Thursday, October 31, 2013

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 94 Halloween Spooktacular


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. Bwahahaha! It's Halloween. Are you read for the #ThursThreads Spooktacular? No? Well, it's Thursday today, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 94 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 94:


The erotic romance author, Sci-fi adventurist, and Typo Sniper, Cara Michaels.


Plus today, Cara has a new release out: Gaea's Chosen: Heavenly Bodies. Pick up your copy today. :)

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“They feel like velvet, or silk.”

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, October 30, 2013

Mid Week Tease - Her Devoted Vampire - Caught like it or not


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for this week's Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

Authors: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. Readers: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.

My Mid Week Tease is from Her Devoted Vampire. Bridget Shanahan has been taken to a stranger's house after she was mugged and just tried to get away from Fredrick MacGregor, a man who claims to be a vampire. Just in time for Halloween, eh? Bridget speaks first.


“Let. Me. Go.”
“You are tired and overwrought. You should rest.” He met her gaze unflinchingly. “We will speak more after you’ve slept.”
Fredrick didn’t release her until she relaxed her body back into the pillows on the bed. But her eyes burned with her wrath, and two tears slowly spilled over her lower lids to drip down her cheeks. She didn’t sob, nor did her lips tremble, but her anger seethed beneath her skin. She said nothing, and after a while he let go of her and stood.
“Don’t try to escape.” His voice crackled with cold fury. What did he have to be mad about? “I will tell Cynthia and the others to keep an eye and an ear out for you. One thing about werewolves and vampires you should be aware of: we are a hundred times faster and stronger than the average human male, so you won’t be a problem to catch. I don’t recommend trying to run.”
He picked up the tray and stepped back from the bed.
Bridget said nothing, just stared at him with recrimination. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of rubbing her numb arm where it began to tingle. It was badly bruised, she knew, maybe even dislocated, but she didn’t look at it. She glared as he nonchalantly turned his back on her and went to the door of the room.
Before Fredrick left, he reached out and grabbed the pocketknife, then switched off the light and shut the door behind him. She lay in the dark with nothing but the light from the crack beneath door to illuminate her tears. She waited until his shadow stepped away before she rolled over and allowed herself to cry.

Get your sultry vampire fix here:

Friday, October 25, 2013

#ThursThreads - Week 93 - Winners


Week 93 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. 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 to Veronica Jorden for judging this week. :)

Entries:
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
  • Silver James | @SilverJames_
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Dee Little
  • Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
  • David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
  • Nellie Batz | @solimond
Veronica says: Well done everyone! Thank you so much for sharing your stories with me! Happy writing!!

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
Veronica says: This was another great draw-me-in story. I would love to read more of this tale.

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
Veronica says: So sweet and so moving. If only we could all see everything this way. The use of the prompt here moved me to tears.

Nellie Batz | @solimond
Veronica says: I love the characters in this one. My favorite line: "Mischief to plan."

Week 93 Winner


Veronica says: This was a beautiful story. Vivid imagery and it drew me in. To often we forget the amazing and beautiful world around us. When a character gets to see that beauty for the first time it really resonates with me.

The kid looked at his hand, and watched the blood leak from it. I’d tried to warn him, but he hadn’t listened. This was Earth. The world of the humans. Where even the flowers were violent, and dangerous.

I laughed. “Careful, boy.” I pulled a strip of medical tape out of my pocket, and wrapped it around his finger.

“What happened?”

“The humans have a song. Says every rose has its thorn.” I carefully reached into the rosebush, and pulled the stem out into the open. “The song doesn’t lie.” He could see the stem, and the thorns spaced randomly around it. “This is a rose, kid.” I cut the stem, and pulled the rose bloom free, handing it to him.

He studied it. “It’s stunning.”

“Yeah. It is.” I sighed. “Every bit as beautiful as anything in the City of Gold.”

He nodded his head. “Look at the way it’s petals all wind together.” He ran his fingertips across the petals of the rosebud. “They feel like velvet, or silk.”

“They are one of Joshua’s most exquisite creations.”

The kid stared at it. “And yet, it’s filled with thorns.” The kid shook his head. “How? How can this be?”

“This is Earth. Where Lucien and the fallen live.” I looked up at the moon in the star filled sky. “Perhaps Joshua’s greatest creation.” I took a deep breath, and slowly let it out. “It’s beautiful. But it’s flawed. It’s why Joshua trapped Lucien and the fallen here. On Earth.”

Congratulations Three Time Winner Mark, David, Nellie, and Kelly! 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, October 24, 2013

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 93


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. Wow, this is the 501st post on my blog. WOW. We should do something to celebrate. And it's Thursday again today, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 93 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 93:

Beta Reader, Collaborative Editor, Designer, Marketer, Veronica Jorden.



In honor of the 501st blog post, I'm giving away a $5.00 Amazon giftcard to the Winner.

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“It’s beautiful, but it’s flawed.”

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, October 23, 2013

Mid Week Tease - The Beltane Witch - Big Sword


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for this week's Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

Authors: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. Readers: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.

My Mid Week Tease is from The Beltane Witch. Sabrina Foxglove has just survived a nasty crack on the head and Darius Winterbourne, Summer Court Chamberlain, is taking her home with help from her friend Moira.

Moira led them through the kitchen to the back rooms of the bar and gathered her purse, coat, and keys. She hustled them out the door to her snow-dusted Jeep parked beneath a small overhang. Darius set Sabrina in the back seat and climbed in beside her while Moira stepped out to sweep the windshield. Sabrina wondered where he’d put his huge sword, grateful she didn’t have to hold it for him in the car.
Oh, man, that sounds bad. Can I hold your big sword, Darius? She had to stifle a giggle. Thank the Goddess he can’t hear my thoughts.
“All ready?” Moira asked as she started up the Jeep.
“Yes.” Darius brushed her shoulder with his as he sat back, and she inhaled a scented gust of warmth from his jacket.
Sabrina turned her face before he noticed how much she enjoyed it. She let her gaze drift out her window, hoping the drive home would be quick so she could get away from Darius’s sensual allure.
They left the town and headed across the railroad tracks, bumping over two sets of them laid side by side. Her gaze followed them where they merged together in a synchronicity of rails and ties. Sabrina wondered if her life would ever find such a connection, the perfect blending of two life-lines into one continuous path.
She laughed silently at herself. Not likely after Tommy.
She turned her head just enough to glance at Darius’s noble profile.
And not likely with this peacock, either. He’s a player and the Fae’s minion. Definitely not husband material.
Sabrina tried to ignore the flare of pain from her burned belly. Why am I even thinking of husbands? Marty Robinson must have rubbed off on me after his last threat. She sighed and closed her eyes. A woman needs a husband like a zebra needs a frying pan.

Get your magic, mayhem, and motherhood fix here:

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

#ThursThreads - Week 92 - Winners


Week 92 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. Sorry for the lateness of this post. I'm getting back on track from the Hot Mojave Knights Romance Reader event and it's a slow process. 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 to Adriana Kraft for judging this week. :)

Entries:
  • Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
Adriana says: I loved the originality and creativity of all these entries. I was intrigued by the difference punctuation makes: Like hell, it is. Like hell it is!

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
Adriana says: Liked this tale for turning a character's tragedy into a revolution for equality.

Week 92 Winner




Adriana says: I loved this tale for turning the phrase on its head and plunging us from a conversation between angels to a spaceship making its descent, well done!

“I hear Earth is a beautiful place.”

I looked at the young angel next to me. He bore no scars. The armor on his wings was still polished, and new. He had never been to Earth before. Never faced Lucien’s minions before. Never faced humans before. So, he didn’t know.

“Yeah. It’s pretty enough.”

He smiled. “Tell me about it?”

I kept it simple. “Earth has nights and days. It rotates on its axis. So the sun seems to come up from the horizon every day. And then sink below the horizon later that day. It’s pretty enough. Lots of colors. Pink, orange, yellow, gold.”

“That sounds beautiful.”

“It has oceans of water covering over ⅔ of its surface. Where the oceans meet the land, there are cliffs, and beaches. With rocks and sand.”

“I want to see them. Sunrise, sunset, beaches, cliffs. Can we see them?”

“Yeah, kid. We can see them.”

So innocent. He didn’t know about fear, anger, rage, hatred, bigotry, pride, arrogance, lust. He didn’t know about sin. I sighed. I couldn’t let him go in blind. “There’s something you should know about earth. It’s beautiful, but it’s flawed.”

“Flawed?”

“Ever hear the saying like Hell on Earth?” The kid just stared at me, so I explained. “Lucien and the fallen ones live there. Demons all. Earth itself is not Hell. But like hell it is.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I know, kid. I know. But you will. You will.”

The ship started its descent.

Congratulations Two Time Winner Mark, 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! :)


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Big Cocks and Broomsticks Halloween Hop


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the Big Cocks and Broomsticks Halloween Hop. Sounds naughty, doesn't it? It just might be.

Have you ever wondered how werewolves and vampires celebrate Halloween? What would they dress up as? What do they think are mythical creatures?

I stopped by the little town of Callowwood, Nevada last weekend and asked some of my favorite Moon Singer residents what their costumes would be this year.

Julianna Lightfoot nee Morris: "HAHAHAHAHAH. Holy Goddess, I haven't even thought about it. What happens when you are the monsters they've been warning you about?" *shakes head* "I think I'll go as Lady GaGa this year. She's sufficiently weird, and she's human...I think." *looks worried*

Jeff Lightfoot: "I'm going as a dog catcher. I get a kick out of the nervous looks from some of the betas when I walk around with my tranq gun and leash with collar." *winks*

Tawny Lightfoot: "I'm going as Elvira, Mistress of the Night. I'm pretty sure I can get my boobs to do that. Goddess knows I have to match my Luna." *grins*

Eloise Farkas: "I think I'll be a zombie bride. It's really the only way I'm likely to get married at this point." When I asked her what happened to her engagement to Tommy Scatterstone, she raised an indignant eyebrow at me and said, "Yeah, what do you suggest happened?"

Kyle Howler: "I'll be dressing up as a werewolf - you know, the goofy kind, wearing torn up clothes and a cheesey mask that looks vaguely like an ape. That should piss off a few folks."

Sabrina Westwind: "I'll be dressing up as Siobhan Muir, paranormal romance author." *winks* "I hope this gets her on the ball to write Kyle and Eloise's story."

Eep! And on that note, I'd best get after it. But first, here's the blurb to Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack.

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.

You can find Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack at:


Now for the Giveaway. I'm giving away some Hot Mojave Knights conference swag with goodies from Starla Kaye, Jacelyn Rye, Shannan Albright, Sabrina Devonshire, Lexi Ryan, Morgan Kearns, and many more who came to the con. To win, answer this question: What will you be for Halloween? Just leave your answer with a valid email address or Twitter handle. You must be 18 years or older to win, and please void where prohibited. It's open internationally, and ends 11:59 pm Pacific US time on November 11, 2013.

Plus there is a grand prize of $100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble card, winner's choice!
Second place: $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble card,
Third place: $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble card.
Just sign up in the raffle copter below and follow the linky list to have more chances to win. Thanks for stopping by and happy hopping!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

#SnippetSunday - WIP - Recognition


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 a Work in Progress, the third story in the Cloudburst, Colorado series, 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 another snippet from the second chapter of The Cloudburst Coffee and Spa, a WIP in the Cloudburst Colorado series that deals with some of the darker kinks in love. Aiden has returned to Cloudburst to recover his heart in the form of Moira Callahan, but her brother might have something to say about it. This continues from last week and is unedited.

“Comin’ up.” Kieran moved away and Aiden breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t been recognized yet, but he’d changed a great deal in the last eighteen years. Hopefully, it’d keep him safe. At least for tonight.
Kieran set a glass and a chilled bottle on the bar in front of Aiden and gave him a neutral smile. Aiden didn’t meet his gaze, but focused on the beer.
“How long you in town for, Westmorland?”
Aw, hell, that hadn’t taken long.
“Dunno. Just got back in tonight to visit with family.” Aiden took a swig from the bottle. “You got a problem, Callahan?”
“That depends.” The younger man scanned the rest of the bar to be sure no one needed anything. When no one waved him down, he turned his attention back to Aiden.
“On?”
“On whether or not you’re here to break my sister’s heart again.”

So much for the subtle approach. If you'd like to see a photo of the inspiration for Aiden, click HERE. 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, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Zee Monodee, and Karla Doyle.

Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Thursday, October 17, 2013

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 92


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's almost Halloween! And you know what day Halloween falls on? Thursday! And it's Thursday again today, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 92 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 92:

  The Royal "We", Baby Boomer romance author(s), and Hot Mojave Knights featured author(s), Adriana Kraft.



And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Like hell it is.”

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, October 14, 2013

New Release and Character Interview from Shara Lanel


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked! Today, Shara Lanel stops by on her blog tour for her newest (and First with Ellora's Cave!) release with a character interview and instructions for her giveaway.

I’m so excited about my first release with Ellora’s Cave: A Twisted Magick! Check out the blurb, excerpt and contest below, but first here’s a clip of an interview with Shylah Lewis, the heroine of A Twisted Magick:

Sex Magick, You Say?

Why yes, but for the most part Shylah Lewis has put all that behind her. Things got really dark with her old coven, she says, especially with high priest Alain. Then there was the murder investigation.

“It was just time to leave,” Shylah explains. “And I don’t want anyone to know about my past.”

“What about this occult murder here in Virginia? You can’t ignore the similarities.”

“Proximity to the murders does not make me guilty.”

Trying a new tact. “Tell me about Gabriel Niguel.”

“What’s to say? He’s a PI from California sent here to be the bane of my existence.”

“He’s more than that, admit it.”

Shylah declines to say more, though she does get this look on her face whenever Gabe is mentioned. Since she was fired from Smith Creek school district, she can be found in Charlottesville, VA reading tarot, another fact she hopes to hide from the folk of small town Smith Creek.

BLURB for A Twisted Magick by Shara Lanel:

Shylah, a small-town teacher, has put her arcane history behind her, until two students are murdered occult style. Her Wiccan religion is outed. She loses her job and deals daily with ridicule. The obvious thing would be to leave town, but she refuses—she’s innocent.

Gabriel is a PI from California dealing with his aunt’s cold shoulder. She wants him to fly to Virginia to solve his cousin’s murder, but he doesn’t have the money or the time until he breaks a big case he’s been working on. Now his cousin’s case is three months cold with one hot witchy suspect and no proof. As soon as he sees Shylah, he wants her, for a lot more than just questioning.

Gabe has the power to make Shylah’s insides melt and her judgment fade. She knows he can bring her down if he discovers the twisted magick of her past, but every time he touches her, she can’t say no. She needs to get him to see past prejudice and help her find the real killer. Together, they make magic in more ways than one.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave Twilight line.


A Twisted Magick Blog Tour needs a fab prize at the end, don’t you think? How about a $20 Amazon gift cert! Comment on any of my blog posts during the tour, then refer to the contest page (http://sharalanel.com/2013/09/05/enter-to-win-amazon-gift-card/) on my Shara blog to get yourself entered to win! I’ll draw the winner on Nov. 1st.


Author Bio:
Shara Lanel’s novels are always full of suspense and hot romance, whether set on the moon or in a Mexican jungle. She resides in Richmond, VA with a clingy dog, an action-oriented son, and a handsome hubby. Don’t put her in the kitchen, unless you want to burn it down, and her green-thumb is hit-or-miss, but she excels as a bibliophile, hoping she never has to pack up and move, since her hubby might see just how many volumes she really has.

EXCERPT from A Twisted Magick:

“I’d like my fortune read, please.”

Shylah startled, both from the sound of a voice where there hadn’t been one for several minutes, and also at the familiarity. The deep, velvety voice flipped a switch in her body, from off to on. But what was Gabe doing here? How had he even found out about her new business? She slowly looked up, mentally squaring her shoulders. What new tact would he try today?

He gazed at her herbs and candles. “Got any pot in there?”

She sighed. “Why are you here? I thought we were done talking.”

“Like I said, I want my fortune told.”

“How did you even find me?”

He grinned as he pulled out the chair opposite her. “My hotel had the Richmond and Charlottesville papers, so I saw your ad.”

“My name’s not in my ad.”

“I have my ways.”

That worried her, since she didn’t want other Smith Creek residents finding out about her side business.

She looked up again and found him staring at her intensely. Disconcerted, she gestured for him to sit and slid her drawings off the table and into the bag underneath. “What sort of divination are you interested in?”

“What do you usually do?”

“Well, I have a crystal ball if you want the total ambience. I have the tarot or runes, which are the most popular, or I can scry into a mirror. Do you have a specific question in mind?”

He turned the chair around backward and sat down. Why did men do that? “Yes, it concerns the truth about guilt or innocence.”

Shylah grimaced. “I think we’ll use the cards, which will give you something tangible to look at.” She slipped the deck out of the silk bag again and handed the oversized cards to him. “Shuffle them slowly while concentrating on your question. But you can’t expect me to give you a reading admitting to my supposed guilt. That would be counterproductive on my part, don’t you think?”

“I didn’t say it was your guilt or innocence I was thinking about.”

“No?” She lit an incense cone in a tiny brass censer. “Pull the curtain closed a bit, okay?”

“Not all the way?”

“I like potential customers to know I’m in here, even if I’m giving a reading.” She took the cards from him, grazing his fingers and wondering at the tingle she felt. It was a schoolgirl tingle, the kind you get when you’re working with the boy you have a crush on. She hadn’t felt that tingle since high school.

The table was covered with a black shawl with Chinese calligraphy on it. She spread the cards out in the classic Celtic Cross formation, and the first thing she noticed was the death card in the future position. The death card usually meant extreme change, not literal death, but as Shylah peered at the cards and took in their vibrations, she realized that this card might mean literal death. Her face froze. Who? Was Gabe going to die? She looked up into his strong face, masculine jaw and cheekbones, kissable mouth, mahogany eyes. Once she got past her immediate attraction—again—she thought she saw an unnatural shadow across his face. She let her eyes un-focus so she could see it better.

It was a skull.

“What’s the matter? This card with the grim reaper isn’t good, is it?”

“Someone’s going to die.”


Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Sunday, October 13, 2013

#SnippetSunday - WIP - Family Stats


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 a Work in Progress, the third story in the Cloudburst, Colorado series, 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 another snippet from the second chapter of The Cloudburst Coffee and Spa, a WIP in the Cloudburst Colorado series that deals with some of the darker kinks in love. Aiden has returned to Cloudburst to recover his heart in the form of Moira Callahan. The biggest hurdle he has to get past is her family. The snippet is unedited.

Aiden zipped up his jacket as the cold Clouburst wind stole all the heat from his body. Damn, he’d forgotten how bitter it could be in the mountains of Colorado. His strides lengthened and he found himself standing beneath the overhang of the Cliffhanger Bar. Don’t go inside. You’re asking for trouble.
But he pushed the door open and sighed in relief as heat flooded over his chilled body. He shouldn’t be there, not with all the animosity he’d experienced with Moira’s family, but tonight he couldn’t stay away. He settled on a stool at the bar.
“What can I get you?”
Aiden glanced up to take in the bartender and recognition dawned as quickly as the man’s stats. Kieran Callahan, Moira’s younger brother. Blood type AB positive, BMI twenty-two point four, life expectancy ninety-one point six years, ninety-four percent chance he will marry outside his profession.
Aiden dragged his eyes away from Kieran and focused on the handwritten menu on the wall. “I’ll take a Powder Keg Stout.”
 
No wonder he doesn't meet people's gazes. Who wants all those stats all the time? If you'd like to see a photo of the inspiration for Aiden, click HERE. 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, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Zee Monodee, and Karla Doyle.

Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Friday, October 11, 2013

#ThursThreads - Week 91 - Winners


Week 91 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. 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. Great thanks to Angela Palevich for judging this week. :)

Entries:
  • Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
  • Silver James | @SilverJames_
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • SJ Maylee | @SJMaylee
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
  • Helen Howell | @Helenscribbles
  • Eric Martell | @drmagoo
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Rebecca Kovar | @RRKovar
  • Teresa Cypher | @teresa_cypher
Angela says: I really enjoyed reading everyone’s tales. Each was so unique and left me with a sense of wanting to read on – but I guess that’s the point :) It was definitely difficult to choose my favorites!

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
Angela says: I thought the use of the prompt jumped out at me the most in the author’s writing. There is also something about the vulnerability of a child, which is brought up in the first sentence, which made me want to keep reading to make sure he/she would be alright!

Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
Angela says: This snippet painted a very vivid picture of what was taking place in the story and I love that in a good read. You could really feel the symmetry among the characters and their story flowed really, really well from one frame to the next. Definitely left me with a sense of wanting to read on!

Teresa Cypher | @teresa_cypher
Angela says: Creating both an excellent intro and ending to a story can be a challenge when you are limited to just 250 words. This author nailed both and also weaved the prompt seamlessly into her story. I’d love to find out what happens next!

Week 91 Winner


Angela says: I chose this tale because I could really feel a sense of gripping excitement in the overall theme.  The author used colorful and descriptive wording to really express the character’s personalities and the scene taking place around them. I felt almost as if I was there myself!

Leaning on the railing, Cade watched her leave. Shelby put the last of her bags in her trunk and slammed it closed, sending an echo through the valley. She marched around the car and look up at him as she grabbed the handle. The tightness of her expression ripped him apart and the need to run after her became stronger than ever, but knowing she would be safe somewhere far away from him would have to get him past the searing ache turning him cold.

The shuffle of feet behind him and his brother’s firm grip on his shoulder did nothing to calm the beast screaming to get out.

“This is for the best, Cade.”

“Like hell it is.” He pushed off the railing and paced the balcony. “Her place is here with me, not hiding in a place I can’t see.” He stopped and looked at the dust settling onto his driveway. Rage and regret burned up his backside.

“They’ll keep pushing, you know this, unless we remove them.”

“Then that’s exactly what we’ll do.” Cade didn't want war, but nothing could stop that now. “Call everyone in. I want a plan in place tonight.”

Congratulations SJ, Kelly, and Teresa! 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, October 10, 2013

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 91


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. Fall has definitely hit with a vengeance. And it's Thursday again, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 91 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 91:

  Cat lover, meticulous gift wrapper, and Awesome Auntie A, Angela Palevich.


And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.
 
The Prompt:

“Unless we remove them.”

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!