Sunday Snippet: Events in Motion

Can't believe we're almost through April. And yet … it's been a really long month. May has some great things happening, namely my youngest graduating from college. She starts grad school in the fall, and I'm amazed by her. I can't wait to see what she does with her future.

Had an okay week of viewing. I'm behind on my work projects so I didn't push hard to get stuff watched, but I did make a full rotation of my shows.

I finished the regular series of My Life Is Murder. I have the bonus content left to watch. I actually loved this show. And, to my astonishment, it looks like there will be a fourth season! And it premieres tonight if I can trust the interwebs.

Caught an episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. A little disappointed with the friction and push back from Caron about interference with the case, but it's probably a little more true to life than not.

Finished up Silent Witness and loved how it ended. Things didn't go quite the way I expected. I love it when that happens.

Watched the first episode of Jack's tenure of Death in Paradise. I liked the transition from Humphrey to Jack. We're also getting into episodes I've not seen anything of yet and I'm excited to watch new stuff.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. This one didn't have the police coming to Sherlock for consultation. He brought a case to them, and I'd like to see more of that. Almost through the first season so maybe I'll get what I want here.

Caught another episode of The Batman and it's one I remembered watching before. I love it when Alfred's past comes calling. He's got some interesting friends.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats and, again, this is a new to me one. I don't remember either of the vignettes and that's always fun for me.

Finished out the week with some more Peak Practice. I'm trying to get through the episode I started a few weeks ago. I might get it finished this week.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Events in Motion, a novella that explores the journey a couple has to take to find a new home.

Here's the miniblurb:

Fate has a plan for Drury, one she's not all that certain she wants to follow. Porter doesn't believe in destiny, but when Drury sets a chain of events in motion, he has to change his perspective or risk losing her to chance.

And a preview snippet…

Drury reached a deep level of meditation. The oracle said Dru would be able to achieve what she needed to. Foretold the future that would rely on something involving Dru and taking a new path.

As if doing actual meditation doesn't already count as something new and different.

She rarely got to the place where her focus zeroed in on specifics. Most of the time, meditating allowed her to silence the noise in her head for short bursts—long enough to stay sane but not lengthy enough to subdue the constant, quiet roar. Porter helped but she shouldn't keep using him.

Fuzzy images gained clarity in her mind's eye. A large, looming structure shifted through a series of snapshot moments. Quick flashes, barely more than blips in her brain shuffled like pages being turned. These are familiar. I know where this is.

Her eyes popped open. "I have to go to the temple." She took a moment to recenter her being then got to her feet.

Crossing the room, she started packing, tossing necessities into a large duffle. With no way of knowing how long she would need, she added enough to cover a week. Movement from behind had her turning to discover Porter leaning against the door jamb.

She zipped her bag. "I'm going to the temple. Whatever questions I have … the answers will be there." Or at least the starting point would be there.

Porter nodded. "Give me fifteen minutes. I'm going with you." He pushed away from the door and headed for the front entrance.

Her gaze narrowed but she didn't argue. She wanted him along. Instinct told her she could use his steady presence. And her heart settled somewhere between hope and wary consternation over his offer to come along.

Hoisting the duffle over her shoulder, she followed him. "Do you want to meet me there?" She set the bag on the table and grabbed a backpack to store water and food.

Porter shook his head. "No. From this moment forward, where you go I go. I'll pack, grab some more supplies then come back for you." He met her gaze. "Fifteen minutes. I promise." His hand twisted the doorknob.

Tears pricked behind her eyelids. "Why are you doing this?" She didn't really deserve his support.

Porter tilted his head to one side. "You need someone in your corner, Dru. I'm that person. I've got your back, and I always will." Pulling the door open, he headed outside.

She blinked hard to clear her vision, letting the teardrops trickle down her cheeks. Because … she didn't just need someone.

She needed him.

I'm very pleased with how this story is shaking out. Dru is in for a wild ride and Porter will keep her grounded.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Events in Motion

Weird weather week with sun followed by a huge middle finger FU from Mother Nature with snow and rain. At least I got a lot of stuff done around the house and had time to get a good bit of writing in also.

Decent week for television. I caught another episode of Picard and thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved getting some additional background on Chris. I'm honestly not completely sure how I feel about the Romulans but I love the intrigue of everything that's going on.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and also loved getting more background about Rhodes. I'm a fan of the actor and I'm a total sucker for characters who have dad issues.

Since it snowed this week, I watched a Passionflix holiday Quickie. A Holiday Lift ended up being pretty fun. I love the whole stuck in an elevator trope.

Ended up watching a complete episode of Blue Heelers and started another one. I love stumbling across actors who got their start on this show. A favorite from City Homicide guest starred in one of the episodes.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and it went in a direction I didn't expect. I love it when shows do that.

Caught another episode of No Offence. Again, the show went in a direction I completely didn't expect it to go in. Excellent stuff!

Watched a full arc of Classic Who. I ended up getting annoyed with Four again. Sometimes he's just a bit too full of himself.

Enjoyed another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on possible earth landings and linked several ancient cultures to the mythology. Very fun episode.

Caught two more episodes of The Muppet Show. I'm almost finished with the first season and really enjoyed Ethel Merman's stint as a guest star.

Last, but not least, I watched another episode of Peak Practice. I'm not quite finished with it yet but it's going to have a sad ending so I'm putting it off. LOL

That's it for life and television updates this week. Tonight's post is from Events in Motion, a novella where the main characters are on a path designed by fate and they're not sure they want to be there.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fate has a plan for Drury, one she's not all that certain she wants to follow. Porter doesn't believe in destiny, but when Drury sets a chain of events in motion, he has to change his perspective or risk losing her to chance.

And a preview snippet…

Porter ducked out of the grotto. "Meditation, bah!" Why the hell did Dru think she had to commune with whatever the hell she thought existed out there?

He strode down the sidewalk with his hands clenched into fists.

"You're an idiot, Porter Magda."

He whirled to find the oracle, Gwyn Beecha, gliding toward him.

Moving off the walkway, he braced his shoulders against a mighty oak. "Thanks for the observation, Gwyn. Wanna share what I did wrong this time?" He couldn't wait to get another verbal bitchslap from someone.

"You don't help her."

He assumed the her to be Dru. "I've been there for her. The safe port in the storm when she wrecks her life. What more do you want?" He closed his eyes.

Gwyn tsked. "Such a burden. But hers is bigger. You know that somewhere deep inside you."

Gah! He hated the soothsayer bullshit. Even when a kernel of truth existed in her words.

He lowered his chin. "I know she needs someone and I'm it. The rest … I don't care about." The whole destiny from on high mumbo-jumbo did not impress him. "Or believe in."

Gwyn lifted a shoulder in a delicate move. "Believe in destiny or don't, but you have to have faith in something." She pinned him with a hard stare.

Damn, he hated Gwyn's all-seeing gaze. "I have faith in Dru. Always have. Always will." The otherworldly stuff he could do without.

Gwyn narrowed her gaze. "Do you love her?"

He didn't hesitate. "Yes." He did, pretty much more than anything.

Gwyn lifted her chin. "Then you have to give your full support. No matter what. If you don't, Porter, we'll all lose her. I can't underscore this enough." She put her hand on his arm. "Get out of your own way and do what needs to be done."

With those final words, she turned and slowly glided away.

Porter started after her. "What the hell has she seen?" Didn't matter … he obviously needed to do more.

Too bad he didn't know exactly what.

And maybe that's the whole point.

When I plotted this one out I ended up having additional ideas for how things should play out. There will two more installments of Dru and Porter's story.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Events in Motion

Hello, May! I'm having a momentary freak-out because we're a month away from June, which means half the year is almost gone. Seriously, time goes fast sometimes. Jeez.

Busy week for television. I caught the third episode of Krypton and, yeah, I'm hooked. I love this show. Also caught another episode of Ghost Squad and enjoyed it more than the second one. Started watching episodes of Classic Who too. My Roku is working overtime right now. LOL

Tuesday's viewing included Endeavor, more Classic Who, Midsomer Murders, and the CW Seed original Freedom Fighters: The Ray, A Hero Rises. I also caught up on an episode of Gotham and seriously… I've said it before but season four is kicking so much ass. This show is rising on my list of favorites and entering the top tier. It's awesome.

Wednesday ended up being a little light on viewing. I caught The Flash a little late because I missed it Tuesday. Not a bad episode. That said, I kind of don't care at all about how DeVoe arrived at his batshit crazy decision to "enlighten" the rest of the world. Thankfully there aren't many more episodes to get through. Just saying. Also caught an episode of Chicago Fire and Jessica Jones. At this point, I'm totally done with Trish. Season three will have a long way to go if they want me to ever like that character again.

On Thursday, I caught Arrow in real time and ended up loving the episode. The twisty turns were terrific and I'm truly thrilled Oliver and Rene arrived at a better place. Watched two episodes of Blindspot and almost finished the second season.

Friday included the last episode of Blindspot's second season and an episode of Chicago PD. I'm so excited to start season three of Blindspot and can't wait to see what happened to get Jane in Nepal and covered in bioluminescent tattoos.

Saturday's viewing included the first episode of Blindspot's season three. Getting the team back together with a completely new dynamic is great. I'm very interested in what the hell Roman is doing. I also caught episode twelve of Jessica Jones. No, I haven't changed my mind about Trish. I'm still really pissed off at her. I did rather like the intimate takedown Jeri pulled. That was actually kind of brilliant. Finally, I started to get caught up on Riverdale.

Whew. What a week! Tonight's post is from Events in Motion, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of creating a scene with whispering, a temple, and a totem. I liked the challenge.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fate has a plan for Drury, one she's not all that certain she wants to follow. Porter doesn't believe in destiny, but when Drury sets a chain of events in motion, he has to change his perspective or risk losing her to chance.

And a preview snippet…

We're not a couple anymore… why am I here?

Because Drury proved hard to quit. And I'm a sucker for lost causes. Obviously.

Didn't help she'd ended their relationship. If he'd had a choice, he would've tried to work out their differences. Yeah, she had a heavy burden. Had been through a life-altering experience—one he didn't believe in or understand. But she didn't even try to explain, choosing to cut him out of her life instead.

Love wore many layers and he hadn't been able to shed more than maybe the top tier. The one that acknowledged they weren't together anymore. Didn't stop him from wanting her or keep her from taking up space in his head or his heart.

Dammit. What an idiot.

Dru put her hand on his chest. "Porter, you're overthinking things again." She sat up and maneuvered around to straddle his lap.

His body reacted, same as always whenever her succulent ass got within contact range. His dick went hard and nudged up against the apex of her thighs. Exactly what she wanted.

Her mouth twitched into a sexy smirk. "Mmm. See what happens when your brain shuts down?" She leaned in, meshing her lips with his, her tongue seeking entrance.

Porter groaned and gave her access, which she took full advantage of. Her hands grabbed the hem of his shirt, lifting the fabric up and over his head, barely breaking the kiss to do so.

This is not a good idea.

Dude, as if you're putting up a fight.

Seriously? Have you met Dru? She won't let anything keep her from what she wants.

She wants your dick, man.  

Yeah, she did. She had his pants undone and her palm wrapped around the heavy length. Her thumb worked over the sensitive tip and Porter swallowed down a moan. Ground rules. They needed some ground rules before this went further.

He eased away, cupping her face. "Dru… we should probably—"

She cut him off. "Please, Port. Please." A wobble of desperate need quivered in her plea.

And… Boom! Screw the rules. He dropped right into giving Dru whatever she needed mode.

Gotta say the challenge of writing Dru and Porter is an enjoyable one. Making sure the conflict doesn't overshadow their connection is fun.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Events in Motion

Hmmm. As much as I love Doctor Who, I have to admit to being underwhelmed by the season premiere. I'm not a huge fan of Missy in any way, shape, or form. I love the concept of a female Master, but eh, not thrilled with the storylines she's been featured in. We'll see how the rest of the season goes.

I have been enjoying the new season of Longmire. I like to move to Netflix and, so far, all the episodes have been pretty solid. I think I have two left before I'm done.

I wish I had more excited for the new fall season but nothing is really sparking my interest with the new slate of shows. I am looking forward to my faves returning so at least I'll have something to rave about each week. LOL

Tonight's post is from Events in Motion, a novella where my characters try to fight fate and don't have the best results.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fate has a plan for Drury, one she's not all that certain she wants to follow. Porter doesn't believe in destiny, but when Drury sets a chain of events in motion, he has to change his perspective or risk losing her to chance.

And a preview snippet…

Drury Amanze tossed and turned, in the grip of a dream she had full cognizance of but no control over. She floated above the planet, weightless and serene, but the imagery cast frightening disasters—hurricane floods, blazing wildfires, raging blizzards—all covering the rock in the universe she called home. The devastation and destruction made her arms wrap around her midsection. Horror clogged her throat until she couldn't breathe. She gasped for air and a strangled scream tore through the quiet of space and she plummeted, free-falling through the atmosphere, picking up speed the charred earth rushing upward to greet her.

"Dru! Wake up!"

A pair of hands shook her roughly and she jerked awake on another scream. Strong arms went around her, hauling her up against a solid cest.

A soothing voice whispered against her ear. "I've got you, Dru. You're okay."

Porter.

She sank into his warm embrace, curling her arms around him. Tears flowed down her cheeks. When did I start crying? And his fingers brushed the droplets away.

 He tilted her chin up towards him. "You had a dream, Dru. A nightmare. But I'm here. You're safe." His lips pressed against her forehead.

She nodded, but couldn't speak yet. The horrific obliteration of their planet still spun through her head, but the images were fading, going gray and hazy around the edges. Porter braced his back against the headboard and tucked her head in the crook of his shoulder. He didn't say anything, but the inhale and exhale of his breathing soothed her further. The terrible dream faded, but a constant buzzing hummed in her head.

Dru chalked the sound up to being shaken and exhausted. Closing her eyes, she burrowed closer to Porter. He tugged a lightweight throw up and over them.

He stroked his palm over her hair. "I'll stay through the night. Get some rest."

At least he didn't tell her to sleep. She didn't think she could handle another nightmare tonight. But she'd take the comfort Porter offered… especially since she didn't have a claim on his nighttime hours anymore. Hell, she didn't even know why he'd shown up, but thank the universe he had.

She gave his midsection a squeeze. "Thank you. For being here."

Porter rested his chin on her head. "You're welcome, Dru. Anytime."

Her lips curved, just a little. The man never failed to come through for her.

Even when they weren't a couple anymore.

Another one of my favorite stories to write… the couple who finds their way back to each other.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Events in Motion

November 24, 2013

Greetings!

Another great TV week. The 50^th anniversary of Doctor Who truly made my entire week. Sooooo nice to watch a show I love on BBC America and not get stuck with ninety-seven episodes of some Gordon Ramsay show and/or Top Gear. Don't get me wrong, both shows are okay, I'm just really tired of how often they're on during the day. The BBC has a HUGE library and I used to love watching all the various offerings before the network got overrun with a chef and three car enthusiasts. *sigh*

Anyway, Arrow delivered and provided several off the charts levels of awesome. Seriously, I live for Wednesdays. Let's see, Sons of Anarchy brought some good stuff to the table. Sometimes I think if certain people would shut up and other certain folks would sit down and have an actual conversation, things might go a whole lot easier. I may have a nice, long post on my TV blog—which rarely gets used—once the season is over.

I could go on but since it seems like next week is hiatus for the Turkey Day holiday, I'll save some reactions for that post.

Tonight's snippet is from Events in Motion, a fantasy based erotic novella centered on fulfilling a destiny.

Here's the tagline:

Fate has a plan for Drury, one she's not all that certain she wants to follow. Porter doesn't believe in destiny, but when Drury sets a chain of events in motion, he has to change his perspective or risk losing her to chance.

And a preview snippet…

Porter let go of her hand and wandered to the far side of the temple. The offerings were plenty and the opulence of the sanctum took Drury's breath away. She strolled around the sacred area, her gaze scanning treasures and tithes. A grotto encasing a likeness of the goddess drew her attention and she crossed the center of the space, almost by compulsion. She slowed her gait, gripped by hesitation. The marble statue had detailed carvings, with intricately twisted latticework.

Compelled, Drury inched closer and closer to the idol. She felt the sound more than heard it—a faint, vague whisper. She closed her eyes, fighting a wave of fear. Hadn't she rid herself of the steady static in her head?

Her fingers brushed over the scrolled filigree on the temple goddess and the marble pillar hummed with vibration. Porter approached but said nothing. Drury placed her palm directly on the totem and the walls shook, knocking Drury off kilter.

Porter steadied her. "If it's important, you better grab it now." His gaze flicked around the room. "The place isn't stable. We'll have to come back later, Dru."

Drury lifted her hand and the trembling stilled. "It's me, Port." She slowly glanced sideways, meeting his gaze. "The place is reacting to me."

Porter's grip tightened. "Are you sure, Dru?" He kept his tone cautious.

She pressed her hand against the cool surface again and it warmed, the rumbling resumed and the floor cracked beneath their feet.

Jerking away, Dru collapsed, but Porter broke her fall, wrapping her in his embrace before sweeping an arm under her legs. He lifted her with ease and ducked falling objects, making a steady retreat towards the exit.

Images, clear and vivid, filled her mind, brief flashes of clarity that took her breath away. She gripped Porter's shoulder after he exited the temple, her fingers digging into his flesh. She wanted to find out more… had to.

He set her on her feet and cocked an eyebrow. "Are you okay?"

She nodded and gulped in several deep breaths. "I'm fine. And I know what I need to do."

Porter shook his head. "I'm not going to like it, am I?"

Her lips quirked. "Probably not. I have to go back in." She turned towards the entrance.

Porter reached out, halting her progress. "Uh uh. No way, Dru. That place is gonna collapse if you step foot back inside."

Her shoulders squared. "Maybe, but I'm doing it anyway." She shot a glance his way. "I have to find answers, Port. The temple is my best bet." She prayed he understood.

His lips thinned to a stern line. "You can't get anything if you're dead." He grabbed her arm, turning her towards him. "Wait one damned minute and think, Dru. Think about why the whole flaming building started falling apart." His tone softened. "If you figure that part out, you might be able to find what you need without burying us in the process."

Drury snorted. "Maybe I pissed the goddess off. Or my supposed cosmic connection to the universe is on the crapper." His final words hit her. "Wait, us?" She backed up a little. "No way, Port. I'm not asking you to go back in there with me."

He stepped forward, invading her personal space. "You don't have to. I'm volunteering." His hand cupped her face. "Dru, you're still shaking with reaction. You're terror can't be helping. If you're so in tune with the place, it probably feeds off your fear."

Son of bitch. Why hadn't she considered the possibility? Because her natural instinct to fight always kicked in at the worst possible moment.

Her shoulders slumped. "Dammit, you're right, Port." Her gaze met his. "I need to know everything, but I'm reluctant to accept my role, whatever the hell it is."

Porter wrapped his arms around her, hauling her close. "I know, Dru, and I'm not a great believer in mapped destinies, but if nothing else, I'm along for the ride." He eased away, his hands moving forward to tilt her chin upward. "I've got your back. You won't face anything alone." His head lowered and his mouth met hers.

She found solace in the kiss, and strength. Porter provided calm in the swirling storm she called her life. His quiet skepticism kept her tethered when she feared spinning out of control would become the norm.

Easing away, she broke the embrace, resting her forehead on his chin. Inhaling deeply, she pushed everything but Porter and the need for answers out of her mind then stepped back, holding her hand out.

Porter laced their fingers together and squeezed her palm.

He nodded towards the temple. "Let's go."

Ahhh. I love a good man who offers backup without getting too bossy about it. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye