tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36607246814451590672024-03-12T19:36:31.786-06:00The Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked!Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense. Kick-ass Adventure with Hot Sex from Siobhan Muir.Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.comBlogger780125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-75127010622117469762015-02-26T07:01:00.003-07:002020-03-19T14:57:56.357-06:00#ThursThreads has Moved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Good morning. If you're looking for #ThursThreads it has moved to my new blog location:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://siobhanmuir.com/blog" target="_blank">https://siobhanmuir.com/blog</a><br />
<br />
Come on by for the same great challenge, whole new location. And we're closing in on the end of Year 8!<br />
<br />
SiobhanSiobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-27297079350911129652015-02-21T17:00:00.001-07:002015-02-21T17:00:14.791-07:00Snippet Sunday - A Walk in the Sand - Jedi Mind Trick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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, <i>The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand</i>, 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!<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: #ffbf00; text-indent: .25in;">
Crowe paused, cocking his
head and Iliana froze. He scanned the space where she’d been crouching with a
sharp look.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: #ffbf00; text-indent: .25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please don’t see me. Please don’t see me.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: #ffbf00; text-indent: .25in;">
She resisted the urge to
close her eyes as she hunkered down under a ground palm. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God, I hope there are no scorpions using this as a home.</i> The man
named Crowe crouched and met her eyes, a frown creasing his brows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: #ffbf00; text-indent: .25in;">
“Kyra? Is that you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: #ffbf00; text-indent: .25in;">
Iliana supposed it was
too late to do the Jedi mind trick—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this
is not the woman you’re looking for</i>—but she definitely didn’t own the name
he called. She shook her head and he grimaced.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: #ffbf00; text-indent: .25in;">
“Please, Kyra, we need
your help. My colleagues won’t do you harm.”</div>
<br />
Busted! ;) There are several
great authors on the <a href="http://www.wewriwa.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Writer Warriors</a> list and in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/" target="_blank">Snippet Sunday Facebook group</a>. A few of my favorites are <a href="http://cdescoteauxwrites.com/" target="_blank">Charley Descoteaux</a>, <a href="http://sjmaylee.com/" target="_blank">SJ Maylee</a>, <a href="http://gemsivad.com/blog/" target="_blank">Gem Sivad</a>, <a href="http://gzidar.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Goran Zidar</a>, <a href="http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Veronica Scott</a>, and <a href="http://wessonblog.wordpres.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Wesson</a>.<br />
<br />
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Here's the blurb for <i>The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand</i>:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: #ffbf00; text-indent: .0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The adventure of Ivory’s lifetime might just be the death of her…</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: #ffbf00; text-indent: .0in;">
<span class="5yl5">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="5yl5">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="5yl5">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.</span></div>
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-58675542296694611102015-02-20T09:07:00.000-07:002015-05-01T07:58:34.376-06:00#ThursThreads - THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY - Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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 <a href="https://caramichaels.com/" target="_blank">Cara Michaels</a> for judging this week and for starting us off all those years ago. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/436260403172042/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on FB to keep up with news, etc.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #fe2ef7;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Entries:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Kelly Heinen | @Aightball</li>
<li>Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne</li>
<li>Rafe Brox | @etcet</li>
<li>Greg Nance | @acenance</li>
<li>Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011</li>
<li>Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil </li>
<li>Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir</li>
<li>Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea</li>
<li>Josh Peters | @joshbgosh</li>
<li>Daniel Swensen | @surlymuse</li>
<li>Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke</li>
<li>David Shakes | @theshakes72</li>
<li>Charley Emma | @lindorfan </li>
<li>Mary Decker | @mishmhem </li>
<li>Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham</li>
<li>Sandi Layne | @sandyquill</li>
<li>Decadent Kane | @Decadent Kane</li>
<li>Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ</li>
<li>Jason Lefthand | @jasonlefthand</li>
<li>Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch</li>
<li>Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL</li>
<li>Chris Cantley </li>
<li>Silver James | @SilverJames_</li>
<li>Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio</li>
<li>David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig</li>
<li>Eric Martell | @drmagoo</li>
<li>Lynn Peters | @RoryBrazen</li>
<li>Nellie Batz | @solimond</li>
<li>Ruth Long | @Bullishink</li>
</ul>
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</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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:</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Winners Announcement:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Honorable Mentions</span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Nellie Batz | @solimond</span></div>
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..<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Ruth Long | @Bullishink</span></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">Josh Peters | @joshbgosh</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Week 156 #Year3 Winner</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://surlymuse.com/" target="_blank">Daniel Swensen | @surlymuse</a><br />
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">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.</span></div>
<br />
The cavern crawled with blue lightning. Pillars of stone shrugged dust into the dwindling air. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
“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. <br />
<br />
Ora looked at her hands. Red with dirt. Dirty with blood. She knew too much of these people.<br />
<br />
“If they stay, I stay.”<br />
<br />
“To what end? You can’t help them.” <br />
<br />
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.” <br />
<br />
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.” <br />
<br />
“I want them to know we haven’t abandoned them to die here.” <br />
<br />
“That’s exactly what we’re doing,” Thain whispered. “You can’t just give up--”<br />
<br />
“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.” <br />
<br />
She turned and walked away, listening for the final crack of the closing portal.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">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!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #04b431;">
Pass
on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co,
shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all
the stories <a href="http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2015/02/thursthreads-tying-tales-together-three.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)</span></div>
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Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-58451338374066675702015-02-19T07:00:00.000-07:002015-02-19T07:00:08.096-07:00#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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 <span style="color: #fe2ef7;">who Tweet the hashtag #ThursThreads during our event today.</span> Want to keep up each week? Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThursThreads/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on Facebook.<br />
<br />
Need the rules? Read on.<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Here's how it works:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale. </li>
<li>The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #04b431;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rules to the Game</span>:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.</li>
<li>Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).</li>
<li>Post your story in the comments section of this post</li>
<li>Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)</li>
<li>Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)</li>
<li>The challenge is open <span style="color: lime;">7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time</span></li>
<li>The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. </li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #04b431;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How it benefits you:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)</li>
<li>You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!</li>
<li>Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: large;">Prize List for #ThursThreads #Year3</span><br />
<ul>
<li>eARC of <i>The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand</i> by <a href="http://siobhanmuir.com/" target="_blank">Siobhan Muir.</a></li>
<li>Digital or paper copy of one of <a href="http://silverjames.com/" target="_blank">Silver James</a>' backlist.</li>
<li>Digital copy of one of <a href="http://caramichaels.com/" target="_blank">Cara Michaels'</a> backlist.</li>
<li>Tree of Life made from wrapped wires and minerals from George Varhalmi.</li>
<li>Free beta read or 15K content edit from <a href="http://www.firstpagelastpage.com/" target="_blank">First Page Last Page</a>.</li>
<li><i>The Dark Bokor </i>and <i>Philip's Watcher</i> by <a href="http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Dianne Hartsock</a>.</li>
<li>"Words Lost in Time 4" image printed on 11x14 metallic paper by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rockingjphotography" target="_blank">Clary Carey</a>.</li>
<li>Custom written story of 1000 words or less on any theme by <a href="https://projectgemini12.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Eric Martell</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Our Judge for Week 156:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The woman who started it all, Typo Sniper, cover designer, and science fiction author, <a href="http://caramichaels.com/" target="_blank">Cara Michaels</a>.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/caramichaelsauthor" target="_blank">Cara on Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/caramichaels" target="_blank">Cara on Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5263399.Cara_Michaels" target="_blank">Cara on Goodreads</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/101717426933507445462/posts" target="_blank">Cara on Google Plus</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">The Prompt:</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">"</span><span style="color: #04b431;">If they stay, I stay.”</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors.</span> Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck! Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-68052951241216303052015-02-18T02:00:00.000-07:002015-02-18T07:35:25.853-07:00Mid Week Tease - A Walk in the Sand - Playing Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of Mid Week Tease hosted by <a href="http://sandrabunino.com/blog/" target="_blank">Sandra Bunino</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Authors</span>: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. <span style="color: orange;">Readers</span>: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.<br />
<span id="goog_332598728"></span><span id="goog_332598729"></span><br />
Today I'm offering snippets from my upcoming release <i>A Walk in the Sand, </i>an action/adventure sci-fi/fantasy with romantic elements, and Book 1 in the The Ivory Road serial<i>.</i> 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 <a href="http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2015/02/snippet-sunday-walk-in-sand-company.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“By all the Gods!” he
shouted in frustration at her back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“I told you women were
faithless.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">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. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If it really is a
dead body and not a dummy.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">She stopped the horse
and tried to decide which way to go. All directions looked pretty much the
same. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Well done, now you’re out here
alone with no idea which direction is west.</i> 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?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“I don’t think he’s
accustomed to being spoken to like that.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She froze and looked around. No one stood near
her. She sat alone on the horse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The horse huffed an
indignant sigh and turned his head to eye her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Iliana swallowed hard.
