M.T. Murphy's Blog, page 3
April 19, 2011
Public Display - Flash Fiction Dare
Through an odd twist of events on Twitter, I found myself on the receiving end of a dare to write a scene containing an inappropriate bit of intamacy in a public place. This is my somewhat tardy entry for said dare.
Read this and let me know what you think. Then, be sure to visit the other guilty parties and their naughty short stories:
Anabel
http://nemone7.livejournal.com/
Monica
http://tinyurl.com/3cosltt
Public Display
Bruscetta's was not an exclusive restaurant; it was an impossible restaurant. There was no sign outside, no number in a phone book, and a minimum one-year waiting list. Only twelve tables filled the dining area.
Lucky patrons met with the chef, Alberto, when they entered. He would speak with them for a moment and then bring them the best meal they had ever eaten with no guidance or menu whatsoever.
It was like magic.
On this particular evening twelve enchanted couples feasted on dishes of exotic duck, eggplant, steak, pasta, and seafood that had been swimming only hours earlier. They drank white and Merlot wines that were older than they were. They savored the food and tried to forget about the sobering bill to come.
It was a typical evening at an atypical restaurant.
That changed during the main course with the opening of the front door.
A woman stepped into the dim candlelight of the room. She was pale with long, black hair that flowed down her shoulders. Her simple yet elegant black dress draped just above her knees. She was beautiful with an air of fierceness that showed through her emerald eyes even in the darkness.
Her escort closed the door behind her and glanced around the room with the kind of steely indifference with which a wolf surveys a flock of sheep. Where she was beautiful and elusive, he was wild and aggressive. From his shaggy sideburns to his old leather jacket, he did not seem like the type to accompany the woman, especially to a place like Bruscetta's.
Alberto greeted the pair with his melodic accent that had somehow remained unaffected by many years away from his homeland. He immediately placed a thirteenth table against the wall.
The two sat and stared at each other, oblivious to the rest of the room.
Given the usual difficulty in obtaining a table, there were a few murmurs of discontent among the other patrons at their arrival, but they kept their dissatisfaction as quiet as possible.
After a few moments, Alberto returned and placed a rack of lamb in front of the man and a single glass of blood-red wine in front of the woman.
The conversation among the other couples changed from delight over the food to open speculation about the newcomers. They weren't famous. They didn't seem to be foreign dignitaries or local politicians. It was finally decided that they must simply have been friends of the chef.
While reaching this consensus, the others continued to observe the couple. The pair spoke low and stared directly into each other's eyes, smiling and laughing occasionally. The man ate the rack of lamb, quite savagely, never offering any to the woman.
She didn't seem to mind his poor manners. In fact, at one point, she reached across the table and touched his hand while he ate. With her eyes closed, she giggled and licked her lips slowly. He chewed purposefully, savoring every taste of the succulent meat and watching her reaction. She closed her mouth and pouted, then touched her chest when he swallowed, urging him to take another bite.
She gulped a bit of the wine, spilling a little on her cheek. The man wiped it away with his fingers and she grabbed his hand and licked the wine from his skin while staring into his eyes.
A few of the other couples looked away.
She pulled his finger into her mouth and a drop of crimson ran down the man's hand. Blood?
The woman's surly companion groaned as if in reply to the unspoken question on everyone's mind.
Yes, blood.
The couples who looked away before, now looked on without hesitation.
The man reached under the table and grasped the woman's chair. She released his hand with a purr and he effortlessly dragged her chair around until she sat right next to him.
He put his arm around her and leaned closer. She looked away and took a sip of wine. He smiled at her avoidance and touched her knee. Fingers slid up her alabaster skin and under her silk dress. A hint of smile crossed her lips as he leaned closer, brushing his oddly sharp teeth against the nape of her neck.
She turned back to him and shifted her body to face his. She crossed her legs and then brushed the calf of her dangling left leg gently over his groin.
The man growled audibly.
Then, they kissed. It was no quick peck of affection. It was the long, slow, lingering kiss of two lovers who knew what they wanted and were prepared to take it if necessary, regardless of the audience.
When they stopped, the man placed a wad of hundred dollar bills on the table and stood, still staring at the woman, feasting on her with his gaze. She smiled, relishing in the power she seemed to have over him.
She stood as well and rubbed her shapely backside against the prominent bulge on full display in the front of his trousers, drawing another growl from him.
They quietly left, leaving a room full of gaping jaws. A husband growled playfully at the wife. A girlfriend crossed her legs and brushed against the boyfriend.
Alberto returned and asked if anyone was ready for dessert.
Instead, twelve different couples all requested their checks as they suddenly had far better places to be.
Read this and let me know what you think. Then, be sure to visit the other guilty parties and their naughty short stories:
Anabel
http://nemone7.livejournal.com/
Monica
http://tinyurl.com/3cosltt
Public Display
Bruscetta's was not an exclusive restaurant; it was an impossible restaurant. There was no sign outside, no number in a phone book, and a minimum one-year waiting list. Only twelve tables filled the dining area.
Lucky patrons met with the chef, Alberto, when they entered. He would speak with them for a moment and then bring them the best meal they had ever eaten with no guidance or menu whatsoever.
It was like magic.
On this particular evening twelve enchanted couples feasted on dishes of exotic duck, eggplant, steak, pasta, and seafood that had been swimming only hours earlier. They drank white and Merlot wines that were older than they were. They savored the food and tried to forget about the sobering bill to come.
It was a typical evening at an atypical restaurant.
That changed during the main course with the opening of the front door.
A woman stepped into the dim candlelight of the room. She was pale with long, black hair that flowed down her shoulders. Her simple yet elegant black dress draped just above her knees. She was beautiful with an air of fierceness that showed through her emerald eyes even in the darkness.
Her escort closed the door behind her and glanced around the room with the kind of steely indifference with which a wolf surveys a flock of sheep. Where she was beautiful and elusive, he was wild and aggressive. From his shaggy sideburns to his old leather jacket, he did not seem like the type to accompany the woman, especially to a place like Bruscetta's.
Alberto greeted the pair with his melodic accent that had somehow remained unaffected by many years away from his homeland. He immediately placed a thirteenth table against the wall.
The two sat and stared at each other, oblivious to the rest of the room.
Given the usual difficulty in obtaining a table, there were a few murmurs of discontent among the other patrons at their arrival, but they kept their dissatisfaction as quiet as possible.
After a few moments, Alberto returned and placed a rack of lamb in front of the man and a single glass of blood-red wine in front of the woman.
The conversation among the other couples changed from delight over the food to open speculation about the newcomers. They weren't famous. They didn't seem to be foreign dignitaries or local politicians. It was finally decided that they must simply have been friends of the chef.
While reaching this consensus, the others continued to observe the couple. The pair spoke low and stared directly into each other's eyes, smiling and laughing occasionally. The man ate the rack of lamb, quite savagely, never offering any to the woman.
She didn't seem to mind his poor manners. In fact, at one point, she reached across the table and touched his hand while he ate. With her eyes closed, she giggled and licked her lips slowly. He chewed purposefully, savoring every taste of the succulent meat and watching her reaction. She closed her mouth and pouted, then touched her chest when he swallowed, urging him to take another bite.
She gulped a bit of the wine, spilling a little on her cheek. The man wiped it away with his fingers and she grabbed his hand and licked the wine from his skin while staring into his eyes.
A few of the other couples looked away.
She pulled his finger into her mouth and a drop of crimson ran down the man's hand. Blood?
The woman's surly companion groaned as if in reply to the unspoken question on everyone's mind.
Yes, blood.
The couples who looked away before, now looked on without hesitation.
The man reached under the table and grasped the woman's chair. She released his hand with a purr and he effortlessly dragged her chair around until she sat right next to him.
He put his arm around her and leaned closer. She looked away and took a sip of wine. He smiled at her avoidance and touched her knee. Fingers slid up her alabaster skin and under her silk dress. A hint of smile crossed her lips as he leaned closer, brushing his oddly sharp teeth against the nape of her neck.
She turned back to him and shifted her body to face his. She crossed her legs and then brushed the calf of her dangling left leg gently over his groin.
The man growled audibly.
Then, they kissed. It was no quick peck of affection. It was the long, slow, lingering kiss of two lovers who knew what they wanted and were prepared to take it if necessary, regardless of the audience.
When they stopped, the man placed a wad of hundred dollar bills on the table and stood, still staring at the woman, feasting on her with his gaze. She smiled, relishing in the power she seemed to have over him.
She stood as well and rubbed her shapely backside against the prominent bulge on full display in the front of his trousers, drawing another growl from him.
They quietly left, leaving a room full of gaping jaws. A husband growled playfully at the wife. A girlfriend crossed her legs and brushed against the boyfriend.
Alberto returned and asked if anyone was ready for dessert.
Instead, twelve different couples all requested their checks as they suddenly had far better places to be.
April 13, 2011
India Drummond: Eight inappropriate questions with the Ordinary Angels scribe
Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing India Drummond. Her debut novel, Ordinary Angels, is now available in eBook form everywhere.
Poor India. She agreed to answer my questions. Little did she know how little I know. I took this opportunity to ask her highly inappropriate questions about the angels in her story. Let the awkwardness commence.
India: I said I'd answer anything, and I meant it! Bring it.
MT: Your book brings angels down to Earth and puts them in the dirt with the rest of us. Do angels get tired of being thought of as chubby little winged babies flying around in cloth diapers or do they, in a freaky way, get off on it?
India: Understanding what angels are is a big part of the story. Zoe, the main character, has all the preconceived ideas, and Alexander, the main angel dude, has to tell her to forget everything she's been taught, myths and Bible stories. I intentionally made angels unlike any human mythology. They're part angel, part demon, part dragon… they are their own creatures and what humans know about them are all wrong. I love this because it let me write my own rules.
MT: How do angels feel about vampires? Do they watch reruns of Buffy or do they agonize over whether they are "Team Edward" or "Team Jacob"?
India: Alexander would probably like television! He's fascinated with all things human. In my books though, there are no undead. There are ghosts, but these are human souls who got lost when they should have transitioned back to where they came from. The Higher Angels frown on human souls not being where they're meant to be, and sometimes round them up. Scary thought, especially considering some of those spirits are Zoe's friends.
MT: Will you be revisiting the Ordinary Angels world, or is this a stand alone novel?
India: The next novel in the series (which I think will be a trilogy) is called Familiar Demons, and it's on the books for a 2012 release. It's outlined and has a few chapters written, so it's well on its way. This won't be my next release though! I plan to release fantasy books in a couple of other worlds before I get to this sequel. I'm mean that way.
MT: Do angels poop? Wait. Don't answer that. That's a terrible question. Do they have sex?
India: Oh, do they ever have sex. Smouldering, saucy, and delicious. And something quite… unusual happens when they, ahem, reach their peak. This is definitely not a book for kids. Strong language and supernatural sizzle. It's not classed as erotica, because the language used isn't graphic. But the scenes themselves are quite spicy!
MT: Do angels have sideburns or other facial hair? I picture the archangels as having Sam Elliott paintbrush mustaches, even the female angels. Is this accurate or wishful thinking on my part?
India: They can change their appearance, so yes, they could have sideburns if they wanted to. Their basic physical structure stays the same, but they can wear their hair long or short, and change superficial things quite easily. That said, it is most definitely wishful thinking on your part!
MT: What is your next project after Ordinary Angels?
India: On June 1st I'll be releasing Blood Faerie, an urban fantasy set in Perth, Scotland. It's already back from the editor, so it's just waiting for the proofreading and formatting stages! Later this year I plan to release Haywire Witch, the first in a series I'm calling "The Charms of Gerda Graves." 2011 is a very busy year for me!
MT: Fuck it. I have to know. Do angels poop?
India: I never address it directly in the book, but I suppose I can give you the scoop. Eww, I wish I hadn't said scoop.
At one point Zoe asks Alexander if he eats. He replies that he can, but he doesn't have to. His friend and lawyer, a fallen angel named Thomas, runs a bar in realm outside the human world. So, we know for sure they drink too. I would say it's safe to assume that the answer to the poop question is the same as the food question: they could if they wanted to, but I doubt they'd have to. Eating, like sex, is purely recreation for them (since they reproduce with each other differently than humans do—you'll have to read Familiar Demons to find out more about celestial procreation), so it's safe to say pooping would be, erm, purely recreational?
You win. Weirdest interview question ever. But I said I'd answer, and I'm a chick of my word.
MT: That you are! Thanks for playing along and best of luck.
India: Thanks so much for having me here today. It was great fun!
Highly offensive image of India as a werewolf angel. Note halo. Author Bio:
India Drummond knew from age nine that writing would be her passion. Since then she's discovered many more, but none quite so fulfilling as creating a world, a character, or a moment and watching them evolve into something complex and compelling. She has lived in three countries and four American states, is a dual British and American citizen, and currently lives at the base of the Scottish Highlands in a village so small its main attraction is a red phone box. In other words: paradise.
The supernatural and paranormal have always fascinated India. In addition to being an avid sci-fi and fantasy reader, she also enjoys mysteries, thrillers, and romance. This probably explains why her novels have elements of adventure, ghosts (or elves, fairies, angels, aliens, and whatever else she can dream up), and spicy love stories.
Author website and blog: http://www.indiadrummond.com/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/india.drummond.author
Twitter: http://twitter.com/IndiaDrummond
To arrange an interview or contact the author, please email: author@indiadrummond.com
February 28, 2011
Kiss Me, Kill Me Paranormal Anthology out now
Much like Elvis, I have been taking care of business in a flash, as such:
Remember that time The King exploded out of a Fabergé egg? Yeah. Neither does he, but you can't deny how fucking awesome it would be if he did.
I haven't been mounting a comeback tour. I have been finalizing a short story for this anthology.
Head on over to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords and check it out. It's only $0.99 and the proceeds go to GreaterGood.org.
You'll find shapeshifters, vampires, superheroes, demons, faeries, men and women of mystery, and leprechauns!
Okay, I'm lying about the leprechauns, but these stories contain all those other things and then some, all for less than the cost of a single can of Guinness.
Voyage into the realm of the paranormal with this nine author short story anthology. Sink your teeth into:
A Ghoulish Valentine by H.P. Mallory:
Dulcie O'Neil can't help her attraction to Knight Vander, much though she tries to fight her feelings. When she begrudgingly accepts his invitation to dinner and a movie, the last thing she expects is that she'll be defending herself against a cemetery full of hungry ghouls and one incredibly sexy man.
Cat Fight by Zoe Winters:
Cat Fight takes place in Zoe Winters' "PretVerse". Greta is a cat therian (shifter). She's been involved with Dayne, a local sorcerer since she sought his protection from her murderous tribe. After a fight, Greta shifts into cat form and refuses to come back out.
Impulse Control by Susan Bischoff:
In the world of the Talent Chronicles, kids born with supernatural powers are taken from their families and forced into government research facilities called State Schools. At one such school, a group of Talents must work together to stop a dangerous experiment that's already killed two of their peers and threatens others. If they're caught they face Detention, and Detention at a State School has a whole different meaning.
Wild Passion by Lori Brighton:
James is a treasure hunter intent on collecting a deadly, priceless statue. Then he meets Adelaide, a stubbornly beautiful and mysterious woman who knows more about the statue than she admits. Suddenly, James is tempted to give up everything for the one treasure he can't seem to own … Adelaide.
A Fairytale Ending by M.T. Murphy:
An unlucky actress discovers that there is no good and bad when it comes to vampires and werewolves, only bad and worse.
Blind Sight by Kait Nolan:
Isla's ability as a Seer has made her a life-long captive of a paranormal crime lord. Fae assassin, Ransom, offers her a chance at escape, but when she touches his hand she sees only blood, horror, apocalypse. What reason can Ransom have for wanting to rescue her, and can she possibly trust a man who deals in death?
The Sacrifice by Toni LoTempio:
After a chance meeting with the mysterious Alfred Barstow, Jennifer is swept off her feet by his whirlwind courtship of her, so much so that she accepts his proposal of marriage. Leaving her boyfriend Peter behind, she heads off to start a new life in California, unaware there's more to Alfred than meets the eye – and a sinister plot behind his proposal. The Sacrifice is a story about what happens when the man of your dreams turns out to be your worst nightmare…and then some!
Until the Breaking of the Day by Daniel Arenson:
The Underground. A realm of flame, blood, and knives in the dark.When its prince returns from exile, a young demon girl will learn his secrets.
If You Leave by Stacey Wallace Benefiel:
Despite their devotion to one another, Gabrielle and Jorge have been living separate lives. That is, until Gabrielle's life ends. Reunited and it feels so…complicated?
Remember that time The King exploded out of a Fabergé egg? Yeah. Neither does he, but you can't deny how fucking awesome it would be if he did.
I haven't been mounting a comeback tour. I have been finalizing a short story for this anthology.
Head on over to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords and check it out. It's only $0.99 and the proceeds go to GreaterGood.org.
You'll find shapeshifters, vampires, superheroes, demons, faeries, men and women of mystery, and leprechauns!
Okay, I'm lying about the leprechauns, but these stories contain all those other things and then some, all for less than the cost of a single can of Guinness.
Voyage into the realm of the paranormal with this nine author short story anthology. Sink your teeth into:
A Ghoulish Valentine by H.P. Mallory:
Dulcie O'Neil can't help her attraction to Knight Vander, much though she tries to fight her feelings. When she begrudgingly accepts his invitation to dinner and a movie, the last thing she expects is that she'll be defending herself against a cemetery full of hungry ghouls and one incredibly sexy man.
Cat Fight by Zoe Winters:
Cat Fight takes place in Zoe Winters' "PretVerse". Greta is a cat therian (shifter). She's been involved with Dayne, a local sorcerer since she sought his protection from her murderous tribe. After a fight, Greta shifts into cat form and refuses to come back out.
Impulse Control by Susan Bischoff:
In the world of the Talent Chronicles, kids born with supernatural powers are taken from their families and forced into government research facilities called State Schools. At one such school, a group of Talents must work together to stop a dangerous experiment that's already killed two of their peers and threatens others. If they're caught they face Detention, and Detention at a State School has a whole different meaning.
Wild Passion by Lori Brighton:
James is a treasure hunter intent on collecting a deadly, priceless statue. Then he meets Adelaide, a stubbornly beautiful and mysterious woman who knows more about the statue than she admits. Suddenly, James is tempted to give up everything for the one treasure he can't seem to own … Adelaide.
A Fairytale Ending by M.T. Murphy:
An unlucky actress discovers that there is no good and bad when it comes to vampires and werewolves, only bad and worse.
Blind Sight by Kait Nolan:
Isla's ability as a Seer has made her a life-long captive of a paranormal crime lord. Fae assassin, Ransom, offers her a chance at escape, but when she touches his hand she sees only blood, horror, apocalypse. What reason can Ransom have for wanting to rescue her, and can she possibly trust a man who deals in death?
The Sacrifice by Toni LoTempio:
After a chance meeting with the mysterious Alfred Barstow, Jennifer is swept off her feet by his whirlwind courtship of her, so much so that she accepts his proposal of marriage. Leaving her boyfriend Peter behind, she heads off to start a new life in California, unaware there's more to Alfred than meets the eye – and a sinister plot behind his proposal. The Sacrifice is a story about what happens when the man of your dreams turns out to be your worst nightmare…and then some!
Until the Breaking of the Day by Daniel Arenson:
The Underground. A realm of flame, blood, and knives in the dark.When its prince returns from exile, a young demon girl will learn his secrets.
If You Leave by Stacey Wallace Benefiel:
Despite their devotion to one another, Gabrielle and Jorge have been living separate lives. That is, until Gabrielle's life ends. Reunited and it feels so…complicated?
January 31, 2011
"When in doubt, rip off Shakespeare" Interview at Para Your Normal
Check out the audio archive of my Blog Talk Radio interview at Para Your Normal.
Why did I decide on the name Lucifera for my main character?
Is it it true that leprechauns have a restraining order against me?
Exactly how large is my head?
Hear me answer these questions and more with Para Your Normal hosts Andrew Mocete and Kelli McCracken.
Why did I decide on the name Lucifera for my main character?
Is it it true that leprechauns have a restraining order against me?
Exactly how large is my head?
Hear me answer these questions and more with Para Your Normal hosts Andrew Mocete and Kelli McCracken.
