Sunday Snippet: Maybe This Seems Familiar

Even though March is my birth month and the birth month of my mom and one of my best friends, I'm kind of glad to kick it to the curb. It's been a wild ride this month. That said, it's also been intensely productive, so I'm really not complaining.

The weather is still drunk, wildly surging one direction then lurching back only to zing forward again. My sinuses hate me right now. And my throat has that I just swallowed glass with a gravel chaser sound at the moment.

Still buried with work but I'm making great progress on all fronts. I added another new hourly project to the pile and made a big dent in that one yesterday.

Not a bad week for viewing. I got through my usual slate and did a marathon watch to finish out the week.

Ended up watching two episodes of Elementary and both were actually terrific. I'm very interested in seeing how things with Kitty play out in the next few installments.

Caught two episodes of Batman Beyond. Always happy to see the Royal Flush show up and I liked the throwback to Bane.

Also enjoyed two Classic Rugrats episodes. I'm about halfway through the final season and I think I'll pick back up with the new reboot once I'm finished up.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and I'm enjoying having Darlene working with the team. She's a great addition. Also glad to see Neville's sister exit. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I didn't enjoy her at all.

Watched the first official episode of season two Beyond Paradise. Really enjoyed the way the mystery unfolded. Also loved the resolution.

I ended up not quite finishing the episode of London Kills but I should have that one completed this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Maybe This Seems Familiar, a novella that pulls a couple together after a big loss.

Here's the miniblurb:

A tragic death sends Inyx Pic, an Adept Major, into a brittle shell of self-doubt. When Philo Batson, her Adept Master, pushes Inyx to get back to teaching, her armor of disillusionment cracks and anger and grief come pouring out, leaving Philo to handle the fallout.

And a preview snippet…

Adept major Inyx Pic cast a recall spell. "No, Marlax. You're skipping steps and your ass is really gonna hurt when you get knocked on it from backlash." She absorbed the random energy from calling in the attempted conjure.

Marlax Tillie snarled. "I'm not a baby mage. I don't need the training wheels, Major Pic." Her eyes flashed with anger. "You're holding me back, and it's not fair." She flounced to her worktable.

Inyx bit back a string of curses. "Fair isn't why we're here. You can't move on to the next class if you don't master the finer points of conjuring." How many times had Inyx listened to lectures about finesse?

And how many times had she wanted to smash her fist into Philo Batson's face because he never shut up about learning the basics forward, backward, and upside down? Probably as many as she'd wanted to strip him naked and make him passionate about something other than conjuring. Too bad she'd never pushed harder to make that happen.

Then again, she had very good reasons for not doing so. Even if he'd made it clear he'd be interested…

"Major Pic? Am I free to go?" Marlax arched her winged brows.

Inyx blinked and shook off the cobwebs. "You can leave after you've listed the ten steps to safely conjure. Then come back tomorrow and we'll start again." She made her way to the stool sitting at the head of the classroom. "The rest of you are dismissed. See you tomorrow." Sinking down, she tried to recalibrate and find her center.

Next time, she'd send the random energy out the window instead of taking it on. She'd spend the rest of the day wired one moment and dragging ass the next. At least she didn't have to teach any more this afternoon.

Marlax slapped her notebook open and huffed out sigh. She scribbled the assigned list down the page, tore it out, and brought it to Inyx. She reviewed the steps and gave a nod.

Marlax rolled her eyes. "It's not that I don't know what they are. It's—"

Inyx finished the thought for her student. "You think they're stupid. I don't need to be an oracle to figure that out." She folded the paper and tucked it into Marlax's shirt pocket. "Come in tomorrow, do what you need to do, and you'll be golden." If Marlax tried to leap ahead again, she'd be wearing the list on her forehead.

Marlax snorted, whirled around, gathered her stuff, and stomped out the door, nearly running Philo over when he entered.

His brows went up. "Do I want to know what that's about?" He propped his hip on the worktable across from her desk.

Inyx sighed. "It's been a day. That one wants to fly before she can walk." And damn if the plebe didn't raise a bunch of red flags.

Philo smirked. "That sounds familiar."

I think I finally have the tone I want for this story. Philo and Inyx have a long history of dancing around each other and it's fun to write them edging closer together.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Maybe This Seems Familiar

Hello, December. I'm stuck between being excited for the holiday season and freaking out because I have a lot of things I'd like to get accomplished and not enough time to slide them all in. The story of my life.

Not a bad week of television but a little lighter than usual. I started out with Peak Practice and ended up getting two episodes watched. Both were pretty decent.

Finished up the MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. I had two lessons left and got some great information from both. Not sure what I'll start next but I'm excited.

Caught another episode of Glitch. Some interesting developments and good information. I like the pacing of this series and find I need to focus so I don't miss an important piece of the puzzle.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. I finished up season one and started season two. Looking forward to diving back in.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. Season three is beginning with a good run. I'm a little on the fence about Dr. Reese. I love her passion but I also get annoyed when she goes off the deep end about something.

Started season six of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Interesting to see another one of Mike's ex wives. I liked having Jared back. Also a good mystery to keep things fun.

Caught an episode of Silent Witness. I don't remember this one so I'm interested to see how the second half ends.

Finished the second part of Classic Who and said goodbye to Tegan. I think the Master is going to make another appearance soon, which I'm kind of meh about.

Enjoyed another episode of Mysteries of Apollo. This one focused on Apollo 8 and had some great information. I love watching old footage of the space program's beginning.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. James Coburn and Glenda Jackson were the guest stars. The pirate-themed episode ended up being a lot of fun.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island. Really fun episode even if the theme ended up being a little dark.

Finally caught the finale of Star Trek: Discovery. Really great ending to the first season. I'm excited to start the breakdowns of The Ready Room then move on to season two.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Maybe This Seems Familiar, a novella that puts the heroine on a path to redemption but not without a trial by fire.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A tragic death sends Inyx Pic, an Adept Major, into a brittle shell of self-doubt. When Philo Batson, her Adept Master, pushes Inyx to get back to teaching, her armor of disillusionment cracks and anger and grief come pouring out, leaving Philo to handle the fallout.

And a preview snippet…

After showering and dressing in light layers, Philo stopped at Fillomena's apartment on the lower floor of a grand old lady. The muted jewel tones of the slightly peeling paint clashed with the vibrant warm and sunny blooms overflowing from potted containers. Fillomena often chose discord over harmony in everything from décor to food and fashion.

Originally, he'd been drawn to her opposites attract way of living. But lately … he had to admit he'd been looking for the antithesis of Inyx. Fillomena definitely fit the role.

He knocked on the door and stepped back to wait on a response. When none came, he strolled around the house to check the backyard. Fillomena liked to putter around before she started her first class.

She glanced up when he rounded the corner of the house and gave him a long, level look. "I expected you last night." She went back to pruning a small bush. "You didn't show."

He came to a stop next to her. "I'm sorry. I got caught up." No need to get into why.

She stiffened. "With Inyx, no doubt." Snip, snip her shears went with more force than necessary.

Okay, the why wouldn't be denied.

He nodded. "She's having a hard time with Millie's death."

Fillomena's lips twisted in a cruel smile. "Maybe she should reevaluate her methods. I mean, letting her students get ahead of themselves and not properly schooling them is dangerous." Her fingers grasped another branch and snipped.

Philo didn't come to discuss Inyx's philosophy on teaching. "Look, that may well be true, but I'm here for a different reason."

Fillomena angled her head. "To end things, perhaps?" She rose and faced him.

Philo lifted his chin. "We're heading in different directions." He paused a moment. "I'm not sure we were ever really on the same path."

Fillomena waved her hand. "If not, it's only because you're stuck in the past and won't leave it behind." She shrugged. "It's your loss, Philo." She started pruning a new spot on the bush.

Philo wouldn't deny he'd never left his feelings for Inyx completely fade. But he had made an effort with Fillomena. They didn't fit together the way a couple should. At least not in his mind.

He frowned. "I'm sorry if I hurt you. It was never my intention."

She lifted a shoulder. "I'll survive. And I'm sure I'll find a better man than you … one who appreciates my skill and talent."

Ouch. But he deserved the rebuke. "I hope you do, Fillomena. Take care." He backed away, a little unsettled by the encounter.

He brushed the uneasiness aside and chalked it up to being tired from last night. He needed to stop by the academic hall and meet with the sage master then drop in on a couple of classes. Then he could make his way back to Inyx's and see how she fared with the class roster.

His lips curved. "Hopefully, she'll still be in a decent mood."

Breakup scenes aren't usually my forte, but I like how this one turned out. Philo's in for a bit of a surprise with regards to Fillomena and Inyx is going play a role in his discovery.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Maybe This Seems Familiar

We're still in the grips of cold and snow. Not a ton of accumulation but the temperatures? Ugh… it's cold. We had a full day of single-digit weather this past week. The local school system had Monday and Tuesday off for the Columbus Day holiday and a staff training day, then had the rest of the week off due to icy roads. Fun times.

Light week in television again. I finished up episode two of the second season of Penny Dreadful. Also watched the season finale of Wynonna Earp. Man… this show. It's so, so good.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and watched an episode of Underbelly Razor. Also caught some Babylon 5 and The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

I'm finally catching up on Arrow and "The Demon" did not disappoint. I wondered what happened to Talia and it's probably good she survived the island. I also watched an episode of Blade the series.

I had some binge marathons of some classic television with The Saint and 77 Sunset Strip. I love both shows and it's nice to have them on in the background when I'm working.

That's about it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Maybe This Seems Familiar, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "step back".

Here's the mini-blurb:

A tragic death sends Inyx Pic, an Adept Major, into a brittle shell of self-doubt. When Philo Batson, her Adept Master, pushes Inyx to get back to teaching, her armor of disillusionment cracks and anger and grief come pouring out, leaving Philo to handle the fallout.

And a preview snippet…

Philo crossed the bedroom to gaze through the window. "The sun's trying to come out but it'll stay gray all day." Fitting, all things considered.

He needed to fully extricate himself from Fillomena, cut ties and be done with the attempt to have a life that didn't include Inyx. If last night showed him anything it plainly laid out the fact he loved her, enough to be patient and let her find her way to him.

Inyx sighed. "You're leaving, aren't you?" She slid to the edge of the mattress and sat with her legs dangling from the side.

He turned and met her gaze. "For a while, yes. A clean break with Fillomena needs to be handled and I want to do it today." He should've listened to Inyx about the other woman's machinations.

Inyx shook her head. "For what it's worth. I'm sorry." She got up and scrubbed a hand over her face. "If you hadn't been distracted by my drama, you would've seen Fillomena for the manipulator she is." Sighing, Inyx came to stand beside him.

Philo shrugged. "I'm just glad someone other than you pointed out how lame Philo and Fillomena sound together." His lips twitched and he tamped down a chuckle.

Inyx blinked then snorted. Then she surprised the hell out him by barking out full-blown laugh. She grabbed his arm, almost doubled over with mirth.

If he accomplished nothing else today, he'd be happy.

Almost.

He needed one more thing from Inyx.

And she wouldn't like it.

He'd let her have a few more moments of glee. "I know. I can't believe you didn't hit on the name thing straight away." Inyx usually found the absurd before anyone else.

She hand-waved his comment. "Me too. I'll have to blame my lack of notice on everything else going on right now." She sobered but the haunted shadows didn't enter her gaze.

Philo took his chance. "Speaking of everything going on…" How did he word what he needed to say? "There's a whole class that still needs training, will you at least take another look?" He caught her before she could turn away. "If there's anyone you have true concerns about, we'll hold them until the next class comes through. Maybe add a new level for those who have ability but lack the aptitude to really keep up?" The idea took shape as he spoke and he glanced to see her reaction.

Better than he expected. Interest and consideration entered her gaze and she slowly nodded, turning the concept over in her mind. He'd take the small win. Now for the bigger battle.

He opened his mouth to plead a case but she stopped him by raising her hand.

Heaving a sigh, she inclined her chin. "Okay. I'll look at the class files again. But I won't promise anything more than that right now." She paused a moment. "But the idea of adding a new level has merit and I'll keep that in mind when I'm reviewing."

Philo nodded. "It's a solid compromise and a place to start." He exhaled slowly, gearing up for a not so pleasant task. "I'm going to take off and track Fillomena down but I'll stop by this afternoon if you plan to be here."

Inyx gave him a quick smile. "I've got twenty-five folders to read through. I won't be going anywhere anytime soon." She followed him from her room to the front door.

He paused before he turned the knob. "If you need anything—"

She cut in. "I'll let you know. I'll be fine, Philo. And I'll see you later this afternoon."

He gave a brief nod then exited, shivering a little in the brisk morning air. First stop, home, for a hot shower and some warmer clothes. The earlier hint of sun now fully hid behind gloomy clouds.

I'm not quite sure where this one will end up but I'm really pleased with how it's going so far.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Maybe This Seems Familiar

A random observation to start things off. A new office chair totally makes a huge difference when it comes to comfort for writing or editing. Just saying. I got a new chair on Friday and I can already feel the difference. Nice!!

Busy week on the television front. Gotham had a great episode. I hope it gets renewed because I'm interested in where the characters will end up next.

The Flash moved the story forward and I'm looking forward to seeing the finale. Arrow did a repeat, but this week should be new. Legends of Tomorrow had a great new episode. I'm liking what they're doing with the character interaction.

Agents of SHIELD took another bizarre twist and I like it. My one quibble would be the somewhat constant pulling the rug out will get old if it happens all the time. I do get a little tired of turning good guys into bad guys and that's saying something because I love all the shades of gray between black and white.

Wynonna Earp continues to make me happy. And I got partially caught up on Banshee. Gotta say the first episode kind of blew my mind in a terrific way. Not at all what I expected. I'm about halfway through season two of X Company and I’m still enjoying everything about the show.

I didn't say anything about Orphan Black last week because my brain was still processing the premiere. But, wow, what a terrific episode! And the follow up kicked butt, too. Lovely to see Paul, if only briefly. I have so much love for this show and how they raise the stakes each season.

And that's it for television.

Tonight's post is from Maybe This Seems Familiar, a novella built around the two word prompt of "step back". Kind of a fun one to build a story around.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A tragic death sends Inyx Pic, an Adept Major, into a brittle shell of self-doubt. When Philo Batson, her Adept Master, pushes Inyx to get back to teaching, her armor of disillusionment cracks and anger and grief come pouring out, leaving Philo to handle the fallout.

And a preview snippet…

Inyx woke up groggy, her facial skin tight, her tongue dry and swollen. Blinking against the light streaming in from her window, she angled her head, a dull throb starting over her left eye. How the flaming hell did she end up in her room? And whose warm body stretched out on the other side of the bed?

Her gaze settled on Philo and she groaned. All the pieces clicked into place. Damn the man. He'd pushed her to face her drama and she'd blubbered like a baby.

The headache eased and she glanced up to find leafy green eyes staring in her direction, focused on the spot above her left eye. "Stop it. Quit coddling me." She raked her fingers through her tangled hair. "If you want to help, get me some water." She shook her head when he reached across the bed to retrieve a glass from the nightstand.

His smirk held humor. "Already anticipated the need." He pressed the cold glass against her cheek.

She wanted to smack him, but the coolness eased the taut skin on her face. Wrapping her fingers around the cup, she slid it forward and gulped half the contents down. The dry, parched desert of her mouth turned into a blissful oasis. Philo annoyed the hell out of her, but he always seemed to make the right moves when she hovered close to the edge.

And she teetered precariously at the moment.

Finishing the water, she placed the glass on the nightstand again. "You had nothing better to do than babysit me last night?" Dragging herself to an upright position, she tucked her legs under her. "No hot dates?"

Philo lifted a shoulder. "Nothing pressing." He glanced away. "Or all that interesting."

Inyx cracked a smile. "Madam Prissypants not cutting it anymore?" Fillomena Warrick ruled her own little corner of the realm.

And tried to slither her mental tentacles around Philo on a regular basis.

Philo's lips twisted in a grimace. "Are you going to say 'I told you so' now?" He'd failed to heed Inyx's warnings about the designs Fillomena had on him.

Inyx shook her head. "Nah, free pass this time." She angled a sideways glance in his direction. "Especially since I kinda ruined your night." Not quite ready to be grateful, she left her comment there.

Philo slid around, swinging his legs over the edge of the mattress. "Appreciated. Maybe next time you warn me off a potential nightmare, I'll listen." He stood up and stretched, the muscles in his shoulders flexing and bunching with movement.

Inyx looked away. The constant battle between her head and heart didn't rate on her list of things to worry about today. After all, Philo peeled the scab off the wound, leaving her raw and achy. The scar tissue would take time to heal.

I'm fond of Inyx and Philo. They're fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Maybe This Seems Familiar

Hi!

Had a very busy weekend with writing and editing, and also the day job. J I really need to get out and weed the garden, too, but yeesh, the time gets away from me.

Tonight's post is from Maybe This Seems Familiar, a novella with magic, mayhem, and a journey to find what's right in front of the main characters. J

Here's the tagline:

A tragic death sends Inyx Pic, an Adept Major, into a brittle shell of self-doubt. When Philo Batson, her Adept Master, pushes Inyx to get back to teaching, her armor of disillusionment cracks and anger and grief come pouring out, leaving Philo to handle the fallout.

And the preview snippet…

Philo growled. "Mage's teeth, Inyx. We've been here how many times?" He moved forward, invading her personal space. "Do we have to keep going over the same material?"

Inyx narrowed her eyes. "Well, then, maybe this will seem familiar. Step. Back." She jammed a finger in Philo's shoulder for emphasis.

Philo smirked. "I don't think so, Inyx. You don't get to make the call this time."

She lifted a brow. "Really? I already killed a promising student without even trying. Imagine what I could inflict if I set my mind to it."

Philo finally got it. "You failed an entire class of plebes because of one out of control malcontent? Inyx, you offer guidance. Not everyone is going to listen."

Her mouth thinned. "You think that's all there is? Because Marlax and I had issues from the beginning. I should've asked to have her transferred."

Philo cut in. "But you didn't. And her death, while tragic, is not your fault. Oh, but you'll take full responsibility and wallow in it because it suits your agenda."

Inyx hissed out a breath. "I don't have an agenda, Philo, except making sure no one in the new class gets harmed."

Philo gave a terse nod. "Right, by failing them. And you're motive behind the failure isn't to keep them all safe."

Inyx flicked her tongue over her bottom lip. "Is that right? What then, is my main objective?"

Philo spelled it out. "Isolation. You shove everyone away so you can't feel the pain. But you need it, Inyx. No one heals without a little discomfort."

She looked away and her shoulders slumped. The reaction caught him by surprise. He figured they'd go at least two more rounds before he could break through the wall of anger and grief she tried so desperately to hide behind.

She leaned forward, resting her head on his shoulder. "I hate you, Philo."

He wrapped her in an embrace. "I know you do, Inyx. But I'll deal."

A sob escaped from her, and he slid a hand up, cupping the nape of her neck, letting her expel the pent up emotion. Finally, she could let it out and start dealing with the loss.

And maybe they could get back on track.

Philo definitely has his work cut out. Inyx won't deal with everything overnight, but she won't have to do it alone. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye