by Sarah | Jan 28, 2013 | Books, Challenge, Hybrid, Tuesday Tales, Writing
I’ve joined another weekly writing challenge called Tuesday Tales. I get a prompt every week and write what comes to mind. This first part flowed so well, I’ll probably try to continue the story, using prompts along the way.
As of now, this is untitled. It’s not my usual style to write in first person, so I’m on a learning curve, but it’s how the story wanted to be written.
Please keep in mind that this story is coming in short pieces and is all first draft, so spelling and grammar issues are possible.
This weeks prompt: Light.
The high pitched whine of a delivery truck’s brakes penetrated the sanctuary of peace I’d built. Heavy footsteps plodded through the snow, a shadowy form growing larger through the intricate frosted glass.
Tension started to wind its way through each of my relaxed muscles. The calm center I’d managed to find popped like a bubble at the peal of our insanely loud doorbell.
So much for meditation.
With the kids at school and husband at work I thought maybe I could manage to find peace and quiet for five minutes. That’s what I get for making plans.
“I could try again.” Even as I said it, I knew it was just too much work.
Besides, curiosity tugged my attention toward the door. Despite last year’s mad obsession with the home shopping channels, I’d been very good about not buying a whole lot this year. I couldn’t recall ordering anything in the past week.
Maybe Darren had ordered something.
I snorted as I rose to my feet. Darren wouldn’t order anything online. Doesn’t trust the internet, big brother, or the space needle. I have always thought it was adorable, really. The man didn’t even own a smartphone.
Everyone owns smartphones. Even everyone in the government he’s so afraid of.
I pulled open the door and found a small box, hardly worth shipping via the big shipping company. Addressed to Carolyn Riese. Me. Return address, oddly smudged until unreadable.
My hackles raised and I glanced around the quiet neighborhood.
Nothing out of the ordinary caught my eye, but my nerves stayed on edge. Winter covered every naked branch and home, covering the world in white silence. A loud scream from a hawk made me jump out of my skin. I found it high in a tree.
Despite the risk of a neighbor seeing I let my third lid blink so I could see beyond the normal. The moment the membrane restored my inhuman sight the world around me changed. Light shimmered and echoed through each snowflake until the ground itself was as blinding as the sun.
Rays of red light streamed down from the tree, echoing sun-dogs in its effect. The red-tailed hawk had revealed itself to be a phoenix.
They were watching me.
If I ignored the package, the consequence could be great.
“It’s only been fifteen years.”
The phoenix turned its head at my complaint, fiery wings flapping before it lifted into the air and soared toward me.
I snatched the box from the porch and slammed the door before he got too close. The box settled in my lap as I sank to the floor. It couldn’t be.
There was still an option to ignore the box, but if I did they’d turn my life upside down in worse ways than I could imagine.
I couldn’t let that happen.
*~*
Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
by Sarah | Jan 28, 2013 | Random
Ask me any day, any time, and I will tell you there is NOTHING better than Canadian chocolate. I’ve totally begged an old friend from Canada to send some over the border so I can nosh.
It’s not something I can get every day – so I have to say that I think I’ve found the next best thing.
See’s Candy.
I’m telling you, it’s epic.
I can safely say it’s the next best thing because Mrs. See (she’s real) is originally from Canada. So that woman knew chocolate when she came to the States.
I was so very fortunate to be able to head up to the See’s store with some of my favorite bloggers to gorge on sample some of their delicious treats.
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We got to learn all about the rich history of See’s Candy. Including fun trivia like the Lucy episode with the chocolate? It was filmed at See’s!
See’s candy is made from real, natural products. If you look at the side of the box – you can pronounce everything. Those real ingredients? YUM. The chocolate is smooth and rich – one piece almost feels like too much, but you eat it anyway.
Of course, everyone’s favorite part of the night was donning hair nets and creating our own box of candy. A little bit of competition to be the fastest didn’t hurt, either.
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I’ve already decided…while I’ve never been a Valentine’s person – I might have to lean on Erik this year to make a run to Keystone to get me a box of deliciousness. The one I brought home is almost empty…and that’s never a good thing.
by Sarah | Jan 28, 2013 | Book Release, Giveaway, Guest Authors, Writing
Today I’m happy to begin welcoming authors more frequently to the blog! I’m thrilled to start this process with fellow SCP author, Carolyn Wren, to announce her book release! Check out the end of the post to learn how YOU can win a PDF copy of The Scientist.
The Protectors
The Scientist is Book 2 in the 7 part Romantic Suspense series, The Protectors.
The books tell the tales of a group of covert agents who form a Protection Agency. Each story is designed to be different, as reflects the personality of the lead characters. We have Jared Knight in Book 1. Quiet, calm, preferring to remain inconspicuous when possible. In Book 2 we have Simon Winters, completely the opposite. Outrageous, cheeky, flamboyant. The other books will all have a different tone, from light and fast paced, to dark and emotional. Hopefully they build into an interesting, entertaining series for my readers.
The Scientist.
A charismatic covert operative known for his love of danger…
Simon Winters has a reputation for undertaking adrenalin filled assignments. But even thrill seekers need some down time. After an arduous desert mission he asks for a more enjoyable assignment. Preferably involving a beautiful woman in peril and a fast car.
Dr. Elizabeth Barrett’s life is quiet and orderly until someone tries to burn down her research laboratory with her inside. Now she has to contend with a handsome flirtatious agent living in her home. With his designer clothing and cheeky attitude, he has an annoying habit of putting her in more perilous situations than he keeps her out of.
Simon is captivated and intrigued by his beautiful scientist with her red hair and hidden fiery temper. But the danger escalates and what begins as a straightforward mission turns deadly when it seems someone wants Beth and her research dead.
Excerpt.
“Time to get ready.”
Beth lifted her head and blinked. “Already?”
“Yes, it’s past five. You don’t want to be late for the ceremony.”
“Do we really have to go?”
“Yes, my little reluctant celebrity, we really have to go. What’s the award for again? Apart from mold?”
“A young achievers award for a scientific research paper on the positive properties of bacteria.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. “See? It’s special. Okay, it’s gross, but special. Go and get ready.”
Beth wandered into the bathroom. Why does his touch always linger so much on my skin?
After putting on her usual light application of makeup, she dubiously held up the turquoise dress in front of herself in the bedroom mirror. Halter neck, the front and back seemed very low. It fell in layers of soft silk and would come to just above her knees. Laying the designer garment on the bed, she picked out two pairs of shoes and surveyed them both. Which ones? Beth had no idea.
Hearing a sound from the hall, she opened the door. “Simon, what do you think…?” The words dried up in her mouth. Broad shoulders and muscular arms filled her vision. The blond curls held droplets of water from his shower. The sprinkling of hair across his chest was also damp, and the towel draped over his hips did little to conceal the divine specimen of gorgeous almost-naked male standing in front of her.
“Sitting?”
Beth yanked her brain back into focus. He was talking to her.“You want me to sit?”
Simon waved the shoes in front of her face, having plucked them from her fingers without her even realizing. “I asked if we would be sitting. Isn’t it a cocktail party? Or are we sitting for dinner?”
“Cocktail party, I think, but why is that important?”
“These,” he held up the high heeled strappy black sandals, “are sitting shoes. These,” he jiggled the mid-heeled silver-gray plainer ones, “are standing shoes. How much do you want your feet to ache?”
“Not at all, preferably.”
“Good choice. Wear the gray. The dress has silver highlights. It will blend.” With that, he handed the two items back to her and continued along the corridor. Beth tried not to notice how the towel sat low across his back, just above muscular buttocks. I need bigger towels.
A discreet cough made her gaze fly upward to meet his amused grin as he peeked over his shoulder. “Are you staring at my backside, Dr. Barrett?”
“No, of course not.” Her denial was too loud, too husky. Feeling yet another stain of heat across her cheeks, she ducked back into her bedroom and wrenched the door closed.
***
Bio
I was born in England. My parents loved to travel as my dad spent many years in the navy. By the time I reached the age of 12 we had traveled pretty much around the world on cruise ships.
This sounds fun and exciting unless like me you can get sea sick sitting in a bathtub. Lets just say boats do not feature highly in my books.
I still love to travel, but I use planes. All of my life I have written stories in my head. I would rewrite and add characters to TV shows, edit and change novels I was reading, invent scenarios and scenes to amuse myself on long journeys. But strangely I never wrote any of them down. About three years ago I woke up with a scene so clear in my head I knew I had to put it down on paper. Now, what should I do with this one page of prose? I know, I will email it to some friends. The friends approved, in fact they asked what book it was from. I shyly admitted it was my own work and the reaction was immediate…please write the next bit! I did and I have not stopped writing since.
Links
Blog: www.carolynwrenauthor.wordpress.com
Website: www.carolynwren.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carolynwrenauthor
Book 1: The Diplomat’s Daughter
Book 2: The Scientist
*~*~*
Carolyn is going to give away a PDF copy of The Scientist to one lucky commenter!! So make sure you say hi, congratulations, or ask any questions you might have! It could win you a copy!
Thanks so much for visiting, Carolyn! Good luck with your release, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
by Sarah | Jan 27, 2013 | Photography, Scavenger Hunt Sunday
I’m shoulder deep in edits – so it’s a week of diving into the archives to meet the hunt..
All taken w/ Canon Rebel XS.
1. Lace
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2. Bling
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3. Wood
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4. Fuzzy
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5. Fabric
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You can find more pictures over at my flickr account.
Scavenger Hunt Sunday is run by the beautiful Ashley. Head on over to see more Hunters.
by Sarah | Jan 24, 2013 | All About Me, Blogging Life, Random
With freezing temps & sick kids & edits & hubs & birthdays & Disney on Ice & chaos all around…I can barely get a coherent thought together much less a coherent post.
So what do I do? I steal a post from the ever loverly Emily, who stole it from her…and so on and so forth. I love posts like these anyway, and so as soon as I saw it I knew I’d steal it – just wasn’t sure when or how soon – turns out pretty damn fast.
So, here you go. 48 Questions You Never Asked, but I’m answering anyway.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes! My Great-Grandmothers – both of them. Sarah (she went by Sadie) and Melissa. I love this story and will tell you it if you ask. EVERY.TIME. Yup. It’s one of the areas my narcissism shines.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I can’t give you an exact date but I know it was recent. There’s been much emotionally-stuffs going on.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Nope. My print is better than my cursive – but in a rush they both suck. I write like my Dad (sorry Dad).
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey Pastrami.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Three. Crazy. Insane. children. Love ’em most of the time.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Probably. I was always friends with the geeks & nerds…and I love theater people.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
NEVER (see also: ALWAYS).
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yup.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Hmmm. I used to say “No way in Hell would that happen”…but these days I’m more daring. I’d consider it (but probably chicken out).
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I hate cereal. But occasionally go through craving spurts where I eat Special K w/ strawberries (or fake-berries, whatevs).
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Never. Drives the husband up a wall.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Physically? Not nearly enough. Emotionally? Beyond imagination.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
I’m a simple girl. Vanilla with caramel sauce.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
If they’re smiling.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red. I hate pink, I have always hated pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My body. Especially after the picture gold mine from 10 years ago I sifted through last night. What HAPPENED to me?
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My best friend Jess. She lives WAY too far away and transporters need to be invented already.
18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
Budgeting. Seriously.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
At the time I’m writing this? Brown slippers – it’s 3* out and my floors are COLD.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Pulled pork. Last night’s dinner. Yum.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Currently the news is on in the background. When i’m writing it’s often either Hard Rock or Love Songs radio on Pandora (depending on which story I’m working on).
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Burnt Orange.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
The smell of the pipe tobacco my grampa used to smoke – it evokes many memories and lets me know he’s still watching over me.
Vanilla or almond.
The wisp of smoke from a freshly extinguished candle.
The first fresh blast of crisp winter air you get in fall…it’s always so clean and cold.
Gardenias. Reminds me of my grandmother and my wedding.
24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU?
They are very important to me…that doesn’t mean I’ll share them with you. I don’t talk politics to 99% of people. Or religion. I hate arguing so I don’t do it.
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Both. But really? Mountain hideaway would win if I had to choose.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
HOCKEY.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Currently? Chocolate Cherry. I like to experiment, though…so it could change at any time.
28. EYE COLOR?
Brown. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it (just don’t look too close especially when I’m wearing purple and they look green)
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes! Hate myself in glasses
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Sorry. I can’t pick. Too many good things.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I hate scary movies. Husband loves them…
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Madagascar 3. Probably 30 times since it was opened Christmas morning.
Oh, wait…the last movie I actually somewhat watched was INK. I missed portions of it, but it was an interesting and unique film.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Burgundy…until I change later.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Both? I love Summer…but I also love Winter. Hell, all the seasons have my vote.
35. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Mmmm….Cheesecake
36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Strength is preferred…but I get the importance of Cardio.
37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Computer.
38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Mine. This one of Mine, too. (Hey, I’m reading proof copies for errors, shush. I’m not that narcissistic…much).
Also, I’ve been re-reading Harry Potter Series, and am currently on my least favorite (and longest) of all the books, Order of the Phoenix.
Also Hunger Embraced (by my crit partner, fun & sexy book)
Also MWF seeking BFF, recommended by her.
Also…oh, I’ll stop now. Let’s just say I read multiple books at once, k?
39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
My mouse pad is my desk…so…a lot of crap. It needs a serious cleaning.
40. FAVORITE SOUND?
Rain.
41. FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC?
Uh…you can’t honestly expect me to pick?
42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Cafilornia. About 2 months before dah big quake in 89.
43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I can bark like a poodle. I can sing, dance, write, knit, crochet, sew, and…sometime I think I can mother.
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Buffalo, New York (well, a suburb of it)
45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Indianapolis. Circle City. In my old(er) age…I kind of love it.
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46. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
Stupid pale yellow that I’ve hated forever. Can’t afford to change it so it stays. Stupid pale yellow.
47. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
Beige. Stupid brown/beige crap. One day I will own a car that is a color.
48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS?
I sure do. It’s fun to answer random questions.
I’ve joined another weekly writing challenge called Tuesday Tales. I get a prompt every week and write what comes to mind. This first part flowed so well, I’ll probably try to continue the story, using prompts along the way.
