Blog

#ThursThreads – Week 390 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 390 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale half way through 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 Jaclyn Roche 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: Silver James | @SilverJames_ Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Tina Glasneck | @TinaGlasneck Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231 Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon Catherine Derham | @catederham_ Mark A. Morris David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Jaclyn says: There were so many awesome tales this week I had a really hard time choosing a winner and two honorable mentions. I really thought all the tales were excellent and deserve a mention, but that’s not my task. The ones that resonated with me the most were: Honorable Mentions Silver James | @SilverJames_ Jaclyn says: Amazing story; I loved where you went with it. I’d be mad if my old man was thinking about giving out a second property patch too! And who doesn’t love cinnamon rolls! I don’t know if I could handle two of them either. Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Jaclyn says: Great piece! I think everyone could use a good salt lick now and again. Don’t know if I could handle two weeks of him either without getting all hot and bothered. I loved the dialogue exchange between your characters. winner announcement Week 390 Winner Mark A. Morris Jaclyn says: You went there! I wasn’t sure that you were going to go so dark, but you did and kept the reader guessing until the end. Your piece left me thinking about the characters long after I finished reading. I want to know more, and I have so many questions. Awesome wordsmithing! He threads another wire through the marionette’s flesh, pulling it tight. He attaches it to one of the crosspieces and raises them both, letting the puppet dangle below the control bars. It hangs heavily, more a model than the living creature that it’s meant to be. He hasn’t practiced enough, and I feel the need to reach out and take over the control of the subject myself. Give him direction. Teach by example. But he needs to learn. I was like him once and my mentor exercised control over himself then, watching me fumbling with the articulations of my own doll, standing in silence as I struggled to make it look as though it was walking for itself. I can’t believe I was ever as clumsy as this boy is now, but I may have been. My perspective has changed and today I’m the one in the audience, witnessing his performance. “I don’t know if I can handle two controllers. Are you sure you can’t operate one while I do the other? Let me perfect my coordination with one hand at a time before doing both together?” I shake my head. The Puppeteers Credo forbids that I speak or do anything to assist. He must learn it for himself while I watch. Suffer the anxiety of knowing he is being judged and still succeed. The marionette begins to bleed, fat drops spattering heavily onto the ground. The anaesthetic will wear off soon and his task will get much harder. ~~~~~~~ Congratulations Fifteen Time Winner Mark, and Honorable Mentions Silver and Cara! 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! 🙂

Read More

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 390

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’re half way through our eighth year of weekly prompts! This is Week 390 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 390: Resourceful time thief (aka boy-Mom), and Author of dark romance and fantasy, Jaclyn Roche. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “Don’t know if I can handle two.” 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!

Read More

Snippet Sunday – Ethical Reasons

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

It’s time for Snippet Sunday and it’s cold Cheyenne. We had over a foot of snow for Thanksgiving and more was added last night. I’m glad I’m inside staying warm. The Triple Star Ranch series already has two books, ROPE A FALLING STAR and STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT in it. And STAR SPANGLED BANNER is now out! Yay! You not only see the old favorite characters but meet some new ones. In this snippet, Dr. Suzie is talking on the phone to her best friend Seychelles about the date she had with Petty Officer Sanchez. Suzie is the first to speak. ~~~~~~ “I’m definitely going to see him again. He’ll be coming here to the Triple Star Ranch for rehabilitation therapy.” “How the hell did you swing that?” Seychelles sounded impressed. “Wait, he’s not gonna be your patient, is he? ‘Cause that would suck for ethical reasons.” “No, he’s not my patient. He’ll be either Tom or Trip’s patient and I just oversee the medical issues if they arise.” Suzie couldn’t keep the giddy grin off her face. “You know I don’t date patients.” “Just checkin’. I didn’t want you to sabotage yourself out of this opportunity.” “What do you mean by that? When have I sabotaged a relationship?” “Seriously? What about Deacon Malloy back during your residency?” Suzie rolled her eyes. “It was during my residency. I didn’t have time to wipe my ass, much less take on a relationship with a needy bar owner. Besides, he had body odor from the Bog of Eternal Stench. That wasn’t going to work with my nose.” “Okay. Well, what about Isaac Easton?” “The trucker? That should say enough right there.” “Hey, I know a lot of truckers who are great guys, plus worldly and funny.” “There’s nothing wrong with truckers, per se. But Easton had a foot fetish and he was never here. I need someone who’s gonna be around a lot more.” “Oh, like you’re the epitome of ‘never busy.’” Seychelles’s sarcasm oozed through the phone. “And you’re not getting out of telling me how it went with the sailor boy. Who could be deployed at any time and not around, either.” “First off, he’s not a boy by any stretch of the imagination.” No, he wasn’t. He was hot, masculine, sexy, and adult. Suzie wanted him so badly her panties were soaked just thinking about him. ~~~~~~~ Suzie definitely knows what she likes. 😉 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 STAR SPANGLED BANNER: Now available! Sometimes a falling star wears a flag… Dr. Suzie Appleton expected a helluva ride in the barrel-racing championships at Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, but she had no idea she’d have to save a man falling from the sky. When he calls her for a date, she’s hesitant, but there’s something sexy and seductive about the Leap Frog, and she takes a chance. She suggests he come to the Triple Star Ranch for his therapy to have more time with him before he returns to jumping out of airplanes. Petty Officer Enrique Sanchez signed up to serve his country and expected to get shot at, just not during an exhibition jump at a rodeo. But the sexy doctor who saved his life in the arena is willing to sign off on his transfer on one condition: that he’s not her patient. Works for Enrique. He’d much rather play doctor with her than have her white coat get in the way of their personal relationship. While the attraction between them isn’t one-sided, neither are the threats. Someone is trying to complete their attempt on Enrique’s life, and someone else has their sights set on Suzie. Rumors and lies threaten to destroy their relationship. But all’s fair in love and war, and both of them could lose big.

Read More

#ThursThreads – Week 389 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 389 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 Eric Martell 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 Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231 Mark A. Morris Silver James | @SilverJames_ M.T. Decker | @mishmhem Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball Honorable Mentions Mark A. Morris Eric says: There was something about this tale of futuristic erasure that made me want to know more. Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Eric says: Well-written. Emotional. Full of characters with a clear history even without reading any more of the WIP. winner announcement Week 389 Winner Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Eric says: I read this one first, and I couldn’t find any story that charmed me quite as much. Don’t we all want to be that loved by our friends? Shorts Stuff So, we gathered at Jock’s favourite watering hole, The Potted Owl, to plan his wake. Truth be told, he had a parliament of favourite saloons. But there we were, at the old P.O. a half dozen of his friends, ostensibly fashioning a respectful albeit semi-riotous event, but the golden juice was getting the better of us. “Don’t know if I can handle two or three hours of Long Tall Sally,” Gil Bleecker mentioned more than once. Finally defending Jock’s last request, I piped in, “Whaddaya gonna do, Gil Man. He loved Little Richard and he ‘specially loved that song.” “He loved Sally,” someone tossed in. “Old loves, man. They stick with you.” Sally had been Jock’s high school sweetheart. Dumped him like a sack of rocks in their final year. “Wondering if she’d come?” Bleecker brightened up. “That would be a sight worth seeing. Her! That song! Jock’d would get a laugh outta that.” “I don’t think that’ll fly, fellas. Still, I’ll google her. Ya never know.” Then Hooper mentioned the pants. “We all gonna wear shorts? I don’t even own a pair.” The wake was set for the last Saturday in January. Deep winter. Jock had been one of those weirdos, seems like every town has one or two, who wear shorts year-round. It had been his signature fashion statement. His only fashion statement! “I’ll loan you a pair, Hoop. In fact, I’ve got Jock’s entire collection. We’ll ALL wear his tiny pants. That’s what friends do.” ~~~~~~ Congratulations TWENTY-FIVE TIME WINNER Bill, and Honorable Mentions Mark and Cara! 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! 🙂

Read More

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 389

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of Weird, Wild, & Wicked Tales. Today is the third Thursday of #NaNoWriMo. How’s your word count going? We’ve reached our Seventh year of weekly prompts! This is Week 389 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 389: Scientist, Dad, and flash fiction author, Eric Martell. Facebook | Twitter | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “That would be a sight worth seeing.” 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!

