Sunday Snippet: Halloween Haunt (a Lantern Jack tale)

Long week with a zillion phone calls to settle everything on getting a new vehicle to replace our totaled one. Happy to say as of Friday it's all taken care of. Yay!

Not a bad week with work projects and a solid week of good television. Started out with Street Legal and I'm ending with another episode of the same. Starting to really enjoy this show.

Caught another episode of the Ready Room and thoroughly enjoyed Evan Evagoria's interview. Such a great character he played. And he's a huge fan of the franchise and that came through so much.

Also watched another episode of Chicago Med and enjoyed the three threads playing out during the episode.

Enjoyed another episode of No Offence. This show … man, it's so good. Not sure if there will be more episodes, but I'm so glad I found this one.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness's two part episode. Yeah, they're all two part episodes, I know. This was a really great one and I liked how everything came together by the end.

Watched another arc of Classic Who. They're still on the trail of the time key components and this episode ended up being more fun than I originally thought it would be.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it's got some drama, which seems to be woven in more than usual. Great episode so far.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused around UFOs and US presidents. Actually pretty interesting viewing.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Dom Deluise and Bernadette Peters were the guest stars. I'm still nostalgic for the first season, which is probably my favorite.

The Hardy Boys had a great episode. The tall dude is finally—maybe—done for. Liked getting a little more information on Laura's past and I'm trying to decide if I want the grandmother to be super bad or a red herring of goodness.

I viewed another Master Class with David Carson on graphic design. This one had another lesson about color and I found it fascinating.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is going to some interesting places. I can't decide if I want Sabrina to really twist everything on its ass or if she needs something to blow up in her face. I'll find out by the next episode if that happens.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Halloween Haunt, a Lantern Jack tale featuring a clairvoyant medium and a cranky vampire.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. Hadria Hardcastle is a clairvoyant medium who runs an investigation agency—she solves the unsolvable. Safford Sturgeon is a six-hundred-year-old vampire tired of his undead existence. When a trail of dead bodies leads Hadria to Safford's front door, she has to decide if he's guilty or being framed. Safford won't make her job easy, but meeting Hadria shakes him out of his lethargy and promises to make his life worth living.

And a preview snippet…

Hadria woke up from a nightmare that doubled as a prescient dream. "Someone is going to die." The gut-churning knowledge meant she wouldn't get back to sleep.

She got out of bed on shaky legs and almost tripped over an ugly, carved pumpkin. Her gift allowed her to see the man under the curse. He'd been trapped for a very long time.

She tilted her head to one side. "You must have done something horrible to carry the hex you have."

The pumpkin responded. "I did. But I've seen the error of my ways and I'm on the path to redemption." He paused a moment. "Folks refer to me as Lantern Jack. No one is allowed to speak my true name until I make my final amends."

Hadria dropped down to sit cross-legged on the floor. "You haven't wronged me so there's another reason you're here." She had to admit, he offered an excellent distraction from her nasty dream.

Jack made a tsking sound. "I'm sorry to say you won't be distracted for long. I'm here to help you find the killer."

Hadria narrowed her eyes. "You're speaking truth but you're not speaking all. What are you holding back?" The fact he mentioned her dream gave her additional insight to his nature.

Jack's carved visage shifted to surprise. "Your gift is strong."

She nodded. "Let's call it the curse I live with." Not exactly a wonderful blessing.

Jack spoke again. "I can't reveal all I know, but I can guide you where your gift can't."

Hadria sensed his honesty. "Do you know if I'll make it in time?" Her track record could use a boost.

She'd been too late the last two times. But she had helped catch the culprits in both recent cases. Maybe she'd actually have a chance this time.

Jack gave her a careful answer. "It's possible but not certain."

Hadria sighed, picked him up, and carried him into her small kitchen. "Tell me what you can. I won't be able to go back to sleep anyway." She grabbed the coffee canister and started filling the basket to brew a pot.

Please let this pumpkin help me this time.

The Lantern Jack stories have been a lot of fun to write. This one is getting Jack closer to his goal and he'll have one more hurdle to jump if he manages to get Hadria and Safford together.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Gotta Make a Living

Apparently, the week before last ended up being bizarre not only because Mercury is in retrograde but two other planets are squaring up. I'm kind of glad I made it through the insanity. The past week had some challenges but things finally started coming together and smoothed out. Whew.

My youngest kiddo returned from Alaska where she had a great time. She graduated high school last year and she and my dad finally got to take a trip this summer. They had great weather and got to do a ton of fun sightseeing events.

Had a slightly slower than usual television viewing experience. I started out with a new episode of No Offence. Viv had quite the revelation at the end of the episode and I'm interested to see where things go from here.

Enjoyed another episode of Silent Witness. This one has some quirky undertones and I'm interested in the second part to see how everything plays out.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and started a new one. Since my new washing machine arrived, I've been catching up on laundry and getting some quality time in on my Australian show.

Watched a full arc of Classic Who. For some reason, I thought they only needed to find four pieces of the key, but it's actually six. Should be interesting to see how the final three play out.

Enjoyed another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on UFO tech, which I find fascinating. The theories that come out of the woodwork regarding why and how the technology is used always makes me smile.

Caught two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Guest stars were Madeline Kahn and George Burns. Both were shows I didn't remember.

Watched a great episode of The Hardy Boys. Things are starting to come together and I'm really interested in where things will end up. I'm ready for the tall guy to get served. Just saying.

Enjoyed a new episode of Peak Practice. I have a feeling the next one will have a tragedy but I rather liked the new doctor they introduced. Looking forward to more from him.

Caught another Master Class on graphic design. This one focused on life as a working designer. I didn't think I'd get much out of that lesson, but I actually did. Even if I don't want to pursue graphic design as a career, the concept of what's important in the career you choose provided some good information.

Finally, I'm watching another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. This is set around Thanksgiving and there are some great character reveals. I like this show but I'm not champing at the bit to get to the next one … yet. This episode does have an awesome guest star in Michael Hogan and I'm happy to see him in the mix. Reminds me to send positive vibes out and hope his recovery is going well.

That's pretty much it for television and life updates. Tonight's post is from Gotta Make a Living, a novella with a noir flair.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Niles finds Claire standing over a dead body and can't decide if he should call the cops or haul her into his arms. Claire makes the choice easy by asking him if he sees any smoking guns. They decide they better work together to find the killer before Claire is framed for a murder she didn't commit.

And a preview snippet…

The things he wanted to know had nothing to do with Conrad's death. He'd have to put his libido in check and focus on the pertinent information. But…

He straightened. "Not here. How about Blinky's? I could use some good coffee." And time to regroup.

Her eyebrow rose. "Lovely choice." Her gaze slid toward Conrad. "What about him?"

Niles reached for his phone. "I'll call it in." He pressed the send button. "Yeah, Kovach? Niles here. Send a unit down to C&P BioTech, and get my brother out of bed. Conrad Pesterson has been murdered."

Kovach repeated the information then added, "I don't think Nelms is in his bed, Niles. He met that new lawyer lady, Cera Springfield, after shift."

Niles rolled his eyes. "Then get him out of her bed, Kovach. He needs to be on this one from the beginning." Nelms would pitch a bitch fit for being pulled away from his latest female companion, but he'd throw a bigger one if he didn't get first dibs on the crime scene.

Kovach snorted. "He's not gonna be happy, but I'll get him." He wanted a beat. "I don't have to tell you to stick around until the beaties get there, do I?"

Niles sighed. "Inform the beat cops I'll be here exactly five minutes. If they're not here, it's on your head." He ended the call before Kovach could wheedle more time.

Claire flashed a cheeky grin. "You've got this down to a science, don't you?" She tilted her head to one side. "Something tells me poor Conrad isn't the first stiff you've stumbled across." She didn't wait for a reply, instead stooping down to the floor.

Niles watched her move, gathering her purse and its contents from the carpet. "Is it your first?"

She shot him a sultry look. "Most of the stiffs I come across are attached to living, breathing men." She lifted a shoulder. "Lame humor aside, yes, it's the first dead body. I've dealt with bullet holes, knife wounds, and more messed-up faces than I can count. Stands to reason I'm overdue for a corpse." She grimaced.

Niles remembered his first and the gut-wrenching heaves of his stomach. Then again, he'd been with Nelms on the hunt for a missing girl and by the time they found her, she no longer resembled the picture they had. Claire handled Conrad's demise much better than Niles would have expected.

Niles waited until she got to her feet. "Do you want to skip the coffee?" They could meet the following day if needed.

She shook her head. "No, but I'd like to be clear before the police get here." She started for the door. "I'll submit to whatever tests they want and give a statement, but not right now." She paused with her hand on the knob. "Can we meet at Blinky's?"

Niles waved her off. "I'll be right behind you." He checked the time … the beaties had three minutes before he headed out.

I love this story! Niles and Claire are evenly matched and headed for a big adventure to get to the bottom of Conrad's death.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ghoulish Games (a Lantern Jack tale)

You know, it's been a week. I don't which planet is in retrograde right now but it's effing everything up. LOL My washer died and the delivery of the new one has been moved three times. I might get it Tuesday but I'm not holding my breath. The husband had a deer smash into his vehicle and it's a probably a loss. My daughter's car is having issues. I'm kind of scared to even walk outside in case the sky falls or something else weird.

All that said … I'm not really complaining. It's just a lot of bizarre, inconvenient stuff hitting all at once and I'm kind of scratching my head and wondering how soon the universe will right itself. LOL

Had a great work week and got some solid television viewing in. I started out UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This episode focused on abductions and I always find those stories fascinating.

With the new season of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries premiering this week, I caught the behind the scenes special from season one. Lots of fun information and interviews.

Watched another episode of The Muppet Show. The guest was Steve Martin and he had fun with his appearance.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. The mystery is getting deeper and I'm thoroughly enjoying the way everything is coming together. I love the group of friends and how they're completely in on the whole deal now.

I enjoyed another segment of Master Class. David talked about developing logos and I got some good information from him. I have a few tweaks to make to a couple of logos I've put together for book series.

Caught another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I'm getting a little more invested in the characters and I'm interested in where everything goes. I love Hilda's new job!

Peak Practice had a good episode. It took me a while to get into the storyline but I liked how the show played out. It seemed like it was going to go in a tragic direction but ended up not going that route.

Started a new to me show with Street Legal, which is a spinoff of an eighties original. I loved the premiere episode and think I'll end up liking this one.

Caught another episode of the Ready Room, recapping episode four of Picard. Wil is a lot of fun when he's interviewing the actors and I loved the behind the scene special effects segment.

Started an episode of Chicago Med and, so far, I'm enjoying it. The surgeon character is such an ass he's fun to watch. Another aptly titled episode with choices as the theme.

Last but not least … Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries premiered!! I've been so excited for a second season and I'm so happy I had two episodes to watch. This show is so much fun and it took a direction I didn't expect but I'm totally there for. Peregrine isn't a carbon copy of Phryne and that thrills me. I have so much love for the sixties vibe, too. Not sure why that era fascinates me so much but I'm almost always down to watch things set during that decade. And I'm over the moon I'll have another episode to watch soon!

That's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from Ghoulish Games, a Lantern Jack sexy short featuring a nymph and a hellhound.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. When Glenna Greer finds a man on her doorstep she faces a dilemma. Use her powers to save—which she is forbidden to do—or let him possibly die. The urge to heal is strong in the wood nymph and she risks banishment going against her clan's directive. When she discovers Radbourne Renner is a hellhound, she's really in a quandary.

And a preview snippet…

Glenna Greer sat in her sacred circle next to the hearth in her home and cast outward with her mind. Her subconscious soared, leaving the tiny cottage in the forest glade to wander among the mature maples, oaks, walnuts, and pines.

"And my favorite ash and birch trees too."

She maintained wary watchfulness. If caught using magick, she'd be sanctioned—possibly banished. She had nowhere she could go, but she couldn't resist pushing boundaries.

A loner at heart, Glenna didn't want to give up everything associated with the nymph community. She had friends even if she didn't see them all the time. They gave her space, which she appreciated and she tried to be available when they needed something.

But she didn't understand the archaic reasoning behind the total lockdown on using their magickal gifts. "Why have them if we can't hone them?"

She caught a brief flash of something hovering on the fringes of her consciousness. An unfamiliar man approached from the highway—someone not of the glade. Startled, she merged back into her corporeal form and let out a gasp.

Rising from her charmed location, she dashed to her front door and flipped the deadbolt. "Just in case." She closed her eyes and swallowed the bubble of nerves climbing in her throat. "I have nothing to fear. This is my domain." But … her brief glimpse of the man—hulking with bulky muscles—kicked her personal safety instinct into high alert. "There's a good chance I'm freaking out over nothing."

When she projected, she often slipped into the past. For all she knew, the guy could've been a relic—a visitor from long ago. But … her gut warned otherwise.

Moving back to her magickal circle, she lowered down and assumed a lotus position. "Maybe meditation will shed some light." She cleared her mind—as much as her heightened senses would allow—and slowed her breathing. Inhale, exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

A few moments later, her eyes snapped open. "Oh, no." A big change headed her way and Glenna had no idea how to prepare.

I have so much fun writing the Lantern Jack stories. My fondest hope is to do a twelve days of Halloween and release the whole series.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fundamental Basics (a Lantern Jack tale)

June 6, 2021

Well, hello, June. It's mind-boggling to think half the year is pretty much gone. I'm rather glad summer is just around the corner even though I'm not a huge fan of super-hot temperatures.

I've been in a weird place lately and pondering whether there's something else on my horizon. Lots of ideas are jostling in my brain. Stay tuned … I might have more to come on this topic.

Decent week of television this week. I started out with three episodes of The Muppet Show. Judy Collins, Nancy Walker, and Edger Bergen were the guest stars. Each episode ended up being pretty fun.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. I'm enjoying the mystery and I really like the sibling interaction. It'll be interesting to see how deeply the grandmother is involved.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice. The show took turn I didn't expect, which I always enjoy.

Enjoyed another Master Class with David Carson. The fifth lesson focused on putting yourself into your work. I came away with some great ideas.

Caught another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Once again, I ended up surprised by Zelda. Still not a huge fan, but I think I'll end up liking her character arc.

Watched the third installment of The Ready Room. Michelle Hurd is such a cool actor. I've enjoyed her in almost everything she's participated in.

Caught another Passionflix Quickie. Hooked ended up being a lot of fun. I loved having an older couple as the main characters.

Ended up watching a full two-parter of Silent Witness. Really liked the storylines and their outcomes even though both weren't optimal.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. This one features a biker club and, so far, it's pretty decent.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and liked the storylines. The reunion theme fit most of the scenes. The one confusing bit with the super-great surgeon maybe planted some seeds for future episodes. Not sure about that one.

Watched another episode of No Offence. I'm thoroughly enjoying the third series. Dinah and Viv are formidable and I love how Spike kind of slides in wherever he's needed. Good stuff.

Started a new arc of Classic Who. The second part of the key search isn't quite as interesting as the first, but I love K-9's interactions with everyone.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fundamental Basics, a Lantern Jack tale featuring a sprite and a spook for the pumpkin to match up.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. A sprite, Farin Frazier, is a social outcast who comes together with Qeb Quince, a spook who is questioning his undead existence. The two shouldn't be attracted to each other, they're mortal enemies, but they find some common ground on All Hallows, when magick is at its strongest.

And a preview snippet…

Qeb Quince answered his phone on the fourth ring, expecting yet another telemarketing call. When a live voice greeted him, he blinked in shock. "Um, hello, yes, this is Qeb."

"Mr. Quince, we'd like to hire you for a delivery to the ancient forest. Are you available?"

Qeb frowned. "A date would be nice." Who am I kidding? Not like my calendar is full.

The voice replied. "The delivery would be for October twenty-ninth to a Ms. Farin Frazier. The address is 5445 Dark Forest Lane."

Qeb cocked his head. "I'm not familiar with that area. Let me look it up to see if I can make the delivery." He pulled up his map app.

"A detailed map will be provided. The payment for the delivery will be five hundred dollars."

Qeb's mouth dropped open. "Is this illegal?" Did he care? Okay, yes, he did. But not enough to turn the job down.

The voice chuckled. "No, it's not. You won't get arrested for making the trip."

Qeb didn't hesitate. "I'll take the job. Where do I pick up this package?" He wrote the details down and promised to pick the item up the next day. "Five hundred dollars."

More than he earned in the bar—the only one he could work in because no one but other preternatural beings could see him. At least not easily. He worked three nights a week and pulled in one to two hundred bucks a night. Mainly as a bar back, hauling kegs and cases of alcohol up from a downstairs cooler and restocking mixes and glasses. He loved the physical labor but longed for something more engaging. He could join a fighting venue but smashing faces didn't rate high on his list of life goals to continue.

He snorted. "I'm not going to be one of those broken-down fighters who can't get out of the ring."

Then again, he might be one of those morons who never left the bar because he couldn't do anything else.

His gut clenched at the thought. "There's gotta be more out there for me." He couldn't be the only spook that felt that way.

But none of his friends seemed interested in being more than what they were. Why didn't they strive to test boundaries? Or look for new adventures?

Settling in for the evening, he shrugged. "At least I can look forward to spending some time in the forest." If he had to make a delivery, he might as well explore.

A new memory to add to his collection.

I love the Lantern Jack stories and hope to have a string of these ready to publish around October.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye