aren't consecutive, they are in order within the story. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Today, I'm offering a snippet from an upcoming paranormal romance which will be a free read available April 2nd 2013, entitled A Hell Hound's Fire. Sarah Flanagan has come to Cloudburst, Colorado, seeking protection from a demon. Alex MacLaren has been assigned to her case by the local PD Lieutenant. This is their first meeting and it's from Sarah'a POV. NOTE: Moon Singer is what werewolves call themselves.

    Sarah inhaled to get more of an understanding of the salt-and-pepper haired man standing in the doorway. He carried the scents of alpine river and hot stone, but more importantly, he smelled like a Moon Singer.
    Don’t be fooled, gel, the demon can pull that off, too.
    “Who are you?”
    “My name is Alex MacLaren, and Lt. Fitzroy called me to take you somewhere safe.”
    “I don’t think there’s anywhere safe from what’s following us. How do I know you have such a place?”
    “Fitzroy says running water helps throw off the scents. I happen to own a house surrounded by the river. What say we get you there and then figure out an additional plan of action?”

Romantic retreat by the river, demon chasing you. What more can you ask for? ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and a few of my favorites are Sarah Ballance, Charmaine Gordon, Goran Zidar, Karla Doyle, and Monica Enderle PierceThank you all for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Friday, March 8, 2013

#ThursThreads - Week 61 - Winners


Week 61 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales! Thanks to all who came to write yesterday. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. Thank you for coming back again and again to write. Great thanks go to Ann Mayburn for reading the stories.

Entries:
  • Jeffrey Hollar | @klingorengi
  • Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
  • Rosalind Nazilli | @vixenfiction
  • Doris O'Connor | @mamaD8
  • Megan E. Clark | @thewritermegan
  • Mary Papas | @MaryPapas2
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Susan Hayes | @capricia13
  • Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
  • Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
  • @LupusAnthropos
  • David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
  • Cara Michaels | @caramichaels

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions
 
Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
Ann says: Cara really made me want to read what happens next.

Megan E. Clark | @thewritermegan
Ann says: I love snarky kick ass leading ladies who don't wait to be rescued.

Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
Ann says: The author managed to put a sweet innocence into the scene. Not something easily done in so little space.
Week 61 Winner

Ann says: I picked Susan Hayes because she paints a very clear and vivid picture of the world she's building without having to 'tell' me it.

Karma

“Welcome to Proxima Station. Is your visit business or personal?” The droid’s programmed greeting was so chipper it made me cringe.

“My visit? It’s uh…personal.”

“Alrighty then. Your application has been cleared. Please enjoy your stay!”

“Yeah, sure.” Who the hell came to the zero-g honeymoon hotspot of the quadrant for business? I waded through a sea of lovey-dovey couples & trios and quickly decided that coming on my honeymoon alone had been a very bad idea.

This was supposed to be the best week of my life, a celebration of love and happily ever after. Instead, it was shaping up to be a week of eating ice cream and drinking myself to death at the zero-g bar. At least I still had Tad’s credit chip. Not that he knew that. Yet.

“I hope she was worth it, buddy.”

I was still cursing my cheating ex when I went to board the shuttle to my hotel, which was probably why I tripped and landed flat on my face at the driver’s feet.

“Are you okay?” The driver had a nice voice, deep and gravelly. I knew someone who had a voice like that once. I screwed up and broke his heart. Karma had paid me back for that in spades.

“Nothing serious.” I wiped the blood from my split lip and look up into a pair of familiar green eyes. Jake.

It looked like karma was balancing the scales again. This time, I wouldn’t screw it up.

Congratulations Three Time Winner Susan, Cara, Megan, and Rebecca! Please DM or PM me with your email addresses so Ann can contact you for your prizes. And don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :)

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Thursday, March 7, 2013

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tale Togther - Week 61


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked, and a second year of #ThursThreads flash fiction. So let's get started. It's Thursday again, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 61 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Need the rules? Read on!

Here's how it works:
  • The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
  • The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.
Rules to the Game:
  • This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
  • Incorporate the prompt as written anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
  • Post your story in the comments section of this post
  • Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
  • Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
  • The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
  • The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)
How it benefits you:
  • You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
  • You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
  • Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 61:

Disdainer of purple prose, one-handed typist, and BDSM erotic romance author, Ann Mayburn.


Ann is offering a special prize to the Winner and Honorable Mentions. The Winner will get a choice of her backlist, and the Honorable Mentions will get a swag bag of goodies (and they ARE good). So now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“It’s uh…personal.” [You don't have to use the ellipse]

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck! :)

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Do NOT Try This At Home - Guest Post by Sarah Ballance

Try what, you ask? Let’s start with getting out of bed, and end with trying to do ANYTHING productive. Just...don’t.

In a rare move this morning, I not only jumped up bright and early but even went outside to *gasp* vacuum my car. Actually it’s a 9-passenger behemoth Suburban (car sounds too innocent for this job) and I generally clean it out every month when the payment is due, but I let it go a month or three over the winter because, well, I don’t like being cold. Anyway, I ordered custom floor mats and they were scheduled to arrive today, so I figured it was a great time to clean out the car (if 40 degrees is a great time to do anything but want coffee, that is).

So I grabbed the outside trashcan—we have the really big ones the trucks lift with automated arms—and tugged, because when you have six kids you really need the big trash to clean out the car. And the big trash can didn’t budge. Gee, I thought to myself. It must be full. So I peeked inside. Don’t ask me why I PEEKED, because I actually did lift the lid about a foot and peer inside, and I found...

A RAT! ERMAGAWD, A RAT! INCHES FROM MY FACE! AND IT’S HISSING AT ME!

Er... wait. Random wilderness rats aren’t white, and the biggest rat I’ve ever seen would be dental floss for this hideous thing in my trash. Not. A. Rat. (Whew.) I take a breath (which is a bit of a necessity after screaming bloody murder) and realize it’s an opossum. A really pissed off possum with gigantic fangs. (See the pic? That’s my trash can, my trash, and THE ACTUAL POSSUM.) Now, I’m not afraid of possums, but I hate all mice—even “cute” little field mice—and I hate rats even more. And let’s be honest—anything unexpectedly hissing and snarling from inside the garbage can doesn’t have to be a rat to, erm, startle a person. Or make them run around the yard screaming like a banshee, however they scream.

The kids thought I’d seen a mouse (because apparently I scream the same over a little field mouse as I do when there’s a giant hissing monster in the garbage) and came running. Not to save me, but to laugh. And because they just HAD to see this thing, I was able to take the picture you see here today, at which point I sent it to my husband. Of course he was deeply concerned, and I’m pretty sure all that laughter was to hide his relief I was not maimed by the giant white rat.

We secured the trash can lid so my husband could later escort the critter AWAY, but does the day get better? Pffft!

A few minutes later, I was vacuuming my behemoth Suburban in that cheerful I-pwned-near-death kind of way when my kid comes outside and informs me the oven is on fire. And yes, he was serious. Together we went back to the kitchen and stared at the fire burning inside the oven like a couple of old men discussing the farm report over a bonfire (because that’s what they do—they pick a spot on the ground and stare at it while discussing the weather). We had a rather mundane chat over whether he got to use the fire extinguisher (NO!) and what the heck was burning. It wasn’t the cornbread he’d been baking, and you can’t put water on a grease fire and flour will burn and...okay, this was embarrassing. My dad, after all, is a fire chief. Finally I remembered the grill spatulas and “patted” away the fire, which had grown bored of our observations and largely yawned itself out. Crisis averted.

Back to the car. Between the possum and the fire, I’d managed to vacuum the cargo area. That was where I found my two year old standing with her muddy boots, which were only muddy because my five year old was playing with the water. Great.

I finally got the car vacuumed, and my mats arrived. They fit perfectly. THINGS ARE GOING RIGHT! Then my husband gets home. He’s still laughing over the possum, and he says I’ve done such an awesome job maybe I should clean out the truck. Um, okay. I hauled the vacuum back outside and FIVE HOURS after “The Opossum Incident” I finish cleaning out vehicles. FIVE HOURS. I put the truck back in its spot, then hopped in my Suburban and . . . click. The battery was dead. OF COURSE the battery was dead. That’s what happens when you leave the doors open and the radio blasting for five hours. Now the kid who set the oven on fire and laughed about my possum is stuck hooking up the battery charger while I luxuriate in a long hot shower and vow never to open another garbage can in my life.

And these people wonder why I’d rather write.

And so she has. Sarah has a new book out entitled Last Call, a romantic suspense on sale for only $0.99! Here's the blurb:

In a perilous game of trust, a shocking betrayal deals a dangerous hand.

An accidental witness to a murder-for-hire, ex-cop Rhys Clark becomes the target of ruthless killer—one determined to silence her at any cost. Playing dead seems to be the most likely way to stay alive, but when her protection comes in the form of mega-sexy former adversary Nick Massey, Rhys can think of  a few fates worse than death.

Nick Massey may have walked away from his troubles, but he never got past wanting Rhys. Once paired undercover, they’d been nothing but fireworks until a botched assignment ended her career, sending his into a tailspin. Now a mysterious client threatens Nick’s life if he doesn’t keep Rhys safe, but it isn’t until fate takes a critical turn that he realizes the devastating truth: he’s been her greatest threat all along.

