Sunday Snippet: Hang Ten

Whew. What a week of television. The Walking Dead had another terrific episode. Thoroughly enjoyed the hijinks with Rick and Daryl. Something tells me it's the calm before the storm.

Well, the X-Files disappointed many fans, but I actually loved having it back for its limited run. That said, what a craptastic cliffhanger. Geez. But, my other shows amped up the goods. The Magicians is truly becoming a quick favorite. And Lost Girl will be so missed, which I say all the time. Then there's Bitten, another favorite I wish would continue onward. *sigh*

The Flash revealed something I totally didn't expect. Now I can't wait to see what happens. I'm totally loving the shared universe with characters popping up on other shows. More on that later. Agent Carter has one more episode, which is awesome! I thought last week was the finale. Sadly, I'm not holding much hope we'll get another season, but fingers are crossed anyway.

Arrow keeps blowing my mind. And it's in a great way. That said, I'm looking forward to Malcolm getting his comeuppance. If that doesn't happen, I'll be sorely disappointed. And, well, other things need to happen, too. Just saying.

Legends of Tomorrow, again, changed things up. I thought it was very cool to see future Star City, even in crazy disarray. Shades of things to come perhaps? Eh, who knows? Arrow may only get one more season after this one.

I watched the Blindspot marathon Saturday. Really like the show. Too bad it's on NBC, my most hated network ever. I pretty much refuse to watch anything on the channel. So, looks like I'll be watching Blindspot when it's on another channel or via Netflix or Amazon Prime.

And that's it for TV this week.

Tonight's post is from Hang Ten, a novella prompted by the words two very different styles can make for great competition.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Farren and Penn—professional surfers—have very different styles when competing. Farren goes for broke, taking chances with moves that others won't try. Penn is all about the physics of his craft, sometimes holding back because he can't predict everything. Two different methods, opposite ends of the spectrum, but an interesting mix when they're off their boards and out of the water.

And a snippety peek…

Farren Crane thanked whatever gods ruled the ocean. A monstrous swell came hurtling in her direction and she waited for the perfect moment… then hopped up onto the surfboard.

A wide grin split her face. "I'm going to own this heat." She rode the crest then dropped down into the well, riding smoothly through the spiral of the water.

She hopped a little trying to extend the run, shifting her hips and bending her knees. She twisted with the turn of the wave, almost to the end of the swell. Nothing but white water and the hissing roar of the spray. She tipped forward, just a little, the urge to see outside the wall too strong to ignore.

The mistake hit her in the face, almost literally. A flurry of blowback collapsed in front of her and caught her too low to the water. She lost her footing and ate the end of her board when it launched upward, scraping her chin before smacking her hard in the mouth.

Farren sucked in as much air as she could before she went under, the ankle cord towing her board on the water. She didn't fight the drag of ocean surrounding her, letting the natural motion of the sea carry her toward shore. When the current slowed, she popped her head above the surface, dragging in air, her lungs screaming for oxygen. A bark of laughter escaped; the thrill and rush of an almost perfect ride surging through her veins.

She'd go scoreless for the final set, but counted the defeat worth the price of riding that big, beautiful wall of liquid heaven. Hauling her board to her side, she slipped the tether off and walked to the beach. A few spectators clapped when she made her way to the first aid tent to have her face cleaned up. Farren raised a hand, wiggling her fingers in greeting.

This scene ran a little long, so I picked a decent cut off spot. Needless to say, Farren likes to surf by the seat of her pants. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

Well… The Walking Dead returned with a killer episode. Holy zombies, so much happened. LOL I didn't know what to really expect and lowered my expectations but color me surprised by how incredible the episode ended up being. Although, why is no one talking about how Carol is pretty much responsible for wiping out a whole family? *grins* Not quite how it went down, of course, but something to ponder.

Forgot to mention The X-Files last week for my Monday night lineup. I, for one, have really been enjoying the six-episode run. Final ep airs tomorrow and I actually rather hope we'll see another six or eight episode arc in the future. Wouldn't mind seeing a few more familiar faces either.

The other Monday shows were suitably excellent. I'm staying interested in The Magicians and kind of love the various sides we're seeing. Also thrilled to see Lost Girl and Bitten. But I watch with sadness, knowing they're each in their final seasons.

Tuesday's The Flash ended up being terrific. I'm kind of amazed the earth two turned out so well. Looking forward to seeing more from that verse, if there is more. Also really want to see what the whole deal with Jay is. Agent Carter's final episode airs this week and the lead up to the finale turned out awesome. I really hope Peggy gets to punch Vernon in the face at least once. Twice would totally make the entire wait for a season three (if there is one) worth it.

Arrow continues to blow my mind. The whole tease at the beginning of the season with Oliver standing by a grave now has so many possibilities my brain hurts from thinking about them. LOL

Legends of Tomorrow keeps getting better and better. I'm thrilled with how the cast is being utilized and the way the teams are always mixed. Snart (or Snark as I like to call him) is a favorite and he keeps growing on me more and more.

Gotham and Agents of SHIELD return soon and I'm looking forward to both being back on my screen.

And, whew, that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella where the prompt stated to take a scene from a favorite television show and change the key moment. I opted to take a scene where someone got shot and swap the character with another one. Very fun dynamic to write.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her co-workers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek...

Dani Kent ducked into the equipment room and pulled down her gear. "Thank God for active ops." Dragging her bag of tricks to the changing area, she rifled through the case and found what she wanted.

The tip her unit received turned out to be good and her team had ten hours to get in place. A noodle house. Dani shook her head. The leader of a gun running ring hit the place like clockwork, a crazy-stupid error in judgment.

Dani's lips curved. "Never underestimate a food addiction." Satisfied with her choices, she quickly shimmied into the low-riding jeans, tight t-shirt, and espadrille wedges, the standard uniform of the female waitstaff at Hun's Noodle Hut.

Her CO, Ward, wandered into the area. "You good to go, Dani?" He slapped his palm on the wall. "We've gotta get inside and set up a perimeter."

She shoved everything back in her bag and hefted it over her shoulder. "Yeah, I'm good." Stowing the duffel under one of the benches, she met Ward by the main entrance. "How's the rest of the team?"

Ward nodded down the corridor. "They're in the armory kitting up. You need to do the same."

Dani acknowledged his order and headed to get her weapons. "Am I the only one going in?" The plan called for two people, but the minimal staff at Hun's probably wouldn't allow for anyone else.

Ward stopped her progress. "Yeah. But we'll have you covered. And you're wearing an earwig. No arguments."

Dani sighed, but held her tongue. "Okay." She started for the armory again.

Ward dropped one more question. "First op without your former partner. You sure you're good to go?"

Dani lifted a hand and gave him a thumbs up. The reminder stung, but her track record spoke for itself. Her work record, anyway. Her track record with men pretty much sucked. Note Neal Cassidy, her former partner. He'd chosen to leave the unit instead of working with her after a terrible breakup.

Of course, per usual, Dani realized she'd lost something important when he walked away. Too late. She always figured shit out too late to make a difference.

But work would always be there, the one thing she could count on.

Always.

Enjoying this one. The sages are very loud with how they want the story to go, always a bonus. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going Native

Happy Valentine's Day and Singles Awareness Day to everyone! My husband and I don't do a big celebration, but we do try to make the day special in little ways. And it's been a truly rough week so we're appreciating the small moments of support.

What a terrific week for television! Monday is becoming one of my favorite nights with The Magicians and Lost Girl, and starting this week, Bitten. I watched the first episode and it rocked. So sad it's the final season of this show.

Tuesday is jammed up with The Flash and Agent Carter, both of which are terrific. Loved the journey to Earth 2 and seeing the counterparts. I'm very curious about who Zoom is, but I have a theory that probably won't shock anyone. LOL Agent Carter doesn't have long to finish up this storyline and I'm kind of excited to see where things go.

Wednesday is still my favorite and Arrow keeps dropping crazy twists into the storyline. I have so many potential theories of who's buried in the grave and who Oliver has to take out, it's not even funny. But I love it! Kudos to the showrunners for keeping me on my toes.

Legends of Tomorrow also makes me happy. I like how the group is coming together and starting to gel as a unit. And they're mixed up enough to keep things interesting. Almost every week a new grouping is featured and I'm totally down with that.

On Friday, I caught up with Teen Wolf and not a bad episode. Gotta say I'm rather thrilled the psycho doctor is no longer of this earth, meaning I won't be shocked if he makes another appearance somewhere down the road. I am going to be slightly disappointed if the beast turns out to be one of Theo's pack because there would have to be a huge bait and switch to make that plausible, in my opinion. I'm also caught up on Murdoch Mysteries, but still behind on X Company. *sigh* Seriously, the past week got completely crazy. LOL

And that's it for the random TV update. The Walking Dead premieres tonight and I'm hoping I fall right back into the show. J

Tonight's post is from Going Native, a novella that's kind of taking on a life of its own. The story started out as a sexy short, but has morphed into something more. A prompt about a workaholic meeting his match on an island is the inspiration behind the tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Workaholic Adam Beaubier is vacationing with his girlfriend. It's a last ditch effort to make their relationship work and it turns into an epic failure. Adam decides going native might be just the thing he needs and Zerrin Kord, a helicopter tour pilot, will make an excellent guide.

And a snippety peek…

"You never know, Zerri, my girl. This might be the day you meet your future husband."

Zerrin Kord rolled her eyes. Her dad and business partner in KordAir always said the same thing every time she left to pick up clients from the mainland, or fly deliveries to one of the smaller islands, or when she took a group up for one of the many tours they offered. Never let it be said Hank Kord didn't have a specific ritual to make his wishes known.

Zerri snorted. "I doubt that." She hefted her duffel bag over her shoulder and started for the hangar door.

Hank followed, hot on her heels, tossing off what he hoped would, no doubt, be a prophetic warning. "Just wait. You'll meet someone and know in an instant." Just like he had with her mom.

Zerri didn't blame her dad, but her track record spoke for itself. She'd broken up with every guy she'd ever gone out with after less than two months. Her dad wanted her to find someone and give them a chance.

Zerri turned, tired of the argument. "Dad, I'm not ready for wedded bliss just yet. Can you give it a rest?" Please, please give me a break.

Zerri knew exactly what she wanted and highly doubted she'd find it anytime soon.

Hank shrugged. "No one said you have to get married, but, geez, could you maybe let someone hang around long enough to get past the hot sex and have a first argument?" He folded his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow.

Zerri bit back a laugh. "You know way too much about my sex life, Dad." She really needed to make sure he stayed out of earshot when she talked to Marisol, their head mechanic, about the men Zerri dated.

Hank shook his head. "Maybe you should change your modus operandi up a little and surprise me. You've been working the same holding pattern for five years, Zerri."

Okay, he had her there. "Yeah, well, I don't like conflict."

He laughed, a loud guffaw. "Bullshit. You argue with me all the time."

Zerri smirked. "That's different. You're family. You're not gonna take off at the first sign of trouble." She waited a beat. "I want what you and mom had. And not one man I've met so far comes close to looking at me the way you looked at Mom."

Hank's face went soft and he nodded, stepping out of Zerri's way so she could leave. Invoking her mother's name never failed to turn her dad into mush. But he understood Zerri wouldn't settle for less than what her parents had, even if it meant she might spend her life alone.

Maybe she'd meet someone who got her on a molecular level, but she didn't plan to hold her breath waiting.

Gotta say, I'm having fun writing this one, even if the sages keep sending me conflicting story ideas. LOL Zerri and Adam have terrific chemistry.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going Downhill

Well, the big super bowl game is on tonight and I’m watching a Star Trek Next Gen marathon instead. LOL Don't get me wrong, we still have all the food and trimmings, like WAY more than we need, but with several televisions in the house, the game can be merrily playing in the kitchen and living room while I hunker down in my writing cave and watch something totally different. If anything really exciting happens, the family will let me know. :D

So, next week The Walking Dead returns and I'm not sure if I'm super-excited or not. I think I am, but won't know until I see the new episode. And Bitten is coming soon, February 15 on Syfy. Definitely excited for more of that show.

My usual shows all had great episodes. I completely forgot to mention The Magicians in last week's post, but I'm seriously liking that show. And Lost Girl is in its final run of episodes. I've seen the way it ends and I'm definitely watching the last hurrah. I hope another show with fae-releated characters turns up sometime.

The Flash ended up surprising me, which I'm always thrilled to have happen. Arrow also threw in an interesting reveal and I'm speculating like mad now. Legends of Tomorrow mixed up the teams and I'm down with them doing that on a regular basis.

Agent Carter has such a great mix of humor and tension. I almost wish there could be a longer season, but I'm also kind of happy with the brevity, mainly because the writing stays pretty focused and doesn't dart off on too many tangents.

Last but not least, The X-Files had one of those instant classic episodes that I could watch over and over again. I can't wait to talk to my brother about it. Teen Wolf, again, feels rather choppy, but I've been thinking about that and have come to the conclusion it's supposed to feel that way, especially since the creepy doctors can warp time, or whatever it is they do. So yeah, I just needed to have that last little piece click into place. LOL

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Going Downhill, a novella where one character follows their dream but has to end a relationship to do it. Or so they think…

Here's the mini-blurb:

Zetta and Mace have a messy breakup and dive into relationships with other people. Two years later they bump into each other and both are worse for being apart.

And a snippety peek…

Zetta's phone buzzed on the nightstand. Groggy, she reached for the device and blinked, trying to read the caller ID. When her vision cleared and the number became legible, she scrambled out of bed and dashed into the bathroom.

The art director of a prominent media company wanted to talk, which he couldn't do if she didn't answer the damn phone.

Taking a deep breath, she hit answer. "Zetta Brown." Her stomach dropped to her toes and she cleared her throat.

Dean Farmont cursed. "Ah, dammit. You're on the Atlantic coast. I woke you up, didn't I?" He covered the phone and spoke to someone else, then came back on with Zetta. "Ms. Brown. I'm sorry if I did wake you, but your portfolio just crossed my desk and I have an immediate opening, if you're still interested in working for us."

Zetta's mouth opened on a silent happy scream and she resisted the urge to do a happy jig. But then realization dawned and she sank down onto the closed toilet. No way would Mace move across the country with her. He had deep roots here and a thriving place in the community.

Why did the universe see fit to give her exactly what she wanted—a man she could easily spend the rest of her life with—then dangle the one opportunity she'd dreamed of since childhood, all in the same day? What should she tell Mace? Wait for me. When I retire we can have our happily ever after.

Right. No way.

"Ms. Brown? Are you still interested in the job?" Dean's query had an impatient edge to it.

Zetta closed her eyes. "Yes. When do I start?" Her heart thundered in her chest while she listened to him give a date and a time for her to call back to get the final details nailed down.

She ended the call, a sick feeling churning in her gut. Mace would never believe she'd choose a job over him. Not after everything they'd been through.

A clean break. She'd need to do something pretty harsh and spectacular to make sure he wouldn't try and talk her out of leaving. The answer stared her in the face, right on her contact screen.

She swiped her thumb over the name and the recipient answered on the second ring. "Paul? It's Zetta. I need a favor."

I wanted to do something a little different with this manuscript and I think it's turning out quite wonderful.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin