Lachelle Redd's Blog, page 9

My Blog Hop-What I Am Up To

1)  What is the working title of your next book?     Angels Den

2)  Where did the idea come from for the book?  I wondered what it would be like if supernatural creatures existed and it was a cover up.

3)  What genre does your book fall under?  Horror

4)  What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in the movie rendition?  I have no idea

5)  What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?  Pain, betrayal, love, suffering, ambition and denial all under one cover. 

6)  Will your book be self published or represented by an agency?  Midnight Hour Publishing, I am thrilled to say is publishing the book.

7)  How long did it take to write the first draft of the manuscript?  Several months


8)  What other books would you compare this story to in your Genre?  Honestly, I don't know.  I try not to read other books, when writing.  I don't want to accidentally feed into someone else's work.

9)  Who or what inspired you to write this book?  The idea would not go away, so one day I just started writing it. 

10  What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?  There are several elements of betrayal, a family with a dangerous secret that has been kept for years.  The rogue wolf is a monsterous creature with no love for human life and he enjoys what he does.

Tagging the next authors, these are several authors that I enjoy reading.  Check them out:

Brian Bigelow - http://brian-bigelow.blogspot.com/

RD Teun - https://www.facebook.com/R.D.TEUN

Joanne Russell - http://www.jo-annerussell.ca/

Shantina Wilson - http://shantina-wilson.blogspot.com/

Sara Brooke - http://www.sarabrooke.com/website/index.html

She Taylor - https://www.facebook.com/SarahiHannahEstephani

And as always, I have to give props to my girl Rebecca Poole at Dreams2media.  She has designed some wonderful book covers for me and been a wonderful asset. 

http://dreams2media.com/

I am tagging Brian Bigelow as my author of choice for the next blog hop.  Brian you are up.

THANK YOUFOR ALL THE SUPPORT IN 2012 AND HELPING ME REACH...

THANK YOU

FOR ALL THE SUPPORT IN 2012 AND HELPING ME REACH MY GOAL OF BEING PUBLISHED AND HAVING MY WORK VIEWED BY MORE THAN JUST MY PERSONAL FRIENDS.  I WISH EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU PROSPERITY, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN THE UPCOMING YEAR.

LACHELLE REDD

The Return- L Redd

Sitting quietly in her plush living area with the babble of the TV and the light crackle of an early fall fire, Lisa McCallum awaited the arrival of her daughter from a late evening of being a teenage girl with friends.  The worried brow of an anxious parent adorned her otherwise lovely face.  The recent killings in the quiet town of St. Augustine had proven to be the talk of the season.  Mostly males found gutted and partially devoured.  The authorities believed it to be the work of some wild animal, but there were little leads.  Other than the killer preferred young teenage boys and somehow lead them to a secluded area and tore them to pieces, there was nothing else to follow.  The marshy coves and wetlands of the city left no viable footprints, by the time the bodies were found a number of creatures that stalked the night had taken their fill.  There was only one link to all the killings and that was the missing internal organs, mainly the heart, liver and lungs.            That night had been grad night for the seniors of the local high school.  Lisa was eager to let her daughter participate as a rite of passage, but skeptical of the night.  The killer, although he or she preferred males, had taken a few teenage girls as prey.  Their bodies were mutilated but nothing eaten.  The ladies were damn near clawed beyond recognition but their internals were intact.  Baffled, the authorities initiated a curfew and by now it was 9pm and Angel was late.              Lisa flipped through an old photo album while she waited.  Quietly reminiscing about the times when she and her husband, Lamond, sailed the oceans surrounding the tip of their beautiful Florida.  Those had been the best times of her life.  Craving the adventure of the open water, they would often take week long trips letting the good wind take them to whatever port she desired.  The couple had seen the Caribbean Islands countless times and explored the reefs in the Bahamas.  Their shared passion for the sea and her bounty had brought them great wealth just as their fathers before them.              Lamond had been a descendant of the great explorers that settled the area in 1565.  His great-great grandfather had amassed a large fortune in gold and jewels from wreckages off the coast.  Coming from old money, the family managed well and protected their earnings.  Opening an antique/collector's shop in what is now the historical region of the town, they did quite well.  Their reputation for carrying authentic antiquities and collector's items had brought them face to face with many wealthy dignitaries and eccentrics.  Able to lavish gifts upon their only daughter and provide an education at a local private school, Lisa had done well to steer her in the direction for which she always dreamed.              The latch on the front door clicked as Angel entered the room.  Lisa was relieved, closing the album and focusing on the young beauty.  Angel McCallum was the only child of Lisa and Lamond McCallum.  Born after her father's death, Angel bared a strong resemblance to the once beautiful man.  Her long dark hair and dark violet eyes were traits that he had passed on.  Her mother's small mouth and delicate features were the finishing touches that launched the girl into a beauty that was breathtaking and caused many stares wherever she went.            "Did you have a good time, hun?"  Lisa voice was more nervous than curious.            "Yeah mom, we had a bonfire at the beach and just hung around.  Sorry I'm late, I had an episode on the way home, I got sick again."            Lisa rushed to feel her daughter's forehead.  She was warm and starting to sweat.  The concerned mother rushed to the nearest bathroom and began drawing a tub of cool water.  Angel appeared behind her.            "Mom, I can do it, go get some rest."  Angel's voice was quiet and soothing.            The young beauty finished preparing the bath and soaked in a peaceful mixture of Epsom salt and lavender.  Her fevers had grown worse and her illness undiagnosed.  It was her mother who relied on an old family remedy that finally brought the condition under control.  The ailment seemed to spike as she approached puberty and only grew worse as she aged but her mother continued with her personal research and kept her daughter's health in check. The Findings            It was 8:45 in the morning when officer Beadle knocked on their door.  Two bodies had been found, a girl and a boy and this time there was evidence.              "Good morning, I'm detective Beadle.  I take it you are Mrs. McCallum?  I am here to question your daughter about her whereabouts last night."  His tone was stern as he reviewed the woman's visage for clues.                "Sure detective, come in.  My daughter is still asleep.  May I ask what this is in regards to?"  Lisa was concerned as she motioned for the large man to have a seat.            "I'm sure you've seen the news, there were two bodies found early this morning.  Two teenagers that were out at a party that your daughter was in attendance.  We've been questioning everyone who was there.  We also have this."  The detective held up a clear plastic bag with a single turquoise charm.            Lisa recognized the charm and moved to awaken her daughter.  Her heart pounded as the church bell with every step.  She knew the charm, it had been a gift for her sixteenth birthday.  Her anxiety arose to fine peak as she knocked on Angel's door.  To her surprise the beauty answered, she had heard everything and was aware of the visit.  She moved past her mother and into the plush living space.  Sitting quiet and calm she awaited his questions.            "Miss McCallum, how are you today?"  The detective was cheerful and  very much attempting to create a calm atmosphere.            "Fine, sir, may I offer you some coffee?"  She was polite and innocent in her wide eyed beauty.            "No, but you can tell me about this?"  He held up the charm.             "You found my charm, I lost it last night at the party.  I had been having trouble with the clasp and I guess it finally slipped.  May I have it back?"  She asked politely.            The detective listened and watched for signs of untrustworthy behavior, but found none.  He continued to ask her about her time the night before and when she got home.  Noting that she arrived after curfew.              "I am quite ill detective.  I had to stop at the gas station on beach road to get something for my stomach.  My mother can tell you about it.  The attendant there saw me, if you need an alibi."  She remarked.             "I will look into that.  You said that was around 9, correct."              She responded with a nod.            "As for your charm, I can't quite give it back as it was found at a crime scene and there was blood and some skin lodged in the claw here.  It is being analyzed.  So for now this is evidence.  So did you have a fight with either of the deceased?"  His questions were more concentrated, he was not playing his full deck as of yet.             Lisa's mother was quick to intervene.            "What does this have to do with my daughter?  Look at her she is barely five feet tall, surely you can't think she had something to do with those deaths?"  Her tone protective as a mother's should be.            "Mrs. McCallum, I have been in this business a long time and size has nothing to do with crimes of passion.  There were several witnesses that say your daughter was involved in a few words with one of the deceased, a Miss. Mandy Scarborough.  Apparently Miss. Scarborough posed a threat in the relationship that your daughter was having with Cody Kennedy, the other deceased teen.  So Miss McCallum if you would please answer my question."             Angel started in quickly.             "Detective Beadle, Mandy Scarborough was a first class whore.  And yes, I did have word with her earlier in the day at school.  She liked sleeping around and knew that Cody wanted me instead of her.  She approached me at the bonfire in her usual slutty nature and was up in my face.  I slapped her after she grabbed a handful of my hair and tried to make a fool of me.  And that's all."            Lisa responded,  "Well you heard my daughter.  She had a scuffle, that doesn't mean she killed anyone."             The detective responded.  "That is true and her story does match what others say took place.  The question is why was this charm found at the crime scene?"  The worried parent responded.            "It's a charm, they fall off with ease.  Maybe when she slapped Mandy it got knocked off and lodged in her clothing, from what I just saw on the TV, the bodies were half eaten again.  Really, does my daughter look like a cannibal?"             The detective backed off knowing there were holes in the story that he could not fill.  However, his experience taught him something was not right.  He left the lovely home and went on to question her alibi.  Sure enough she had gone to the station and used the bathroom but there was one fact that had been left out.  She was wet from head to toe.  The attendant remembered because of the distinct erection he had from seeing her perky tits in such a sheer top.            "Angel."  Lisa's mother's voice was sad and low.  "We need to go."            The teen stared into her mother's eyes as she spoke.  "Will you tell me the story?"            Her mother replied,  "Once we're in the water, yes."            The two arrived at the marina and were quick to untie the 35 foot Catalina.  Lisa knew the voyage well as she backed out of the harbor.  Angel was quiet and looked on as the afternoon sun sparkled against her skin.  An eerie and beautiful glow emanated from the young girl.  Her long dark hair blowing in the breeze she smiled at her mother as they made their way.   Suspicions            The Beadle was back in his office attempting to piece together the events of the night before.  He was sure that Angel knew more than she let on, but the missing body organs was a clue that he had no place to put in the puzzle.              "Here you go, Beadle, the results from pathology.  The material in the clasp was skin, but not from either victim, it was from the killer.  But don't get your hopes up too soon.  The sample came back as non human, possibly a scale.  Could be a croc or something considering they were found in the swampy area of the nearby park."  Shane handed him the file, the detective thanked him for his help.            Beadle had hit another dead end or had he.  He reviewed the file and the pictures once again.  The claw marks were of a creature with five digits.  Only one suspect in the world carried that trait and it was human.  Letting go of his trainings from the academy, he relied on his second major, mythology.  Leaving the office in a rush, he wanted to make sure he made it to the library before it closed.  Piecing together what he knew of the cases he was beginning to get an accurate picture.              Once inside he  gathered several large books at a small table.  He began perusing them with a strong intent to find the truth behind a legend.  He was able to surmise that the stories of ancient mariners had only been the tip of what he was to find.  The Voyage Home             That night, Lisa and Angel, dined at sea.  The wind carried them swiftly towards the islands of Bermuda and her tranquil blue green waters.              "We will be at our destination in a few days.  Maybe by late afternoon on Friday if weather permits."  Lisa, pulled the photo album from her bag.  She had bookmarked it special for just this occasion as she knew it would have to be.  Angel listened, for she knew only the beginning, but loved to hear her mother tell the tale.              "Your father and I loved to sail.  That's how we met.  We were in competition against each other back in seventy nine.  He owned a massive yacht he named, Jezebeland I had my father's, The Journey.  We raced at the annual yacht club tourney and that year I was determined to win and I did.  At the victory celebration this beautiful man came up to me and congratulated me with a kiss.  From out of nowhere he just kissed me and my knees were weak.  From that moment we were inseparable.  We married within a year and just knew we wanted kids.  We tried for fifteen years and no luck.  Time was not on my side and we finally went for testing.  It was me.  I could not conceive.  We were heartbroken.  So in order to ease my pain, your father decided to take me on a special cruise around the Bermudas."  Before she continued, Angel butted in.            "And after that trip the angel's blessed you with me."  She smiled.  I love that story, momma.            "Sweetie," her mother continued,  "That's not the end, not the true end."              Angel's face was squirmed into a question.  She had only heard that soon she was conceived after that magical voyage.  She asked.              "There's more?"  she asked.             "I'm afraid so my love.  But let's save that for tomorrow.  We need rest and I need to check the weather and our coordinates."             Angel was reluctant to sleep.  What more could there have been.  She tossed and turned most of the night.  She could hear her mother pacing in the other room.  What was she dreading? Too Late            Detective Beadle left the library in a rush and sped to the home of Lisa McCallum.  Upon arriving he knew he had been too late.  The house appeared empty and dark.  He approached the front door and knocked.  No one answered.  He turned to knob to find it click and open.  He pulled his gun and entered the home announcing his presence.  He flipped on a light to find that all the furniture had been covered in cloth.  He knew they would not be returning.  A picture lay on the table with an envelope addressed to detective Beadle.  He opened it and began to read.  His suspicions were confirmed.  He left the home and headed to the marina.                Upon arriving, he showed the picture to the head master of the marina.  He verified that the Sea Witch had been taken out earlier that day.  Her course was for the Bermuda Triangle and she should return sometime in the next week.  Beadle knew differently.  He sat in his car reading the letter.  Tears fell from his eyes as he did not know for whom to mourn, the prey or the predator.  He would spend the rest of the week pondering the information in the letter and questioning whether he could call in such a story.  He would be laughed off the force.  For now, all he could do was wait.  Heavy heart in hand he arrived home with a large bottle of vodka in his possession.  He would finish the container by morning.   The Voyage Home Pt II             The following afternoon, they neared a familiar spot where the waters were clear and the rocks were many.              "Mother, I thought you said we would be longer.  You are stopping so soon?"  Angel questioned.            "We traveled on the night wind to a special place.  A place that only a few know.  Your father and I discovered it back in ninety four.  If you sail the edges of the triangle you get pulled to this very spot no use in using your equipment, it won't work.  Thus the legends of the triangle.  We will drift from here."  Her mother was calm but Angel was not easily quieted.             "We're in the Bermuda triangle!  Oh God we gotta get outta here!"  She screamed.             "I told you we were headed to the Bermudas."  Her mother was placid and frightening.             "I thought you just meant the islands, I didn't think that we were just going into the triangle.  And that makes no sense how can we already be here?  We just left yesterday."              Her mother sat quietly as she started telling the remainder of the story.  Angel was frightened as she had never seen her mother like this.  She did not know the person who sat before her flipping through a photo album and staring in the distant horizon.             "Your father and I were sailing this same stretch when a bad storm pulled us in.  We were sure that we wouldn't make it.  We were tossed by large waves and pummeled in the night.  We put on our life jackets in hopes that the coast guard would at least find our bodies.  But by morning the storm subsided and we found ourselves here.  Our instruments dead we just drifted with the sea.  We were so happy to be alive we made love that day like when we first met.  There are times I can still smell him and feel him on me."  A tear streamed down her face.             "It was in the afternoon as I lay sleeping that I thought I heard something on deck.  I rolled over to reach for your father and he was gone.  I jumped up and dressed and headed topside.  Your father was standing at the bow staring into the sea.  He didn't hear me call his name so I tapped him on the shoulder.  He turned and looked to me with a blank stare.  He asked me did I hear it.  I did not understand what he meant, I could only hear the waves in lapping against the boat.  He looked me in the eyes and said he had to go.  He said he was sorry for the pain he was about to cause, but he didn't belong to me.  He belonged to the sea."  She began to weep heavily.  Angel was confused and her voice resonated her bewilderment.             "Mom, what are you saying?"              "Your father jumped overboard and disappeared beneath the waters of the triangle.  I screamed for him to return but there was nothing.  I stayed there searching for some sign and soon I got one.  Blood, there was blood everywhere, the water filled with his blood.  I cried so hard, I could not breathe.  I thought for sure a shark had him but it was much worse.  That's when they appeared."             "They who, momma?"             "Ancient legends they had been for so many, but both of our fathers and forefathers had been mariners and knew the truth.  They were sirens and they had come aboard our vessel."             "Ok mom, you're crazy!  Sirens, mermaids, really!  I'm calling the coast guard."  Angel turned to work the radio as she tried her mother yelled out that it wouldn't work.  She remembered and appeared back on deck angered at the position she was in.  Her mother screamed out to her.            "You don't remember what you did, but it was you!"  Her tears filled her eyes and rolled steadily down her grieved face.            "What is there for me to remember?!"  Angel yelled.            "You killed all those people!  Those young boys and girls.  It was you.  You don't remember it because you were not yourself."            The blood drained from Angel's face as she sunk to the deck.  She had no memory of the gruesome killings that was true, but somewhere in there she knew her mother was not lying.            "Finish the story, ma."  She begged as she sobbed.            "I turned and there were the two beautiful naked women on deck.  Their eyes were like yours and their hair sparkled in the sun.  One's was so dark it appeared blue and the other red as firelight in a campfire.  They were breathtaking, but angry.  They wanted to finish the job but I begged them not to.  They told me that your father had been one of them but was special.  He was able to live as a human at least until he fathered a child.  He had to be at sea in order for us to get pregnant.  It was the only way and he knew it.  But there was a price for him to pay.  He had to return to face his fate for leaving his kind and impregnating and falling in love with a human.  His sentence was death and now they wanted me dead."            "Mother, what are you saying?"  Angel was broken and sorrowed beyond anything she could have imagined.            "Angel, they let me live.  They knew I was pregnant with you.  But there was a price I would have to pay as well.  I would have to give you back to them.  If I didn't you would kill.  It's part of who you are.  Think back, sweetie you must remember the kills.  Those young boys, you are a siren, meant to lead men to their deaths.  The girls must have gotten in your way and posed a threat and so you removed them from your path.  Here take this.  It's a mirror that was given to me by the sirens those many years ago.  It will show you who you really are."            Angel was slow to accept the thing.  As she did the solid silver handle molded to her hand and the mirror plate shimmered in the light.  As she looked into the reflection she saw each victim and how she had lured them to their deaths tearing out their organs and feasting as a wild animal.  Her mother had known that after the kill the Epsom salt baths would sooth her system making her think she was in the ocean at home.  She screamed aloud at the revelation dropping the mirror onto the deck.  Her mother stood still watching the beings that had boarded the ship.  They were tall and thin with long dark hair and eyes that were brilliant as the sun.  To come aboard they had developed legs to coincide with the solid of the boat.              "It is time to go home, Angel."  They spoke in unison.  "We told you there was a price to pay.  But you had to live in denial.  How many people did you let die before you allowed the truth to come to surface?  You had our mirror all along but yet you let things be as they are."            Angel cried aloud,  "Leave her alone!  She is my mother and everything she did was for love.  She has shown me nothing but love.  And my father loved her enough to give her a gift beyond all others."            Mother and daughter sobbed heavily as the two beings looked on into the afternoon sky.  "Say your goodbye now, child.  It is time to go home."             Angel stood slow and somewhat warbled as she reached her feet.  Rushing to her mother she kissed her and held her tight for one last time.  She released her grip and turned to face her sister sirens.  They leapt into the air and over the railings.  Once under water their limbs were replaced with marvelous fins of blue and green.  Angel looked back once and dove into the water.  She undressed quickly as she felt her body change.  Only the true seawater would bring about her transformation.  Her legs became fins and on her neck small dainty slits for gills appeared.  She poked her head up, tail swishing back and forth beneath the sea.  She waved good bye and disappeared just as her father.              Lisa stayed on the boat weeping for the loss of her family.  A dark shadow stood over her.  She looked up to face her destiny.              "No one should grieve as you."  The woman voiced.            Lisa slipped into darkness as blood drained from her throat and onto the open deck.  Pushing her body overboard the others feasted on her flesh, Angel taking her part in the feast.              By the end of the week, the boat would be picked up by the guard.  Detective Beadle would close his case and resign from the force.                

Twas the Night Before Christmas: A Grown Up Tale

   Twas the night before Christmas and damn I am glad The stress from the holiday has about ended me and their dad Buy this toy buy that, I couldn't care less Cause Christmas has turned into a hot damn mess   The electronics, the games, the controllers and such Not a board game in sight when did life get so fucked And while I await my honey with directions I say to myself no more self assembly perfections   When back from the room I hear such a sigh We have only two hours and this thing's written in Thai   The barbie house, the tents, the playhouse a joy All of this shit for the love of girl and boy   The night drags on as our frustrations grow The boxes are wrapped but the assembly is slow We've argued and tightened and followed the plan Hope this crap stays together we don't have money for the emergency van   When finally the last screw is in place and attached We're finally done and Christmas is a wrap Our wine glasses are clinked our cheeks are quite merry We survived another year we say 10 hail Marys   Now bed time, a movie, a snack and you bet That somewhere in there we have got to have sex To the bedroom we run, to the bedroom we fall Now naked, we're naked, naked for all   A good sound sleep and a few hours away The morning would be waking to a Merry Christmas Day A day filled with joy as girls and boys clamber To open up their gifts in new Christmas pajamas   And then in a twinkling I heard from the bed Momma you are naked and out of your head My eyes opened wide as my daughter there stood Eyes and mouth wide open while I lay in the nude   I rush to my senses and grab my nightgown Rustle my hubby awake with his nakedness abound We rush and we scurry to come up with ideas That Santa took our clothes as extra cover for the reindeer   Their eyes how they twinkled Their laughs were so merry They watched and poked fun That mom and dad were so hairy   The coffee was hot and the cream was just right As we watched children scuffle and bustle with delight They had not an inkling, they had not a clue Of what the naked mom and dad had to go through   My hubby and I had pulled off another year We lay a wayed, we stole, we skipped a few meals For nothing was going to spoil the kid's day We were thankful for that naked Christmas Day charade    And as we settled ourselves and the kids began to yawn As each Christmas toy had been played from that dawn The evening was quiet, the day gone to rest Our Christmas charade had been the very best   So as I end this tale to all the moms and dads Merry Christmas to all and don't forget to cover your do dads     Lachelle Redd 

What am I up to???

What is the title of your book?

Angel's Den What genre does your book fall under?

Fiction/Horror
How did you come by the idea?
I was thinking of a world where the supernatural was accepted and what it would be like to have creatures from your darkest nightmares live side by side with "normal" humans.


Which actors would you choose to play your characters if it were a movie?

No idea.  I am just glad the public will get a chance to read it.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

 A family with secrets meets a betrayal of secrets and once they are combined, death, lust, murder and emotional turmoil are let loose.

Will your book be self-published or traditional?

Traditional by Midnight Hour Publishing


How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

A couple of months

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I honestly don't know, haven't read anything like it

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Just had an idea and decided to put it on paper

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I think that it is an original piece of work with gore, and real monsters, no cutesy, sparkly lovey things going on.  People are hurt badly and often.  There is betrayal within a family and friends and it asks the question of what does one do at rock bottom.


Other authors I enjoy reading

Sara Brooke  -  http://www.sarabrooke.com/website/index.html

Erik Gustafson - http://eriktiger.wordpress.com/

Joanne Russell - http://www.jo-annerussell.ca/

R.D. Teun  - https://www.facebook.com/R.D.TEUN

Brian Bigelow - http://brian-bigelow.blogspot.com/
Shantina Wilson - http://shantina-wilson.blogspot.com/

I also have to give props to my talented graphic designer:  Rebecca Poole  http://dreams2media.com/


The author I have chosen to carry out this blog hop is:

Shantina Wilson - http://shantina-wilson.blogspot.com/

The Next Room - L Redd

The Next Room
 Today I dreamed you.  Maggie started the words of her story refreshed with a new idea.  She had been struggling for 6 months trying to find some relief from her writer’s block.  Now the ideas seemed to flow as a running stream into a babbling brook.  Her fingers moved eloquently across the keys as she penned her tale from her dream. 
Maggie cleaned up after dinner.  She was eager to get the kids to bed and get some rest.  It had been another unsuccessful day of staring at blank pages.  Her husband, Tim, had told her to take a break.  He reminded her of the tough ordeals they had dealt with that year and that things were going to be fine.  His job was steady and the kids events had quieted.  He assured her that her block was temporary and that she would be tapping away at her laptop in no time.  She tried so hard to believe him, but once again there were no words just empty paper.  As the evening came to be she found herself in a hot shower, lathered from head to toe.  It felt good to wash away the failure of the day.  When she climbed into bed that night she was instantly snoring and that was when it all began. 
Maggie opened her eyes to see her greatest inspiration standing before her.  Her mother in law, Ida, had been a great poet and knew she needed help.  She quietly took her by the hand and led her into the front room.  Maggie was surprised, she had not heard her come in nor had Tim said that she was coming over. 
“I just thought I would come by and see you.  You been on my mind.  How are you?”
At first Maggie didn’t know what to say.  She knew that she had spent a lot of time talking to her within the past year, but recently they had grown apart.  Ida had started spending more time away and just did not come around like she used to.  Even now as Maggie spewed forth her writer’s block concerns, Ida seemed preoccupied but she did her best to listen.  The ladies stayed up for most of the night talking about this and that.  As dawn approached, Maggie felt herself growing sleepy.  Ida knew it was time to go.  She hugged her dear friend and quietly left the room.  The rest of the house would be astir soon, so Maggie went to the task of preparing coffee and then she would crawl into bed.   
Maggie inched back in bed and closed her eyes.  She didn’t hear Tim’s alarm go off nor did she feel his usual good-by kiss in the morning.  When she awoke, the kids were playing in the living room and the phone was ringing.  Tim was on the other side.  She struggled to get to the phone before the voicemail.  She was able to stumble around a bit and answer.
“Hey hun are ya up?  Tim sounded concern.  He knew she had bouts with depression and remembered the last episode and what a toll it took.
“Hey, you.  No, I just got the phone.  I hear the kids in the living room.  I’m ok though.  I forgot this was your Saturday.”
“Yeah, I told you about two weeks ago.  But that’s ok.  You get some rest.  I’ll call my sister to come look after the kids and you can rest up.  Don’t try to do too much.  Just relax.  I will find some dinner on my way home.  How’s that?”
“That sounds fine to me.  Yeah, let’s do that.  I have a headache anyway and I would like to take a day off.  Thanks babe.”
Tim hung up and immediately called his sister.  She rushed over and picked up the kids and took them for brunch.  She asked Maggie if she wanted to go but she declined.  She wanted some much needed down time.  She gave her money for the kid’s meals.  Even though she turned it down Maggie insisted.  She had not told anyone of her strange night but she was kinda hoping that she could rekindle that flame.  She drank a cup of coffee and sat at her table.  There was nothing on the tele and the streets were quiet.  She knew her publisher would be calling some time that week and she had to come up with something soon. 
The time ticked away and soon she found herself dozing off at on the sofa.  She grabbed a light blanket and soon the soap operas were watching her.  She thought she was in a deep sleep but she began to stir and move around the house.  She found herself walking down the hall and into his mother’s old room.  She opened the door and stepped inside.  Everything was as she left it.  Lace doilies were on the end tables.  The large cherry furniture was in need of polishing but still shined brilliantly from underneath a thin layer of dust.  Her pictures of Jesus and the last supper hung as they always had.  Even her bibles were left on the pages that she loved to read.  Maggie felt a small smile escape her lips.  At the same time, the sorrow of not being able to see her friend enveloped her.  But as she raised her eyes she felt a brush on her shoulder.  Ida was holding her hand.  She had been there watching her and knew she needed comforting. 
“Ya know, I gotta get that dish ready for the church.  Let’s get in that kitchen.”
Ida hurried along as Maggie followed.  Ida continued to talk about this function and that and how she had made cabbage before but seems every time she makes them they are requested more and more.  Maggie listened as she always loved to hear her stories of the church and the people who ran it.  Tim had not developed his love of the church as he did not care for the ways of the people in it.  But Ida had strong faith and knew her son would return one day.  She continued going on and on and completed the dish in no time.  Maggie was torn between the happiness of being with her friend and the sadness of her having to leave. 
“So you having a bit of writer’s block.  Ya know whenever I was writing and couldn’t quite get the feeling.  I always took a drive and that made me feel better.  Maybe you should try it.  Oh and eat something.  You haven’t been eating well and I can tell.  Let the dead lie, you have a life to continue.”
Ida smiled and lit up a cigarette.  She sat at the end of the table and continued.
“I had not expected things to turn out the way they did.  When I asked you guys to move in, I knew that I wasn’t in the best health.  But I wanted to make sure that the kids were ok.  I know my son and he can be a handful, but he is a good man.”  Ida laughed.  “He reminds me so much of his father.
Maggie just smiled and did not speak much.  Ida could tell she was beginning to sadden. 
“No tears darling, life goes on and you will be fine.  As for me, I gotta get to church.”
Ida grabbed up her pot and made her way to the front door.  She was dressed and ready to go.  As always she was sharp and beautiful.  Her tiny figure adorned a beautiful white beaded suit.  Her silver and black hair was pulled into a single pony tail to the side and rolled into a dainty ball on the side of her head.  She was in rare form but still her usual self.  She was busy doing her work for the lord.  Maggie watched her in amazement as she opened the door, pot in hand.  She had seemed to get antsier as the day went on.  It was as if she was running out of time and she knew it.  She had given advice and talked about the way things were and how they were now.  She gave her some idea of her new place and how quiet and peaceful it was.  She talked about visiting with her brother and husband.  She said that they had planned on visiting but knew that the family had taken such a hard hit that year that they would hold up and wait till a better time.  Whenever she noticed that Maggie was not speaking she would change the subject.  She wanted to hear about the kids and Maggie was able to spew out a few lines on the football games and play dates.  Maggie also went into the notion of how smoking was very bad for her and that after all they had went through why she still continued.  Ida told her it made her feel alive and since the hospital nothing bothered her anymore.  Both of the ladies sighed quietly. 
As for now Ida was on her way to church.  Maggie wasn’t saying too much.  She told her how she missed her and wished that she could see more of her.  Ever since she got sick, Ida had stayed away.  She didn’t want the kids to see her in poor health.  She was getting better everyday now but still knew that seeing the rest of the family would take some time.  She made these special trips for a purpose.  Maggie was not aware at first, but in the end she would be. 
Once again their moment came to a close.  Ida turned and gave her one last glance.  She stepped in close to her and whispered a single sentence. 
“On my way home, fix it Jesus , fix it like you said you would.”
Maggie felt a tear well in her eyes as Ida disappeared down the walkway.  Maggie had not realized that she was holding her breath or that her husband was pulling up in the yard.  When he saw his wife standing in the doorway he grew concerned.  She was still in her night clothes, she looked as if she had been crying and had only recently stopped.  He rushed to her as she passed out in his arms.  He hurried to get her inside and on the sofa.  He rushed to the sink and grabbed a cloth and soaked it with lukewarm water.   Maggie felt as though she was being pulled from a tunnel.   When she came to, Tim, breathed a huge sigh of relief. 
“I’m taking you to the emergency room.”
“No, I ’m fine.  I don’t need no emergency room.  I just lost my balance.”
“You didn’t lose your balance, you passed out.  You need to go the doctor.  I‘m calling the after hours nurse.”
Tim rushed to find the number as Maggie continued to rest on the sofa.  She could hear him in the background frantically trying to explain what he had witnessed.  Her passing out had sent that year’s tragedy rushing back to him.  His mother and step father had died earlier that year and he could not stand to lose his wife.  Her breakdown over the foreclosure and loss of her best friend had worn her down by 50 pounds.  He did not want to see her go through that again.
“We’re in luck, Dr. Mike will be here soon.  He has to pass here on his way home so he will come by and look at you.  He said he didn’t mind.  He said the night doctor wouldn’t have a good enough history and that he’d rather see you.”
Tim gathered the supper from the car and called his sister.  He asked her if she could keep the kids over night.  He told her to bring them by for dinner and a change of clothes.  He would bathe and dress them for bed.  She agreed.  Upon hearing about Maggie’s health she grew concerned and was ready to step in and offer a hand. 
Dr. Mike arrived in good time and quickly looked Maggie over.  She was pale and looked tired.  He asked what she had eaten and after a brief moment she remembered that she hadn’t.  She had a cup of coffee and that was it.  He continued to ask her about what she had eaten the day before.  Once again her intake was more liquid than solid.  
“You need to eat something.  What’s going on and why are you not eating?”
“I’m not hungry.  I’m up and about I’m just not hungry.”
“Well, I am going to prescribe a vitamin and that should get you going.  You have got to eat.  You must stay strong to get through it all.”
He handed the script to Tim and told him to fill it immediately.  He went outside and spoke with Tim privately.  He told him to watch her carefully.  She could be slipping away again and if she gets father than before he would have to hospitalize her.  Tim agreed and decided to take a few days off from work in order to make sure she ate.  That night he saw to it that she ate some broth and a few potatoes and after she finished he went to fill her prescription.   He had a hurried look on his face and didn’t like leaving her, but she was in no mood to get in and out of the cold.
As soon as he left, she sunk back onto the sofa.  She looked around the room of memories and once again Ida stopped by.  She knew that the reason for Maggie’s illness had been her visits.  It was like that before.  She would have to reason with the sick woman or things would get worse. 
“You know, when you are with the ones you love time goes by in a blink and you forget to take care of yourself.  I cannot come see you if that what’s going to happen.  My son and those kids need you.  So this will be my last visit.  I love you and I always will.”
“Ida, I don’t want to be without you again.  Everything is so empty when you are not here.”
“That’s just it.  Ida placed her hand on Maggie’s, I’m always here.  I’m just in the next room.”
Ida moved on to her room and Maggie followed.  But she could not seem to keep up.  When she arrived at the doorway, she flung open the door to find it quiet and still.  No one was there.  But a voice did whisper from the dust. 
“It’s time to dismantle the tomb.  Move on.”
Tim was pulling up in the yard.  Maggie saw the lights and quickly began to move to the front of the house.   She knew that at some point she would have to tell him.  But she wasn’t sure of how.  He had loved his mother very much and that was why she had stayed away.  She knew he could not take seeing her so soon after her funeral.  He walked in with the vitamins in hand.  He went about gathering a smaller plate so she could have a little more on her stomach.  He gave her the pill and she took it and began to eat slowly.  She told him that she loved him and that everything was going to be fine.  The couple watched a little tv and cuddled on the sofa.  That night, Maggie slept peacefully.  Her dear friend did not show.  The next morning, her writer’s block had gone as she penned the story of the reluctant ghost who was on her way home. 

The Damned DVD Player

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Emily Taggert sat quietly beneath the tree her new wifi blue ray disc player in her hands.  The husband, Charlie or Chuck as he was to his friends was already hooking up his laptop and preparing to download sports videos and order football gear.  364 days of planning and a DVD player.  Emily rose and headed to the bedroom to hook up the expensive toy.  Diamonds, spa trips, a year's worth of pedicures, even money to shop for decent clothes and I get a damned DVD player.  Christmas night was quiet and serene.  The wife drew herself a long hot bath and prepared for a relaxing soak.  Chuck was still glued to his computer toy and grinning at playbacks from the day's games.  He was elated.  It was everything he wanted.  But Emily was still at a loss. 
Soaking in the garden tub of bubbles and fragrance, she let the disappointment wash away.  But when the lights suddenly blinked on and off and her husband's exclamation at missing the final scoring point rang through the house, that was the last straw.  She rose from the bath drenched in bubbles and naked as a newborn.  The woman marched downstairs bubbles dripping and water splashing.  Chuck was still raising hell as the lights flicked off again and this time it was for good.  A car had struck a pole and the lines went down.  The entire block was now drenched in darkness.  Chuck opened the door to assess the damage. 
Ice and snow covered the lawn and everything in its grasp.  The moon was high and the streets were black.  People grabbed cell phones as make shift flashlights.  Chuck stood at the doorway pondering what do to.  But before he could make a movement, a sharp shove forced him down the front steps and onto the ax that had been left out front from chopping wood.  I told his ass to put that axe up yesterday before the snow and ice froze it into place.  But no, he had to go get my present, a damn DVD player.  Well Merry Christmas, Chuck.Emily went back upstairs and continued her well deserved soak in the tub.  When the lights came back on, there was a knock on her door.  She rose from the tub and dawned a thick robe.  She appeared at the door as authorities were delivering some terrible news.  Apparently her husband had fallen when the lights went out and slipped onto the axe out front.  He was gone and there was nothing they could do


Lachelle Redd







 

The Wood Sprite's Tale - L Redd

Thanks to the talented Rebecca Poole of Dreams 2 Media, I have been able to publish The Wood Sprite's Tale.  This is book one of the story of Serena, the adventurous wood sprite of Cannora village.  Book two, The Evil Queen tells the story of Heithar after her confrontation with the sprites.

This book is available for FREE on smashwords.  That's right FREE, so get your copy and show me the love.  Leave a review and let me know what you think.  I gotta start somewhere.

Description:

Serena, a young wood sprite from Cannora village, is not like the others in her clan. She is more adventurous and curious than the rest. During her final tests she stumbles upon the dead forest at the end of their world. Her curiosity awakens a dark secret that the elders have kept for many years and tried to ignore. However, a small group of parents, lead by the young sprite's mother, Liana, knows the truth must be told. Liana, more than the others, knows her daughter is the key to saving their village and fulfilling her own destiny.               
Thank you in advance!!

Lachelle Redd 

Short Story Ideas

Today I was asked about writing fan fiction. I had to ask the question about what is fan fiction in general. When I got my answer, I realized I had not tried that route. If u find a story that entices you to take a character into a next level, do u need permission from the author?

I am a new writer with a short list of published works so I am still figuring things out.

In the meantime, my work can be reviewed for free at my blog page. www.thehotcauldron.blogspot.com. I am sure that buying any work from a newbie like myself can be a scary thought so review some of my shorts for free.

Thank You

L Redd

A Thanksgiving to Remember- L. Redd

Today was going to be another one of those days.  The long drive through the country side was relaxing and soothed her anxiety.  Gotta bake the turkey, prepare the dressing, cook the sweet potatoes and bake the cake.  Somewhere in there I gotta pick the kids of up from Nana’s and take them for portraits.  Not enough time in the day.  She turned off the main drag and onto the long road to the farmhouse.  She bumped along the rocky path, the jeep knowing the terrain and the way.  Gotta meet Jill tomorrow for shopping, can’t miss black Friday sales.  I wonder will that have that JVC camcorder I wanted.  I need to be first in line.  We are going to have to get there by 6am.  She plucked her cell phone from the arm rest and proceeded to voice dial Jill.  “Hey girlie, we need to be there by 6.  I got this hot deal, I can’t miss.”“Sure, but where are you?  You are breaking up pretty bad?”“Out for a drive you know how things are right now, just need to clear my head.”“I understand.  I can’t wait to see you.”“Same here.”The friends hung up as Amy continued towards the old farmhouse.  It had been passed down from generation to generation.  She had managed to keep it in pristine condition after her dad died and paid it off.  Now it was her quiet getaway when life just didn’t seem to add up.  She pulled into the drive.  Taking a deep breath of the fresh fall air, she prepared herself for the long task ahead.  Should only take about an hour or so and then I can sit down to a nice cup of coffee and read a mag.  Then it should be just about time to pick up the kids.  What present did mom and dad want, a coffee maker or a sandwich maker.  Shit, I can’t remember.  Oh well will find out when they get here.  Amy opened the farm house doors and surveyed the large pink machine that she had helped her father prepare for so many parades.  It was beautiful, they had named her Bailey.  She had been their prized farm racing machine for many years.  Now she lay quiet, sleeping but ready for the chore ahead.Ya, know a big screen TV would be nice this year.  I wouldn’t have to share it with anyone except the kids and I like when it’s just me and them.  We can relax and kick back and have popcorn and make silly faces.  Being their mom has been the best time in my life.She awakened the bright pink sleeping beauty from its rest.  It was the smallest in its class but able to get the job done.  She positioned the handles and inched forward, she knew just where to go.  She began digging over behind the  great oak on the back end of the property.  Just a few digs and it would be done.  The sun was bright and the fall sky was clear.  Yellow and orange leaves cascaded over her thick wool sweater.  The air was fresh and a cool breeze sent whirls of crisp, cool fall air into her senses.  That should do it.  Now for the package.  Heading back to the car she opened the hatch and attached the hook to the large black bag.  Operating the machine once again she carried the parcel to its final resting place and covered up the hole.  Careful to place fresh shrubs and leaves on the very spot, a calm rested over her.  She returned the pink beauty to the shed and went inside for coffee and TV.  Taking a hot shower she washed off the chore of the day.  It was time to go get the kids.  That Thanksgiving as they all sat down to dinner they gave thanks for all the joys and wonders of life.  Amy was quieted as she lowered her head in silence for Jonathan, he hadn’t been heard from in months.  “Oh Amy, it will be ok.”  Jill said.  ‘Have you heard from anyone?”Amy fought back a tear.  “No, it’s just like he fell off the face of the earth.  Even the police are baffled.  I am just so thankful to have you all with me.”The dinner went along as planned and thanksgiving would have a new special meaning for Amy and the cheating husband.