LAST CALL is available from: For the Muse Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords (formats: .mobi, .epub, HTML, PDF, RTF, LRF, PalmDoc, and Plain Text). Click here to add to Goodreads or here for reviews.

EXCERPT of Last Call:

Rhys Clark swore and jerked her foot from the murky puddle that had just claimed one of her new running shoes. Perfect. The day was now officially perfect.

She blamed Nick Massey.

Blaming him was easy enough. She didn’t know which required more nerve on his part—leaving town or crawling back—but both events left her bitter and raw. And wet, she grumbled inwardly. With the sky spitting rain and the occasional pellet of sleet smacking her face, she should have skipped her evening jog. The street was little more than a concrete alley of shuttered businesses, and the bleak weather amplified the emptiness. But tonight, with Nick hot on her mind, running through the cold was her last ditch effort to return to her senses.

It hadn’t worked.

Another blast of icy air howled through the narrow street. If she hadn’t been standing still, she probably wouldn’t have heard the shouting that followed.

A few months ago, an altercation wouldn’t have been unusual in this part of town. But the whole area was under reconstruction. Local crime dissipated to nothing with the razing of several apartment buildings, and until now Rhys had long found her route to be a place of solace. She glanced around as the voices drew closer and more intense. Rapid footsteps smacked the wet pavement. Then the echo of a gunshot cracked the night.

Where fear left her paralyzed, instinct insisted she get out of sight. She looked around and found an unbroken expanse of concrete wall offering few options. Heart pounding, Rhys ducked into the recessed doorway of a vacant storefront and hoped the deep shadows would keep her concealed.
Terrifying seconds passed. The sound of her own suppressed breath roared in her ears.

Voices came, clearer this time. Close.

“If we screw this up…” The words, terse and hushed, were encapsulated in panic.

“Shut up,” demanded a second voice. “No one messed up. He’s as good as dead.”

“You think you’re going to sell that without a body? We didn’t get paid to lose him.”

“He took one to the gut. He won’t get far. We’ll find him.”

“He’s leaving a trail. Blood. We got the big bucks for a clean—”

Shut up.”

A hit? Rhys shuddered, fear scaling her spine. A professional hit would have been silent—something not accomplished by the gunshot or the ensuing conversation—but in this game, experience wasn’t always a prerequisite for willingness to pull the trigger. Two years of undercover work had taught her as much.

So had a bullet.

Rhys froze, waiting for the voices to pass. But luck was not on her side. Rather than drawing away, the footsteps ceased.

“Well, well, well,” said the confident one. “Looks like our little game of hide and seek is over.”
Hope crumbled. The voice was far too close. Had they seen her?

She dared not move. Through her lashes, she saw nothing in her narrow view of the dimly lit street but dirty puddles and the occasional bit of trash plastered to wet pavement. She prayed they didn’t look her way should they walked past.

Grunts erupted nearby, followed by the sound of sneakers scuffling on concrete. Then two shots fired, and all sounds of struggle gave way to profane celebration.

In the same instant, a man fell to the sidewalk in front of Rhys. His eyes, sightless and familiar, bore into her.

She choked a gasp.

A man stepped into her line of sight, his weapon at the ready. Before she could stop herself, she locked eyes with him. Big mistake. The decision threw her into a cloud of emotional shrapnel, the past flying at her in shards. She’d been shot once before.

It hadn’t ended well.

The gunman opened his mouth and formed an ugly grin, his breath coming in visible puffs through yellowed teeth. “Looks like a double header tonight, T,” he said, never taking his gaze off Rhys.

“Whaddya mean?” came the reply. The voice . . . she blinked until the second man shifted into focus.

She knew him. From where? She couldn’t think.

She glanced to the dead man, and her vision wavered. Panic shifted her world into a screen of jarred pixels, the flashback jagged and severe.

Rhys! Stay with me, Rhys. Do you hear me? Rhys!”

Blood. So much blood.

“Nick.” She touched his face, feeling stubble beneath her fingertips. Then the weight of her arm was too much; as gravity won he slipped away. The world twisted into a sickening spiral until all that was left was his voice, the desperation in his tone bringing warmth to the darkness.

“Rhys!”

Motion jarred her to the present.

The gunman gestured. “Our witness here is about to have an unfortunate accident.” He raised the weapon, aiming for the kill.

It was a short view down the barrel at point blank range. She expected that.

What she didn’t anticipate was the speed with which he pulled the trigger.

Or how quickly the pain hit.

Want more? Check out Sarah's other stories. Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found at http://sarahballance.com

Website: http://www.sarahballance.com/



Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4103362.Sarah_Ballance

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)