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VBT: Breathing Through the Night by David Pfingst
18 hours ago
Showing posts with label new releases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new releases. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Today is the day... Kitchen Matches releases!
Patience: A minor form of despair disguised as a virtue. ~Ambrose Bierce
Yep, I'm told "Kitchen Matches" releases today. Unfortunately, it's not up yet. Why isn't everyone on Eastern time AND an early riser??
:-)
In any case, I'll let you know when I find it up for sale (or, if you check and it is, let ME know, lol).
To whet your appetite, here is a little taste of "Kitchen Matches":
“Leave your lights on?” She said this automatically. That question was the first thing to ask when a car wouldn’t start. Still, the guy was always pretty sharp in class so she couldn’t imagine him doing something that absent-minded.
“Not that I recall.”
“Did you check?”
“If they were burned out, how could I check?”
She stared at him for a moment to see if he was serious. The expression on his face was as innocent as a newborn baby’s, so he was serious as a heart attack. “First off, they wouldn’t burn out. Your battery would die first. Second, you could see if the switch was turned on.” She pulled in beside his van and revised her initial opinion of how sharp he was.
“Huh.” He shrugged. “Hadn’t thought of that.” He raked a hand through his dark hair, hair that was long enough to pull into a tiny ponytail in the back, something he occasionally did in class.
When a thick lock flopped back across his forehead, she fought the urge to brush the dark curl back into place. His mass of hair was far longer than her own, and that thought made her so self-conscious, she tugged her hat down tighter on her head.
“Let’s go take a look,” Cori said, determined not to think about how much she wished she looked like a girl right now. What was it about this guy that turned her normally strong spine into mush? Next thing you knew, she’d giggle and blush. Ick.
She opened her door and swung down to the ground. He slid the van door open for her and inserted the key into the ignition. When she turned the key and nothing happened, she popped the hood. “I’ll give the battery a jump. You get in and try it when I say when.”
“Try what?”
“Turning the key.” Dear heavens, the guy was utterly helpless. “You mean to tell me you’ve never jumped a battery before?”
“I imagine I’ve done that about as many times as you’ve made chicken cordon bleu.”
“Hey…I’ve made it.” She hated that her voice sounded petulant. But, she had made it before. In his class, the first week. Never mind that she’d caused a ruckus by flinging the chicken breast two stoves over when the hunk of meat had stuck to the stupid wooden hammer thingie she was using to pound it out. The other students hadn’t minded, not even the one who’d gotten the slimy bit of poultry right in the kisser.
He looked at her and one corner of his mouth twitched in what might have been amusement. “See, there’s a first time for everything. Just walk me through the procedure, step-by-step, would you? I may be untaught, but I’m far from unteachable.”
He looked so earnest and unoffended by her shock, Cori couldn’t help but agree to his request. She shoved up the van’s hood, standing on tip-toe and pushing it with her fingertips to get it all the way into place. At the sight of the battery, she cringed. “Geez. Yuck.”
“What?” He stood behind her, looking over her shoulder.
Surely she shivered at the cold, and not at his proximity. She shrugged off the feeling and pointed.
“Your battery is corroded. It’s a wonder your engine has started at all lately.” She stepped back and tromped on his toe with her boot. At his grunt, she said, “Sorry. But, back off a little. I need some space to think.” And to let her nerves settle down.
“Can’t you just jump it?”
She rolled her eyes at him. “Yeah, maybe, but I’d rather not crud up my cables and jumping that mess of a battery really wouldn’t fix the real problem. It would be like treating cancer with aspirin. How about a free tow instead?”
He looked at her, suspicion in his blue eyes. “What’s the catch? I mean, you don’t even like me.”
“Not like you?” She snorted. “I’d say it’s the other way around, teach.”
He stared, blinking owl-like, but said nothing.
She shifted nervously from foot to foot. Finally, she couldn’t take the silence a minute longer. “Well? You want to stay here or can I take you and your van somewhere?”
“I’m fairly new in town and don’t know any good car repairmen.”
“I do.”
“Oh? Do you get a kickback for referring me?”
“See…I knew you didn’t like me.” She smirked. “And, no I don’t get a kickback, exactly.”
“What’s ‘exactly’ mean?”
“I mean that it’s me.” She stuffed her cold hands into her jacket pockets and rocked back on her heels.
“It’s you, what?”
“I’m a reputable car repairman.”
He stared at her again, and that little habit of his was really making her uncomfortable. That look cut through her tough outer skin, right to her soft and easily embarrassed center. His gaze scooted up to her face, down to her toes and back again. The look was as soft as a caress and she fisted her hands, annoyed at her body’s reaction to it.
“You’re no man,” he announced.
“What? Are you some kind of Neanderthal? You think because of my chromosomes I can’t fix a minivan?”
“I didn’t say that.” The corner of his mouth turned up in a smile, the first real one ever aimed in her direction. “You called yourself a repairman, and I only said that you aren’t a man. That’s a fact. Despite your dress and demeanor, you are very much a woman.”
A thrill of attraction shivered up her spine and left her unable to speak coherently. She fell back on a simple, “Oh.”
=============================
It's raining. Again. Or maybe that's "still". I'm fairly certain I have webbing growing between my toes and fingers. Ugh.
What's up with the Degree commercials (YouTube video here) and Eureka this past week? Is that just weird or what? I did find the reason why here.
Not sure I'm liking the idea though.
Am writing ... working on a short story for TWRP's "Got Wolf" contest. Don't know if I'm going to make it, though, as the deadline is August 31st. But, hey... I still have two whole weeks. And, I've always said I work better under pressure! Yesterday, Chris and I were gabbing via IM and mentioned that neither of us were finding time to write. I said: how about now? Let's both just stop doing what we're doing and write for thirty minutes (or until she is interrupted -- she has FOUR boys, and one is an infant) and see how it goes. We did, and we both got right around 1000 words. Not too shabby.
I'm about ready to give up on my Dd -- Dakota. I half wonder if she is just not trainable? I still can't get her leash trained, despite all sorts of advice (it took me half an hour to get 1/8 of a mile yesterday, what with all the turning around every time she pulled). She's also begun peeing in the house again, for no apparent reason, so we're doing what we did for her as a puppy -- outside after every meal, and out every hour or so. But, up until this week, she's always asked to go outside and now? .... Nope. She still eats the plants, and the couch, and the rugs, and boxes, and books, and .... even though she knows she isn't supposed to (she comes up to me and apologizes for it, even before I know she's done anything). Color me frustrated. It's a good thing she's cute.
I'm addicted to Bowling Buddies on Facebook. Just saying.
============================
Yep, I'm told "Kitchen Matches" releases today. Unfortunately, it's not up yet. Why isn't everyone on Eastern time AND an early riser??
:-)
In any case, I'll let you know when I find it up for sale (or, if you check and it is, let ME know, lol).
To whet your appetite, here is a little taste of "Kitchen Matches":
“Leave your lights on?” She said this automatically. That question was the first thing to ask when a car wouldn’t start. Still, the guy was always pretty sharp in class so she couldn’t imagine him doing something that absent-minded.
“Not that I recall.”
“Did you check?”
“If they were burned out, how could I check?”
She stared at him for a moment to see if he was serious. The expression on his face was as innocent as a newborn baby’s, so he was serious as a heart attack. “First off, they wouldn’t burn out. Your battery would die first. Second, you could see if the switch was turned on.” She pulled in beside his van and revised her initial opinion of how sharp he was.
“Huh.” He shrugged. “Hadn’t thought of that.” He raked a hand through his dark hair, hair that was long enough to pull into a tiny ponytail in the back, something he occasionally did in class.
When a thick lock flopped back across his forehead, she fought the urge to brush the dark curl back into place. His mass of hair was far longer than her own, and that thought made her so self-conscious, she tugged her hat down tighter on her head.
“Let’s go take a look,” Cori said, determined not to think about how much she wished she looked like a girl right now. What was it about this guy that turned her normally strong spine into mush? Next thing you knew, she’d giggle and blush. Ick.
She opened her door and swung down to the ground. He slid the van door open for her and inserted the key into the ignition. When she turned the key and nothing happened, she popped the hood. “I’ll give the battery a jump. You get in and try it when I say when.”
“Try what?”
“Turning the key.” Dear heavens, the guy was utterly helpless. “You mean to tell me you’ve never jumped a battery before?”
“I imagine I’ve done that about as many times as you’ve made chicken cordon bleu.”
“Hey…I’ve made it.” She hated that her voice sounded petulant. But, she had made it before. In his class, the first week. Never mind that she’d caused a ruckus by flinging the chicken breast two stoves over when the hunk of meat had stuck to the stupid wooden hammer thingie she was using to pound it out. The other students hadn’t minded, not even the one who’d gotten the slimy bit of poultry right in the kisser.
He looked at her and one corner of his mouth twitched in what might have been amusement. “See, there’s a first time for everything. Just walk me through the procedure, step-by-step, would you? I may be untaught, but I’m far from unteachable.”
He looked so earnest and unoffended by her shock, Cori couldn’t help but agree to his request. She shoved up the van’s hood, standing on tip-toe and pushing it with her fingertips to get it all the way into place. At the sight of the battery, she cringed. “Geez. Yuck.”
“What?” He stood behind her, looking over her shoulder.
Surely she shivered at the cold, and not at his proximity. She shrugged off the feeling and pointed.
“Your battery is corroded. It’s a wonder your engine has started at all lately.” She stepped back and tromped on his toe with her boot. At his grunt, she said, “Sorry. But, back off a little. I need some space to think.” And to let her nerves settle down.
“Can’t you just jump it?”
She rolled her eyes at him. “Yeah, maybe, but I’d rather not crud up my cables and jumping that mess of a battery really wouldn’t fix the real problem. It would be like treating cancer with aspirin. How about a free tow instead?”
He looked at her, suspicion in his blue eyes. “What’s the catch? I mean, you don’t even like me.”
“Not like you?” She snorted. “I’d say it’s the other way around, teach.”
He stared, blinking owl-like, but said nothing.
She shifted nervously from foot to foot. Finally, she couldn’t take the silence a minute longer. “Well? You want to stay here or can I take you and your van somewhere?”
“I’m fairly new in town and don’t know any good car repairmen.”
“I do.”
“Oh? Do you get a kickback for referring me?”
“See…I knew you didn’t like me.” She smirked. “And, no I don’t get a kickback, exactly.”
“What’s ‘exactly’ mean?”
“I mean that it’s me.” She stuffed her cold hands into her jacket pockets and rocked back on her heels.
“It’s you, what?”
“I’m a reputable car repairman.”
He stared at her again, and that little habit of his was really making her uncomfortable. That look cut through her tough outer skin, right to her soft and easily embarrassed center. His gaze scooted up to her face, down to her toes and back again. The look was as soft as a caress and she fisted her hands, annoyed at her body’s reaction to it.
“You’re no man,” he announced.
“What? Are you some kind of Neanderthal? You think because of my chromosomes I can’t fix a minivan?”
“I didn’t say that.” The corner of his mouth turned up in a smile, the first real one ever aimed in her direction. “You called yourself a repairman, and I only said that you aren’t a man. That’s a fact. Despite your dress and demeanor, you are very much a woman.”
A thrill of attraction shivered up her spine and left her unable to speak coherently. She fell back on a simple, “Oh.”
=============================
It's raining. Again. Or maybe that's "still". I'm fairly certain I have webbing growing between my toes and fingers. Ugh.
What's up with the Degree commercials (YouTube video here) and Eureka this past week? Is that just weird or what? I did find the reason why here.
Not sure I'm liking the idea though.
Am writing ... working on a short story for TWRP's "Got Wolf" contest. Don't know if I'm going to make it, though, as the deadline is August 31st. But, hey... I still have two whole weeks. And, I've always said I work better under pressure! Yesterday, Chris and I were gabbing via IM and mentioned that neither of us were finding time to write. I said: how about now? Let's both just stop doing what we're doing and write for thirty minutes (or until she is interrupted -- she has FOUR boys, and one is an infant) and see how it goes. We did, and we both got right around 1000 words. Not too shabby.
I'm about ready to give up on my Dd -- Dakota. I half wonder if she is just not trainable? I still can't get her leash trained, despite all sorts of advice (it took me half an hour to get 1/8 of a mile yesterday, what with all the turning around every time she pulled). She's also begun peeing in the house again, for no apparent reason, so we're doing what we did for her as a puppy -- outside after every meal, and out every hour or so. But, up until this week, she's always asked to go outside and now? .... Nope. She still eats the plants, and the couch, and the rugs, and boxes, and books, and .... even though she knows she isn't supposed to (she comes up to me and apologizes for it, even before I know she's done anything). Color me frustrated. It's a good thing she's cute.
I'm addicted to Bowling Buddies on Facebook. Just saying.
============================
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Kitchen Matches
When one of my plants dies, I die a little inside, too. ~Linda Solegato
So... I have a release coming up in ten days, for Kitchen Matches. And totally forgot because of all the hullaballo involved with the LASR Anniversary Contest. (Today, BTW, you can win a huge prize package of autographed books, CD, perfume and more... you should check it out).
Thing is: I LOVE this story. I only wish is was longer, because I also LOVE the cover and would adore having it in print.
In any case, I'm trying to think of a good contest to run with it. Hopefully, by Monday morning, I'll have thought of something -- I'm open to suggestions! What kinds of things do YOU like to win in a contest?
========================
Our Tussock Moth larvae have reappeared, much larger, but in smaller numbers. I assume many of them died (which is probably a good thing, given how many there were). BUT, I found a new batch of them yesterday. My milkweed is going to be decimated. I suppose that's what it's there for, though, right? For the critters to eat?
My squash plants blessed me with ONE squash yesterday afternoon, so I'm going to make squash muffins for breakfast. Yum.
I moved rocks yesterday. From my "vole garden". I didn't realize just how many rocks we had there. Worse, the wheelbarrow has a flat tire, something I didn't realize until I'd loaded it up and moved about ten feet. By then, I couldn't just leave it in the middle of the lawn (should have gotten a clue by how hard it was to push... silly me), so I had to haul them by hand out back. We live on a chunk of land, so it wasn't that easy of a task.
Worse, despite the eight million rocks I moved yesterday, I still have at least that number to move today. And, yes, I may be exaggerating just a little.
Here's a picture of the garden from last year... take a look at the size of those rocks! They not only surround the garden, but are also strategically placed throughout:
It used to be so pretty.
And the voles came and made it a desolate wasteland. They ate everything: the hosta, the columbine, the crocus, the iris, the liatris... even the roots off my dragonsblood sedum. And, no I don't have pictures of the disaster that is Vole Hill. And, no, I didn't take those pictures in January -- I wish. Ha. I just forgot to set the date on my camera.
So. I'm moving rocks today. What are YOU doing?
===============================
So... I have a release coming up in ten days, for Kitchen Matches. And totally forgot because of all the hullaballo involved with the LASR Anniversary Contest. (Today, BTW, you can win a huge prize package of autographed books, CD, perfume and more... you should check it out).
Thing is: I LOVE this story. I only wish is was longer, because I also LOVE the cover and would adore having it in print.
In any case, I'm trying to think of a good contest to run with it. Hopefully, by Monday morning, I'll have thought of something -- I'm open to suggestions! What kinds of things do YOU like to win in a contest?
========================
Our Tussock Moth larvae have reappeared, much larger, but in smaller numbers. I assume many of them died (which is probably a good thing, given how many there were). BUT, I found a new batch of them yesterday. My milkweed is going to be decimated. I suppose that's what it's there for, though, right? For the critters to eat?
My squash plants blessed me with ONE squash yesterday afternoon, so I'm going to make squash muffins for breakfast. Yum.
I moved rocks yesterday. From my "vole garden". I didn't realize just how many rocks we had there. Worse, the wheelbarrow has a flat tire, something I didn't realize until I'd loaded it up and moved about ten feet. By then, I couldn't just leave it in the middle of the lawn (should have gotten a clue by how hard it was to push... silly me), so I had to haul them by hand out back. We live on a chunk of land, so it wasn't that easy of a task.
Worse, despite the eight million rocks I moved yesterday, I still have at least that number to move today. And, yes, I may be exaggerating just a little.
Here's a picture of the garden from last year... take a look at the size of those rocks! They not only surround the garden, but are also strategically placed throughout:
It used to be so pretty.
And the voles came and made it a desolate wasteland. They ate everything: the hosta, the columbine, the crocus, the iris, the liatris... even the roots off my dragonsblood sedum. And, no I don't have pictures of the disaster that is Vole Hill. And, no, I didn't take those pictures in January -- I wish. Ha. I just forgot to set the date on my camera.
So. I'm moving rocks today. What are YOU doing?
===============================
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Released! A Change of Heart!
"I want to escape the unrest, to shut out the voices around me and within me, and so I write." - Franz Kafka
My scheduled guest blogger was a no-show today, which actually worked out well for me since it's my release day!!! Now, I can do all this, and not feel guilty:
It's finally HERE! Yay! And the winner of yesterday's contest for a free PDF copy of my story, "A Change of Heart" is AMY!! Amy, email me a marianne AT mariannearkins DOT com and I'll get that out to you.
This story was a challenge I made to myself. I wanted to take a cliche (the secret baby cowboy story) and set it on its ear a bit. That ear-setting was one of the first things my editor mentioned when she contracted the story. I hope you all enjoy it as well!
=============================
To the folks who asked me to do a blog post on creating a book trailer... I'm certainly no pro! It was agonizing for me, and was actually the second I'd created (I played around with one for "Pregnancy Cravings", but it's just not good enough to show anyone at this point).
Still, I'll keep that in mind for a post at a later date after I've messed around a bit more and get better at it!
Thanks.
==============================
Some pictures DD-- the budding photographer -- took yesterday:
And a picture I took -- the dog was looking for DD and when she found her it was full speed ahead and a tackle:
=======================
It isn't easy being green. You knew I had to say that, right?
My scheduled guest blogger was a no-show today, which actually worked out well for me since it's my release day!!! Now, I can do all this, and not feel guilty:
It's finally HERE! Yay! And the winner of yesterday's contest for a free PDF copy of my story, "A Change of Heart" is AMY!! Amy, email me a marianne AT mariannearkins DOT com and I'll get that out to you.
This story was a challenge I made to myself. I wanted to take a cliche (the secret baby cowboy story) and set it on its ear a bit. That ear-setting was one of the first things my editor mentioned when she contracted the story. I hope you all enjoy it as well!
Excerpt:
When the bell over the ice cream shop entrance rang, Emily dried her hands on the towel hanging from her waist. She stepped through the doorway, a smile on her face. That smile froze as hard as a fresh bucket of ice cream at the sight before her.
Jacob Langley.
"Hey, Emily." He said it like it had been six days since the last time he'd seen her instead of nearly six years.
"Jake." Her throat was tight with fury and hurt and she could barely speak. "What do you want?"
"Some of that caramel peanut butter ice cream on a sugar cone if you don't mind." He flashed his best grin.
Did he think they were still best friends like they were all through school? Had he forgotten what he'd done to her? Worse, what he'd done to Casey? If he thought she'd let him stay in her place any longer, he was mistaken. "Sorry. We're all out." Emily's gaze never wavered, her smile didn't thaw.
"Funny, I'm looking at it right there in front of me." He pointed through the glass case.
She tapped a sign behind her. "Then I guess I'm exercising my rights."
He pursed his lips and read the bold, black words printed on the white board: We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.
Click here to buy your own copy of this 80 page story!
=============================
To the folks who asked me to do a blog post on creating a book trailer... I'm certainly no pro! It was agonizing for me, and was actually the second I'd created (I played around with one for "Pregnancy Cravings", but it's just not good enough to show anyone at this point).
Still, I'll keep that in mind for a post at a later date after I've messed around a bit more and get better at it!
Thanks.
==============================
Some pictures DD-- the budding photographer -- took yesterday:
And a picture I took -- the dog was looking for DD and when she found her it was full speed ahead and a tackle:
=======================
Your Mind is Green |
 Of all the mind types, yours has the most balance. You are able to see all sides to most problems and are a good problem solver. You need time to work out your thoughts, but you don't get stuck in bad thinking patterns. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the future, philosophy, and relationships (both personal and intellectual). |
It isn't easy being green. You knew I had to say that, right?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
So Busy and Contests!
A good book is always on tap; it may be decanted and drunk a hundred times, and it is still there for further imbibement. ~Holbrook Jackson
Do you ever get so busy that you forget something important? Yanno, like an upcoming release?
Cuz, I did! My next story with The Wild Rose Press comes out tomorrow and I all but forgot. I also forgot to do anything to celebrate, so I'm going to give away a copy of it to one lucky blog commenter from today! It releases tomorrow, so I'll make the winning announcement tomorrow morning so, if you don't win, you can hurry on over and buy it! ***VBG***
Here's the scoop on the story:
Check out my first ever trailer made by ME!!
It's a little blurry, which is odd because it wasn't on Movie Maker.
========================
Do you ever get so busy that you forget something important? Yanno, like an upcoming release?
Cuz, I did! My next story with The Wild Rose Press comes out tomorrow and I all but forgot. I also forgot to do anything to celebrate, so I'm going to give away a copy of it to one lucky blog commenter from today! It releases tomorrow, so I'll make the winning announcement tomorrow morning so, if you don't win, you can hurry on over and buy it! ***VBG***
Here's the scoop on the story:
Returning to Wyoming after a six-year absence, Jake Langley finds more than just changes in the now run down family ranch. His warm feelings for a former girlfriend have cooled, and he finds himself drawn to her sister and his former best friend, Emily. His discovery of the sisters' well-kept secret, however, upsets his long-term plans and sets duty against his heart's desire. Now, four hearts and four lives will be changed, forever.
Check out my first ever trailer made by ME!!
It's a little blurry, which is odd because it wasn't on Movie Maker.
========================
You Are a Carousel |
 You are young at heart and a truly playful person. No one would ever accuse you of taking life too seriously. You are definitely in things for the fun. You find joy easily, and you are often building up anticipation for your next adventure. In relationships, you tend to want to be babied and taken care of. And while you may be a bit high maintenance, you are incredibly loyal. Your life is simple and satisfying. Each day you treat yourself to something you enjoy. You have a lot of emotional attachments, and experiences are extra vivid to you. You tend to be nostalgic and sentimental. The past is important to you. Comfortable around all living things, you have a special connection to animals and children. At your best, you are whimsical, free spirited, and creative. Even if your schemes seem a bit strange, they usually work out wonderfully. At your worst, you are spoiled, demanding, and impossible to satisfy. You've been known to act like a brat if you aren't getting your way! |
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Book Launch! One Love For Liv -- Available Now!
Finally!!!!
****VIRTUAL TOUR INFO****
Today I am being interviewed at The Long and the Short of It. Come by and visit!
*******************************
AN EXCERPT TO WET YOUR WHISTLE...
Liv Leigh tugged a faded Boston College sweatshirt over her head, careful not to dislodge the wig covering her platinum blond hair.
“Marissa, you’re a miracle worker.” Liv turned in a tight circle in front of the full-length mirror in her office, alternately pleased and dismayed by her appearance.
The reflection didn’t match the picture of herself Liv carried in her head. Instead she saw a petite brunette dressed in snug, tattered jeans and a sweatshirt two sizes too big. Olivia Leslie Leigh, wealthy socialite, owner of the exclusive Pamper Me Salon and Day Spa and Boston’s Young Businesswoman of the Year, wouldn’t be caught dead in such an outfit. Perfect.
Marissa pursed her dark red lips and gave Liv the once-over with a critical eye. “You’ll do.”
Liv smiled and gave a sharp nod of encouragement to her reflection. Time to start her new life as a private investigator.
“Key?” Liv stuck out her hand.
Marissa grinned when she handed over the single key that dangled from a huge plastic baseball. “Don’t wreck my car.”
“Your car is already a wreck. That’s the whole point of my taking it.” Liv’s fingers closed over the cool bit of metal, and for the first time she wondered if she was doing the right thing. She loved Geoff, didn’t she? She’d tried to confront him earlier in the day, but couldn’t get through his secretary. What other choice did she have? Still…didn’t real love require trust?
Marissa must have sensed her mood because she snatched a pile of receipts off Liv’s desk and waved them in front of her nose—receipts found in Geoff’s jacket pocket only the night before. “Dinner at The Torch restaurant. Roses from Beacon Hill Florist. Lucky Lady Lingerie.” She stuffed them into Liv’s purse and closed it with a snap. “Don’t go soft on me now, boss.”
“You’re right.” Liv’s resolve returned, along with the vision of some sleazy woman draped over her fiancé’s bed, wearing nothing but a slinky teddy purchased at the Lucky Lady and a come-hither smile. “I need to know if Geoff’s a lowlife cheating scumbag or the wonderful man I’m going to marry in three weeks.”
“That’s my girl. Now get.” Marissa shooed Liv out the door with the backs of both hands.
Liv hurried out the rear exit of the spa and into the driver’s seat of the beat-up sedan, trying to ignore the huge crack in the dull brown dashboard and the rips in the vinyl seat beneath her slim legs.
With one last longing gaze at her shiny black Miata, she drove out of the parking lot and headed to Geoff’s home.
When he’d canceled their lunch date today, the day before he left on a short business trip, she’d grown suspicious. Since their engagement three months ago, they hadn’t gone twenty-four hours without seeing each other—except when Geoff was out of town. He should have been desperate to see her one last time before he left.
Surely there was an explanation for this. And yet, when she’d phoned to discuss it with him, his secretary had indicated he could not be disturbed, was in a meeting all morning and then would be at home, but still unavailable until four o’clock. Didn’t Miss Leigh check her voice mail? She was certain Mr. Quigley had called to cancel their lunch date.
Sure enough, Geoff had called and begged off. He was terribly busy, and something unexpected had arisen. He’d make it up to her when he arrived back in town.
A meeting? That Liv could understand. Life with Daddy had prepared her for small disappointments. Business came first, after all. But as long as she’d known him, Geoff had never left his job at her father’s law office early. Why would he do so today, just to go home? Could it have something to do with the receipt from Lucky Lady Lingerie? Maybe he was meeting the lucky lady herself. If so, she intended to find out.
*****************************
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN
Enter to win this spa set, along with a big Lindor dark chocolate bar and two books of your choice from my Library Thing list (the two pictured are just a "serving suggestion"!) AND either a free download of "One Love For Liv" --or-- if you already bought it (and why wouldn't you?), a $5 gift certificate to MBaM (the Samhain bookstore) or Amazon.com!
See contest details on my website!
Thanks and good luck!
One Love For Liv"
by Marianne Arkins
Liv is out to prove her high society fiancé is cheating on her. Can she do it without breaking a nail—or falling in love with Mike the mechanic?
Olivia “Liv” Leigh, wealthy socialite and spa owner, suspects her fiancé of cheating on her. Drastic steps are required to discover whether appearances are deceiving. And if those steps require a bit of stalking, a change of appearance, a hippo-sized dog named Spike, and sacrificing her manicure to clean house for a sexy-but-sloppy man whose neighbor is determined to break several of the strangest Guinness world records, why should that be a problem?
Mike, a happily single auto mechanic, is more than content sharing his bachelor pad with piles of laundry, dirty dishes, and a sneaky ferret. But when a half-crazed woman in a bad wig shows up on his doorstep, what’s a nice guy to do? Why, invite her in, unknowingly help her in her search for the truth and, in the process, fall head over heels for a woman who’s never been less his type.
Today I am being interviewed at The Long and the Short of It. Come by and visit!
*******************************
AN EXCERPT TO WET YOUR WHISTLE...
Liv Leigh tugged a faded Boston College sweatshirt over her head, careful not to dislodge the wig covering her platinum blond hair.
“Marissa, you’re a miracle worker.” Liv turned in a tight circle in front of the full-length mirror in her office, alternately pleased and dismayed by her appearance.
The reflection didn’t match the picture of herself Liv carried in her head. Instead she saw a petite brunette dressed in snug, tattered jeans and a sweatshirt two sizes too big. Olivia Leslie Leigh, wealthy socialite, owner of the exclusive Pamper Me Salon and Day Spa and Boston’s Young Businesswoman of the Year, wouldn’t be caught dead in such an outfit. Perfect.
Marissa pursed her dark red lips and gave Liv the once-over with a critical eye. “You’ll do.”
Liv smiled and gave a sharp nod of encouragement to her reflection. Time to start her new life as a private investigator.
“Key?” Liv stuck out her hand.
Marissa grinned when she handed over the single key that dangled from a huge plastic baseball. “Don’t wreck my car.”
“Your car is already a wreck. That’s the whole point of my taking it.” Liv’s fingers closed over the cool bit of metal, and for the first time she wondered if she was doing the right thing. She loved Geoff, didn’t she? She’d tried to confront him earlier in the day, but couldn’t get through his secretary. What other choice did she have? Still…didn’t real love require trust?
Marissa must have sensed her mood because she snatched a pile of receipts off Liv’s desk and waved them in front of her nose—receipts found in Geoff’s jacket pocket only the night before. “Dinner at The Torch restaurant. Roses from Beacon Hill Florist. Lucky Lady Lingerie.” She stuffed them into Liv’s purse and closed it with a snap. “Don’t go soft on me now, boss.”
“You’re right.” Liv’s resolve returned, along with the vision of some sleazy woman draped over her fiancé’s bed, wearing nothing but a slinky teddy purchased at the Lucky Lady and a come-hither smile. “I need to know if Geoff’s a lowlife cheating scumbag or the wonderful man I’m going to marry in three weeks.”
“That’s my girl. Now get.” Marissa shooed Liv out the door with the backs of both hands.
Liv hurried out the rear exit of the spa and into the driver’s seat of the beat-up sedan, trying to ignore the huge crack in the dull brown dashboard and the rips in the vinyl seat beneath her slim legs.
With one last longing gaze at her shiny black Miata, she drove out of the parking lot and headed to Geoff’s home.
When he’d canceled their lunch date today, the day before he left on a short business trip, she’d grown suspicious. Since their engagement three months ago, they hadn’t gone twenty-four hours without seeing each other—except when Geoff was out of town. He should have been desperate to see her one last time before he left.
Surely there was an explanation for this. And yet, when she’d phoned to discuss it with him, his secretary had indicated he could not be disturbed, was in a meeting all morning and then would be at home, but still unavailable until four o’clock. Didn’t Miss Leigh check her voice mail? She was certain Mr. Quigley had called to cancel their lunch date.
Sure enough, Geoff had called and begged off. He was terribly busy, and something unexpected had arisen. He’d make it up to her when he arrived back in town.
A meeting? That Liv could understand. Life with Daddy had prepared her for small disappointments. Business came first, after all. But as long as she’d known him, Geoff had never left his job at her father’s law office early. Why would he do so today, just to go home? Could it have something to do with the receipt from Lucky Lady Lingerie? Maybe he was meeting the lucky lady herself. If so, she intended to find out.
*****************************
Enter to win this spa set, along with a big Lindor dark chocolate bar and two books of your choice from my Library Thing list (the two pictured are just a "serving suggestion"!) AND either a free download of "One Love For Liv" --or-- if you already bought it (and why wouldn't you?), a $5 gift certificate to MBaM (the Samhain bookstore) or Amazon.com!
See contest details on my website!
Thanks and good luck!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
This, That and The Other
Winter either bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail. ~ Proverb
I'm a little dopey today, so please allow me to ramble.
First off, The Preditors & Editors annual Poll began yesterday. I'm nominated for best short romance, and would love a few votes! Also, The Long and the Short Of It is up for Best Reviews Site. If you could find it in your heart to toss a vote in that direction, too, I'd appreciate it. Here are the links:
Best Short Romance (I'm up for "The Christmas Curse" AND "Pregnancy Cravings")
Best Reviews Site (It's on there twice... maybe y'all could vote for the top one, so we don't cancel ourselves out?).
And, hey, take a look around and vote other places. I know Allie is up for Best Long Romance for both of her books from last year ("Lost in Paradise" and "One Night In Boston")...and I'm sure she wouldn't say "no" to a vote or two, either.
Thanks!
==========================
Don't forget that the information about my latest release is in the post just below this one... K?
==========================
Your Daily Dakota -- it snowed yesterday. A lot. We got just around twelve inches that I shoveled, by hand because our snowblower isn't working, from our driveway. But, hey, the kids had fun:
Dakota loves to chase my DD down the hill when she is sledding. One of these days, things are going to get ugly...
Dakota knows that I keep dog food in my pocket because I'm trying to teach her to come when I call, no matter what she's doing. And, when she comes, she has to sit at my feet. She needs a "will work for food" sign:
And to answer one of you from yesterday (Dru?), Dakota wasn't looking AT anything in particular... just watching things out the door.
===================================
Dru asked where I get my quotes for my blog. I get them from lots of different places, and I have them all listed here on my website under "quotes sites".
===================================
I'm a little dopey today, so please allow me to ramble.
First off, The Preditors & Editors annual Poll began yesterday. I'm nominated for best short romance, and would love a few votes! Also, The Long and the Short Of It is up for Best Reviews Site. If you could find it in your heart to toss a vote in that direction, too, I'd appreciate it. Here are the links:
Best Short Romance (I'm up for "The Christmas Curse" AND "Pregnancy Cravings")
Best Reviews Site (It's on there twice... maybe y'all could vote for the top one, so we don't cancel ourselves out?).
And, hey, take a look around and vote other places. I know Allie is up for Best Long Romance for both of her books from last year ("Lost in Paradise" and "One Night In Boston")...and I'm sure she wouldn't say "no" to a vote or two, either.
Thanks!
==========================
Don't forget that the information about my latest release is in the post just below this one... K?
==========================
Your Daily Dakota -- it snowed yesterday. A lot. We got just around twelve inches that I shoveled, by hand because our snowblower isn't working, from our driveway. But, hey, the kids had fun:
Dakota loves to chase my DD down the hill when she is sledding. One of these days, things are going to get ugly...
Dakota knows that I keep dog food in my pocket because I'm trying to teach her to come when I call, no matter what she's doing. And, when she comes, she has to sit at my feet. She needs a "will work for food" sign:
And to answer one of you from yesterday (Dru?), Dakota wasn't looking AT anything in particular... just watching things out the door.
===================================
Dru asked where I get my quotes for my blog. I get them from lots of different places, and I have them all listed here on my website under "quotes sites".
===================================
| You Are Cherry Kiss Lip Gloss |
 You're a total girly girl who's every guy is sweet on. You take pleasure in the simple things in life, from cute t-shirts to stuffed animals. Any guy needs to match your romantic idealism to win your heart, which is why few have. No wonder Cherry your signature flavor. It's delicious, sugary, and fun - like you! |
RELEASED: Don't Fence Me In
I love this story for a lot of reasons, but the biggest is that my favorite uncle served in the Korean War, and this is a little bit of a tribute to him. It's also dedictated to all the men and women in uniform who have, and still do, serve and protect our great country.
Click to buy: Don't Fence Me In
It's June, 1953 and Lizzie Scott recently lost her brother, Seb, in the Korean War. When his friend and unit buddy, Jeremy McMasters, brings her Seb's "goodbye" letter, little does she know her life is about to change forever.
Want to win a copy of this, or any of my other stories? Just join up over at the LASR discussion group and respond to my post to enter. I'll do a drawing next Wednesday. Already have all my work (and why wouldn't you?) -- I'll buy you your choice of minature rose or rosette from The Wild Rose Press instead!
Good luck!
I'll be back later to gab a little more about shoveling the foot of snow out of my driveway, post the Daily Dakota, quiz and blab about other inconsequential stuff!
Click to buy: Don't Fence Me In
It's June, 1953 and Lizzie Scott recently lost her brother, Seb, in the Korean War. When his friend and unit buddy, Jeremy McMasters, brings her Seb's "goodbye" letter, little does she know her life is about to change forever.
Want to win a copy of this, or any of my other stories? Just join up over at the LASR discussion group and respond to my post to enter. I'll do a drawing next Wednesday. Already have all my work (and why wouldn't you?) -- I'll buy you your choice of minature rose or rosette from The Wild Rose Press instead!
Good luck!
I'll be back later to gab a little more about shoveling the foot of snow out of my driveway, post the Daily Dakota, quiz and blab about other inconsequential stuff!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce
Resolutions.
Every year I make them. Mostly, because if you have no goals, how do you know if you've done what you wanted to do?
I try to make them reasonable. I try to choose those that make me stretch a bit, but aren't so impossible that I give up.
I make more "business" goals than "personal" ones.
This year? I have to recognize how busy I am with everything, and keep things just within reach of my fingertips.
Some things are out of my control, so I won't say, "I will get published with XXX house this year."
My resolutions?
Personal:
Business:
That's it. It should all be attainable. We'll see how it goes.
What about you? Do you set goals for yourself? Do you find that goals energize you or stress you out? I love to have goals set -- it's like a map to help me find my way. I think it's one of the reasons I enjoy doing NaNoWriMo so much: I have my eye on the goal.
=======================
Your Daily Dakota -- her new favorite pastime:
And, as a bonus shot, I give you the reason Santa should never, ever bring Sweetart candy canes:
===========================
And OH MY HEAVENS HOW DID I FORGET???
My next story, "Don't Fence Me In" releases TOMORROW!!! You remember, the one with the lovely cover?
If it's any incentive to buy... Judy tells me it makes her cry every time (yes, she's read it...right now she is my one and only crit partner!).
You can read a blurb and an excerpt (both at my website).
I should probably think of a promotion of some sort... Crikey. Where does the time go? Anyone have any thoughts for a great promotion I can set up in less than a day??
=============================
Resolutions.
Every year I make them. Mostly, because if you have no goals, how do you know if you've done what you wanted to do?
I try to make them reasonable. I try to choose those that make me stretch a bit, but aren't so impossible that I give up.
I make more "business" goals than "personal" ones.
This year? I have to recognize how busy I am with everything, and keep things just within reach of my fingertips.
Some things are out of my control, so I won't say, "I will get published with XXX house this year."
My resolutions?
Personal:
1. Raise a happy, friendly, obedient dog.
2. Raise a happy, intelligent, interesting daughter.
3. Eat right, exercise more (note: I'm more interested in being healthy than being thin).
4. Learn how to make more meals my husband likes to eat.
Business:
1. Find a home for "Kitchen Matches".
2. Finish "Camilla" and submit to a particular print press.
3. Write the two vintage short stories (set in 1933 and 1942).
4. Finish the fantasy I began during NaNo, and find a home for it.
5. Figure out promotions for "Liv" and apply toward all future releases.
6. Build LASR to be "the" reviews site on the web.
7. Learn better how to write in HTML/CSS.
8. Find a way to afford (and justify)going to RWA in San Francisco in July.
9. Practice writing articles and find homes for them.
10. Write something every day.
That's it. It should all be attainable. We'll see how it goes.
What about you? Do you set goals for yourself? Do you find that goals energize you or stress you out? I love to have goals set -- it's like a map to help me find my way. I think it's one of the reasons I enjoy doing NaNoWriMo so much: I have my eye on the goal.
=======================
Your Daily Dakota -- her new favorite pastime:
And, as a bonus shot, I give you the reason Santa should never, ever bring Sweetart candy canes:
===========================
And OH MY HEAVENS HOW DID I FORGET???
My next story, "Don't Fence Me In" releases TOMORROW!!! You remember, the one with the lovely cover?
If it's any incentive to buy... Judy tells me it makes her cry every time (yes, she's read it...right now she is my one and only crit partner!).
You can read a blurb and an excerpt (both at my website).
I should probably think of a promotion of some sort... Crikey. Where does the time go? Anyone have any thoughts for a great promotion I can set up in less than a day??
=============================
| You Are An Intro-Extrovert! |
 Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time. Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need variety! Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends - and they don't get along. |
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Christmas Curse -- Released!
================================The Christmas Curse
For Molly Scott, everything bad in her life has happened during the Christmas season, from training bras in her stocking to being jilted by her fiancé. This year is no exception.
Ten days before Christmas, she arrives at work to find her department closed down and everyone laid off. Desperate, she takes a job for a singing telegram service and, dressed as Mrs. Claus, meets the man of her dreams--who turns out to be a nightmare--in a broken-down elevator. The Christmas Curse is right on track.
WIN your own copy of this -- or your choice of ANY of my stories! It's easy...
Join the LASR "Let's Talk About Romance" Yahoo group and post a message--any message--between now and Friday. I'll draw a name from the posters to win, Win, WIN!!! If you already own all of my stories (and, hey--why wouldn't you??), I'll buy your choice of any other short story (miniature rose or rosette) from TWRP.
How's that for easy?
Just to whet your appetite, here is the excerpt from "The Christmas Curse":
Late as usual, Molly jogged toward the elevators. The one on the left was just closing, so she hollered, "Hold the door!" and leaped forward, slipping her arm inside the crack. She took a step and jammed the stiletto heel of her boot right into the crack where the elevator car met the floor. She teetered unsteadily, praying she wouldn't break a bone.
The doors lurched open and she lost any hope of staying upright when they did. She tumbled inside, heard the snap of her boot heel breaking and then tumbled onto another occupant, knocking them both to the barely padded floor.
"Oh no, I am so sorry!" She rolled to one side before sitting up to see who had cushioned her fall. The best looking man she'd ever seen lay on the floor, grinning up at her, and making no effort whatsoever to get to his feet.
"My pleasure." He propped his arms under his head. "Truly."
She jumped to her feet, forgetting she'd lost a heel in the door, lost her balance and fell again. At least she managed to land on her hands and knees above him like a bridge and didn't squash him.
"Sorry." She crawled to the door and wiggled the broken heel back and forth until it came out, wondering why the doors hadn't tried closing on her fingers. She glanced over her shoulder to find the man sitting up with his finger on the "Door Open" button.
"Thanks."
"No problem. What floor?"
"I need the penthouse, please."
"That's where I'm heading, too."
She pivoted away from his lopsided grin and nearly stepped on a rather small, ashen-faced man leaning in the corner. His body shuddered when the doors closed and the car started to move.
"Oh-kay…" She was stuck between drop-dead-handsome man and pasty-face man and had to figure out how to do her routine with a broken-heeled boot. She tucked said heel into one of the many pockets in her slicker lining and left the coat hanging open. She hoped the boot could be repaired. But because it was only a week before Christmas, she doubted she'd have any luck with that.
It was a little like the time, eight years before, when she'd performed an aria for the school Christmas program, unaware that two buttons on her dress were undone, thereby flashing the front of her ancient white bra, complete with holes and safety pins.
"So, you were invited to the party upstairs?" Handsome man broke into her thoughts. He climbed to his feet and moved beside her.
Molly nodded.
"I wasn't aware it was a costume party."
She crinkled her nose and shook her head. "I wouldn't know. I'm only the entertainment."
"Ahhh." He reached out a hand and flipped the bells on her collar. "So, Mrs. Claus, is the mister showing up tonight? Because, to be honest, I haven't been very good this year."
She had just opened her mouth to speak when the lights cut off and the elevator ground to a halt. Oh, dear heavens, she'd done it again.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Release Date and Dripping Sweat
"The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed." - Eminem
I know. I can't believe I'm quoting Eminem, either!
First off... congrats to the folks who guessed the song yesterday! It was, indeed, the theme from Rawhide. And, just for grins, I give you the Blues Brothers version:
===========================
I got the official release date for my Christmas story "The Christmas Curse"... after a bit of wrangling by my editor (you're a peach, Nancy!), I got the release date I'd hoped for -- November 19th. Mark your calendars, folks!
For Molly Scott, everything bad in her life has happened during the Christmas season, from training bras in her stocking to being jilted by her fiancé. This year is no exception.
Ten days before Christmas, she arrives at work to find her department closed down and everyone laid off. Desperate, she takes a job for a singing telegram service and, dressed as Mrs. Claus, meets the man of her dreams--who turns out to be a nightmare--in a broken down elevator. The Christmas Curse is right on track.
And, to whet your appetite, here's an excerpt:
Late as usual, Molly jogged toward the elevators. The one on the left was just closing, so she hollered, "Hold the door!" and leaped forward, slipping her arm inside the crack. She took a step and jammed the stiletto heel of her boot right into the crack where the elevator car met the floor. She teetered unsteadily, praying she wouldn't break a bone.
The doors lurched open and she lost any hope of staying upright when they did. She tumbled inside, heard the snap of her boot heel breaking and then tumbled onto another occupant, knocking them both to the barely padded floor.
"Oh no, I am so sorry!" She rolled to one side before sitting up to see who had cushioned her fall. The best looking man she'd ever seen lay on the floor, grinning up at her, and making no effort whatsoever to get to his feet.
"My pleasure." He propped his arms under his head. "Truly."
She jumped to her feet, forgetting she'd lost a heel in the door, lost her balance and fell again. At least she managed to land on her hands and knees above him like a bridge and didn't squash him.
"Sorry." She crawled to the door and wiggled the broken heel back and forth until it came out, wondering why the doors hadn't tried closing on her fingers. She glanced over her shoulder to find the man sitting up with his finger on the "Door Open" button.
"Thanks."
"No problem. What floor?"
"I need the penthouse, please."
"That's where I'm heading, too."
She pivoted away from his lopsided grin and nearly stepped on a rather small, ashen-faced man leaning in the corner. His body shuddered when the doors closed and the car started to move.
"Oh-kay…" She was stuck between drop-dead-handsome man and pasty-face man and had to figure out how to do her routine with a broken-heeled boot. She tucked said heel into one of the many pockets in her slicker lining and left the coat hanging open. She hoped the boot could be repaired. But because it was only a week before Christmas, she doubted she'd have any luck with that.
It was a little like the time, eight years before, when she'd performed an aria for the school Christmas program, unaware that two buttons on her dress were undone, thereby flashing the front of her ancient white bra, complete with holes and safety pins.
"So, you were invited to the party upstairs?" Handsome man broke into her thoughts. He climbed to his feet and moved beside her.
Molly nodded.
"I wasn't aware it was a costume party."
She crinkled her nose and shook her head. "I wouldn't know. I'm only the entertainment."
"Ahhh." He reached out a hand and flipped the bells on her collar. "So, Mrs. Claus, is the mister showing up tonight? Because, to be honest, I haven't been very good this year."
She had just opened her mouth to speak when the lights cut off and the elevator ground to a halt. Oh, dear heavens, she'd done it again.
==========================
I sweated successfully again yesterday! My daily goal is at least 1,000 words, and I managed 1,058!
My favorite line from yesterday's writing? It's this:
An interesting note: I went through the document and searched for "it". I then replaced about 85% of them with better nouns and descriptors. You know what? I gained almost 200 words! I was shocked. Happy, but shocked.
Woo!
===========================
Hey... I like Buffet! I DO NOT LIKE Red, Red Wine... GAH. Bores me to tears.
=============================
This looks pretty sharp, yes?
I know. I can't believe I'm quoting Eminem, either!
First off... congrats to the folks who guessed the song yesterday! It was, indeed, the theme from Rawhide. And, just for grins, I give you the Blues Brothers version:
===========================
I got the official release date for my Christmas story "The Christmas Curse"... after a bit of wrangling by my editor (you're a peach, Nancy!), I got the release date I'd hoped for -- November 19th. Mark your calendars, folks!
For Molly Scott, everything bad in her life has happened during the Christmas season, from training bras in her stocking to being jilted by her fiancé. This year is no exception.
Ten days before Christmas, she arrives at work to find her department closed down and everyone laid off. Desperate, she takes a job for a singing telegram service and, dressed as Mrs. Claus, meets the man of her dreams--who turns out to be a nightmare--in a broken down elevator. The Christmas Curse is right on track.
And, to whet your appetite, here's an excerpt:
Late as usual, Molly jogged toward the elevators. The one on the left was just closing, so she hollered, "Hold the door!" and leaped forward, slipping her arm inside the crack. She took a step and jammed the stiletto heel of her boot right into the crack where the elevator car met the floor. She teetered unsteadily, praying she wouldn't break a bone.
The doors lurched open and she lost any hope of staying upright when they did. She tumbled inside, heard the snap of her boot heel breaking and then tumbled onto another occupant, knocking them both to the barely padded floor.
"Oh no, I am so sorry!" She rolled to one side before sitting up to see who had cushioned her fall. The best looking man she'd ever seen lay on the floor, grinning up at her, and making no effort whatsoever to get to his feet.
"My pleasure." He propped his arms under his head. "Truly."
She jumped to her feet, forgetting she'd lost a heel in the door, lost her balance and fell again. At least she managed to land on her hands and knees above him like a bridge and didn't squash him.
"Sorry." She crawled to the door and wiggled the broken heel back and forth until it came out, wondering why the doors hadn't tried closing on her fingers. She glanced over her shoulder to find the man sitting up with his finger on the "Door Open" button.
"Thanks."
"No problem. What floor?"
"I need the penthouse, please."
"That's where I'm heading, too."
She pivoted away from his lopsided grin and nearly stepped on a rather small, ashen-faced man leaning in the corner. His body shuddered when the doors closed and the car started to move.
"Oh-kay…" She was stuck between drop-dead-handsome man and pasty-face man and had to figure out how to do her routine with a broken-heeled boot. She tucked said heel into one of the many pockets in her slicker lining and left the coat hanging open. She hoped the boot could be repaired. But because it was only a week before Christmas, she doubted she'd have any luck with that.
It was a little like the time, eight years before, when she'd performed an aria for the school Christmas program, unaware that two buttons on her dress were undone, thereby flashing the front of her ancient white bra, complete with holes and safety pins.
"So, you were invited to the party upstairs?" Handsome man broke into her thoughts. He climbed to his feet and moved beside her.
Molly nodded.
"I wasn't aware it was a costume party."
She crinkled her nose and shook her head. "I wouldn't know. I'm only the entertainment."
"Ahhh." He reached out a hand and flipped the bells on her collar. "So, Mrs. Claus, is the mister showing up tonight? Because, to be honest, I haven't been very good this year."
She had just opened her mouth to speak when the lights cut off and the elevator ground to a halt. Oh, dear heavens, she'd done it again.
==========================
I sweated successfully again yesterday! My daily goal is at least 1,000 words, and I managed 1,058!
My favorite line from yesterday's writing? It's this:
With one last, long look, he turned and left her sitting in the gutter with nothing but a lump on her skull and a broken heart.Though this was a close second:
She burned for him—moth to flame. Part of her knew she should fly away from this inferno that would devour her, but she couldn’t do more than hold on tight.Have I mentioned that I'm having a BLAST?
An interesting note: I went through the document and searched for "it". I then replaced about 85% of them with better nouns and descriptors. You know what? I gained almost 200 words! I was shocked. Happy, but shocked.
Woo!
===========================
| Your Karaoke Theme Song is "Margaritaville" |
 You are a true party animal, but your style is mild and chill. Kicking back with a few friends and a few drinks is all you need to be happy. You certainly don't feel pressured to be a part of any party scene. In fact, you avoid trendier spots. You've been known to kick loose anywhere and everywhere. All you need is a cooler. You might also sing: "Gin and Juice," "Love Shack," and "Red Red Wine" Stay away from people who sing: "Wind Beneath My Wings" |
Hey... I like Buffet! I DO NOT LIKE Red, Red Wine... GAH. Bores me to tears.
=============================
This looks pretty sharp, yes?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
RELEASED!! ** Win a Book!! **
"When I am dead, I hope it may be said: 'His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.'" - Hilaire Belloc
Woo!
Here are my new stories, released just this morning -- One lucky person who comments on this post will win a copy of "The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes" or a free download of any one of my available stories at "The Wild Rose Press", your choice (Contest ends 8/15/07 at midnight eastern time). Feel free (in fact, consider me on my knees begging) to spread the news of both the contest and my new releases!
Also, if you do happen to purchase one or both of these and then, of course, READ them-- would you please leave a review at the TWRP site?
And, Dru, I haven't a clue if you can download these stories to your PDA, not owning one myself, but I would assume so. Can anyone answer that question for Dru?
Thanks!!
=========================
Pillar Place: Monarch is getting very exciting! We hatched and released our first butterfly yesterday (yes, I have pictures, but getting them downloaded is difficult)! DD is certainly it was "Cutie". Finally, success!! It appears that we will have somewhere between 1 - 3 more to release today. One is Judy (poor Bob... he's a couple days behind), and DD will have to decide who the others are. What a thrill for all of us. Holding a butterfly in your hand is an amazing thing.
=========================
I have to admit to not knowing exactly how to feel about being compared to a bird who eats rotting meat...
Woo!
Here are my new stories, released just this morning -- One lucky person who comments on this post will win a copy of "The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes" or a free download of any one of my available stories at "The Wild Rose Press", your choice (Contest ends 8/15/07 at midnight eastern time). Feel free (in fact, consider me on my knees begging) to spread the news of both the contest and my new releases!
Pregnancy Cravings
Patrice would do anything for her pregnant friend, Cathy, even if "anything" includes running to the convenience store daily to indulge her cravings. On one excursion, Patrice meets Joey Sousa, the cashier at the store. Their attraction is undeniable, but awkward: he thinks she's pregnant, she thinks he's dating someone else. Will the misunderstandings keep them apart, or will their chance meeting give birth to happy ever after?
Magic
For fifteen years, seven friends have gathered for a vacation at Lake Wentworth, NH. This year is no different -- except this time, Cass Edwards has trouble looking at her best-friend-since-forever Ben Wilson as just a friend. Can two people in search of a future find it in a mutual past? Will love strengthen the bonds of their friendship or destroy them?
Also, if you do happen to purchase one or both of these and then, of course, READ them-- would you please leave a review at the TWRP site?
And, Dru, I haven't a clue if you can download these stories to your PDA, not owning one myself, but I would assume so. Can anyone answer that question for Dru?
Thanks!!
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Pillar Place: Monarch is getting very exciting! We hatched and released our first butterfly yesterday (yes, I have pictures, but getting them downloaded is difficult)! DD is certainly it was "Cutie". Finally, success!! It appears that we will have somewhere between 1 - 3 more to release today. One is Judy (poor Bob... he's a couple days behind), and DD will have to decide who the others are. What a thrill for all of us. Holding a butterfly in your hand is an amazing thing.
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| Your Power Bird is a Vulture |
 You are always changing your life and the lives of those around you. You aren't afraid to move on from what holds you back. Energetic and powerful, you have a nearly unlimited capacity for success. You know how to "go with the flow" and take advantage of what is given to you. |
I have to admit to not knowing exactly how to feel about being compared to a bird who eats rotting meat...
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