Author: Siobhan Muir

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 379

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of Weird, Wild, & Wicked Tales. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing. We’ve reached our Seventh year of weekly prompts! This is Week 379 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your Twitter handle or email in the post (so we don’t have to look for you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, MeWe, and Google Plus, etc. Our Judge for Week 379: Computer IT master, flashfiction writer, and human, Mark Ethridge. Facebook | Twitter | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “His world suddenly made sense.” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

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Snippet Sunday – Dinner at My Place

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

It’s time for Snippet Sunday and it’s starting to cool down in Cheyenne. This is good as I’m ready for fall. I’m showing off ROPE A FALLING STAR in preparation for STAR SPANGLED BANNER coming out in September. Amber has just given Tom a massage and tried not to let her attraction get out of hand. Nimbus is her service dog. ~~~~~~ Usually nights like tonight had Nimbus glued to Amber’s side, but her body language spoke of relaxation and contentment. Amber frowned. Nimbus only relaxed when she was relaxed. So why am I so relaxed? The answer sauntered through the door way and paused to put on his shoes. “How are you feeling?” “Real good, now, Amber. Thanks.” He stuffed his feet into his shoes and straightened. “Best massage I’ve ever had, honestly.” “Oh, come on. You’re just staying that.” She snorted. “No, ma’am. It’s the God’s honest truth.” He hitched a shoulder. “I’ve had sports massages, but none of them made me loosen up like yours did. You got real talent.” “Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Feel free to schedule another any time I have an opening in my schedule.” She’d happily rub his body again, even if she could only do it professionally. “I might just take you up on that.” He nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Hey, have you had anything to eat? I haven’t had anything since before the rodeo and wondered if you’d like to join me for dinner. We could have some beef brats and beer and listen to the river roll by. Whatdya say?” Amber blinked. Did he just ask me out to dinner, at his place? “What?” He frowned. “Dinner at my place?” “But you’re the boss.” He tilted his head. “Well, not technically. You work for Trip, not me, really.” “Okay, you’re the boss’s son. Doesn’t that make this fraternization or something?” “You gotta eat, don’t you? I happen to have a grill and food, and I’m willing to share. No strings beyond that.” He gave her a heart-stopping grin. “I promise it’s just two people sharing a meal. No ulterior motives.” ~~~~~~~ Hey, as he said, everyone has to eat, right? 😉 There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list, the Snippet Sunday Facebook group, and the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A few of my favorites are, P.T. Wyant, Karen Michelle Nutt, Veronica Scott, Jessica Subject, Kathy Griffith Karysa Faire, and Iris Blobel. Here’s the blurb for ROPE A FALLING STAR: Available Wide Now Only the best stars fall… Three time bronc-riding champion Tom Colton’s dream of a fourth title ends when he draws Wooden Nickel, a mean little bronc with more twists than a maze. With his heart no longer in rodeo, he figures it’s time to go home to the Triple Star Ranch, the PTSD therapy ranch he and his dad founded to help others with trauma in their pasts. Tom just wants a little time to nurse his hurts and consider his next move. Amber Hillcrest started out as a Triple Star client and stayed on as a massage therapist. Her dog Nimbus keeps her PTSD in check, but her heart remains bruised. She knows she’s too old and too broken for love, especially with the son of her boss, but he’s hot enough to fill her fantasies for years to come. Amber tries to keep it professional between them, but Tom proves too irresistible with his big heart and charm. But someone is sabotaging the Triple Star and the neighboring Fantasy Ranch, and an ex-girlfriend keeps coming around, trying to reconnect with Tom. Tom’s hands are full of problems instead of the luscious massage therapist. But when Amber gets kidnapped, Tom will move heaven and earth to get her back and tell her how he truly feels.

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#ThursThreads – Week 378 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 378 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we start our eighth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Liv Therese Dalin for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc. Entries: Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Tina Glasneck | @TinaGlasneck Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Jo Hawk | @JoHawktheWriter Cynthia Hudson-Keane | @AuthorCAKeane Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon Silver James | @SilverJames_ Mark A. Morris David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball Torn MacAlester | @Torn_MacAlester Patty Knowles Atticus Stryker | @TAFORU M.T. Decker | @mishmhem Honorable Mentions Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Liv says: The descriptions were fluid and organic, immediately setting the scene and world without any la-di-da. Truly well done! Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Liv says: I like my zombies terrifying, but I appreciate the brave choice and fun setting. It was well delivered and explained the world quickly. Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon Liv says: I enjoyed the slight disarray of voices, background and ultimate conclusion of setting. It has a comical sense of dread I find to be unique Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball Liv says: Golden star with glittery sprinkles for how you convey emotions with memories. It made me believe it had happened. winner announcement Camera Shy: Terry Brewer Week 378 Winner Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 Liv says: The scenario felt so genuine, it made me feel a little uncomfortable. I had to stop and think, read it again, and appreciated it more the second time as the scene sunk in properly, both now as a parent and the memories of being a confused teen. I enjoyed the ending, which promised an interesting twist and explanation further down the line. Great job! He’s Barely Alive They didn’t know he could hear them. Night after night they’d sit in the kitchen and talk about him. “What’s wrong with him?” “He just sits around all day dreaming.” “He’s barely alive.” He was sick of overhearing. He was sick of the worried looks and the forced smiles they gave him when he walked into the kitchen to get a glass of milk or a snack. He knew they’d be shaking their heads when he was gone. He tried so hard to be what they wanted him to be and he failed. He was not the athlete his father envisioned. Nor did he have an artistic streak her mother pined for. He was just him. Not the overachiever his parents, two overachievers themselves, expected would come from his mother’s womb. They never asked “what is it you’re dreaming of son?” Which was probably for the best; he didn’t know. Until he did. He stayed closeted in his room as before. His parents didn’t realize it, but he was more alive than he had ever been. Numbers. He saw numbers. Each morning he awoke with a brain full of numbers and calculations. His world suddenly made sense. His world.~~~~~~~ Congratulations Winner Terry, and Honorable Mentions Cara, Bill, Richard, and Kel! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, MeWe, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂

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#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 378

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of Weird, Wild, & Wicked Tales. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing. We’ve reached our Seventh year of weekly prompts! This is Week 378 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your Twitter handle or email in the post (so we don’t have to look for you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, MeWe, and Google Plus, etc. Our Judge for Week 378: Mother, and mystery/Steampunk author, Liv T. Dalin. Goodreads And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “He’s barely alive.” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

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First Time Fiction – Morning After

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

This year we’re doing a monthly post about First Times: First Kiss, First Meeting, First Argument, etc. This month we’re focused on First Morning After. The except below is from DUDE WITH A COOL CAR, book 2 of the Concrete Angels MC series. Cooper DeVille is an undercover US Marshal, and he just spent the night with Karma, the Concrete Angels MC’s Enforcer. And he’s realizing that he wants her more than he originally thought. ~~~~~~~ Cooper I’d never slept so well in my life. Even as a kid I’d be up every few hours, my mind refusing to calm down for long. As an adult, it had gotten worse with the stresses of the job and the few undercover stints. But lying wrapped around Karma shut my mind down and sent me into a deep, dreamless sleep. I’d never experienced it before, but I knew I needed more. She made me feel safe, content, and protected even though I was wrapped around her. I woke feeling refreshed and sharper than usual, and I realized I was already addicted to her. “Good morning, Coop. Did you sleep well?” I opened my eyes to find her standing beside the bed with a large mug of steaming coffee, wearing nothing but a short, peach-colored silk robe. I wasn’t sure which image was more delicious—the hot coffee or woman in a robe barely clinging to her curves. Both. Both is good. “I did sleep well. How ’bout you?” I frowned, dismayed that she’d both gotten up before me and I never noticed her leave the bed. “Aren’t you still tired?” She shook her head as she handed me the coffee. “I don’t need much sleep.” I sipped the coffee and groaned. “Oh, glory, that’s good. Thank you, Ma’am.” She grinned. “You’re welcome. I’d bet dollars to doughnuts you’re having a better wake up than most of the Concrete Angels. We made sure to set out all the hangover remedies last night, and I’m sure Grub added the raw eggs and small shots of hair-of-the-dog this morning.” I grimaced. “Oh, yeah, I remember those mornings. Thank Goddess I’m done with that part of my life. Those kinds of morning suck.” She tilted her head and gave me a perplexed smile. “You invoke the Goddess a lot for a…man. Why is that?” I shrugged. “It made more sense to me. If the divine is supposed to be loving, protective, nurturing, and life-giving, it makes sense it has a female energy. Most of the men I’ve met are angry, threatening, destructive, and violent, even with their kids. I’d rather have a warrior goddess watching my back than an angry, vengeful god any day.” I shrugged and sipped more coffee. My views on such things weren’t met with a lot of enthusiasm so I usually kept them to myself. But Karma smiled and I felt like I’d passed some sort of test. “So, what are you going to do today?” I shrugged. “I’m gonna talk to Numbers to see what places she dug up to trace the money. Once I know what she’s done, I’ll be able to start making inroads to the places she can’t get to. I have a hunch about where your money has gone, but I won’t know until I see what Numbers found.” Karma nodded as she rose and headed for the bathroom. “Smart. No point in re-inventing the wheel.” “Exactly.” I set the mug down on the side table and swung my feet to the floor. “Are you gonna take a shower, Ma’am?” I hurried after her, hoping for the chance to see her naked under the hot water. “Yes, that was my plan.” “Would you like me to wash your back?” I waggled my eyebrows and grinned as she laughed. “That would be great. As long as you let me wash yours.” “Yes, Ma’am.” I ducked around her and turned on the water in the shower, adjusting the temperature to be comfortable for both of us. Then I dried my hands and turned to her. “Let me take you out of that robe, Ma’am.” She turned her back and shrugged out of the soft, orange silk. I loved the way it slid over her skin with a soft hiss and my cock saluted both the sound and the sight. Damn, I wanted to brush up against her back and rock my hips with my cock between her butt cheeks. I loved how she’d wiggled her ass last night, making sure my dick fit in her crack as we slept. It had turned me on and comforted at the same time. I hung the robe on a hook and handed her into the shower. She sighed as she stepped under the spray and my dick flexed in appreciation. I stepped in behind her, grateful she had a large upright shower. Nothing worse than trying to be sexy in a coffin box with nozzles. Karma dropped her head under the water to wet her hair down and I took the time to grab the puff and fill it with bodywash. “Let me wash you, Ma’am.” “You may.” It might seem weird to enjoy taking orders, but her commands filled me with a sense of purpose and belonging that I hadn’t felt since I was a kid. My mom had been frail with a rare bone pathology that made her body brittle. She wasn’t weak by any stretch of the imagination, but one little bump against a kitchen drawer could shatter her arm. I’d learned to always make sure she was stable and free of obstacles so she could enjoy life. I served her and it brought me joy and satisfaction to do it right. When she died, I’d felt adrift. I needed to serve Karma to feel content and complete again. I needed to ensure her pleasure and comfort to secure my own, and it brought back the good memories of serving my mother with my superior strength. My mom was…

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Snippet Sunday – I’ll Do Him Tonight

