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: Fistful of Sorry

I hope everyone who has a long weekend gets to enjoy the time off. We're continuing to be low-key and not really doing much more than our usual food fest of pizza, burgers, brats, and sides. I've been trying to balance cleaning and sorting with writing and editing work.

Had a really solid week of television viewing. I started out with Peak Practice. I had to skip an episode because it's not available for streaming.

Caught another Master Class lesson about graphic design. This one featured using photography in design. Got a few great ideas to maybe use for covers and marketing material.

Ended up watching a full episode of Blue Heelers and started another. The tension and conflict seems to be amping up and I'm not sure I really like it. It's gone a little into soap territory, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it's not what I expected.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina pulled a fast one and made me shift my opinion a little on Zelda. This is a good thing. I really didn't like her at all until she chose Sabrina and Hilda over the high priest. I kind of hope he dies in a fire. I'm also not loving the teacher. Again, it might be residual Doctor Who dislike bleeding over.

Caught an episode of the Ready Room. I like Wil's enthusiasm and he asks some great questions. Looking forward to the recap of episode three.

Watched a couple of Passionflix originals. A holiday Quickie, The Merry Mistake, entertained with a mistaken identity vibe. That finished up the holiday fare from this past year. I also got to watch the premiere of Wicked and thoroughly enjoyed! I'm looking forward to more paranormal romance adaptations.

Got another episode of Chicago Med in. This one ended up being a good viewing with lots going on but fairly equal storylines.

Caught the opener of the third season of No Offence. Man. A gut-wrenching episode. I love, love, love Dinah and Spike's friendship. I have a sneaky suspicion he'll be moving up and forming the third point of the trio now. I'm okay with that.

Finished up the tenth season of Silent Witness and should start series eleven this week. This is an episode I remembered watching but I'd forgotten how it played out. Ended up really loving it.

Started the sixteenth season of Classic Who. New companion, new K-9, new multiple arcs with a single thread. I think I'll like through line with four-part arcs.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one had a focus on police files. Pretty interesting.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fistful of Sorry, a novella that has the main characters at odds but finally realizing they balance each other to perfection.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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.

And a preview snippet…

Orly waited a full day to track Cal down again. When he answered her knock, he raised a brow but otherwise ignored her. Okay, he's still very pissed off.

She met his gaze and offered a simple apology. "I'm sorry." Best place to start, right?

Cal remained silent … for a long time. When he didn't acknowledge her apology, she didn't know what else to do. Dipping her chin, Orly turned to walk away.

Cal finally spoke. "You know what? You are. A very sorry excuse for a role model." He spun around and stalked into the living room. "But you never signed on to be one did you?" His scathing look should've left scorch marks on the floor between them.

Her shoulders slumped. Figured he'd go for the jugular, when a simple smack to the head would do. She wanted to run, but couldn't make her feet move. She needed to make him see her sincerity.

Or die trying.

She bit back a sigh. "No, I don't want to be a role model, but I accept that's part of the package." Moving into the room, she closed the door. "I'm trying to make amends and do what's right." What more did he want from her?

Cal snorted. "How? By coming in here with a fistful of sorry and expecting everything to be okay?" He flung a hand out. "Well, it's not right … or okay." He sank down on the sofa and shook his head.

Orly flinched a little. "It's a start." She settled across from him on the opposite end of the cough.

Cal exhaled slowly. "Yeah, but like I said, it's not enough."

She pushed back. "What will be enough?" He had to give her something to go on.

Cal shrugged. "I don't know. Willingness to change. Adapt to different needs?" He pinned her with his gaze. "An ability to assess the best way to bring out the talent of someone different."

The light-bulb went on in her mind. "Like you do with me?" How the hell had she missed that? "Crap, Cal. I just realized you bust me down and build me up all the time. You take me to task, tear into me, then when that doesn't work, you change your approach." She huffed out a breath. "At least a little, until I wrap my head around something. That's what I need to do, isn't it?"

Cal agreed. "It would probably help."

Orly sank back against the cushions. "Why do you put up with me?" She closed her eyes.

Cal snorted. "I asked myself that question before you came in."

Orly worried her lower lip. "What was the answer?"

Cal lifted a shoulder. "I didn't have one. In fact, I decided I needed some distance to figure it out."

Orly sat forward. "Please don't walk away, Cal. We're good together." The absolute best, in fact.

Cal arched a brow. "Don't you mean I'm good for you?"

She deflated a little. He made a valid point.

Cal straightened. "Hey, I'm not serious, Orly. Part of the reason I wanted distance is because—as you pointed out—I'm too close to Benson's situation. And if I don't have you to pull my head out my ass, I might suffocate."

She laughed and relaxed.

Cal grew serious. "The thing is, I can't get a handle on whether Benson really wanted to die or if he called for help with the attempt."

Orly jerked with reaction. "Help. It was a call for help." Her gut instinct didn't waver on that idea.

Cal arched an eyebrow. "You're certain, are you?"

Orly nodded. "Fairly." She explained about her parting words to Benson during the last class. "I'm certain his attempt took balls and what he couldn't speak he demonstrated."

Cal exhaled on a long breath. "It's not going to be easy for him to come back from his actions." Concern marred his face.

Conviction filled her. "Then I'll help him." For as long as it took.

Orly has a double challenge to meet with getting Benson back on track and showing Cal she wants to work with him instead of against him.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fistful of Sorry

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. And if you're not a dad, happy weekend!

It's been a long week with back and forth temperatures that always wreak havoc with my allergies. Bleh. But… not a bad week for television viewing. I started out with more Mutant X and followed with Endeavor and Midsomer Murders.

Then I hit The Sarah Conner Chronicles. I'd forgotten how dramatic Derek's entrance to the fold was. I'm also a little more than halfway through Constantine and I liked the fallen angel episode.

I finished up The Batman season four and really enjoyed the series. I think there might be a few more episodes floating around but I'm not sure. I caught several episodes of Classic Who up through the third episode in the Key of Marinus arc.

Pensacola Wings of Gold isn't half bad. Fits in with my military-themed shows of Strike Back and Band of Brothers. Chicago Fire is just over the midway point and I'm hoping to finish out the season soon. I caught Sense8's "Demons" episode and really enjoyed it. It's not as hard to keep things straight as I thought it would be. Really, a great show.

Loved seeing Hurst go down on Blind Spot. I need to mainline some episodes because they're getting close to expiration. This makes me a little angry. I realize the season is over but, honestly, unless the DVD is going to be released within a month, keep the episode live, dammit. Just saying.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fistful of Sorry, a novella about how the main characters approach their work from opposite angles and how not listening to each other can have harsh consequences.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Orly answered the door only half-awake. "Cal, what's up?" She stepped back, letting him into her suite of rooms. "Is that coffee I smell?" Mmmm, gotta love a man who knew all her weaknesses.

Cal strolled over to the table and dropped a drink carrier in the middle. "Yeah, and…" He shook a bag filled with something in the food category. "Some of those glazed donut breakfast sandwiches you love so much." Reaching in, he pulled one out and handed it over.

She moaned. "What did I do to deserve such a decadent treat?" She unwrapped the pure goodness of an egg, sausage, cheese, bacon, ham, and a hashbrown stuffed between two pieces of a pan-fried glazed donut.

Sitting down, she motioned for him to join her. Considering the day of the week, she didn't expect to see him until class started. They saved hooking up for weekends when semesters were in session.

Cal settled across from her and popped the lid off his coffee. "I had a meeting with Barnabas Mikkleson this morning." He blew across the steaming brew, his face pensive.

Orly quirked a brow. "An elder mage first thing on a Monday? Did someone die?" She removed her cap from her cup and waited for it to cool.

Cal blinked and shook his head. "No, nothing like that. He's got a grandson coming into the program." He folded the wrapper back and took a bite of his sandwich. "Filled me in on some of his background." He finished chewing and swallowed. "We might want to look at a lighter approach with this kid." Setting the food aside, he took a long drink and eyed Orly over the rim of the cup.

She did a slow ten-count to move through the red haze of anger licking at her brain. One, two. Barnabas sucked for putting Cal in a position of suggesting a change. Three, four. And Cal sucked for making the damned suggestion. Five, six. She threw in Cal's connection to the elders through his grandfather. Seven, eight. And added how much drama the whole deal would create. Nine, ten. And finally arrived at her foregone conclusion. Not a chance in hell would she treat any cadet with kid gloves.

"No effing way." She got up and paced back and forth. "We're the best, Cal. We should be trusted to do the job the way we see fit." And not have anyone run interference for their family members.

Cal sighed and opened his mouth to speak.

Orly cut him off. "I'm not changing my methods. End of story." She dropped back down to her seat and folded her arms across her chest.

Cal's mouth thinned to straight line. "We've had this argument before. Will you never realize each mage has individual strengths and weaknesses?" He leaned forward, poking a finger in her direction. "Which means some need a different approach to learn."

Orly waved a hand. "Will you never learn our responsibility rests in breaking new recruits down and building them back up?" She huffed out breath. "We'll keep having this damn argument until you do."

Cal gathered the remnants of his breakfast and dumped the trash in the can. "Guess there's nothing for it but to brace for a bumpy ride." He shook his head. "Especially if you're going to remain inflexible."

Orly stood up and headed for her door. "Guess you're right." Twisting the knob, she pulled the heavy oak slab open.

She didn't want to argue and having him leave now would save them a huge fight. She truly hoped they could leave this conflict in the classroom and still have their weekends together.

Cal closed his eyes for a moment then slowly made his way to her side. "I'll be keeping an eye on things, Orly. Mikkleson's request wasn't made lightly."

Sweeping her arm toward the corridor, she nodded. "Whatever, Cal. What we do works and if Barnabas's grandkid can't cut it, it's not our problem."

Cal pinned her with his gaze. "I think you're going to discover it'll very much become our problem." He crossed the threshold. "See you in class later."

Orly resisted the urge to slam the door behind him. Wouldn't help the situation or make her feel better. And the loud sound would only serve to increase the dull headache that bloomed along her temples.

She might as well grab a shower and get ready for a challenging day in the classroom.

I truly love writing these characters. It's fun to show two sides of a challenge where both characters think they're right, then break it down from there.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fistful of Sorry

October 25, 2015

WooHoo! Halloween is almost here! I love the fall holiday and even plan to decorate my all-year-round tree with some cool lights and creepy ribbon. I'm even planning to do a Thanksgiving themed tree if time doesn't get away from me. LOL

Television round up this week… not bad overall. I totally stayed away from discussing The Walking Dead, mainly because I didn't want to spoil anyone and I couldn't talk about the show without going into detail. I'll take a moment to say I LOVE how this season is kicking off and leave things there.

As always, I'm thrilled with how The Flash and Arrow are progressing. I thoroughly enjoy the alternate Flash and I like how Thea's time in the pit is being handled. Really interested to see how Sarah's resurrection plays out. (Hint… she'll be fine… eventually).

Agents of SHIELD continues to intrigue me. I have several theories floating around in my head about how things will play out, and I'm actually loving how many different storylines are being addressed. Keep it up!

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow are on my catch up list. Last week's schedule went off the rails so I'm watching both shows on demand.

Lost Girl and The Murdoch Mysteries are also staying excellent. And I started a new show called The Romeo Section that has me very interested. I'll keep everyone posted on how I fare with that one.

Finally, Doctor Who… eh. Seriously, I'm seeing so many people rave about the new season and I'm really not feeling it. The fandom theory that Ashildr will end up being Missy and the Doctor created the Master doesn't work for me. However, there is one way I could get behind the concept… Missy isn't a regeneration of the Master, but she decided to play the role. That might be an interesting twist.

Anyway, TV update for the week is over.

Tonight's post is from Fistful of Sorry, a novella where my heroine jumps in with both feet and it costs her than expects.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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. Clearly in the wrong, Orly can't take back her actions, so making amends is all she has left.

And a preview snippet…

Cal Luminity sat across from Barnabas Mikkleson, a premier mage on the board of magicks, and waited patiently for the man to speak his mind.

Barnabas sighed and leaned forward. "Cal, my boy, I appreciate you coming to meet with me." He pulled a file from thin air and opened it, turning it toward Cal. "My grandson, Benson, is one of your cadets." His gnarled finger pointed to the picture. "He's a good kid, but… well… he's not the quickest mage in the group." He settled back and folded his hands over this stomach.

Cal quickly scanned the information in the student file. "He just started last week?" A little soon to form impressions.

Barnabas nodded. "Yes. And I'm meeting you to ask a favor, which you're under no obligation to provide."

Cal quirked a brow. Translation—it would be to his benefit if he didn't cross Barnabas on this one.

Barnabas smirked, just a little. "Take some time with the kid. He's got some solid skill, he just needs some encouragement." He leaned forward a little, using a lower tone. "Got a lot of his mother in him and she didn't have a full grasp on reality. You know what I mean?"

Cal, and everyone else in the mage society, heard the stories about Mikkleson's daughter-in-law. A brilliant spell-caster but slightly off-balance with day-to-day routines. Margie finally ended up losing her mage privileges and could only cast spells when under supervision.

So, basically, Benson's brain had some wiring issues and would need a softer touch.

Cal closed the file. "I'll be happy to take him under my wing, Barnabas. And let the other instructors know—"

Mikkleson sat forward and smacked his palm on the desk. "No! This stays between you and me. Benson is shy and backwards enough as it is. If he discovers you're all treating him like a special case, he'll shrink even further into his shell." His stern features relaxed. "I want him to flourish, not flounder. All I ask is you maybe keep an eye on him and offer some extra time when you have it available." He settled back in his seat again.

Cal frowned. While he understood the premier mage's position, he didn't like having his hands tied. A quiet word with the other mage superiors would help smooth Benson's transition from plebe to cadet.

But he didn't want to piss off one of his grandfather's oldest friends, either.

Cal stood and gave Barnabas a nod. "I'll do as you request, Barnabas. We'll bring Benson along and get him up to speed."

Mikkleson tapped the file and sent it back to the mage academy then thrust his hand out. "I appreciate it, Cal. Thank you."

Cal grasped his palm. "Happy to help, Barnabas. Always." He turned to head for the double doors.

Cal's willingness to help creates a lot of friction and his headache is only beginning.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fistful of Sorry

December 8, 2013

Hello!

Okay, getting the TV stuff out of the way first, as always, but did you watch the Arrow mid-season finally? If you didn't, why not!! Seriously, the show keeps getting better and better, and it was already pretty damned great. :D

Sons of Anarchy finale this week and whoa. I seriously have no idea how anything will play out. Sutter never quite goes where I think he will and that's part of what I love about the show.

Walking Dead gave me a very satisfactory finale even if it killed off one of my favorite characters. Can't ask for more than that, right?

I'm hoping to start Almost Human in the near future and catch up so I can watch in real time. I've heard very good things about the show.

Tonight's post is from Fistful of Sorry, a novella with magic and mayhem and two characters whose bond is tested.

Here's the tagline:

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.

And the preview snippet…

Orly picked up her pace and caught up with Cal. "What the hell is your problem?"

He whirled around and glared. Anger and emotion rolled off him in waves and Orly had a stark, terrifying moment of fear roil in her gut.

"Did Benson—" She couldn't finish the question, afraid the answer would make her heave.

Cal huffed out an irritated breath. "Oh, don't worry, he's still breathing." He waited a beat. "And should pull through without any permanent damage." He started forward again.

Orly grabbed his arm. "That's good news, but again, I gotta ask. What is your damn problem." She let go of him when he jerked away.

Cal eyes went wide and he made a strangled choking sound. "If I have to explain it, you're hopeless, Orly. Utterly, completely hopeless." He took a step then turned back. "You know what? It's not hopeless. You're reckless, rash, and irresponsible."

He moved towards her and she instinctively kept distance between them. Cal rarely lost his temper, but when he did, even she knew to give him space. When her shoulders hit the wall, she braced for impact, because Cal didn't look close to being finished.

He stood toe to toe with Orly. "I told you, no warned you, Benson needed a light touch and what did you do?" He leaned in, getting up close and personal. "You went after him, beating him back, breaking him down, and pushing him past his limits. Why?" He stopped, clenching his jaw.

Orly flinched, but didn't look away. "Because we're mage superiors. It's what we do." She kept her tone low and calm even though she wanted to yell and shout.

Cal snorted. "No it's not, Orly. It's what you do. And for what?" He stepped back, shaking his head. "Not a damn thing. You damned near cost a promising cadet his life today. The only thing you gained is a potential black mark on your record after his grandfather hears about Benson's suicide attempt." Cal grimaced. "Not that you have a shortage of those." He made a disgusted sound and walked away, his shoulders rigid with unreleased tension.

Orly blew out a short breath and dragged another one in. She didn't like the mirror Cal held up or what reflected back at her. She had taken a hard line with Benson, and maybe dealt with him a little more harshly than she should. A little? The guy tried to overdose, dumb ass. Blinking, Orly finally owned her part. She'd shoved her responsibility into a dark corner of her mind, but Cal had the uncanny ability to shine a big ass spot light into those deep, hidden crevices. She didn't like it, mainly because he usually called her mistakes for the fuck-ups they were.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

She didn't care about going on report. She'd deal with whatever backlash came her way. But she didn't want Cal to write her off. His actions and tone had a note of finality that gnawed away at her psyche. And why wouldn't he walk away? He had warned her. No, first, he'd asked her to consider trying a different tactic with Benson. Then he offered the know-it-all advice. Dammit. Chin deep in muck and her closest ally pretty much couldn't stand her at the moment.

Orly pushed away from the wall. She'd give Cal a little time to cool down and then see if they could hash things out. She'd rather not have his anger bleed over into their job.

Because the level of suckitude that equaled didn't bear thinking about.

Orly has some serious amends to make and Cal definitely won't make it easy. Where's the fun in that, right?

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye