Sunday Snippet: Beast in the Belfry

I hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving, if celebrating. I had an oddly weird week. My youngest is in quarantine because she ended up being exposed to Covid at her university. Thankfully, she could go to my dad's house to isolate from the rest of us—he was out of town visiting my brother. She got her test on Friday and we should have the results by Wednesday—fingers crossed. She's restricting herself to an upstairs bedroom and bathroom and carefully disinfecting anything she touches. And, of course, she's keeping a mask on unless she's in the bedroom. Needless to say, she's not having a lot of fun, but we'd all rather be safe and limit other exposure.

The middle kiddo has GERD. He's been five days free from throwing up, thank whatever rules the universe—and a prescription for a strong acid reducer. Considering he spent anywhere from two to four hours at a time being sick for over ten days, he's feeling way better. He'll be changing a few things in his diet to hopefully help alleviate the symptoms even more.

Happy to say my oldest is doing just fine. He's getting ready to move out in the near future and looking forward to having more space.

Had a decent week watching television. I started off with a full arc of Classic Who and caught the full four-part Planet of Evil.

Started a new-to-me drama The Queens of Mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode and look forward to finishing up the second part.

Watched several more episodes of Silent Witness. I'm almost through with the third episode of season seven.

Also caught a full slate of Ovation mysteries throughout Thursday and Friday. Also watched quite a few Classic Perry Mason and The Saint episodes. I've been seeking out comfort television lately.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Beast in the Belfry, a novella that's a bit of a twist on Beauty and the Beast with a gender swap thrown in for fun.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A curse leaves artist Vittoria Blahm disfigured and marred for life. But Cal Gilligan sees the true woman under the scars and he falls hard for her when she saves him from plunging to his death. Vittoria can't quite believe anyone wants her and fears risking her heart to the possibility.

And a preview snippet…

Cal gazed out on the expanse of buildings on campus—an unshakable feeling of home settling over him. He swung a leg over the open window and settled on the sill. A sound caught his attention and he turned, taking in easels and paints, the couch, bed, and kitchenette. Shit! Did someone live here?

A wild-haired, screeching person flew out of the shadows, their hands raised for attack. Startled, Cal gasped when its—no, her—face came into view.

"Get out! Get out!" She grabbed his arm, tugging hard. "Leave. Now!" Fear filled her gaze but also anger.

Cal tried to duck out of the way, but in his haste he tottered sideways and went crashing through the open window. He skidded along the tiled roof, scrabbling to hold on. A firm grip on his wrist kept him from sliding—thank the universe—and gave him time to pull himself back up and into the tower. The woman scrambled away, cowering against the wall.

Cal stepped forward but didn't invade her personal space. "Thank you. You pretty much saved me from a horrible death." How he spoke calmly when his heart thundered, he'd never know.

She flicked her gaze to him but quickly glanced away. "You need to leave. This is my home." Her hands balled into fists.

Cal apologized. "I'm sorry. I didn't know." Something about her called to him.

The mission work his parents did exposed him to distraught, damaged people. This woman had deep-running scars on the inside. Probably more painful than the ones marring her face.

He slowly stuck out his hand, palm up. "Cal Gilligan. U of M is my alma mater, but I've been gone for several years." When she didn't respond, he continued. "I didn't mean to invade your space. I just accepted a position in the literature department and I used to come here all the time, especially during my final year." Silence. "Anyway, please accept my apology again. I'll leave now." He tucked his hand inside his pocket and crossed the floor, heading for the steps but stopped short when he passed the painting. "My God. This is incredible." He shot her a look. "Did you paint this?"

I'm very attached to this story. I love the challenge of putting a personal spin on a fairy tale and making it take place in a modern setting is a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Beast in the Belfry

December 10, 2017

It's amazing what a dusting of snow on the ground can do to boost holiday spirit. We got just a tiny bit last night and it looks so pretty today.

Gotta say the mid-season finales for my shows pretty much pulled out all the stops. The Flash left Barry hanging in a very precarious place. Not sure I'm totally down with where everything is going, but it's fun to watch. Lost a good character on Legends of Tomorrow in the form of two goodbyes. I do appreciate the revolving door aspect of the show and look forward to seeing how the others interact without their friends. The holiday trimmings of the shows provided a nice backdrop.

Arrow killed it. James is setting up quite the legion of doom in Star City. I'm very interested in seeing how that plays out when the season returns. If his little cohort who got him out in the first place tries to harm Felicity or Curtis, I'll be really pissed. Just saying.

Riverdale shook things up with breakups all over the place. Yikes. I have another interesting theory about Alice Cooper. Can't wait to see if I'm right. Oh, and this theory doesn't involve FP, at least not about their past.

I'm all caught up on Gotham. Gotta say it hurt to watch Alfred and Bruce tear each other apart. I get where Bruce is coming from, I do, but the whole being a brat is kind of pissing me off. That said, rock bottom isn't always an easy trip to take so I'll be patient. Sophia is proving to be a formidable force. I had a sneaking suspicion she was more of a puppet master than anyone originally thought. It's also fun to see the stories with Butch and Tabitha and Ed and Lee unfold. Seriously, Gotham upped it game and I'm loving it. Having Harvey walk away though… yeah, that one hurt, too.

Murdoch Mysteries continues to be excellent. I can't wait for the holiday episode. I think I'm looking forward to it more than Doctor Who this year. I really can't wait for the new doctor and new showrunner. Honestly, I'm so very disappointed in where Moffat took the show. It lost the heart I always loved. Yes, I'm sure I'm in the minority.

I've started watching my stash of holiday shows. I had to get a new laptop and I'm slowly but surely getting all the episodes transferred over. My Plex server is getting a lot of use this week. Also looking forward to The Trouble with Mistletoe when Passionflix premieres the movie!

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Beast in the Belfry, a spin on Beauty and the Beast.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A curse leaves artist Vittoria Blahm disfigured and marred for life. But Cal Gilligan sees the true woman under the scars and he falls hard for her when she saves him from plunging to his death. Vittoria can't quite believe anyone wants her and fears risking her heart to the possibility.

And a preview snippet…

Cal Gilligan locked the office and exited the building he'd be calling home when the new semester started. "It's good to be back." His alma mater welcomed him as their newest professor of literature.

After two years of knocking around, he'd been thrilled when they offered the position. He needed a place to put down roots, especially after losing his parents in a small-plane crash. Their missionary work had taken them all over the world and Cal grew up on planes and other conveyances—trains, boats, busses, even on the backs of animals—he'd pretty much survived all of them.

And benefitted from the hands-on education of navigating in foreign countries.

But now… he wanted to take stock. He'd lived so long in the shadow of his mom and dad, spending the last five years teaching English as a second language on their trips. He'd defined himself as their son. Past time for him to define Cal Gilligan, a man alone.

Crossing the quad, he headed for the parking lot. Not much had changed since he'd graduated. Some new trees and landscaping, a new seating area, and several charging stations for electronic devices—solar powered no less. But one significant difference loomed at the far end of the oval-shaped courtyard. The clock tower stood dark and silent.

Cal gazed at the lonely building. "I wonder what happened."

When he'd been in college, the tower drew students in with views of the entire campus and surrounding city. He'd gone up to the top many times, usually to study or write. He often sat out on the tiled roof below the clock face.

Wanting a closer look, he strolled the length of the quad and paused to read the sign at the main entrance. Closed to the public. Since he now had a teaching position, he wouldn't be considered the public, right?

Nostalgia urged him to try the doors. The two double slabs were locked up tight. Cal glanced over his shoulder, made sure no one else lurked in the area, then went around the side of the lower level and stopped outside the caretaker's entrance. His hand twisted the knob and the door swung open.

He flashed a smile. "Hot damn. I'm in." He wouldn't stay long, but he wanted to see the view again.

I'm having fun with reversing the gender roles in this story. Having Vittoria be the "beast" is more of a challenge than I anticipated, but I love writing the conflict she has with accepting someone as a friend who could end up being more.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Beast in the Belfry

Happy Father's Day to all the terrific dads out there.

This week in TV? Gotta talk about the Orphan Black finale. Holy crap. I swear, every time I think I've got everything figured out the curve ball smacks me in the face again. I LOVE this show.

Killjoys ended up being better than I thought. Definitely happy to add it to my Friday night lineup. Defiance is dark this season and I like it, a lot. Dark Matter followed its premiere with another great episode so I'm in. So happy to have good TV on Friday nights again.

Strike Back's episode provided the high octane adventure I crave. I will say I sincerely hope Mei gets her richly deserved reward in the very near future. Please and thank you.

Finished a few more episodes of Teen Wolf. Should be caught up in time for the premiere in the next week or so. Also started Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. What a kick ass show! Very much along the lines of The Murdoch Mysteries, which is one of my favorites. Looking forward to binge watching more soon.

The Last Ship premieres tonight! Can't wait to see what the crew gets into this season. Bring on the action.

Tonight's post is from Beast in the Belfry, a novella with a Beauty and the Beast vibe, featuring a hex that needs to be broken.

Here's the tagline:

A curse leaves artist Vittoria Blahm disfigured and marred for life. But Cal Gilligan sees the true woman under the scars and he falls hard for her when she saves him from plunging to his death. Vittoria can't quite believe anyone wants her and fears risking her heart to the possibility.

And a preview snippet…

Jejune cursed her brother for his over the top obsessions. She understood Hessler's unquenchable desire to call someone his, but his methodical madness would drive even the sanest woman away. Jejune spent an inordinate amount of time cleaning up her brother's messes. Vittoria would be the hardest of all, because even though Jejune grasped her brother's need to lash out, his cruelty never failed to surprise her. Jejune's softer heart required she at least try to set her brother's vindictive hex aright.

But it wouldn't prevent Vittoria from suffering in the near future.

Jejune rolled to a stop on the north side of the quad. She didn't have a lot of time; the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon. Expending more energy than she wanted, she removed Vittoria from the car using magic. After creating the vortex that swept Hessler from the sitting area, she didn't have much left. She levitated Hess's student to the edge of the grassy courtyard and arranged her face down on the ground. Leaning over Vittoria's prone form, Jejune whispered a charmed counter to her brother's hex.

Vittoria would not have an easy time getting her life back. If she ever did.

I'm enjoying trying my hand at gender swapping Beauty and the Beast. So much fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Beast in the Belfry

Greetings!

I have to open with kudos for one of my favorite shows currently airing on television: Orphan Black. Seriously, the writing, the acting, the pacing…top notch stuff. I can't say enough about how awesome this show is. It always takes me by surprise and never quite goes where I think it will. If you're not watching…give it a whirl. You won't be disappointed. :D

Tonight's post is from The Beast in the Belfry, a novella about a woman cursed to be alone by her mad professor. The funny thing about curses? They're not always made to last and sometimes a stronger magic will render the hex null and void. And man, oh man, is it fun to write. :D

Here's the tagline:

A curse leaves artist Vittoria Blahm disfigured and marred for life. But Cal Gilligan sees the true woman under the scars and he falls hard for her when she saves him from plunging to his death. Vittoria can't quite believe anyone wants her and fears risking her heart to the possibility.

And a preview snippet…

"It's your choice, Vittoria. It should be simple enough to decide if you want to live or die." Hessler Shaouk made a slow circle around the wingback chair.

Vittoria Blahm kept her silent and stony countenance. She wouldn't feed into her professor's madness any more than she already had.

"Hess, dear brother, you know I won't stand by and let you kill her."

Vittoria's eyes focused on the beautiful blonde for one brief moment before she blinked and cast her gaze downward again.

Hessler scowled. "Jejune, my sweet, you have no business meddling in my affairs."

Jejune laid a hand on her brother's shoulder and Vittoria's eyes widened when he slumped to the floor, struggling against unseen bonds.

Jejune knelt beside him. "Maybe not, but no one else will rein you in when necessary."

"Let me go, you damned fool woman." He writhed on the floor, but remained prone. "She needs to die, Jejune. By my hand. She spurned my love."

The lovely blonde sighed. "Vittoria, do you have any feelings for my brother?"

Her hand remained on his shoulder, but Hessler could move his head. He angled slightly to meet Vittoria's gaze.

She answered honestly. "Not the kind he wanted me to have. I respect his work. And his brilliance." She focused on Jejune. "But I'm not attracted to him otherwise."

Resignation settled over Jejune's features and she nodded. "Did you give him any reason to believe you held him in high regard?"

High regard? Vittoria wondered if she'd somehow crossed over into an alternate timeline. No one she knew spoke with such formality.

Her head shook back and forth. "Not intentionally. Your brother sees what he wants to see." And he'd mistaken her thirst for knowledge and technique for something deeper.

To date, she hadn't managed to feel what qualified as love for anyone, always choosing to neatly sidestep emotional entanglements. Too many goals to achieve to get involved in a relationship.

Jejune closed her eyes. "And now? What do you feel for him?"

Again, Vittoria answered with honesty. "Pity."

Hessler went wild at the admission and finally broke free of his sister's binding. He shot to his feet and rushed Vittoria, stopping barely a foot away.

He roared, "You stupid bitch. I don't want your damned pity." Hate and venom laced his words. "I deserve more. Better. What I've shared with you has a price and if you're not willing to pay up, your life is forfeit."

He raised his hand and Jejune rushed to his side, grasping his palm and jerking it hard.

Her voice rose. "You will not kill her. I won't allow it."

Hessler shouted. "I demand recompense."

Jejune spoke softly. "Then curse her to be alone as you are."

A sinister smile graced Hessler's face. "So be it."

A terrible feeling of dread settled over Vittoria, but nothing could prepare her for the horrifying pain a flick of his wrist brought. Her face burned, the left side peeling away or melting or both. Vittoria screamed, agony tearing through her. She struggled against the restraints, the need to flee overwhelming.

A harsh gasp from Jejune gave Vittoria something else to focus on, but didn't end the brutal carnage taking place.

Jejune called her brother out. "Hessler, I demand you stop. You've maimed her sufficiently."

A madness-fueled grin twisted on his face. "I don't think so, dear sister. Not until she's suffered the same amount of pain I have."

Through a haze of agony, Vittoria's eyes went wide when Jejune summoned up a whirlwind of power, sending Hessler flying into the next room. The door slammed shut and Jejune rushed to Vittoria, laying a hand on her face. The pain stopped, but the heartache didn't.

Jejune spoke quietly, "I can't remove the disfigurement. But I can get you away from here." She cut the physical bonds and waved a palm, freeing the invisible ones. "Hessler will have no choice but to leave, I'll see to that, too."

Vittoria said nothing, her mouth and lips marred too badly for speech. Jejune hauled Vittoria out of the chair and dragged her out of the sitting room, through the house, and out to her vehicle.

Shoving Vittoria into the car, Jejune rushed around and got behind the steering wheel. "I'm taking you to the quad. The groundskeepers start early, 6 am, they'll find you."

Vittoria slid her gaze sideways, the pain creeping back in an intense wave. Jejune flicked her wrist and Vittoria fell into blessed unconsciousness.

So far, this manuscript is coming together very nicely. I'm enjoying writing something a little darker with spots of humor. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye