Connie Cockrell's Blog, page 13

Cold Season, NANOWRIMO: Monday Blog Post

Inner Basin, Flagstaff, by Randy Cockrell

Newest News:

My
cold is still hanging on. For the first time ever, I have a new symptom. It
appears to be swollen lymph nodes. WebMD says it can happen, the pain even
moving from the neck up into the jaw and maybe even the ear. Some jaw pain for
me though not bad as I’m taking ibuprofen to ease the infection. If it hangs on
for too long, I’ll go see my doc.

Next month is National Novel Writing Month and I’m still trying to decide what to write. I mentioned last week an idea for another Jean Hays story. I also have an idea for another western. A couple of days ago I remembered I have an All About Bob series story to finish and two more to write. So there’s that to consider as well. I’ll admit it’s a lot more fun to write a new story that to rewrite and edit old stories. Choices, choices. It would be nice to finish something up over November. More than one something would be fantastic!

Giveaways:

The Ghoulishly Great Reads Halloween Author/Blogger giveaway is now running! Twenty-two authors are participating giving us a $66 Paypal grand prize plus 22 other great prizes and 22 free books. So jump on this giveaway, over on my website Giveaways page. It won’t last long.

Where will I Be?:

December Mesa Book Festival. The date is December 14th from 10am – 5pm and the location has changed to 225 E Main St, Mesa. This is the Benedictine University, for those familiar with Mesa. I am sharing a booth space with the wonderful Marsha Ward. The site only promotes the author registering the table, so you’ll only see Marsha’s name, not mine. But I promise, I’ll be there. You can find all the details and a map at https://anthology.org/category/mesa-book-festival/.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.

Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

My 2020 Calendar, which I’ve titled Arizona Reflections, is now available. I love doing these calendars. The beautiful pictures of Arizona wildlife, insects, reptiles, and landscapes relaxes me every time I look at them. The wall calendar has both U.S. and Canadian holidays listed and blocks for keeping track of appointments. You can find the calendar for purchase at: http://www.lulu.com/content/legacy-lulustudio-calendar/arizona-impressions/25183877. Alternatively, you can go to my website, at my Books and Other Products page and it’s the first thing you see. I hope you enjoy it.

Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on http://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.

The Party: Chapter 15 – Lt Col Flynn, Flash Fiction Friday Post

Yes, this is political. I offer you trigger warnings for language and sexual and racist slurs and comments. Future episodes may also contain rape, abuse, and other unpleasant things.

Chapter 15: Lt Col Flynn

Lt. Col. Tyler Flynn stopped in the hallway at work as
someone tapped him on the arm. He turned quickly, startled.

“Uh. Sorry sir. You must not have heard me calling
you.”

Flynn felt a little ashamed. He still wasn’t used to
people calling him Colonel. “Sorry, Captain Woden.” Flynn just now remembered
that Woden had been a lieutenant just a couple of weeks ago. He’d been promoted
in the catch up the same as he had. “I guess I’m still not used to my new rank
yet. What is it?”

“Yes, sir. I agree. Everybody has a new rank and it’s
a bit confusing for sure.” He took a breath. “I just wanted to let you know
you’ve been relieved of the Interview room duties. Beneath your pay grade, so
to speak.”

Flynn took the paper Captain Woden handed him and
skimmed through it. Yes, orders relieving him of that task. “It doesn’t issue
any new order.”

Woden shrugged. “Probably something coming through the
pipeline, Sir. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Lee. Appreciate it.” Flynn tucked the
order into the covered notebook he carried.

“No problem, Colonel. Hope the next assignment is
better.” He stepped back, came to attention and saluted.

Flynn saluted back and went on his way as Woden turned
to go back the way he’d come. New assignment, he thought as he walked on. He was
glad to drop the interviews. He left that room every day drained, with his soul
sucked dry.

A couple of hours later, his electronic pad dinged. A
new message had arrived. Flynn opened it up. Here was the new assignment. He was
to report to Colonel Marcus, a special operations department, he saw. Marcus
reported to a General Billings. Mad Dog Bill, he’d heard the man called. That
meant he no longer reported to Colonel Green. Not that it mattered about Green.
He didn’t know the Colonel all that well though they’d gotten along well
enough. He noted that there was an appointment scheduled for three this
afternoon. A meet and greet, Flynn figured. Just an introductory thing. It was
for the Officer’s Club. So probably multiple new officers. That was fine with
him. He shut the email. Special Ops, he thought to himself. Wonder what kind of
Special Ops. Something more in line with why he joined the Army, he hoped.

At the Officer’s Club, Flynn checked his hat at the
front lobby and went into the bar. Sure enough, several officers were already
there, standing in small groups, drinks in hand. The colonel wasn’t there yet.
He got a beer from the bar and joined a group with an acquaintance of his,
Major Peter Farland. “Pete. Good to see ya.”

“Good to see you, too, buddy. Long time!” Pete clapped
him on the arm. “This is Roger Luton, best comm officer you’ve ever seen.”

Flynn shook Captain Luton’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
He thought Pete’s accolade a little over the top. His wife, now out of the
Army, was one of the best in his estimation but that didn’t count any longer,
did it.”

Pete went on. “Tyler here is the best behind the lines
guy you ever want to work with. He can find his way through the dark,
blindfolded and still get the mission done.”

Roger grinned. “Good to know.”

Introductions were cut short as the room was called to
attention. A solid looking man, crewcut dark hair and dark blue eyes that
looked like they didn’t miss a thing strode to the front of the room. He stood
on the slightly raised fireplace edge. “At ease.”

The men relaxed, but not too much. Sloppy wouldn’t cut
it. “Welcome. You’re all newly assigned to the 708th Special
Operations Group. This afternoon is a chance for you all to meet each other. The
rest of the group will be in at four-thirty. In the meantime, I’ll be moving
around the room to meet each of you. Dinner will be at six. Make whatever phone
calls you need to make, dinner is mandatory. As you were.”

With that, he stepped down and began to make his
rounds. Flynn was impressed. Direct and too the point. He liked that.

“What a hard ass,” Luton said.

Pete agreed. “I heard he’s a hard-ass. That kind of
proves it right there.”

Flynn checked his watch, Just fifteen oh three. “I’ve
gotta make a call. Be right back.” He went out to the lobby where it was
quieter, and on his cell called his wife. “Laura,” he said when she picked up. “News.
I’ve been transferred to the 708th Special Ops Group. I’m meeting
the commander, Colonel Bill Billings.”

“Is that good?” Her voice made it clear she was
suspicious.

“Unclear. We’ve got a mandatory dinner at six, so I
thought I’d let you know.”

“Not social, then.”

Smart woman, he thought. She’d been in long enough,
even in this new Army, to read the signs. “Apparently not. Our old friend Pete
Farland is here, too. Major now.”

There was a pause on the line. “Interesting.”

“Right.” She knew not to mention her thoughts on the
phone. “So I’ll see you when we’re released.”

“Be careful,” was her response before she hung up.

He sighed. He could remember when she would have said,
“have fun.” No longer. Now everything was a test of some sort. Thank god, he
thought, he had a smart wife. He tucked the phone in his pocket and went back
to the party. Water might be the drink of the evening, he thought. Better safe
than sorry.

Thank you for reading.

Cold Season, Jury Duty, APW Meeting, NANOWRIMO: Monday Blog Post

Fall Fern by Randy Cockrell

Newest News:

So
cold season has hit my house. Hubby was sick all week last week and yesterday
(Sunday) I had his cold. Sigh. Not bad yet. Didn’t sleep well Saturday
night/Sunday morning, more nose blowing than usual and my eyes feel like they
want to fall out of my head. Ugh. Lots of hot tea for me.

Jury
duty was cancelled last week. The trial was vacated. So now I’m back into the
jury duty rotation. Hope if I get selected the next time it’s an interesting case.

APW Logo

On October 12th, I spoke to the APW Central Chapter in Scottsdale, AZ. It was a small group so we had a good time trading writing experiences and sharing tips. The APW accepts new members all year long so if you’d like to get with a group of like minded people interested in getting words on the page, check us out at https://arizonaprofessionalwriters.org/.

Next month is National Novel Writing Month. I’m trying
to decide what to write. I have an idea for another Jean Hays story. I also
have an idea for another western. I’ll admit it’s a lot more fun to write a new
story that to rewrite and edit old stories. But, both have to be done. The “rules”
of November’s Nano are that it should be a new work though not everyone follows
that. So we’ll see. Just two weeks to go until the start.

Giveaways:

In the meantime, the Ghoulishly Great Reads Halloween Author/Blogger giveaway is now running! Twenty-two authors are participating giving us a $66 Paypal grand prize plus 22 other great prizes and 22 free books. So jump on this giveaway, over on my website Giveaways page. It won’t last long.

Where will I Be?:

I don’t have anything on my calendar until the December Mesa Book Festival. The date is December 14th from 10am – 5pm and the location has changed to 225 E Main St, Mesa. This is the Benedictine University, for those familiar with Mesa. I am sharing a booth space with the wonderful Marsha Ward. The site only promotes the author registering the table, so you’ll only see Marsha’s name, not mine. But I promise, I’ll be there. You can find all the details and a map at https://anthology.org/category/mesa-book-festival/.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.

Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

My 2020 Calendar, which I’ve titled Arizona Reflections, is now available. I love doing these calendars. The beautiful pictures of Arizona wildlife, insects, reptiles, and landscapes relaxes me every time I look at them. The wall calendar has both U.S. and Canadian holidays listed and blocks for keeping track of appointments. You can find the calendar for purchase at: http://www.lulu.com/content/legacy-lulustudio-calendar/arizona-impressions/25183877. Alternatively, you can go to my website, at my Books and Other Products page and it’s the first thing you see. I hope you enjoy it.

Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on http://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.

October, Mystery at the Reunion, Jury Duty, Speaking Engagement: Monday Blog Post

Newest News:

October,
I think, may be my favorite month. In upstate New York, this is the leaf changing
season and the tree colors change to eye-popping reds, golds, and yellows. Here
in Arizona, the color change is more muted but the colors do change. Especially
aspens. Their leaves become a brilliant yellow. And since they have white
trunks and grow in groves, the scene in stunning. The above picture was taken just
north of Flagstaff and the trees hadn’t quite turned color yet, but you can see
how stunning they are now. Just think about how gorgeous they’ll be in a week
or so. Also, the heat has dropped to perfect temps and the sky is the very best
sapphire blue. It’s definitely time to pull out the heartier recipes and unpack
the fall and winter wardrobes. I hope your autumn is just as wonderful.

I’ve dug out my story, Mystery at the Reunion, and read over it. It’s not as horrible as I remember. That’s a typical response for me (and to be honest, other authors when they re-read their work after a space of time), but I’m always glad to see my story again. That doesn’t mean it’s ready to release. I’ve duplicated several chapters in some sort of echo chamber between the two main characters and there’s still this other plot line from Jean’s time in Afghanistan that I want to add. Lots of work, in other words, needs to be done. But I’m re-excited about the story and am looking forward to finishing it and getting it out of the door.

Jury
duty is back on my calendar. I’m now scheduled to appear on October 9th.
As before, I’m looking forward to it. The biggest drawback is that it’s an over
2-hour drive to the county seat and the appearance time is 8am. Ugh. That makes
for very early days.

On
October 12th, I’m speaking to the APW Central Chapter in Scottsdale,
AZ. The topic is writing series stories. So, if you’re in the area, stop on by.
It’s free to attend.

Giveaways:

In the meantime, the Ghoulishly Great Reads Halloween Author/Blogger giveaway is now running! Twenty-two authors are participating giving us a $66 Paypal grand prize plus 22 other great prizes and 22 free books. So jump on this giveaway, over on my website Giveaways page. It won’t last long.

Where will I Be?:

I don’t have anything on my calendar until the December Mesa Book Festival. The date is December 14th from 10am – 5pm and the location has changed to 225 E Main St, Mesa. This is the Benedictine University, for those familiar with Mesa. I am sharing a booth space with the wonderful Marsha Ward. The site only promotes the author registering the table, so you’ll only see Marsha’s name, not mine. But I promise, I’ll be there. You can find all the details and a map at https://anthology.org/category/mesa-book-festival/.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.

Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

My 2020 Calendar, which I’ve titled Arizona Reflections, is now available. I love doing these calendars. The beautiful pictures of Arizona wildlife, insects, reptiles, and landscapes relaxes me every time I look at them. The wall calendar has both U.S. and Canadian holidays listed and blocks for keeping track of appointments. You can find the calendar for purchase at: http://www.lulu.com/content/legacy-lulustudio-calendar/arizona-impressions/25183877. Alternatively, you can go to my website, at my Books and Other Products page and it’s the first thing you see. I hope you enjoy it.

Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on http://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.

The Party – Chapter 14: Stacy Zimmer – Flash Fiction Friday Post

Yes, this is political. I offer you trigger warnings for language and sexual and racist slurs and comments. Future episodes may also contain rape, abuse, and other unpleasant things.

Chapter 14: Stacy Zimmer

“What’s your name?” Stacy decided to ask.

“Dressel. Daryl. You?”

She told him. “When’d ya get out?”

“Twenty oh seven.” He eyed her, waiting.

“Thirteen years. Long time. Been on the street the whole time?”

Dressel shook his head. “Nah. I had a family. But the PTSD was too much. I
left.”

Stacy understood. The comment about doing something though. That was hanging
like a ball of fire in the middle of the alley between them. “I got a place.
Not much. If you want a hot an a cot.” She watched him think it over, his tongue
running around the inside of his mouth, visible in his sunken cheeks.

“If it ain’t too much.”

“Nah. We can talk.”

He nodded and rose, gathering together the cardboard he’d been sitting on
and bundling it into his backpack.

She could see his slow rise. Probably arthritis from living on the cold
streets, she thought. She was kind of stiff herself as she stood. The thought
crossed her mind that she could have been seriously hurt while she was out of
it. That gave her a bit of comfort and security at her rash, impromptu
invitation to dinner and a bed. No matter. She still had her knife on the bed stand,
and a nine mill under her pillow. She could put a chair under the doorknob. It
would be all right.

At her apartment she fixed a pound of spaghetti and threw a jar of sauce
over top of it and put it on the table with the usual green can of cheese on
the side. She poured some cheap red wine in water glasses. It was too sweet for
spaghetti, really, but she didn’t have anything else. They ate in silence after
he thanked her for the food and wine.

She didn’t mind the silence. Just having someone else at the kitchen table
was enough. It kept the memories in check. After dinner she did the dishes
while he used the shower. She was surprised to see him come out of the bathroom
in different clothes.

“I have a washer,” she told him. He nodded. “I’d appreciate that.” So she showed him how to use it and he put everything cloth he had in there and did his laundry. She poured the last of the wine between them and sat in what passed for a living room. Stacy sat in her favorite chair. He sat on the loveseat.

“You made a suggestion, in the alley,” she said.

He nodded. “I know some people.”

While she rubbed her forehead, she thought this sounded just like back in
the sandbox, talking to the natives. They always knew someone. Someone bad, or someone
they could trust, or just someone with information. There were always some
people. “You know they round up dissidents.” She said it as a statement, not a question.
It was a fact, after all.

“Yeah. But when was the last time someone took a look at either of us? We’re
invisible.”

Stacy drummed her fingers on the greasy arm of her chair. She’d gotten it at
a thrift store for seven bucks. Good enough for her. A sip of wine allowed her
to think a little longer. “So why aren’t you already involved?”

“Who said I’m not?” He sipped his wine and watching her, waited.

That’s how they’d worked in Afghanistan. A local did the recruiting. Always.
Then if the local thought the recruit was trust-worthy, set up a meet. Stacy
didn’t think much of being on this side of the equation. But, if she didn’t
like the idea, she only had to say so. This guy, if Dressel really was his
name, would just disappear and she’d never see him again. Even if she went to
the authorities, and why the hell would she? She didn’t have a damn thing to
give them that they didn’t already know.

She drank some more. The kitchen wall clock ticking could be heard, counting
off the seconds as she pondered the suggestion. Did she miss the action? Is
that why she was even considering this dumb ass idea? More like she missed the
purpose, as her therapist kept telling her. Did she miss it enough to be
executed by firing squad after a long painful session with interrogators if she
was caught? Stacy could feel her heart rate pick up. That was excitement, she
realized. Not fear. And weren’t the bastards taking her pay? That definitely deserved
a poke in the eye with a sharp stick as far as she was concerned. “It’s a dumb
idea.”

Dressel nodded. “Most likely.”

Stacy shook her head and closed her eyes. “I’m gonna regret this. Yes.”

He grinned and held out his glass in a toast. “More than likely. Hoo Ra!”

She saw his toast after she’d said yes and held up her glass. “Hoo Ra!” They
drank what was left of the wine.

“Welcome to the revolution.”

“Fuck you.”

They both laughed.

The next morning, when she finally rolled out of bed, he was gone. There were forty dollars on the table and a short note.

            Someone will contact
you. Code word, Sybil Ludington.

Response, Great ride.

That was the end of the note. She burned it in her stove’s gas flame after memorizing the code and response. While she made coffee, she considered her tipsy decision from the previous night. There was some regret, and to be honest, a little fear this morning. But also, she felt better than she’d felt for a long time. Purpose, she thought. Is that all it takes? She shrugged as she poured some dollar store knock-off off, too-sugary cereal into a bowl. Must be. As she ate, she considered how to prepare. Lists of supplies, weapons, and other details came flooding through her mind. She was grinning, she realized as she washed cup, bowl, and spoon. Oh yeah. This was going to be fun.

Thank you for reading.

Last Day of September, Jury Duty, Speaking Engagement, Summer Giveaway Prize Winners: Monday Blog Post

Aspens on the Abineau Trail, Flagstaff, 2019, Picture by Randy Cockrell

Newest News:

It’s
the last day of September! I can’t believe how fast this month has flown by. My
husband took a hike up by Flagstaff on Saturday. The above picture is from
there. At the same time I was in Phoenix at an annual conference for the
Arizona Professional Writers. I know he had fun with some other hikers trudging
up the trail on the back side of Arizona’s tallest peak, Mount Humphrey’s. But
I also had a good time talking with fellow authors/bloggers/reporters and
others about the state of writing and publishing today. I also met a lot of
great new people that I’m happy to add to my contacts list. I hope your month
has finished on a high note, too.

Jury
duty is back on my calendar. I received the notice Friday. I’m now scheduled to
appear on October 9th. As before, I’m looking forward to it. The
biggest drawback is that it’s an over 2 hour drive to the county seat and the appearance
time is 8am. Ugh. That makes for very early days.

From May’s Phoenix Fan Fusion appearance

On October 12th, I’m speaking to the APW Central Chapter in Scottsdale, AZ. The topic is writing series stories. So if you’re in the area, stop on by. It’s free to attend.

Giveaways:

The Summer Giveaway is now closed. My winners are Wanita Tonn, from Canada, who won
the ebook Gold Dreams, and Terri Quick, from the U.S. who won a $10 Amazon Gift
card. The giveaway’s grand prize winner was Robin Davis, also from the U.S.
Many congratulations to all of the winners. Enjoy your prizes.

In the meantime, the Ghoulishly Great Reads Halloween Author/Blogger giveaway is now running! Twenty-two authors are participating giving us a $66 Paypal grand prize plus 22 other great prizes and 22 free books. So jump on this giveaway, over on my website Giveaways page. It won’t last long.

Where will I Be?:

I don’t have anything on my calendar until the December Mesa Book Festival. The date is December 14th from 10am – 5pm and the location has changed to 225 E Main St, Mesa. This is the Benedictine University, for those familiar with Mesa. I am sharing a booth space with the wonderful Marsha Ward. The site only promotes the author registering the table, so you’ll only see Marsha’s name, not mine. But I promise, I’ll be there. You can find all the details and a map at https://anthology.org/category/mesa-book-festival/.

On
the other hand, if something juicy comes up, because it’s a long time between now
and December, I’ll let you know. Do you know of an event where you’d like to
see me? I’d love to know about it. Contact me here and say the word.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.

Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Reminder. I have the 2020 Calendar, which I’ve titled Arizona Reflections, now available for sale. I love doing these calendars. The beautiful pictures of Arizona wildlife, insects, reptiles, and landscapes relaxes me every time I look at them. The wall calendar has both U.S. and Canadian holidays listed and blocks for keeping track of appointments. You can find the calendar for purchase at: http://www.lulu.com/content/legacy-lulustudio-calendar/arizona-impressions/25183877. Alternatively, you can go to my website, at my Books and Other Products page and it’s the first thing you see. I hope you enjoy it.

Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on http://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.

Handmaid’s Tale vs The Party, Vocal Media, 2020 Calendar, New Giveaway: Monday Blog Post

Newest News:

So,
how many of you have seen or are watching the Margaret Atwood tv show, Handmaid’s
Tale? I just started watching it and oh my. It turns out that in my new serial,
The Party, I use similar tropes and cattle prods! It’s all my own work since I
hadn’t seen the show or read the books but isn’t it amazing how ideas percolate
through the writing world! Anyway, with that reminder, I have a segment to
write for Friday so I’d better get busy! Is there a particular character you
like best?

I
thought I’d mention the site called Vocal. Lots of great content is on there. I’m
posting The Party there, as well as on my blog. You can find my page at https://vocal.media/authors/connie-cockrell. That’s my author
page. You don’t have to leave a tip, of course, but it would be nice if you
can. The funny thing is I started the page two years ago and just kind of
forgot about it. But it’s nice to have an alternate site people can visit and
share. While you’re there, check out some of the other posts by other people.
Like I said, some great content.

Giveaways:

The Summer Giveaway is now closed. The organizer will have the prize winners chosen soon and I’ll let my winners know after that.

In the meantime, the Ghoulishly Great Reads
Halloween Author/Blogger giveaway is now open! Twenty-two authors are
participating giving us a $66 Paypal grand prize plus 22 other great prizes and
22 free books. So jump on this giveaway, over on my website Giveaways page. It won’t last long.

Where will I Be?:

I don’t have anything on my calendar until the December Mesa Book Festival. The date is December 14th from 10am – 5pm and the location has changed to 225 E Main St, Mesa. This is the Benedictine University, for those familiar with Mesa. I am sharing a booth space with the wonderful Marsha Ward. The site only promotes the author registering the table, so you’ll only see Marsha’s name, not mine. But I promise, I’ll be there. You can find all the details and a map at https://anthology.org/category/mesa-book-festival/.

On
the other hand, if something juicy comes up, because it’s a long time between now
and December, I’ll let you know. Do you know of an event where you’d like to
see me? I’d love to know about it. Contact me here and say the word.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.

Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Releases:

Reminder. I have the 2020 Calendar, which I’ve titled Arizona Reflections, now available for sale. I love doing these calendars. The beautiful pictures of Arizona wildlife, insects, reptiles, and landscapes relaxes me every time I look at them. The wall calendar has both U.S. and Canadian holidays listed and blocks for keeping track of appointments. You can find the calendar for purchase at: http://www.lulu.com/content/legacy-lulustudio-calendar/arizona-impressions/25183877. Alternatively, you can go to my website, at my Books and Other Products page and it’s the first thing you see. I hope you enjoy it.

Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on http://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.

The Party: Chapter 13 – Andy McGuire – Flash Fiction Friday Post

Yes, this is political. I offer you trigger warnings for language and sexual and racist slurs and comments. Future episodes may also contain rape, abuse, and other unpleasant things.

Chapter 13: Andy McGuire

“Andy McGuire, for Admiral Page, please.” Andy paused
as the secretary, a Seaman Secore, he noted in his contacts, asked him to wait
a moment.

“Admiral,” Andy said as the general picked up. “I just
wanted to give you a heads up. Orders will be coming down today for the next
destroyer class ship to be built by Omega Corporation.”

Andy waited as the Admiral objected. “I know it seems
that Norfolk should be the spot for the ship’s construction.” He listened a
moment. “Yes. Seaway Industries has done a fine job for years. But there has been
some extenuating information that makes Omega the better choice.”

Again, he listened. “I understand, Admiral. Portsmouth
has traditionally been repair and refit docks. But there doesn’t really seem to
be any issue with building a ship there, is there?”

It took a minute or two for the Admiral to wind down. “Yes,
Admiral. Some personnel movement and housing accommodations will need to be
made. We understand that.” Andy closed his eyes while the Admiral ranted some
more. “I understand, Admiral. It is likely to affect the Norfolk area
adversely. We have taken that into consideration.”

When the Admiral slammed the phone down, Andy sighed
and hung up. He didn’t understand why he was the one having to make these
calls. It wasn’t his fault that Omega Corp was a member of the elite class now
and that Seaway wasn’t. He knew for a fact that the owner and CEO of Omega
pitched a fit when the contract for the destroyer was slated for Norfolk. He
pitched a fit to his buddies now running the company and they’d directed the
ship go to Omega. And, he sighed, that’s how business was done now. If one of
the elite wanted something, they just told their buddies and got it. No matter
if they had any experience with it or not.

He typed a text to his boss, Duncan Angelson, with the
news that the Admiral had been notified, and then stood up. He needed coffee. In
the break room, Andy started for the mugs.

“I’ll get that for you, Mr. McGuire.”

Andy stepped back. “Of course, Mrs. Olsen. I saw you
setting up cookies and didn’t want to bother you.” Andy smiled at the older
woman. One of the very few left on the floor. Safe enough to have here because
her job was to keep coffee and hot water for tea ready at all times and to set
out little snacks like cookies and fruit throughout the day.

“No problem, Mr. McGuire. I enjoy helping out.” She
poured coffee into a mug for him from the 32-cup pot and handed it to him. “I
hope your day is going well?”

“Well enough,” Andy said as he walked to the creamer
and sugar area. “What cookies do you have today?”

“Oh!” She beamed at him. “I brought in those oatmeal
chocolate chips you like. You know, from Busters, over on 9th
street. They make the best ones in town. At least in my humble opinion.”

“Great. Could you get me two of them?”

“Of course.” She selected a small dessert plate from
the stack on the table and after putting a paper doily on the plate, used tongs
to gently set two cookies on the plate. “Anything else, sir?”

“No. I should have these. But thank you for asking.” He
stirred his coffee. Two sugars and creamer. He took the plate she offered. “How
are you, Mrs. Olsen. Your new apartment okay?”

She nodded. “Different from the big house my husband
and I had for so many years. But yes. I’m getting to know the neighbors and the
area. It will be fine.”

He gave her a smile. Her husband had died from a
stroke a year ago. As a widow, it was easier to convince management that it was
their civic duty to help her financially. Her husband had been playing fast and
loose with his boutique stockbrokerage client money. He’d left the brokerage in
shambles, and his wife penniless. Andy felt very bad for her. None of this was
her fault at all. “Glad to hear it.” He picked up the mug and the plate. He
raised the plate in a salute. “Thanks for the cookies, Mrs. Olsen.”

“Mr. McGuire. Glad to be helpful.”

Back in his office he ate the cookies with his face
over the plate. He didn’t need chocolate smudges all over his white dress
shirt. He had a meeting with Duncan in half an hour. More adjustments to government
contracts, he supposed. The whole lineup of elites were grabbing everything
they could at full speed. The entire constitution was down the drain and ethics
were a thing of the past. He drank half of his coffee in a gulp and forced the
anger down with it. He wondered if he shouldn’t be lining his pockets as well.
At his level, he knew what was going on and where to get it.

He ate the last bite of cookie. No. No. He couldn’t do
it. It wasn’t his money. You’re a fool, he told himself as he drank the last of
the coffee. Everyone else is doing it. You’ll be a laughingstock and die
penniless.

Andy put the mug on the plate and set it on top of the
bookshelf by the office door. Mrs. Olsen would be around later with a cart to
pick up dishes. So what, he thought. At least I’ll have my honor and my
dignity. He went back to his pad to prepare for the meeting. He idly wondered
when this new brand of mob bosses would start a war over the spoils. Probably
not long, he thought. There were billions out there. Billions.

Thank you for reading.

Jury Duty, Poetry Submissions, 2020 Calendar, New Giveaway: Monday Blog Post

For sale now!

Newest News:

At
the last moment the trial I was going to jury selection for had a continuance. So,
I’ll be notified when I’ll be called back. Hope it’s not in the middle of NaNo.

Submitted
two poems to a contest last week. I suspect I won’t win anything, but it has
been a long while since I’ve submitted anything anywhere. Good to get back out
there.

Biggest News! I have
the 2020 Calendar, which I’ve titled Arizona Reflections, now available for
sale. I love doing these calendars. The beautiful pictures of Arizona wildlife,
insects, reptiles, and landscapes relaxes me every time I look at them. The wall
calendar has both U.S. and Canadian holidays listed and blocks for keeping
track of appointments. You can find the calendar for purchase at: http://www.lulu.com/content/legacy-lulustudio-calendar/arizona-impressions/25183877. Alternatively, you can go to my website, at my Books
and Other Products page and it’s the first thing you see. I hope you enjoy
it.

Giveaways:

The Summer Giveaway is now closed. The organizer will have the prize winners chosen
soon and I’ll let my winners know after that.

In the meantime, the Ghoulishly Great Reads Halloween Author/Blogger giveaway is now open! Twenty-two authors are participating giving us a $66 Paypal grand prize plus 22 other great prizes and 22 free books. So jump on this giveaway, over on my website Giveaways page. It won’t last long.

Where will I Be?:

I don’t have anything on my calendar until the December Mesa Book Festival. The date is December 14th from 10am – 5pm and the location has changed to 225 E Main St, Mesa. This is the Benedictine University, for those familiar with Mesa. I am sharing a booth space with the wonderful Marsha Ward. The site only promotes the author registering the table, so you’ll only see Marsha’s name, not mine. But I promise, I’ll be there. You can find all the details and a map at https://anthology.org/category/mesa-book-festival/.

On
the other hand, if something juicy comes up, because it’s a long time between now
and December, I’ll let you know. Do you know of an event where you’d like to
see me? I’d love to know about it. Contact me here and say the word.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.

Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!

Newest Book Release:

Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on http://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

The Party – Chapter 12: Mara Brown

Yes, this is political. I offer you trigger warnings for language and sexual and racist slurs and comments. Future episodes may also contain rape, abuse, and other unpleasant things.

Chapter 12: Mara Brown

Mara kept her face neutral. Mr. Clarke had helped her
set up four job interviews. All for menial positions, most of them pool
secretaries. Men didn’t seem to want that kind of job, so they were still open
to women. Her current prospective employer was the nicest of the lot. At least
he wasn’t leering at her chest and drooling.

“Yes. I’m available immediately, Mr. Zeeman.”

He nodded. “I’ll have to admit, this job seems a
little,” he paused, “beneath your talents.”

What was she supposed to say to that? He knew women
were being kicked out of anything higher paying or with more responsibility. “Um.”
She shrugged. “Circumstances have changed. I needed a break.”

Ron Zeeman pressed his lips together as he nodded. “Of
course.” He looked over the folder he had open on his desk. “You seem personable
and efficient. Can you start Monday?”

She smiled. “Yes.” What a relief. She hadn’t wanted
the job search to drag on too long. “Eight in the morning at HR?”

“See!” He grinned back at her and stood up. “Very
efficient.” He held out his hand.

Mara stood and shook the offered hand. “I hope so.”

After about an hour in the company’s HR, filling out
forms and receiving the in-processing plan for Monday, Mara left the building.
Getting the job was a huge relief. As she walked to her car, which she was able
to save from being sold by selling most of her furniture, she thought about a
tiny celebration. Lunch out, she decided. She’d been pinching pennies so hard
they screamed, but with an income promised, a little splurge seemed
appropriate.

She stopped at a mid-range nice restaurant she’d never
been in before near her new job. Mara didn’t want to run into any old
neighbors, ex-co-workers, or old friends. The mix of pity, disgust, and
finger-pointing she’d received since being branded nigger-lover was more than
she wanted to deal with. She just wanted to relax and have a nice meal. In the
restaurant, soft music playing in the background, she ordered a salad, with
salmon, as her splurge and a glass of Riesling as the celebration. When the
waiter brought the wine and had left, she lifted her glass to herself. Well
done, Mara, girl. Well done. A job. A place to live. Away from the old life and
on to the new. She sipped and sighed as she set the glass down.

Her new life. She remembered weeping the first night
in her new apartment. At about five hundred square feet, there was really no
living room. Her single bed sat opposite the apartment door. The walls hadn’t
seen a fresh coat of paint in decades and the curtains were so dirty and dusty
she’d choked as she’d tried to pull them closed at dusk.

Now, she thought as she sipped more wine. Now with a
steady income, she could get new curtains, paint the walls, and perhaps get
some sort of bed that tucked away so the room could be used as an actual living
room. Anything to keep it from shouting “Loser”, and “Despair”, at her every time
she walked into it.

The waiter brought out two fresh, hot rolls and while
she didn’t normally eat bread, she indulged. Mara had just torn one in half and
was slathering butter on it when she happened to see her new boss standing at
the entrance. He gave her a nod.

Her heart dropped. Oh no, she thought as she watched
him talk to the hostess. He nodded in her direction. The wine in her stomach
turned to acid. Oh no. He’s coming over here. She put the bread down. The
hostess stopped at her table.

“Ms. Brown.” Zeeman nodded to her. “I’m surprised to
see you.”

“Yes.” Mara swallowed and smiled. “A little
celebration. For my new job.”

“Excellent. I find people don’t celebrate their victories
as often as they should. Would you mind if I join you?”

She pasted on a happy face. “No. I wouldn’t mind at
all.” She nodded to the hostess. “That will be fine.”

“I’ll send the waiter right over,” the hostess said.

“Thank you,” Zeeman smiled as he took a seat opposite
Mara.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’ve already started.”

“No problem.” He looked at her bread plate. “I love
the rolls here. Enjoy.”

Feeling more than awkward, Mara tore a tiny bit of
bread from the roll and put it in her mouth. What seemed so delightful a minute
ago now tasted like sawdust.

The waiter hustled up and Zeeman ordered a scotch on
the rocks, and his meal, the same salad that Mara had ordered. When the waiter
left, Ron Zeeman explained. “My doctor is after me about cholesterol. A salad
is what my wife insists I eat for lunch.”

“It’s funny,” she said. “That’s the same salad I
ordered.”

Zeeman laughed. “Perfect! We’re in sync.”

While he talked about the business, and what she could
expect, Mara nibbled at the bread. Then, the dreaded questions.

“My son is graduating Harvard in the spring. My wife,
Lois and I are so proud of him. Any children?”

A pain filled Mara’s upper chest and throat as she
fought off bursting into tears. “Two,” she decided to tell him. “A boy and a
girl.”

“Oh. Lovely. How old?”

“Eight and six.’

He looked up from his rolls, realizing she was in
distress. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry.”

She sipped from her water glass. “That’s all right.”
She took a deep breath and told him about her husband and children. “I’ll
understand if you don’t want me to work for you.” Mara folded her hands in her
lap and studied the crumbs that had fallen on the tablecloth.

“Nonsense. Don’t worry about a thing.”

She looked up—tears in her eyes. Mara found a
sympathetic face gazing back at her.

“Nothing to worry about at all.”

The relief hit her like an avalanche, and she cried.

Thank you for reading.