Jamie DeBree's Blog, page 28
February 25, 2013
The Dark Knight, Spring, & Gym No More
Where'd the weekend go?
Oh right. Much busy-ness going on, but I helped a writer-colleague
solve a problem, which took up most of Saturday, and then spent Sunday
catching up on housework-type stuff. Saturday night was movie night, and
we watched Premium Rush, an intense bike messenger adventure flick, and The Dark Knight Rises.
I love Batman movies, and TDKR was long and completely engaging for the
entire three hours. I loved it. It was truly (and I don't use the word
lightly) an epic story/movie. Amazing.
Incidentally, I nearly picked up the #1 issue of The Dark Knight
comic book at Hastings, but considering how addictive the darn things
are, I refrained. Of course that's not to say it won't happen
eventually...
I think everyone I know has spring fever because the weather's been
so nice lately. Personally, I have mixed feelings. It's not that I
don't like spring, but I feel like I haven't quite gotten a full
winter's rest yet, and I'm not even close to being ready for yard work
and outdoor chores & projects to demand my time yet. So I'm hoping
for more snow and colder temps - just another month, and then I might be
okay with nicer weather.
Although now that I've decided to cancel my gym membership, nicer
weather might necessarily be a bad thing. The pool chemicals were
killing my skin, which made me not want to go (and it's not like I have
an overabundance of motivation in that arena anyways). It's actually far
easier to look at the clock and head to the basement for a treadmill
workout when I'm not "feeling it", or a video/total gym workout when I
am than it is to get in the car and drive to the gym, rush through a
workout and head back home. Of course in nicer weather, now that I don't
own a dog that will immediately attack any other dogs that might rush
us (or I think, anyways), I could potentially walk the dogs in the
evenings. That would be good for all of us, provided the loose dog
problem in our neighborhood has been solved. I wouldn't know - I haven't
walked my dogs since the last time a loose one followed us home - it
used to be really bad, and I couldn't risk my dogs or anyone else's
getting hurt. But I'm willing to try again, I think...once, at least.
Last week was productive in the beginning, and trickled down to
nearly comatose by Friday. I did spend a good 24 hours trying to figure
out how to make my business accounting easier, and it took that long to
figure out a workable solution. But I still haven't implemented it for a
host of different reasons (none of them particularly good). So that
will have to go back on this week's list, but at least I have a plan,
which is better than where I started.
I didn't even get half of my latest list done, which is a bummer
since it was pretty short, relatively speaking. Some weeks are just like
that, unfortunately. I should be back on track this week without much
difficulty.
Optimism is good.
This week's list:
- 2 Serial scenes
- 2 scenes for short drafts
- 1 fantasy scene
- Start revisions for horror novella
- Accounting: data entry for 1-2 months per evening
- Cover art for 1 short story
- 3 workouts (2 strength, 1 cardio)
That seems like enough, I think. Here's to a nice, stable five days of productivity, eh?
Oh right. Much busy-ness going on, but I helped a writer-colleague
solve a problem, which took up most of Saturday, and then spent Sunday
catching up on housework-type stuff. Saturday night was movie night, and
we watched Premium Rush, an intense bike messenger adventure flick, and The Dark Knight Rises.
I love Batman movies, and TDKR was long and completely engaging for the
entire three hours. I loved it. It was truly (and I don't use the word
lightly) an epic story/movie. Amazing.
Incidentally, I nearly picked up the #1 issue of The Dark Knight
comic book at Hastings, but considering how addictive the darn things
are, I refrained. Of course that's not to say it won't happen
eventually...
I think everyone I know has spring fever because the weather's been
so nice lately. Personally, I have mixed feelings. It's not that I
don't like spring, but I feel like I haven't quite gotten a full
winter's rest yet, and I'm not even close to being ready for yard work
and outdoor chores & projects to demand my time yet. So I'm hoping
for more snow and colder temps - just another month, and then I might be
okay with nicer weather.
Although now that I've decided to cancel my gym membership, nicer
weather might necessarily be a bad thing. The pool chemicals were
killing my skin, which made me not want to go (and it's not like I have
an overabundance of motivation in that arena anyways). It's actually far
easier to look at the clock and head to the basement for a treadmill
workout when I'm not "feeling it", or a video/total gym workout when I
am than it is to get in the car and drive to the gym, rush through a
workout and head back home. Of course in nicer weather, now that I don't
own a dog that will immediately attack any other dogs that might rush
us (or I think, anyways), I could potentially walk the dogs in the
evenings. That would be good for all of us, provided the loose dog
problem in our neighborhood has been solved. I wouldn't know - I haven't
walked my dogs since the last time a loose one followed us home - it
used to be really bad, and I couldn't risk my dogs or anyone else's
getting hurt. But I'm willing to try again, I think...once, at least.
Last week was productive in the beginning, and trickled down to
nearly comatose by Friday. I did spend a good 24 hours trying to figure
out how to make my business accounting easier, and it took that long to
figure out a workable solution. But I still haven't implemented it for a
host of different reasons (none of them particularly good). So that
will have to go back on this week's list, but at least I have a plan,
which is better than where I started.
I didn't even get half of my latest list done, which is a bummer
since it was pretty short, relatively speaking. Some weeks are just like
that, unfortunately. I should be back on track this week without much
difficulty.
Optimism is good.
This week's list:
- 2 Serial scenes
- 2 scenes for short drafts
- 1 fantasy scene
- Start revisions for horror novella
- Accounting: data entry for 1-2 months per evening
- Cover art for 1 short story
- 3 workouts (2 strength, 1 cardio)
That seems like enough, I think. Here's to a nice, stable five days of productivity, eh?
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
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| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
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February 22, 2013
Excerpt: English Breakfast
This week's excerpt is from the next story in my BeauTEAful Summer short series. It will be out later this spring. Here's how the story starts - enjoy!
English Breakfast
Excerpt
Karen flipped the sign on the front door of her new tea bar, Cup & Saucer, to “Open”, trying not to be disappointed that no one was waiting outside. The grand opening wasn’t scheduled until Friday, and advertising had been minimal, but she’d still hoped the neighborhood would be excited.
Turning away, she went behind the long mahogany bar she’d bought from a nightclub downtown when it closed. She checked the temperature again on each of the hot taps, straightened the china and glanced at the door every few seconds, suddenly absolutely certain that her family was right, and the shop was a failure not even an hour into its first day.
The delicate bells on top the door jingled softly and she turned away from the tea canisters that didn’t need dusting to smile at her first customer.
“Welcome to Cup & Saucer - what can I get you today?”
The woman was nearly a caricature, wearing a white wrap-dress with black polka dots cinched by a thick black belt, saddle-style black and white pumps and huge dark sunglasses that looked like something from the seventies. The outfit was topped off with a wide-brimmed white straw hat, the band of which matched the fabric of her dress.
“Do you have cups to go, dear?” she asked with a glance a the china lined up and waiting. “I’m really in kind of a hurry, but I could use a hit of something strong. English Breakfast, perhaps?”
Karen nodded, reaching for a paper cup and insulating band. “Of course. I’ll have that ready for you in a minute. It will be two-fifty, please.” She placed a scoop of tea leaves into a wide filter bag and placed it in the cup, then poured boiling water over it from the hottest tap. Snapping a lid over the top of the cup and filter, she set a timer the size of a child’s watch face and stuck it to the side of the cup before taking the money the woman laid on the counter.
“What’s that?” the woman said, frowning at the device as she picked up her cup.
“It’s a timer. When it beeps, your tea is done, and you should remove the teabag for optimal taste.” Karen held her breath, hoping it didn’t sound too odd. Everyone had scoffed when she came up with the idea, but she couldn’t think of any other way to ensure to-go patrons would get a cup that wasn’t oversteeped. She’d approached the company to build a prototype and paid far too much for the first batch, hoping they’d catch on.
The woman shrugged, her frown dissipating. Or Karen thought it did. Impossible to tell for sure behind those glasses.
“What a novel idea - thank you.” She pulled something out of her purse and laid it on the bar. “Now if you wouldn’t mind, a gentleman will come in later today and order English Breakfast in a china teacup. Be a dear and give that to him, won’t you? Thank you!”
It was Karen’s turn to frown as she picked up the small black flash drive. “What’s his--” she looked up as the bells on the door jingled again. The woman was gone.
English Breakfast
Excerpt
Karen flipped the sign on the front door of her new tea bar, Cup & Saucer, to “Open”, trying not to be disappointed that no one was waiting outside. The grand opening wasn’t scheduled until Friday, and advertising had been minimal, but she’d still hoped the neighborhood would be excited.
Turning away, she went behind the long mahogany bar she’d bought from a nightclub downtown when it closed. She checked the temperature again on each of the hot taps, straightened the china and glanced at the door every few seconds, suddenly absolutely certain that her family was right, and the shop was a failure not even an hour into its first day.
The delicate bells on top the door jingled softly and she turned away from the tea canisters that didn’t need dusting to smile at her first customer.
“Welcome to Cup & Saucer - what can I get you today?”
The woman was nearly a caricature, wearing a white wrap-dress with black polka dots cinched by a thick black belt, saddle-style black and white pumps and huge dark sunglasses that looked like something from the seventies. The outfit was topped off with a wide-brimmed white straw hat, the band of which matched the fabric of her dress.
“Do you have cups to go, dear?” she asked with a glance a the china lined up and waiting. “I’m really in kind of a hurry, but I could use a hit of something strong. English Breakfast, perhaps?”
Karen nodded, reaching for a paper cup and insulating band. “Of course. I’ll have that ready for you in a minute. It will be two-fifty, please.” She placed a scoop of tea leaves into a wide filter bag and placed it in the cup, then poured boiling water over it from the hottest tap. Snapping a lid over the top of the cup and filter, she set a timer the size of a child’s watch face and stuck it to the side of the cup before taking the money the woman laid on the counter.
“What’s that?” the woman said, frowning at the device as she picked up her cup.
“It’s a timer. When it beeps, your tea is done, and you should remove the teabag for optimal taste.” Karen held her breath, hoping it didn’t sound too odd. Everyone had scoffed when she came up with the idea, but she couldn’t think of any other way to ensure to-go patrons would get a cup that wasn’t oversteeped. She’d approached the company to build a prototype and paid far too much for the first batch, hoping they’d catch on.
The woman shrugged, her frown dissipating. Or Karen thought it did. Impossible to tell for sure behind those glasses.
“What a novel idea - thank you.” She pulled something out of her purse and laid it on the bar. “Now if you wouldn’t mind, a gentleman will come in later today and order English Breakfast in a china teacup. Be a dear and give that to him, won’t you? Thank you!”
It was Karen’s turn to frown as she picked up the small black flash drive. “What’s his--” she looked up as the bells on the door jingled again. The woman was gone.
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
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note - If this is your first time posting, your comment
will be moderated. Once you have been approved, future comments will post automatically.
February 20, 2013
Talkin' Books: Gods, Corpses, & Barbarian vs. Civilization
I finally finished
Gideon's Corpse
a few days ago...the ending did pick up, and I probably will read the
next one too. He's interesting in a very fatalistic way, and I'm curious
to see what happens next.
Of course I saw the other day on Preston & Child's FB page that
the next Pendergast book comes out on 11/12/13...which made me happy
for about two seconds until I realized it would probably be in hardcover
so it will be a good wait before I can get the paperback. Dang it. So
1900's. But the book just before it, Two Graves
will finally be out in paperback July 30th, so I'll be reading that
this summer. Well, after my husband gets done with it. His birthday is
July 31st, so I suppose he gets first dibs...
Hubby hasn't completely embraced e-reading yet, so we still buy
paperbacks of our favorite thriller/adventure authors, since we both
read those.
I also read the Godstorm
comics #1 - #3 this week...and I was disappointed, I'm sad to say. I
was so intrigued by the premise in issue #0 that I bought the whole
series to date (#4 is out today, I think - I'll skip it), and it isn't
at all what I expected. Ah well. Win some, lose some, eh? Maybe Hastings
will let me trade them in for some other comics I want. Superior Spiderman #4 is out today (must have!), and I'd like to try the new Justice League of America #1 as well (and along with it, might check out the regular Justice League comic too). I can't decide whether to jump in on the All New X-Men while it's still young or not (#9 is out today, I think), might buy one issue just to check it out, and Savage Wolverine #2 is out this week as well, but I'm waffling on that. We'll see. I think I may just wait until the regular Wolverine reboots in March, and check that one out instead. And there's the Fairest
comic I'd like to catch up on, but I might just do that one in digital,
rather than print. I sort of love print comics for the artwork and
potential collector's value (like a nice fabric or leather-bound
classic), but I do need to be a little picky, because where would I put
them all? My bookshelves are bursting with...um...books...so yeah. Need
to decide which of these I want to actually collect, and which I can be
happy just reading digitally. I also need to subscribe to the ones I
really want, because it's insanely expensive to keep buying at cover
prices every two weeks or so. At least the Marvel comics come with a
free digital copy - which makes it nice, since I can have the print, but
read the digital while I'm working out.
Last night, I also finished Wolverine's Daughter ,
and quite enjoyed it. I think I have another fantasy story from Durgin
featuring the same main characters on my Kindle, so I'll revisit the
world eventually. Very engaging with the whole "barbarian vs. civilized
folk" theme running through it, where (somewhat predictably) the
barbarians aren't at all, but rather are just different.
So what's up next on the reading list? Well, the only thing stopping me from reading 600 Hours of Edward
by local author & all around nice guy Craig Lancaster is that it's
written in the first person, and I tend to eschew first person
narratives. But the second book is coming out this spring, and Edward
(who is autistic, I think) just sounds like such an intriguing person
that I'm determined to at least jump in and give it a shot. Craig's an
awesome literary author, and it's been awhile since I've spent time with
anything in that vein, so it'll be a nice change. I'll read that on my
Kindle.
On the comic front, I have a slew of miscellaneous comics on my dining room table, waiting for me to try them out. Sleepy Hollow , Grimm Fairy Tales , Alice in Wonderland and The Jungle Book from Zenescope, Conan Lord of the Spiders #1-3 , Sherlock Holmes: Liverpool Demon #1 ,
and a stack of Vertigo comics that came in a grab bag. So plenty to
choose from there, plus the new ones I want from this week's releases. This too will wind down - I just go a little haywire when I discover something new, and have to explore everything before I settle into a niche (or two).
As for the new nightstand book, I'm not sure yet. Gotta look and
see which books we've picked up lately that don't have broken spines
yet...
a few days ago...the ending did pick up, and I probably will read the
next one too. He's interesting in a very fatalistic way, and I'm curious
to see what happens next.
Of course I saw the other day on Preston & Child's FB page that
the next Pendergast book comes out on 11/12/13...which made me happy
for about two seconds until I realized it would probably be in hardcover
so it will be a good wait before I can get the paperback. Dang it. So
1900's. But the book just before it, Two Graves
will finally be out in paperback July 30th, so I'll be reading that
this summer. Well, after my husband gets done with it. His birthday is
July 31st, so I suppose he gets first dibs...
Hubby hasn't completely embraced e-reading yet, so we still buy
paperbacks of our favorite thriller/adventure authors, since we both
read those.
I also read the Godstorm
comics #1 - #3 this week...and I was disappointed, I'm sad to say. I
was so intrigued by the premise in issue #0 that I bought the whole
series to date (#4 is out today, I think - I'll skip it), and it isn't
at all what I expected. Ah well. Win some, lose some, eh? Maybe Hastings
will let me trade them in for some other comics I want. Superior Spiderman #4 is out today (must have!), and I'd like to try the new Justice League of America #1 as well (and along with it, might check out the regular Justice League comic too). I can't decide whether to jump in on the All New X-Men while it's still young or not (#9 is out today, I think), might buy one issue just to check it out, and Savage Wolverine #2 is out this week as well, but I'm waffling on that. We'll see. I think I may just wait until the regular Wolverine reboots in March, and check that one out instead. And there's the Fairest
comic I'd like to catch up on, but I might just do that one in digital,
rather than print. I sort of love print comics for the artwork and
potential collector's value (like a nice fabric or leather-bound
classic), but I do need to be a little picky, because where would I put
them all? My bookshelves are bursting with...um...books...so yeah. Need
to decide which of these I want to actually collect, and which I can be
happy just reading digitally. I also need to subscribe to the ones I
really want, because it's insanely expensive to keep buying at cover
prices every two weeks or so. At least the Marvel comics come with a
free digital copy - which makes it nice, since I can have the print, but
read the digital while I'm working out.
Last night, I also finished Wolverine's Daughter ,
and quite enjoyed it. I think I have another fantasy story from Durgin
featuring the same main characters on my Kindle, so I'll revisit the
world eventually. Very engaging with the whole "barbarian vs. civilized
folk" theme running through it, where (somewhat predictably) the
barbarians aren't at all, but rather are just different.
So what's up next on the reading list? Well, the only thing stopping me from reading 600 Hours of Edward
by local author & all around nice guy Craig Lancaster is that it's
written in the first person, and I tend to eschew first person
narratives. But the second book is coming out this spring, and Edward
(who is autistic, I think) just sounds like such an intriguing person
that I'm determined to at least jump in and give it a shot. Craig's an
awesome literary author, and it's been awhile since I've spent time with
anything in that vein, so it'll be a nice change. I'll read that on my
Kindle.
On the comic front, I have a slew of miscellaneous comics on my dining room table, waiting for me to try them out. Sleepy Hollow , Grimm Fairy Tales , Alice in Wonderland and The Jungle Book from Zenescope, Conan Lord of the Spiders #1-3 , Sherlock Holmes: Liverpool Demon #1 ,
and a stack of Vertigo comics that came in a grab bag. So plenty to
choose from there, plus the new ones I want from this week's releases. This too will wind down - I just go a little haywire when I discover something new, and have to explore everything before I settle into a niche (or two).
As for the new nightstand book, I'm not sure yet. Gotta look and
see which books we've picked up lately that don't have broken spines
yet...
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
**Please
note - If this is your first time posting, your comment
will be moderated. Once you have been approved, future comments will post automatically.
February 18, 2013
Insanity, Accounting & A Writing Marathon...
Happy President's Day! Happy for me because I'm not at the day job,
though I am still trying rather valiantly to wake up. Poor hubby still
had to work, which means I was up at 7am. At least I got to sleep in for
an hour...
Last week was insane as far as writing goes. I worked my butt off
to get my regular serial scenes done as well as the three Valentine's
Day stories I promised. It wasn't easy, but it was kind of fun. If
you're reading the holiday serials, I hope you're enjoying them...
I was super-lazy about working out too, but I did get Mica's sweater finished (you can check that out on Hookin' It
if you'd like), and finished a book I've been reading for weeks (a
nightstand book - just a few chapters every night before bed). Other
than those two things and all that writing, I got pretty much nothing
else done.
*sigh*
No accounting either, which is bad. I really, really need to just
suck it up and get it done. I was going to do that today, but it just
seems like such a shame to waste a day with the house to myself on
anything other than writing...well, and a little laundry. I'm in
desperate need of clean kitchen towels/washcloths.
So the plan for today's writing marathon is to finish
edits/revisions to a short story (horror) due to be released this
Friday, then finish writing a short story (erotic romance), write
tomorrow's serial scene for the Fantasy Ranch blog, and then start
revisions on a horror novella that needs an entirely different ending (I
think). It's gonna be a busy day that I'm sure will fly right by, but
hopefully a productive one as well.
As for the rest of the week, here's the list:
- Another scene for Sleep With Me
- A scene for English Breakfast (next BeauTEAful Summer story)
- Scene for a fantasy story
- Accounting - at least 30 minutes every night, finish catching up by next Sunday
- Work on a gift crochet project
- Write those letters I owe
- Workout x4
- Search for cover art images
That's plenty to keep me busy (more than enough, I'm sure). Now if this tea would just kick in so I could get started...
Actually, maybe some yoga and a shower first. That would probably help a lot.
though I am still trying rather valiantly to wake up. Poor hubby still
had to work, which means I was up at 7am. At least I got to sleep in for
an hour...
Last week was insane as far as writing goes. I worked my butt off
to get my regular serial scenes done as well as the three Valentine's
Day stories I promised. It wasn't easy, but it was kind of fun. If
you're reading the holiday serials, I hope you're enjoying them...
I was super-lazy about working out too, but I did get Mica's sweater finished (you can check that out on Hookin' It
if you'd like), and finished a book I've been reading for weeks (a
nightstand book - just a few chapters every night before bed). Other
than those two things and all that writing, I got pretty much nothing
else done.
*sigh*
No accounting either, which is bad. I really, really need to just
suck it up and get it done. I was going to do that today, but it just
seems like such a shame to waste a day with the house to myself on
anything other than writing...well, and a little laundry. I'm in
desperate need of clean kitchen towels/washcloths.
So the plan for today's writing marathon is to finish
edits/revisions to a short story (horror) due to be released this
Friday, then finish writing a short story (erotic romance), write
tomorrow's serial scene for the Fantasy Ranch blog, and then start
revisions on a horror novella that needs an entirely different ending (I
think). It's gonna be a busy day that I'm sure will fly right by, but
hopefully a productive one as well.
As for the rest of the week, here's the list:
- Another scene for Sleep With Me
- A scene for English Breakfast (next BeauTEAful Summer story)
- Scene for a fantasy story
- Accounting - at least 30 minutes every night, finish catching up by next Sunday
- Work on a gift crochet project
- Write those letters I owe
- Workout x4
- Search for cover art images
That's plenty to keep me busy (more than enough, I'm sure). Now if this tea would just kick in so I could get started...
Actually, maybe some yoga and a shower first. That would probably help a lot.
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
**Please
note - If this is your first time posting, your comment
will be moderated. Once you have been approved, future comments will post automatically.
February 14, 2013
Serial Holiday Shorts: Mr. Mysterious - Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day!
Mr. Mysterious is one branch of a three-pronged holiday short series by myself and two of my alter-egos. We follow three women through the year, each with a different goal that may be achieved in ways they can't even fathom just yet. This is Laura's story. You can read the first part here. All stories are posted in draft form. The combined, edited version will be released in December 2013.
A Rose for Laura
“Say cheese!” Laura waited for the man at Melanie’s side to smile and made sure she zoomed in on the driver’s license in his hand before taking the photo with her phone. She checked to make sure it came out clear, and then smiled.
“All set. Have fun, you two, and don’t forget to check in, Melanie.”
The other woman nodded. “Are you sure you’ll be okay by yourself? Jodi left so quickly, and I hate to just bail on you...”
Laura waved her off. “Of course, silly - that’s what this is all about, remember? Go. Have fun. I’ll be just fine.”
“Okay then. I’ll call in by midnight. Have a good time!” Melanie walked out the door with her new conquest in tow, and Laura waved as they passed by the window.
Swiveling on her stool to face the bar, she checked her phone again. She hadn’t heard from Mysterious since that last text on New Year’s Eve. She’d been angry, worried, and ultimately disappointed, but still some part of her had expected him to show up.
About to order another drink, she was pleasantly surprised when the bartender set a glass of something that looked tropical in front of her.
“From the gentleman over there,” he said, pointing to a booth in the back corner. She turned to look, her breath catching at the sight of the quintessential tall (or she imagined he would be), dark and handsome man sitting there watching her. His stare was so intense, so engaging that she felt almost compelled to go to him. He inclined his head ever so slightly. It was all the invitation she needed.
Sliding into the booth, she held out her hand across the table.
“I’m Laura,” she said, nearly jumping out of her skin when he touched her. “I--thank you. For the drink, I mean.”
“I know. And you’re welcome. It’s nice to meet you, Laura.” He smiled, the expression hinting at secrets only he knew. There was something about his eyes, something almost familiar though she couldn’t be certain. He released her hand and she reluctantly took it back. His words rolled around on her brain until finally it sunk in.
“You’re Mr. Mysterious,” she said, leaning back against the cool seat. “I didn’t think you’d come.”
“I wasn’t sure I’d be able to,” he replied. “But I’m glad I did.” He reached into his pocket and took out a small white box tied simply with a red ribbon. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Laura shook her head. “Oh...wow. You really didn’t have to get me anything. I mean, I know it’s a holiday, but I didn’t--”
He chuckled, sliding it across the table. “Just open it.”
She hesitated for a minute more, and then pulled the ribbon off, lifting the top. Nestled snugly in a piece of black velvet was a delicate crimson rose pin like the one her grandmother used to wear. Taking it out, she held it up and shook her head.
“Thank you,” she breathed, her pulse racing. She couldn’t believe he remembered that story. ”Where did you find it? They don’t even make them anymore, do they?”
He winked at her and slid out of the booth, kneeling down at her side. “A guy can’t give away all his secrets. May I?”
She handed him the pin and he carefully attached it to the snug black sweater, his warm fingers sliding between the silky knit and her skin, super-charging every last nerve they touched. He lingered for a moment, and then pulled away to stand up and offer her a hand.
“Dance with me?”
Laura nodded. It was almost surreal, like a dream. As they stepped onto the wooden floor he pulled her into his arms, holding her close, but not too close as they swayed to a slow, romantic tune.
She wasn’t sure how long they danced, and when he led her back to the table, she felt bereft as he took the seat across from her again.
“Why didn’t you respond to my last text?” she asked. “I waited in the chat room a few nights too. You never logged on. And yet you’re here.”
His expression grew stern, as if remembering something unpleasant. “It was work-related,” he said, pitching his voice low. “I can’t share the details, but I regret that I couldn’t get away to talk to you. I shouldn’t even be here now, really. I just...I had to see you. Just for a little while.”
There were so many questions Laura wanted to ask, so much she wanted to know, but in that moment, she couldn’t think of a single one. Reaching across the table, she covered one of his hands with hers, absently running her thumb over his rougher skin.
“I’m really glad you did,” she said, flashing him a quick smile. “I don’t know what you do, but it sounds horrible. Do you have to go back?”
He nodded, checking his watch. “Actually, I’m late. But it’s been worth every minute.” He covered her hands with his free one, and squeezed. “I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get away again. It might be awhile, but I’d like to see you.”
Laura smiled. “How about we try for St. Patrick’s Day? There’s a bar called O’Malley’s on the other side of town. Meet me there at seven?”
“Let’s make it eight. I’ll buy dinner.” He slid out of the booth, tossed a few bills on the table and helped her up, lacing his fingers with hers as they walked to the door. “Can I walk you to your car?”
“I’d like that.”
She walked beside him, her heels clicking on the pavement as she tried to think of something to say. It was ridiculous, really. They’d spoken for hours online and on the phone. But something about actually having him with her was...intimidating, though it shouldn’t be.
“This is me,” she said, pointing out her sedate silver sedan as they walked through the lot. “What are you driving?”
He shook his head as they stopped by her car door. “I have a ride waiting.” He took the keys out of her hand and unlocked the door, but didn’t open it. Moving closer, he rested his hands lightly on her hips, pulling her into his chest.
“I know this is forward, but I have to do this.”
Her heart raced as he leaned down and placed a light kiss on her lips, tasting, inviting. She opened for him, her tongue mingling with his for a mere few seconds before he gently pulled away.
“I have to go,” he said, backing away slowly. “I’m sorry.”
Laura nodded. “I’ll see you at O’Malley’s. Wear green.”
He smiled, and then turned to walk away.
It wasn’t until later, after Jodi and Melanie had both checked in and Laura lay in bed reliving that amazing kiss that it hit her.
She still didn’t know his name.
###
Join us for the next installment of Laura's story right here on St. Patrick's Day - March 17, 2013. Curious about what Melanie and Jodi were up to while Laura was meeting Mysterious? Check in on Melanie later this afternoon at AlexWesthaven.com (horror), and Jodi this evening at TrinityMarlow.com (erotic romance). Thanks for reading!
Mr. Mysterious is one branch of a three-pronged holiday short series by myself and two of my alter-egos. We follow three women through the year, each with a different goal that may be achieved in ways they can't even fathom just yet. This is Laura's story. You can read the first part here. All stories are posted in draft form. The combined, edited version will be released in December 2013.
A Rose for Laura
“Say cheese!” Laura waited for the man at Melanie’s side to smile and made sure she zoomed in on the driver’s license in his hand before taking the photo with her phone. She checked to make sure it came out clear, and then smiled.
“All set. Have fun, you two, and don’t forget to check in, Melanie.”
The other woman nodded. “Are you sure you’ll be okay by yourself? Jodi left so quickly, and I hate to just bail on you...”
Laura waved her off. “Of course, silly - that’s what this is all about, remember? Go. Have fun. I’ll be just fine.”
“Okay then. I’ll call in by midnight. Have a good time!” Melanie walked out the door with her new conquest in tow, and Laura waved as they passed by the window.
Swiveling on her stool to face the bar, she checked her phone again. She hadn’t heard from Mysterious since that last text on New Year’s Eve. She’d been angry, worried, and ultimately disappointed, but still some part of her had expected him to show up.
About to order another drink, she was pleasantly surprised when the bartender set a glass of something that looked tropical in front of her.
“From the gentleman over there,” he said, pointing to a booth in the back corner. She turned to look, her breath catching at the sight of the quintessential tall (or she imagined he would be), dark and handsome man sitting there watching her. His stare was so intense, so engaging that she felt almost compelled to go to him. He inclined his head ever so slightly. It was all the invitation she needed.
Sliding into the booth, she held out her hand across the table.
“I’m Laura,” she said, nearly jumping out of her skin when he touched her. “I--thank you. For the drink, I mean.”
“I know. And you’re welcome. It’s nice to meet you, Laura.” He smiled, the expression hinting at secrets only he knew. There was something about his eyes, something almost familiar though she couldn’t be certain. He released her hand and she reluctantly took it back. His words rolled around on her brain until finally it sunk in.
“You’re Mr. Mysterious,” she said, leaning back against the cool seat. “I didn’t think you’d come.”
“I wasn’t sure I’d be able to,” he replied. “But I’m glad I did.” He reached into his pocket and took out a small white box tied simply with a red ribbon. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Laura shook her head. “Oh...wow. You really didn’t have to get me anything. I mean, I know it’s a holiday, but I didn’t--”
He chuckled, sliding it across the table. “Just open it.”
She hesitated for a minute more, and then pulled the ribbon off, lifting the top. Nestled snugly in a piece of black velvet was a delicate crimson rose pin like the one her grandmother used to wear. Taking it out, she held it up and shook her head.
“Thank you,” she breathed, her pulse racing. She couldn’t believe he remembered that story. ”Where did you find it? They don’t even make them anymore, do they?”
He winked at her and slid out of the booth, kneeling down at her side. “A guy can’t give away all his secrets. May I?”
She handed him the pin and he carefully attached it to the snug black sweater, his warm fingers sliding between the silky knit and her skin, super-charging every last nerve they touched. He lingered for a moment, and then pulled away to stand up and offer her a hand.
“Dance with me?”
Laura nodded. It was almost surreal, like a dream. As they stepped onto the wooden floor he pulled her into his arms, holding her close, but not too close as they swayed to a slow, romantic tune.
She wasn’t sure how long they danced, and when he led her back to the table, she felt bereft as he took the seat across from her again.
“Why didn’t you respond to my last text?” she asked. “I waited in the chat room a few nights too. You never logged on. And yet you’re here.”
His expression grew stern, as if remembering something unpleasant. “It was work-related,” he said, pitching his voice low. “I can’t share the details, but I regret that I couldn’t get away to talk to you. I shouldn’t even be here now, really. I just...I had to see you. Just for a little while.”
There were so many questions Laura wanted to ask, so much she wanted to know, but in that moment, she couldn’t think of a single one. Reaching across the table, she covered one of his hands with hers, absently running her thumb over his rougher skin.
“I’m really glad you did,” she said, flashing him a quick smile. “I don’t know what you do, but it sounds horrible. Do you have to go back?”
He nodded, checking his watch. “Actually, I’m late. But it’s been worth every minute.” He covered her hands with his free one, and squeezed. “I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get away again. It might be awhile, but I’d like to see you.”
Laura smiled. “How about we try for St. Patrick’s Day? There’s a bar called O’Malley’s on the other side of town. Meet me there at seven?”
“Let’s make it eight. I’ll buy dinner.” He slid out of the booth, tossed a few bills on the table and helped her up, lacing his fingers with hers as they walked to the door. “Can I walk you to your car?”
“I’d like that.”
She walked beside him, her heels clicking on the pavement as she tried to think of something to say. It was ridiculous, really. They’d spoken for hours online and on the phone. But something about actually having him with her was...intimidating, though it shouldn’t be.
“This is me,” she said, pointing out her sedate silver sedan as they walked through the lot. “What are you driving?”
He shook his head as they stopped by her car door. “I have a ride waiting.” He took the keys out of her hand and unlocked the door, but didn’t open it. Moving closer, he rested his hands lightly on her hips, pulling her into his chest.
“I know this is forward, but I have to do this.”
Her heart raced as he leaned down and placed a light kiss on her lips, tasting, inviting. She opened for him, her tongue mingling with his for a mere few seconds before he gently pulled away.
“I have to go,” he said, backing away slowly. “I’m sorry.”
Laura nodded. “I’ll see you at O’Malley’s. Wear green.”
He smiled, and then turned to walk away.
It wasn’t until later, after Jodi and Melanie had both checked in and Laura lay in bed reliving that amazing kiss that it hit her.
She still didn’t know his name.
###
Join us for the next installment of Laura's story right here on St. Patrick's Day - March 17, 2013. Curious about what Melanie and Jodi were up to while Laura was meeting Mysterious? Check in on Melanie later this afternoon at AlexWesthaven.com (horror), and Jodi this evening at TrinityMarlow.com (erotic romance). Thanks for reading!
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
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note - If this is your first time posting, your comment
will be moderated. Once you have been approved, future comments will post automatically.
February 13, 2013
Spiderman, Wolfies & a Corpse That Isn't...Yet
So last week, I ordered a copy of
Superior Spiderman #1
, because I couldn't find one locally. Two days later, I'm at Hastings picking up #3 and the 5th Robyn Hood comic,
and they have Spidey #1, for $4. I had to pay $8 online, dang it!
*sigh* Hubby later said I should have picked up the $4 copy at Hastings
and sold it on Ebay...but there are some things I've been meaning to
list on ebay for awhile, and haven't gotten around to just yet. Seems a
little premature to start actually buying things to resell, eh?
In any case, I got my Superior Spiderman #1 in the mail
yesterday, and last night I finally read issues 1-3 to see how I'd like
them. Needless to say, I'm hooked, and Marvel's going to be getting
subscription money from me (because it's way, way cheaper to subscribe
than to buy at the cover price, much like a magazine).
If you'd have told me when I was a kid that someday I'd get hooked
on Spiderman comics, I'd have looked at you like you were *nuts*. Odd
how things turn out, isn't it? But honestly, I'm not sure I'd have
gotten hooked on just the "regular" Peter Parker series. I mean, I liked
the movies, but he always seemed kind of...boring to me - too
inherently "good". Now that it's Dr. Ock in Parker's body, with Parker's
memories and ghost hanging around holding him back from making the
character truly evil, he intrigues me in a way plain ol' Peter Parker
never did, because there's that crazy push-pull of good & evil going
on in one body. I dig philosophical quandaries like that.
I also got the Godstorm series 1-3
in the mail. I really enjoyed the #0 issue, and I'm looking forward to
following this one regularly as well. I think I'm only behind one now -
#4 came out last week. I'm starting to narrow down my comic book
choices/tastes, which makes things easier (and cheaper)...
As for new ebooks - if you're a fan of paranormal romance, and
specifically werewolves, did you see that Vivian Arend has a new Wolfie
book out? I've been reading the Granite Lake wolf series on and off (I'm
sure I've missed a couple - need to rectify that), and saw on her blog
that Wolf Nip is out this week (book 6)...
Needless to say, that's on my Kindle now, and just waiting for me to finish Wolverine's Daughter
(which, ironically, doesn't *seem* to be a shapeshifter fantasy, even
though there's magic. I'm insanely curious for Kelyn to find her father
so I can finally find out why he's called The Wolverine...hopefully).
I'm still working on Gideon's Corpse
(that sounds bad, doesn't it?) - very close to the end though, so I'll
finish it this week. Everything is coming to a head, but it's driving me
nuts that he still doesn't know whether he's *actually* dying or not.
Dang it. Talk about being strung along. And the little "romantic"
interlude just isn't really working for me either. But it's not a
romance, it's a thriller, so I suppose that's to be expected. Sort of.
And that's what I'm reading this week. Anything fun and exciting on your nightstand?
and they have Spidey #1, for $4. I had to pay $8 online, dang it!
*sigh* Hubby later said I should have picked up the $4 copy at Hastings
and sold it on Ebay...but there are some things I've been meaning to
list on ebay for awhile, and haven't gotten around to just yet. Seems a
little premature to start actually buying things to resell, eh?
In any case, I got my Superior Spiderman #1 in the mail
yesterday, and last night I finally read issues 1-3 to see how I'd like
them. Needless to say, I'm hooked, and Marvel's going to be getting
subscription money from me (because it's way, way cheaper to subscribe
than to buy at the cover price, much like a magazine).
If you'd have told me when I was a kid that someday I'd get hooked
on Spiderman comics, I'd have looked at you like you were *nuts*. Odd
how things turn out, isn't it? But honestly, I'm not sure I'd have
gotten hooked on just the "regular" Peter Parker series. I mean, I liked
the movies, but he always seemed kind of...boring to me - too
inherently "good". Now that it's Dr. Ock in Parker's body, with Parker's
memories and ghost hanging around holding him back from making the
character truly evil, he intrigues me in a way plain ol' Peter Parker
never did, because there's that crazy push-pull of good & evil going
on in one body. I dig philosophical quandaries like that.
I also got the Godstorm series 1-3
in the mail. I really enjoyed the #0 issue, and I'm looking forward to
following this one regularly as well. I think I'm only behind one now -
#4 came out last week. I'm starting to narrow down my comic book
choices/tastes, which makes things easier (and cheaper)...
As for new ebooks - if you're a fan of paranormal romance, and
specifically werewolves, did you see that Vivian Arend has a new Wolfie
book out? I've been reading the Granite Lake wolf series on and off (I'm
sure I've missed a couple - need to rectify that), and saw on her blog
that Wolf Nip is out this week (book 6)...
Needless to say, that's on my Kindle now, and just waiting for me to finish Wolverine's Daughter
(which, ironically, doesn't *seem* to be a shapeshifter fantasy, even
though there's magic. I'm insanely curious for Kelyn to find her father
so I can finally find out why he's called The Wolverine...hopefully).
I'm still working on Gideon's Corpse
(that sounds bad, doesn't it?) - very close to the end though, so I'll
finish it this week. Everything is coming to a head, but it's driving me
nuts that he still doesn't know whether he's *actually* dying or not.
Dang it. Talk about being strung along. And the little "romantic"
interlude just isn't really working for me either. But it's not a
romance, it's a thriller, so I suppose that's to be expected. Sort of.
And that's what I'm reading this week. Anything fun and exciting on your nightstand?
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
**Please
note - If this is your first time posting, your comment
will be moderated. Once you have been approved, future comments will post automatically.
February 11, 2013
On Accounting, Time Travel & The Butterfly Effect...
Monday again, eh? Huh.
Yesterday was an epic procrastination day. Epic. With a capitol "E".
It's a miracle I got this post written, to be honest. I had a long list
of things to do, not the least of which was to get my accounting for the
book business caught up in preparation for doing our taxes.
So what did I do instead? It started with the
decision to find a spot in my kitchen for the dehydrator my
mother-in-law gave me. It's been sitting/working on the dining room
table, and while the fan doesn't make all that much noise, it's enough
to be annoying at times, and the cord hanging off the table is a
tripping hazard when it's plugged in. Now that I've decided to keep it, I
figured it earned a spot in the kitchen (a high honor, considering I
have precious little counter space).
You've
heard of the butterfly effect, right? In chaos theory, it's where the
formation of a hurricane half a world away is dependent on whether a
butterfly flaps it's wings or not three weeks before. Basically, a
particular decision affects the fate of something that at first glance
would appear completely independent and separate.
Incidentally, we rented Men in Black 3 and Looper
this weekend, and I didn't know beforehand, but they're both time
travel plots (great movies by the way - I highly recommend them
both)...and those always explore the butterfly effect - it's impossible
to explore the concept of time travel without it. Ironic, to a small
degree, considering my Sunday...
Back to my
dehydrator. In order to put it where I wanted to in the kitchen, I had
to "rehome" two cookie sheets, a cooling rack, and a spice rack. The
cookie sheets & cooling rack were easy. But moving the spice rack
ultimately required a complete clean-out and reorganization of three
cupboards around the stove.
And that's why I
didn't get Mica's sweater finished, any other blog posts done, or any
writing done. And it's also why I didn't "get around" to that accounting
I really need to get done!
Yes, I claim the Queen of Procrastination title for yesterday. Go me!
Despite
all that, I did actually get quite a bit done on the whole last week.
My Goodreads account is updated, I made forward strides in all of my
drafts, I wrote the starts to three new flash projects (see Friday's
blog post), and I finally paid bills (depressing!). I also updated my
main web site, and the BSB site. And I even made a Dogster page for
Mica.
This week, I have big plans as usual.
Lots of writing and I need to get back to regular workouts too - I've
been slacking on that lately. Here's the list:
- Three flash stories for Valentine's Day- Two serial scenes- Work on short story that needs to end yesterday- Work on accounting (seriously!)- Finish Mica's sweater (tonight!)- Workout 4x (2x at home, 2x a the gym)- Find cover art images for next books- Write a couple letters I owe
I'm
not a big hallmark holiday girl, so Valentine's Day isn't really a
"celebrating" holiday at our house. We are pretty excited to watch that
new show, "Zero Hour" though - with our normal Thursday night pizza, of
course. And I find it most excellent that the next Die Hard movie's
being released then, though we won't see it until it's out on DVD.
Here's to a great week, and if you celebrate Valentine's Day, I wish you an incredibly romantic and passionate Thursday too!
Yesterday was an epic procrastination day. Epic. With a capitol "E".
It's a miracle I got this post written, to be honest. I had a long list
of things to do, not the least of which was to get my accounting for the
book business caught up in preparation for doing our taxes.
So what did I do instead? It started with the
decision to find a spot in my kitchen for the dehydrator my
mother-in-law gave me. It's been sitting/working on the dining room
table, and while the fan doesn't make all that much noise, it's enough
to be annoying at times, and the cord hanging off the table is a
tripping hazard when it's plugged in. Now that I've decided to keep it, I
figured it earned a spot in the kitchen (a high honor, considering I
have precious little counter space).
You've
heard of the butterfly effect, right? In chaos theory, it's where the
formation of a hurricane half a world away is dependent on whether a
butterfly flaps it's wings or not three weeks before. Basically, a
particular decision affects the fate of something that at first glance
would appear completely independent and separate.
Incidentally, we rented Men in Black 3 and Looper
this weekend, and I didn't know beforehand, but they're both time
travel plots (great movies by the way - I highly recommend them
both)...and those always explore the butterfly effect - it's impossible
to explore the concept of time travel without it. Ironic, to a small
degree, considering my Sunday...
Back to my
dehydrator. In order to put it where I wanted to in the kitchen, I had
to "rehome" two cookie sheets, a cooling rack, and a spice rack. The
cookie sheets & cooling rack were easy. But moving the spice rack
ultimately required a complete clean-out and reorganization of three
cupboards around the stove.
And that's why I
didn't get Mica's sweater finished, any other blog posts done, or any
writing done. And it's also why I didn't "get around" to that accounting
I really need to get done!
Yes, I claim the Queen of Procrastination title for yesterday. Go me!
Despite
all that, I did actually get quite a bit done on the whole last week.
My Goodreads account is updated, I made forward strides in all of my
drafts, I wrote the starts to three new flash projects (see Friday's
blog post), and I finally paid bills (depressing!). I also updated my
main web site, and the BSB site. And I even made a Dogster page for
Mica.
This week, I have big plans as usual.
Lots of writing and I need to get back to regular workouts too - I've
been slacking on that lately. Here's the list:
- Three flash stories for Valentine's Day- Two serial scenes- Work on short story that needs to end yesterday- Work on accounting (seriously!)- Finish Mica's sweater (tonight!)- Workout 4x (2x at home, 2x a the gym)- Find cover art images for next books- Write a couple letters I owe
I'm
not a big hallmark holiday girl, so Valentine's Day isn't really a
"celebrating" holiday at our house. We are pretty excited to watch that
new show, "Zero Hour" though - with our normal Thursday night pizza, of
course. And I find it most excellent that the next Die Hard movie's
being released then, though we won't see it until it's out on DVD.
Here's to a great week, and if you celebrate Valentine's Day, I wish you an incredibly romantic and passionate Thursday too!
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
**Please
note - If this is your first time posting, your comment
will be moderated. Once you have been approved, future comments will post automatically.
February 8, 2013
Serial Holiday Shorts: Mr. Mysterious
Today instead of an excerpt, I've got something new (and hopefully fun) to share. This is the start of a tandem story series I'll be writing with...well, myself. Or my alter-egos, that is. There will be a new flash fiction story posted on each major holiday throughout the year, starting with Valentine's day. Over here, we're following Laura Henderson, who really just wants to find her soul mate - only he's not cooperating very well. The first part of her story is posted below, in draft (read: unedited) format. The second story will be posted next week on Valentine's day.
There are two more parts to this story - Laura's best friends are following their own paths while she follows hers. They will be written by my alter egos in their respective genres, so if you're curious, you can read those particular story lines at their respective blogs. Jodi Perkins is taking a more erotic journey, and Melanie Donner...well, you wouldn't want to go home with her. You've been warned - check out those tandem plot lines at your own risk!
Now, get comfy and let me introduce you to Laura...
Mr. Mysterious: The Beginning
Laura took a deep breath, another sip of her drink, and flashed her two best friends a bright smile.
“This year, I think we should all make one goal - to spend the holidays with a guy. Or just the evening, anyway.”
Judging from the looks on their faces in the dim bar lights, Jodi and Melanie weren’t as excited about the plan as she was. Then again, they didn’t know about Mr. Mysterious. And hopefully they wouldn’t until she’d solved the mystery herself.
“The holidays are over,” Jodi said. “And next December is still a long ways off, as far as I’m concerned--”
Laura held up her hands, motioning for her to stop. “I don’t mean just Christmas. I mean all the holidays. Or the major ones, anyways. We’re all looking for men, right? So I propose that we all meet up at a different place for each holiday during the year and pick up a guy - any guy, to spend the evening with.”
She took another sip of her drink - some fruity concoction that was going down way too easily. If she didn’t slow down, she’d be asleep before what had become a weekly online chat session.
“Sounds dangerous,” Melanie commented, though she didn’t seem particularly opposed to the idea. She’d always been...different, and she’d never lost the goth look she adopted in high school, but rather refined it as she aged. Her long, crimson fingernails tapped thoughtfully on the pub table, thick rings flashing in the light from a disco ball.
Laura looked at her own short, manicured nails. Would Mysterious prefer something longer and more claw-like? She hoped not. Maybe she’d try a brighter shade than her normal french manicure for their first meeting.
Jodi sat quietly across the table, and Laura wondered what she was thinking. Tough and confident, Jodi had trouble finding men who could handle her particular personality. Would she be willing to at least give this whole thing a try?
“We could make it safe.” Melanie held up her cell phone. “Regular check-ins at specified times through the night would make sure we know if someone needs help. Don’t call or answer, we call the cops right away. And pictures of each guy before we take off with him. Or his driver’s license even, for an address.”
Laura nodded. “I wasn’t planning on a bunch of one-night stands. Just drinks, dinner maybe. See what happens after that.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I just thought it would be a good way to make our holidays less bitchy, more potential action.”
Melanie nodded. “We do have a way of making holidays bitter, don’t we? And I’m all for more men.” She took a long sip off her own frozen drink. “I’m in. Jodi?”
Laura waited. At least Melanie would act as her safety net, but it would be more fun with Jodi there too. For starters, anyway. Besides, she needed to get out more. The woman was all work and no play these days.
Jodie finally nodded. “I’m in. So when do we start?”
Laura clapped, unable to contain her excitement. “Yay! I was thinking our first major holiday would be Valentine’s Day, of course. Doesn’t that make sense?”
Jodi rolled her eyes. “Because there’s nothing more romantic than meeting up with a complete stranger on a holiday where everyone fancies themselves in love, right?”
Melanie punched Jodi in the arm. “Knock it off. You agreed, now don’t spoil her fun.” She flipped her long black hair behind her shoulder. “So where should we meet, and when?”
Laura smiled. “I was thinking Charlie’s at six. That will give us plenty of time to check out our options as they come in.”
“Fine with me,” Melanie said, her eyes flitting over a group of college kids in the corner. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make some young stud’s night. See you ladies on V Day.”
Laura shook her head as she moved away. Melanie rarely went home alone, and Laura could never decide whether she was jealous or happy for her. A little of both, maybe.
Her phone buzzed against the table, and it was all she could to keep her expression neutral as she picked it up. It was early, but she knew it was him. It had to be him.
Jodi drained the last of her drink. “Charlie’s it is, then. I’ll be there.” She pulled a bill out of her wallet and laid it on the table. “I think I’m going to head home. It was a long day at work, and I’m beat. Do you need a ride?”
Laura shook her head, barely comprehending Jodi’s question as she read the words on the tiny screen. Realizing she needed to reply, she forced herself to look up.
“I’m fine, thanks.” She smiled, feeling a little guilty that she’d rather respond to his text than chat with her friend. “Thanks Jodi. I really feel like good things are going to happen for us this year. Don’t you?”
Jodi shrugged as she got up. “I honestly don’t know, but whatever happens will be something different, and I think we all need to shake things up, right?”
“Right.” Laura nodded. “I’ll see you next month then. Can’t wait!”
She turned her attention back to her phone as Jodi left, reading the words on the screen again.
“Where are you?”
Her fingers flew across the small keyboard. “Out with friends. Where are you?”
“Working tonight. Wish you were here.”
Her heart fluttered. “Me too. Chat later?”
“Sorry, can’t. Tomorrow?”
Laura sighed, feeling like every ounce of energy had just drained out of her body.
“Of course.” She hit send, and then typed out another message.
“I want to meet you.”
Her thumb hovered over the send button, but she hesitated. They’d never talked about meeting. What if he didn’t want to? What if this was all just a friendly bit of online flirtation?
She considered some of the things they’d said...done, together online, and took a deep breath. Better to know now if it was just one-sided.
She pushed send, and then waited.
Ten minutes passed, then twenty. She gathered her things and went home, feeling like a pathetic loser when she placed her phone on the nightstand. He must have turned his phone off. Or maybe it was out of batteries.
Or maybe he just didn’t want to meet her.
She tossed and turned for an hour, sleeping fitfully for the rest of the night. He still hadn’t replied when her alarm finally went off, and she mulled all the possibilities around in her head while she showered and got ready for work.
That night, she waited online in their private chat room for two hours, but he never logged on.
Exhausted and feeling like an idiot, she sent Mr. Mysterious one final text before crawling in bed.
“Valentine’s Day. Charlie’s. 7pm.”
There are two more parts to this story - Laura's best friends are following their own paths while she follows hers. They will be written by my alter egos in their respective genres, so if you're curious, you can read those particular story lines at their respective blogs. Jodi Perkins is taking a more erotic journey, and Melanie Donner...well, you wouldn't want to go home with her. You've been warned - check out those tandem plot lines at your own risk!
Now, get comfy and let me introduce you to Laura...
Mr. Mysterious: The Beginning
Laura took a deep breath, another sip of her drink, and flashed her two best friends a bright smile.
“This year, I think we should all make one goal - to spend the holidays with a guy. Or just the evening, anyway.”
Judging from the looks on their faces in the dim bar lights, Jodi and Melanie weren’t as excited about the plan as she was. Then again, they didn’t know about Mr. Mysterious. And hopefully they wouldn’t until she’d solved the mystery herself.
