Sunday Snippet: Kings of the Con (a Black Unicorn Comic Company short)

May is shaping up to be a weird month. I'm feeling kind of rushed but at the same time like I'm bogged down in mud. I think that's a sign that big change is coming and I'm not always as go with the flow as I'd like to be. We'll see what the summer brings.

Work projects are in a good place. I finished up a proofread and only have a few random changes to check. Also moved a copy edit off my plate. I'm continuing work on a design proofread and started a manuscript proofread over the weekend. I have a client call this week on a memoir and a developmental edit I'm returning to after a bit of a break. All in all, shaping up to be a busy week.

Hoping to put in some work on my sorely neglected website to get things moving on one of the side hustles I've been working on for a long time. I'm putting this in writing as a motivator!

Had a really good viewing week. I got through my full slate of shows and got one of my back-burner ones in also.

Started out with finishing up Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I'm not sure I actually got to see this one during my original run through.

Also caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. Ended up really enjoying this one also. Very fun to see some previous characters return.

Watched an episode of Silent Witness and I love that Jack is considering teaching. That could end up being fun to watch. Also love his interactions with Kat.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Poor Hastings has had a run of bad luck with his investments. Very fun to see Poirot not enjoy his health retreat until the mystery starts.

Elementary had another great episode. Season five has been very enjoyable with the cast gelling in a great way. Loved the guy getting his comeuppance because he couldn't resist leaving the country for a hockey match.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I ended up really enjoying how the team worked together even while completely blowing their original mission.

Caught the season four premier of Star Trek: Lower Decks and enjoyed every moment. Fun to see the growth of the characters and also fun to see so many callbacks to other Trek shows.

Hit an episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. Really felt for Alex and Carrie. And I also really loved Will changing his mind about the case with the sisters. Then again, if he'd listened to Alex in the first place he wouldn't have had to.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Kings of the Con, a sexy short in the Black Unicorn Comics series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Black Unicorn Comic Company, Episode Two: Brian Wells and Lucy Sanderson are the creative duo behind the rising success of Black Unicorn Comics. Surrounded by a close-knit group of coworkers they have fun and crazy adventures, keeping their relationship burning hot in spite of it.

And a snippety peek…

"Good God, Els. The booth looks brilliant."

Brian Wells tried to take the full effect of the display in, but his eyes couldn't quite stay in one place long enough. Randy and Zapf's idea sounded incredible the night they'd all ended up at the office … but what Randy and Els actually came up with? Surpassed anything Brian could imagine in his head.

Linus shuffled his feet, embarrassed with the praise. "It turned out great, didn't it?" He lowered his voice. "Do you think Reg would mind if I added this to my portfolio?"

Brian clapped him on the shoulder. "Mate, I think he'd be offended if you didn't." Reg would go slack jawed when he got a load of Linus's creation.

Els snickered. "Nah. Nothing I do lands on his radar." He shook his head.

Brain's mouth dropped open. "Els, you couldn't be more wrong." He sighed. "Where'd you get an idea like that?"

Lucy's brother shrugged, uncomfortable with the question. "Ah, well, nowhere, I guess." His eyes darted toward Chelle.

Brian's lips thinned. He wondered if Lucy might not have a solid basis for abhorring the woman. Wouldn't take much to find out.

An idea hovering in the back of his mind, Brian tried to set Linus at ease. "Els, Reg has been my best mate since primary school. Trust me when I say he knows how fantastic you are."

Els shrugged. "If you say so, Brian. It's not a big deal. I only want Reg to be happy with my work."

Brian stopped himself from pushing for more information. Els would probably clam up anyway. He had a bizarre loyalty toward Chelle and wouldn't break his personal code of ethics if he thought she'd get a hard time from Brian.

"I'll bet he tells you himself as soon as he gets here." Brian winked. "Just as soon as Ana gets past the morning sickness." She'd been fine the first trimester. The unpleasant symptom of pregnancy didn't make an appearance until a week after they made their announcement.

Els shuddered. "The baby makes her throw up. I'm glad guys can't have them."

Brian chuckled. "You and me both, Els. You and me both." He caught sight of Lucy and excused himself. "Mate, your sister just arrived back from the panel she went to, I'm gonna see if she wants lunch. You okay here?"

Linus nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine." He pulled a camera out of his jacket pocket. "I need to take pictures. Have a nice lunch." The device started whirring before Brian walked away.

I enjoy writing this series so much. The cast of characters is fun and Brian and Lucy are an amazing couple.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Kings of the Con: A Black Unicorn Comics Adventure

Whew. Some great television this past week. Gotham's episode ended up being pretty terrific. Fish Mooney rocks!

I missed The Flash, but plan to catch up before the finale this week. Agents of SHIELD went out with a bang. I'm rather liking how the movie 'verse affects the small screen 'verse.

Arrow's episode ended up being so awesome. Can't wait for the final showdown between Team Arrow and Darhk.

I was thrilled with Legends of Tomorrow. Still hoping to see great things next season. Orphan Black blew my mind as usual. So many things going on! I have a sneaky feeling the creepy engineer chick did something truly terrible to Sarah. Here's hoping she meets an untimely end very soon.

Still have Wynonna Earp and Banshee to watch from the past week. I'm saving Banshee for last since it's the final episode ever. I know how I want things to end, but have a strong doubt I'll get what I want. LOL

Watched the finale for Marcella and, eh, not as good as I hoped. That said, if there's a second series and Jamie Bamber is a cast member, I'll be there. :D

That's it for the television this week. Patiently waiting for The Last Ship to premiere and looking for new stuff to dive into over the summer.

Tonight's post is from Kings of the Con, a sexy short from The Black Unicorn Comic Adventures 'verse.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Brian Wells and Lucy Sanderson are the creative duo behind the rising success of Black Unicorn Comics. Surrounded by a close knit group of coworkers, they have fun and crazy adventures, keeping their relationship burning hot in spite of it.

And a snippety peek…

Lucy manned the booth while Zapf finished up his junk food feast. She laid out new packs of freebies for the next onslaught of visitors. A shadow fell across the table and Lucy glanced up.

Gray swooped in and planted himself in front of her. "Do you know where your lesser half is?" He picked up a Mistress trading card and turned it over in his hand.

Lucy heaved a dramatic sigh. "I don't know… getting up close and personal with Chelle?" She almost laughed when Gray's eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open.

Gray made a choking sound. "And you're not going after them with sharp objects?"

He looked like the world had just tilted sideways and started to spin backwards.

Lucy kicked back in her seat and nodded toward the empty one beside her. "Relax, Gray. I promise no blood will be spilled by my hand."

Gray moved around the table and sank down into the chair. "Well, it might be spilled by mine. Brian had better keep his grubby paws off my dominatrix."

Lucy leaned in close to Gray. "Let's get a couple of things straight." She jabbed a finger at his shoulder. "First, Brian's paws are not grubby. Second." She snagged the card from Gray's hand. "This is the Mistress. Chelle DuPres is a marketing and promo person. You have got to get that straight in your head."

Gray opened his mouth to argue and Lucy held up a hand. "I'm not done yet. Third—and most important—nothing is going on between Brian and Chelle. He's trying to get some information and appealing to her ego is the fastest way." Lucy leaned back. "So don't get all bent and twisted up about it."

Gray's mouth thinned. "You mean he's tricking her into it. That hardly seems fair." He rose from his chair.

Lucy yanked him back down. "Uh uh. You will not ride to her rescue." She lowered her voice. "I never promised I wouldn't do bodily harm to someone. You're the closest person to me right now."

Gray slumped. "You're evil, Lucy. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise."

Lucy grinned. "Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment."

Honestly, I wish I had more time to devote to writing Brian and Lucy's adventures. I have so much fun with this group of characters. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Kings of the Con (A Black Unicorn Press Short Story)

So…apparently some kind of award show aired tonight. LOL

I ended up watching Doctor Who and The Walking Dead. Can't beat a time travel and zombie combo. Watching classic Who…wow…takes me back to my childhood. And no…I'm not even fifty yet, but I remember watching Doctor Who with my dad on our local PBS station. It's been fun revisiting some of those episodes. J

Tonight's snippet preview comes from the Black Unicorn 'verse. Set at a convention, we get a little glimpse into one of the more fun aspects of what Brian and Lucy do. Although…creating a comic can't be boring, so yeah…take that as you will. :D

The standard tagline for Black Unicorn:

Brian Wells and Lucy Sanderson are the creative duo behind the rising success of Black Unicorn Comics. Surrounded by a close knit group of co-workers they have fun and crazy adventures, keeping their relationship burning hot in spite of it.  

And here's a tag for Kings of the Con:

Brian Wells smells a rat when Lucy's brother Linus starts thinking he's not appreciated at Black Unicorn. He devises a plan to get to the bottom of Els's sudden turn about, but…Lucy's not going to like it.

Here's the snippety peek…

Brian almost made it to Lucy before the fans started pouring out of the room. He jerked his thumb toward the food court and changed his path when she nodded. Once Randy arrived, she'd join him for lunch.

After ordering, he found Zapf sitting at table by himself. Brian plopped down and heaved a sigh.

Zapf finished chewing a mouthful of food and shook his head. "Man, you've got a seriously unhappy face right now. What's up?"

Brian unloaded. "You know how Lucy's biggest fear is Chelle finding a way to hurt Els?" Zapf nodded and Brian continued. "It's not unfounded."

Zapf got a nasty gleam in his eyes and leaned back in his seat. "Dude, I knew it. Luce is rarely wrong. You better spill as soon as she gets here, but know this, no one is gonna let Miss Stiletto Heels get her hooks far enough into Els to do damage." Statement made, he picked up his sandwich and took another huge bite.

Bolstered by the support, Brian did the same, spying Lucy take a place in line to get food. His loosely formed plan took shape in his head and by the time she got her order and joined them, he had everything worked out. Lucy would hate it, but she'd go along. Anything for her brother. And he could count on Zapf to back him up.

 Lucy joined them, taking an empty chair at the table facing Brian. "Okay, panel update can wait. What's going on?"

Zapf chuckled and shook his head, but held silent. Lucy quirked a brow then met Brian's gaze.

He put his sandwich down. "How do you do that?" He grabbed his drink and took a long draw on the straw.

Lucy shrugged. "You have that 'I just ate something really nasty and want to puke' look on your face. Something went down and I'm not gonna like it, right?"

Brian blinked and blew out a sigh. "Your brain scares me."

Zapf jumped in. "I know, right? I tell her that every day." He leaned forward. "Seriously, Brian. Fill us in so we can help."

Brian repeated the conversation he had with Els. While Lucy picked at her food, he outlined his plan to get to the bottom of Chelle's machinations. Other than hissing out a harsh breath, Lucy didn't object to anything. A very good sign. But he needed to be sure.

He grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers together. "You gonna be okay with this?"

She shoved her tray away and snorted. "Hell, no. But I'll deal." Her fingers drummed on the table. "Chelle's ego will let you get her right where you want her, but if she won't cough up answers, all bets are off." Her gaze went hard. "I hope you guys have some extra cash if I need bailed out of jail."

Zapf tossed his napkin on the tray and stood up. "Babes, I won't let you do anything stupid." He shot Brian a commiserating glance. "Dude, don't forget to shower after you talk to Miss Prissy Pants." He dug around in his pocket and pulled out his wallet. "Me? I'm gonna need some extra sustenance to keep the visual images outta my head."  He shuddered then turned toward Lucy. "Can you hold down the fort for a bit?"

Lucy nodded. "Yeah, Z. I think I can manage."

Brian leaned in close to Lucy after Zapf got back in line for food. "Are you really gonna be okay with this, Luce?" His hand cupped her face. "Because if you aren't…" He let his voice trail off, he truly couldn't think of a quicker way to get information from Chelle.

Lucy leaned into his palm. "I'm so not okay it's not funny, but…Els is the priority. Find out why she's trying to make him think Reg doesn't give a shit about him." Sitting back, she blew out a breath then grabbed her drink and rose from her seat. "I'm heading back to the booth. I'll be there when you've got the whole story." She started off, but stopped and turned back. "I trust you to get to the bottom of everything and promise to behave even if you don't." Her lips twisted in a smirk. "But it might take you and Zapf to keep me from doing bodily harm if she keeps it up."

Brian nodded. He didn't say anything, his mind already going over Chelle's schedule for the day. He had about ten minutes to find what he needed to pull everything off. Grabbing his tray, he stood up and dumped the contents in the closest trash bin then headed for the administrative hub of the convention center.

The sooner he found out what the hell Chelle had planned for Els, the sooner he and Lucy could really enjoy the con season.

Yeah, Chelle's in for a very big surprise in the near future. And hey…pray Brian gets the info, because no one wants to see Lucy go nuclear on Chelle.

Or do they? LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin