Snippet Sunday - The Beltane Witch - A Delay in Plans

 

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. Currently, the snippets are from my upcoming release, and while they 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 my upcoming release The Beltane Witch, the second book in the Cloudburst Colorado series. It's available on Smashwords, All Romance Ebooks and Amazon! In this snippet, Sabrina agreed to meet Darius at the Cloudburst Coffee shop to keep him out of her house, but he managed to piss her off pretty quickly. She stood up, got hot coffee poured down her chest, and fell, hitting her head. Now she's just lost consciousness and Darius is trying to wake her. This is in his POV.

Darius’s gut contracted as Sabrina’s eyes rolled up in her head and her body relaxed completely. But she still didn’t inhale.

Mumbling choice curses under his breath, he laid one hand over her burned belly and the other on her forehead, hoping he could coax her back into consciousness. The waitress fluttered with incoherent distress beside him and he sent a mental command to retreat back far enough to stay out of his way. She stumbled away, wringing her hands, and he turned his attention back to the wounded witch.

Anger stirred at the vivid red welts already forming on her creamy skin. Stupid serving woman. His protective instincts swelled and he closed his eyes, ignoring the fear shouting against Sabrina's ability to survive the nasty blow to her head.

Don’t be melodramatic. It’s only a faint.

Except she still hadn’t taken a breath. Panic screamed at the edges of his awareness and he hoped he could reach her despite their short association.

Bloody hell, woman, inhale!

I do believe he's met his match in Sabrina Foxglove ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Anastasia Vitsky, SJ Maylee, Goran Zidar, Gem Sivad, and A.S. Fenichel.

If you're interested in The Beltane Witch, here's the cover and the blurb:

Magic, mayhem, and motherhood… a witch’s work is never done, but Sabrina draws the line at the Fae.

After almost two decades as a practicing witch in Cloudburst, Colorado, Sabrina Foxglove is done with men, magic, and the fertility rituals of High Beltane. She’s dealt with all three before and ended up with two young daughters and no partner. Twice. She’s looking forward to a magic-free May Day, with nothing more exciting than making brownies for a kindergarten class and decorating a May Pole. She definitely doesn’t have time for a handsome, Fae-touched man…

After almost two centuries as the human chamberlain to the Fae’s Summer Court, Darius Winterbourne is a man accustomed to getting his way. So when the Summer Queen tasks him with finding a witch to perform the annual rituals and strengthen the ancient warding magicks, he figures it should be easy. He doesn’t expect Sabrina’s hardheaded refusal, her untrained abilities, or his attraction to her. With less than a week to Beltane, he must gain Sabrina’s trust before he loses his home, his position…and his heart.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Week 76 - Winners

 

Week 76 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 welcome to the new folks who stopped by. :)

Entries:

• Leslie Fulton 
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Susan Hayes | @capricia13
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Loodles
• Lynne Hunt | @HayAddict
• Imaginator | @theimaginator20
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Teresa Cypher | @Teresa_Cypher 
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
• SJ Maylee | @SJMaylee
• Nellie Batz | @solidmond

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

 

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball

Siobhan says: What I liked about this story was the twist at the end. It seemed like your typical sci-fi suspense. Humans after odd creatures with camouflage abilities. Then BAM! Human becomes the prey rather than the hunter. Everyone had the same idea. Loved it.

Teresa Cypher | @Teresa_Cypher
Siobhan says: Another sci-fi apocalyptic tale, I really liked the voice and strength of the main character. Teresa conveyed the desperation, yet determination of a woman who'd do anything to protect those left. I was cheering her on and I hope that grenade took out Blue-Black.

 Silver James | @SilverJames_

Siobhan says: Okay, Silver, you have to keep writing on this one. Black Magic Woman, you say? Yeah, I'll be watching for it. I wanted to know more about Roman the gargoyle, because you were killing gargoyles last week. And Caleb the werewolf, how does he fit in with Varad from last week? Oooh, so many questions and such a good read. :)

Cara Michaels | @caramichaels

Siobhan says: Ah yes, Eros and Dionysus. What I liked about this tale was that even the God of Love had trouble finding the real thing. Plus he didn't know all the idioms we humans use in everyday speech and then the hook at the end. The one he's seeking? Really? WHO is Eros seeking? Inquiring minds want to know. :) 
 

Week 76 Winner

Lynne Hunt | @HayAddict

Siobhan says: Bwahahahahaha! I cackled at this tale. Lynne nailed not only the mentor aspect of the "bad guy" trying to bring in a new recruit, but also the whole teacher/mother view of trying to get the kid/toddler to understand he had a choice - be the new recruit or the dead guy. And the last line was pure awesomesauce. "We were talking about choices..." YES! Nicely done.

“I need one.”

“Alive?”

Honestly. The standard of minions these days was shocking. This was Henching 101.

“Only one of you should be alive when you get back here, Muntz,” I said. “You choose."

Muntz froze, adam’s apple fluttering like a priest in a whorehouse. Sweat birthed and pearled on his neck as his body fought conflicting desires to either run or get down to business. Also not unlike a priest in a whorehouse when you thought about it. Impatient, I spun him round, pointing towards the door.

“Go out there. Find a warm body. Turn it into a cold
body. Bring it here.”

I shoved him on his way. His feet picked up the rhythm I’d started, glad to be taking him away from me.
I winced as something hammered against the door, shaking the frame. Along with not asking stupid questions, Muntz was going to have to learn the art of the quiet kill.

Another minute and he was back, dragging his tribute like an eager puppy. I knelt to check the specimen. I’d be working around the scalene muscles and needed the neck to be in good condition. It was. Too good. Right down to the pulse still trembling there.

Sighing, I reached down into my boot for the knife I always kept there, keeping it close to my body as I stood. I draped my other arm over Muntz’s shoulders, leading him towards the lab table.

“Now,” I said, “We were talking about choices…”

Congratulations Lynne, Kelly, Teresa, Silver, and Cara! Please email or PM me your email address to get your copy of The Beltane Witch. 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! :)

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 76

 

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday again, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 76 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 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 76:

Me, the Scottish Word Slinger. I'm also an Author of the Court at Hot Mojave Knights Romance Reader Event in Vegas 2013. Here's one of the knights with me. ;)

Siobhan on Twitter

Siobhan on Facebook

Siobhan on Google Plus

Siobhan on Goodreads

In addition to winning a badge, I'm offering the winners a PDF copy of The Beltane Witch, my latest Cloudburst, Colorado series release. So bring be your best tales.

 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“I need one alive.”

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! :)

Happy Release Day for The Beltane Witch Quiz and Giveaway

Woohoo! *Throws Confetti* Happy Release Day!

*Cracks open Champagne* Raise your glasses!

Today is the release day of The Beltane Witch and I'm so pleased to share it all with you. While I do have a blog tour going on starting with Lori King's blog, I also wanted to give you the opportunity to win goodies in celebration. In India, the tradition is for the birthday person to give gifts to the guests on the occasion of their special day, and since this is a book birthday, I thought I'd offer you all the chance to win some fun stuff.

So what do you have to do to win? First, answer the questions to my little quiz down below. Please email me the answers at nevadafoxATgmail.com so everyone has a fair chance of winning. Second, like my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Official.Siobhan.Muir) and follow my blog. Third, leave me a comment on this post letting me know you've followed me and what you like about May Day (Beltane).

So what do you win? I will pick two winners for a Siobhan Muir tote bag full of conference swag (for those of you who didn't get to go to RomCon or RT) and a Siobhan Muir Mug full of goodies, probably chocolate and apple cider. I will tally all the answers to the quiz and blog post, and announce the winners here on Saturday, June 29th 2013. The giveaway ends at Midnight Pacific time on Friday, June 28th and is open Internationally. You must be over 18 years old to win and please void where prohibited.

If you'd like a copy of The Beltane Witch, it's available on Smashwords and All Romance Ebooks.

Are you ready for your chance? Here's the quiz:

1. In what story of mine is the heroine reading a trashy romance novel?
2. What is the name of the tavern in Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin?
3. In Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack, what was the name of the character who was discovered to be missing?
4. In Her Devoted Vampire, Fredrick MacGregor lives in what northeastern town?
5. In A Hell Hound's Fire, according to Sarah's son Liam, what did Alex smell like?
6. How many Luna candidates make it to the Choosing Ceremony in Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack?
7. In Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin, what does Jonarrion have tattooed on his skin?
8. In A Hell Hound's Fire, what helps confuse demons?
9. Bonus question: What was Sabrina's order in the excerpt below?

Blurb of The Beltane Witch

Magic, mayhem, and motherhood… a witch’s work is never done, but Sabrina draws the line at the Fae.

After almost two decades as a practicing witch in Cloudburst, Colorado, Sabrina Foxglove is done with men, magic, and the fertility rituals of High Beltane. She’s dealt with all three before and ended up with a young daughter and no partner. Twice. She’s looking forward to a magic-free May Day, with nothing more exciting than making brownies for a kindergarten class and decorating a May Pole. She definitely doesn’t have time for a handsome, Fae-touched man.

After almost two centuries as the human chamberlain to the Fae’s Summer Court, Darius Winterbourne is a man accustomed to getting his way. So when the Summer Queen tasks him with finding a witch to perform the annual rituals and strengthen the ancient warding magicks, he figures it should be easy. He doesn’t expect Sabrina’s hardheaded refusal, her untrained abilities, or his attraction to her. With less than a week to Beltane, he must gain Sabrina’s trust before he loses his home, his position…and his heart.

Excerpt of The Beltane Witch

Darius inclined his head. “My petition is the same as last night. Beltane is a week away. The Summer Court has chosen your fair little town as the location where they shall perform the healing ceremonies to strengthen the wards, and you’re the only witch here who can perform the rituals correctly.”

“That’s debatable,” Sabrina mumbled, but he didn’t seem to hear her.

“Come now, Lady Foxglove, you must understand what a great honor this is. The opportunity to serve the Court in this way is not offered lightly.”

Sabrina snorted. “I thought I’m the only witch in Cloudburst who could correctly perform the rituals. It doesn’t sound like selection so much as desperation. I’m the only one you know of here, so I’ll have to do. Right?”

His patronizing smile never slipped. “They would not have chosen Cloudburst were it not for you.”

“Baloney!” She grimaced and flicked one hand. “Got oceanfront property to sell me in Arizona, right? Nice try. Tell them to visit Sedona, then. I’m sure the Vortices are in need of a good realigning.”

Darius’s smile began to fade and he took a breath to say something as the waitress appeared beside him, her gaze fixed on his handsome visage. Sabrina smiled, grateful for the interruption, and ordered hot coffee and a blueberry scone. Gather your wits, because this guy will run all over you if you let him. Darius’s ridiculous demands to host the Summer Court of the Fae ranked up there with cleaning out the sediment trap in her shower. Yeah, not going to happen.

Darius turned his brilliant smile on the waitress and she fluttered and simpered, twirling one lock of hair around her pencil with a giddy smile. Sabrina sighed, hoping the girl wouldn't forget her order. Darius played up the charming, handsome, and virile male. She suspected women fell all over themselves to attract his sparkling gaze.

At last, the girl flounced away, her hips swinging in invitation, and Darius watched her retreat with a satisfied smile on his face. Sabrina shook her head in bemusement. You’re just mad because he doesn’t look at you like that.

Why the hell would she want him to look at her favorably? She wanted nothing to do with men. Selfish, manipulating, responsibility-avoiding bastards. Darius fit in just right. She bet he’d slept with more women than the flakes of snow falling outside the coffee shop windows.

Yeah, but think of how experienced he’d be.

She stifled a groan.

Darius’s gaze fastened on her like a magnet and he cocked his head in inquiry.

Crap, he can’t read thoughts, can he?

“Where were we?” His question accompanied a smug smile.

“You were just getting ready to suggest the Court should go to Sedona for Beltane.”

The warmth in his smile dimmed and she countered his hard look with lifting her chin. He spread his hands with mock regret, but his eyes remained chips of jade stone. “Would that I could, my lady, but once the Court has determined the place for the rituals, it cannot be changed. I’m afraid it’s Cloudburst, or nowhere.”

“Nowhere, then.”

He sighed. “Listen to me, Lady—”

“No, you listen to me, Mr. Winterbourne.” She used her best mommy-voice. “I have a family, school obligations, and a job right now. I don’t have time to entertain the Summer Court for Beltane. I have to bake brownies for my daughter’s kindergarten class, for goodness sake. I have no place for the Court, in my life or in my house, and besides, I haven’t done the High Beltane rituals in four years.”

“I’m sure it will only take a little brushing up—”

“I don’t want to ‘brush up’ on the rituals. You’re not hearing me. I. Am. Not. Doing. The. Rituals.”

Darius’s expression solidified into impassiveness and Sabrina crossed her arms over her chest in mute challenge. She wouldn’t be pressured into having sex for the Fae. She’d given up on the complex rituals after her ex Tommy left, and it suited her just fine. No male of any race, particularly one claiming to be from the Sidhe, would convince her to open up the hideous box of memories associated with Beltane. Not to mention threatening pregnancy.

Goddess, it’d be like running straight into the past.

Suddenly, Darius’s face softened and calculated compassion slid into his eyes. Sabrina had seen such a look on Tommy’s face enough times to know what would come. He’d play on her compassionate side just to get what he wanted.

Here we go.

“I understand your frustrations and life’s complications.” He smiled sympathetically. “It won’t take any extra time. These rituals are ingrained in you. They’ll fit within your schedule seamlessly. I’m sure we can work something out.”

Sabrina seethed. How typical. Doesn’t listen to a thing I say. Doesn’t care about my needs or my priorities. Just figures a little charm and he’ll get his way. Bastard.

Fighting to keep her anger under control, Sabrina clenched her hands into fists and stood. Spinning to leave, Sabrina collided with the waitress holding her order. The girl squeaked as she dumped the hot coffee down Sabrina’s belly. Searing pain accompanied the deep brown stain and Sabrina gasped, jerking back. She lost her footing and toppled over the chair she’d just risen from.

Oh glory! Her head slammed into the edge of a nearby table and brilliant points of light shot across her vision as pandemonium erupted around her.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry!” The waitress set down her tray and reached for Sabrina.

Sabrina hissed as agony flooded her awareness. She yanked her sweater away from her skin and tried to focus through the ringing in her head. Tears blurred her eyes as she struggled to breathe, her ability to inhale momentarily curtailed. The waitress tried to mop up the coffee on Sabrina’s belly with her bar towel, but she succeeded in only irritating the reddened skin.

Sabrina moaned and writhed away, batting futilely at the other woman’s hands as her head swam from the lack of oxygen. A shadow loomed over her, darkening her fading sight.

“Breathe, Lady Foxglove.” The rich voice penetrated her addled brain and she looked up into teal green eyes filled with concern.

What did he say? She frowned and shook her head in confusion.

“I said breathe. Remember to inhale.”

I can’t… Sabrina’s mind raised the white flag and surrendered to the darkness.

Thank you so much for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway. Happy reading! :)

#Snippet Sunday - The Beltane Witch - More Than Meets the Eye

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. I'm sorry I didn't attend your blogs last week. I was in the middle of finalizing the upcoming release. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. Currently, the snippets are from my upcoming release, and while they 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 my upcoming release The Beltane Witch, the second book in the Cloudburst Colorado series. It will be available TOMORROW! In this snippet, Sabrina Foxglove has just told the hero Darius Winterbourne to let go of her when she tried to get into her car. Darius thought she'd be easily cowed after her encounter with the other men. This is in his POV.

Darius felt the surge of energy around Sabrina as she snarled the words and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Holy Goddess, this little witch had much more power than he’d been led to believe. If she focused all her magic on him, she’d very likely overpower him. She didn’t seem to have the skill to do it, but he decided against testing her just yet.

“Forgive me, Lady Foxglove.” He bowed his head as he removed his hand.

Her shoulders relaxed when he stepped back, but her pale eyes flashed with angry electric purple sparks.

“Perhaps we can speak of this more at your home. It’s cold out tonight and we have much to discuss.”

The tension returned to her frame and her eyes widened. “You think I’m going to let you come to my house? I don’t even know you. I won’t endanger my family. Heck, you carry a huge sword over your damn shoulder.”

I do believe he's met his match in Sabrina Foxglove ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Sarah Ballance, SJ Maylee, Goran Zidar, Gem Sivad, and A.S. Fenichel.
If you're interested in The Beltane Witch, I just got the cover and here's the blurb:

Magic, mayhem, and motherhood… a witch’s work is never done, but Sabrina draws the line at the Fae.

After almost two decades as a practicing witch in Cloudburst, Colorado, Sabrina Foxglove is done with men, magic, and the fertility rituals of High Beltane. She’s dealt with all three before and ended up with two young daughters and no partner. Twice. She’s looking forward to a magic-free May Day, with nothing more exciting than making brownies for a kindergarten class and decorating a May Pole. She definitely doesn’t have time for a handsome, Fae-touched man…

After almost two centuries as the human chamberlain to the Fae’s Summer Court, Darius Winterbourne is a man accustomed to getting his way. So when the Summer Queen tasks him with finding a witch to perform the annual rituals and strengthen the ancient warding magicks, he figures it should be easy. He doesn’t expect Sabrina’s hardheaded refusal, her untrained abilities, or his attraction to her. With less than a week to Beltane, he must gain Sabrina’s trust before he loses his home, his position…and his heart.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#FBFlashFicFri and #WIPFlash - a #flashfiction combo

Good morning. Often on Fridays Sandra Bunino and I post a Flash Fiction Friday post on Facebook to allow authors and writers a chance at free promo. How does this work? All you have to do is write 200 words around a prompt and post it in the comments section of the Flash post under the photo.

Today I wrote my 200 words from an upcoming WIP entitled In Death's Shadow, but these words are a continuation of an entry to another flash challenge put on by Cara Michaels, #WIPFlash. Cara's challenge had several prompts to work with and when I wrote these 495 for her, I used prompts

• "this just sucks"
• "no justification"
• an unusual winter
• the photo

I continued the scene for today's #FBFlashFicFri promo spot on Sandra Bunino's page. So first here is the photo and the 495 words from Cara's challenge, followed by the snippet I wrote for today's promo.

The weather had worsened as the day wore on and Maia swore she’d never seen snow as deep or as constant as they’d experienced this winter. Great time to travel looking for someone. This just sucks. For all we know she could be buried out there under the drifts.

Maia had no idea where they’d gone after they’d left the forest and started to climbing. Her attention had been centered on the constant drag of her skirts through the snow and the bone-breaking chill. She only knew they’d arrived somewhere when she ran into Quinn’s snow-shrouded back.

“Oh, sorry.” Maia raised her gaze from the unrelenting white and gaped.

Gray veined walls of marble mirrored the Cliffside, so well camouflaged she could barely make out the outline of the door. Snow flurries disguised the odd scrollwork on the portal and an eerie feeling skittered down her back as Quinn grasped the hidden latch and yanked. Despite the air of abandonment, the door swung open on silent hinges.

“Inside, now.”

He didn’t have to tell her twice. She trudged past him and he pulled the door shut, closing them in a deafening silence. Not even the scream of the wind cut the thick quiet. The air smelled stale and dry as if the door hadn’t been opened in unmeasured time.

“Where are we?”

Her voice echoed and Quinn struck a match, the hiss bouncing off the vaulted ceiling.

“It appears to be a sepulcher.”

Maia swallowed against bile as she took in the hideous construction before her. Skulls and limb bones of humans created a macabre chandelier and garlands around the ceiling. Four pillars topped by cherubs drew supplicants toward an altar in an alcove. A single angel stood upon a carved pedestal bearing a trumpet and a sword.

“Gods above, this place is creepy.”

“There’s no justification for that assessment.”

Maia swung toward Quinn with surprise. “What do you mean ‘no justification’?” She waved at the morbid décor. “Those are human skulls. They were people once.”

Quinn shrugged, his expression serene. “They’re dead. The soul has long fled and they’re nothing but bones. No vengeful spirits, no walking dead. Just old bones gathering dust. Quite peaceful, actually.”

 He’s lost his mind.

He caught her look and raised his eyebrows. “Certainly better than being out in the howling wind.”

“I’m not convinced of that.” She glanced up at the bone chandelier. “Who do you think built this place and…that?”

“Have you done no research of this world, Princess?”

“I’ve been a lamp, remember?”

“And enlightenment didn’t come with it?”

Maia stared at him and he cracked one of his rare smiles. “You know, you should be careful. If you start making more jokes, you could be in danger of becoming friendly.”

“We wouldn’t want that.” Quinn lit a torch resting in a sconce on the wall.

Maia huffed a laugh. “Definitely not.” Then her levity died. “Ugh. Are those rib bones on the arch?”

“Yes.”

     “Lovely.” 

For today's prompt, Sandra posted "struggling to take a deep breath."

Maia wrapped her arms tighter around her own ribs. “This place gives me the creeps.”

Quinn sighed. “This was the only place out of the wind and snow for shelter on the path you led us. So tell me, Princess, where are we going? Do you sense the Dryad queen here?”

Maia  closed her eyes and opened her senses, struggling to take a deep breath without inhaling the scent of musty bones. The old sepulcher shimmered before her mind’s eye in an iridescent rainbow of colors. That’s odd. She’d never seen anything like it before in all the times she’d “looked” for the Dryad queen.

Turning slowly in a circle, Maia searched the glittering room and stumbled to a stop. She wanted to shield her inner eye from the searing glare of white light flooding through an arched doorway to her left and raised her hand to her closed eyes.

“Through there.” She waved vaguely in the direction of the archway, but hitched a breath as Quinn walked through her vision.

Instead of dirty white robes with bristling weapons slung around him, Quinn shone brilliant red and gold of power and courage. Sparkles of white and green flashed throughout his form, showing honor and…love? Surprise made her stumble again and “fell” out of her senses to stare after his fading silhouette.

My assassin is in love? She’d never thought the man could feel anything, though she’d seen flashes of humor.

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to visit the #FBFlashFicFri today to read other authors' promo pieces. You might find some new things to read. :)

#ThursThreads - Week 75 - Winners

 

Week 75 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 George Varhalmi for reading the stories.

Entries:

• Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Veronica Jordan | @RevolutionaryVJ
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Ryan Derham | @Ryan_Derham
• Kaylee 
• Doris O'Connor | @mamaD8
• Imaginator | @theimaginator20
• SJ Maylee | @SJMaylee
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Teresa Cypher | @Teresa_Cypher
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Ruth Long | @Bullishink

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

 

Teresa Cypher | @Teresa_Cypher

George says: Teresa’s story was awesome, I laughed my ass off. It’s the same kind of crap I give my beautiful wife and the same attitude she’d give right back. It is the kind of sarcasm that is playful without the backbiting. Give a little and take a little. Who knew a little ass could do so much.

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
George says: At first I felt a little lost as the conversation was going on I thought she was a captive. The ending was where I really liked it. Damn I didn’t expect her to be a zombie commander. It was a little shocking to see her picking herself up and piecing herself back together. He followed through with his order but his ass may be the last person she slays when she resurrects. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, in this case a zombie woman.

 

Week 75 Winner

Silver James | @SilverJames_

George says: I love Silver’s story, the emotion between the team members was cool. The imagery of the gargoyles both menacing and vaporizing when hit with the bullets was slick. Never thought of a gargoyles as a hunter rather more of a protector. Great twist.

Ignoring the steaming corpses littering the alley, Varad felt like freaking Hansel—only the birdies obliterating this particular trail of breadcrumbs were vultures and he wasn't hunting an old witch. He smelled blood, tasted the coppery sharpness of it around the shallow drags he pulled on his cigarette. His Gretel waited at the entrance. Sade Marquis. FBI agent. Dead sexy. She racked a new magazine in her 9mm, the metallic sound echoing. He'd already reloaded his specially modified .44 Mag. If six rounds of HE didn't take down their targets, they were dog food anyway.

He muttered, “Roman, you owe me big time, brother!”

He was only here because of his blood debt to Roman. Hunting rogue gargoyles was a pain in the ass. Literally. He rolled his head on his neck, vertebrae grinding like ancient granite. This whole fiasco had been the Fed's idea. A grating sound brought his head up. One idiot rogue tried to sneak up on Sade. Varad raised the Mag, squeezed. Acrid smoke from his cigarette danced with the fog crawling across the docks as powdered granite swirled and settled, just so much dust in the wind.

The bitch Fed glared. “I can do this. Alone.”

“Like hell. Roman’ll take my head if you get hurt.”

“I need one alive.”

“Yeah, good luck with that.” A bullet whistled past his ear, ricocheted. He whirled but before he could fire, the gargoyle behind him disintegrated.

Sade smirked and holstered her weapon. “Or not.”

Congratulations Silver, Teresa, and Sheilagh! 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! :)

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 75

 

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked and the second year of #ThursThreads flash fiction. So let's get started. It's Thursday again, and what should you be doing? Writing #flashfiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 75 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 75:

Human avatar of Ironhide, Assassin's Creed aficionado, and mining geologist, George Varhalmi.

So now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“I can do 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! :)

Snippet Sunday - The Beltane Witch - Something at First Sight

 

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked and Happy Father's Day to all you dad's out there. I might be a bit late getting to all your blogs because I'll be celebrating with my husband. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. Currently, the snippets are from my upcoming release, and while they aren't consecutive, they are in order within the story. You can read last week's snippet from Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin HERE.

Today, I'm offering a snippet from my upcoming release The Beltane Witch, the second book in the Cloudburst Colorado series. It will be available June 24th! In this snippet, Sabrina Foxglove has encountered five men from town on her way to her car. She slipped and fell on the spring ice and they've surrounded her, insisting she should be married. The leader of her assailants speaks first.

“Now we're gonna teach you why you need a man.”

Marty’s expression turned rabid as he reached for her. She gritted her teeth and tightened her grip on the keys. If they chose to do this, she’d make sure they’d remember how hard it they worked to get her to submit.

“Five men against one woman is a little unorthodox and unfair, don't you think?”

The deep masculine voice floated out of the darkness of the alley they’d left behind. Her attackers turned to look over their shoulders, their bodies tense.

Sabrina couldn’t see much at first, just a blacker shadow among the rest. A tall male form emerged into the edge of the light wearing a long black trench coat with a wide hood over his head. He had leather gloves on his hands and heavy black boots on his feet to protect him from the spring cold in the mountains. The hilt of a very large sword rose over his left shoulder, held there by an ornate leather strap embroidered with oak leaves across his chest.

Oh Goddess, who the hell is this?

Eep, is it friend or foe who's stepped out of the shadows? ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Sarah Ballance, SJ Maylee, Goran Zidar, Gem Sivad, and A.S. Fenichel.

If you're interested in The Beltane Witch, I just got the cover and here's the blurb:

Magic, mayhem, and motherhood… a witch’s work is never done, but Sabrina draws the line at the Fae

After almost two decades as a practicing witch in Cloudburst, Colorado, Sabrina Foxglove is done with men, magic, and the fertility rituals of High Beltane. She’s dealt with all three before and ended up with two young daughters and no partner. Twice. She’s looking forward to a magic-free May Day, with nothing more exciting than making brownies for a kindergarten class and decorating a May Pole. She definitely doesn’t have time for a handsome, Fae-touched man…

After almost two centuries as the human chamberlain to the Fae’s Summer Court, Darius Winterbourne is a man accustomed to getting his way. So when the Summer Queen tasks him with finding a witch to perform the annual rituals and strengthen the ancient warding magicks, he figures it should be easy. He doesn’t expect Sabrina’s hardheaded refusal, her untrained abilities, or his attraction to her. With less than a week to Beltane, he must gain Sabrina’s trust before he loses his home, his position…and his heart.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Week 74 - Winners

 

Week 74 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 Miranda Kate for reading the stories.

Entries:

• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Ryan Derham | @Ryan_Derham
• Lizzie Koch | @lizzie_loodles
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Sandra Bunino | @SandraBunin
• Stacy Bennett-Hoyt | @Rowanwolf66
• @LupusAnthropos
• S. J. Maylee | @SJMaylee

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

 

Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster

Miranda says: Another humourous tale, using the Gods and deities from the Roman period. I loved the idea of a ‘little war’ and a God being ‘pussy whipped’ with them all in a bar together too. Really enjoyable read.

Lizzie Koch | @lizzie_loodles
Miranda says: As an over spender myself, I know that little voice well, and ignoring it is an artform! LOL I also liked the flow of this piece, clear and concise.

Stacy Bennett-Hoyt | @Rowanwolf66
Miranda says: I liked this, I knew those type of girls, many years ago now, and I could easily envisage them in that bathroom, and hear that conversation. Nice piece, flowed well and was very visual.
 

Week 74 Winner

@LupusAnthropos

Miranda says: This piece made me laugh out loud! Very funny. The initial lead in makes you think it is just someone on a normal diet, but the killer last line turns it completely on its head. It flowed well, and was a quick, humourous read.

"Not even a little one?"

"Especially not a little one. Am I going to have to reconsider my decision?"

"No. No. I can do this."

"Your gluttony isn't going to get the better of you?"

"No. I can keep to the scheduled meals."

"And no snacking?"

"Only what's on the approved list."

"This isn't going to easy, you know. You and your partner will have to be accountable to each other every step of the way. I'm not going to see you again until you are done."

"We are not going to disappoint you."

"Okay. I'm still going to send you to Earth, but you are NOT to eat the inhabitants - not even a little one."

Congratulations THREE TIME WINNER Lupus, Mark, Lizzie, and Stacy! 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! :)

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 74

 

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked and the second year of #ThursThreads flash fiction. So let's get started. It's Thursday again, and what should you be doing? Writing #flashfiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 74 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 74:

Previous Swing Shoman, cat aficionado, and astrology buff, Miranda Kate.

Miranda on Facebook

Miranda on Twitter

Miranda on Google Plus

So now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Not even a little one?”

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! :)

Snippet Sunday - Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin - Talk Dirty to Me

 

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. Currently, the snippets are from my latest release, and while they aren't consecutive, they are in order within the story. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Today, I'm offering the last snippet from my latest release available now on Amazon entitled Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin. Next week I'll have something new to tempt you with, so enjoy this last little bit. ;) In this snippet, which is a little longer because it's the last, Jonarrion has agreed to Isabelle's request and she's learning him for the first time. This is from Jon's POV and he's the first to speak.

“Come, sit between my legs and let me help you relax.”

“Between your… Isn’t that where your—” She gestured at his tenting kilt and blushed.

“My what, Isabelle?”

“You know.” The red spilled down her throat and flushed her bosom. He wondered if it carried on straight to her pussy. “Your manly bits.”

He wanted to laugh at her choice of words, but he didn’t wish to anger her. “There are many names associated with my ‘manly bits,’ but it’s most commonly called a ‘cock,’ and yes, that’s where I carry it.”

“Cock.” She repeated the word in her husky voice, and his said anatomy flexed with her attention. “Does it have a mind of its own, then?”

“What?” Where had she learned such things as a virgin?

“Well, it just moved.” She gestured at his groin, and he resisted the urge to cover it with his hand.

He let out a startled laugh. “Actually, my dear, it often responds when called by name, and you said it so well.”

Anyone else hear Poison singing "Talk dirty to me"? ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Anastasia Vitsky, SJ Maylee, Goran Zidar, Gem Sivad, and A.S. Fenichel.

If you're interested in Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin, here is the cover and blurb:

Sacrificial virgins are so sixteenth century, but unless Isabelle finds a man to take her innocence, she’ll likely be next.

For Isabelle Andersen, being a virgin in a dragon-plagued Scottish village is dangerous. Potentially the next dragon sacrifice, Isabelle’s only solution is to lose her innocence, and fast. All she needs is one handsome stranger she can coax into bed, but Lochmore Cott doesn’t get much in the way of visitors.

Jonarrion Swiftwind has sworn off virgins. The last time he took one to his bed, his family paid the price for his lust at the hands of her demon-possessed father. He’s made it his mission to destroy all demons. Nothing distracts him from killing this demon until lovely Isabelle offers him tea. And her virginity.

Just one night of passion makes Jon realize he doesn’t want to let the independent beauty go. But will Isabelle accept him when she discovers the only real dragon in her village… is him?

#ThursThreads - Week 73 - Winners

 

Week 73 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales! Thanks to all who came to write yesterday, we had a great turnout! 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 Laurie Roma for reading the stories.

Entries:

• Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
• The Imaginator | @theimaginator20
• Rafe Brox | @etcet
• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Sandra Bunino | @SandraBunino (first entry)
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
• Kayla West | @bookwormattack
• Madison Woods | @Madison_Woods
• Susan Hayes | @capricia13
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Rosalind Smith-Nazilli | @vixenfiction
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Rebecca R Kovar | @RRKovar
• Sandra Bunino | @SandraBunino (second entry)
• Teresa Cypher | @Teresa_Cypher
• Lizzie Koch | @lizzie_loodles
• Ryan Derham | @Ryan_Derham
• Nellie Batz | @solimond

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

 

Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster

Laurie says: Clever! Mark wrote a clever snippet with a nice twist of a glimpse in the life of a mosquito. It was funny, entertaining and deserves an honorable mention for creativity!

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
Laurie says: Hot! Kelly also receives an honorable mention for a hot scene using a prop of fake teeth to spice up some bed play.

Susan Hayes | @capricia13
Laurie says: Intriguing! Susan gets an honorable mention for a scene that is intriguing and made me want to know more!

Silver James | @SilverJames_
Laurie says: Fun! Silver James wrote a scene with humor and an interesting plot. Although I wasn't sure why she killed him, it was cleverly done
 

Week 73 Winner

Teresa Cypher | @Teresa_Cypher

Laurie says: Teresa created an interesting scene that drew me in, using wonderful imagery and a witty twist. Congrats, Teresa!

Caspar Rickets set off down over Rattleback Hill, following no more than two steps behind his uncle Bodey. Deever’s Hollow was their destination.

Bodey spoke in a hush, “Late October woods sure are lonesome.

Caspar shuddered, then his uncle added, “And pick your feet up boy. Ain’t no time to trip and tumble. You’d make a helluva racket—enough to wake the dead.”

Caspar’s eyes refused to blink in the near-darkness where even moonlight worked hard to pry its way into the dank woods. The smell of decaying leaves, and shadows of twisted, rotting wood sent chills up and down his spine. “No gun, uncle Bodey?”

“Gun ain’t no use for what curses this night.

Deeper in the valley, a half mile south of Hook’s Bridge, something stopped Bodey in his tracks. “Hear that? Gawd above, I hear their voices everywhere.”

Bodey was silhouetted by steel gray clouds, backlit by a full moon. Moss hung motionless, long and limp, like witch hair—dirty and unkempt.

“N…n…no. I don’t h…hear nuthin. Whatdya hear?”

Bodey’s voice was strange, even otherworldly when he said, “I will feast on your blood.”

Caspar could barely breathe. “You really din’t bring no gun? Not even a little one?”

In that undead voice, Bodey said, “If’n they come near, I’ll just swat them.”

Caspar’s heart drummed. He could barely breathe. He managed to whine out, “Huh? Swat them?”

The corners of Bodey’s lips turned up when he said, “Skeeters, Caspy. What didja think I was hearin’?

Congratulations Teresa, Mark, Kelly, Susan, and Silver! 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! :)