Rainbow Snippet July 23rd

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

Still not sure what the new story wants to be yet, but I've got a few pages now so here's a snippet from page 2:

His eyes drifted up to the window, blank and empty, and he sighed and slid from the truck, then lifted  Fester down beside him, a thin smile stretching his lips as the old hound shook himself so hard he nearly fell over.

Four years had sure changed the house and the land around it, and he couldn’t help but take the time to walk around the yard, searching for something familiar, knowing he was stalling, putting off the reunion with whatever ghosts were waiting for him inside.

The garden patch his mother had always taken such pains to keep orderly was now overrun with weeds. He knelt and pulled a few, tangling his hands around the thick stalks and yanking until the roots came up with clumps of dirt stuck to them. He cleared a small section before uncovering the broken ceramic remains of a faded garden snail, a fragment of the word Joy resting imbedded in the earth.

He ran his finger over the surface before he stood and brushed the dirt from the knees of his black mesh jeans and headed up onto the porch, the chains that dangled from them jangling with every step. Fishing in his pocket he pulled out the envelop that held the key and dug it out from amongst the rest of the papers; the deed that had been such a shock to him when it had arrived, taped to the newspaper clipping of his father’s obituary and the handwritten note expressing sorrow that they’d been unable to locate him before putting his father in the ground. 

New Experiences, or why I learned how to milk a cow this year.

New experiences are awesome, and the bright spot of my summer has been learning how to milk a dairy cow. Now, first off I must say that never in a million years did I ever expect to find myself learning to milk a cow. I’ve helped my daughter with her cows each year at fair, washing them and cleaning up after them, brushing them and feeding them, I’ve even lain in the straw beside them and taken a nap in the barn, but milking…let’s just say images of getting kicked for accidently offending the cow went through my head several times in the beginning, but fortunately, no kicking has taken place.

Peanut Butter, who has been my daughter’s cow for the fair for the past two years, doesn’t seem to mind being milked, at all, thank goodness, and since she is so used to being petted and having her face rubbed, she’s easy to handle weather she has her halter or leash on, or not.

Maybe I should go back to the beginning through.

This spring, Peanut Butter had her first calf, who my daughter named Apple Butter. Typically, my daughter and her godfather work on the cow project together and I just help at fair, but this year, her god father had to have a muscle biopsy on his dominant arm and is on a weight restriction, meaning he can’t lift more than 10 pounds. Since the metal collection bin for the milk is already about 20 pounds, this was a problem. Right up until that moment when him and his mother offered to teach this former city girl how to milk the cow.

Apple butter, the calf

Now, let me point out that I have worked on a hog farm, and I ride horses when I can, so I know my way around large animals, but milking a cow was certainly on the list of things I’d only halfway done once, as a child, on a visit to the dairy farm when we were allowed to squeeze a teat.

Milking using a machine is fortunately a bit difference and there is certainly a process and several steps involved, but I’m happy to report that I can do them all unsupervised now. A helpful, skill, I must admit, seeing as how book two and three of the Guitars series takes place primarily on the ranch. I’ve worked with chickens too, bred quails and raised the babies, so all of these skills are going to find their way into my stories.

Not to mention being out on the farm is just peaceful, even when the flies are buzzing all over the place. Working out there in the fresh air, with the wind blowing through the trees and the bees from the beehives behind the paddock buzzing around the clover, it’s like a little slice of heaven. I’ve started to learn some basic beekeeping skills as well, though I haven’t had the chance to see a queen yet. I’m still a little scared about having so many bees around me, but I’m getting more and more comfortable with it and plan to take some photos of working with the bees real soon.

Not really looking forward to washing the cows this afternoon after milking, the real feel says it’s going to be 117 outside, but the chores have to get done. The washing will help the cows cool off, and they are going to need that even in the shade with the way the weather is going to be. They’re saying real feel of 115 tomorrow, that will mean baths again tomorrow and of course, the mama cow still has to be milked. Least I can come back to mom’s place and take a cool shower. We’re staying here for a few days in the A/C since our house hasn’t been updated with air conditioning yet.

Oh well, it’s coming, it’s one of the perils of a 97 year old house that was purchased as a fixer-uper. I love it though, most times, just redid the kitchen and still working on the bathroom remodel, mostly, need to find some more shelves and things. I love the way the kitchen turned out though, it was a long time coming as it was the last big room in the house to get a makeover, but such a difference the paint makes. Now for fall to get here so I can strip, re-stain and seal the floors.

Ready for cool weather so I can head to the woods mushroom hunting, too, and taking pictures. Maybe get out and do some trail riding before the weather gets bad. I never imagined that I would love living in the country, now, I couldn’t imagine living anyplace else.

Expansion of this weeks Rainbow Snippet: First page of new...something (not sure yet what it wants to be)

They say there are two sides to every story, right? Let’s stop bullshitting shall we, no one ever really listens to both sides, they listen to the first story and make up their minds if it’s right or wrong, truth or fiction and they judge everyone involved from there, even if the truth is just a little bit muddy, even if it lies somewhere deep and shadowed, mired in shades of gray.

The purple Chevy Silvarado bounced its way along the gravel road, throwing up clouds of dirt in its wake. Sunlight twinkled off the silver lightning bolts airbrushed down its sides as "Redneck Crazy" blared from a half-open window. Whiskey rough, the singer’s voice was filled with pain as he sang about getting revenge on the woman who’d cheated on him. In the passenger’s seat the tan and brown bloodhound’s ears flapped each time the tires hit the ruts in the road. The old dog’s weathered face was a map of wrinkles, dotted here and there by gray scar tissue well-earned in its glory days as one of the best coon sniffin’ dogs in three counties.

Behind the wheel, scowling blue eyes stared from beneath the rim of a battered baseball cap, the skull and pink rose logo showing signs of dirt and wear. Strands of blue and purple hair fluttered out the window, trailing like ribbons in the wind while the rest was neatly secured by a plain black elastic. His arms were bare, showing off the winding patterns of the Celtic tattoos that wove around them, ending just before the thick green straps of his tye-dyed tank top.

The song changed and his fingers tapped along with the next song, a raucous drinking tune filling the cab of the truck, joined by the sweet tenor of his voice as he sang along. His nails were blunt, short and painted a sparkling sky blue that was a little chipped in places, the skin around them streaked with grime caught from the oil filter he’d changed just an hour before.

Up ahead, a small farmhouse began to grow bigger, until it was easy to make out the weathered green of the roof with its missing shingles and the way the gray screen door listed just a little bit sideways, as if someone had once kicked it off its hinges. The closer he got, the easier it was to see that a section of fence was down. There were tire marks on the wood and grass poking up between the slats. It looked like someone had driven a truck over it then left it lying there for a couple seasons. What paint was left on it was wind stripped in places, ragged flaps of white flaking and fluttering in the breeze.

The grass was more than just a little bit tall, had to be over three feet and creeping up the sagging porch steps, looking like it was trying to find a way inside the house to take it over. He slowed as he reached the driveway, let his eyes wander to the second set of windows on the left, framed by cracked shutters so dusty from the dirt in the fields that it was impossible to tell what color they used to be, but he knew. He didn’t need to clean them to know that his father had never pained over the dark jade paint his mother had chosen the year she died.

A lump formed in his throat and a cold, icy ball coiled in the pit of his stomach as he glared up at that window, watching the clouds play tricks on his eyes, making it seem like his old man’s shadow was waiting for him up there, watching for him to pull in. The thought of those cold blue eyes had his hands tightening on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white while his teeth nibbled away at the inside of his lip ‘til he tasted blood. For a moment he considered turning the car around and heading back out of town, until he glanced in the rear view and was reminded that everything he owned was packed in the bed of the truck beneath a bright blue tarp. 

Still didn’t make it any easier to pick his foot up off the break, not while “Sweet Annie,” was being drowned out by the remains of one of his father’s  many sermons replaying itself in his mind, haunting him in the same way they sometimes did when the tornado sirens blared in the dead of night, jarring him from sleep with images of his father still bright from his lingering nightmares. 

Fleshing out the Elements of Romance

Recently I stretched out on my favorite couch and reread my three current works in progress, trying to get a feel for where I wanted to go with them. I’ve been in a writing slump lately, which sucks, because I want to write, but several of the things that I need to have in order to be able to get into my character’s heads and get words on paper are sorely lacking at the moment. My first drafts are almost exclusively on paper. I find a quiet place in the woods and write, or I road trip and I find a spot that appeals to me and I hang out for a while and write. Those two options aside, I have a studio in the attic and tons of music and TV shows that I can put on for background as I curl up in my easy chair and write. Unfortunately, the heat has made all three impossible, even with the fan going on high; the attic is just too hot for me and my heat sensitivity to deal with.

So that left me re-reading the stories I plan to finish before the end of the year, and one thing that stood out to me as I did was that I never quite get the romantic elements to go where I want them to go. The groundwork is there, the characters themselves certainly want to be with one another, so the only conclusion I could come up with was that I was the one holding them back. So laying under the fan on the couch in the living room I decided to ponder why that was.

Surely I have nothing against romance and I love reading them. I want my characters to be happy, so then why do I only give them glimpses of it? Psychoanalyzing myself never gets me anywhere but I did look back on past relationships and after a time, I came to the realization that so many of them never got past the feeling out stages. I was a self-sabotager, I discovered that in my twenties, but somehow I never thought it would carry over into my stories, and yet, there it is, in the way Jax works so hard not to have a relationship with Danny in my WIP …And all Shall Fade to Black, and in the way that Darian fights his attraction to Zaiden in my WIP Serpent’s Kiss. It’s very plain to see in Ryker and Jesse’s as yet untitled story, and while I know that some resistance makes for good plot, I’d like to see my guys get to the couples part sooner, so they can face the challenges that await them as a couple, rather than trying to come together in the mists of whatever shit they are dealing with.

That having been determined, I decided what I would be working on for the remainder of the summer. I’m going to be redoubling my efforts to focus on the romantic elements of my stories, up to and including readjusting the notes and outlines I’d previously made and giving some long, hard thought to how I want the characters to come together. Three times now I have set out to write a romance novel, and I don’t think I’ve landed at what I was after just yet.

One of the joys of writing though, is that there is always that next try, that next story to explore and feel comfortable with elements that maybe I was sketchy about before. Two years ago it was like pulling teeth to write an intimate scene, and yet, in my next two upcoming releases, Racing the Sky and Guitars 2, I was able to overcome my own shyness about writing those scenes and give my characters what they really wanted. In Burning Luck, I went all out and dove into the BDSM scene with my characters, even attending the Everett, Washington BDSM con to learn more so I could flesh the novel out further. If there was ever a time to overcome shyness, it was there, and now, I’m heading back to BDSM con New York as a featured author.

So now I feel like I’m ready to tackle my next hurtle and that’s overcoming my inability to fully realize and flesh out my romantic elements. I’m looking forward to the journey, and I get the impression that my characters are looking forward to it as well. One thing is for certain, I have plenty of homemade wine (strawberry, dandelion, and strawberry rhubarb) to tide me over and with the berries growing in the yard, there’s always a chance to make more.

I’d like to give a special shout out to all the blog’s who have hosted Roadhouse Reds and Spider Webs and Cover Art and all of those who have taken the time to review them. Some of those reviews have confirmed my thoughts earlier in the blog, about the romances never going as far as they have the potential to. Seeing those comments in writing not just on the current novel but for previous ones only reaffirms my desire to work harder at fully developing the romantic elements of my work.

I’ve also been working on jotting down ideas for a series of flash fiction stories for my newsletter. Nothing over 1000 words, but something fun for subscribers that wouldn’t appear anywhere but in the newsletter. It would be a fun way to revisit old characters and introduce some new ones. Speaking of the newsletter, it will be launching at the end of the month. I’m actually excited about issue one. To subscribe to the newsletter, click here: http://wix.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=98b9735546c9c334b41c4d727&id=85f11782a9

A few things of notable interest

Roadhouse Reds was released on June 17^th and is available through Wayward Ink Publishing and all noted ebook sellers.

Wayward Ink’s Collars ‘n’ Cuffs Anthology was released on June 23^rd. My short story Forged in Steel is included in the anthology.

I will be kickstaring my newsletter at the end of the month. I’ve been looking forward to this project for a while. Issues will contain sneak peeks into upcoming works, pieces of flash fiction, original artwork, conference updates and photos and so much more.   

I have decided to cease updates on my freebie Friday story…And all shall fade to black. That doesn’t mean the story will go unfinished, it won’t. I plan to go back and flesh out what’s already been written, then continue the story and submit it for hopeful publication.

Am planning to do a podcast in September as well, it will be my first time trying one, and I’d like to invite people to send in questions about any of my books, characters, or short stories, my writing process, inspirations, ect. and I’ll be answering them during the podcast.

I will be attending the BDSM Con in New York In August and will have a table at the event and print copies of Guitars and Cages which I will be signing. I’ll also have some cool swag to give away and look forward to meeting folks in the area who drop in.  

Rainbow Snippet July 17th

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

It's time for something new. Like I mentioned last week I've been in a bit of a writing funk what with the heat and all. But after a short roadtrip, I've found myself with the start of something new. not sure where it's going yet, but I'm happy to have written something. Here are the opening lines. 

They say that there are two sides to every story, right? Let’s stop bullshitting shall we, no one ever really listens to both sides, they listen to the first story and make up their minds if it’s right or wrong, truth or fiction and they judge everyone involved from there, even if the truth is just a little bit muddy, even if it lays somewhere deep and shadowed, mired in shades of gray.

The purple Chevy Silvarado bounced its way along a gravel road, throwing up clouds of dirt in its wake. Sunlight twinkled off the silver lightning bolts airbrushed down its sides as “Redneck Crazy,” blared from a half open window. In the passenger’s seat the tan and brown bloodhound’s ears flapped each time the tires hit the ruts in the road. The old dog’s weathered face was a map of wrinkles, dotted here and there by gray scar tissue well-earned in its glory days as one of the best coon sniffin’ dogs in three counties. 

See you next week :) Oh, and there's still plenty of time to sign up for my new monthly newsletter.  Keep up to date on upcoming releases and the progress of WIPs. Read exclusive flashes and excerpts, check out my playlists and exclusive character interviews. Take part in the Ask the Author column, browse original artwork and roadtrip reports. sigh up today :) http://wix.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=98b9735546c9c334b41c4d727&id=85f11782a9

Rainbow Snippet July 10th

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

I have to admit I've been a little down this summer, it's too hot for me to spend time in the woods, the bugs are too bad and I've been stuck indoors so much that I'm starting to get upset with and second guess everything I write, so I've pretty much quit writing until the weather cools. That leaves a couple WIPs in limbo, and left me wondering what to share today. It finally dawned on me to share 6 lines from Guitars and Cages 2, which was completed months ago. 

Conner just grumbled and threw a pillow that Asher easily caught. Advancing with the pillow, Asher smacked him with it until Conner grabbed another one to block with. Soon, a full-fledged pillow fight had erupted, attracting Alexia’s attention as she’d passed by, and of course, she hadn’t been able to resist getting in on it too.

Rory stood in the doorway of the bedroom, watching his uncle, aunt, and Conner like they’d each just grown a third head. By the time they were done, they fell into a heap of pillows, pillowcases and feathers, laughing at each other and the mess they’d made.

“You’re gonna be in trouble,” Rory pointed out to them as the last of the feathers drifted down to rest on the floor.

“Not if we get it all cleaned up before Morgan sees,” Asher piped up.

“Not if you get what cleaned up before Morgan sees?” Morgan asked as he poked his head in the door. All of them froze for just a moment, and then each one pointed at each other.

“It was his fault!”

It's taken a lot for them to get to this point in their journey and they still have a long way to go, you can read the beginning of Asher's Story in Guitars and Cages. https://www.amazon.com/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Rainbow Snippet July 2nd

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

Today's Snippet is from a story that has been on the back burner for awhile. It features snake shifters and is roughly halfway completed. This scene comes after one of the shifters was asked to use his ability to read people's minds/intentions to help ferret out a plot to assassinate a member of the royal family. 

“Looking into the minds of each of those guests to find the assassin.” Darian admitted. “It was so fast, I didn’t get to pick and choose what I saw. I knew what I was looking for, but the other things I picked up on, some of those people…”

He shivered then and closed his eyes.

“They unsettled you,” Kaandhal said gently.

“There was so much hate in that room, and so many secrets too,” Darian muttered.