Read More

Snippet Sunday – Always a Man Short

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

It’s time for Snippet Sunday and it snowed in Cheyenne. Brrr! I think we bypassed Fall and went straight to winter. But the snow is pretty. The Triple Star Ranch series already has two books, ROPE A FALLING STAR and STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT in it. And STAR SPANGLED BANNER coming out soon. I have to finish the edits and it’s all done. But that doesn’t mean I can’t tease you. In this snippet, Petty Officer Enrique Sanchez has returned from his date with Suzie to talk to his team about the reason he’s injured. ~~~~~~ Bruiser snorted. “Just get the paperwork signed and heal up completely because I’m not gonna go easy on you when you’re back to one hundred percent.” “Yes, sir.” Enrique nodded. “Thanks for this, Chief.” He waved the papers. “Yeah, you’re welcome. Just get better. I don’t like being a man short.” Petty Officer Second Class Avery Hightower barked a laugh as he joined them, looking down on their CO from his height of 6’5”. “Sir, you’re always a man short. Or maybe just a short man.” “Shut up, Hightower. You find anything out or you still got your head in the clouds?” Bruiser scowled, but amusement sparkled in his gray eyes. Hightower lost his grin and he nodded. “Let’s take Sanchez back to his room so he can gather up his shit and I’ll tell you what I know.” Enrique’s gut clenched with unease as they all trooped down the halls to his assigned room. Hightower was the chute specialist, though each man in the Leap Frog team inspected his own equipment. But Enrique’s chute failure was unusual and they weren’t taking any chances. They filed into his room and Bruiser shut the door, leaning against it. “What did you find?” Hightower scowled and with his dark skin, he looked sinister. “The doc was right. Someone shot the chute. I found two bullet holes in the upper canopy. We’re just lucky Sanchez was close enough to the ground and had some mad skills to keep from dyin’. Someone definitely aimed for him.” “Are you shitting me? ’Cause I’m not finding this funny.” Enrique widened his eyes. “Not bullshittin’ you, bro.” Hightower shook his head. “Someone smuggled a weapon into the arena and shot at us.” ~~~~~~~ So there’s a lot more going on than a random accident. 😉 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 STAR SPANGLED BANNER: Coming Soon! Sometimes a falling star wears a flag… Dr. Suzie Appleton expected a helluva ride in the barrel-racing championships at Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, but she had no idea she’d have to save a man falling from the sky. When he calls her for a date, she’s hesitant, but there’s something sexy and seductive about the Leap Frog, and she takes a chance. She suggests he come to the Triple Star Ranch for his therapy to have more time with him before he returns to jumping out of airplanes. Petty Officer Enrique Sanchez signed up to serve his country and expected to get shot at, just not during an exhibition jump at a rodeo. But the sexy doctor who saved his life in the arena is willing to sign off on his transfer on one condition: that he’s not her patient. Works for Enrique. He’d much rather play doctor with her than have her white coat get in the way of their personal relationship. While the attraction between them isn’t one-sided, neither are the threats. Someone is trying to complete their attempt on Enrique’s life, and someone else has their sights set on Suzie. Rumors and lies threaten to destroy their relationship. But all’s fair in love and war, and both of them could lose big.

Read More

#ThursThreads – Week 388 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 388 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 Katheryn J. Avila 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 Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231 Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon Mark A. Morris Silver James | @SilverJames_ Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Honorable Mentions Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Katheryn says: I really like the imagery here. It’s a very brief piece that reads very fast but conjures a vivid picture. Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 Katheryn says: It feels like there’s a bigger story here, and I’d love to know what it is. Where did she come from? Who is the mysterious ‘they’ that’ll come for her? Silver James | @SilverJames_ Katheryn says: The urgency and stakes really come through in the short piece, and makes me want to know what happened before this and what happens next. And though it’s a small piece of a larger story, it gives us great insight into the main character and a clear idea of who she is and where she comes from. winner announcement Week 388 Winner Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana Katheryn says: I really enjoyed the portrayal of Hades in this one. He’s so often gloomy or grumpy, but here he seems like a pretty chill guy, the relaxed friend. I really like the relationship here and definitely need to know more about the mythos of the larger story. It’s always interesting to me when various different mythologies get mixed into a single story. “Insufferable,” Death groaned. “Completely insufferable.” His one, and maybe only, good friend laughed. “I have to agree. I would take pleasure in sicking Cerberus upon some. Not even to hurt or maim, just for him to lick them to death with three eager heads. Imagine how many goddesses would be appalled to have their wear slobbered and their hair disheveled.” “Imagine Aphrodite.” Hades’ howl of laughter bounced off the cavern walls. Contagious. Death soon joined in, though nowhere near as boisterous. Every time Hades seemed to calm he’d let another bellow rip until he finally sighed and wiped at his eyes. “That would be a sight worth seeing. She would hate me for eternity.” “Doubtful. Aphrodite has always been smitten of you and jealous of Persephone. She couldn’t hate you if she tried.” “Hmm.” Hades steepled his fingers beneath his chin. “You make a fine point. You are coming to the gathering, are you not?” A sigh slipped from Death, sinking into the chair. “I would prefer not. I am the only god who doesn’t belong anywhere.” “Nonsense. You are a god, therefore you belong.” “Need I remind you I am still the outcast god?” Hades waved a dismissive hand. “Come anyways. Take company with Persephone and I. Avoid Lucifer.” They both made a grunting sound of approval. “At worst case if you need space, escape to the Ether for a short time.” “The Ether?” “Be harder for them to find you.” “You mean impossible.” Hades grinned. “That’s the spirit.” ~~~~~~~ Congratulations Six Time Winner Daelyn, and Honorable Mentions Bill, Terry, and Silver! 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! 🙂

Read More

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 388

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of Weird, Wild, & Wicked Tales. Today is the second Thursday of #NaNoWriMo. How’s your word count going? We’ve reached our Seventh year of weekly prompts! This is Week 388 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 388: Programmer by day, writer by night, Katheryn J. Avila. Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “Be harder for them to find you.” 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!

Read More

Snippet Sunday – I Couldn’t Let That Happen

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

We’ve reached November when #NaNoWriMo takes over the #WritingCommunity and everyone pumps out a novel in the month. But I’m moving and editing and hoping I can finished a holiday novella. Time will tell. But the Triple Star Ranch series already has two books, ROPE A FALLING STAR and STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT in it. And STAR SPANGLED BANNER coming out at the end of November to avoid Mercury in retrograde. My editor loved it so it’ll be worth the wait. In this snippet, Petty Officer Enrique Sanchez and Dr. Suzie Appleton are on a date and visiting the Cheyenne Train Depot. We’re in her POV but he’s the first to speak. ~~~~~~ “Without you, I could have died.” “I couldn’t let that happen.” “I know.” He dropped his gaze to her lips and she swallowed at the blatant interest she read on his face. “Muchas gracias, señorita.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers, and desire flared in her chest. His kiss was gentle at first, teasing her with soft touches. She tilted her head to get closer and opened her lips, wanting him to deepen the kiss more than she’d wanted anything in a long time. She wrapped her arms around him and moaned when his tongue stroked hers. A deep answering growl rumbled from his chest as his hand slid into her hair and tightened on the strands. His tongue danced around hers, stroking and stoking her fires while his one good arm held her close to his body. She loved his heat and his hard muscles pressed against her body. She wanted more, preferably without clothing between them, and she kissed him back, hoping she could convey her need as much as she felt his. They would’ve kept going except a family with young kids came into the room, the mother herding her brood toward the bathrooms at the other end. Suzie stepped back and Enrique released her as the herd passed them. They stared at each other, out of breath, but didn’t say anything until the group disappeared through the door. “Oh, my glory.” She licked her lips and straightened her shirt. “I, uh, I should get you back to the VA.” “Are you sure you don’t want another kiss, querida?” The smirk mixed with his dark eyes promising pleasures straight out of her fantasies and she swallowed hard. “No, I’m not sure at all, which is why I should get you back to the VA.” ~~~~~~~ Sometimes a woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do. 😉 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 STAR SPANGLED BANNER: Coming Soon! Sometimes a falling star wears a flag… Dr. Suzie Appleton expected a helluva ride in the barrel-racing championships at Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, but she had no idea she’d have to save a man falling from the sky. When he calls her for a date, she’s hesitant, but there’s something sexy and seductive about the Leap Frog, and she takes a chance. She suggests he come to the Triple Star Ranch for his therapy to have more time with him before he returns to jumping out of airplanes. Petty Officer Enrique Sanchez signed up to serve his country and expected to get shot at, just not during an exhibition jump at a rodeo. But the sexy doctor who saved his life in the arena is willing to sign off on his transfer on one condition: that he’s not her patient. Works for Enrique. He’d much rather play doctor with her than have her white coat get in the way of their personal relationship. While the attraction between them isn’t one-sided, neither are the threats. Someone is trying to complete their attempt on Enrique’s life, and someone else has their sights set on Suzie. Rumors and lies threaten to destroy their relationship. But all’s fair in love and war, and both of them could lose big.

Read More

#ThursThreads – Week 387 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 387 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 Mary Decker 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: Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 Joe Hesch | @JAHesch Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Silver James | @SilverJames_ Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana Cara Michaels | @caramichaels Mark A. Morris Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231 David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil Honorable Mentions Terry Brewer | @Stories2121 Mary says: your story of a chance encounter definitely shows my cynical side, and if you’re hopeful, the ending is romantic and dreamy and if you’re a bit cynical, it could be a very tragic ending… well done. One of the challenges of flash is the fact that you have to rely on your reader to fill in the blanks and with this story—there are two very different stories I can see. Joe Hesch | @JAHesch Mary says: your story has certain undertones that, again, tell a very different story than the one. It starts off sounding like a story of a friend turning into something more- and then your twist at the end. Don’t shoot the messenger indeed. Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana Mary says: your story was intriguing and was an interesting take on the idea of ‘what does death want?’ I would like to see more of this. winner announcement Week 387 Winner Silver James | @SilverJames_ Mary says: Your story is definitely a slice of something much bigger, and yet it stands alone (not something easily done in 100-250 words) While I want to know more and see more of this story, your flash piece left me feeling satisfied.  I love how you bring something dangerous and predatory to a small moment in life and it’s not the threat or the Hell Dogs themselves, but their effect on one person, and someone who has vowed to protect them. I really want to see this story grow. This meeting wasn’t going well. Elena’s supervisor was all up in arms about sending a young girl to live on a ranch with a single man. Except Pops was an experienced foster parent, and he’d housed both boys and girls on an emergency basis since his wife had died. She watched him and the girl on the computer monitor. “You gotta trust someone,” Pops said. “I can’t.” “Why not?” The girl turned stubborn and remained silent. “You don’t wanna go to juvie, hon. Whoever you’re afraid of can get to you there.” Round, frightened eyes fixed on him and Elena’s heart lurched. “Stayin’ with me out in the sticks? Be harder for them to find you, right?” Elena held her breath. Was Pops actually getting through? The girl looked undecided, but she eventually whispered, “I suppose.” “What you need to know about me, hon, is that I don’t lie. I’ll always tell you the truth. If I say I can keep you safe, and help you find your way, I will. Thing is, you need to respect me enough to do the same.” “I’m not a runaway.” Elena almost missed what the girl said but Pops heard it loud and clear. A muscle ticked along his tightened jaw. “Things bad for you at home?” “They took me. The Hell Dogs.” Pops stiffened and Elena could tell he fought his emotions. “Okay, baby girl. Will you tell me your name?” He again got big eyes, and one word—her name. “Hope.” ~~~~~~~ Congratulations THIRTY-NINE TIME WINNER Silver, and Honorable Mentions Terry, Joe, and Daelyn! 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! 🙂

Read More