Sunday Snippet: Fistful of Sorry

May is winding down and it's been kind of a whirlwind month. Or I might be hitting that age where time seems to fly by faster every day.

Not a bad work week. I finished up a project and jumped back into one that had been sitting on the back burner for a while. Also started a new one. Got some writing done also, which makes me happy because the sages have been on an extended vacation.

Pretty good week of viewing also. I managed to go through my slate of shows twice and finished up an episode I left hanging a few weeks ago.

Watched two episodes of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Thoroughly enjoyed both. I'm so excited this show is back for another season. I love the characters so much.

Caught two episodes of Death in Paradise. Finished up season seven and ended up liking it a lot. Starting season eight this week.

Started watching Best in Paradise, which features the favorite episodes of the cast. Got two viewed, and I think I'll continue watching. They have fun intros from the cast member and why the episode is one of their favorites.

Watched two episodes of Elementary and I really love how Joan is being fleshed out and using her knowledge. Also kind of happy to see some growth with Sherlock.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Batman. I remembered both and enjoyed each one. Really fun to have Robin and Batgirl working together to take down the rogues.

Caught one episode of Suspects and it ended up being a twisty affair, which I love. I have two more episodes of season four and then I'll start the final fifth season.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Finished up the lead-in to the movie and caught the first episode post wedding. Fun stuff.

Also finished an episode of Peak Practice I started a couple of weeks ago. The later seasons seem to be a little hit or miss for me. Can't wait to finally get to season twelve.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fistful of Sorry, a novella that puts a couple through a trial by fire.

Here's the miniblurb:

Orly Manx and Cal Luminity always approach situations from opposite angles but usually end up on the same side. When Orly pushes a cadet too far during training, she apologizes to Cal for not following his advice. But Cal isn't interested in listening or quick to forgive, which drives a wedge between them, and Orly realizes how much she needs Cal to play yin to her yang. Clearly in the wrong, Orly can't take back her actions, so making amends is all she has left.

And a preview snippet…

Cal could kick himself for thinking he could appeal to Orly's better nature and hope for the best. "Because that always blows up in my face." He cut through the quad and headed for the morning session of free-time exercise in the training room also known as the shed.

Not keeping his word to Barnabas might bite Cal on the ass. He didn't want to break the confidence, but he couldn't see another way to try and get Orly on board. And, of course, she didn't cooperate anyway.

Pulling the door open, Cal sighed. "Barnabas can be angry if he wants to." Benson wouldn't discover his grandfather's meddling from Orly.

That much Cal could count on.

He entered the wide, airy space and took a post along the north wall to observe Benson during his warmup. A lot of information revealed itself when a plebe didn't have the pressure to perform sitting squarely on their shoulders. Benson moved with ease even if he struggled with some of the gestures needed for spell-casting.

It's not lack of coordination. It's lack of confidence.

Cal understood that on a deep level. When he first started at the school as a student, carrying the family name added a heavy weight to everything he did. From living up to the expectations of the faculty to fighting against the preconceived notions of his fellow cadets, Cal's first year still topped the chart as the most tortured. He suffered paralyzing stage fright and almost gave up because the pressure to succeed as a member of a founding family nearly did him in.

His saving grace? Orly. She'd blazed into the school with nothing but raw, amazing talent and a willingness to do anything necessary to become a premier mage. She also befriended Cal, according to her, despite the fact he had privilege stamped all over him. On some weird level, she recognized a kindred spirit … someone who wanted to be the very best. Unlike everyone else, she didn't ask questions about or pry into his family dynamics … mainly because she didn't care if got along with his parents or whether he lived up to their standards. The only thing she wanted from him? Companionship, in and out of bed, and someone she could challenge and be challenged by.

Cal snorted. "And to this day, she still lives for the competition." Which normally didn't bother him…

Until now.

Because Benson Mikkleson gave away a lot of clues during his free-time exercise. He subtly eyed the other students and tried to mimic their stances. Maybe because his sensitivity held him back. Or … possibly because he had a ton of baggage he needed to work on checking before he really settled into his ability. Without a friend like Orly in his corner, Benson would probably struggle to find his place.

Cal frowned. "Why can't she remember how much we hated the grueling methods?" Because those practices worked ninety percent of the time.

Yet … how many good mages did they lose because of an unbending structure?

Pushing away from the wall, Cal headed for the exit so he could prepare for his first class. "Here's hoping Benson Mikkleson won't be in the ten percent that don't make it through the first semester…"

I'm very happy with how this story is coming together. I love writing a couple with issues and Cal and Orly definitely don't see eye to eye sometimes.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fiery Yule (a Holiday Spirit short)

Had a solid week of getting stuff done. This makes me happy. Got a garden planted. Okay, my husband got most of the planting done. I only did one thing, but I call that a win anyway.

On the work front, I did fairly well also. I'm hoping to launch a new venture in June, and I finally got back to setting that up. I also finished up a copy edit and started a proofreading project.

Solid week of viewing also. I'm in a bit of a groove and sticking with a cluster of shows. I still have a weird urge to binge watch a marathon of something, but I've resisted that urge. It's so easy to fall down a rabbit hole and not get anything done.

Ended up getting two episodes of Death in Paradise watched. One featured a Day of the Dead tie in, which is notable only because I'm watching a different show today that has a Day of the Dead tie in.

Also got two episodes of Elementary in. Started season two and got to meet Mycroft, which I enjoyed. Also got some additional Joan backstory and I'm glad to see some of that.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Batman. Both were ones I remembered from my original run through the show. Season three is different as I don't feel as connected to the characters, but it's a pretty solid season so far.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I've started season eight and I'd forgotten it's a lead up to the Rugrats in Paris movie and all the episodes are interconnected.

Watched two episodes of Suspects. I finished up season three and started season four. The premiere of four had a very twisty case and I really enjoyed that one.

Started season ten of Brokenwood Mysteries. I love this show so much. There's a terrific cast of characters and I love that Frodo and Todd have found both bodies so far this season.

Also enjoyed the finale of season twenty-six of Silent Witness. I'm finally one hundred percent caught up with the series. Now I play a waiting game until season twenty-seven.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fiery Yule, a holiday spirit sexy short.

Here's the miniblurb:

A holiday spirit, Spruce Lightfir, gives Enzo Escada, a fire demon, the perfect place to lay low over the Yule holiday. Enzo craves some time alone, away from the demanding overseer of Enzo's peerage. When Quinne Quailer, a mystic, arrives for a sabbatical from the human world, Enzo is cranky about the intrusion … until Quinne's presence calms his fiery inner soul. Maybe the miracle of Yule can free Enzo from his life of servitude.

And a preview snippet…

Quinne Quailer completely lost her cool. "We're entering the most festive time of year, and the constant petty arguments are beyond disappointing." If she had to mediate one more disagreement about how to handle … anything … she'd go mad.

I established a council to help ease my workload not heap more on.

So far, the group of twelve spent more time fighting over hierarchy than actually resolving tribe issues.

Quinne stared her group down. "Why do you bring these minute issues to me?" She sighed. "This is stuff you should be working out amongst yourselves." Gathering her sacred items, she stowed them in her leather satchel. "I'm done for today. When you decide to stop being argumentative and start helping your fellow tribemates, let me know." With quiet dignity, she turned and walked out of the room.

She exited the council house and made the short walk to her home. Off balance, exhausted, and deeply wounded, she refused to let the tears gathering behind her eyelids escape. Trudging up the half dozen steps to her porch she found a parchment envelope on her doorstep.

Wary, she opened the packet and read the invitation.

The time has come for solitude at last.

Replenish your spirit and make it last.

Lay down your burden and embrace some cheer.

Travel to Goodacre to end the year.

A set of instructions and available dates were enclosed, along with a strong suggestion she take some time to enjoy the bed and breakfast over the yule holiday.

Quinne discounted the idea. "Yeah, I don't have time." Shouldering her way into her house, she sighed. "I really need to stay right here." But she longed for solitude.

Why shouldn't she have some downtime? If everything fell apart … well, maybe that would kick the council into gear. And possibly spur them to do what needed to be done.

She closed her eyes when a knock sounded on her door. The oak slab barely cracked open before Harriet Hurst, one of the tribal council, pushed her way inside. Quinne blinked at the invasion.

Harriet planted her hands on her hips. "What kind of drama-queen crap are you pulling?" She sucked in a deep breath. "I mean, what kind of example are you trying to set by storming out of the meeting?" She arched a winged brow.

Quinne's mouth dropped open. Harriet wanted to berate Quinne's behavior. When she and the other members couldn't get out of their own way long enough to do the job of governing and helping the rest of the tribe?

Quinne finally had enough. "Why am I the leader?" If pulling rank and throwing some weight around didn't nip this … nothing would.

Harriet started to argue. "Well, because—" She stopped and snapped her mouth shut.

Quinne pressed her lips together. "Exactly, because no one else wants the burden of responsibility." Winding up, she pushed her point. "And why am I the mystic healer?" Pinning Harriet with a hard glare, she waited for the only response available.

Harriet flushed and glanced away. "No one else living has the gift." Her words were softly spoken because they were true.

Quinne flung out a hand. "And there we go. I'm basically working two jobs with the welfare and well-being of the entire tribe in my hands. And you want to chastise me for taking the council to task for not helping?" Quinne all but dared Harriet to deny the accusation.

Harriet shook her head and backpedaled. "No, I'm not. That's not what I'm doing…" Her voice trailed off and she shrugged.

Quinne made a garbled choking sound. "Yes, it is." She considered the invitation again. "You know what? I'm going on a brief sabbatical. I obviously need one since you feel I'm not conducting myself as a proper leader should."

Harriet held up her hands. "I never said that."

Quinne repeated Harriet's words back to her. "I'm pulling drama-queen crap and setting a questionable example. That's what you opened with."

Harriet scrambled with excuses. "But … but … it's almost yule."

Quinne rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. I'll leave detailed notes for the council." She already had a handbook filled out if any of the members had bothered to read the information.

Harriet tried one final tactic. "What if someone needs healing?" A smug twist had her lips curving.

Quinne hardened her resolve. "That's what the infirmary is for, Harriet. And if there's an emergency, one of the other medical healers can contact me." She nudged Harriet toward the door. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some packing to do." Closing the stunned look on Harriet's face behind the heavy wood, Quinne headed for her room to gather some clothes.

She really didn't want to go at first. Now she couldn't wait to leave. For some nice, quiet alone time.

Zipping up her suitcase, she settled at her desk and started a note for the healers. "Goodacre Bed and Breakfast, here I come…"

The holiday spirit stories are so much fun to write. I love coming up with quirky names for the spirits and resolving the conflict between the two paranormal love interests.

 

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

 

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Feeding the Fury

Happy US Mother's Day to those who celebrate. For those with parental issues, I hope you find joy and peace.

Had the rare experience of seeing the northern lights in Ohio. I can honestly say I haven't been so excited about something in a long time. The mysteries of space are awesome!

Fairly busy week with work projects and other odds and ends. Finished up a couple of manuscripts and started a new one. I have another ongoing developmental edit that I need to dive back into this week.

Not a bad week of viewing even with a few distractions. I'm at a weird place with watching right now. I'm kind of leaning toward doing binge marathons again and I'm not sure I want to fall down that rabbit hole again.

Caught two episodes of Suspects and enjoyed both. This show is kind of choppy and that adds something to the experience. I love the cases and how things are rarely what they seem from the initial starting point.

Finished up the third season of Madame Blanc Mysteries. I'd love to see another series of this show. The cast is a lot of fun.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. I've realized that after the next one, I'm completely caught up with the show. I really like the current cast and I'm excited to see what the next season brings.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. This is one I hadn't seen before and I liked the case. I'm also enjoying Jack's tenure as DI.

I think I finished out the first season of Elementary. I'm actually thrilled with how the Moriarity plot played out. I love seeing Joan kind of step in to the role of consulting detective with ease and grace. The things she sees that Sherlock doesn't is always interesting.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Nice to see Ethan back again. I'm a little bummed we haven't seen Chen for a while and I can't remember if she comes back or not.

Enjoyed the Valentine episode of Classic Rugrats. I do remember this one but not everything about it. Nice to see some longer length episodes also.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Feeding the Fury, a novella that brings a couple together against the expressed wishes of the Fury.

Here's the miniblurb:

Larue and Wade displease the Fury and she orders them to battle each other in the pyre. But the two top mages decide they won't kill each other for her pleasure, instead they'll invoke the Rite of Phoenix and if they survive, the Fury will have to abdicate her throne.

And a preview snippet…

A persistent buzz zinged under Larue's skin.

"I require your presence in your quarters."

Larue ended her conversation and excused herself from the table. She had no idea why she'd received a summons from Helena. Especially since the Fury had ample opportunity to deliver the message in person.

Larue left the common area and made her way to the residential wing. "I wonder what's going on now." She entered her suite to find Helena pacing back and forth. "You wanted to see me?" Keeping her voice tentative, she hoped the tone calmed the Fury.

Helena whirled around. "You're quite the popular mage, aren't you?" She all but spit the words out.

So much for calm…

Larue blew out a slow breath. She hated it when Helena got into a mood, mainly because Larue tried hard to not cause friction. Unless she counted the fun kind involving sex.

She shrugged and responded somewhat carefully. "If you say so."

Helena snarled. "You uppity, ungrateful bitch." Her hand whipped out and slapped Larue with a stinging blow.

Larue gnashed her teeth and barely held back a retaliatory gesture. She wouldn't give the Fury the satisfaction. Larue had learned control and she'd use it.

Lifting her chin, she kept her voice measured. "I'm not sure what brought this attack of venom on, but I don't seek popularity." She met Helena's gaze square on. "Because of the past, I approach others with kindness because that's the way I like to be treated." Glancing away, she tried to appear understanding. "As the Fury, you might not be in a position to do that. But … if you want your people to flourish and sing your praises, you could maybe do what you did with me—encourage all of them to find their strength instead of making them follow you with blind, numbing mindlessness." Okay, that might push the Fury's buttons.

Helena's lips thinned. "I rather think that little experiment proved the opposite. You're entirely too caught up in your own brilliance, my pet." Her eyes flashed angrily. "Attempting to usurp my power won't garner the acceptance you'll always seek but never find." With a flourish of her robes, she spun away and sailed out the door.

Larue tilted her head. She didn't crave Helena's power. Larue already found the only thing she wanted. A place to call home.

Helena issued one final salvo. "Tread very carefully from this point forward. And be ready to pay the price if you misstep." With a cloud of hailstorm, Helena disappeared from sight.

Larue released a gradual exhale. "That didn't go well at all." And being put on notice didn't thrill her one little bit.

This story is a joy and a challenge. I love writing over-the-top antagonists but also worry about making them too mustache twirly … even if they're female.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fancy Meeting You Here

Had a super emotional day yesterday with my daughter graduating from college with a bachelor's in media production and theater. She starts grad school in the fall for arts administration. I'm so proud of her! And … considering she had a drive-through high school graduation, getting to see her walk for her bachelor's made me very happy.

Had another good week of work and writing. I finished up two manuscript edits and a proofread on the work front and wrote several scenes in three or four of my WIPs. I'm not quite where I want to be on my writing, but I'm getting back to form.

Actually had a solid week of viewing also. Maybe the planets are aligned where I need them to be right now. Who knows?

Watched two episodes of Elementary and, wow, I rather like what they did with the Moriarity thing. Looking forward to seeing how that ends up. I think I have one more episode of the first season.

Started season three of The Batman and watched two episodes. I remembered both and enjoyed each one.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I think I'm at the end of season seven where the two vignettes are actually one episode. Kind of liked that format. I think the new theme starts with season eight. I'll find out this week I think.

Started a new season of Suspects. Loved the opening episode. It did not go where I thought it would and I love that.

Watched another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Broken-hearted for Gloria. I kind of hope there's more to the story about Cooper. I kind of want to find out what his whole deal was with Gloria.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I don't remember this one at all and actually loved it. Definitely a twisty one.

Caught the first part of Silent Witness. I'm excited to see where this one goes. There's definitely more than meets the eye for this case. I'm not thrilled with the new addition to Jack's life. I love his niece, but the mom is a piece of work and I don't like her at all.

Started a new episode of Peak Practice. I'll try to finish it up this week. Not sure what's up with Sam but I assume the seeds are being planted for his departure and that's why he's being such a prat right now.

Last but not least, I started a documentary called Broken Horses, mainly because it features the author of one of the books I've been working on and his stance that the drugging of horses needs to stop. I can honestly say it's a hard watch and my personal thought there might be a trainer who should never, ever be allowed to participate in the sport ever again. But that's just me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fancy Meeting You Here, a novella that brings a couple together under fraught circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jonni Mars and Val Janison are enforcers for two opposing mage families and have a friendly rivalry. When Val, a member of the ruling house, shows up at Jonni's favorite underground dive, she's both infuriated and intrigued, and more than a little surprised to meet him under almost normal circumstances.

And a preview snippet…

Dammit. She hated being called on her bullshit.

Taking a deep, cleansing breath, she listed her issues with black and white. "That's an encapsulated version." She flung out a hand. "But you've got a point. I don't disrespect you. The snark and biting comments are my defense." Pacing back and forth, she muttered. "I'm trying to stay out of you head the only way I know how." But she didn't have to be a complete bitch.

Val lifted his chin. "I get it." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "But … can we call a truce? The whole reason we came to the Warwick is to unravel the connection, figure out how and why it's happening." Leaning against the wall, he crossed one booted foot over the other.

Jonni calmed down. "Okay. Yeah. We should get on the same page." She huffed out a frustrated breath. "But I have no idea how to even start." Or where.

Val pushed away from the plastered surface and made his way to the couch. "I suggest we walk back to the night we fought Philan. That started this." He slouched down, kicking his feet out.

She reluctantly agreed. "Yeah, okay. But I still don't know what happened or how it did." She'd never had a slip like that, not even with Rochelle and they'd been like sisters.

Val rolled a shoulder. "Look, I'll own having an instant attraction to you. Maybe that's at play?" His lips turned down, which showed his discomfort with the idea.

Jonni admitted the same. "Yeah, there's a spark there. Like I've known you for years … which I sort of do." She planted herself in the chair opposite the sofa. "Everyone knows the major players in the three clans." At least everyone that worked with or for ruling families.

Val grunted. "Yeah, but it's more than that. I've got a reputation for being very cool under pressure, but I've been on edge since you invaded my mind." He shook his head.

Jonni got defensive. "Not like I tried to do it." The reply sounded lame, but she really didn't have a clue how she'd mindslipped into his consciousness.

Val met her gaze. "Okay. I believe that." He straightened and leaned forward, placing his forearms on his knees. "Maybe see if you can do it now."

What did they have to lose?

Jonni probed but couldn't get through. "I've got nothing." Hope filled her. "Progress?" Gah, she hoped so.

Val gave a shrug. "Possibly. Let's wait a while and see what happens." He leaned back against the cushions again.

Jonni arched her brows. "Seriously? I've got things to do." Like figure out why she kept hitting dead ends.

Val folded his arms over his chest. "Tell me about them." He gave her a look that dared her to deny his request.

Jonni sighed and explained about her false leads and frustration. They talked a little more and she got comfortable. Val had some solid ideas about picking up the cold trail. And he didn't appear to find her lack of progress overly concerning. It took time to run down leads and false starts were part of the job.

She started to comment but got a very vivid image of being sprawled naked on a featherbed, her legs splayed wide and Val's head between them. His hands grasped her hips and he drew her closer to his delving tongue. A hot flush washed over her, and she gasped.

Pissed off, her gaze flew to his. "What the hell, Val?" She shot up off the chair and ran a hand through her hair.

Val gave a grunt. "See … you're still doing it." He smirked, an unrepentant look on his face.

She whirled to face him. "Dammit! Why? I do not want to be in your head." Huffing out a harsh breath, she made a hard admission. "It's distracting—even when I'm not traipsing through your thoughts. The fact I can constantly buzzes around in my brain." Why did this happen now?

Val gave a slow nod. "I agree. And we need to figure this out." He leaned forward again. "I say we either order something in or get takeout. Because it's gonna be a long night."

Jonni grabbed her jacket. "I need some air." The whole mindslip thing had her twitchy. "I'll get the food." She didn't wait for a response, heading out and dashing down the stairs.

She didn't think twice about what she ordered. Not until she headed out of the restaurant.

She had no doubt she had exactly what Val wanted.

I love how this story is coming together. Jonni and Val are a fun couple to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye