Sunday Snippet: Quest for Home

Can't believe we're in the final few days of the year. I can't say 2025 has been stellar, but it has been interesting. I'm looking forward to a new year.

Our weather is still wild. Our low for today is going to be about four degrees higher than the high for tomorrow. We're currently at fifty-eight degrees for our high and we'll plummet to twenty-nine. The high for tomorrow? Twenty-five. Seriously.

Slower work week with the holiday out of offices. I finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread that won't be due until the first week of January. Also got started on a developmental edit of a five or six book series. Continued work on the memoir and making good progress with the author. This is such a great story.

Had a pretty good viewing week. I got a couple of holiday special episodes in and that made me happy. I have one more I'm looking forward to this week.

Started again with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm getting closer to the end with a handful of episodes left. I'm thoroughly enjoying the rewatch.

Caught the holiday special episodes of Madam Blanc Mysteries. At first, I didn't realize it was a two-parter and had to impatiently wait for the second half. Excellent episodes! I love the holiday specials.

Watched part two of Silent Witness and honestly didn't expect the twists and turns. I'm enjoying the newest team member. She's going to be a great addition to the Lylle.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I kind of like it when Poirot is under the weather. He's such a cranky dude but also hilariously funny.

Caught another episode of Elementary and, wow, Joan could be headed for some serious trouble with Moreland. I have a sneaky suspicion Sherlock knows exactly what's going on and I'm interested to see if I'm right.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and remembered it on my original run through. Good episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks. So fun when lore from all the other Trek incarnations pops up and play a big role in the episode.

Caught the holiday episode of Beyond Paradise and loved seeing Commissioner Patterson! Also very happy to see Humphrey and Martha tie the knot. The rest of the background story ended up being super emotional and I love this episode a lot.

I did skip Foyle's War but should finish up the episode this week. Looking forward to watching the rest of the show.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Quest for Home, a novella that follows a couple trying to get their people to a new home.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Porter tightened his grip on Dru. "We'll figure it out. Or … you'll figure it out." He squeezed her lightly then stepped away. "I'm just along for the ride." He drank in the sight of the stars overhead.

Dru's hand found his. "You're so much more than that." Lacing their fingers together she tugged him closer. "You keep me grounded. You're my port in the maelstrom and the only thing I can truly count on." She angled her head to meet his gaze. "I can't do this without you."

Porter huffed out a breath. "I wouldn't want you to." He started looking around the landscape.

Because they weren't in a cave or temple, which surprised him.

Dru pointed to a rocky outcropping. "Think we should start over there? I'm not sure what to do since we're not in or on a portal." Her voice wobbled a little.

The journey affected her more than she wanted to let on.

Porter shook his head. "We wait until daylight. You need to rest a little and we need to regroup." Her certainty that this would be their new home made exploration a smart move.

Dru leaned into his side. "See what I mean? My brain is holey cheese right now." She nodded toward a copse of trees. "Shelter over there for the night?"

He grunted. "Probably the best option." Shrugging his backpack off, he lifted a flap and retrieved a small stake.

He planted it in the ground to mark their arrival spot.

Dru lit a small lantern from her pack and started leading the way toward the trees. Her gaze swept back and forth, looking for signs of animal or human life. Porter did the same, glancing behind them several times to make sure nothing came up on them.

When she reached the edge of the tree line, she knelt and put her hand on the ground. "Doesn't look like this area has been disturbed by anything for a long time." She lifted her gaze upward. "What do you recommend?"

Porter pulled a torchlight from his pack and cast the beam forward. "We camp on the edge here and use only what's on the ground." If the planet ended up being inhabited, they should be as respectful as possible.

Porter gathered the stuff to make a fire and Dru carefully created a circle with stones after she cleared an area. The temperature might drop a little, but Porter doubted it would be by much since they arrived at what appeared to be full nighttime. A blanket and their packs should be enough for them until dawn.

Once he got the fire going, he settled beside Dru and exhaled slowly.

Her hand found his again. "It's starting to sink in … this is going to be our new home." She shifted around and straddled his thighs.

Porter let the idea wrap around his brain. "The end of one journey and the beginning of another." He rested his forehead against hers.

Dru sighed. "Can we think about that tomorrow?" Her lips ghosted along his jawline.

Porter's lips twitched. "Yeah, I think we can pick up with this in the morning." His fingers slid under the hem of her shirt.

Dru reached down and pulled the garment off. "See … like I said. You're everything I need exactly when I need it."

Porter flashed a smile. No way would he argue with her right now.

This one is just getting started and I'm excited to see where it goes.

 

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