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

It’s time for Snippet Sunday and it’s almost September and my birthday. The Muirlettes are in school and the first week went well (thank goodness). But I have a new book coming soon, and I’m showing off ROPE A FALLING STAR in preparation for STAR SPANGLED BANNER coming out in September. In this snippet, Amber has been admiring Tom from afar and when he asks to get a massage, she freaks out a little. ~~~~~~ Amber pulled into the driveway of the Triple Star and white-knuckled it all the way to the lodge. She had to give him a massage—wanted to, really—but she needed to find her composure first. It wouldn’t be right to drool on her boss’s son while rubbing his shoulders. Of course, I could drool over his cock instead. She hadn’t had sex in way too long. She’d need to get out her vibrator and take care of that when she was alone. Maybe she should put the massage off until tomorrow, but it wasn’t late and the next day she was booked from morning till dinner. I’ll have to do him tonight. Oh, jeez, why did every thought have a sexual innuendo attached to it? She definitely needed some happy time with her electric cock. She threw the Jeep into park and watched Tom’s truck pull up beside her. She needed a little bit of time to prepare her workspace for him, and that would give her time to get her libido under control. “I can be a professional with Mr. Tom Colton, right, Nimbus?” Her dog tilted her head in confusion and yipped. That’s not an encouraging response. Sighing, Amber opened the door to her truck and held the door long enough for Nimbus to jump out. The mutt sat down at her feet and waited for instructions as Amber took a deep breath. Tom strode around the back end of his truck, looking sexy as hell despite the distinct hitch in his giddy-up. He’s sore, jacked up, and twisted. Oh lord, there were those innuendos again. But she read the pain and tension just in his saunter, and the massage caregiver took over. “So, how does the schedule look?” Tom pushed his hat back on his head and gave her a tired smile. ~~~~~~~ Sometimes sex makes an appearance like it or not. 😉 There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list, the Snippet Sunday Facebook group, and the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A few of my favorites are, P.T. Wyant, Karen Michelle Nutt, Veronica Scott, Jessica Subject, Kathy Griffith Karysa Faire, and Iris Blobel. Here’s the blurb for ROPE A FALLING STAR: Available Wide Now Only the best stars fall… Three time bronc-riding champion Tom Colton’s dream of a fourth title ends when he draws Wooden Nickel, a mean little bronc with more twists than a maze. With his heart no longer in rodeo, he figures it’s time to go home to the Triple Star Ranch, the PTSD therapy ranch he and his dad founded to help others with trauma in their pasts. Tom just wants a little time to nurse his hurts and consider his next move. Amber Hillcrest started out as a Triple Star client and stayed on as a massage therapist. Her dog Nimbus keeps her PTSD in check, but her heart remains bruised. She knows she’s too old and too broken for love, especially with the son of her boss, but he’s hot enough to fill her fantasies for years to come. Amber tries to keep it professional between them, but Tom proves too irresistible with his big heart and charm. But someone is sabotaging the Triple Star and the neighboring Fantasy Ranch, and an ex-girlfriend keeps coming around, trying to reconnect with Tom. Tom’s hands are full of problems instead of the luscious massage therapist. But when Amber gets kidnapped, Tom will move heaven and earth to get her back and tell her how he truly feels.

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#ThursThreads – Week 377 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 377 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we start our eighth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Crystal Brown for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc. Entries: Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Mark A. Morris Joe Hesch | @JAHesch Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 Atticus Stryker | @TAFORU Jo Hawk | @JoHawktheWriter Silver James | @SilverJames_ Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball Honorable Mentions Atticus Stryker | @TAFORU Crystal says: Beautifully written. Had a hard time deciding between this one and the first place. Love the title of the song … speaks volumes of heartache. Yet, that line, “Ya know lyrics are meant to be rewritten” seemed to clear of the clouds in Nashville and shine a bit of hope on the story. Well done! Silver James | @SilverJames_ Crystal says: Love a good wolf story. Your story was a little tease that made me want more. My hubby always tells me I’m his all the time. Wolf senses are strong. Great job with the prompt. Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Crystal says: Nothing like a little negotiating to get a story. Great use of the prompt. Would love to know what happens next. winner announcement Week 377 Winner Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball Crystal says: Great use of prompt. Love your story. One of these days women will be treated better. Women can change the world if we are allowed a chance. I flip on the news, setting onto the couch with a glass of wine. The first story is a car accident and a rock settles into my stomach. I know the victim and it was only luck that I didn’t get called to the scene tonight. My cousin is—was—is eighteen. In college. A freak interstate accident put him in the hospital tonight. He’s in Sioux Falls, barely alive. In the midst of the ten thousand emotions swirling through my head, the feeling that I’m not alone seeps in. I whip my head around and then, in the corner, I see it. “Why?” The figure steps from the shadows, face covered, hands clasped. There’s no way to know if it’s a Council member or a Deather at this point. “I’m not the one you expected, am I?” I shake my head. “Why did you hurt my cousin?” “A women cannot be the heir, it has been this way for centuries. Until you cease your sabotage of the book, the punishment continues.” Anger takes over and my hands plant on my hips. “Grow the fuck up, Death boy.” The figure recoils. “Times change. That woman is going to be in charge whether you like it or not. If you can’t handle that, it’s time for you to resign. Seriously.” “Save your progress for Earth, where it is no more welcome. The punishment continues until the book changes the prediction.” I shudder as they melt through my wall. ~~~~~~~ Congratulations Eight Time Winner Kel, and Honorable Mentions Atticus, Silver, and Bill! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, MeWe, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂

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#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 377

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of Weird, Wild, & Wicked Tales. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing. We’ve reached our Seventh year of weekly prompts! This is Week 377 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your Twitter handle or email in the post (so we don’t have to look for you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, MeWe, and Google Plus, etc. Our Judge for Week 377: Hard working Children’s RN, with the love of reading to relax, and sports fan, Crystal Brown. Facebook | Twitter And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “I’m not the one you expected, am I?” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

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Snippet Sunday – I Had to Help

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

It’s time for Snippet Sunday and school. This week the Muirlettes go back to school and it’s to totally new schools this year. I’m both excited and anxious for them. But I’m trying to stay focused, so I’m showing off ROPE A FALLING STAR in preparation for STAR SPANGLED BANNER coming out in September. In this snippet, Tom and Amber have come to help with the neighbor’s ranch fire. Tom ends up talking to his dad. ~~~~~~ “I’m surprised you came at all. Good for you, honey.” Mrs. Guthrie bustled past them with a no-nonsense stride. “Let’s go get that food. Them boys out there are going to be starving.” “I had to help, even if I can’t help fight the fire.” She shot a guilty look at Tom before hurrying after the housekeeper. “I’m real impressed she’s here.” Trip watched them leave, his expression thoughtful before he sobered. “Let’s get these sandwiches out on that table.” Tom jumped to help his dad as they gathered up the platters Mrs. Guthrie had piled with food. “What happened to her, Dad?” Trip shook his head. “I don’t know the full story, but I can tell you she got trapped in a burning building somewhere. That’s why I’m surprised she’s here tonight. I never expected her to come near a fire, even with that dog of hers.” “Aw hell, she must be scared out of her skull.” Tom took a few steps toward the front doors before Trip grabbed his shoulder. “Maybe, but you heard her. She’s gotta help and this is part of her healin’. Trust me.” Trip tipped his head as he tore open the case of water bottles. “There’s an old man I used to talk to all the time while on the rodeo circuit. He started out as a bullrider, but after he got gored by a particularly rank bull, he had to give it up. Scared the hell outta him. But he kept comin’ back and helped out at the chutes year after year.” “Why?” “Because he said he had to face it to move past it.” Trip shrugged. “I figure that’s what Amber’s doin’ here. Facing stuff so she can move on.” ~~~~~~~ Courage is helping despite the fear. 😉 There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list, the Snippet Sunday Facebook group, and the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A few of my favorites are, P.T. Wyant, Karen Michelle Nutt, Veronica Scott, Jessica Subject, Kathy Griffith Karysa Faire, and Iris Blobel. Here’s the blurb for ROPE A FALLING STAR: Available Wide Now Only the best stars fall… Three time bronc-riding champion Tom Colton’s dream of a fourth title ends when he draws Wooden Nickel, a mean little bronc with more twists than a maze. With his heart no longer in rodeo, he figures it’s time to go home to the Triple Star Ranch, the PTSD therapy ranch he and his dad founded to help others with trauma in their pasts. Tom just wants a little time to nurse his hurts and consider his next move. Amber Hillcrest started out as a Triple Star client and stayed on as a massage therapist. Her dog Nimbus keeps her PTSD in check, but her heart remains bruised. She knows she’s too old and too broken for love, especially with the son of her boss, but he’s hot enough to fill her fantasies for years to come. Amber tries to keep it professional between them, but Tom proves too irresistible with his big heart and charm. But someone is sabotaging the Triple Star and the neighboring Fantasy Ranch, and an ex-girlfriend keeps coming around, trying to reconnect with Tom. Tom’s hands are full of problems instead of the luscious massage therapist. But when Amber gets kidnapped, Tom will move heaven and earth to get her back and tell her how he truly feels.

