Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

What a week. Our weather went completely insane and we got a wild mix of rain and wind. We lost power on Friday afternoon and finally had it restored on Saturday after about eighteen hours. Thankfully, it didn't get super cold overnight.

Work projects are moving along. I finished up the memoir and have two new potential jobs. I'm still working on a proofread and have some final touches to put on a copy edit. I'm hoping to get to a developmental edit that I put on the back burner last month because it's a manuscript that will launch an amazing series.

Had a limited viewing week. I managed to get through a couple of my usual shows but didn't get through my whole slate. Too many things pulling my attention and focus.

Started with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Always fun to see Will and the sibling relationship he has with Alexa. Per usual, Madison had some great scenes.

Caught most of an episode of Foyle's War. I'd forgotten he kind of got pulled into the spy scene. Really fun to see his interactions with Sam after her marriage. Kind of bummed they recast the guy who played her fiancé in the previous season.

Watched an episode of Return to Paradise and it's one I remembered. I love the quirky interactions Mackenzie has with everyone but I really, really love when she has to deal with her messy emotions. Watching her apologize to Glen almost physically hurt to observe. Very good moment between them.

Started an episode of Poirot but didn't get a chance to finish it before I crashed. I'll finish it up and start the round of shows again.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a novella that leads a couple into a dangerous situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Psyche Hood and Errol Winkham are best friends, growing up together in the enchanted realm. A sinister darkness and red-eyed metal monster is moving in and Psyche drags Errol out to pick up the trail, little knowing she's playing right into the evil wizard's plan. He wants the red-eyed monster to rain fire down on Errol so Psyche will be alone and his for the taking.

And a preview snippet…

Psyche held the mental block against Errol, mainly to keep Marcus from gleaning too much from her.

She argued with the dark mage. "I want to learn everything now." She used a petulant tone.

Marcus waved his hand. "It's too soon. Your destiny will be fulfilled, but not yet." His voice brooked zero argument.

Psyche planted her hands on her hips. "My destiny is mine to decide." She hoped Errol caught the hint, because she wanted to lead Marcus into a trap. "I want my future to start now."

Marcus gave her a long, considering look. "In that case, since you know your own mind, the final step to embrace your new life and achieve your full potential is to kill your white knight. Once he's gone, your fate will be complete." His lips twisted in a sinister smile.

Psyche arched a brow. "And would the reverse be true?" She edged closer to Errol. "If I were to say..." She pressed the tip of her blade against her finger. "Decide to go in the opposite direction..." The end pierced her skin and a drop of blood beaded on the surface. "Will my destiny be complete." The savage look Marcus sent her confirmed her instinct.

Marcus snarled. "You don't want that. You want to own the dark arts and rule by my side." The words hissed from his mouth.

Psyche took a deep, calming breath. "You know, Marcus, I'm tired of being told what I want." She held her hand out and let the drop of blood drip from her finger. "So here's the deal." She held his gaze. "I get to decide who I am and what I'm going to do and—this is the important part…" She edged closer to the trapped Errol. "Who gets to be by my side." She crossed into the circle opened by her blood. "That person isn't you."

Marcus charged forward. "You don't know what you're saying!" He halted at the edge of the circle unable to cross over the line.

Clasping Errol's hand, she whispered, "Mystic portal." She squeezed his fingers.

Errol's head snapped up, and he spoke the incantation with her. Marcus roared his anger but couldn't stop the swirl of air or the vortex that pulled him into the ether. Psyche used her new knowledge to seal the dark mage into exile. The burst of light and dark power took a toll, and Errol caught her when she collapsed.

He swept a hand over her forehead. "Psyche? Hey, are you still with me?" Worry edged his tone.

Psyche opened her eyes. "I'm always with you, Errol. Let's go home." She accepted his help getting to her feet and put her arms around him when he spoke a teleport spell and landed them inside his cottage.

She still had to deal with her dad, but right now, she wanted a hot shower and Errol by her side. 

I'm very happy with how this story is coming together. Errol and Psyche are such a great couple.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

Happy Almost Halloween! Gotta say it's been a week. Several work projects hit at once—which I'm not complaining about—and a couple of disasters decided to show up on my doorstep. It's been a low-bandwidth week for me.

I didn't get a lot of viewing time in, mainly due to the work projects and the distractions from the washing machine going kaput, a trip to the ED for one of my grown kiddos, and having another one out of town and calling to check in several times.

I did get a few things watched. Finished up the Umbrella Academy and, wow, didn't quite expect how things went down. Looking forward to seeing the next episode.

Caught some Classic Rugrats with the Thanksgiving episode. I'd actually forgotten about this one and I'm glad I got to watch it again. I might have to set up a bit of countdown and try to catch all the holiday episodes between now and the solstice.

Watched another Batman: The Animated Series. It's always fun when they have Alfred step out of his comfort zone and this episode definitely makes him stray. That's two in a row and I'm here for it.

Enjoyed an episode of Ted Lasso. I love Roy and Keeley so much. Nate is getting a wee bit annoying. Jamie is … I'm not sure. If he doesn't act like a raging ass, I might be able to stomach seeing him. LOL

Caught another episode of Suspects and loved how it all came together. Some really interesting bits popped and I love the pacing. Great show.

I started another episode of Endeavor but I'll have to finish it when I have higher brain capacity. It has a focus on the space race and I love that.

Watched the second part of Silent Witness and whew, this one ended up being very twisty. Kind of bummed about how it ended but not surprised.

Enjoyed another Classic Who episode. I like the setting for this arc and look forward to the next episode.

Sci Fi Science looked into how to blow up a planet. Had a lot of fun watching this episode. I love so much that fans are featured in each episode.

Started the next episode of Ms. Marvel and love it so far. I'm hoping to finish it up in the near future.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a twisty retelling of Hansel and Gretyl.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Psyche Hood and Errol Winkham are best friends, growing up together in the enchanted realm. A sinister darkness and red-eyed metal monster is moving in and Psyche drags Errol out to pick up the trail, little knowing she's playing right into the evil wizard's plan. He wants the red-eyed monster to rain fire down on Errol so Psyche will be alone and his for the taking.

And a preview snippet…

Marcus paced the confines of his bungalow. "Where the hell is she?" Pissed off, he directed his beast to skirt the outer edge of the village while he reached out with his mind to find Psyche.

His blood ran hot when he discovered her location. "Bah! She's with the boy toy again." His hatred of Errol deepened another level. "Probably his idea to take the night off." No doubt to slake his lust with the woman Marcus considered his.

He sneered. "She should've been mine." He'd come very close to binding her to with the dark arts.

He almost succeeded. Her belief in the importance of knowing what dark magick could do led her to a logical conclusion that one should experience the outcome of its use. He'd been happy to guide her in her first forays into wielding the dark power.

But her stupid father put a stop to her visits to Marcus. Then Padrick had him black-balled into exile. But Marcus would have retribution … by seducing Psyche and getting her to succumb to the black arts. She'd belong to him and rule the enchanted forest by his side.

His lips curved upward. "I sense the dark pull in her and I'll bring her over to my way of thinking." She'd become the dark mistress to his dark master. "But first I have to get her away from her constant shadow." But how?

Guiding the beast back to its lair, Marcus decided to leave some signs on its next outing. "Yes, that will do nicely." He'd arrange to drop clues that would lead Psyche and Errol right to Marcus's doorstep.

A laugh rumbled out of his throat. "And directly into a trap for each of them." He settled behind his desk to begin the plot to lure his prey into the snare.

Which would move him one step closer to having Psyche right where he wanted her.

Marcus might get what he wants but holding on to it will be his challenge.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

There's nothing quite like hitting the third week of December and realizing less than half my holiday shopping is complete. I need about five more hours each day to get everything finished up. Something tells me I'm not going to see that extra time.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Caught an episode of Riverdale and, wow, I'm seriously impressed with how the relationship with Betty and Alice is being portrayed. I'm on the fence with the Hal stuff. Was completely thrilled I didn't have any Hiram to deal with and loved the father / son stuff between FP and Jughead and Archie and Fred. It's so bittersweet to watch Luke Perry's scenes.

Caught another arc of Sapphire and Steel. I should be getting ready to start the third season next week.

Watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Really not sure what to make of the neighbor interaction. My gut says the wife is probably some type of murderer. We'll see if I'm proven right. I have a vague idea of who I think she'll end up taking out if she is.

Also watched an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. Enjoyed seeing a family member added to the fold. Loved Nora's mama bear protection instincts.

Also caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Very happy this has another season coming up.

That's pretty much it for television this week. I also dived deep into the holiday music on a couple of days. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Psyche Hood and Errol Winkham are best friends, growing up together in the enchanted realm. A sinister darkness and red-eyed metal monster is moving in and Psyche drags Errol out to pick up the trail, little knowing she's playing right into the evil wizard's plan. He wants the red-eyed monster to rain fire down on Errol so Psyche will be alone and his for the taking.

And a preview snippet…

Psyche stood outside the door of her father's house. "Here goes nothing." Twisting the knob, she entered the foyer and waved his ever-present butler and best friend aside. "He'll be expecting me, Smithy. No need to make an announcement." She didn't wait to get a response from the man she'd known since the age of two.

She definitely didn't want an audience for the argument she'd no doubt have with her dad.

Padrick Hood sat behind the large desk in his study, poring over a map. His dark hair had rows where his fingers had combed through the strands and his red pencil made three quick circles on the plotted page before him. He heaved a sigh that sounded older than his forty-six years.

Padrick didn't glance up when she took her usual spot across from him. "The destruction is even worse after last night. Why haven't we caught the red-eyed beast yet?" He finally looked up, a bit of accusation in his gaze.

Psyche didn't rise to the bait. "Because you don't want more than two people out there looking for it." And one of those two happened to be her.

Padrick tossed the pencil on the paper. "You know why I don't. I'm not going to put anyone at risk when something fueled by dark magick is roaming our glade." His fingers drummed frustration on the desk.

Psyche put her hands on the surface, covering the map. "Then let me do what needs to be done." She braced for the explosive response.

Padrick shot to his feet and got in her face. "No. I will not have you mucking about in your mother's books and journals." He slammed a hand down. "You're better than that and shouldn't need to delve into using the dark side of magick to catch this thing." His nostrils flared and his voice boomed.

Psyche barely refrained from rolling her eyes. "Why do you always assume I want to use dark magick? I only need to get a handle on how it works, not wield the power." His utter lack of understanding pissed her off.

Padrick backed away and paced the floor behind his desk. "You don't need to be anywhere near your mother's history." His tone held accusation.

Beyond tired of getting lumped into a category she didn't deserve, Psyche lifted her chin. "You know what, Dad? It's not my fault you got all hot and bothered over a dark arts mistress and couldn't keep it in your pants. The fact that I'm the result of dark and light coming together is something you won't let me forget and the one time I tried to find answers about my mom you flipped your shit and locked me down with an enhancement that won't let me practice anything other than light magick. What exactly are you afraid of here?" Did he really want the beast caught or not?

Padrick stopped and faced her. "I'm afraid of losing you the way I lost her." His eyes filled with ragged pain. "She couldn't turn away from the dark, Psy. She tried but couldn't resist the temptation. I won't let you go down the same path." He came around the desk and stood at her side. "You have to understand it would kill me to see you succumb like she did." His hand grasped her shoulder in a fatherly squeeze.

Dammit. She did get it. But she also hated the low-level distrust her dad held for her at all times. She made one mistake—over a decade ago at age sixteen—and he couldn't let it go.

She'd given her idea her best shot. Now they had to figure out how to proceed with finding and containing the red-eyed monstrosity wreaking havoc in the glade.

Blowing out a breath, she gave a nod. "I get it, Dad. Let's focus on catching our interloper." She swung the map around and pointed to the center of the village. "I'm thinking we should stake out the—"

Padrick interrupted her. "No, it started in the north quadrant, then moved west the next night. Last night it tore up the south quad. I want you to patrol the east sector tonight."

She sighed. "Don't you think at least one of us should be in the square? That way if the beast returns and doesn't go where we predict, we have a better shot at catching it."

Her father shook his head. "No. Errol needs to be with you. I don't want you two to split up."

She'd rather have Errol Winkham with her at all times, but she also wanted to rid the village of the contraption causing all the problems so she and Errol could get back to doing what they did best… challenging each other in work and play.

Psyche lifted a shoulder. "Fine. Whatever you say, Dad." She backed up and turned to leave.

Padrick softened his stance a little. "If you don't have any luck in the east quad, you can do it your way. As long as you and Errol agree."

Psyche's lips curved. "Not a guarantee but, thanks." She exited the study and nodded to Smithy before leaving the house.

Standing outside, she shook her head. "Okay, that didn't go well, but it could've been worse." She started down the drive to head over to Errol's.

I love this story! One of my favorite tropes is having an established couple go through a personal trial that could end up breaking them apart. This story has that through-line and I'm having so much fun with it.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

February 19, 2017

Okay, I ended up watching The Walking Dead and enjoyed having the group back together. As always, The Talking Dead made me happy, too.

An off week for The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, which meant I got to start a binge watch of Daredevil. So far, so good. I have two more episodes of season one to watch and I'm loving it.

Arrow's episode with the origin of Wild Dog ended up being terrific. I'm so happy they got a season six order. Arrow is consistently one of my favorites.

Riverdale continues to be must see for me. It's not perfect, but I like that. Lots of room to grow the characters and plot threads. I'll be waiting patiently for the next person to slap Alice Cooper… or to bring her down. Either is okay with me.

Caught up on Murdoch Mysteries and happy to see Brackenreid back. I enjoy him a lot. Looking forward to this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a novella with a twist on the Hansel and Gretel tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Psyche Hood and Errol Winkham are best friends, growing up together in the enchanted realm. A sinister darkness and red-eyed metal monster is moving in and Psyche drags Errol out to pick up the trail, little knowing she's playing right into the evil wizard's plan. He wants the red-eyed monster to rain fire down on Errol so Psyche will be alone and his for the taking.

And a preview snippet…

The beast, a red-eyed, fire-breathing monster made its way through the enchanted woods. The huge metallic tale cut a swath behind him, ruining gardens, flower beds, and outdoor oases. Marcus Lamier smiled in the dark confines of his workshop, also known as his den of iniquity.

"Ten years I've waited. The time for vengeance is now." He guided the beast along the north quadrant of the magical forest, giving it free reign to destroy yards and wreak havoc on crops.

Banished for using the dark arts, Marcus hated being on the extreme edge of the realm. He didn't appreciate mingling with the others, humans who had no concept of magick or how to wield its power. But the regular population paid his bills and gave him the means to exact his revenge for being exiled.

"They shouldn't have interfered with my plans." Marcus urged the beast to a faster pace; viewing the chaos it left behind through the red filmy haze of its eyes connected to Marcus by a telepathic link.

His reputation for fixing the unfixable gave him a steady clientele that paid whatever price he named to fix their objects. Of course, using magick meant he could repair anything the regulars brought him. It also afforded him the means to build the object of his revenge, the beast plowing through the enchanted woods.

Marcus planned to start small; the north quadrant tonight and the west section tomorrow. "That'll get their attention." And one other person should take an interest. "Psyche."

His obsession with her started over ten years ago. At sixteen, Psyche Hood's inquisitive mind craved new and exciting knowledge. Forbidden topics intrigued her, nothing off-limits—even the dark arts.

Marcus snorted. "And that's how I ended up here." He directed the beast to end its destruction and guided him to the small cottage in the center of the woods.

Psyche resided behind the painted, green door. Marcus used the beast as a conduit and reached out with his mind. Not there. Probably off with her golden boy, Errol Winkam.

The bitter taste of bile filled Marcus's throat. "She won't be yours much longer."

Winkham had no idea what he had with Psyche. Her potential for power grew with each passing year. Marcus wanted to pluck Psyche and watch her ripen into the commanding mage he envisioned.

Ordering the beast to return to its lair, Marcus broke the connection. "Soon, Psyche. You'll be mine very soon."

Enjoying trying my hand at adding a twisty update to one of my favorite fairy tales.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

Hello!

Okay, finally got semi-caught up on Haven. Also still current on Sons of Anarchy. I can only say, wow, it hurts to watch both. LOL

I'm behind on some of my other faves. Agents of SHEILD and Sleepy Hollow being two, and I haven't been able to catch Gotham yet either. Sometimes working seven days a week is a huge pain. J

Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a novella loosely retelling the story of Hansel and Gretyl.

Here's the tagline:

Psyche Hood and Errol Winkham are best friends, growing up together in the enchanted realm. A sinister darkness and red-eyed metal monster is moving in and Psyche drags Errol out to pick up the trail, little knowing she's playing right into the evil wizard's plan. He wants the red-eyed monster to rain fire down on Errol so Psyche will be alone and his for the taking.

And a preview snippet…

Psyche pounded on the heavy wood slab. "Come on, Errol, get your ass out here. The beast is on the prowl again." Her fist started toward the door when it jerked open and she connected with Errol's chest instead.

His bare, muscular chest.

Her mouth went dry and her gaze flew up to meet his. "You didn't tell me you were going to bed, E." Her tongue flicked out, wetting her lower lip. "How the hell can you sleep when that red-eyed monster is churning through the realm?"

Errol closed his eyes and swayed a little. "Because we've been chasing the damn thing for five straight days, Psyche." His mouth opened on a yawn, but he caught the gesture and shook his head. "Give me five, okay?" He turned and strode toward the wardrobe, dragging a drawer open.

Five days? How did she not realize? Because Errol always handled the details, like reminding her to eat and keeping a log of their activity. She tracked and formulated the plan. And right now, she made one up on the fly.

Entering Errol's cottage, she moved to stand behind him, her hands coming up to rest on his biceps. He tensed under her touch.

Leaning in, she pressed her lips to his shoulder. "Forget taking five, Errol, let's take the night off."

He relaxed for a moment, then straightened. "We probably shouldn't. What about the damage the damned metal contraption can do?"

She rested her forehead against his back. "What about the harm we'll cause if we don't stop to regroup?" She nudged him around so he faced her. "To date, we've been chasing ourselves into exhaustion and haven't caught the stupid thing yet." She grasped the waistband of his fatigues. "Think about it, it's leading us on a merry chase. Let's stop and see what it does when we're not there to engage."

Errol's eyes slid closed again. "Not a bad plan, but I'm so tired I couldn't form an objection if I wanted to." His eyelids popped open. "And I really don't want to."

Catching her off guard, he scooped her up and carried to his bed, topping them onto the soft surface. He popped the button of her pants and she quickly shimmied out, shoving them down to the floor. His fingers worked the buttons of her vest loose and she shrugged it off. She returned the favor and worked his fatigues loose so he could slide them off. He threw an arm over her waist and she turned toward the wall, spooning back against him.

He nuzzled her shoulder. "Sleep first, yeah?"

She wriggled her butt against his thighs. "Yeah, regroup and recharge." She twined their fingers together and dragged his hand up close to her heart. "Rejuvenating sex in the morning."

A soft sigh escaped him. "Sounds perfect." He snuggled in closer and drifted off to sleep.

Psyche remained awake a while longer, pondering a way to trap the red-eyed monster. When they finally caught the raging beast, she didn't want anyone else but Errol at her side to tear it apart.

Seriously love trying my hand at fairy tale retellings. This one is so much fun to dive into and play with.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye