Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

Geez, I can't believe we're almost through March. This has been such a busy month and it's flying by. A few outside distractions added to the mix this week and were something of a big time suck.

My work projects are still chugging along and I'm making progress on my side gig I hope to launch soon. Technically it's already out in the world but I'm adding a big layer to the whole thing. Of course, I pick a moment in time when I'm crazy busy. But I love a good challenge.

As usual, the weather is all over the map. We've had a lot of wind rolling through, stirring up dust and who knows what else. And the temps are doing the back-and-forth dance. I'm looking forward to having some even, leveled-out days … whenever that might be.

Slow viewing week again. Partly due to work stuff and I'm also in a bit of a slump. I might be edging toward a binge-watching phase, which I haven't really done for a long while.

I got most of the way through the episode of London Kills I started last week. It's the opening ep of the fourth season so I kind of want to pay attention and I keep missing key things, so I'll finish it when I have more brain power.

Watched an episode of Death in Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd seen bits and pieces of this one so kind of knew what to expect. I very much remember absolutely disliking Neville's sister with an intense passion and that didn't change. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I doubt it.

Also caught the holiday episode of Beyond Paradise and totally loved it! Christmas shows make me happy and this episode seemed to pull the periphery cast into each other's orbits and I loved that. Looking forward to diving into the rest of season two. And, oddly, the timing ended up being perfect for the crossover last week when Humph returned to the beach. Not sure how I did that.

I did another binge marathon of Peter Gunn also. I'm loving some of the live channels on Plex.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, an introductory short to the Insula Ara series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge … and a reunion with his lost love.

And a preview snippet…

A warm hand smoothed the side of Ceet's face, and he turned over in his sleep. "Dammit, Emaline, ye haunt me even in my dreams."

Feminine laughter filled his ears. "Well, Cedric, you deserve no less. Leavin' me the ye did. But I'm not ahauntin' you, ye daft man. I'm sitting right beside you." A sharp pinch on his bicep followed the statement.

Ceet bolted upright and scrambled to the edge of the bed. "Emaline? What? How?" He blinked and shook his head. "This can't be possible." Or could it…

He reached under the pillow and retrieved the compass. Did you bring my love back to me? The device grew warm under his palm.

Ceet threw the covers back and slid to the edge of the bed. "Emaline Gruder, I've missed ye, I have." His hands cupped her face. "And I love you." His vision grew misty, and his head dropped.

Emaline threw her arms around him. "And I you, Cedric." She eased back. "And if I understand how this is supposed to work, we'll have all the time we ever wanted to be together." She hugged him close again.

Ceet wrapped his arms around her. "Ah, Emaline. I surely hope so. I surely do." He shifted his position and patted the bed then tugged Emaline down beside him. "This island, Sanctuary is her name, is wonderous and full of marvels you've never imagined." His gaze went to the rafters of the room. "She can create buildings, like this here abode. And she made a barn and provided animals for my use." He met Emaline's gaze. "But you have to be certain about what you want, my love. Once yer committed, you can't leave. At least that's how it works for me." And he didn't regret his choice … except for the loneliness.

Which seemed to be resolved.

Emaline placed her head on Ceet's shoulder. "My darling, Cedric. Why would I want to leave? I've wanted to spend my life with you for as long as I can remember. When I got ill and you didn't return, my heart broke." Her voice grew thick and heavy. "And then I was somewhere in between. Dead but not. Wavering but tethered because I didn't get a farewell from you." She clasped his hand. "Now I'm here and we can have a life together…" Her head angled so she could meet his gaze. "But it's a little different for me. When someone else needs the island, I'll have to go away. But I'll always return to you. Always." She straightened and glanced around the room. "And to my new sanctuary … Insula Ara."

Ceet hauled her close. "Then it's time to start our life together…" His mouth claimed hers and everything in his world turned bright and brilliant.

Ceet literally sprang up and decided he wanted his story told, then he captured my heart when sitting down to write it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hold to Let Go

Man, July felt like a decade but it actually kind of flew by. August is off to a running start and it's hot temperature-wise, which is the norm for rural central Ohio. We've had some big storms move through, too.

 

My inbox is jammed with work projects and that makes me happy! I'm working on a mystery for a copy edit. I have a developmental edit on a memoir. There's a possible copy edit of another memoir in the wings and some research for another author. I also sent the next set of chapters on a developmental edit to the author for review. I love being busy.

I didn't get a lot watched this week. I started an episode of My Life Is Murder but have to finish it. I also haven't been able to get back to the episode of Elementary I started two weeks ago. I don't know … I'm not as into this episode and I'm struggling to finish it. Maybe I should skip to the next one.

I did have a fairly good week of writing, which also limits my screentime. I got a big scene written for one of my WIPs and a few smaller ones for a couple of other works in progress. All in all a good week!

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Hold to Let Go, a sexy short that explores a couple's bond and the hold they have on each other.

Here's the miniblurb:

Banner Nix and Quade Newelson go way back and have a lot of baggage to show for it. When an opportunity to save their people presents itself, they put their crap aside and work together to make it happen, even though their plan is in direct opposition to their leaders'.

And a preview snippet…

A sharp knock sounded outside the open hatch.

Banner didn't look up. "If you're not bringing coffee, go away." She tracked the most recent five jumps, not liking the lack of anything new.

But … intuition said they were still going in the right direction. The constant noise in her mind lurked in the background instead of screaming in the middle of her skull. That had to count, right? If she made a wrong move, she'd be curled up in a fetal position unable to function because the static interference made it impossible. And her crew would be duking it out over who got to take the helm first.

Stan Harmon entered quarters and put a fresh carafe of Banner's life-sustaining liquid on the desk—well away from the star chart. Smart move. The last person made the critical error of placing the brew dead center of her workspace. Banner nearly drew blood with the blistering lecture she gave him.

"Thanks." Banner didn't say more.

She concentrated on drawing a straight, solid line over the dashed trajectory they'd taken. She completed the action and dropped the pencil then poured a hot cup of coffee into the dregs of her mug. Bringing the cup to her lips, she drained half the contents while contemplating the next series of jumps.

The scrolls had to be close. They didn't have many options left.

Stan shuffled his feet. "Banner? You got a minute?"

His voice grated, breaking her barely held together concentration. The solid eight had done wonders … but that had been well over twenty-four hours ago.

She glanced up, scowling. "Did you draw the short straw or what?"

He grimaced. "No. I volunteered."

Stupid man. "Are you a glutton for punishment or just an idiot?" Okay, ouch. She drove that one home a little harder than necessary. But Stan needed to realize he didn't have any brilliant insight into her mindset just because they'd slept together a very long time ago.

He let out a low whistle. "You know, if I didn't get how you had the bitch thing ingrained, I'd swear you worked hard to pull it off." He added a zing. "No one should have that much natural talent."

Touche. She completely deserved the insult. "What do you want, Stan?" She sipped the coffee and studied him. "I can't tell you anything to take back to the crew because I don't know any more now than I did twenty-four hours ago." She placed her mug on the file cabinet and poured another round. "And I'm not going to waste my time playing nursemaid." She pinned Stan with her gaze. "Everyone needs to follow my orders. As in grow a pair and deal. I don't care who it pisses off." Braced by the caffeine and bored with the conversation, Banner went back to studying the grid pattern. I have to be missing something.

Stan sighed and ambled toward the hatch. "Okay, then. I'll take my leave."

God, she hated the wounded puppy act he liked to pull. "Yeah. That would be great." When he hit the doorway, she added. "And Stan? Be a good soldier and share my exact words with the others, yeah?"

Stan's shoulders tensed, but he rolled them and continued out into the corridor. Banner gave him a ton of credit for not telling her to fuck off.

I love where this story is going. The blend of sci-fi and mysticism is something I love to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Choice to Make

Happy Valentine week to those who celebrate. I'll throw in Galentine, friends with benefits, and all things hearts and flowers, too. February is a short but sometimes brutal month. Celebrate whatever you can.

Very busy work week with some great projects. Ran into a few glitchy things in a manuscript and that slowed my flow down. I actually enjoy that sometimes. Makes me stop and think about the story and how to suggest better changes.

Semi-decent viewing week. Made it through my shortened list of shows but had no time for my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica.

Started off with the season three opener of My Life Is Murder. Still enjoying this show so much. I think three is the last season so I'm going to savor it.

Started a new two-part Agatha Raisin. Very much enjoyed the antics of Wilkes and I'm a little bummed that Bill and Toni aren't really connecting. Also kind of wish Roy had more to do.

Watched the season twenty-five opening episode of Silent Witness. Kind of cool to see Sam Ryan again. I think this season is focused around one main case and I'm kind of excited to see where it goes. Also kind of great to see Nikki and Jack maybe get their bookmark on the same page. We'll see how that goes.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Very interesting premise for this one. Enjoyed the unraveling of the case to find out who did it.

Enjoyed another episode of Elementary. I like Joan's resistance to staying with Sherlock but it would be more interesting if she actually said why she didn't want to stick around.

Watched another episode of The Batman. I'd forgotten about this one and kind of loved how Barbara figured out who Batman is then decided she had it all wrong. Fun episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have vague memories of the two vignettes and rather enjoyed both.

Got another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson in and pretty much loved it. The story is moving along and I'm excited to get more details to her past.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Choice to Make, a novella where the Fates step in and offer a choice.

Here's the miniblurb:

Hallen and Will never get the timing right until the Fates step in and give them a chance. But each has a choice to make, and cosmic irony may rear its ugly head … again.

And a preview snippet…

Will dropped his pen. That's it. The final tests are complete." He gave Hallen a wide grin. "It's habitable. You found us a new home." His heart filled with pride at her accomplishment.

Hallen blinked. "You're serious?" Wonder filled her voice. "I can't believe it." She slumped back in the chair. "What's next?"

Will's stomach growled. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting some dinner. Wanna join me?" He arched a brow.

They'd spent a lot of time together over the past three days. She might need some time alone. He started for the exit.

Hallen hopped up. "I can definitely eat something. My stomach's been in knots since we made orbit." She followed Will out into the corridor.

He didn't blame her for being twitchy. No one had known if the planet she led them to would be able to support life. The big, beautiful rock could, and they all had some decisions to make. Human and clone—living together… Could they finally get things right?

The not being certain might explain the odd restlessness he'd had since they arrived at the coordinates Hallen provided. Change is coming. He didn't know why the idea calmed and terrified him in equal measure.

The dining hall had a handful of people, so they found a quiet table in a corner. Hallen tucked into her food with gusto. Some things never changed, and another layer of satisfaction rippled through him.

Hallen glanced up. "Is it weird this is like the best pasta I've ever tasted?" She swirled another forkful up.

Will cracked a grin. "Amazing how good something tastes when it's sprinkled with a victorious feeling."

Hallen nodded and they ate in silence for a while. Once each cleaned their plate, they headed to the drop-off area. Will broached a topic he'd been putting off, mainly to avoid dredging up past hurts.

But she faced a big decision about her former lover, the one she discovered to be a clone only weeks before she'd disappeared. He'd put his life on the line—in her memory—during the final days of fighting for their lost planet. Toxic exposure to a clone-specific form of radiation ravaged through him and he'd been isolated since before her return.

Will kept his tone casual. "Have you checked on James recently? How is he?"

Hallen's face fell. "He's not good. He can't communicate verbally anymore. But he's still able to write and sign." Her voice lowered when they exited the dining hall and started for quarters. "He told me he's not going down to the planet."

Will paused. "Are you okay with that?" Even if she and James weren't together anymore, she rarely let people go.

She held up a hand. "Can we talk about this inside?" Her head tilted toward her quarters.

Will nodded. "Sure, I'm done for the night." He strolled into her space and settled on the sofa beside her.

Hallen took a moment before resuming their conversation. "To answer, no, I'm honestly not all right with James staying behind." She met Will's gaze. "But he made it clear, in the nicest possible way, that I don't have a say in his decision." Her eyes welled with tears. "And I get that. I do. But he's basically choosing death because he can't care for himself." Her voice broke.

Will's heart went out to her and the bitterness he expected didn't hit him between the eyes.

He put his arms around her and drew her close. "I'm sorry, Hallen. I know this isn't what you'd want for him." Hell, Will hated the idea of James staying behind, even if they'd been closer to rivals than anything else.

Hallen sought solace with James when Will walked away from her after their one night of passion. They'd finally laid the ghost of his brother to rest, and Will had been ready for them to start a future. Hallen … not so much. Will had learned a valuable lesson from the whole debacle. Hallen had to come to him on her terms. Not his.

She snuggled into him. "Shouldn't dump this on you. I made a mess of everything and everyone." Her gaze rose to meet his. "It's selfish, but I'm glad you're here." She put her head on his shoulder.

Will wrapped an arm around her. "No place I'd rather be right now." He meant every word.

She let out a small gasp and her shoulders shook. He let her cry the cleansing tears she needed to expel. He brushed his hand over her hair and murmured soothing words until she finally fell asleep.

They'd never had such an honest conversation about their past mistakes. Something real and true with no more hiding behind angst and snark. A big step for them. His lips curved and his head lolled on the back of the couch when his drifted eyes shut.

This story is pretty much complete minus a few finishing touches. I'm so excited to get it ready for publication!

