Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 44

Well, I've done it again! It's evening and I'm just getting around to firing up my computer!! I mean it was on all day, I just wasn't home to enjoy a relaxing day playing. (I really thought once the kids got out of school, I'd have more time for.... I don't know....EVERYTHING! I was so wrong.... now all I do is catering to three kids! LOL (all teenagers too!) Oh well, I love it! We've been running around, it's cooled off here for a few days, so we've been enjoying it. But, it's time for flash fiction!

This is another one of those weeks when I was torn, but I finally chose this one. I hope everyone enjoys it, and I hope I have time to write for it (unlike lately.... I haven't had time for anything!!) But there are so many possibilities with this image!

The rules remain the same... 350 words (or somewhere around there), and come back Friday to post a response.

Ciao!

Half Inch by McCarty Griffin

Publisher:  McCarty Griffin / Smashwords
Pages:  67

From the Cover:

Pammy has had enough of Bobby, her abusive drunk of a husband. One lovely spring day, she decides to kill him, despite the fact that they will soon be divorced and he will, at least in the eyes of the law, be out of her life for good. Indulging in homicidal daydreams for years has led her to devise her own perfect and completely bizarre plan.

Pammy has suffered for twelve long years at Bobby's hands, before he decided to leave her. And instead of questioning why, all she can do thank her lucky stars. But, when it comes time for dividing up the assets she has earned with the scars on her body, Bobby balks.  

Even though it is he who wants out of fruitless marriage, he'll be damned if he gives Pammy the barest of considerations, even if it has been she who has suffered the beatings, bruising, and broken bones.  

It all comes to a head for Pammy, when Bobby thinks he's going to take the only thing that is rightfully Pammy's, her childhood home left to her with the death of her mother.


Half Inch by McCarty Griffin is a short novella of a marriage gone terribly wrong. But, it's Bobby's deficit personality, his abusive nature, his lack of human capacity for true emotion that drives Pammy to the point of breaking psychologically.  That's when her inner voice takes over, driving Pammy to make plans and come up with contingencies to remove Bobby permanently from her life. And, to her inner voice's delight, it's about time.


Half Inch is a quick little read, about a little more than an hour's worth of time. It reaches is conclusion with an ending where the reader maybe isn't surprised, but certainly fooled.  Pammy's ultimate plans are foiled by Bobby even from the grave.  Thriller/chillers lovers may want to take a look at this one, though short, it's fulfilling.  I found myself hoping Pammy's plan succeeded, even if I did think her a little whiny, but then, I didn't have to put up with her abusive husband either.

I received this ebook for review from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Memories of Murder by Lara Nance

Publisher:  Crescent Moon Press
Pages:  302

(Release Date:  March 1, 2011)

From the Cover:

When Maeve McKenna renounces her witch powers and accepts a low-key nurse practitioner position at a Virginia retirement community, the last thing she expects is a suicide her first day on the job. As the town's sexy sheriff, Paul Sutton, starts looking into the tragic death of his father's friend, Maeve can't help but get involved--with both the case and him.

Their informal investigation unveils an old journal that connects the ruins of a nearby asylum and long-forgotten cemetery with the shiny new retirement community's memory unit--and Maeve's Alzheimer's patients. Maeve senses a sinister presence in the old asylum, calling to the patients, but in order to stop it from killing again, she must first conquer some demons of her own and reclaim the magic she's denied herself.

Maeve has bound her powers. She never thought she'd be able hurt anyone, never imagining her powers would be strong enough to kill.  After months of healing from the attack and the ordeal with mother, Opal, at their Savannah home, along the Gems, Aunt Ruby and Aunt Pearl, she's ready to face life on her own.  But, her life is going to take a new direction.  She accepts a position as nurse practitioner at a retirement community in the small town of Rolling Gap.  And, already, things aren't looking up. On her first day, she witnesses a suicide.  She came for quiet and finds turmoil.

Golden Acres, as it is fondling called by the townies, has a sordid past that comes back to haunt this newbie to community.  A one-time asylum resided on the grounds, as well as a cemetery where the remains rest of those who died while locked away in the cruel asylum with it's sadistic doctor.

Paul Sutton, now sheriff of Rolling Gap, takes over for his father when he suffers from early onset of Alzheimer's.  His dementia and decline happen rapidly, and George Sutton becomes a resident of Golden Acres.  Paul discovers a case his father was working with Nellie Dunbar, Rolling Gap's local crazy.  Her great-grandmother was one of those lost to the cruelties of the asylum but she convinces George to investigate the old asylum, and Paul takes over.  But, Maeve becomes involved in the case when things don't add up, and Paul finds himself draw to the nurse practitioner.  Can he accept Maeve with her witchy abilities?  Can Maeve accept Paul's attention after her attack and near rape?

Memories of Murder by Lara Nance is a paranormal romance / romantic suspense centered around a century old asylum.  Though most of the asylum is gone, the main building still houses the dementia unit of Golden Acres, and the cemetery remains hidden on the grounds somewhere.  After Maeve experiences strange occurrences, she decides to investigate the asylum, if for nothing else than to bring peace to Nellie.  She encourages Paul, and after a couple of supernatural accidents, he's convinced he needs to follow through with the investigation too.  He soon discovers Maeve's secret she's hiding.  All this time, Maeve's family (Opal, Ruby, and Pearl) take up residence in Rolling Gap after some ominous premonitions and Pearl's odd vision of events yet to come.  They've come to help, offering protection for Maeve and Paul as well as their abilities to excise the evil surrounding Golden Acres.

Memories of Murder is an exciting paranormal romantic suspense with a heroine, Maeve, who isn't sure of herself anymore, not since killing her attacker.  Could she accidentally lose control, could she kill again?  Instead of finding out, she binds her magic away, right at the time she might need it the most.  Paul, the hero of our story, finds himself trapped in the small town where he grew up.  He thought his life belonged to military, instead, he's the new sheriff of his hometown.  Neither character has ended up where they thought their lives would be.  But, together, each comes to realize that they're just where their supposed to be, where they're needed the most, where they want to be.

Memories of Murder was a quick little read, turning pages filled with magic and suspense.   Celtic magic mixes with a sickness long existing from the old asylum.  A long forgotten heritage begging for release, loves lost and found, and a mystery to be solved.  An excellent read to warm chilly nights or heat up those air conditioned summer afternoons.  I recommend this read to a variety of readers, paranormal romance lovers, romantic suspense lovers, and magic lovers will all want to give this enticing little read a try.  I very much enjoyed it.

I received my ebook for review from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 43

I don't know about anyone else, but it was a long weekend here at the Taylor ranchero... I've been reading Dakota Cassidy's posting's on facebook.... vampire cowboys.... sure does sound yummy to me!! LOL And it made me want to search for an image I hope we'll all enjoy.

So, that must mean it's time for .....

The Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge!!

The image really doesn't have anything to do with vampires, but it does remind me of one of my favorite author's book covers.... and I wondered if image wasn't one he's used. If you read this author, you'll know exactly what I mean. But, the image is fantastic, and it's as close to a cowboy as I'm ever going to get, lol!! It really enjoyed it, and I hope you to do.

So.... what do you think? I've been trying to find images that aren't similar to what we have been using, and this one looked interesting... it really does remind me of a book cover, it might actually be part of one. But, I hope it inspires all the flash fiction writers out there!!

The rules remain the same.... 350 words and come back Friday to post a response. But, most of all, have fun and let your creative juices flow!!

Ciao!

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 41

Okay, this is a week late, but I really loved this image, and wanted to write for it!!

 King Once More

By Dottie Taylor

Word Count:  990

Katrina stood behind the angry man who, at one time, she gazed upon with adoring eyes.

As he glared at his court, everyone shivered with anticipation and dread. Katrina wondered who would be next accused? She eased up behind her King and Majesty, gently touching his shoulder. “MiLord,” she breathed with a whisper, “come, MiLord, it is time to rest for the evening.” She hoped to spare those he surveyed one more night.

Without standing, he twisted around, giving her his piercing black eyes. “Do you presume to know the King's mind?” She felt her face coloring.

She glanced down at her feet, willing them to escape his steadfast stare, “No MiLord, I only wish to offer his Majesty the comfort of his bed.” Almost unwillingly, her hand reached out with shaky confidence, offering to take his.

“Aye, MiLady, and is the rarity of the Queen's comfort being offered as well?”

She tried not to shudder, once she had loved this man. She still did, he had to be there somewhere. “Of course, Majesty, I am your willing slave.”

For a moment, she glimpsed the man whom she had wed, had loved, had laughed with, before the sickness of hate and fear stole him away. It had all started with the traveler, the maker of magic, who came to the court to offer an evening's entertainment. Slowly, her eyes lifted and found the man who stood at her husband's opposite shoulder. The evil bastard had the nerve to smile into her steely gaze.

He leaned in, whispering in the King's ear as well, “She means to bring your death, Majesty.”

Thomas's eyes widened, they had been at one time kind, filled with love. He flatly glared back at Katrina. “Be gone, witch, or I'll have your head!” He thundered.

Morgan grinned as he stepped back. His plan was nearing fruition. Soon the Queen would be useless to the court.

Katrina bowed her head, “Your wish, sire.” She stepped back into the shadows. With a nod of her head, her guards surrounded her, each eying Morgan with contempt. Everyone around the King could see the perversion, everyone except King Thomas. As the guard carried the Queen back to her chambers, she said with a sure and steady voice, “Morgan's death must come tonight. To wait may bring certain death to our court members, even to myself. Who knows where he will tempt the King next?”

The Captain of her guards leaned in, “Morgan will be relieved of life this evening, my Queen.”

Katrina took another step, and turned to look at her Captain, “I only hope it isn't too late.”

That evening, after the King had released the court, Morgan prepared the King's nightly elixir. As usual, the fog had started to lift from the King's mind. He wondered why the Queen refused his bed.

“I know not why the Queen meets your requests with refusal, sire,” Morgan said as the elixir swirled in the King's nightly brew. “Only that her eyes are filled with hatred.” He sighed, “I wish I had happier news.” He grinned as he stared at the King's back.

The King spoke in a defeated voice, “I will speak with her myself in the morning.” His response was the same every evening, but soon the elixir would take away his reasoning.

Abruptly, there was a pounding at the King's chamber door. “Majesty, it is the Queen, come quickly!”

In moments, Thomas pushed the elixir away as it slamming it away as it sizzled on the stone floor with it's vaporous cloud. He jumped to his feet, racing to the Queen quarters.

The Queen's Captain now stood with Morgan, his plan for this evening foiled. The Captain drew his blade, and nodded to Morgan. “Sir, it is time you left my King's service.”

Morgan glanced at the long sword in the Captain's hand. “You can't presumed to order me, I service at the King's command.”

“Not tonight.” The Captain replied, and ran the sword to the hilt into the man's board chest. Morgan's eyes watched with disbelief.

He drew a stuttering breath, “You've killed me!”

“Aye, and may you meet the devil on your way to hell.”

The King burst into the Queen's chambers, his heart hammered with dread. She laid upon the satin sheets, still as death. As he rushed to her side, he gathered her hand, bringing it to his lips. “My love, do not leave me.”

The Queen's eyes fluttered open. “My love, I will stay as long as you will have me.” She shifted, lifting her arms. “Come, my King, stay with me tonight.” She breathed weakly, the death serum wearing off, and she smiled. “I'm quite well, now that you are here.”

Once more the eyes of the man she'd married gazed back at her, filled with love. He gathered her close, more precious than life. How had he forgotten the comfort of her arms?

The Queen's Captain returned to his men, and he grinned a sure smile. “It is done, the King's quarters are being cleared.” His men congratulated him on his success. Tomorrow would bring a day with hard answers, but also, a return to sanity, or at least he hoped so, not only for his sake, but for the realm's sake as well. “Let us pray our King's mind has not been lost.”

The Queen didn't have any doubts, and tomorrow, she would prove it to the court. The King was once again her husband, and she would die rather than lose him to a charlatan. Soon, she would bring him an heir. Her King once more restored.

Morgan's body resided in a shallow grave, unconsecrated and unmarked, head separated from it's body. But, sometimes, his ghostly apparition could be seen wandering, mixing it's brew, sure of his desires, even in death.




I know, it's way long, and it feels like something has been left out, or unfinished. But, I'm out of practice, lol. It will get better as I flash a little more.

Have a great weekend!!