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#ThursThreads – Week 376 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 376 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we start our eighth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Naima Simone for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc. Entries: Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Silver James | @SilverJames_ Jo Hawk | @JoHawktheWriter Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir Mark A. Morris Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 Nikki Prince | @AuthorNPrince Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Tina Glasneck | @TinaGlasneck Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball Naima says: All of the stories were so good. I mean, wow. I was entertained today, certainly, but I was also just blown away by some truly awesome writing. Thank you so much for sharing! Honorable Mentions Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Naima says: Wow. First, that beginning just immediately sucks you in. A forty-foot fall and no one’s dead? Oh hells yes! I need to read more. And the dialogue is natural, the writing easy to read and seamless. Even the prompt totally fits like a perfect puzzle piece. This line is a perfect example of the great writing. “Why the hell would I do that?” He cut me off, rising over me once more, all mildly insulted and ridiculously beautiful. “Seems a shitty way to thank you for saving my life.” I was just dragged me into this story, and I want to know more. And SUPERHEROES!!! Silver James | @SilverJames_ Naima says: There’s a saying that I’ve heard all my writing life: God is in the details. And this excerpt is the reason why that saying was created. He tracked her, as unobtrusively as a guy carrying his bulk and notoriety could. He unwrapped a Tootsie Pop and stuck it in his mouth. She wasn’t a local and she carried that air of officiousness that suggested she was here to meddle. And these were just a few of the little descriptions and handful of words that made this so incredibly rich. She painted the picture. I feel like I already know Pops’ personality and a little about him and his history in just 248 words! Also, that ending. Talk about a cliffhanger and leaving me wanting to know more! This was awesome. Tina Glasneck | @TinaGlasneck Naima says: I loved this because it seemed utterly normal—like something your grandmother would nag you about, being “manless”—until you read down to the ghostly hands. Color me intrigued AND pink, because I was tickled. The excerpt is this beautiful and easy blending of contemporary and paranormal. And the voice is amazing.  So smooth and natural. Just from this small peek, I know this world building is intricate. But the voice of the heroine is flawless and makes me know traversing this world won’t be difficult in her head. Also, in this short piece, the author has me caring and totally invested in the heroine. I want her to win even as I want to shout a warning at her, “Nah, girl! Don’t resurrect the dead! You crazy??” LOL! Yeah, totally invested. A wonderfully written piece. Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana Naima says: This was utterly unique. I’m an 80s music girl so I hadn’t heard the song No Rest for the Wicked by Lykke Li. But after reading this? I doggone sure went online to find it and listen. This piece was haunting, vivid and emotional. This line: “Flags wave at half mast for my survivor’s guilt.” So. Freaking. Good. And then that last line? It left me damn near lunging from my seat to stop him. It just made me feel. Plus, incorporating the lyrics as part of it? If the author hadn’t mentioned that down at the bottom, I wouldn’t have known. It was that seamless. Just wonderful. winner announcement Week 376 Winner Mark A. Morris Naima says: Simply put, I was seduced. I don’t know if I’m a fan of Agatha or the demon. That ambiguity had me both uncomfortable and titillated. Which is a hallmark of some great writing. This line—“… his voice turning inside her like a melon baller, gouging away at her consciousness.”—and several others just had me wishing I had written it. And then there’s this: “You’ll have been expecting the demon responsible for your acne, I’d guess. My specialism’s usually pestilence but I’m sure I can manage to do something to take your mind off that. But it’ll cost you your eternal soul and I don’t do refunds.” Jithuus sounds like a complete asshole, and I’m here for it. I want to know why Agatha summoned him. Perhaps more importantly, I want to know BOTH of their stories. What’s going to happen between the two of them? Will there be a two of them? What does Agatha want? What does Jithuus want? Oh yes, seduced. Like, entranced. By the author’s voice. The characters. The circumstances. The world-building. The piece accomplishes what any writer craves—getting his reader to continue flipping the pages. The demon smirked. He sat back on his haunches with his hands behind him. He was careful not to touch the ward line circumscribing the mandala he’d appeared inside, but he was as nonchalant as ever. “You’re supposed to be obedient,” Agatha wailed. “The grimoire said you’d be obliged to do whatever I said.” Jithuus shrugged. He manifested a scroll from the otherworld and began to read an incantation, his voice turning inside her like a melon baller, gouging away at her consciousness. She fell forward onto her knees and her nose began to bleed, the drops splattering against the floor. “Enough?” he said, interrupting himself. He marked the line he’d reached with a stab of a claw, the parchment smouldering where he touched it.…

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