Sassy Sunday Story Starter.... from Sassy Brit 'Alternative-Read'

Sassy Brit's Sunday Story Starter was inspired by Laura Tolomei.  I used it to the write one more scary Halloween tale before NaNoWriMo starts....

I enjoyed this one and it flowed easily from the fingers....

“Going home early, too?”
He nodded vigorously. “After all that’s happened at the village, my father doesn’t want me to stay out late.”
“Yeah, I know.” I fumbled, whistling to my sheep to resume the path down the mountain. “It’s not like it used to be.”
“You can say that again. That…beast—or whatever you care to call it—is really making people afraid!” Angrily, my friend tossed his head back. “We’re not free to go out at nights or whenever we feel like it.”

Beast of the Night

by Dottie Taylor

word count: 500

Darius railed against their fate, cursing this so-called creature of the night that had been haunting the village recently. If you believed in such things, if you believe the stories, which he did not. Ancient wives' tales from the old country, but his parents were spooked, all the parents of their village were. If he knew Martic, he was off chasing a girl from the next village, where they were also forbidden to go, not taken by some beast. Martic was going to have plenty to answer for.

That night after darkness settled over the village, Darius silently pushed open his window, and slipped out into the night. There was only one way to settle this, he was going to spend the night in the cave down by the river. He left a note for his parents and crept away from the village, making his way to the river.

Darius knew the cave well, he'd spent many summer nights by the river, gazing up at the stars, dreaming of his future. He removed his backpack and pulled out his sleeping bag, lying down upon the cold floor. He shivered a little, wishing he'd stayed in his nice warm bed, he'd never stayed in the cave this late into the season, almost the Samhain. As the night grew older, sleep slid over him, and he dreamed.

In his dream, a girl in flowing red gown entered the cave and sank down beside Darius. She was crying and he gathered her in his arms, she was even colder than the stone floor. She whispered to him, she needed him, asked if he could help her. He nodded with his pulse pounding in his ears, she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He would do whatever she needed. She captured his hand, bringing to her lips, kissing his fingers, and then his lips. The kiss grew deeper and longer, and suddenly Darius was lying on the ground with the girl beside him as she wept against his neck, pulling him closer, until needles pricked against his flesh. At first, he pushed away, what the hell was happening, then he weakened, beginning to enjoy the sensation.

“Please,” he pleaded, “please, stop.” The girl drew slightly back.

“What's wrong, I thought you said you'd help me?” Her eyes welled with tears. “I'm so hungry.”

“I think you're killing me.” Darius laughed, his body already missing her coldness, his heart pounded.

“Not yet,” the girl sighed, “but it is an unfortunate consequence.”

Fear bloomed new in Darius's eyes. “What do you mean?!?” He whispered into the dark, as he weaken still.

“To help me you must give your life.” The girl smiled back, tousling his dark curls almost playfully.

He realized then it wasn't a dream, but a nightmare, this being the last of his life.

The next morning, his body was discovered, coldly lifeless staring sightless. No hint of the beast to be found.



Here's hoping everyone had a fantastic Samhain!!

Happy Samhain!!

I have a confession to make.... ever since I read Stephen King's book, It, I've had this irrational fear of clowns... Clowns creep me out!!  Smiley faced one, ones with frown faces, and especially ones with tears dripped down to their chins.....  Nothing frightens me more, I'd rather face down a mouse than a clown toting fake flowers.....  which leads me to......


Ode to Stephen King
by Dottie Taylor


If only I hadn't seen him there
in the shadow,
If only I hadn't felt his stare
in the lamplight's glow.

Or felt his lingering gaze
as my thoughts turned to haze.
My nightmare come to life,
as fear raged, causing strife.

His white face laughed,
His red nose ripped and halved,
His crimson mouth glimmered,
his lips, how they shimmered.

I hated my fright
on this All Hallow's night.
My face burned with shame,
I no longer wanted to play this game.

I turned off the light and locked my door,
No more candy or Halloween lore.
The clown face laughed with glee,
as I turned to flee.

Then it occurred to me,
why fear a story?
I smiled in the cold's bite
in this wonderfully awful night.

Now, I understand and leer,
and no longer with any fear,
I hope you've had a great night
and suffered little fright.

Next year will be better, no clowns to fear here,
I have a new terror.
I just watched Cujo,
and let's just say, I won't be riding around in any faulty Pinto's....

Have a wonderfully frighting night, and remember vampires don't really bite....
or do they?  You might want to cover up tight on this Samhain's night....


MAUHAHAHAHAHAH.....

Monday Morning (Evening) Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 11..... The Friday Post

This has been the longest day ever!!!  My internet went down this morning and I was told it 'might' be down for around four hours... FOUR HOURS... I thought, well after three I got anxious, after five, I got pissed...  And now, I'm just happy it's working again!!!!  Do you know how long the day is when you don't have any internet???  And all the kids had the day off school, and the hubs had the day off.... Did I say it was the longest day ever???

LOL, anyway, I have my flash ready and I'll post... although it's almost tomorrow...  Here's the imagine our blogger buddy Michelle located and it's awesome!

Gloaming

by Dottie Taylor

word count:  375

All Hallow's Eve was fast approaching, the night where all magic roamed free, where the spirits brooked the night's fabric. Arabella longed to try her first real night of gloaming with the magic riding high, a wild feeling rose. She picked up her rowen stick and let herself be drawn to the short row of books. The stick drifted over the books, coming to rest on one, then another. She leafed through the first book... maybe... Grabbing the second book, the stick was once again jumped and the pages fell open.

“Oh, it's perfect!” Breathed Arabella as she felt the magic burning for escape.

“To this time and this place,
I bring to life a magic trace.”
“Like minds, like hearts, to thee I say,
I bring you to my life for this day.”

As the tiny stick of rowan swirled and twined, a figure arose out of the mists.

“Arabella......” a deep voice called, one she knew well.  Her body sang as she whirled around, her short skirt bouncing around her thighs.

“Henri!” Arabella squealed, she couldn't believe her eyes. She'd never performed a traveling spell before, and this one worked with surprising results, though she wasn't complaining.

Henri stood naked and dripping on her bedroom floor, providing a treat all on it's own.

“You naughty girl, you called me from my bath.” Henri chuckled as his hands sought Arabella's waist, jerking her back to his hardening body.

Arabella smiled up into his eyes, she'd say sorry, but she really wasn't.

Henri lifted her body and soul, and deposited her on the bed.

“Do you want a trick or a treat?” He playfully threatened.

“Oh, definitely a treat, I think...” She tried for demure, but the heat in Henri's eyes said different, as did the costume she'd chosen for the night.

“God, I've missed you.” Henri hungrily fell to the bed gathering her close, her body almost blossoming out of the garb.

If she could, she'd wish him to stay forever, but this was the night of gloaming, and with the dawn, he would once again be gone, back to the land of light, far away from the one of night.



Well, late is better than never.... I'll be by to read the others as soon as I get through my stacks of emails... do you think 50 emails are too many for a single day?  I never noticed before, but now I believe that's waaaaaay too many, lol.

Since NaNoWriMo starts Monday, we'll have to see if everyone wants to keep trying to do MMFFC... it may have to go on hiatus for a while....

Gee, it's great to be online again!!

Ciao!!

Bigotry and Prejudice... Alive and Well in America

I'd like to say I'm not a political person, that I don't wear my heart on my sleeve for social issues, that I can distance myself from current problems, that it doesn't bother me to see a race, ethnicity, any segment of the population degraded and denigrated.  None of that is true.  I have to own up to be the person that I am, and that I've tried to instill these same values into my own children that lets them be bothered by social injustice, that change can make a society better, stagnation is a killer.

Unfortunately, the publishers, editors, and one particular writer from Marie Claire didn't get the memo.  After all the publicity bullying and insensitivity have received in the past few months, you'd think that a magazine frequented by teenage/young women would employ better judgment, as well as better educated writers.  We have a subscription to this magazine, I used to read it, and when my daughter was selling magazine subscriptions through her high school as a fund raiser, I asked her if she'd like to try it too.  Well, I've apparently wasted my money, because I'll be canceling our subscription.  I know it's only my few pitiful dollars and it probably isn't going to make a difference in their overall revenues, but at least I'm not supporting hatred, bigotry, and prejudice.

That Maura Kelly was allowed to express herself is fantastic.  This is America, and it's okay for anyone to express their opinions, feelings, views and values in any public forum.  Her freedom of speech is protected, just like Neo Nazis are allowed to express their bigoted views, that's what so great about America.

But it is a fact that this article promotes dislike and misunderstanding of an entire segment of the American public, hell the whole world stage.  America has lost so much respect in recent years, once known as the land of the free and home of the brave, we find bigotry and intolerance being promoted.  Have we become the home of the sniveling and cowardly?  First we have a cowboy president and he was great.....  to have a beer with.  Now, the world is going to wonder if we're not only stupid but bigoted as well.   

Did we forget our origins?  That we were the religiously persecuted, the destitute, the unwanted colonists who fled to America?  That we were trying to find acceptance?  That our entire population is made up of immigrants fleeing the same persecutions that led our forefathers to this country?  And that we've made huge mistakes that we've tried to own up to, but still is felt in many parts of the country?  What the hell is going on?  Our country has become hate filled, gay people are abused, over weight people intolerable, people of color undervalued, women struggle for equal rights.  Why is this happening?  What has gone wrong?  Are we so socially isolated that we can't see the forest for the trees (not that there will be any trees to see soon, oh, forgive me, global warming is a myth spread by those uneducated liberals....).

Thank God there are magazines willing to tell it like it is.  Thank God America has freedom of speech.  And I also Thank God that everyday dawns new, and we have a fresh start.  Marie Claire has a chance to make this right.  They are a major magazine, they could influence a segment of our society to promote understanding and tolerance, if they want to, instead of degradation and denigration.

And to Ms. Kelly..... overweight people don't need you to send them a healthy diet plan, a good exercise program, or your misguided set of values to help them along the way.  Believe me, they're trying, as we all are, to get through life, one day at a time.

Well, at least I feel better now.....  hope you do too...

Guest Author and Contest with Raven Corinn Carluck!!

It my very special pleasure to have Raven Corinn Carluck posting at Tink's Place today!  She's going to tell us about her books, writing, and a sweet excerpt from All Hallows Blood, an excellent read for Halloween!

(Released:  March 2010  Crescent Moon Press)

 From the Cover:

Mourning her mother on Halloween, Keila O'Broin, a psychic warrior and last of her line, isn't prepared for dead teenagers to ask her to avenge them. Compelled by her family creed, Keila combats the vampiric serial killer, despite her atrophied powers.

But defeating one killer is only the start of her adventure. Into her life walks Varick Eitenhauer, centuries old undead master of Portland. The vampire tells her she will now help him defeat his rivals in a battle to control the city, and he will accept no refusals.

Surrounded by her desire and danger, the only way to succeed is to rise from her past like a phoenix from its ashes.

Raven is a native of Las Vegas, and is madly in love with her desert homeland. No matter where she wanders, she always returns. Her household is quite full, with her soulmate, her best friend and his sister, two cats, a parrot, and a snake all in residence. The fuller the house, the happier Raven is.

Her first story was written at age five, and was everything a five-year-old's story could be expected to be. Raven has been writing ever since, creating worlds and characters in an effort to share her visions. Magic abounds in her thoughts, waiting to be set to paper. Nothing will stop her from writing, as Raven is forever a storyteller.

Amongst her hobbies, past and present, are breeding snakes, embroidery, digital painting, playing table top RPGs, hiking, collecting stuffed animals and swords, cooking, growing roses, and playing computer games.

Raven codes and maintains her own website, and invites everyone to stop by and browse her story and art galleries @ http://raven.youareannoying.us or http://ravencorinncarluk.blogspot.com

Follow on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/ravencorinn

Please help me welcome Ms. Carluck to Tink's Place!


Hi Raven, thanks for visiting Tink's Place today! It's awesome having you here!

Thanks for having me. It's great to get out and around the blogosphere.

To start with, why don't you tell us something about yourself?

I'm madly in love with my soul-mate, and we've been together for twelve years now. I love big animals, and have a very talkative parrot, a childish cat, and a gorgeous snake. And I'm stoked to be on my journey to fame and fortune.

What drew you to the genre of paranormal romance? Have you written in other genres?

I've been a fan of vampires and monsters since I was little. I'm a romantic at heart, so it wasn't a big leap for me to join the paranormal romance genre. Passion and love, immortality and powers beyond the normal, these are things I love very much.

I typically have a little more urban fantasy in me, so there's action and adventure along with the love. I also write dark fantasy, and have the bad guy win. I've never been accused of being cute and fluffy with my stories.

What types of books do you read when you're not writing? Do you read in your own genre? Do you have a favorite author or all time read?

I do read from my own genre, though I prefer fantasy and sci-fi as my main reading selections. I'll read just about anything speculative fiction. I want more than the real world in my reading selection, because reading has always been an escape for me.

Anne McCaffrey and Michael Moorcock are some of my favorite authors of all time. Carrie Vaughn is my favorite author in something resembling my own genre.

Is there any must haves when you sit down to write (I have to have hot cocoa, lol, chocolate and caffeine, yum!)?

My must have is my Orlando Bloom notebook. I'm obsessed with him, and I do all my first drafts by hand. Not much I'll do without him. Other than that, I really just need something to drink, and something in the background. Doesn't matter if it's soda, or water, sweet tea or drink mixes. And music or movie, just something to distract parts of my mind.

Is there a certain time of the day you like to write? Morning, Noon, Midnight? (I'm a night owl myself, lol)...

I'm a total night owl myself, but can't stay up too late because of the dreaded day job. I'd love to write until dawn, but I can't. I end up mostly writing through the afternoon at work, and doing edits and typing in the evenings.

I really think of myself as a storyteller, and mostly I'm just reaching out to get new readers. I want all of you to get a glimpse of what I've created, and be taken away for a while. I've got a bunch of free reads on my site, and am putting up short stories on my blog. All Hallows Blood is my first novel, but it certainly won't be my last.

An excerpt of the book will follow. If what you read catches you, come to my blog and enter in my big giveaway. You just need to friend me there, or on Twitter for a chance to get an ecopy of either of my books. And November 1st, I'm doing a drawing for autographed copies of my books. So stop by, say hi, and maybe get a free read.

Varick met my gaze, his eyes hard chips of blue. “I am judging your skills, attempting to discern how you bested a vampire past the neophyte stage.”

“Maybe he was just a loser,” I offered, crossing my arms under my breasts as I settled into the corner. Varick's sweater was loose enough across my chest, but it pulled tight when I trapped the fabric like this. I thought his eyes flicked across my form, but couldn’t be sure. I didn't know if I cared, despite the desire I'd had for him earlier. “Just because he's a vampire doesn't automatically make him badass.”

“Actually,” he said, suddenly in my face, his arms braced on either side of my shoulders, “it does.” Varick leaned closer, enveloping me in his aroma, our bodies nearly touching. He still didn’t register in my psychic perceptions, but my aura parted around him. I swallowed hard, and his eyes went to my neck.

“Vampires are predators,” he said with a husky voice. He made no attempt to disguise the way his gaze caressed my neck. My pulse jumped as I imagined his lips tracing my skin, and I bit my tongue stud. Varick knew he disconcerted me, and he seemed intent on using it to make his point. “Once we are strong enough to be away from our master, we are stronger than any human.”

I uncrossed my arms, standing a little taller, letting anger rise to displace the sadness completely. Was this really the same man who'd held me an hour ago while I cried, who'd bared his own sorrow to me? My heart skipped a beat as I carefully put my hands by my side, attempting to show that I wasn't frightened of him. I wondered if he tasted my hidden fear, if he could tell it was all a lie. “I've read accounts of vampires getting killed by humans.” I held his gaze, even as the sapphire brilliance darkened with his expanding pupils. It didn't even occur to me that I'd admitted to having knowledge of his kind when I hadn't earlier. “That vamp didn't sound that strong.”

The German must have allowed some of his aura loose, because his presence swelled. He didn't move, yet I instantly felt trapped by Varick. My blood ran cold, and I pressed myself farther into the corner. I didn't care if he knew I was scared. No one with a self preservation instinct wouldn't be scared. This was the atavistic fear all creatures carried, something in the genes that let us know when we were being hunted.

His eyes bored into mine, pinning me as easily as his body. “Even were that account true, do you really think a bunch of mewling mortals stalked into a vampire's lair and killed him without help? Perhaps he was set up? Or was he a neophyte abandoned by his master?”

I shivered, his breath washing across my face. The account I'd read was from a hunter, and he'd hinted at being a psionicist. No mewling mortal there, but someone who could level the playing field. I could tell him what I was, take the mystery out of it, but then he'd know everything about me. I couldn't do that.

The elevator bounced to a stop, chiming as the doors opened. “We're here,” I said, unable to look away from his captivating eyes.

“Never mind that,” he whispered huskily, turning his head as his gaze fell once more to my neck. My skin crawled with biting fire as he leaned forward, close enough that a deep breath would bring us together. My head slowly turned, a breathless whimper escaping my lips. I didn't know what was happening to me, but I wanted him to taste me. Right now. I shuddered, from either fear or desire, as his breath touched my bared neck. “Could you stop me?” he asked, his voice dropping lower. “Would your fighting skills do you any good in here?”

Varick's lips were nearly to my neck, the air stirred by their motion. My eyes closed, a soft groan rising from my throat. The vampire stiffened, and his left hand drifted closer to my shoulder. I couldn't think of anything but his mouth, and how his hair would feel tangled through my fingers. I wanted to tell him the vampire in the house hadn't had this kind of presence, that until he'd bitten me, there had been no desire for him. With the German so achingly close to me, I couldn't think of raising a hand to him.

I groaned again, gritting my teeth in frustration. I was not some sort of easy lay; I simply did not lust for someone like this so quickly. It had to be some function of his power, something to lull his prey into submission. It couldn't be my own hormones running rampant.

The doors swished closed behind us, and I let my eyes flutter open. I saw Varick's hand scratching at the paneling, scars standing out against icy flesh. We'd moved so close in that span of seconds, his mouth was a breath away from the vein in my neck. “Varick,” I whispered in a strangled voice. If either of us moved, my throat would end up against his teeth. It took more willpower than I realized I had to hold still .

Thanks for visiting with us here at Tink's Place!  It's been great having you here!  And remember to stop follow Raven's blog or follow on Twitter for a chance to win one of her books!

Join Bitten by Books and Rachel Caine celebrating the release of Ghost Town!

Why you may ask??

Because the grand prize is one of these!!!

Is this a cool giveaway or what???  I really want one!

So, all you have to do to enter is head over to Bitten by Books @ http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32545

Follow the rules for entries.... there lots of way to gain multiple entries... even one that could garner 2500 entries (unfortunately, I'm to poor for this one, lol!)

Congrats to Rachel Caine on her new release, Ghost Town!  Yay Rachel!!

From the Cover:

“While developing a new system to maintain Morganville’s defenses, student Claire Danvers discovers a way to amplify vampire mental powers. Through this, she’s able to re-establish the field around this vampire-infested Texas college town that protects it from outsiders.

But the new upgrades have an unexpected consequence: people inside the town begin to slowly forget who they are-even the vampires. Soon, the town’s little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment- before she forgets how to save Morganville…”

To take a peek at the pages, click here for sample chapters!

Stroll on over to Bitten by Books and make a few comments... it only takes one to win!! 

Giveaway: Win a copy of A Wolf Signs by Vivian Arend!

Win a copy of A Wolf Signs by Vivian Arend!


Robyn Maxwell doesn’t care that her brother has to cancel out on their backcountry ski trip. She can do it alone. The fact she’s deaf doesn’t make her survival skills any weaker. The chance to get away from it all and relax in the Yukon wilderness is just what she’s been craving.
Meeting wilderness guide Keil at the cabin starts cravings of another kind. Keil’s one hot hunk of ripped, tasty male. Now she has to deal with raging hormones as well as strange questions about wolves and mates and challenges to the death.
Keil was trying for a nice reflective retreat before challenging for the Alpha position of his Alaskan pack. He wasn’t planning on meeting the woman destined to be his mate, or finding out she’s not aware she has the genes of a wolf.
Between dealing with his accident-prone younger brother, a deaf mate with an attitude and an impending duel to the death, his week—and his bed—is suddenly full.  Far from the relaxing getaway any of them had in mind...

Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of Wolf Signs!  Ends 10-30-10.

This contest is a part of Moira Rogers' & Vivian Arend's Fall Frenzy Event. For your chance to win books, gift certificates, ereaders and more, visit http://www.moirarogers.com/contests/

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 11

Good Morning Blogosphere Peeps!

It's Monday again, (how this happened, I haven't a clue, I swear I haven't even blinked my eyes since Friday), but since it seems to be the start of a new week, it must be time for Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge!

This is the 11th week of the challenge, it's hard to believe soon we'll reach the three month anniversary!!

And as usually, I'm running late.  How does this always happen, you may ask?  Because I am the mistress at procrastination is my response.   LOL  I'm sorry, it's my sleep deprived mind wandering off mostly....  One day, after menopause probably, I'm going to catch up on my much deprived sleep, but unfortunately, it won't be anytime soon.....

Since it's Halloween this weekend, one of my favorite holidays..., we're going to have a Flash Fiction Halloween Celebration!! Well, sort of anyway. The imagine this week is a sexy little witch, casting spells.... what she's casting, on whom, and for what, I'll leave up to the participates, but my imagination is already running wild.

Blodeuedd and Michelle helped me pick out this awesome little imagine and I can't wait to see what they have in store with their flashes this week!

So, if you'd like to play along, the rules remain the same. We have a kind of roomy 350 word count limit, come back Friday and post your response to the picture. This is one time when flashing someone is good!!

Leave me a link so I can take a peek!!

Have fun, and let your creative juices flow!

Ciao!!


PS: This has nothing to do with flashing, Halloween, writing or reading... But I wanted to share this picture with you..... Some of you know that I lived in the tiny little town in the middle of Illinois close to nowhere. To show how small it actually is.... I wanted to share an imagine from our local McD's..... it cracks me up everytime I see it... we are truly small town America here!!

How many times to you expect to be behind an Amish buggy at McDonalds?

Have to add the lastest edition of the Monster Mash.... LOL I freaking love Twilight.....

Sassy Sunday Story Starter.... from Sassy Brit 'Alternative-Read'

Well, I would say Good Sunday Morning, but it's taken me all day to get this flash finished, between shopping, cooking, cleaning.... life.

So, instead, I'll wish you all a Good Sunday Evening!!!  I hope you've all had a great weekend!  The weather is has been so unseasonable warm, it doesn't seem like the end of October.  It's been beautiful!

Here's a peek at Sassy Brit's Sunday Story Starter (I, as usual, added an image.... ).  This morning's SSSS was inspired by Chuck Collins (who's also offering a copy of his book, The Collectors, as part of Sassy's Spooktacular Celebration).

Life (and Death)

by:  Dottie Taylor

word count:  500 

 Bethany watched for the white terrycloth to reveal the truth. It was a race, in the midst of her terror, which would arrive first, the soak of red or the pain. How could something so normal go so horribly wrong, she thought. The morning was nothing like the night. It had been quite routine. He was gone. Too bad, he was fantastic! Now, his could very well be her last human touch. The pool arrived, fast and uniformed around the small hole. But she did not see it, nor feel the pain. Her fading thought was of the cell phone in her hand, 9-1-1, did they hear me? Did I scream?

She slid slowly down the wall, sinking to the floor, cursing, her thoughts fuzzy, her brain oxygen deprived. The blossoming pool spread, growing with every heartbeat as she pulled the sulfuric air into her burning lungs, each breath an arduous exercise. She heard a small thud, her useless phone laid next to her on the floor. She managed to draw another lung full of air, her head swimming with dizziness as she struggled until it became too much, easier to stop.

Bethany reached the limits of her waning strength. She slipped sideways, her hair loose and flowing freely across the edge of the pool. It danced and swirled her blonde to a rusty brown. She was so tired, she needed to close her eyes, for just a moment, dying was exhausting work.

She knew she was dying, knew even if help came, it would come too late. It was all a waste of time, then what was life but a lesson in futility, it all ended in the same way, it all ended with death. As soon as you were born, you started to die, a little more everyday. She managed one more breath, and suddenly, everything stopped. The clock quit ticking, she couldn't even hear her beating heart. The only sound greeting her ears was the song of a siren off in the distance.

Bethany's vision narrowed to a fine bright tunnel, she felt so light... as if her body was weightless. Her head cleared a little, she thought maybe she could stand. Reaching out to steady herself, her fingers clung to the white wall and she pushed herself away. She took a hesitant step toward the tunnel... was that her Saint Bernard? Lucky? She whistled, and Lucky burst into the light, woofing out his bellowing bark. She laughed, how could this be? She glanced up to see Ryan striding through the light, holding out his hand. She started to run, but turned back for one last lingering gaze at her home, and her eyes fell upon a terrycloth robed body. Hers.

Ryan trailed his fingertips down her soft flesh, making her shiver. “Come on, Beth, everyone's waiting.” He bent down, kissing her full ripe lips.

She leaned into Ryan's quite strength, rubbing Lucky's furry head as his tongue lapped her hand, God she'd missed them. She started down the lighted path, away from life. She squinted as the sun broke over her ivory skin, warming the cold seeping into her pores.

Boom! A piercing pain halted her. Boom! She jerked and spasmed with intense agony. Boom! Again, doubling her over as she cried out. Ryan tugged her hand, but something snapped Bethany back, ripping her from his tightening grasp.

Bethany opened her eyes, a paramedic stepped back. “Thought we'd lost you.” He smiled, slamming the doors of the ambulance.

Bethany's eyes bled bitter tears, wasn't it ironic? First she longed for life cursing as it slipped away, now she longed for what only death could provide.



Again, Sassy made me struggle, I knew what was going to happen, but it was so hard getting the words to come out right, and I'm still not sure I was able to express all of what was going on in my head.  And I cheated just a little, the prompt was so long (111 words), that I wrote 500 of my own words, letting the prompt stand alone.  I have to say, it's an excellent prompt...

ps:  Remember to stop by Sassy Brit's for her Spooktacular Celebration everyday all the way to Halloween, giveaways to be had, winners drawn November 1st.

And of course, I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for another Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge!!

(((hugs)))

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 10..... The Friday Post

It been a really long week here, I'm tired and Kirsten's last football game of high school is tonight, somehow I have to squeeze in a nap before this evening.  I did watch a really good movie last night called Legion starring Paul Bettany (who's a favorite of mine... totally sexy with a sweet British accent), I don't think it was as well received in theaters as it was supposed to be, but I enjoyed it.  It was dark, the battle between the servants of God.... the ultimate question... can mankind be saved.  It was sooo sweetly dark!!  I loved it, just the right mix of fantasy and horror for Halloween.... more later maybe.

Anyway, it's time for my response to the imagine from Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge.  I had no trouble at all writing for this prompt, in fact, I couldn't turn it off once I started.  I'm just sharing a piece of the three pages that I whipped out in two hours, I'm going to incorporate this into my NaNo entry... I love this freaking awesome image!!

Death Waits For No One

by Dottie Taylor

word count:  350

“Damnation!” Daron shouted. He wouldn't let it happen. “Damn the fates, angels, demons, may they reside in hell!”

“My love,” Sheree whispered, “my time is growing near.” A feeling of dread settled over her, seeping into her soul, life was slipping away.

Daron rushed to her side, pressing her hand to his lips softly. “No... please no.” Bitter tears fell from his eyes.

Sheree gazed up with all the love she could squeeze into one smile. “Listen to me, this was foretold. We knew it from the first day, the first glance, the first kiss.”

Daron gently gathered her body closer to his, fighting to keep from screaming. “I would gladly give my life in place of yours.” He stared up at the Heavens, demanding the Gods to take notice. “I forfeit my life for hers, why do you not take it?!?” He buried his face in Sheree's fragrant hair, inhaling deeply, wetting it's silky lock with his angry tears.

Sheree reached up, brushing his tear stained face. “I no more want your death than you want mine. Please do not ask for it.”

“I will not live without you.” Daron raised his head again. “Do you hear me?!?” He called to the Heavens once more. “I will not stay in your service!”

Sheree, strength weakening, wept silently against his firm shoulder. “Please Daron, I cannot greet death without your promise.”

“My promise? What promise do you seek, my sweet?” He pressed her gingerly into his body, kissing her soft full lips.

“You'll live for me...” Sheree breathed against his lips. The strength left her body, she slid limply to rest into Daron's arms.

“NO..... No.... no....” Daron flung his head back despair written upon his face, howling with the all the power his anger could summon. The wind whipped, ripping up trees, hurling the bones of the Healers who'd gone before as he stepped upon the burial mound. The Seer had foretold this future years ago, Sheree accepted her fate, death waits for no one.



So, this is my response, believe me I could have kept going and going and going....

If you played along, leave me a link so I can take a peek.  And remember to come back next Monday for another edition of.......

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge!!

I have no idea what the prompt will be yet, but I'm thinking something to do with Halloween... What do you think?  Anything you'd like to see?  Let me know!!!

Remember to stop by Sassy Brit's on Sunday!

See you next week!

Caio!

Guest Post with Author Louann Carroll

Today at Tink's Place, I have another special guest, author Louann Carroll.  She's recently published her novel, Gemini Rising, and when she's not on a dig, she's working on her next novel.

 

Louann Carroll is a Native Californian living in the Sierra Nevada foothills with her husband, Dennis. Mother to three children and grandmother to six, she is an avid rock, fossil, and gem hunter who enjoys sharing her finds with her grandchildren and friends. She is a student of alternative religion, archaeology, anthropology, and paleontology. She was five when she found her first set of fossilized shark teeth. Since then, she has added numerous finds to her on-going collection.

Louann has written numerous radio talk shows, articles on adoption, and is the author of Journeys, The Adventure of Leaf. She was the senior editor of American Carriage House Publishing and assisted in the writing, editing, and formatting of the award winning book, AdoptingOnline.com.

You can drop an email to Louann at carroll.Louann@yahoo.com or visit her on Face Book and become a friend! You can also visit Louann's website at: www.louanncarrollbooks.weebly.com

From the Cover:

Over 5,000 years ago, Sumerian cuneiform tablets warned future civilizations of the planet Nibiru. Every six thousand years the tenth planet crosses Earth's solar system spreading death and destruction. During its latest crossing Kate and Ryan Kelly learn to survive a post-apocalyptic Earth.

Sent to help sustain Earth, Noah, a member of the intergalactic counsel, joins with Kate, the chosen recorder of the end of days. One woman, and one offworlder collide with the ambiguous Light becoming humanities salvation. Out of tragedy is born a love that forever changes mankind.

Please welcome Ms. Louann Carroll to Tink's Place! Hi Louann!!

Hello Readers!

While on vacation a few weeks ago, a client of mine kept calling the house. How he got my home number is one story, the other is, he wanted to take me to lunch to tell me about the novel he’d decided I had to write.

Now this story, mind you, has been formulating in his mind for years, forty-five years to be exact. Finishing Gemini Rising, (which he loved) he decided that I was the one to write his book. While the concept was good, he, of course, wanted his name as the author, and he’d be glad to share royalties with me, on the order of 1 or 2%.

My client is a wonderful person with whom I have spent many entertaining hours. Consequently, I didn’t want to put him off, nor did I want to write his novel. I kindly suggested that he start putting words to paper and I’d be happy to help him edit as he went along.

I also included the following instructions to get him started:

1. Block off time each day to write. I know you’ve heard this before, but it’s true. You have to have discipline or you’ll never reach your goal. The choice is yours to make.

2. If you’re working on a book, write a chapter or two. If you’re journaling, journal until you feel you’ve written enough.

3. Do your best to limit distractions: Turn off your cell phone. Put the kids to bed.

4. Read, read, and read some more. Not just your genre, but others too.

5. If you encounter a block, write about whatever comes into your mind. If you’re blocking there’s usually a reason why. Write it out to get rid of it.

6. Let your mind drift, a stream of consciousness if you will. Relax your body, put fingers to keyboard, and write about whatever pops into your mind.

7. Keep an outline of what you’ve written.

There are plenty of people on the Internet that say you can write a novel in two weeks or a month or a year. You will have to find your own pace. When I write, I give my brain time to work through the problems that come with writing a book. My imagination, cooking away, comes up with alternative paths the story might take. Once done, I choose the best scenarios and off I go.

Writing is an addiction no question about it. Writers will share with you the anxiety, the creativity, and then the realization, of novel well done. Once you experience the tsunami of creative-being, you will have to learn to discipline yourself to not write. You will have to create time to be a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.

Writing is also terrific therapy. The person in control of the keyboard can use words as a refuge or to envision a landscape filled with passion, revenge, and eventually, harmony. You can create your own world, your own law of physics, (as long as it is consistent) and lastly, a place where your dreams come true.

The world is your oyster if you want it to be.

My genre is Paranormal Romance. Many years ago, I became captivated by archaeology and paleontology. I found a fossilized shark tooth when I was five. From that moment on, I collected every rock I could find.

I currently have in my collection:

1. Pigmy mammoth bone.

2. One fossilized dinosaur egg.

3. Fossilized wood.

4. A 2-pound artifact of 45 million year old brain coral.

5. Numerous rock samples and geodes.

If I’m not home, I’m out collecting. Just the other day I discovered a grinding stone in my son’s backyard. It has six holes and with a little digging, I found the pestle. Not too far away is the fire pit, filled with fossilized bone.

My love of science and archaeology is what pushed me into writing Paranormal Romance. Below is a snippet:


Gemini Rising, Book One, The Crossing, Available Now

Kate Kelly, wife of famous archaeologist Jason Kelly, follows her husband to Sedona, Arizona with her son Ryan to assist in the uncovering of an ancient Anasazi village. During her passage across the states a large comet appears, clouding the skies with red dust. Some say the comet is icy residue left over from the big bang. Others say it heralds the end of times.

Within days, nightmares begin, within weeks, the first sign of a coming maelstrom appear. A UFO appears overhead and Kate meets an ancient Anasazi woman named Woman Who Walks With Light.

Noah, an alien light being sent to assist Earth is drawn to Kate. What he also knows is that she is the chosen human to record the final collapse of Earth’s greatest civilization. Soon they become the conduit through which humanity is reborn and together they witness a new Earth coming to power in the galactic age.

Excerpt:

      “Kate,” he whispered. 
      “Oh, Noah.”
      “Do you know what we are doing?”
      She smiled. “I hope so.” She thought of Ryan. “What if…”
      “He will sleep for hours.” He nestled close to her on the bed, running his hands up and down her body. “Are you sure this is what you want?” His fingers did a dance across her clothed breasts, stopping at her nipples, and continuing downward.
      She drew him close, her body aglow. “I've never wanted anything more.” His need pressed against her suit. She hesitated, unsure of her reaction should he be built differently than Jason. Ready to embark upon an incredible adventure, she put her reservations aside.
      He stiffened, “I'm sorry,” he said, drawing away. “I sense your reluctance.”
      “It’s not you. It's me. I've never been with anyone except Jason.”
      He smiled and circled her breast with his finger. “So you think you'll disappoint me?”
      She shook her head. “No. I just…”
      He tickled her face, cupped her chin, and kissed her. Running a finger around her eyes, he brushed them across an eyebrow and down over one cheek. He paused for a moment, making small circles on her cheekbones before exploring her nose. He stopped when he came to her lips. There, he circled her mouth with his finger.
      She moaned. His touch inflamed her. Her nerves were on fire, rippling up and down her spine. Her lips, sensitized beyond bearing, searched his face. Her body, filled with longing, sought the rest of him. Winding her arms around his neck, she heard his soft groan.
      Head bending to meet hers, he kissed her. Shivers of delight spasmed within her as his touch exploded in her mind. A sudden drop in her solar plexus had her head spinning out of control. She couldn't think or move, and her body took on a will of its own. Her heart raced and her mind became a frenzy of lust and longing.
      He stroked her flesh with one hand while the other reached for the zipper of her jump suit. With infinite care, he opened her clothing and exposed her body. Trembling with desire, he touched her, then rose and removed his clothes.
      Curious, Kate studied him. Unclothed, his body was nearly human with one exception. He had no navel. Reaching for her hand, he swept it down and over his smooth stomach, as if asking her permission to continue. She felt firm muscles beneath pliant skin. There was no disgust. No question she wouldn't finish what she started. His muscles rippled as she passed her hand over him, searching for that spot, that place where all pleasure lay.
      He gasped at her touch, and pushed her away. “Wait. You don't know…”
      She gave in, no longer caring that Earth stood blanketed by gasses, or that the husband she once loved more than likely lay dead in the dust. She only wanted Noah and his touch. To have him draw away was inconceivable and she grasped him close, refusing to let go.
      He stroked her in places Jason had never explored. All thought slipped away at his caress. His long hard body moved against her bare skin. An ecstatic shock of pleasure jolted her, and she arched, willing him into her. He mounted her and she bucked, driving his movements into a frenzy of passion.
      A faint vibration began at her feet, rapidly encompassing her body. She thought she would faint from the pleasure. Her mind blanked. In the midst of an emotional hurricane, she spun through a tunnel before coming to rest in a field covered with wild flowers. The man, the alien, now Noah, stood before her, as a child then a boy. His life passed before her in an uninterrupted wave. Shocks of pleasure built, and she knew she had been with him not once, but many times, in as many places. Worlds contracted then expanded. Entire galaxies exploded then were cast away.
      How old was he?
      How old was she?
      The two of them were one and the same, one soul meeting another, blending completely. The act itself went unnoticed in a sea of ecstasy as a bright golden light surrounded them in an explosion of pure spiritual power.

___________________________________________________

I have to tell you, writing romance scenes are difficult for me. I am, by nature, a very private person. My editor at Crescent Moon Press pushed my envelope, yet conceded to me my need to express the romantic side of love in my own spiritual way.
In a Shadow of Time, due out in Spring 2011 through Crescent Moon Press, I get a little riskier. Who knows, maybe in time my shyness will slip entirely away!

Thank you for spending time with me. I hope you’ve enjoyed the blog. Questions and comments are always welcome at carroll.louann@yahoo.com. Please check out my website at www.louanncarrollbooks.weebly.com or my publisher for more paranormal books at www.crescentmoonpress.com.


Louann

Thanks Louann!  Please come back when your next book, Shadow of Time is released, it's been a pleasure having you!

Magick Charm by Jennifer Wells

Publisher:  Crescent Moon Press
Pages:  269

(Released:  September 2, 2010)

From the Cover:

Janie Adler likes her quiet, orderly life reviewing books for a small New Orleans newspaper exactly the way it is. So what if Duke Hot Pants, the hero of her favorite romance novel, is the only man in her life? She has a Pulitzer Prize to chase. That is until her quirky twin sister Rachel moves in, bringing boyfriend drama, a smelly ferret, and irrational belief in all things magickal along with her.


Persuaded by a local voodoo priestess-and maybe one margarita too many-the twins cast spells to improve their love lives. Loser-magnet Rachel focuses on avoiding the wrong men and Janie seeks her romance novel ideal. While plenty of eligible bachelors flood into their lives, Janie only has eyes for her coworker who lives in the apartment downstairs and works in the cube next to her. But the twins soon discover the incantations' many unintended-and dangerous-consequences. The increasing number of mishaps and misfortune putting the sisters in grave peril seems more like the work of a curse.

Can Janie and Rachel's "twintuition" save them from the menace stalking them?

Janie seems to have it all, a great job doing something she enjoys, a good relationship with her co-workers, and a cute little apartment.  The one thing that's missing is romance.  Lately the hero of one of her favorite books, Duke Hot Pants, is the closest thing she's gotten to romance, and that's in her dreams.

Rachel, Janie's twin, is scatter-brained, whimsically illogical, and believes in the magickal.  She's pretty much everything that Janie's not.  She's as different from Janie as night is to day or so each other thinks.  And not only that, but she has the worst taste in men.  When her latest, Ted, gets a little too physical, Rachel calls Janie to ride in to her rescue.

Ryan, Janie's co-worker and downstairs neighbor, looks out for the ladies when trouble comes to call in the form of Rachel's ex... but what he'd like to do is claim Janie as his own, if their maniacal devil boss, Jacquelyn, would allow co-workers to date.

Magick Charm by Jennifer Wells tells Janie's story.  She's sort of happy in her orderly, plain life... at least she doesn't have a lot to complain about or so she thinks.  When Rachel has problems with her ex-boyfriend, Janie comes to her rescue and along with her smelly ferret, Nostradamus, they become one big happy family, sort of.  Rachel can see how lonely Janie's let her life become, and she's determined to do something about it, something magickal.  Viola, the voodoo priestess at Pete's where Rachel's band plays suggests a couple of spells that she swears will put each woman on the right path, help Rachel make better choices with men, and help Janie put romance back into her dull life.  What neither one knows is what will happen after the spells are cast.

Magick Charm is a fun little page turner with a little snark, lots of sass, and at times, laugh out loud funny!  I really enjoyed this first book from new author, Jennifer Wells.  Janie and Rachel are twins, and while Rachel believes in everything the French Quarter has to offer, Janie is more cautious, less willing to take a chance, until Rachel needs her.  Then when Janie's given the opportunity to see if magick really works, she only goes along to please her sister.  What happens next, neither one could predict, but it brings mystery, thrills, love, and a bit of the unknown into both the women's lives.  They both discover more about themselves than they bargained for.  All lovers of light fun pararomance will enjoy this book, there's just a touch of a thriller here too, so romantic suspense lovers will enjoy it as well.  Pick it up, you won't be sorry you did.

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 10

I'm still recovering from the weekend, lol, so I'm late with my Monday morning post... one day, I hope I catch up with myself.... I can dream anyway...


So, since it's Monday, it's time for....

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge!!

I can't believe it's week 10 of our flash fiction challenge!!  Wow!!  This week's picture prompt is another of our lovely blogger buddy Michelle G found for us, and it freaking awesome!

Michelle and Blodeuedd were on facebook saying what a lovely prompt this would be and I totally agree, it's freaking fantastic!

Now the rules remain the same.  We have a kind of roomy 350 word count, though I've been known to go over (a little more or less is fine...).  If you should choose to play along, come back on Friday, and post your response to the prompt.  And the most important of the whole challenge is this....  Have fun, be creative, let your imagination run wild and free!!

Have a great week everyone!  Stop back of Wednesday for an author interview with Louann Carroll!

(NaNoWriMo count down..... 13 days.... squee!)

Ciao!!!

Sassy Sunday Story Starter.... from Sassy Brit 'Alternative-Read'

Hello Blogosphere Peeps!

I'm so far behind on blogging, I now know, I'm never getting caught up. Yesterday, the kids had a band competition, and finally deciding to be good band parents, we went to watch...in Champaign an hour and a half from our house at 8am in the freaking morning. I had to get the kids up at 4am, that's when the bus was leaving the high school. So, we got up with them, drove to Champaign, paid eight bucks each to watch their three minute performance. I figured it cost about 6 dollars a minute to watch a performance I've seen at every football game since the season started! Oh well, at least the kids had fun, but now I have Journey's Anyway You Want It permanent embedded as a ear worm!

So, it's Sunday morning, time for Sassy Brit's Sunday Story Starter (this week inspired by Lynn Hones).... and I'm late as usual....

Rainy Days and Mondays

By  Dottie Taylor

Word Count:  500

Tilley pushed the shopping cart through the bumpy parking lot. "Everytime...I'm telling you every time I grocery shop it pours." She lifted up the hatch of the van and reared back when her gaze fell upon a man laying there. She was no expert, but from the looks of him, he was dead.

Tilley flung a chuck of sodden bangs out of her eyes, glancing about, what the hell was going on? She reached to check his pulse, but it wasn't necessary, he was stone cold dead. Should she try to turn him over, see who he was? She lifted her head, twisting around, making sure no one was watching, but the parking lot was deserted.

Instead, she clutched her emergency kit, grabbed the blanket, and threw it over the body. Slamming the hatch closed, she dragged her groceries to the side door, and began tossing bags in, eggs breaking, boxes crunching, fruit flying.

She needed to call Frost, he'd better come through for her, the bastard. She climbed behind the stirring wheel, gripped her cell punching the keypad, and sat waiting in the rain, shivering.

“Hiya...” Lance yawned into the phone, “this better be good..”

“Tell Frost I need to see him.” Tilley demanded, wanting to scream.

“Hey Tiltstir, you wanna come over, take a ride on my merry-go-round?”

“Fuck off Lance. I need Frost.” Why did he always have to be such a prick?

“Yeah, well fuck you back baby, Frost ain't here.”

“Shit, do you know where he is?”

“Not here....”

Tilley slammed the phone shut.

She dropped her head into her hands. A dead guy in the back of the van and no way to get him out. She gazed out through the windshield, at least it was getting dark, maybe she could roll him out, leave him in the lot. She reached down for her keys when her cell rang.

“Hey Tilley, what cha need?”

“Frost, I'll tell you what I need. I got a toaster pop in the back of my van.”

“No shit... what'd you do?”

“I didn't, don't know how he got there.”

“So, why you callin' me?”

“I saved your ass, you gonna help me out?”

“Shit, girl, dump it somewhere.”

“Like where?”

“I don't wanna know, I gotta go...”

The phone clicked in her ear.

She eyed the rearview mirror and the blanket twitched. Son of a bitch, maybe she was wrong, maybe he wasn't dead.

Tilley stepped from the van back into the rain. Lifting the hatch, she pushed the blanket away and his face grinned back at her.

“Hello Tilley, long time no see.” He leapt from the cargo space, flashing his black eyes at her, backing her up against the icy van as his foul breath washed over her.

Aw shit, Daniel was dead, she'd staked him herself. Yet here he was..... and he looked pissed.



So, this one's definitely urban fantasy, definitely dark, with a little language... I haven't slept much in the past 3 or 4 days, lol, pretty much reflects my mood! Dark with a little foul language, yep, totally describes me.....

See you on Monday for another edition of Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge!!

(remember... NaNoWriMo starts in a fourteen days....!! I can't wait, she said with trepidition.... okay, I'm stopping now... talking about myself in the third person, clear indication more sleep is needed......)

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 9...... The Friday Post

Okay, so today has been one wild day!!  For one thing, it's my daughter's 18th birthday!

Happy Birthday Kirsten!!!

And it's her senior night at school, I'm already crying... and yesterday, we did this massive college visit, I mean, that college didn't want us to leave!! We toured, talked to students. visited with the President, and the Dean of Students, who assured us that the $36000.00 per year was more than worth the education Kirsten would receive at their fine institution!  "36000" as in dollars, not nickels, dimes or quarters, but dollars X 4 years + 2 years for her masters (the price increases exponentially).

CRAP, lol, just when I thought I was getting ahead. Well, at least I don't think she'll be attending this particular school, they talked down gymnastics (it's not really a sport) and anyone who knows my daughter knows she has to be able to participate in some more of cheer, tumbling, or gymnastics. She plans on coaching for extra money while in school! They lost her when they said their cheerleaders sucked. With her GPA, she can just about go anywhere she wants, she just has to find what's right for her.

I was also suppose to have my review of Magick Charm up yesterday, but we didn't get home until 9pm, and I was too tired to mess with my blog, the review will be posted this afternoon, and I have to say, it was a great read, funny, snarky, and sassy! Anyone would LOVE this book!

So, now after all my venting (thank you blogosphere peeps!!  I really heart you!), it's time for the response to Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge. I didn't have anything written, again, so I had to write in a hurry. Here's the picture prompt for week 9.

Beautiful isn't it!  Thanks Michelle for accumulating such an eclectic folder of images!

And here's my response, I went a little over on the word count this week, but the picture was fantastic.

The Lady in White

By: Dottie Taylor

word count: 455

Melissa hated cemeteries, there was too much unrest, too much sensory overload, too much everything.

“She's so beautiful.”

“Who's so beautiful, sweetie?”

“The Lady, Mommy.”

“What lady honey?”

“The Lady in White, Mommy....” Melissa glanced around, she didn't see anything, but that wasn't unusual, Tanya was more perceptive. Suddenly, Tanya clutched Melissa's hand tensely. “Mommy! They're hurting her...! Help her Mommy, help her!” Tanya's startling blue eyes filled with tears.

Melissa reached out with her senses and the Lady shimmered before her eyes. She sucked in a deep breath, she was beautiful. There was a great battle being waged, one where the Lady's soul was in question. The phantoms pulled and pushed, jabbed and jerked, yet the Lady lied there, either unable or unwilling to help herself.

Melissa heard a quiet pained moan, the Lady's eyes glazed, losing focus. A pale white hand reached out, and a sound so soft came, Melissa almost didn't hear. “Leave me, let them take me... I can fight no more....”

Melissa's eyes welled with tears and she pushed Tanya behind her body gripping her small hand tightly. Melissa focus all the power she could garner, and held out her palm. “Please, I can help you, come with me.”

The Lady reached out, but the phantoms pushed her body back, they were determined to take the Lady.

Tears fell from Melissa's eyes, she pleaded again, and took a step closer. “Please, all you have to do is touch my fingertips.”

The Lady stretched as the phantoms screamed with hatred. They knew if the vessel was reached, all would be lost. With one last burst of strength, the Lady extended the tips of her fingers, grazing Melissa's own. A brush of screaming bright light suffused the cemetery, encompassing Melissa, Tanya, and the Lady.

The Lady sat up, phantoms gone as was the cemetery. She'd been tortured for a century, since her death. “Who are you?” she questioned, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, her body finally free.

“My daughter is the vessel, I am the light.” Melissa relayed to the Lady. “You are delivered from the fallen one.”

Slowly, the Lady advanced to Melissa, and dropped to her knees. “Thank you.” She touched Melissa's hand, the one still holding Tanya's. “Thank you both.” The Gates behind her waited.

Melissa smiled, a soul for a soul, the Gates opened and Michael strolled forward. He was the might, and in his hand rested the Sword of Destiny.

“They're waiting for you,” Michael touched the Lady's shoulder. She stood and walked away.

Michael gather his wife and daughter in his arms. “Let's go home.” A soul for a soul.



So anyway, this is my take, what's yours?


And remember to tune in on Monday for another Flash Fiction Challenge!

**Also remember to stop by Sassy Brit's for her Sunday Story Starter!!


****Remember, you have 2 weeks to sign up for NaNoWriMo, is easy, quick, and free!!  Come write with me!  If you choose to join (and write), buddy me, the more the merrier!!

Ciao!!

Interview with Author Jennifer Wells

 Today at Tink's Place, I'm happy to welcome a new author to the published world, Jennifer Wells.

Jennifer Wells lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and three cats. When she's not writing, Jen makes jewelry for her business, Dragonfly Design (dragonflydesign13.etsy.com), and works at 13 Magickal Moons of Occoquan, VA.

From the Cover:

Janie Adler likes her quiet, orderly life reviewing books for a small New Orleans newspaper exactly the way it is. So what if Duke Hot Pants, the hero of her favorite romance novel, is the only man in her life? She has a Pulitzer Prize to chase. That is until her quirky twin sister Rachel moves in, bringing boyfriend drama, a smelly ferret, and irrational belief in all things magickal along with her.

Persuaded by a local voodoo priestess-and maybe one margarita too many-the twins cast spells to improve their love lives. Loser-magnet Rachel focuses on avoiding the wrong men and Janie seeks her romance novel ideal. While plenty of eligible bachelors flood into their lives, Janie only has eyes for her coworker who lives in the apartment downstairs and works in the cube next to her. But the twins soon discover the incantations' many unintended-and dangerous-consequences. The increasing number of mishaps and misfortune putting the sisters in grave peril seems more like the work of a curse. Can Janie and Rachel's "twintuition" save them from the menace stalking them?
 

Her first book, Magick Charm was released on September 2, 2010 by Crescent Moon Press, a sweet romance with mystical castings. Congratulations Jennifer!!


Hi Jen! Why don't we start out with getting to know you? Why don't you tell us about yourself?

Thanks, Dottie! I’m really excited to be on your blog today!

Writing has always been a love of mine, but remained a hobby for me until several years ago. My husband got a job in another state, and I left my job as a research scientist when we moved. I used my newfound time to finish a book and give writing a chance as a career. This year, we celebrated our 15-year wedding anniversary a month before my book was released. I feel truly blessed that I’ve been able to finally realize my dream!

Why don't tell us about your new book, Magick Charm?

My story centers on twin sisters who cast spells to improve their love lives. But when the consequences of the spells aren’t exactly what they intended, things get complicated and dangerous.

It takes place in New Orleans, which is one of my favorite cities to visit. The atmosphere of this old Southern city, with its above-ground cemeteries, fantastic food, voodoo influences, music, and bars in the Quarter inspired me.

Was Magick Charm your first completed manuscript?

I’ve completed three manuscripts, but Magick Charm is the first one to be published. I wrote a historical pirate romance called Pandora’s Legacy first. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll revisit it and turn it into a time travel story. But in the meantime, I’ve got more of the twins’ story to tell.

How long have you been working to get published (so all the aspiring writing out there don't get discouraged, lol)?

It can be a very long road to publication! I’d been trying for about 7 years before I got “The Call” (in actuality, it was “The Email”). My husband read “The Email” to me from my phone while I was driving on route 95 on my way to Florida to visit my parents. We had to stop for a dinner break because I was shaking too hard to continue driving!

Since you're new to the publishing world, what's been your favorite part of the process?

I feel like every part of the process has been an exciting learning experience for me, especially working with my editor. The changes she suggested made a huge improvement in the manuscript. I’ll definitely be using what she taught me as I write my next book.

The biggest wow moments had to be seeing my book listed on Amazon and holding the paperback in my hand for the first time!

Magick Charm reads like a stand alone, but is there plans for a series? Do you have an excerpt you'd like to share?

I’d love it to be the first book in a series! I have a first draft of a sequel written, and I’ve got plans for at least another two books after that.

In the meantime, here’s a romantic scene from Magick Charm:

Ryan grinned at me from the doorway. "Wow, you look nice," he said. His smile went all the way to his eyes, and I was glad for the special pains I had put into my appearance tonight.

He'd also gone the extra mile to dress nicely, having traded his usual polo for neatly pressed dress pants and a button-down shirt. Sure, I'd noticed him before, but I had always refused to view him in a datable sort of light. Now that I'd started, I couldn't help thinking about him.

"Come on in." I opened the door wide and stepped back to let him in.

He glanced around my living room. "Am I the first guest to arrive?" 

He didn't appear too confused by the lack of people, though. The game was up.

"Well, to tell the truth," I stammered, "it's only the two of us tonight." My cheeks must have been as red as boiled crawfish shells.

"You didn't invite me here today," he said. It wasn't even a question.

I shook my head. 

"I see. This is your sister's version of a good deed?" 

"Yeah," I said. "She loves to play matchmaker. I'm sorry." I'd have choked Rachel if she'd been there. I felt humiliated, yet part of me hoped he wouldn't leave.

"It's not your fault," he said. 

We stood together in the middle of the living room, looking at each other and not finding anything to say. 

"Listen," he said after a long pause, "we can forget about this if you want. I don't want you to be held responsible for any more mistakes your sister makes."

I was going to need a pint of Ben and Jerry's to cope. He called our date a mistake. I coached my face not to show my disappointment. "Okay," I said. "That's fine. Again, I'm sorry about my sister conning you into this. You probably had much better things to do tonight than dress up to humor me, er, Rachel pretending to be me, I mean."

Ryan's solemn expression changed to one of skepticism meshed with a glimmer of hope. "Not so fast. I'm not the only one here who dressed up."

I smoothed my hands over my skirt in a nervous gesture.

"I'm going to be honest with you, Janie," he said. "I was excited to get that message today. I've wanted to ask you out for awhile, but never got out the words."

My heart leapt at his admission. He paced a little and ran his hand through his hair, his nervous tell. This time, the gesture struck me as endearing.

"So, no," he said. "I don't want to call off the date. And I don't think you want to either."

"I don't," I said. I wasn't usually so direct, but I was sure about this. "My sister was crazy and impulsive to set us up like this. But I want to go out on this date with you. She has terrible taste in men." 

Oh no, my mouth was running away without my brain's filter. Ryan looked askance at me, both eyebrows raised with amusement. 

"Only usually, but she's trying to get better about it. I mean, she likes you," I stammered. Another mistake. "For me, I mean. She likes you for me."

Ryan took a step closer to me and stopped my rambling by placing his finger across my lips. It was one of the most sensual gestures I'd ever experienced. When I quieted, he lifted his finger from my lips, leaving a warm tingle in its wake. 

I reflexively licked my bottom lip, as if tasting the texture of his skin. He looked into my eyes and lifted one side of his mouth in a little smile. 

"What about you?" he asked. His words were quiet, and I strained to hear. "Do you like me...for you?"

My eyes slipped shut and a sigh escaped my lips. I loved the way his words rippled through my body. "Yes," I whispered. My voice sounded husky, like I'd been having sex and enjoying it. Why had I held myself back from this man for so long?

He shifted closer and leaned his head toward mine until he was so close to me I could feel his breath on the skin of my neck and a shudder coursed through me. The next moment, he stepped away. I opened my eyes and stared at him. His eyes had darkened to a whisky brown and pierced me with a heart–stopping heat.

"I like you for me too."

What's next for you?

NaNoWriMo! For those who don’t know about National Novel Writing Month, it’s a challenge to write 50,000 words in the month on November. I’ve done it every year for the past four, and it makes for a crazy, hectic, stressful, sleepless, and totally fulfilling month.

Magick Charm was begun during a previous year’s NaNoWriMo, and I’m planning to continue the twins’ story this November.

What do you do during your writing day? When is your favorite time to write, morning, noon, midnight?

The morning is for caffeinating myself and getting chores done. I usually settle down in the afternoon to write, but I’m most productive at night.

I like to write on a laptop so I can move around. When I get stuck – the dreaded writer’s block! – moving to a different location in the house to work can sometimes help.

Do you have any 'must haves' when you sit down to write?

Strangely enough, I need background noise. I’ll turn on music or the television because I just can’t focus if it’s completely silent. I also weave in a lot of pop culture references, so I’ll have True Blood on TV when one of my characters is having a True Blood marathon, for example. In Magick Charm, one of the twins sings with a band, so I put their playlist on my iPod.

But above all, a steady supply of coffee and diet soda is crucial!

When you're not writing, what do you like to read?

I read a little bit of everything, but I love paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Action thrillers like those written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child or James Rollins take up a good deal of space on my bookshelf as well.

Do you have a favorite author or all time read?

Choosing a favorite is difficult! I really like book series because they allow so much time for character development and world building. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King and the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon are exceptional in both of these areas. I’ll usually reread both of them once a year or so.

Since your book, Magick Charm, is about spell casting, magicks, voodoo, and charms; do you have a favorite witch, warlock, mage from a book, video game, or TV series?

Well, who doesn’t love Harry Potter? And Gandalf in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings is the quintessential mage. My television favorite is the girl next door turned kick-ass witch Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

What inspired you to write about your characters? Is Rachel or Janie like anyone you know?

In a way, pieces of Rachel and Janie are both me. Janie is my writing and list-making side, who is probably a bit too concerned with having a spotless house. My Rachel side loves animals and is open-minded about the metaphysical. But she also represents the outgoing spirit that I’d like to have a little more of sometimes.

As for the rest of my characters, none of them are based solely on a single person. But I’ll often weave distinctive traits of people I meet, like a particular type of laugh, catch phrase, or gesture, into a character.

Okay, now for some fun stuff! If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring anything with you, what five things would you absolutely have to have?

Because I’m a techno-junkie, I’d have to have my iPod, Kindle, and MacBook. I always have a tube of Burt’s Bees lip balm in my pocket, so I couldn’t leave home without that. And I’d bring my cell phone so I could call for a rescue boat when I had my fill of reading and relaxing on the beach – if such a thing is actually possible!

Thanks for being here with us today, Jen! It's been a pleasure having at Tink's Place! I hope you come back for another visit! If you like to take a peek at Magick Charm or if you'd like to purchase it, you can go to Crescent Moon Press or Amazon.com.

Thanks again and happy reading!

Jennifer Wells

Jen welcomes email and you may contact her at jenniferwells@email.com.

http://www.jennifer-wells.com

Come back tomorrow for a review of Magick Charm, I think you'll enjoy it!!