“Did you say something?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“Yes, I said, I don't
think he’s accustomed to being spoken to like that.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The voice echoed in her
ears, but the horse’s lips had remained still. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s it. I’ve gotten sunstroke. </i>“I’m going crazy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“That remains to be
seen, but we’re still having this conversation anyway.” The gray snorted and
tossed his head.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Only because you can’t seem to accept I can
speak, and well enough for you to understand, young lady.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“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.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEpyosTCh3M/VOCt-EM04BI/AAAAAAAABDI/JOqc0yV7IE4/s1600/AWITS-1600x2400web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEpyosTCh3M/VOCt-EM04BI/AAAAAAAABDI/JOqc0yV7IE4/s1600/AWITS-1600x2400web.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A Walk in the Sand</i> comes out February 23, 2015.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...
</div>
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=251527" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-64029779943542164382015-02-15T07:42:00.002-07:002015-02-15T07:42:46.888-07:00Snippet Sunday - A Walk in the Sand - Company Incoming and **COVER REVEAL**<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkdrdXbeT-M/VN_RP-aJP6I/AAAAAAAABCc/g3Nn1L47L7o/s1600/Craving%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkdrdXbeT-M/VN_RP-aJP6I/AAAAAAAABCc/g3Nn1L47L7o/s1600/Craving%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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, <i>The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand</i>, a science-fiction/fantasy romance serial.
Book 1 in the Ivory Road Serial. This new story will be released on Monday, February 23, 2015.<br />
<br />
In this snippet, Iliana, a Hollywood actress, finds herself somewhere she doesn't expect. She's <i>supposed</i> 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.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;">“Oh, shit.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;">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. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There’s
an idea</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;">“Oh, my God!”</span></div>
<br />
I don't think she's in New Mexico anymore. ;) There are several
great authors on the <a href="http://www.wewriwa.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Writer Warriors</a> list and in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/" target="_blank">Snippet Sunday Facebook group</a>. A few of my favorites are <a href="http://cdescoteauxwrites.com/" target="_blank">Charley Descoteaux</a>, <a href="http://sjmaylee.com/" target="_blank">SJ Maylee</a>, <a href="http://gemsivad.com/blog/" target="_blank">Gem Sivad</a>, <a href="http://gzidar.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Goran Zidar</a>, <a href="http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Veronica Scott</a>, and <a href="http://wessonblog.wordpres.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Wesson</a>.<br />
<br />
**COVER REVEAL** <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEpyosTCh3M/VOCt-EM04BI/AAAAAAAABDE/6ASkdi72C2Q/s1600/AWITS-1600x2400web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEpyosTCh3M/VOCt-EM04BI/AAAAAAAABDE/6ASkdi72C2Q/s1600/AWITS-1600x2400web.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
Here's the tentative blurb for <i>The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand</i>:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When it comes to finding love, Ivory is out of this world…</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ffbf00;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>A
Walk in the Sand</i> is the first story in a four part serial of Iliana’s journey.</span></span></div>
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-46255727136490684342015-02-13T08:02:00.001-07:002015-02-13T08:02:42.556-07:00#ThursThreads - Week 155 - Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdwR8waaLEI/VKS45hppTnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3VwnGVQ47vo/s1600/2015TTBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdwR8waaLEI/VKS45hppTnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3VwnGVQ47vo/s1600/2015TTBadge.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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 <a href="https://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lucy Felthouse</a> for judging this week. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/436260403172042/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on FB to keep up with news, etc.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #fe2ef7;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Entries:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>Silver James | @SilverJames_</li>
<li>Charley Emma | @lindorfan </li>
<li>Kelly Heinen | @Aightball</li>
<li>Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir</li>
<li>Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil </li>
<li>Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham</li>
<li>Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea</li>
<li>Nellie Batz | @solimond</li>
<li>Josh Peters | @joshbgosh</li>
</ul>
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</div>
Lucy says: Thanks so much for asking me to judge—it’s been fun!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Winners Announcement:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Honorable Mentions</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham</span></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea</span></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">Kelly Heinen| @Aightball</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lucy says: I really liked the sense of fun in this story—this was a very sexy way of making the characters even!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Week 155 Winner</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://silverjames.com/" target="_blank">Silver James | @SilverJames_</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-rtCbrlOoQ/VKatAp3qVJI/AAAAAAAAAiM/SW-1kRS1L8Y/s1600/Silver%2BJames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-rtCbrlOoQ/VKatAp3qVJI/AAAAAAAAAiM/SW-1kRS1L8Y/s1600/Silver%2BJames.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">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!</span></div>
<br />
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?<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
“No.”<br />
<br />
He didn’t expect her rebellion. “You need to leave, Gemma.”<br />
<br />
“I’m staying.”<br />
<br />
Now it was his turn. “No.”<br />
<br />
She marched up and poked his chest. “Do you think I’d cut and run? I know what will happen in that room.”<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
“That makes us even.”<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">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!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #04b431;">
Pass
on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co,
shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all
the stories <a href="http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2015/02/thursthreads-tying-tales-together-week_12.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhfMgo9oOHM/VKXflA_QRPI/AAAAAAAAAhI/0HA2qHjqE-4/s1600/2015TTWinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhfMgo9oOHM/VKXflA_QRPI/AAAAAAAAAhI/0HA2qHjqE-4/s1600/2015TTWinner.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #04b431;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3IiYptFCLM/VKXfla1ydEI/AAAAAAAAAhM/HHqM-0Qo2jo/s1600/2015TTHM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3IiYptFCLM/VKXfla1ydEI/AAAAAAAAAhM/HHqM-0Qo2jo/s1600/2015TTHM.png" height="290" width="320" /></a></span></div>
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-89503185733001126682015-02-12T07:00:00.000-07:002015-02-12T07:00:00.516-07:00#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 155<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdwR8waaLEI/VKS45hppTnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3VwnGVQ47vo/s1600/2015TTBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdwR8waaLEI/VKS45hppTnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3VwnGVQ47vo/s1600/2015TTBadge.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThursThreads/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on Facebook.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #fe2ef7;">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.</span><br />
<br />
Need the rules? Read on.<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Here's how it works:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale. </li>
<li>The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #04b431;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rules to the Game</span>:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.</li>
<li>Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).</li>
<li>Post your story in the comments section of this post</li>
<li>Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)</li>
<li>Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)</li>
<li>The challenge is open <span style="color: lime;">7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time</span></li>
<li>The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. </li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #04b431;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How it benefits you:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)</li>
<li>You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!</li>
<li>Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Our Judge for Week 155:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chocoholic, Web Geek, and erotic romance author, <a href="http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lucy Felthouse</a>.</div>
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6edSJ5dwEPA/VNyn--wLQQI/AAAAAAAAA_4/r_nGtadl7dY/s1600/Lucy-Felthouse-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6edSJ5dwEPA/VNyn--wLQQI/AAAAAAAAA_4/r_nGtadl7dY/s1600/Lucy-Felthouse-44.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lucyfelthousewriter" target="_blank">Lucy on Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/cw1985" target="_blank">Lucy on Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2964069.Lucy_Felthouse" target="_blank">Lucy on Goodreads</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LucyFelthouse/posts" target="_blank">Lucy on Google Plus</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">The Prompt:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">"That makes us even.”</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors.</span> Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-15145842120328719962015-02-11T02:00:00.000-07:002015-02-11T08:40:57.734-07:00Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Special Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUO2nD8WEww/VK0uDsWVIBI/AAAAAAAAAmA/DuvX-uZB3hU/s1600/MWTease15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUO2nD8WEww/VK0uDsWVIBI/AAAAAAAAAmA/DuvX-uZB3hU/s1600/MWTease15.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of Mid Week Tease hosted by <a href="http://sandrabunino.com/blog/" target="_blank">Sandra Bunino</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Authors</span>: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. <span style="color: orange;">Readers</span>: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.<br />
<span id="goog_332598728"></span><span id="goog_332598729"></span><br />
Today I'm offering snippets from my new release <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish, </i>a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series<i>.</i>
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">His dam's
voice filtered through his memories. <i>To love is to recognize yourself in
another, Ronin. How would you like someone to approach you with declarations of
affection?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"Grab
your gear and come with me, Sedgewick."</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"Sorry,
sir?" Sedgewick frowned, his body tense.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"Grab
your gear. You're not staying here tonight with that shoulder."</span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Sedgewick
paused, but nodded slowly. "Yes, sir." He stuffed his belongings into
his rucksack and followed Ronin back out into the snow.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<i>Not my most
affectionate invitation. </i>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.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Where
are we going, sir?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"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."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"You want
me to stay with you, Corporal?" Sedgewick's eyes filled his face.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Yes..."
Ronin paused and softened his voice. "Please, Sedgewick. Stay with me
until you report to the infirmary."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
The buckskin
stallion still hesitated. "Are you sure, sir?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"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."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Sedgewick
blinked as he clutched his rucksack closer to his chest. "Really?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Yes,
sir."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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>I sure hope so, or tonight's gonna get awkward.</i></div>
</span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Available now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Centaurs-Solstice-Wish-Rifts-Book-ebook/dp/B00SQFD5YY/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-acentaur039ssolsticewish-1732784-143.html" target="_blank">All Romance eBooks</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-centaurs-solstice-wish-siobhan-muir/1121128128" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/513978" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/513978" target="_blank"></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=251172" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-50331753124870757402015-02-07T14:39:00.002-07:002015-02-07T14:41:14.112-07:00Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Fortune Favors the Bold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVoqdMrLxJE/VIScSGY6lkI/AAAAAAAAALk/inFasb-QOoo/s1600/Addiction%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVoqdMrLxJE/VIScSGY6lkI/AAAAAAAAALk/inFasb-QOoo/s1600/Addiction%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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, <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i>, a companion tale to <i>Take the Reins</i>,
Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy
romance and was released on Monday, January 26, 2015.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"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."</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"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."</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">A
blush warmed his cheeks as the suggestive nature of his instructions hit his
awareness. <i>Holy Goddess, could I be more bold?</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<br />
He might have to be bolder. ;) There are several
great authors on the <a href="http://www.wewriwa.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Writer Warriors</a> list and in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/" target="_blank">Snippet Sunday Facebook group</a>. A few of my favorites are <a href="http://cdescoteauxwrites.com/" target="_blank">Charley Descoteaux</a>, <a href="http://sjmaylee.com/" target="_blank">SJ Maylee</a>, <a href="http://gemsivad.com/blog/" target="_blank">Gem Sivad</a>, <a href="http://gzidar.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Goran Zidar</a>, <a href="http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Veronica Scott</a>, and <a href="http://wessonblog.wordpres.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Wesson</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's the blurb to <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i>, Book 2 in the Rifts series:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When making wishes
on the Hunter’s star...</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d
like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Available now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Centaurs-Solstice-Wish-Rifts-Book-ebook/dp/B00SQFD5YY/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-acentaur039ssolsticewish-1732784-143.html" target="_blank">All Romance eBooks</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-centaurs-solstice-wish-siobhan-muir/1121128128" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/513978" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></span></div>
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-30034455546638482772015-02-06T08:47:00.000-07:002018-03-15T08:44:58.870-06:00#ThursThreads - Week 154 - Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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 <a href="https://mellanieszereto.com/" target="_blank">Mellanie Szereto</a> for judging this week. Be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/436260403172042/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on FB to keep up with news, etc.<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Entries:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011</li>
<li>Kelly Heinen | @Aightball</li>
<li>Sandi Layne | @sandyquill</li>
<li>Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil </li>
<li>Silver James | @SilverJames_ </li>
<li>Jif Foam | @jif_foam</li>
<li>Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir</li>
<li>Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne</li>
<li>L.T. Dalin | @LTDalin</li>
<li>Bill Engleson</li>
<li>Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham</li>
<li>Charley Emma | @lindorfan</li>
<li>Stacy Bennett | @SBennettwrites</li>
<li>Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio</li>
<li>David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig</li>
<li>Simon Abernathy</li>
<li>Nellie Batz | @solimond</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
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.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Winners Announcement:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Honorable Mentions</span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Silver James | @SilverJames_</span></div>
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!<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Bill Engleson</span></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">Stacy Bennett | @SBennettwrites</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Week 154 Winner</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Simon Abernathy<br />
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</div>
<br />
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">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!</span></div>
<br />
TALE WAS REMOVED FOR PERSONAL REASONS.<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">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!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #04b431;">
Pass
on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co,
shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all
the stories <a href="http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2015/02/thursthreads-tying-tales-together-week.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #04b431;">
</span>Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-26658761436618535762015-02-05T07:00:00.000-07:002015-02-05T07:00:08.087-07:00#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 154<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThursThreads/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on Facebook. Need the rules? Read on.<span style="color: cyan;"></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: #04b431;">Here's how it works:</span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale. </li>
<li>The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: #04b431;">Rules to the Game:</span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.</li>
<li>Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).</li>
<li>Post your story in the comments section of this post</li>
<li>Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)</li>
<li>Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)</li>
<li>The challenge is open <span style="color: lime;">7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time</span></li>
<li>The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. </li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #04b431;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>How it benefits you:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)</li>
<li>You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!</li>
<li>Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;"><span>Our Judge for Week 154:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hot, Hungarian cook, VW Bug wrangler, and contemporary romance author, <a href="http://mellanieszereto.com/" target="_blank">Mellanie Szereto</a>.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D24kcrcfUIc/VNFFbcwx4FI/AAAAAAAAA7g/yu_HF45o5mc/s1600/MellanieSzereto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D24kcrcfUIc/VNFFbcwx4FI/AAAAAAAAA7g/yu_HF45o5mc/s1600/MellanieSzereto.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mellanieszeretoauthor" target="_blank">Mellanie on Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/MellanieSzereto" target="_blank">Mellanie on Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882470.Mellanie_Szereto" target="_blank">Mellanie on Goodreads</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115930040956378020047/posts" target="_blank">Mellanie on Google Plus</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">The Prompt:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">"</span><span style="color: #04b431;">How do you figure?”</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors.</span> Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-9392940897594251562015-02-04T02:00:00.000-07:002015-02-04T07:09:44.727-07:00Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Helping Hand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of Mid Week Tease hosted by <a href="http://sandrabunino.com/blog/" target="_blank">Sandra Bunino</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Authors</span>: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. <span style="color: orange;">Readers</span>: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.<br />
<span id="goog_332598728"></span><span id="goog_332598729"></span><br />
Today I'm offering snippets from my new release <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish, </i>a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series<i>.</i> 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.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"Do you
know what goes into the salve?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"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."</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ronin gripped Sedgewick's shoulder. "I'll
help you. Just tell me what you need done and I can be your extra hands."</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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. <i>And if you're really honest with yourself, you'd
admit you want to spend a little time with Sedgewick.</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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."</span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Ronin stuffed
his disappointment behind a sharp nod. "Will do."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Good.
Sedgewick, please show me what you need and let's get started."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Medicinal
scents accompanied the grind of a pestle against a mortar bowl, and Ronin
turned just as Bethany called for him.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Can you
please grind this while I prepare the salve base, Corporal?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Yes, of
course, Master Healer."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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. <i>Oh, for the love of
Epona, I should be able to do one simple task. </i>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.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Firmly,
but gently, Corporal. Marble isn't as good as the herbs for healing."
Sedgewick's voice held amusement as well as warmth.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Heat blossomed
across Ronin's cheeks and chest. "Forgive me, Sedgewick. My concern is
with my men."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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. <i>Sweet Goddess,
what I'd give to feel his arms around me.</i></div>
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Available now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Centaurs-Solstice-Wish-Rifts-Book-ebook/dp/B00SQFD5YY/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-acentaur039ssolsticewish-1732784-143.html" target="_blank">All Romance eBooks</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/513978" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div>
<br />
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=250794" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-70405956187956644592015-01-31T16:37:00.002-07:002015-01-31T16:37:24.722-07:00Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Gentleness and Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVoqdMrLxJE/VIScSGY6lkI/AAAAAAAAALk/inFasb-QOoo/s1600/Addiction%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVoqdMrLxJE/VIScSGY6lkI/AAAAAAAAALk/inFasb-QOoo/s1600/Addiction%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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, <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i>, a companion tale to <i>Take the Reins</i>,
Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy
romance and was released on Monday, January 26, 2015.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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. <i>No need to compound his shame.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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. <i>By the Goddess, let him be
able to do this.</i> 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. <i>It would be ruined by fighting
and war.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"What do
we do, Sedgewick?" Bethany fixed her green-brown gaze on the buckskin
stallion. "Do you know what caused the welts?"</span></div>
<br />
Confidence is key in most cases. ;) There are several
great authors on the <a href="http://www.wewriwa.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Writer Warriors</a> list and in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/" target="_blank">Snippet Sunday Facebook group</a>. A few of my favorites are <a href="http://cdescoteauxwrites.com/" target="_blank">Charley Descoteaux</a>, <a href="http://sjmaylee.com/" target="_blank">SJ Maylee</a>, <a href="http://gemsivad.com/blog/" target="_blank">Gem Sivad</a>, <a href="http://gzidar.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Goran Zidar</a>, <a href="http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Veronica Scott</a>, and <a href="http://wessonblog.wordpres.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Wesson</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's the blurb to <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i>, Book 2 in the Rifts series:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When making wishes
on the Hunter’s star...</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d
like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Available now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Centaurs-Solstice-Wish-Rifts-Book-ebook/dp/B00SQFD5YY/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-acentaur039ssolsticewish-1732784-143.html" target="_blank">All Romance eBooks</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-centaurs-solstice-wish-siobhan-muir/1121128128" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/513978" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></span></div>
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-44437854637630542132015-01-30T07:36:00.000-07:002015-01-30T07:36:58.654-07:00#ThursThreads - Week 153 - Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdwR8waaLEI/VKS45hppTnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3VwnGVQ47vo/s1600/2015TTBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdwR8waaLEI/VKS45hppTnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3VwnGVQ47vo/s1600/2015TTBadge.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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 <a href="https://sonyaweiss.com/" target="_blank">Sonya Weiss</a> for judging this week. Be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/436260403172042/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on FB to keep up with news, etc.<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Entries:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ</li>
<li>Kelly Heinen | @Aightball</li>
<li>Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne</li>
<li>Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (prose)</li>
<li>Silver James | @SilverJames_ </li>
<li>Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (poem)</li>
<li>Sandi Layne | @sandyquill</li>
<li>Charley Emma | @lindorfan</li>
<li>Cynthia Hudson Keane | @AuthorCAKeane</li>
<li>Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir</li>
<li>David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig</li>
<li>Eden Connor | @EdenConnor</li>
<li>Cara Michaels | <complete id="goog_1299649387">@caramichaels</complete> </li>
<li>Josh Peters | @joshbgosh</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
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.<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".8f.$mid=11421938346127=278cd2e9f6abcd2e072.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8f.$mid=11421938346127=278cd2e9f6abcd2e072.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8f.$mid=11421938346127=278cd2e9f6abcd2e072.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Winners Announcement:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Honorable Mentions</span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Josh Peters | @joshbgosh</span></div>
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. <br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil</span></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">Silver James | @SilverJames_</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Week 153 Winner</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://by.davidaludwig.com/" target="_blank">David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
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</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">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.</span></div>
<br />
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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Our stubble faced host proffered his flask to
me without a sideways glance. Sitting down next to him, I waved off the
gracious gesture.<br /><br />“That stuff will keep you up, you know?”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />“I sleep much better this way.”<br /><br />In the silence that followed I massaged my legs. My injuries no longer precluded travel.<br /><br />“I suppose I’ll be heading out tomorrow.” I ventured. “I’ll send doctors back for Chris as soon as I reach town.”<br /><br />“Doctors can’t do anything I ain’t already doing.” Lenin scratched his chin. “Besides, what happened’s my responsibility.”<br /><br />I tilted my head, “How do you figure?”<br /><br />“It’s my fault the bastard was alive to jump you in the first place.”<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">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!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #04b431;">
Pass
on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co,
shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all
the stories <a href="http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2015/01/thursthreads-tying-tales-together-week_29.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #04b431;">
</span>Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-88366933961364647032015-01-29T07:00:00.000-07:002015-01-29T07:00:04.011-07:00#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 153<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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 152 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 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThursThreads/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on Facebook. Need the rules? Read on.<span style="color: cyan;"></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Here's how it works:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale. </li>
<li>The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Rules to the Game:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.</li>
<li>Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).</li>
<li>Post your story in the comments section of this post</li>
<li>Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)</li>
<li>Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)</li>
<li>The challenge is open <span style="color: lime;">7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time</span></li>
<li>The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. </li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #04b431;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How it benefits you:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)</li>
<li>You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!</li>
<li>Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our Judge for Week 153:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ghost writer and contemporary romance author, <a href="http://sonyaweiss.com/" target="_blank">Sonya Weiss</a>.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SonyaWeiss" target="_blank">Sonya on Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/SonyaWeiss" target="_blank">Sonya on Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7847942.Sonya_Weiss" target="_blank">Sonya on Goodreads</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104525874006813882063/posts" target="_blank">Sonya on Google Plus</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">The Prompt:</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">"I sleep much better this way.”</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors.</span> Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-33073783162088367832015-01-28T07:29:00.000-07:002015-01-28T07:29:53.617-07:00Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Backup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of Mid Week Tease hosted by <a href="http://sandrabunino.com/blog/" target="_blank">Sandra Bunino</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Authors</span>: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. <span style="color: orange;">Readers</span>: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.<br />
<span id="goog_332598728"></span><span id="goog_332598729"></span><br />
Today I'm offering snippets from my new release <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish, </i>a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series<i>.</i> Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve and Bethany, from <i>Take the Reins</i>, is talking to Sedgewick about friendship and backup.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"Hey,
Sedgewick. How are you feeling tonight?"</span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Bethany stopped
beside his window and gave him a warm smile.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"I'm
feeling better tonight, Master Healer. Thank you."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Oh, you
can call me Bethany. It's Christmas Eve. No need to stand on ceremony tonight."
She tilted her head with a small frown. "Are you having trouble sleeping?
Is the pain bothering you?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"No, Ma<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Liberation Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Liberation Serif";">—</span>Bethany."
He grimaced at his slip. "I heard you singing."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Oh, I'm
sorry. I didn't realize it had been that loud. I just get into the spirit of
the season and lose track of where I am." She shook her head. "I should
remember to be quieter."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"No, no,
it was beautiful. Peaceful and yet wistful. Are the songs from your home?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"The
Christmas tunes? Yes. Things we used to sing as kids. We'd go caroling from
house to house when my mother<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Liberation Serif";">—</span>my
dam was alive." The Master Healer smiled as she set a lit candle down on
the windowsill. "It was damn cold, but the singing kept us warm and there
was always hot cider or cocoa waiting for us when we got home."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"That
sounds like a pleasant memory." He grimaced as his shoulder twinged.
"Full of magic."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"It's a
magical time of year."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Sedgewick
snorted and shook his head. "Not magical, just harder. Colder.
Darker."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"That's
why we have candles and cheery fires, and after the solstice, the days get
longer again." Bethany gave him an understanding smile. "But it can
be a lonely time without loved ones." She sighed a little. "I miss my
brother most of all."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Sedgewick
heard the sorrow in her voice. "Has your brother returned to the
Goddess?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"What?
Oh, no. At least, not that I've heard." She shook her head. "I just
don't get to see him much, and now, not at all."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Why is
that, Master Healer?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"He's a
soldier, a fairly elite one, and he's always off saving the world. It's
impossible to know if he'll be home for Christmas, and most of the time he's
deployed somewhere exotic." She snorted with amusement. "The lucky
jerk usually gets to go somewhere warm in the southern hemisphere.” But her
smile fell away. “Unfortunately, he doesn't get to have fun there. He's a
sniper." She paused. "Do you know what a sniper is?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Sedgewick
frowned and shook his head. "I'm not familiar with the term."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Bethany bit
her bottom lip in thought. "He's really sneaky and quiet, and usually
takes the enemy out by long range...bow shots. He's too far away for them to
see him."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"That
doesn't seem like an honorable way to fight."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Bethany
nodded. "No, but it's a good way to keep his team safe and to facilitate
rescue operations. He's their backup." She smiled a little. "Still, I
send prayers up each year to keep him safe. I'm <i>his</i> backup."</div>
</span>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Available now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Centaurs-Solstice-Wish-Rifts-Book-ebook/dp/B00SQFD5YY/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-acentaur039ssolsticewish-1732784-143.html" target="_blank">All Romance eBooks</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/513978" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div>
<br />
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...<br />
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=250374" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-60637182689845123002015-01-26T02:00:00.000-07:002015-01-26T02:00:00.865-07:00**RELEASE DAY** - A Centaur's Solstice Wish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the release of <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i>, book 2 in the Rifts series. I'm so thrilled with the release of this tale because it came out of nowhere and insisted it be written. I don't normally write Christmas/Holiday tales, but Sedgewick and Ronin marched into my world and hung out until I could get their story down. Here's the blurb:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When making wishes on the Hunter’s star...</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says
Solstice can’t be exciting?</span></span></div>
<br />
<i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i> is available now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Centaurs-Solstice-Wish-Rifts-Book-ebook/dp/B00SQFD5YY/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-acentaur039ssolsticewish-1732784-143.html" target="_blank">All Romance eBooks</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/513978" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> <br />
And should be on Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Books soon. Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite for more:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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. <i>No need to compound his shame.</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">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. <i>By the Goddess, let him be
able to do this.</i> 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. <i>It would be ruined by fighting
and war.</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"What do
we do, Sedgewick?" Bethany fixed her green-brown gaze on the buckskin
stallion. "Do you know what caused the welts?"</span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"Yes,
Master Bethany. They're called winter lace stars and they have a bad toxin that
shuts down the organs if there are enough of them." Sedgewick ran his
hands lightly over the welts on Navarro's arm and the man groaned. "We're
going to have to make an antidotal salve and smooth it over each of them."</span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"Do you
know what goes into the salve?"</span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">"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."</span></div>
<span style="color: #2efe64;">
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ronin gripped Sedgewick's shoulder. "I'll
help you. Just tell me what you need done and I can be your extra hands."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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. <i>And if you're really honest with yourself, you'd
admit you want to spend a little time with Sedgewick.</i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Ronin stuffed
his disappointment behind a sharp nod. "Will do."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Good.
Sedgewick, please show me what you need and let's get started."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Medicinal
scents accompanied the grind of a pestle against a mortar bowl, and Ronin
turned just as Bethany called for him.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Can you
please grind this while I prepare the salve base, Corporal?"</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Yes, of
course, Master Healer."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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. <i>Oh, for the love of
Epona, I should be able to do one simple task. </i>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.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Firmly,
but gently, Corporal. Marble isn't as good as the herbs for healing."
Sedgewick's voice held amusement as well as warmth.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Heat blossomed
across Ronin's cheeks and chest. "Forgive me, Sedgewick. My concern is
with my men."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
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. <i>Sweet Goddess,
what I'd give to feel his arms around me.</i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Ronin mentally
balked at the uncharacteristically tender thoughts and shook his head.
"Must you keep stirring?" The question came out harsh, but Sedgewick
smiled.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
"Yes.
It's necessary to boil them down to their essences." He shrugged. "Long
work, but worth the effort."</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
He stood
beside Sedgewick, watching him stir the pot of herbs in a companionable
silence. His motions added a level of comfort to Ronin's world, an unusual
sensation, and one he'd sorely missed. It reminded him of times spent with his
dam while just a wee colt, when she'd ruffled his hair and told him he'd
someday find a mare of his own to stable.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Ronin mentally
shook his head. Despite his mother's prediction, he'd never been interested in
mares or mating. His focus had been on the military life with his
brothers-in-arms. He'd striven to be the best soldier and leader to those who
depended on him. It had been all he needed.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Until now.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
A Centaur’s
Solstice Wish</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
Copyright <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Liberation Serif";">©</span> 2015 Siobhan Muir</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
All Rights
Reserved</div>
<br /></div>
</span>
In case you're wondering, this is a sweet male/male fantasy romance, fantasy because it involves centaurs. Can't get more fantasy than that, although they'd argue we're the mythical beasts. If you're looking for male/female romance, the first book in this series, <i>Take the Reins</i>, is on sale this week for only a dollar at <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/501205" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> (Code: XE38G) and <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-takethereins-1700271-143.html" target="_blank">All Romance eBooks</a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)<br />
<br />Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-15157591907375509382015-01-24T15:03:00.000-07:002015-01-25T19:06:35.203-07:00Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - When you Wish Upon a Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVoqdMrLxJE/VIScSGY6lkI/AAAAAAAAALk/inFasb-QOoo/s1600/Addiction%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVoqdMrLxJE/VIScSGY6lkI/AAAAAAAAALk/inFasb-QOoo/s1600/Addiction%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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, <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i>, a companion tale to <i>Take the Reins</i>,
Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy romance and will be released on Monday, January 26, 2015.<br />
<br />
In this snippet, Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve, nursing a dislocated shoulder. Bethany has suggested he send up his wishes and prayers since the magic is strong at this time of year.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">He sighed and
straightened his shoulders as he faced the window, mentally shaking his head at
his whimsy, but still incapable of not trying.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><i>Sweetest
Epona, Goddess of all the Herds, please hear my prayer. Please let me find my
heart's desire tonight. </i>He paused, trying to visualize what that would be.
He closed his eyes, imagining himself working on something with great skill and
proficiency, enough to garner admiration for his abilities from the community.
At the last second as his mind's eyes swung around the crowd, Ronin appeared
beside him and wrapped a burly arm around Sedgewick's shoulders, squeezing in a
proprietary manner. <i>Oh, yes, please.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #2efe64;">He
opened his eyes and the Hunter's Point winked at him. At least he thought it
did, though stars sparkled all the time. <i>I'm just imagining things.</i></span></div>
<br />
When you wish upon a star... ;) There are several
great authors on the <a href="http://www.wewriwa.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Writer Warriors</a> list and in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/" target="_blank">Snippet Sunday Facebook group</a>. A few of my favorites are <a href="http://cdescoteauxwrites.com/" target="_blank">Charley Descoteaux</a>, <a href="http://sjmaylee.com/" target="_blank">SJ Maylee</a>, <a href="http://gemsivad.com/blog/" target="_blank">Gem Sivad</a>, <a href="http://gzidar.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Goran Zidar</a>, <a href="http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Veronica Scott</a>, and <a href="http://wessonblog.wordpres.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Wesson</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's the blurb to <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i>, Book 2 in the Rifts series:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When making wishes
on the Hunter’s star...</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/v4dhpqy37DE/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #2efe64;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d
like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?</span></span></div>
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-38035221510265993972015-01-23T07:40:00.002-07:002015-01-23T07:40:58.283-07:00#ThursThreads - Week 152 - Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Week 152 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 <a href="https://fcetier.com/" target="_blank">F.C. Etier</a> for judging this week. Be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/436260403172042/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on FB to keep up with news, etc.<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Entries:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>Silver James | @SilverJames_ </li>
<li>Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil</li>
<li>Kelly Heinen | @Aightball</li>
<li>Charley Emma | @lindorfan</li>
<li>Anne | @TwiAddictAnne</li>
<li>Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir</li>
<li>Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio</li>
<li>A.J. Walker | @zevonesque</li>
<li>Nellie Batz | @solimond</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
F.C. says: <span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".8f.$mid=11421938346127=278cd2e9f6abcd2e072.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8f.$mid=11421938346127=278cd2e9f6abcd2e072.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8f.$mid=11421938346127=278cd2e9f6abcd2e072.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">Here's
my criteria: 1. include prompt 2. first sentence must grab my
attention 3. first paragraph must give me reason to continue reading 4.
story must be coherent 5. presentation, ie: grammar, punctuation,
sentence structure.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Winners Announcement:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Honorable Mentions</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio</span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">Anne | @TwiAddictAnne</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Week 152 Winner</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zevonesque.com/" target="_blank">A.J. Walker | @zevonesque</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKI0TPHdhbY/VIHEr-nhhEI/AAAAAAAAALM/TLRRL8cl1lU/s1600/A.J.%2BWalker.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKI0TPHdhbY/VIHEr-nhhEI/AAAAAAAAALM/TLRRL8cl1lU/s1600/A.J.%2BWalker.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">F.C. says: A.J. Walker edged it out with the most creative use of the prompt.</span></div>
<br />
<b>The Zipper Man Blues</b><br />
<br />
“Hey, Keith Richards, here you go.” Callie said, as she passed over the beer to Sands.<br />
<br />
“Hardly,”
sad Sands, pushing the green leather clad guitar case around the table.
“Just a bit of a strummer. And not a very good one at that.”<br />
<br />
“That
case is a beauty. Most the lads coming in here use those floppy faux
plastic bags. A bit lighter and easier to store though.” Callie said. <br />
<br />
“A damn site cheaper too, I know. But I just can’t do zips anymore,” said Sands, looking to the floor.<br />
<br />
“Really? Nothing with a zipper?” said Callie. <br />
<br />
“Not since the accident.” said Sands, wincing a little then overtly checking his buttoned fly. <br />
<br />
Callie looked across the empty bar, struggling not to ask a follow up question.<br />
<br />
Sands filled the silence. “Zips are for the brave or stupid. I mean, basically why take the risk? I sleep much better this way.”<br />
<br />
“Velcro, it’s the future.” said Callie, as she walked back down the bar. She couldn’t suppress an embarrassed smile.<br />
<br />
Sands crossed his legs and took a deep slug out of the bottle remembering times when he had more fastening options.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">Congratulations Two Time Winner A.J., Louisa, Sheilagh, and Anne! Don't forget to claim your
badges and display them
with pride. You
certainly earned it!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #04b431;">
Pass
on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co,
shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all
the stories <a href="http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2015/01/thursthreads-tying-tales-together-week_22.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #04b431;"></span></div>
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Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-63548260383727163302015-01-22T07:00:00.000-07:002015-01-22T07:50:09.414-07:00#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 152<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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 152 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 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThursThreads/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on Facebook. Need the rules? Read on.<span style="color: cyan;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Here's how it works:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale. </li>
<li>The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Rules to the Game:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.</li>
<li>Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).</li>
<li>Post your story in the comments section of this post</li>
<li>Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)</li>
<li>Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)</li>
<li>The challenge is open <span style="color: lime;">7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time</span></li>
<li>The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. </li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #fe642e;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">How it benefits you:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)</li>
<li>You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!</li>
<li>Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">Our Judge for Week 152:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weekend Writing Warrior, Photographer, and Suspense author, <a href="http://fcetier.com/" target="_blank">F. C. Etier</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0DgVB2kqvQ/VL_bVfNESbI/AAAAAAAAA00/k6DCAPUZBVY/s1600/FC%2BEtier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0DgVB2kqvQ/VL_bVfNESbI/AAAAAAAAA00/k6DCAPUZBVY/s1600/FC%2BEtier.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/FCEtier/31967382614?ref=hl" target="_blank">F.C. on Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/FCEtier" target="_blank">F.C. on Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6832465.F_C_Etier" target="_blank">F.C. on Goodreads</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+FrankCEtierSr/posts" target="_blank">F.C. on Google Plus</a> </div>
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And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #04b431;">The Prompt:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">"</span><span style="color: #04b431;">Nothing with a zipper?”</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime;">All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors.</span> Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-30716259953834431322015-01-21T02:00:00.000-07:002015-01-21T09:18:35.770-07:00Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Stranger in a Familiar Land<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUO2nD8WEww/VK0uDsWVIBI/AAAAAAAAAmA/DuvX-uZB3hU/s1600/MWTease15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUO2nD8WEww/VK0uDsWVIBI/AAAAAAAAAmA/DuvX-uZB3hU/s1600/MWTease15.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of Mid Week Tease hosted by <a href="http://sandrabunino.com/blog/" target="_blank">Sandra Bunino</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Authors</span>: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. <span style="color: orange;">Readers</span>: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.<br />
<span id="goog_332598728"></span><span id="goog_332598729"></span><br />
Today I'm offering snippets from my upcoming release <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish, </i>a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series<i>.</i> The book will be out on Jan. 26, 2015! Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve and Bethany, from <i>Take the Reins</i>, is singing.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0k/aNoteUyenpI/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ss8NFN3_1xI/VL8yPE88TAI/AAAAAAAAA0k/aNoteUyenpI/s1600/ACSW-400x600.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Sedgewick
rolled to his hooves and rearranged the sling holding his left arm. The
shoulder still ached like he'd been stabbed, but at least standing up and
walking no longer hurt. He stretched gingerly, extending each hind leg then
each foreleg before walking into the community hall. Mare Bethany McMacken, the
Master Healer of the Cedarfell herd moved from window to window, stringing
garlands of pine boughs. She tied them to each post with red ribbons, singing
more about snow and holidays.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Sedgewick
stopped and watched her progress, his heart swelling with both joy and sorrow
at her singing. She'd found her mate, her love, and her calling despite the
disadvantage of being human. Until she'd come through the rift in the dryad
lands, he'd never seen a human and always thought them fictional creatures. But
she'd not only proved real, she managed to become one of their best healers and
a valued member of the herd in spite of her strangeness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">He envied her.
<i>I'm still strange even though I'm a centaur.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">He wanted to
find his mate, his love, and his purpose, but he couldn't seem to make anything
work. He made a lousy warrior, had very little skill at weapon maintenance, and
the one person he loved appeared well beyond his reach. <i>So far out he may as
well be in a different world. </i>But therein lay the problem. While he hadn't
made any overtures toward anyone, he'd never found any mares who caught his
eye. <i>A mare would be far easier.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">He leaned against
the windowsill with his good arm and stared out at the wintery night and the
softly falling snow. The other members of the original cohort were out there on
patrol, shivering their tails off. He liked mares, thought of them as good
friends and members of the community, but none of them had ever made him burn
with need.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Not like
Ronin.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Corporal Ronin
Creekjumper with his dark skin, fierce blue eyes, and his dark auburn hair worn
long in a thick braid down his back. Sedgewick shivered. The man epitomized
beauty with broad shoulders framing a heavily-muscled hairy chest and belly.
Sedgewick had often fantasized about Ronin while bathing or tending his herb
garden, often getting lost in the daydream to the detriment of his time
management. He'd tried to emulate the corporal with his easy strength and
agility, but he possessed no soldiering skills, hence why he'd dislocated his
shoulder when stringing a bow.</span></div>
<br />
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...<br />
My list got screwed up to so to find the other blogs today, stop by <a href="http://sandrabunino.com/2015/01/21/mid-week-tease-i-kissed-a-girl-in-vegas-mwtease/" target="_blank">Sandra Bunino's blog</a> for the full list. Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-27823744027989896452015-01-17T10:40:00.001-07:002015-01-17T10:40:35.651-07:00Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Magical Time of Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVoqdMrLxJE/VIScSGY6lkI/AAAAAAAAALk/inFasb-QOoo/s1600/Addiction%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVoqdMrLxJE/VIScSGY6lkI/AAAAAAAAALk/inFasb-QOoo/s1600/Addiction%2BSnippet%2BSunday.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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, <i>A Centaur's Solstice Wish</i>, a companion tale to <i>Take the Reins</i>,
Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy romance and will be released on January 26, 2015.<br />
<br />
In this snippet, Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve, nursing a dislocated shoulder. Bethany from <i>Take the Reins</i> is the Master Healer of the herd and shares her wisdom about the holidays.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #fe2e2e;">"It's
good to have brothers-in-arms, or sisters as the case may be, who have your
back." Sedgewick turned his gaze out to the snowy night. "I often
wish to have such companions."</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #fe2e2e;">Bethany raised
an eyebrow. "You don't have that now in your cohort?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #fe2e2e;">Sedgewick
shook his head and glowered. "No, I'm a terrible soldier and the other men
know it. This injury just confirms it. So I'll just have to go on
wishing."</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #fe2e2e;">"Where I
grew up there's this belief that at this time of year, magic really happens for
those who don't have any." She waved the hand glowing with her healing
magic. "I didn't always have this ability, so I don't count. But the
saying goes if you make a Christmas wish, the magic of the season makes it come
true."</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #fe2e2e;">Sedgewick
snorted. "You think the Goddess Epona will grant my wishes just because
it's snowing outside?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextFirstIndentCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: #fe2e2e;">Bethany
gave him a secret smile and shrugged. "I don't know, Sedgewick, but the
energy at this time of year is different, more magical and mysterious."</span></div>
<br />
Everyone needs a little holiday magic. ;) There are several
great authors on the <a href="http://www.wewriwa.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Writer Warriors</a> list and in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/" target="_blank">Snippet Sunday Facebook group</a>. A few of my favorites are <a href="http://cdescoteauxwrites.com/" target="_blank">Charley Descoteaux</a>, <a href="http://sjmaylee.com/" target="_blank">SJ Maylee</a>, <a href="http://gemsivad.com/blog/" target="_blank">Gem Sivad</a>, <a href="http://gzidar.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Goran Zidar</a>, <a href="http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Veronica Scott</a>, and <a href="http://wessonblog.wordpres.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Wesson</a>.<br />
<br />
The cover is coming soon, but here's the blurb to <i>Take the Reins</i>, Book 1 in the Rifts series, available everywhere now:<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELRWGoSm1iI/VHESrl-wrQI/AAAAAAAAAGs/WQie7gVqIoQ/s1600/TTRweb-600x900.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELRWGoSm1iI/VHESrl-wrQI/AAAAAAAAAGs/WQie7gVqIoQ/s1600/TTRweb-600x900.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ff8000;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting
gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #ff8000;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk
with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift
between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger
problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs
with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.<br />
<br />
As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen
“Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science
fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter,
Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until
his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.<br />
<br />
In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial
for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone,
working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding
seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.<br />
<br />
And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…</span></span>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXQR0OE" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-takethereins-1700271-143.html" target="_blank">All Romance eBooks</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/take-the-reins-siobhan-muir/1120923562" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/501205" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-18850684351056248542015-01-16T11:09:00.000-07:002015-01-16T11:09:23.031-07:00#ThursThreads - Week 151 - Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdwR8waaLEI/VKS45hppTnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3VwnGVQ47vo/s1600/2015TTBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdwR8waaLEI/VKS45hppTnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3VwnGVQ47vo/s1600/2015TTBadge.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Week 151 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to
see all of the
returning writers and read
your stories, especially on a holiday. 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 <a href="https://margobondcollins.net/" target="_blank">Margo Bond Collins</a> for judging this week. Be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/436260403172042/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on FB to keep up with news, etc.<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Entries:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster </li>
<li>Ailsa Abraham | @ailsaabraham</li>
<li>Ray Morris | @iwrites</li>
<li>Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil</li>
<li>Anne | @TwiAddictAnne</li>
<li>Sandi Layne | @sandyquill</li>
<li>Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir</li>
<li>Bokerah Brumley | @msbbrumley</li>
<li>Mictoria Coolidge | @mictoria</li>
<li>Kelly Heinen | @Aightball</li>
<li>Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Winners Announcement:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Honorable Mentions</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Bokerah Brumley | @msbbrumley</span></div>
Margo says: I love the way this story uses details to characterize the two
participants in the discussion and give the setting--every action and
description, every single word, is significant. Nicely done!<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #04b431;">Sandi Layne | @sandyquill</span></div>
Margo says: This story does a great job of setting up the characters' backgrounds
with only a few deft strokes. Bonus points for the use of the two
-phobia words!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">Anne | @TwiAddictAnne</span><br />
Margo says: I love this sweet story because it packs such a perfectly complete romance into just a few words. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #04b431; font-size: x-large;">Week 151 Winner</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://raymondcmorris.com/" target="_blank">Ray Morris | @iwrites</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEoFoMXgljY/VLlOwIzn0OI/AAAAAAAAAwY/wmMlYDsm-IY/s1600/Ray%2BMorris.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEoFoMXgljY/VLlOwIzn0OI/AAAAAAAAAwY/wmMlYDsm-IY/s1600/Ray%2BMorris.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #04b431;">Margo says: I loved the way this story subverted reader expectations! It starts off
as a fairly standard, sexy story--albeit one with excellent descriptions
and details, as well as effective dialogue--but ends with a twist that
made me want to read even more.</span></div>
<br />
Ending on a High Note.<br />
<br />
The girl held the bodice up by a strap. It was a lacy number, black and sheer. Her face told him everything. <br />
<br />
“You’re supposed to wear it,” Shiloh said, hiding his smile. <br />
<br />
She
held it against her body. It contrasted nicely with her white t-shirt.
Shiloh wondered if her skin was just as white. Red-heads were usually
pale. <br />
<br />
“Nothing with a zipper?” She plucked at the thin ribbon-like ties crisscrossing up the back of the bodice. <br />
<br />
“No, sorry.”<br />
<br />
She sighed and looked up at him, her bright green eyes watery. She wasn’t on the verge of tears—must just be nerves. <br />
<br />
“It’s
alright, Sivi.” He cupped her chin and rubbed a thumb along the smooth
line of her jaw. A flush crept into her cheeks, accentuating the spray
of freckles dancing across the bridge of her nose. <br />
<br />
“Will they like me?” She whispered<br />
<br />
“They
will love you, darling.” Shiloh smiled and helped her off the sofa,
tugging at her t-shirt. She already wore the matching skirt, if it could
be called that. <br />
<br />
He helped lace up the bodice, careful to pull
it tight enough so that the mounds of her small breasts pushed up
prettily above the cups. <br />
<br />
Lastly he knelt by her stocking-covered
thighs and lifted up the skirt. The gun was strapped securely, and was
already charged. No warming up to give her away at the last minute.<br />
<br />
“Kill as many as you can. And when they take you and change you, I’ll take care of it, darling.”<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="color: #04b431;">Congratulations Winner Ray, Bokerah, and Sandi! Don't forget to claim your
badges and display them
with pride. You
certainly earned it!</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #04b431;">
Pass
on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co,
shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all
the stories <a href="http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2015/01/thursthreads-tying-tales-together-week.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)</span></div>
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Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660724681445159067.post-9255035231399646122015-01-15T07:00:00.000-07:002015-01-15T07:00:01.145-07:00#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 151<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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 151 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 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThursThreads/" target="_blank">#ThursThreads #flashfiction</a> group on Facebook. Need the rules? Read on.<span style="color: cyan;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: #04b431;">Here's how it works:</span></span></span></div>
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<li>The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale. </li>
<li>The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: #04b431;">Rules to the Game:</span></span></span></div>
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<li>This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.</li>
<li>Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).</li>
<li>Post your story in the comments section of this post</li>
<li>Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)</li>
<li>Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)</li>
<li>The challenge is open <span style="color: lime;">7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time</span></li>
<li>The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. </li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: #04b431;">How it benefits you:</span></span></span></div>
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<li>You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)</li>
<li>You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!</li>
<li>Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: #04b431;">Our Judge for Week 151:</span></span></span><br />
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College English professor, daydreamer, and Urban Fantasy author, <a href="http://margobondcollins.net/" target="_blank">Margo Bond Collins</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins" target="_blank">Margo on Facebook</a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin" target="_blank">Margo on Twitter</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7233453.Margo_Bond_Collins" target="_blank">Margo on Goodreads</a></div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MargoBondCollins/posts" target="_blank">Margo on Google Plus</a> </div>
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And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: #04b431;">The Prompt:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #04b431;">"</span><span style="color: #04b431;">You’re
supposed to wear it.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime;">All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors.</span> Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!
Siobhan Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13653107467839760917noreply@blogger.com14