“The holidays are over,” Jodi said. “And next December is still a long ways off, as far as I’m concerned--”
Laura held up her hands, motioning for her to stop. “I don’t mean just Christmas. I mean all the holidays. Or the major ones, anyways. We’re all looking for men, right? So I propose that we all meet up at a different place for each holiday during the year and pick up a guy - any guy, to spend the evening with.”
She took another sip of her drink - some fruity concoction that was going down way too easily. If she didn’t slow down, she’d be asleep before what had become a weekly online chat session.
“Sounds dangerous,” Melanie commented, though she didn’t seem particularly opposed to the idea. She’d always been...different, and she’d never lost the goth look she adopted in high school, but rather refined it as she aged. Her long, crimson fingernails tapped thoughtfully on the pub table, thick rings flashing in the light from a disco ball.
Laura looked at her own short, manicured nails. Would Mysterious prefer something longer and more claw-like? She hoped not. Maybe she’d try a brighter shade than her normal french manicure for their first meeting.
Jodi sat quietly across the table, and Laura wondered what she was thinking. Tough and confident, Jodi had trouble finding men who could handle her particular personality. Would she be willing to at least give this whole thing a try?
“We could make it safe.” Melanie held up her cell phone. “Regular check-ins at specified times through the night would make sure we know if someone needs help. Don’t call or answer, we call the cops right away. And pictures of each guy before we take off with him. Or his driver’s license even, for an address.”
Laura nodded. “I wasn’t planning on a bunch of one-night stands. Just drinks, dinner maybe. See what happens after that.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I just thought it would be a good way to make our holidays less bitchy, more potential action.”
Melanie nodded. “We do have a way of making holidays bitter, don’t we? And I’m all for more men.” She took a long sip off her own frozen drink. “I’m in. Jodi?”
Laura waited. At least Melanie would act as her safety net, but it would be more fun with Jodi there too. For starters, anyway. Besides, she needed to get out more. The woman was all work and no play these days.
Jodie finally nodded. “I’m in. So when do we start?”
Laura clapped, unable to contain her excitement. “Yay! I was thinking our first major holiday would be Valentine’s Day, of course. Doesn’t that make sense?”
Jodi rolled her eyes. “Because there’s nothing more romantic than meeting up with a complete stranger on a holiday where everyone fancies themselves in love, right?”
Melanie punched Jodi in the arm. “Knock it off. You agreed, now don’t spoil her fun.” She flipped her long black hair behind her shoulder. “So where should we meet, and when?”
Laura smiled. “I was thinking Charlie’s at six. That will give us plenty of time to check out our options as they come in.”
“Fine with me,” Melanie said, her eyes flitting over a group of college kids in the corner. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make some young stud’s night. See you ladies on V Day.”
Laura shook her head as she moved away. Melanie rarely went home alone, and Laura could never decide whether she was jealous or happy for her. A little of both, maybe.
Her phone buzzed against the table, and it was all she could to keep her expression neutral as she picked it up. It was early, but she knew it was him. It had to be him.
Jodi drained the last of her drink. “Charlie’s it is, then. I’ll be there.” She pulled a bill out of her wallet and laid it on the table. “I think I’m going to head home. It was a long day at work, and I’m beat. Do you need a ride?”
Laura shook her head, barely comprehending Jodi’s question as she read the words on the tiny screen. Realizing she needed to reply, she forced herself to look up.
“I’m fine, thanks.” She smiled, feeling a little guilty that she’d rather respond to his text than chat with her friend. “Thanks Jodi. I really feel like good things are going to happen for us this year. Don’t you?”
Jodi shrugged as she got up. “I honestly don’t know, but whatever happens will be something different, and I think we all need to shake things up, right?”
“Right.” Laura nodded. “I’ll see you next month then. Can’t wait!”
She turned her attention back to her phone as Jodi left, reading the words on the screen again.
“Where are you?”
Her fingers flew across the small keyboard. “Out with friends. Where are you?”
“Working tonight. Wish you were here.”
Her heart fluttered. “Me too. Chat later?”
“Sorry, can’t. Tomorrow?”
Laura sighed, feeling like every ounce of energy had just drained out of her body.
“Of course.” She hit send, and then typed out another message.
“I want to meet you.”
Her thumb hovered over the send button, but she hesitated. They’d never talked about meeting. What if he didn’t want to? What if this was all just a friendly bit of online flirtation?
She considered some of the things they’d said...done, together online, and took a deep breath. Better to know now if it was just one-sided.
She pushed send, and then waited.
Ten minutes passed, then twenty. She gathered her things and went home, feeling like a pathetic loser when she placed her phone on the nightstand. He must have turned his phone off. Or maybe it was out of batteries.
Or maybe he just didn’t want to meet her.
She tossed and turned for an hour, sleeping fitfully for the rest of the night. He still hadn’t replied when her alarm finally went off, and she mulled all the possibilities around in her head while she showered and got ready for work.
That night, she waited online in their private chat room for two hours, but he never logged on.
Exhausted and feeling like an idiot, she sent Mr. Mysterious one final text before crawling in bed.
“Valentine’s Day. Charlie’s. 7pm.”
Enjoy
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Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
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February 6, 2013
Talkin' Books - 2/6/13
I was trying to decide on which book to recommend today, but I
can't. I've read plenty of good books lately, but for one thing, I'm too
lazy to write up an actual review of any of them. For another, I've
been reading longer books lately, which take longer to finish. So
instead of a review today, I'll just tell you a bit about what I'm
currently reading. Feel free to tell me what you're reading in the
comments...I'm always looking to expand my TBR (to be read) pile...
On the nightstand (print): Gideon's Corpse by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (thriller/suspense)
Gideon isn't quite as intriguing as Pendergast, but he is an
interesting dude and while I'm a bit confused as to a few things going
on right now, I'm certain it will all untangle itself in the end (it
always does). I always pick it up thinking I'll read just a chapter or
two before sleep (the chapters are short), and end up reading four or
five...
On the Kindle: Wolverine's Daughter by Doranna Durgin (fantasy)
I don't read much fantasy, but since I'm currently dabbling with
writing a fantasy series, I thought it would be a good idea to get my
head into the genre a bit more. I don't remember how I found this,
exactly, but I'm really enjoying it so far and have a few more of her
books in my TBR pile...
Also on the Kindle: Beautiful Sorrows by Mercedes M. Yardley (short, dark story anthology)
I read one of these shorts when I have a few minutes to wait
for...whatever. They're haunting, and beautifully poetic, and stories
that stick with you long after you're done reading them. It will be
awhile before I finish, but that's perfectly okay - it's the type of
literature one normally wants and needs to ponder a bit while working
through...
Comic Books (Print): Robyn Hood (Zenescope) series #1 - #4
The fifth/final one releases today, and I have the first four, just
working my way through them. I'm going to try to pick up the fifth this
weekend at our local Hastings. It's fun to see Robyn as a kick *ass
woman in a more modern setting. Does the Robin Hood legend really ever
get old?
Comic Books (Digital): Fairest #1, offshoot from the Fables Series (Vertigo)
This first book of 12 (so far) in the series highlights Sleeping
Beauty, who was supposedly stolen by goblins in Fables issue #107. We
have Ali Baba, Prince of Thieves, a blue bottle imp who cracks me up,
and a daring rescue attempt...of sorts. Very entertaining - I think I'll
pick up the next one too...
And that's it! What are you reading this week?
can't. I've read plenty of good books lately, but for one thing, I'm too
lazy to write up an actual review of any of them. For another, I've
been reading longer books lately, which take longer to finish. So
instead of a review today, I'll just tell you a bit about what I'm
currently reading. Feel free to tell me what you're reading in the
comments...I'm always looking to expand my TBR (to be read) pile...
On the nightstand (print): Gideon's Corpse by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (thriller/suspense)
Gideon isn't quite as intriguing as Pendergast, but he is an
interesting dude and while I'm a bit confused as to a few things going
on right now, I'm certain it will all untangle itself in the end (it
always does). I always pick it up thinking I'll read just a chapter or
two before sleep (the chapters are short), and end up reading four or
five...
On the Kindle: Wolverine's Daughter by Doranna Durgin (fantasy)
I don't read much fantasy, but since I'm currently dabbling with
writing a fantasy series, I thought it would be a good idea to get my
head into the genre a bit more. I don't remember how I found this,
exactly, but I'm really enjoying it so far and have a few more of her
books in my TBR pile...
Also on the Kindle: Beautiful Sorrows by Mercedes M. Yardley (short, dark story anthology)
I read one of these shorts when I have a few minutes to wait
for...whatever. They're haunting, and beautifully poetic, and stories
that stick with you long after you're done reading them. It will be
awhile before I finish, but that's perfectly okay - it's the type of
literature one normally wants and needs to ponder a bit while working
through...
Comic Books (Print): Robyn Hood (Zenescope) series #1 - #4
The fifth/final one releases today, and I have the first four, just
working my way through them. I'm going to try to pick up the fifth this
weekend at our local Hastings. It's fun to see Robyn as a kick *ass
woman in a more modern setting. Does the Robin Hood legend really ever
get old?
Comic Books (Digital): Fairest #1, offshoot from the Fables Series (Vertigo)
This first book of 12 (so far) in the series highlights Sleeping
Beauty, who was supposedly stolen by goblins in Fables issue #107. We
have Ali Baba, Prince of Thieves, a blue bottle imp who cracks me up,
and a daring rescue attempt...of sorts. Very entertaining - I think I'll
pick up the next one too...
And that's it! What are you reading this week?
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
**Please
note - If this is your first time posting, your comment
will be moderated. Once you have been approved, future comments will post automatically.
February 4, 2013
On Football, Letters & Dog Treats...
All my U.S. friends recovered from the Super Bowl madness
yesterday? I watched bits & pieces, but mostly just the second half.
I learned to do that back when I was a regular Broncos fan, because
that's how they played...behind most of the game, and then if they were
going to pull out a win, they'd often do it in the fourth quarter. I
gotta give props to the Ravens...even a 30 min. unscheduled break didn't
throw them off their main goal, and they played a good game. Poe would
be proud, methinks.
No, I don't generally watch much football (or any sports, for that
matter). I used to, back when players stuck with teams for years, but it
seems pointless to be a fan of a team where the roster is constantly
changing. Hubby's not big on football either - he's more of a golf guy,
so we tend to watch more golf than anything else.
Ever notice how nearly every popular sport is about a guy/guys trying to get a ball into some sort of hole/goal? Yeah.
Moving on...
I've been feeling guilty lately for not returning a couple of
letters (we're talking handwritten, snail-mail letters) that I really
should have returned weeks ago. Both my grandmother and my godmother
sent me notes in birthday cards that really do require a reply.
Unfortunately, aside from my time spent on the east coast as a kid
(wherein I missed Montana so much I wrote my best friend at the time
constantly), I've always sucked at written correspondence. I had a
couple of pen pals as a youngster, and never could manage to keep them
up for any length of time. A shame too - they were rather interesting
people from all over the world. Of course now I meet and keep in contact
with people online, which is a zillion times easier for some reason.
But neither of these particular relatives is online (shocking, I
know)! So written communication is about the only way to go. I'd type
them out (you know, so they don't need a secret decoder ring to decipher
the words) but my printer at home isn't working at the moment. That
could delay the whole thing even further. *sigh*
In any case, I really do need to get letters written and sent out
to these ladies. I don't even keep stationary around any longer, but I
do have some nice cards that will suffice just fine. At least my hands
are stronger with all the crocheting I've been doing, so writing
shouldn't be as painful as it sometimes is...amazing how many muscles
handwriting actually requires!
I should have done that yesterday, I suppose, but I was too busy
doing housework, getting the buttons finished for Mica's sweater (almost
done!), and making dog treats. If you have dogs, or know dogs, and have
a dehydrator (or an oven you can set really, really low), these work
great:
1) Mix a can of pumpkin (just the small one) with about half cup of
apple sauce. Spread it out on a sheet of parchment paper, not too thin
& stick it in the dehydrator (or an oven at 135 degrees f or so).
When it dehydrates down, it's like fruit leather/thin jerky...just tear
it apart for the dogs. Big hit, that.
2) Slice up raw sweet potatoes fairly thick, stick them in the
dehydrator. The ones I did are still in there today...but when they're
done, they'll be like rawhide chews, only healthier! I think doing them
in the oven would require slightly higher heat, just because I wouldn't
want the whole oven running as long as I've had the dehydrator going
(over 12 hours now). But I inherited the dehydrator, so I can see not
wanting to spend the money
These are both insanely cheaper options to actually buying
treats...and super easy, considering the actual work took about half an
hour (and that's because I needed to clean my dehydrator trays first).
As an added bonus, I now have an easy way to make Christmas gifts for
the dogs in the family next year...
I didn't get any writing done this weekend, which is unfortunate.
Saturday was a planned day off, but I'd hoped to get back to it Sunday,
and it just didn't happen. I also didn't get back to my basement
organizational project, or get any accounting done - bad and worse. It
was just one of those weeks.
So this week, time to step it up again! Here's the to-do list:
- 1 scene for each serial draft
- Finish short story in progress
- Secret story project (?)
- Pay bills
- Business accounting
- Update web sites
- Finish Mica's sweater (just one or two belly bands left!
- Work on basket weave blanket
- Find cover art images for next release(s)
- Catch up Goodreads account
- Workout 3x
Lots to do, but it's my own fault for falling behind last week. Dang it.
Time to get busy! Here's hoping your week is as productive as I'd like mine to be...
yesterday? I watched bits & pieces, but mostly just the second half.
I learned to do that back when I was a regular Broncos fan, because
that's how they played...behind most of the game, and then if they were
going to pull out a win, they'd often do it in the fourth quarter. I
gotta give props to the Ravens...even a 30 min. unscheduled break didn't
throw them off their main goal, and they played a good game. Poe would
be proud, methinks.
No, I don't generally watch much football (or any sports, for that
matter). I used to, back when players stuck with teams for years, but it
seems pointless to be a fan of a team where the roster is constantly
changing. Hubby's not big on football either - he's more of a golf guy,
so we tend to watch more golf than anything else.
Ever notice how nearly every popular sport is about a guy/guys trying to get a ball into some sort of hole/goal? Yeah.
Moving on...
I've been feeling guilty lately for not returning a couple of
letters (we're talking handwritten, snail-mail letters) that I really
should have returned weeks ago. Both my grandmother and my godmother
sent me notes in birthday cards that really do require a reply.
Unfortunately, aside from my time spent on the east coast as a kid
(wherein I missed Montana so much I wrote my best friend at the time
constantly), I've always sucked at written correspondence. I had a
couple of pen pals as a youngster, and never could manage to keep them
up for any length of time. A shame too - they were rather interesting
people from all over the world. Of course now I meet and keep in contact
with people online, which is a zillion times easier for some reason.
But neither of these particular relatives is online (shocking, I
know)! So written communication is about the only way to go. I'd type
them out (you know, so they don't need a secret decoder ring to decipher
the words) but my printer at home isn't working at the moment. That
could delay the whole thing even further. *sigh*
In any case, I really do need to get letters written and sent out
to these ladies. I don't even keep stationary around any longer, but I
do have some nice cards that will suffice just fine. At least my hands
are stronger with all the crocheting I've been doing, so writing
shouldn't be as painful as it sometimes is...amazing how many muscles
handwriting actually requires!
I should have done that yesterday, I suppose, but I was too busy
doing housework, getting the buttons finished for Mica's sweater (almost
done!), and making dog treats. If you have dogs, or know dogs, and have
a dehydrator (or an oven you can set really, really low), these work
great:
1) Mix a can of pumpkin (just the small one) with about half cup of
apple sauce. Spread it out on a sheet of parchment paper, not too thin
& stick it in the dehydrator (or an oven at 135 degrees f or so).
When it dehydrates down, it's like fruit leather/thin jerky...just tear
it apart for the dogs. Big hit, that.
2) Slice up raw sweet potatoes fairly thick, stick them in the
dehydrator. The ones I did are still in there today...but when they're
done, they'll be like rawhide chews, only healthier! I think doing them
in the oven would require slightly higher heat, just because I wouldn't
want the whole oven running as long as I've had the dehydrator going
(over 12 hours now). But I inherited the dehydrator, so I can see not
wanting to spend the money
These are both insanely cheaper options to actually buying
treats...and super easy, considering the actual work took about half an
hour (and that's because I needed to clean my dehydrator trays first).
As an added bonus, I now have an easy way to make Christmas gifts for
the dogs in the family next year...
I didn't get any writing done this weekend, which is unfortunate.
Saturday was a planned day off, but I'd hoped to get back to it Sunday,
and it just didn't happen. I also didn't get back to my basement
organizational project, or get any accounting done - bad and worse. It
was just one of those weeks.
So this week, time to step it up again! Here's the to-do list:
- 1 scene for each serial draft
- Finish short story in progress
- Secret story project (?)
- Pay bills
- Business accounting
- Update web sites
- Finish Mica's sweater (just one or two belly bands left!
- Work on basket weave blanket
- Find cover art images for next release(s)
- Catch up Goodreads account
- Workout 3x
Lots to do, but it's my own fault for falling behind last week. Dang it.
Time to get busy! Here's hoping your week is as productive as I'd like mine to be...
Enjoy
this post? Support your author:
Romantic Suspense
| Erotic Romance | Suspense/Thriller
| Flash Fiction | Non-Fiction
**Please
note - If this is your first time posting, your comment
will be moderated. Once you have been approved, future comments will post automatically.
