Tag Archives: Writing

Flash Fiction #59 Loves Late Arrival

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Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

May 9, 2014

Cora looked around her crowded ballroom filled with her closet friends. Everyone had come, except the one man she wanted.

“Michael’s not coming. I thought you knew.”

“I know now.” Cora flicked her finger nails against the beads on her dress. “Excuse me; I need to check with the chief.”

She escaped the overcrowded room and sucked in a breath as her stomach tied itself in knots. Why now? After all the years of friendship and teasing, why now could she feel all that he meant to her?

She leaned into her beloved statue and prayed it wasn’t too late.

_____________

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Raven Mcallan http://ravenmcallan.blogspot.com
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Michaela Rhua: http://michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

ROW80 Check-in #97 Methods in My Madness

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Hello Weekend Writing Warriors. I’ll be back very soon.

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

Through this writing journey, I’ve learned a tremendous amount about myself. I’ve learned what can push me past my insecurities. I’ve learned what makes me weak. I’ve learned what it takes to keep me going.

Just like the introvert in me needs down time after an outing, the slowpoke in me needs a recovery period after insane activity. BUT, it’s time to get back to work. After the craziness that was my March through the first half of April, it was time to get back to the languishing WIP.

I probably should have gotten back to work last week, but if I’d pushed before I was ready, I might have suffered through a bout of writer’s block. I also know that if I don’t kick myself into gear, this phase of not working on my WIP will linger. 😦

Here’s to fingering out what works for us and getting it done.

The Goals – week-4 results

  • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters-  almost done. I have gotten reacquainted with Jane and Rob, but I didn’t get to them everyday.
  • Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- almost done. I went through all the notes from my beta, made changes, listed the scenes to add, and started working on the first new scene.
  • Take care of and be kind to myself (start w/ a relaxing ritual, the healthy journey, and daily breaks from technology)- done. I even worked out THREE times. This is huge for me. I can’t remember the last time I worked out more than twice in a week.

What you might have missed here this week:

Happy Release Day to The Sin Circus with Sweet and Sticky Buns from Sabrina Garie

Mid Week Tease – Over the Edge

Mid Week Tease – His Private Dungeon

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MidWeekTeaseWelcome to hump day my friends. Thank you to the awesome Sandra Bunino for giving me something to look forward to. I’m sharing once more from my story about Colin and Mary and I’m happy to report you’ll be able to read this story in a new Evernight anthology that releases in June! 😀

This pair has some ill-conceived notions about the other, but that’s all going to change. Last week, Mary started to break down the wall that Colin had erected. This week, I’m going to back up just a little so you can see what was going through Colin’s head as he waited for Mary to arrive for her interview.

____________

He pushed back from his desk and walked into the bathroom attached to his office. With a press to the side panel, it popped open. He turned the light dial located just inside the door and his private dungeon woke before his eyes. He cracked his knuckles and breathed in the clean earthy hints of leather.

Work had kept him too far from Club Voyage in the past year, not even the installation of this room had kept his kink close enough. He leaned against the spanking bench and gazed over his collection of paddles, crops, and floggers hanging on the wall. Above all else, he needed to keep his emotions under control and he knew denying his need to dominate put him on a quick path to misery.

Not much gave him gratification like a willing submissive waiting for his command, not even the closing of the perfect deal. He craved lifting a woman’s need for release and watching as the pleasure consumed her. He made up his mind right then to work long hours this week and to go to the club on Friday night.

He closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing.

“Your interview is here.” Jen’s warn out voice called from his office and woke him from his meditation.

Perfect timing for Mary to enter, don’t you think. 😉 I can’t wait to share their full story with you. It’s hot, it’s heartbreaking, and I love it.  Unfortunately, these two are destined to misjudge and unravel each forward movement. They’re not going to make a happy ending easy. I know how it all works out and I have to say it’s quite delicious. 🙂

You can see my inspiration board for this book on Pinterest here.

The In Progress Blurb:

Mary is determined not to be distracted by the devilishly handsome Colin whose business deal is halting a much needed park. Armed with a plan, she tries to ignore her growing attraction.

After reading her resume, Colin believes Mary isn’t right for him or his office. However, he’s about to risk his biggest business deal yet when Mary knocks him off his game. The pair gives in to their growing desires, but Mary’s plan might unravel everything they’ve been building.

____________

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Be sure to check out all the Mid Week Teasers:

ROW80 Check-in #96 Deep Yes and Coming Soon Times TWO

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Hello Weekend Writing Warriors. I’ll be back very soon.

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

Oh what a difference a week makes. The week started with distractions from my mom and MIL. They helped me to regain normal. I cleaned my house and my inbox. I read a few books and countless blog posts. I finished lots of evil day job and volunteer stuff. I played games with my kids. Real life distractions were my ticket to surviving the anticipation of waiting to hear on my latest submission.

The waiting all ended before the work day was over on Tuesday. I’d already learned a lot from the experience, but I wanted in the anthology. Their answer was …

Accept!

Holy cow! I did it. 😀

Five days later and I’m still pinching myself.

coming-soon 300x450coming-soon 300x450My Books page now has TWO coming soon covers. Wow.

I’ve been loving Kait Nolan’s Three Awesome Things posts and this week one of the awesome things really spoke to me. Lots of things to love about the TED talk by Justine Musk, including this line: “Behind every no is a deeper yes to whatever it is that you do want.” <~~ This is something I need to remember, especially as I try to stay on track for my next submission, edits on my two books releasing soon, and all the marketing to come. To gain my balance AND to protect what I want, I’m going to utilize the deep yes.

The Goals – week-2 results

  • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters-  not done. I did spend a couple evenings with my characters. I need more though before I have hope of writing the missing scenes in my WIP. I probably have less than two weeks before edits will arrive and I’d like to see good progress before then.
  • Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- done. It was craft study all week.
  • Take care of and be kind to myself (start w/ a relaxing ritual, the healthy journey, and daily breaks from technology)- almost done. I accomplished everything here except the workouts. I did some exercising and some stretching which totaled maybe fifteen minutes. I need more. I want my physical strength back.

What you might have missed here this week:

Spotlight: Barb Drozdowich and Babs Hightower and Their Guides for Authors

Spotlight: Extreme Heat AND Surrender Sweet Succubus by Jewel Quinlan

Mid Week Tease – Changing His Mind <~ from my anthology story.

Cover Reveal: Freed by Stacey Kennedy

SJ’s Taco Soup – I was at Romance Cooks yesterday and I shared my secrets for Taco Soup AND my homemade taco seasoning. 😀

Mid Week Tease – Changing His Mind

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MidWeekTeaseI’m on a roll. Two weeks in a row, I’ve shared a tease. Love it!

I’m sharing again from my story about Colin and Mary. The pair has some ill-conceived notions about the other, but that’s all going to change. Last week, Colin got his first look at Mary. You could say her appearance took him off guard. Let’s see if she can continue to change his mind.

“You must spend a lot of time on your outreach commitments. Is it hard for you to balance work and your personal interests?”

She sat up straighter. “To be honest—”

“That’s all I ask.” He took hold of his pen without breaking his gaze from hers. With his thumb, he stroked the smooth surface back and forth and wondered if her pussy would be just as smooth.

“At times I have.” She crossed her legs and grabbed her knee with both hands. “But, I have learned from experience.”

“Would you expand on that?” He let go of the pen and sat back.

“I learned to only commit to the things I can finish. I’ve also learned not to deny myself the things I’m passionate about. Plus, the kids I work with help me to keep my head straight.”

“I can imagine. Will you continue spending time there?”

“I’ll always be there for the kids.” She uncrossed her legs and leaned on his desk. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure, I’m an open book.”

“You already know if you’re going to hire me, don’t you? You knew before I walked in here.”

“Maybe.” He admired her for getting to the point. It showed she valued her time and his. His opinion of her doubled.

“Is there nothing I can do to change your mind?”

If it were only that easy. These two are destined to misjudge and unravel each forward movement. I know how it all works out and I have to say it’s quite delicious. 🙂

You can see my inspiration board for this WIP on Pinterest here.

The In Progress Blurb:

Mary is determined not to be distracted by the devilishly handsome Colin whose business deal is halting a much needed park. Armed with a plan, she tries to ignore her growing attraction.

After reading her resume, Colin believes Mary isn’t right for him or his office. However, he’s about to risk his biggest business deal yet when Mary knocks him off his game. The pair gives in to their growing desires, but Mary’s plan might unravel everything they’ve been building.

____________

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Be sure to check out all the Mid Week Teasers: 

ROW80 Round 2 2014 Goals

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Hello Weekend Writing Warriors.
I’m almost ready to share snippets with you again. I’ll be back very soon.

This will be my tenth round of 80 days. A Round of Words In 80 Days or ROW80 is the writing challenge that knows you have a life. Join in at any time. State your goals and check-in on Wednesdays and or Sundays.

I ended my last round with lots of forward movement after moving slowly at the start. Looking back, I recognize the nerves and other personal issues that were standing in my way. By the end of the round, I was so hungry for progress, I almost wore myself out trying to catch up to my goals.

__________

You may remember I was polishing a WIP at the end of the last round. I may not have told you, my publisher released a submission call in March for a new anthology. The call was right up my alley, romance in the work place. So, while polishing the WIP I had wanted to have finished last December, I was also looking at a ticking clock on a fabulous opportunity since submissions were due by April 11th. I made notes of the plot points that popped into my head, but I stayed focused on polishing my WIP.

I finished my last read through on the WIP on March 26th and hit send. By the 27th, I was in crazy plotting mode for the submission call and then I got an email … ACCEPT! In one day, my publisher accepted my book. WAHOO!! 😀 Party, shimmy, shake, back to work.

I started writing the submission call on March 29th. I averaged 900 words a day and finished the first draft on April 7th. At that point, I thought I had either the best thing I’d ever written or a worthless piece of junk, lol.

I spent three very long days polishing and worrying I was just wasting my time, but I kept going. I love these characters and I love the fast pace of the story. It’s sexy. It’s heart wrenching. It’s submitted. Yes, I hit send on a 10k story I started writing not even two weeks ago. I think I’m nuts, definitely sleep deprived.

Even if they don’t accept it, I’m proud I tried. 🙂

__________

It’s tempting to take some time off. I’m so tired. However, I don’t want to lose my momentum. I have two WIPs to finish polishing and another I need to start writing. I will also have a new book to promote this round. I have added items to my goals to guard against burnout.

My main goal will be to find a balance between it all.

My goals below are in addition to my evil day job, volunteer duties, and my family.

The Goals – Round 2 2014

  • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters
  • Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting
  • Take care of and be kind to myself (start w/ a relaxing ritual, the healthy journey, and daily breaks from technology)

Here’s to a fabulous round of 80-days.

What you might have missed here this week:

What’s In a Cover – my guest post at BTS eMag Daily Blog
Inside Look with Erin Nicholas author of Up by Five
Inside Look with Lynn Rae and Peri Elizabeth Scott authors of Prohibited
Mid Week Tease – Not What He Expected

Mid Week Tease – Not What He Expected

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MidWeekTeaseI’m back! It’s been a long time since I’ve done the Mid Week Tease. I’m happy to report I have something new to share with you today. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing from my soon to be released book, the second in my Love Projects series.

Today, I’m sharing from the beginning of the WIP I’m polishing. Colin is about to see for the first time the gal that is going to unravel his life. Got to love a woman that can do that to a man.

“Your interview is here.” Jen’s warn out voice called from his office and woke him from his meditation.

Out of his sanctuary, but still hidden from view in his bathroom, his gaze slide past his very pregnant assistant and found an auburn haired beauty. He needed a moment to drink her in. The light kissed her hair in a sensual display of entwining colors. He followed the line of her pale skin down the length of her legs to dangerous looking spiked black heels. She was the perfect image of a wet dream. Not what he’d been expecting at all.

Fuck me.

Oh boy. Something tells me Colin’s day is not going to go as he planned. Gosh, he was so much fun to write. You can see my inspiration board for this WIP on Pinterest here.

The In Progress Blurb:

Mary is determined not to be distracted by the devilishly handsome Colin whose business deal is halting a much needed park. Armed with a plan, she tries to ignore her growing attraction.

After reading her resume, Colin believes Mary isn’t right for him or his office. However, he’s about to risk his biggest business deal yet when Mary knocks him off his game. The pair gives in to their growing desires, but Mary’s plan might unravel everything they’ve been building.

____________

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Be sure to check out all the Mid Week Teasers: 

ROW80 Check-in #95 SJ’s Superheros

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Hello Weekend Writing Warriors. I’ll be taking a couple weeks off while I finish my latest WIPs. I’ll be back soon.

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

Where did the week go? Where did the month go?

I’ve been in the editing cave for so many weeks now that I think I’ve lost track of time. But wait, what’s that? I see a smidgen of light way down at the end of my cave.

Yes! I can see it. 😀

I got notes back on all my manuscripts this week. My betas are superheros. They can see the story under the flaws. They can see what works and what doesn’t. They gave me advice that allows me to see the story from a different angle. I’d gotten too close to my manuscripts. After reading their notes, I could see how to improve my stories. Gosh, I love that. It renews my love affair with my characters and makes me excited to finish.

I wish my superheros didn’t live so far away. I want to give them big bear hugs.

One of my WIPs has shifted from ruff around the edges to smooth and shiny on a couple sides. I’m so close. After one more slow read through, I just might hit send.

I may still be working on the manuscript I’d hoped to send out back in December, but I’ve made such great progress recently that I’m letting it go. I realize now that nerves and lack of confidence kept me from working on these projects. This problem isn’t going away, but I need to do a better job of seeing it and dealing with it.

I’m ending this round on a high and I can not wait to start the next round of 80-days.

The Goals – week-11 results

    • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done.
    • Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- done. I worked on the manuscript everyday this week and added 1.5k words. I smoothed out so many little things and tightened bits here and there.
    • Take care of and be kind to myself (start w/ a relaxing ritual and daily breaks from technology)– done. I took the tech breaks, but I let my house go. Please don’t bring your white gloves to my house today, lol. I did clean my kitchen and bathrooms yesterday. I knew I needed a big push on the WIP this past week. So, I let things slide and it took a lot of the pressure off. Wahoo!

What you might have missed here this week:

Review: Stealing His Heart by Ella Jade <– 5 Stars. A great sexy read.

Cover Reveal: The Sin Circus

Flash Fiction #58 A Drink or a Proposition

Flash Fiction #58 A Drink or a Proposition

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Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

March 21, 2014

Jasmine entered the club, certain her date had left long ago. Another Friday night wasted. She lifted her hip onto one of the high stools at the bar.

“Pomegranate Martini, compliments of the man at the other end.”

She leaned forward and found the last man she expected to see. With a flip of her golden hair, she removed him from her line of sight. Her colleague may be arrogant, but the drink she’d take.

“I knew you would not listen.” He took the seat next to her. “You can’t date while you’re on the job, unless it’s with me.”

_____________

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! What do you think Jasmine’s next move should be? A push, a kiss, or another sip of her drink? If you’d like to read a little more from this story. I’ve posted this 100 and an extra 115 words over at Siobhan Muir’s 3/20/14 #ThursThreads post. My entry is about 1/2 way down in the comments. There are several fabulous flashes to read there too -> http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2014/03/thursthreads-challenge-that-ties-tales_20.html

Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Faberge Nostromo: http://fabergenostromo.blogspot.co.uk
Brantwijn Serrah: http://brantwijn.blogspot.com
Theresa Stuart: http://oneuniquewomanswords.blogspot.com
Michaela Rhua: http://michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk
Decadent Kane: http://http://decadentkane.blogspot.com/

ROW80 Check-in #94 Hurry Up and Wait

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Hello Weekend Writing Warriors. I’ll be taking a couple weeks off while I finish my latest WIPs. I’ll be back soon.

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

I’ve been busting my butt on three manuscripts. One I’ve already sent to a beta, but couldn’t get the end of the story out of my head. Now, I know why. There was something missing. This week, I added that something missing and forwarded the updated chapter to my beta.

Nice.

I moved right on to another manuscript. Finished another read through/polishing pass and sent it to a different beta.

Score.

I didn’t stop there. I took another look at the third manuscript, realized it was ready for a second pair of eyes and sent it to yet a different beta reader.

Three manuscripts out to beta readers.

Love it!

To be honest. I have no idea which of the three I’ll get back first or which is in the best shape. Good news. I love each of these stories and I cannot wait to share them. I just hope one of them will be in its best possible shape soon so I can hit send.

I want to hit send.

So much work and now I have so much waiting to do. Ugh. I will not be twiddling my thumbs while I wait to hear back from the betas. I’ve begun work on a new short story. 🙂

The Goals – week-10 results

    • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done.
    • Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- done. I added 1k between the three manuscripts this week.
    • Take care of and be kind to myself (start w/ a relaxing ritual and daily breaks from technology)– done. I had a crazy week. I busted my butt all week and then on Friday I drove to my home town and surprised one of my best friends. Our other best friend flew home from Seattle too. We surprised the heck out of our friend. It was AWESOME!! I may be exhausted now, but it was so worth it. I love those girls. They lift my spirits and inspired no less than 5 stories in one night. 🙂

What you might have missed here this week:

I had no new posts last week. Sorry about that, but I’ll have a few posts this week, including a review for a fabulous book by one of my favorite authors. Loved it! A cover reveal on Tuesday and new flash fiction at the end of the week. It’s going to be a great week here at the Maylee ehouse.