Sunday Snippet: Hell Is in the Details

Washing machine update. The new washer got here and I'm happy to say the mountain of clothes is now a manageable pile. It's amazing!

Coffeemaker update. The new one arrived and it's a combo single cup or full pot. I love it. Here's hoping my caffeine habit doesn't trash this one in under a year.

Another crazy-busy work week. I finished up the mystery and the romance copy edits and started a cozy mystery. Also continued with novella edits. Had a couple of calls about two or three new projects. I'm excited! I also managed to get some good writing in for myself. A good week!

I didn't get much of anything watched on my viewing schedule. I did a LOT of social media scrolling, especially after Biden stepped aside and endorsed Kamala Harris for the democratic nomination. That's unexpected and exciting. Also spent a lot of time shaking my head over the GOP nomination for vice president. It's going to be an interesting couple of months.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hell Is in the Details, a novella that explores what happens to a couple when one of them takes the other for granted.

Here's the miniblurb:

Macyn has a one-night stand with an immortal creature and suffers the consequences when he traps her in a maze of deception. Once free, she withdraws from her clan and it's up to Vig to bring her back from the brink of madness.

And a preview snippet…

Macyn ignored the stab of pain from his statement. Emphasis on her. Right.

She inhaled deeply. "Why the hell not?" The reason better be good because his lack of faith in her pissed her off.

Vig sighed. "Because you have to have your heart and mind so full of someone else the immortal can't draw from your life force." He paused a moment. "That means you have to be open and trust someone enough to give them power over both." He kept his features schooled with the exception of an arched brow.

And, okay, this time she deserved his doubt. Giving control over to someone else had never been her bailiwick. She met people as equals or nothing. And she handled sex the same way.

But … if Vig's idea worked, she couldn't not try. "Let's say I can. How does that kill the immortal?" Because if that fucker came back again, she'd end her life to be finished with him.

Vig lifted a shoulder. "It might not kill Bartlett, but it should weaken him enough to take his life force or drain it." He met and held her gaze. "The more you trust and love, the stronger your bond with someone else, the faster his chi will be drained."

She struggled to wrap her head around the concept. Once upon a time, she'd have said Vig fit the role of person she trusted most and loved the deepest. And yet … she'd never told him. Then she went totally off the rails and landed in Barnett's clutches.

Not her best moment.

And now … she had to get free. Obviously, shooting, stabbing—twice, strangulation, poison, fire … none of the other options she'd used worked to get rid of the horrific nightmare she'd unleased. But this—if she could expose herself completely to someone else—sounded too good to be possible.

Vig would be the only person she'd consider. But could she really give him dominion? Hadn't she had that once? With him? Yeah, maybe not so much. Tearing down walls and opening her heart didn't come easy … if either came at all.

But she had to try to get out of her own way.

She closed her eyes for a moment, then focused on Vig again. "Explain how this would work."

This story is full of twisty turns, and I love how it's coming together. Vig and Macyn have some big hurdles to get through.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hell Is in the Details

Another crazy-busy week but I got a lot of television watched. Finished up some short-term projects and got started a new long-term project that I'm excited about. July is almost over and I'm kind of surprised by how fast it's flying by.

On the television front, I actually got four episodes of The Muppet Show watched. Julie Andrews, Jaye P Morgan, Peter Sellers, and Petula Clark were the guest stars. Had a funny conversation with my brother about the reason I've been rewatching the series—mainly because it's something I remember us doing when we were way younger—and he regaled me with how he remembers certain skits more than he remembers the guest stars … and that's actually kind of true for me, too.

Ended up getting in two episodes of The Hardy Boys also. Really excited the guys got into the secret room and I loved how they completely disagreed about what to do with the pieces of the eye. Interested in what Stacy's game actually is. Something tells me she's not quite as ready to trash everything to do with the circle as she claims. I love how shady all the possible baddies are on this show. I can't wait to see how the first season ends with the finale.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice and enjoyed both. I liked being able to see Beth and Jack grieve for their loss. Andrew is definitely growing on me, which is a good thing because he sticks around for a long time. Will is Will and I like him as he is.

Watched two more Master Class lessons with David Carson. The first focused on designing impactful magazines and I got some good information from that one. The second one was about designing your future and had the four group members trying to predict what their future would like in design. It was interesting and I liked the group overall.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The final with midwinter as the backdrop ended up being really good. The opener of season two with the epiphany set some interesting dominoes in play. I'm kind of excited to see where things go.

Loved the finale of Street Legal. I'm kind of hoping there's a second season because I'd like to know where the characters end up going. I kind of didn't see the partners hooking up coming but I'm interested in how that ends up playing out.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med. Both were excellent. I'm so happy I'm finally able to catch this show from the beginning.

Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries had a great episode. Watching James and Peregrine tiptoe around each other makes my heart equally happy and sad. I love seeing the ramifications play out with them though. Next episode looks really good with Percy the Putz stirring the pot again.

Watched the second part of Silent Witness and ended up really enjoying the ending. I think I caught it during my initial run because I vaguely remember how things played out.

Got a full arc of Classic Who in and enjoyed the four episodes. I'm still not sure about the whole new regeneration of Romana but we'll see how the season plays out.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. I'm nearing the end of season two and I'm not sure if there's another season or not but I quite enjoy this show.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and, so far, it's interesting. There's a reporter that's annoying but otherwise good story rolling out.

Started a new-to-me series with Brokenwood Mysteries. I loved the first episode and look forward to see how the next few hold up to the premiere.

That's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from Hell Is in the Details, a novella that puts the characters on the path to undo some immortal magick.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Macyn has a one-night stand with an immortal creature and suffers the consequences when he traps her in a maze of deception. Once free, she withdraws from her clan and it's up to Vig to bring her back from the brink of madness.

And a preview snippet…

Macyn considered giving him a false reason. But he'd know. He always did. The guy read her like a book. And played her like a maestro. Only Vig could have flipped just the right switch to make her vent the rage she carried around.

She owed him the honest answer. "Research. I want the damned bastard dead. Permanently." Her gaze lifted and met his.

She waited, expecting Vig to volunteer. He didn't. She inclined her head, respecting his reason for not doing so. He wanted her to make the choice and commitment to ask for help.

She kept her line of sight steady. "Please tell me there's a way." There had to be…

Vig bobbed his head. "There's a way."

Son of a bitch. Her relief hit so hard she almost crumpled, but he stepped forward and angled her toward a chair.

Sinking down, she fought past the lump in her throat. "Show me how. Teach me, please." The word sounded so foreign coming from her, but not as hard to say as she'd imagined.

Vig reached out and clasped the bottle. "First, let's get this put away." When her fingers loosened, he tucked the alcohol back into the nook she'd pulled it from.

She inhaled slow and deep. "What's next?" Determination filled her but it battled with the defeat that wouldn't go away.

Vig held out his hand. "Come to my place for something to eat." He helped her up and wrapped an arm around her to keep her upright.

They made the walk to his home, the cool air helping to sober her up. She followed him into his kitchen and he put a couple of quick sandwiches together and settled across from her. She dutifully ate the ham and swiss—just the right amount of mustard—then drained the glass of water he'd placed on the table.

Why he took care of her, she'd question at a later time. She didn't warrant his tender treatment. Well … maybe not completely tender. He'd cut to the quick back in the catacombs.

Vig cleared the plates and sat down again. "I'll explain how to get rid of the immortal, but you won't like it."

At this point, she'd walk naked through the village if it worked. "I don't care. I want him gone for good and I'll do anything to make it happen."

Vig gave her a long, level look. "You might not be able to."

This book is coming together in way I didn't expect and I'm pleased with the results. I like the vibe between Macyn and Vig.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hell is in the Details

A low-key week finally. Didn't have a ton of running around to do and got a lot accomplished. Finished up a developmental edit for an author and two full copy edits. I'm thrilled with the productivity!

Not a bad week in television. I rewatched the premiere of Wynonna Earp because it was soooo good. Also caught another episode of Canal Road and The Dresden Files.

Finished series twelve of Midsomer Murders and caught a few episodes of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on Ovation.

Started a rewatch of Babylon 5, one of my all-time favorite shows. Caught volume one of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Also caught another season two episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles. I seriously forgot how much I loved that show. And it holds up pretty well, too. Finished Constantine and I'm ready for more John on Legends of Tomorrow.

Got an episode of Pensacola: Wings of Gold in and had mini-marathons of Murder, She Wrote and In the Heat of the Night.

Also watched the next episodes of Wynonna Earp and Killjoys. I'm gutted by events in Wynonna and Killjoys kicked ass in ways I thoroughly enjoyed. Seriously, Syfy, please give me more of shows like these. Please.

Got started on a few other shows but didn't have time to finish them yet. An update on those will come next week.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hell is in the Details, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of writing a mood, fear, nightmares, the feeling someone is following you.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Macyn has a one night stand with an immortal creature and suffers the consequences when he traps her in a maze of deception. Once free, she withdraws from her clan and it's up to Vig to bring her back from the brink of madness.

And a preview snippet…

Vig Ventura shoved the scroll aside and stretched the kinks from his shoulders. "Mace? You ready to go out?" Silence met his query.

He got up and looked for her. Nowhere on the first floor. Not on the second floor either. Headed for the attic on the off chance she'd gone up there to brood and curse him for being an ass.

Finally returned to the study and actually got a look at the time. "Aw, shit." He'd had his head bent over those damn texts for six freaking hours.

He always lost track of time when he got shoulder deep in research. Something Macyn didn't like—with good reason. They had plans tonight. And he'd screwed up. Again.

Grabbing his coat, he left his house and slid behind the wheel of his car. "I'll see if she went home. Maybe I can salvage something of the evening." They couldn't hit her favorite hot spots, but maybe a late dinner and a wild night in bed could still happen.

When he turned onto her street, her house sat dark and quiet. No car in her driveway and no porch light on. Damn. He'd really screwed shit up this time.

Heading back toward his neighborhood, he considered trying to call or even scrying to find her. "Nah. She's pissed. Rightfully so." He'd stop by her place in the morning and apologize profusely.

Hopefully she'd be willing to let him take her on a short trip to make up for not being available tonight. He'd drop the notes from tonight's research session off with the elders—let them interpret them—and whisk Macyn out to the lake for a few days of downtime.

Vague unease settled in his gut after he pulled into his garage. He wanted to put it down to the translations he'd completed, but the apprehension had a deeper hook. If the elders agreed with his findings, something dark would soon be in their realm.

After grabbing a quick shower, he crawled between the cold sheets on his bed and stared at the ceiling. "I should've cast a reminder spell. Or told Macyn to smack me upside the head if I got too deep." Not the first time their work pulled them in different directions.

They could be a better team. He always forgot she didn't have the same distractions he had when she went out to track for the elders. When she returned, his work started… more like continued, because he had an entire collection of historical items he could review and research while she went out to find more.

Heaving a sigh, he rolled to his side. "I'm sorry, Mace. I'll do better." His hand slid over the empty spot in his bed.

I promise I'll make the time you need.

I like the challenge of writing an established couple who run into issues because they don't quite have a handle on good communication skills.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hell is in the Details

Tis the season to battle nasty colds. Bleh. But it's a great time to catch up on my reading while drinking hot tea. :D

Television this week… The Walking Dead had a great episode. I'm rather enjoying the way we have batshit crazy episode where people are dying or might be dying then we follow it with a different pace, but no less intense episode. Seriously, kudos to the producers because I'm still glued to my screen each week.

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow again had good showings. I'm kind of ready for the twisty dance of the new mayor of Gotham to be completed and his hand fully revealed. And the same goes for Pandora on Sleepy Hollow.

The Flash is making me happy with several little twists. Having a different Wells in the mix is actually pretty fun and I’m crossing my fingers he doesn't turn out to be evil, but we'll see. I love how snarky he is towards everyone.

Arrow is also winding up with a great arc. I love the way the past is still being woven in with the present. And I’m really intrigued with Diggle's brother and what really happened. I have a feeling Darkh isn't being totally forthcoming, because where's the fun in that? LOL

Agents of SHIELD… yeah, totally didn't see the reveal of Lash coming. I should have, but I didn't. And now things are going to get really interesting. I am sort of hoping Ward gets some additional development and doesn't become a cardboard villain.

I watched the final episode of Lost Girl and got weepy because I’m going to miss that show so much. What a great run. I'll definitely enjoy a full rewatch sometime in the future.

And that's it for TV this week.

Tonight's post is from Hell is in the Details, a novella where my heroine learns a hard lesson about letting people in.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Macyn has a one night stand with an immortal creature and suffers the consequences when he traps her in a maze of deception. Once free, she withdraws from her clan and it's up to Vin to bring her back from the brink of madness.

And a preview snippet…

Macyn Dox nursed the drink in her tumbler, trying to decide if she wanted to down it and keep them coming or brood in silence, over just the one.

She hated to drink alone. Damn Vin for pulling a no show and blowing her off.

Again.

Probably to study some ancient text. Again.

Why couldn't she come first? Just once. They didn't have enough time together. He always has a new scroll, text, or artifact to study and research, and considering she usually brought the discoveries to him after traipsing the enchanted trails and combing through the netherworld, she had no one to blame but her.

And the elders who sent her out on the treks in the first place.

And, dammit, Vin. For not recognizing how much she missed him and needed the kind of downtime only he could provide. The hot, sexy, rock their world kind.

She stirred her drink. "Stupid man." He hadn't even hesitated when he refused to put his work aside for a few hours.

Fine. If a dusty scroll held more appeal than a night in her bed, she'd find something else to do. Maybe someone else to do.

She swallowed a kick of frustration with half the contents of her glass. Lifting a hand, she ordered another. Keep them coming, it would be.

A presence behind her pulled her attention away from the alcohol. Macyn angled her head, ready to inform the person they should move and stop invading her space. But the words died in her throat.

Holy shit. An incredible specimen of manhood greeted her gaze. Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed with impeccable style, the gentleman boldly perused Macyn. His slow once over sent a thrill of awareness through her. And the banked interest in his hooded gaze intrigued her.

And she had nothing better to do.

She twisted around on the barstool, facing him. "See something you like?"

The interest melted into appreciation. "Very much." The man's lips twisted in a sensual curve. "You." His voice practically purred the word.

Macyn gave him a half-smile. "A bold move. I appreciate that in a man." She leaned back, propping her elbows on the bar, giving him a nice view of her cleavage.

His gaze lingered on the swell of her breasts then met hers. "Ellis Barnett. I'd very much like to spend the night with you." He held her gaze, awaiting her response.

Macyn tilted her head to one side. "And what, exactly, will you be doing for me?" She hoped he had a kick ass response ready.

A confident smile spread across his face. "I'll be making you scream with exquisite passion."

Oh, yeah. A terrific reply. His arrogance actually turned her on.

Straightening, she slid off the stool. "In that case, let's go." Leaving a wad of bills on the bar, she strode to the exit.

Oh, Macyn, your good decision fairy is not on duty tonight. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hell is in the Details

June 30, 2013

Howdy!

And holy crap! It's the last day of June…meaning half the year is gone. How in the world did that happen? LOL Can't really complain…I've got green stuff growing in my garden and will hopefully have more planted soon. J

Tonight's post is from a short story that might end up going into novella length. Hell is in the Details features a main female character who can't quite find her way back to her clan after she has a terrible experience. She also has a real problem asking for help. J

Here's the tagline:

Macyn has a one night stand with an immortal creature and suffers the consequences when he traps her in a maze of deception. Once free, she withdraws from her clan and it's up to Vin to bring her back from the brink of madness.

And the preview snippet…

Vin tracked Macyn down the sidewalk and around the stone archway. The catacombs. Every damn night for the past week she'd slipped out of the estate house and stealthily made her way to the abbey—the only place she could gain unfettered access to the hidden series of crypts and tunnels under the sprawling campus. He should have known she'd go there—the forbidden never called louder to anyone but Macyn.

He sighed. "Dammit, Mace. This won't end well if the clan finds out." Shaking off a flash of anger, he waited to follow, giving her time to get inside and through the barrier leading to her destination.

He didn't have the right to shadow her, but couldn't stop himself. Their history meant something, at least to him. Macyn severed ties and walked away, from the whole clan, but Vin had to figure out what had her so tied up in knots.

Ignoring the inner warning his brain screamed, Vin entered the abbey and silently made his way to the barrier. Sure enough, signs of Macyn's crossing littered the area. Never patient, she sometimes got sloppy when the risk of discovery proved small. He took the path she had and after several twists and turns, came to an abrupt halt and all but collided with her when she stepped out from the shadows.

Arms crossed over her chest, she huffed out an angry breath. "What the hell are you doing, Vin?" Her lips twisted with a nasty smirk. "I'm not gonna be your new pet project, so go back the way you came and leave me alone." Flinging her arms out, she spun around. "I've got peace and quiet here. No one, except you, to bother me. No one telling me how to act, think, or feel—"

Vin broke into her tirade. "No one to remind you the catacombs are forbidden."

She snorted. "That alone makes it worth being here." She stalked to an ancient looking chair and plopped down.

Vin had a moment of fear the wooden frame wouldn't hold her weight. "They're off limits for a reason, Mace." He walked forward, stopping in front of her. "The stuff down here? Beyond old. And damned dangerous." His head jerked toward an old wardrobe. "That thing? Hidden guillotine activated if the door is opened with the wrong latch."

Macyn whistled under her breath then shrugged. "Doesn't change anything. You don't have the right to stalk me!" Her voice rose with each word, ending on a shrill crescendo.

Vin nodded. "Yeah, okay. I would apologize—except I'm not sorry!" His finished on a shout. "Something is off with you"—he paced back and forth—"and you won't talk to anyone." Including him.

Macyn made a garbled choking sound. "I tried! And it blew up in my face, as usual." She rose and strode across the chamber, reaching behind the weaponized cupboard to pull out a hidden rucksack.

Vin snarled. "Maybe if you didn't go out of your way to burn every damned bridge you cross, it wouldn't be a common occurrence."

Her lips twisted in a rueful smile. "Yeah, that's right, isn't it, Vin. The hell is in the details." She shook her head. "No one knows. No one. What happened to me." She reached inside the bag and pulled a bottle of absinthe out.

Vin tried to keep the frustration out of his voice. "You're not exactly forthcoming with the details, Macyn."

She shot him a sideways glance before opening the bottle. "Because I don't want therapy! If one more elder suggests I 'see' someone about my problem, I'll do bodily harm." Taking a long swig, she made her way back to his side. "I want answers. And no one is willing to do jack about finding them." She held the bottle out, offering him a drink.

Vin sighed, but took the proffered alcohol. After taking a deep gulp, he recapped the bottle.

Setting it off to the side, he responded. "But someone, namely me, is trying to figure it out, Mace."

She rolled her eyes. "Right. By skulking around monitoring my movements. Talk about flying without a net, right?" Spinning around, she paced again. "Does the wife know where you spend your nights?"

He didn't have a wife. And no longer had a girlfriend. But Vin wouldn't volunteer that information. Macyn wouldn't be ready to hear it.

"Changing the subject won't get me out of here any sooner." He grabbed her arm when she went to reach for the absinthe. "And guzzling a gallon of that stuff won't help either."

Macyn threw her hands in the air. "Gah! I hate you. I hate everything." She stomped away, all but climbing the walls in her anger. "Six times. Six times I killed that fucking monster." Warming up, she spewed words out. "And every damn time he came back. Whole, healthy, and utterly content." She shuddered, her eyes going dark with the memory. "A god damned, immortal whatever the fuck he is." Her feet moved again, back and forth. "And each time, each and every time, I lost a piece of myself." She stopped and met his gaze. "Well, I'm done giving. It's time for me to take, use, and just do. Whatever the hell I want." She planted her hands on her hips and all but dared Vin to stop her.

Finally getting somewhere, he gave it his best shot. "Don't forget abuse, Mace. You and everyone around you." He crossed the space between them, stopping just shy of being toe to toe. "And I get it. The universe fucked you over, so watch out, Mace is on the warpath." He softened his tone. "But it's gotta stop."

Her head shook back and forth. "Oh, no. It doesn't. And you, nor anyone else, can order me around. I'm not done yet."

Vin pushed back. "And when will you be? When I'm standing over your grave? Because at the rate your burning through everything, I give you a month. Tops."

Macyn opened her mouth, and then shut it again. He'd struck pay dirt with that reference. And he'd accomplished his main goal of getting her to blow through the anger, hate, and thirst for vengeance. Well, maybe not the thirst for revenge, but at least the part where it consumed her night and day.

Her voice solemn, she said,"Thank you." Macyn slumped, the bile and venom gone.

Vin gave her a curt nod. "Any time." He launched the next phase of getting her back on track. "Now what do you want to do? I mean what's the goal for being down here."

~:~

Macyn considered giving him a false reason. But he'd know. He always did. The guy read her like a book.

She answered truthfully. "Research. I want the damned bastard dead. Permanently." Her gaze lifted and met his.

She waited, expecting Vin to volunteer. He didn't. She inclined her head, respecting his reason for not doing so. He wanted her to make the choice and commitment to ask for help.

She kept her line of sight steady. "Please tell me there's a way." There had to be…

Vin bobbed his head. "There's a way."

Son of a bitch. Her relief hit so hard she almost crumpled, but he stepped forward and angled her toward a chair.

Sinking down, she fought past the lump in her throat. "Show me how. Teach me, please." The word sounded so foreign coming from her, but not as hard to say as she'd imagined.

Macyn's journey is interesting for me to follow. She's not what I started writing and her evolution kind of amazes me. J

That's it for this week!

Cheers!

Skye