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rise of the Son

Whew. November is almost over and I'm not sure where the month went. Crazy weather continues. It warms up then plunges into the cold depths. We've had a dusting of snow twice. I don't mind the cold, but I like it better when it gets chilly and stays that way. The back and forth makes me cranky.

I did finish up one of my work projects and have a brief break on the second one. I thought I'd get some things accomplished around the house but I ended up having two new works projects land in my inbox. Definitely not complaining but I think one of my new goals will be trying to create better balance.

I, again, didn't get a lot of anything watched this week. I started an episode of Ted Lasso but put it on hold when I got the new projects.

I plan to view as many episodes of Batman: The Animated Series as a memorial to Kevin Conroy, as I can. I can honestly say, Kevin is my Batman. He's the first voice actor I ever looked up online because I loved his work in the animated series so much.

One bit of great news is I'm three-quarters of the way done with my holiday shopping. I might even start getting the gifts wrapped and bagged. Then it's off to gather stocking-stuffers.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rise of the Son, the second book in a yet-unnamed series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After surviving several trials and tribulations to find the Book of Pythia, Aleina and Alston—imbued with the essences of Apollo and Aurora—have to follow the scrolls to lead their people to a new home. Their journey isn't without danger and the map isn't easy to follow, but Aleina and Alston have the advantage of being on the same page and trusting each other to see their path to its end.

And a preview snippet…

Images crashed through Aleina Foyle's mind, huge rocks swirled slowly around her blocking her path no matter where she turned. Pounding sounds drew her attention and she feared the boulders were tightening the circle, ready to crush her under their weight. She tried to run but her feet were tangled in something unseen and she started to fall—

"Laney! Wake up. Someone's knocking on the hatch."

Aleina's eyes snapped open and she found herself snuggled up close to her nearest and dearest, Alston Saddington. "It'll be Frank. He's got news." She sat up, shaking the imagery of her dream away.

Alston narrowed his eyes, but got up and undogged the hatch. "Frank. What brings you at this unholy hour?" He swung his gaze toward Aleina. "Laney said you've got news."

Frank Bollen ducked inside their quarters and quickly dogged the hatch again. "She's not wrong. We've got a potential minefield brewing. Literally." He propped his hip on the edge of their small sofa.

Alston ran a hand through his hair and settled back on the bunk. "Political or otherwise?" He yawned and reached for a bottle of liquid caffeine.

Aleina took the container and nodded for Alston to grab another. "Otherwise with potential to become political. Is that right, Frank?" Her dream played some kind of role and she almost had a clear picture.

Frank shook his head. "Pretty much." He grabbed their hand-held monitor and pulled up a screen. "Long-range scans show a huge block of debris that's just out of scope. We don't know what it is, but it's directly in our path to the next signpost." He widened the view and handed the device to Alston.

Aleina took a quick look and a vision flashed in her mind. "Asteroid field. Too big to jump, too wide to go around, and too dense for a clear path through." She met Alston's gaze. "We're also not going to be able to go over or under it." Not if they wanted to conserve the fuel they had.

Frank huffed out a breath. "Please tell me there's a solution."

Alston didn't hesitate. "We go through." He held up a hand when Frank started to protest. "There isn't a clear path, I know. But it's the only choice."

Aleina gave a nod. "We'll have to find a way to navigate a safe path for all the ships." No easy task with a fleet of a hundred-plus crafts in various sizes.

Frank arched his brows. "How do you propose to do that?"

Alston rolled a shoulder. "We consult the Book of Pythia and hope we can figure it out." He got up and went to retrieve the scrolls. "Give us some time and we'll check in with you before the end of the day."

Frank frowned. "Do I brief anyone yet?"

Aleina lifted her chin. "Only the bare minimum. Keep it to our small circle for now."

Frank gave a nod and exited their quarters.

Aleina heaved a sigh. The group that helped retrieve the book could be trusted not to sound the alarm. The one thing they didn't need … a stampede of terrified captains banging on the door.

They needed time to formulate a plan and pull off a major miracle.

I'm on quite the journey with this series. I love the characters and mixing a bit of sci-fi in with the mystical elements is something I enjoy so much.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quest for Home

The first week of August didn't end up being horrible and hot. We did get some humidity but the temperatures weren't terrible. I didn't have any big work projects and got to focus on a lot of writing. I also had a terrific brainstorm idea that I hope to talk more about in the near future!

Solid week of viewing television in the background while I got to work on writing. I'm a little ahead of my weekly schedule and hope I can work another movie in this week.

I caught two episodes of The Snoopy Show. This is such a great thing to have on in the background when I need some noise and funny stuff.

Watched an episode of the Agatha Christie Hour. The slightly paranormal angle made me happy.

Enjoyed a two-part Silent Witness and ended up liking it a lot. A good twisty plot on this one.

Finished up an arc of Classic Who and started a new one. The cybermen made an appearance in the new arc.

Also got the last episode of Most Terrifying Places in America watched. The final episode focused on the unnatural world and had some good stories.

Caught another episode of Moon Knight. This show is such a nice mix of action and humor with some interesting lore thrown in. I really love it.

Watched the penultimate episode of Harrow. Next should be the big finale and all I have to say is nothing bad better happen to Fern or Cal. At this point, I don't care if James is a good guy or a bad guy, I'm not a fan at all. Fairley makes me so happy and Grace … well, I really hoped they wouldn't do a weird triangle thing, but it looks like that might be in store for next season, if there is one. Bleh.

Enjoyed an episode of Blue Heelers, which kind of picked up where the last one left off. Loved how the characters pieced everything together and got Nick off the hot seat for the most part. We'll see what happens on the next episode.

Caught another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She talked about consuming and criticizing culture and I took a couple of valuable points away with me. I enjoy listening to her so much.

Watched another episode of the Babysitters Club. I say it often, but I'm so disappointed this show won't have any more episodes. It's fun and witty but always has some great dramatic moments also.

Thoroughly enjoyed two Classic Rugrats episodes. The Passover episode is one of my favorites and I'd forgotten that was in season three.

Caught another episode of Driven from Passionflix. So much happened and cliffhanger end hit hard. Can't wait to watch the next one!

Have to say I'm so disappointed in Natalie's characterization on Chicago Med. I realize we're close to when she'll be leaving but, man, she definitely did Will wrong on this one. I loved Daniel's arc and the understated way he showed his grief over CeeCee's death.

Finished up The Force Awakens and I'm so glad I've watched the movie from beginning to end and not in sporadic pieces. Looking forward to episode VIII.

Watched another Batman: The Animated Series episode. This is probably my all-time favorite animated series and the Dr. Freeze storyline is a particular favorite in the first season.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. This one had a lot of twists and I liked them. Gina continues to crack me up on a regular basis.

Started a new docuseries with Strangest Things. This is another show where I've bits and pieces of episodes and I'm excited to watch them in order and all the way through.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Quest for Home, a follow-up to Events in Motion.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A world-ending natural disaster is imminent and Drury Amanze—Fate's chosen messenger—has to convince everyone to follow her to a new location. Porter Magda becomes Drury's touchstone while she battles resistance and disinterest from the community. While they race the clock, Porter props Drury up against the toll transporting their entire civilization to safety takes on her during their quest for a new home.

And a preview snippet…

Drury Amanze slid her gaze sideways. "Are you ready?" She held tightly to Porter Magda's hand.

He squeezed her fingers. "Always. Let's go." Focusing his eyes on the glowing circle he gave a nod.

Dru stepped into the unknown, placing her feet directly in the center of the round portal. Porter stood by her side and in the space of a heartbeat her breath whooshed from her lungs and weightlessness surrounded her. Dru didn't know if she actually floated through time and space or if her brain needed to imagine she did. But her one solid thought zeroed in on Porter and the fact he still held fast to her.

Her tether and touchstone. Her one and only constant.

When she inhaled, everything stopped and she stumbled. Porter's strong arms steadied her even though her feet touched grassy earth. She blinked in darkness.

Once her eyes adjusted, she gasped. The stars were bright overhead, something missing from their night sky for decades. Her head spun with possibilities.

Porter wrapped an arm around her. "Do you know where we are?" His fingers cupped her shoulder.

She didn't … but they weren't on their planet anymore. The constellations weren't right. But, oh, they were beautiful.

She angled her head around, taking in the quiet wonder of their surroundings. "I'm not sure where we are, but this is home." She met his gaze. "And it's a long, long way from where we started." The idea overwhelmed her a little.

Porter hugged her close. "Kind of fitting, don't you think? A whole new solar system…" His voice held wonder and amazement.

She didn't respond, too wrapped up in staring at the sky.

Porter moved behind her, encircling her with his arms. "You're an astounding woman, Dru." His lips brushed over her throat.

She turned, facing him. "Maybe not." Her gaze scanned the location around them. "I have no idea how we'll get back."

I'm enjoying the mystical aspect of this story and can't wait to get deep into the journey of these characters.

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye