#ThursThreads has Moved

Good morning. If you're looking for #ThursThreads it has moved to my new blog location:

https://siobhanmuir.com/blog

Come on by for the same great challenge, whole new location. And we're closing in on the end of Year 8!

Siobhan

Snippet Sunday - A Walk in the Sand - Jedi Mind Trick

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. The snippets are from my upcoming release, The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand, a science-fiction/fantasy romance serial. Book 1 in the Ivory Road Serial. This new story will be released on this Monday, February 23, 2015.Woot!

In this snippet, Iliana, a Hollywood actress, finds herself somewhere she doesn't expect. And now she has company. She doesn't know how she got there or where there is, but she just wants time to figure everything out. Unfortunately, the company has other plans, and the wrong name.

Crowe paused, cocking his head and Iliana froze. He scanned the space where she’d been crouching with a sharp look.

Please don’t see me. Please don’t see me.

She resisted the urge to close her eyes as she hunkered down under a ground palm. God, I hope there are no scorpions using this as a home. The man named Crowe crouched and met her eyes, a frown creasing his brows.

“Kyra? Is that you?”

Iliana supposed it was too late to do the Jedi mind trick—this is not the woman you’re looking for—but she definitely didn’t own the name he called. She shook her head and he grimaced.

“Please, Kyra, we need your help. My colleagues won’t do you harm.”

Busted! ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb for The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand:

The adventure of Ivory’s lifetime might just be the death of her…

When it comes to make believe, A-list actress Ivory is a professional. But when a desert hike takes her across a dimensional rift, her real-life self, Iliana Rory, must separate fantasy from reality. The man she swears is the costar in her next movie might share the same surname and appearance, but there are no sets in this Mr. Crowe’s world, no props, and no director to yell “cut” before blood is spilled.

With a fortune in stolen treasure and the forces of the Knalish army hot on their trail, Brandon Crowe and his partner, Ahmad, must cross a desert neither of them knows well. Mistaken for their guide, Iliana seizes any chance to stay ahead of the army and survive in this new world.

Adventure straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster might be on Iliana’s bucket-list, but she never dreamed there’d be the real possibility of death when the end credits roll. A Walk in the Sand is the first story in the four part serial recounting Iliana’s journey along the Ivory Road.

#ThursThreads - THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY - Winners

Week 156 of #ThursThreads #Year3 Anniversary had so many fantastic tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers come to tie a tale. And welcome all the new folks! Thank you for coming to tie your tales and for helping me celebrate these three years of flash. Here's to several more years. Great thanks to Cara Michaels for judging this week and for starting us off all those years ago. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

After the winners are notified and they have chosen their prizes, the folks who tweeted the hashtag #ThursThreads will be thrown into a drawing for the remaining prizes. I'll announce the winners here on the blog and on twitter. Thank you all for participating and coming back to write!

Entries:

• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne
• Rafe Brox | @etcet
• Greg Nance | @acenance
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
• Daniel Swensen | @surlymuse
• Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
• David Shakes | @theshakes72
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan 
• Mary Decker | @mishmhem
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Decadent Kane | @Decadent Kane
• Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ
• Jason Lefthand | @jasonlefthand
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
• Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
• Chris Cantley
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
• David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Eric Martell | @drmagoo
• Lynn Peters | @RoryBrazen
• Nellie Batz | @solimond
• Ruth Long | @Bullishink

Cara says: Dang, you folks gave me some great reading (and tough decision making) this week. Thank you all for writing! After reading through a couple times, deliberating, then revisiting the dozen or so stories vying for honors, here are my choices:

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Nellie Batz | @solimond

Cara says: This story is a heartbreaker. As though her sense of losing her friends wasn’t hard enough, the transition to clarity regarding Violet’s true circumstances hit me right in the feels..

Ruth Long | @Bullishink

Cara says: The bones of this story idea intrigue me. Is the MC some sort of cyborg or mechanical man? The action is concise and doesn’t bog down the snippet. The final ‘framework’ exchange gave me a good laugh.

Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Cara says: The whimsical nature of the story caught my attention, and this tale struck me as a poem or painting captured within a narrative. Lovely work.

Week 156 #Year3 Winner

Daniel Swensen | @surlymuse

Cara says: In 250 words, this story delivers a full-fledged world concept begging to be explored. If this was the excerpt behind the cover, this is a book I would take home. I would even take it to bed (because I want to keep reading, ya pervs). And damn, but I loved Ora’s, “Tell them I died here” line. She’s a hero after my own heart.

The cavern crawled with blue lightning. Pillars of stone shrugged dust into the dwindling air.

The company was closing the hyperspace shunt. Its pale oval flickered, a hundred meters high. The financial rulers of a planet light-years away had heard the cries of a thousand colonists and turned its face away in shame.

“Ora, we’re leaving.” Thain slung his rifle, glaring at the milling crowd on the wrong side of the portal. The marines had formed a perimeter to keep them in. No need; they huddled, terrified, wailing for all that was about to be lost.

Ora looked at her hands. Red with dirt. Dirty with blood. She knew too much of these people.

“If they stay, I stay.”

“To what end? You can’t help them.”

She tapped the glossy curve of the learning chip behind her ear. Worth more than this colony and everyone in it. The company would be furious -- and very far away. “With what I know? Yes, I can.”

He gripped her arm. “Ora, they’ll kill you. They’ll come to resent you and they’ll kill you for being one of us.”

“I want them to know we haven’t abandoned them to die here.”

“That’s exactly what we’re doing,” Thain whispered. “You can’t just give up--”

“Giving up is exactly what I’m not doing.” Ora unclipped her company badge and pressed it into his grubby palm. “Tell them I died here.”

She turned and walked away, listening for the final crack of the closing portal.

Congratulations Three Time Winner Daniel, Nellie, Ruth, and Josh! 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, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. Today is a very special Thursday so get your flash ready to celebrate THREE YEARS flashing! Can you believe it's been going strong for three whole years? This is Week 156 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together.

This week we have a very special event. There are prizes to be won for both the participants and the readers. After the winner and the honorable mentions choose their prizes, the remainder of the goodies will be given to randomly selected folks who Tweet the hashtag #ThursThreads during our event today. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook.

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 8 PM Mountain 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

Prize List for #ThursThreads #Year3

• eARC of The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand by Siobhan Muir.
• Digital or paper copy of one of Silver James' backlist.
• Digital copy of one of Cara Michaels' backlist.
• Tree of Life made from wrapped wires and minerals from George Varhalmi.
• Free beta read or 15K content edit from First Page Last Page.
• The Dark Bokor and Philip's Watcher by Dianne Hartsock.
• "Words Lost in Time 4" image printed on 11x14 metallic paper by Clary Carey.
• Custom written story of 1000 words or less on any theme by Eric Martell.

Our Judge for Week 156:

  The woman who started it all, Typo Sniper, cover designer, and science fiction author, Cara Michaels.

Cara on Facebook

Cara on Twitter

Cara on Goodreads

Cara on Google Plus 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"If they stay, I stay.”

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!

Mid Week Tease - A Walk in the Sand - Playing Games

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of 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.

Today I'm offering snippets from my upcoming release A Walk in the Sand, an action/adventure sci-fi/fantasy with romantic elements, and Book 1 in the The Ivory Road serial. Iliana Rory is just trying to have a vacation from her life as a Hollywood actress. She never intended on having to deal with her upcoming costar or stepping in to alternate universes. This is into the second chapter, to read a snippet earlier in the tale, click HERE.

“You're not going to stop playing, are you, Mr. Crowe?” Iliana shook her head. “Fine. Play your little game, but I’m done. I don't need this and I'm outta here.” She swung onto the gray horse and settled her weight in the stirrup-less saddle. She turned the animal’s head toward a gap in the trees and urged the horse into a trot.

“By all the Gods!” he shouted in frustration at her back.

“I told you women were faithless.”

Ahmad’s voice made her fury burn brighter, but she’d dealt with trolls in Hollywood. This guy was only a run-of-the-mill heckler. The gray horse lengthened its strides as they passed the edge of the oasis, and she did her best to ignore the corpse, still lying in the glaring sun. If it really is a dead body and not a dummy.

She stopped the horse and tried to decide which way to go. All directions looked pretty much the same. Well done, now you’re out here alone with no idea which direction is west. At least she now had a horse. Iliana glanced down to the sand below to try to determine which way their shadow pointed. She frowned. Had she gotten here in the morning or afternoon?

“I don’t think he’s accustomed to being spoken to like that.”

 She froze and looked around. No one stood near her. She sat alone on the horse.

The horse huffed an indignant sigh and turned his head to eye her.

Iliana swallowed hard. “Did you say something?”

“Yes, I said, I don't think he’s accustomed to being spoken to like that.”

The voice echoed in her ears, but the horse’s lips had remained still. That’s it. I’ve gotten sunstroke. “I’m going crazy.”

“That remains to be seen, but we’re still having this conversation anyway.” The gray snorted and tossed his head.

“Is this some sort of cosmic joke? Horses can’t talk.” She snapped her mouth shut and shook her head. “And now I’m arguing with an animal.”

 “Only because you can’t seem to accept I can speak, and well enough for you to understand, young lady.”

Iliana scrubbed her hands over her face. “No, no, no. This isn’t possible. There is no magic in the world except what Hollywood conjures. I must be dreaming this. I’m on a solo hike in New Mexico, minding my own business. This is just a dream from sun-stroke…” She glanced around uncertainly. “Except the sand is golden and Taggart Crowe has shown up.”

“The man you left behind is named Brandon Crowe and you’re in the Karobis Desert, which is in the country of Knalland.” The horse stretched a leg forward and rubbed the side of his muzzle against his knee. “The continent on which this desert stretches is called Absentia.”

A Walk in the Sand comes out February 23, 2015.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...

Snippet Sunday - A Walk in the Sand - Company Incoming and **COVER REVEAL**

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. The snippets are from my upcoming release, The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand, a science-fiction/fantasy romance serial. Book 1 in the Ivory Road Serial. This new story will be released on Monday, February 23, 2015.

In this snippet, Iliana, a Hollywood actress, finds herself somewhere she doesn't expect. She's supposed to be hiking across the White Sands National Monument. The problem is the sand is golden now, her sunglasses are missing, and there are a whole lot more people than she expected to see in her neck of the dunes.

A low rumble across the sandy wastes caught her attention. She squinted against the glare and focused on a growing plume of dust. People on horseback raced toward her over the dunes, dressed in the same clothing style as her own costume. They whipped their horses into a full gallop even though it was the hottest part of the day.

“Oh, shit.”

None of the riders looked particularly friendly and their path would take them right over the top of her. Unless she got out of the way. There’s an idea.

Iliana spun and tripped over something at her feet. She landed hard in an undignified heap next to the large object on the ground. She scanned the yielding lump and her stomach sank. A body lay staring at the sky, the face still covered in black silk.

“Oh, my God!”

I don't think she's in New Mexico anymore. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Sarah Wesson.

**COVER REVEAL**

Here's the tentative blurb for The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand:

When it comes to finding love, Ivory is out of this world…

Iliana Vanessa Rory was just trying to find some peace before she had to start her next filming project. As one of Hollywood’s A-listed actors, Ivory doesn’t get much alone time. But when she steps across a dimensional boundary, she gets far more company than she intended in the form of a guy she swears is her upcoming costar, Mr. Crowe.

Turns out Brandon Crowe isn’t who she thinks he is, but on that they’re even. He needs her to show him the way across the desert and he’s a whole lot of trouble. Between an advancing army, ruthless creditors, and betrayal of trust, Brandon might be more than Iliana can handle. Fortunately, she has a talking horse to keep her company. But really, she just wants to make it to Australia to start filming on Monday.

A Walk in the Sand is the first story in a four part serial of Iliana’s journey.

#ThursThreads - Week 155 - Winners

Week 155 of #ThursThreads had some great tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Lucy Felthouse for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

And be sure to tune in next week because we have our Third Anniversary Celebration! That's right, #ThursThreads turns THREE!! There will be prizes so you should definitely visit the blog next week.

Entries:

• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
• Nellie Batz | @solimond
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Lucy says: Thanks so much for asking me to judge—it’s been fun!

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham

Lucy says: I found this story intriguing and well-written, and while it leaves lots of questions unanswered, I very much liked the sense of fun thrown in to what sounds like it could be a very serious situation.

Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea

Lucy says: this was a very poignant and dramatic tale, which made me very interested to know just what had driven these people to such sad extremes.

Kelly Heinen| @Aightball

Lucy says: I really liked the sense of fun in this story—this was a very sexy way of making the characters even!

Week 155 Winner

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Lucy says: the writing was super-tight, intriguing, and kept me on the edge of my seat. It really pulled me in, I’d definitely like to know what happens next with these characters and their tough-sounding situation!

Gemma looked so damn lost it almost cracked his stony facade. Luc couldn’t go to her, couldn’t touch her. Club business first, bloody business. Once finished, he’d touch her. Explain. There’d be blood on his hands but hell, his hands had been red his entire life. He lived, his mother died, and his old man never let him forget it. What was the bloodstain of one more life—a guilty one—on his soul?

Luc tilted his head toward the room where the Nightriders held church. Dancer and Tinker dragged the unconscious Hell Dog through the doors. The rest of the brothers followed them. He paused, turned to study Gemma. “Go home, babe. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“No.”

He didn’t expect her rebellion. “You need to leave, Gemma.”

“I’m staying.”

Now it was his turn. “No.”

She marched up and poked his chest. “Do you think I’d cut and run? I know what will happen in that room.”

Not that room. Judgment only there. Downstairs, in the basement. They’d execute the asshole there. Church wouldn’t be defiled by enemy blood. “Go home, Gemma.”

Waving a negligent hand at the other women, she snarled at him. “Are you sending them home?” She read his answer in his expression. “If they stay, I stay.”

Fuck. Which is what the Riders would want to do after this night’s work was done. He couldn’t send them away. “Suit yourself. There’ll be blood on my hands when I come.”

“That makes us even.”

Congratulations ELEVEN TIME WINNER Silver, Cate, Bill, 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, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 155

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 155 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook.

And be sure to tune in next week because we have our Third Anniversary Celebration! That's right, #ThursThreads turns THREE!! There will be prizes so you should definitely visit the blog next week.

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 8 PM Mountain 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 155:

  Chocoholic, Web Geek, and erotic romance author, Lucy Felthouse.

Lucy on Facebook

Lucy on Twitter

Lucy on Goodreads

Lucy on Google Plus 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"That makes us even.”

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!

Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Special Training

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of 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.

Today I'm offering snippets from my new release A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series. Corporal Ronin is trying to find a way to tell Sedgewick how he feels and spend more time with him. But he's finding his training lacking in the area of love.

Love wasn't something he'd trained for. His focus had been on warfare. But in the battle for his heart, he felt woefully inexperienced. Ronin shot a look at Sedgewick, but the private's expression remained shuttered and withdrawn. Ronin focused on trudging to the barracks. He had to come up with a plan of action, or he'd lose Sedgewick forever.

His dam's voice filtered through his memories. To love is to recognize yourself in another, Ronin. How would you like someone to approach you with declarations of affection?

He'd gotten no closer to an answer when they reached the barracks for the men. Sedgewick strode past the dark forms of sleeping stallions while Ronin waited by the door. What could he do? Before he realized he'd moved, Ronin's hooves carried him to Sedgewick's side and he grasped the buckskin stallion's arm.

"Grab your gear and come with me, Sedgewick."

"Sorry, sir?" Sedgewick frowned, his body tense.

"Grab your gear. You're not staying here tonight with that shoulder."

Sedgewick paused, but nodded slowly. "Yes, sir." He stuffed his belongings into his rucksack and followed Ronin back out into the snow.

Not my most affectionate invitation. Ronin swallowed a grimace and led the way to his own quarters. As an officer, he'd been allowed to build his own barn. It wasn't a large space, not like the barn for Captain Yarren Plainsrunner and his mares, but it retained a comfortable atmosphere and space requirements.

"Where are we going, sir?"

"You're going to stay with me until you report to Healer Bethany." Ronin had no idea where this all came from, but he wouldn't examine it until later. "I need to brief the sergeant on the location of those White Lace Stars and check on the men, but I will return. Please stoke the fire and I shall be there presently."

"You want me to stay with you, Corporal?" Sedgewick's eyes filled his face.

"Yes..." Ronin paused and softened his voice. "Please, Sedgewick. Stay with me until you report to the infirmary."

The buckskin stallion still hesitated. "Are you sure, sir?"

"Yes. Very sure." He stepped closer to Sedgewick, nothing but stars overhead. "I would very much like to share the next two nights with you."

Sedgewick blinked as he clutched his rucksack closer to his chest. "Really?"

Did Ronin hear some hope in the question? "Yes, really." He squeezed Sedgewick's arm gently before releasing him. "Please build up the fire and I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Yes, sir."

Ronin nodded and headed back out to the perimeter, not daring to look back. Sedgewick had sounded bewildered and uncertain, but something deep inside Ronin said he'd done the right thing. I sure hope so, or tonight's gonna get awkward.

Available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...

Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Fortune Favors the Bold

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. The snippets are from my upcoming release, A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a companion tale to Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy romance and was released on Monday, January 26, 2015.

In this snippet, Sedgewick is explaining how he knows how to care for the injured men. He really wants to impress Ronin, but everything he says seems wrong.

None of the moments in training had been Sedgewick's best. He freely admitted he was only at his best when working with medicines and recovery therapy.

"I'm really grateful. Sedgewick is a treasure-trove of knowledge on centaur medicine." Bethany smiled as she stirred. "Let's add the numb spire and get these men treated."

"Corporal, can you squeeze the spire's pulp into the mixture? The Master Healer must keep stirring to distribute the gel evenly." Sedgewick handed him the arm of the plant and mimicked how to push out the juices. "Start at the top and slide your hand down."

A blush warmed his cheeks as the suggestive nature of his instructions hit his awareness. Holy Goddess, could I be more bold?

He might have to be bolder. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb to A Centaur's Solstice Wish, Book 2 in the Rifts series:

When making wishes on the Hunter’s star...

It will take more than wishes to improve Sedgewick Icetrotter’s Solstice. After being sent to the infirmary, again, for dislocating his shoulder while stringing his bow, he figures he’s got a snowball’s chance in hell to impress the centaur he loves. Until Corporal Ronin Creekjumper brings in two injured centaurs suffering from unusual insect bites, and Sedgewick knows how to treat them.

Ronin can’t believe his good luck when Sedgewick saves his men. It also gives him a chance to do more than light candles for his injured friend. Ronin takes the chance and invites Sedgewick to spend the Solistice holiday together. Just the two of them.

And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?

Available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

#ThursThreads - Week 154 - Winners

Week 154 of #ThursThreads had some great tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Mellanie Szereto for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Silver James | @SilverJames_  
• Jif Foam | @jif_foam
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne
• L.T. Dalin | @LTDalin
• Bill Engleson
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Stacy Bennett | @SBennettwrites
• Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio
• David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Simon Abernathy
• Nellie Batz | @solimond

Mellanie says: Thanks so much for inviting me to judge this week, Siobhan! I have to say your VW Bug wrangler description has been right on the mark this winter. What a great group of entries! I had a hard time deciding on a winner.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Mellanie says: Grammar and writing craft nerd that I am, I was immediately pulled into the scene by tight, succinct writing. Building tension hinted at a major conflict and plenty of action. Besides, wolves are sexy!

Bill Engleson

Mellanie says: I love the story concept, which suggests lots of conflict and danger. The ending hook made me want to read more! Watch out for those distracting dialogue tags, though. They pulled me out of the scene a little bit.

Stacy Bennett | @SBennettwrites

Mellanie says: Good characterization and conflict drew me into the scene right away. A couple of dialogue tags stood out and interrupted the flow, but the immediacy of the tension pulled me back in.

Week 154 Winner

Simon Abernathy

Mellanie says: Other than a misspelled word, the entry was clean and well-written. The scene opened and closed with good hooks, and the characters are compelling. Dialogue and actions are used very effectively for characterization and to show the dynamics of the relationship. Great job!

TALE WAS REMOVED FOR PERSONAL REASONS.

Congratulations SEVEN TIME WINNER Simon, Silver, Bill, 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, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 154

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 154 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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 8 PM Mountain 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 154:

  Hot, Hungarian cook, VW Bug wrangler, and contemporary romance author, Mellanie Szereto.

Mellanie on Facebook

Mellanie on Twitter

Mellanie on Goodreads

Mellanie on Google Plus 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"How do you figure?”

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!

Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Helping Hand

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of 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.

Today I'm offering snippets from my new release A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series. Corporal Ronin has brought in two injured men on Christmas Eve and Sedgewick knows how to help them. The problem is, Ronin doesn't know how to tell Sedgewick how much this means to him.

"Do you know what goes into the salve?"

"Yes. My granddam taught me." He grimaced and wouldn't meet Ronin's gaze. "The problem is I can't make it with only one arm."

 Ronin gripped Sedgewick's shoulder. "I'll help you. Just tell me what you need done and I can be your extra hands."

Both Bethany and Sedgewick gaped at Ronin for a moment. Hellfire, he'd surprised himself with the outburst, but he wouldn't go back on his offer. His men needed him and he'd do anything he could. And if you're really honest with yourself, you'd admit you want to spend a little time with Sedgewick.

Bethany was the first to recover. "Thank you, Corporal. That will be very helpful." She nodded to the injured men. "First, I'll need you to get these men stripped so we can see the extent of the damage."

Ronin stuffed his disappointment behind a sharp nod. "Will do."

"Good. Sedgewick, please show me what you need and let's get started."

While Ronin helped the other soldiers to undress Navarro and Colver, he kept Sedgewick in sight as the buckskin directed Bethany in a soft but sure voice. The men moaned when they lifted their shirts and armor, and he cringed in sympathy. Great, swollen welts spread across their backs from skull to tail, disfiguring them in red sores.

Medicinal scents accompanied the grind of a pestle against a mortar bowl, and Ronin turned just as Bethany called for him.

"Can you please grind this while I prepare the salve base, Corporal?"

"Yes, of course, Master Healer."

Ronin took the pestle as the human woman gave him a friendly smile and he tried to smile back, but Sedgewick's presence beside him made it difficult. Oh, for the love of Epona, I should be able to do one simple task. He bent to it, putting his strength and focus into the action of grinding the medicinal herbs. He almost jumped when someone laid a hand on his forearm.

"Firmly, but gently, Corporal. Marble isn't as good as the herbs for healing." Sedgewick's voice held amusement as well as warmth.

Heat blossomed across Ronin's cheeks and chest. "Forgive me, Sedgewick. My concern is with my men."

Sedgewick lost his smile and nodded, releasing Ronin. "Of course, Corporal. But if you grind them too much, they lose potency." Sedgewick nodded to the mortar. "I think they're ready. Bring them to the fire, please."

Ronin regretted his words immediately and cursed himself for a nervous fool, but dutifully followed the buckskin soldier and swept the crushed herbs into a pot of boiling water. Sedgewick nodded and stirred them with a soothing rhythm, his good arm flexing in ways that set Ronin's heart galloping. Sweet Goddess, what I'd give to feel his arms around me.

Available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...

Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Gentleness and Beauty

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. The snippets are from my upcoming release, A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a companion tale to Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy romance and was released on Monday, January 26, 2015.

It's time to introduce you to Ronin. In this snippet, Ronin has brought in two injured men and Sedgewick says he knows what to do for them. Ronin is more than just relieved.

Ronin had never been so glad to see his injured soldier in his life. Sedgewick Icetrotter constituted one of the worst soldiers he'd ever trained, but he'd shown determination and persistence despite his setbacks. When he'd dislocated his left shoulder trying to string a bow, Ronin had seen the defeat in the younger centaur's face along with the pain. Ronin's heart ached for him, but he'd kept his words to himself. No need to compound his shame.

Now Sedgewick stepped forward, arm in a sling, with more confidence Ronin than had ever seen him display, and some of his tension melted away. By the Goddess, let him be able to do this. Ronin rarely prayed, but he wanted the best for Sedgewick. The man had a gentleness and beauty Ronin had never seen in any other centaur, and some part of him wanted to preserve that. It would be ruined by fighting and war.

"What do we do, Sedgewick?" Bethany fixed her green-brown gaze on the buckskin stallion. "Do you know what caused the welts?"

Confidence is key in most cases. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb to A Centaur's Solstice Wish, Book 2 in the Rifts series:

When making wishes on the Hunter’s star...

It will take more than wishes to improve Sedgewick Icetrotter’s Solstice. After being sent to the infirmary, again, for dislocating his shoulder while stringing his bow, he figures he’s got a snowball’s chance in hell to impress the centaur he loves. Until Corporal Ronin Creekjumper brings in two injured centaurs suffering from unusual insect bites, and Sedgewick knows how to treat them.

Ronin can’t believe his good luck when Sedgewick saves his men. It also gives him a chance to do more than light candles for his injured friend. Ronin takes the chance and invites Sedgewick to spend the Solistice holiday together. Just the two of them.

And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?

Available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

#ThursThreads - Week 153 - Winners

Week 153 of #ThursThreads had some great tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Sonya Weiss for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (prose)
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (poem)
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Cynthia Hudson Keane | @AuthorCAKeane
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Eden Connor | @EdenConnor
• Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Sonya says: This was a lot of fun and I loved the entries. I read the pieces as they came in throughout the day and it was hard to narrow them down. It's easy to tell that these writers aren't beginners.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Sonya says: Because Tina was interesting due to the way the scene was set up. His descriptions were excellent. His ending line gave an image of a character dealing with exhaustion, determination, and strength.

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil

Sonya says: Because her piece had a solid opening hook in the second sentence. “Do you sleep better this way now that your wife is dead,” asked the prosecutor.” Opening hooks and chapter ending hooks along with characters to root for are something that editors and agents like to see. I thought it was a quirky way to start a scene.

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Sonya says: Because this, “He wanted to wake her, to gather her into his arms, kiss and shower her with words of love. That wasn’t his way. He was a solider. A hard man living an even harder life. But she made him want to be soft, tender” is a good way to present insight into the core of a character. Gave me a mental picture of a great hero.

Week 153 Winner

David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig

Sonya says: I picked David A. Ludwig’s piece as the winning entry because of the way he handled the characterization. With this part, “In his time Lenin Blackwell had been a hero, then a drifter and a drinker. By the time I met him he was just a drinker, but that didn’t stop him from saving Chris and I”, he was able to portray a great description. He made Lenin come alive on the page.

Insectile clacking rippled the plains unlike anything I had known. The dark haired drifter on the porch didn’t notice it at all. His stony gaze extended out to stars the other side of the sun’s languid descent. Something about the man was more disquieting than the unseen grass bugs.

In his time Lenin Blackwell had been a hero, then a drifter and a drinker. By the time I met him he was just a drinker, but that didn’t stop him from saving Chris and I. Fumes from his breath dispersed lazily through stifled air. Risking second hand intoxication, I resolved myself to join him on the porch.

Our stubble faced host proffered his flask to me without a sideways glance. Sitting down next to him, I waved off the gracious gesture.

“That stuff will keep you up, you know?”

Hawking a great wad of phlegm back in his throat, Lenin sent it sailing over the rails toward the setting sun. Then he took a long pull from the flask.

“I sleep much better this way.”

In the silence that followed I massaged my legs. My injuries no longer precluded travel.

“I suppose I’ll be heading out tomorrow.” I ventured. “I’ll send doctors back for Chris as soon as I reach town.”

“Doctors can’t do anything I ain’t already doing.” Lenin scratched his chin. “Besides, what happened’s my responsibility.”

I tilted my head, “How do you figure?”

“It’s my fault the bastard was alive to jump you in the first place.”

Congratulations Two Time Winner David, Josh, Sheilagh, 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, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)