A to Z: E - Energy & Eager

My A to Z Challenge: Flash fiction written using two words and a photo for inspiration. How did I chose the words? First I brought up a noun list for each letter, then averted my eyes, scrolled the mouse down, stopped and double-clicked. That was the word! The second word was chosen the same way but from a dictionary list of words.
NOTE: Photos are from free to use photo sites such as Pixabay.com and Morguefile.com. No attribution necessary.

"Can you see it?" Mya asked Jake, who shook his head. "It can't be far. Can it?" She stopped in the middle of the road and rested her hands on her knees. She looked up at Jake. "Why aren't you panting? Do you think this is fun?"

Her running partner jogged in place beside her. "C'mon, you wimp. this was your idea. You were full of energy when you woke me two hours early. I thought you were eager to get to that house?"

She stood up and stretched her arms over her head, then touched her toes a couple of times. "Well, I am. I just can't keep up your pace. You only got four hours sleep. How can you keep up this pace?"

"Training, dear sister. Training. You should come out with me more often."

She made a face and did a couple more stretches.

"So why are you so intent on seeing this place? You do know there's no such thing as a haunted house."

"Did mom and dad ever tell you about the Samuels family and the house they lived in? You were overseas when it all happened." When Jake shook his head she continued. "There were five of them. Mr. and Mrs. Samuels, their son who was twelve, a daughter who was eight, and a baby less than a year old. He was trying to farm the land but it was hard going. Living on a shoestring, feeding five people, fighting the weather. Well, the final report said Mr. Samuels broke and killed the entire family."

Jake stopped. "You're kidding me! He killed them all?"

Mya nodded.

"Even the baby? Who could kill a baby?"

"Well, actually, they never found the baby's body but they never found it alive either."

"And this is the house we're going to?"

She nodded again. "No one has lived there in over ten years, since it happened. People have gone to look at it but they say they can hear the screams and cries of the family."

Jake looked skeptical. "I doubt that. Probably more like an overactive imagination."

"Maybe, maybe no." Mya shrugged. "Who knows??

"Well, let's get going so we can get back home in time for the game."

Mya stuck her tongue out at her brother, pushed him off balance, and took off running.

Laughing, Jake joined her.

Thirty minutes later, they were approaching the Samuels homestead and slowed to a walk. The years of neglect had take a toll. The fence was broken in several places and the yard was overgrown with weeds.

Mya whispered, "It's the stuff nightmares are made of, isn't it? Imagine being out here at night?" She shivered. "No thanks."

As they stared at the ramshackle house, the wind picked up and whirled the dust around their feet. Mya wrapped her arms around herself. "Brrrr, wish I had brought a sweater."

Jake chuckled. "Ready to go inside?"

"Are you crazy? I just wanted to see it. Now we can go back home."

"Wait a minute, not so fast! Not so eager now?"

Mya tugged her brother's arm. "This place is creepier than I imagined. Let's go." As soon as she said that, the wind escalated and blew them both towards the house. "Stop pushing me," she admonished.

"I'm not, it's the wind. It's pushing me, too."

When they got to the front steps, the wind stopped but a howl arose from deep inside the house. Mya started to cry. "I wanna go home."

Jake put his arm around her shoulders. "Me, too." He tried to turn them towards the road but found he couldn't move in any direction but forward. "You stay here. I'll check it out inside. I'm sure we're overreacting."

He took two steps and realized Mya was still beside him. She was looking at her feet then back up at him. "When you move, I move. This can't be real. I'm having a nightmare, right?"

Jake couldn't respond,. He was busy keeping his balance as his feet continued up the steps, across the porch and then stopped at the front door, Mya keeping pace beside him, a terrified expression on her face. Her face was streaked with tears and her sobs tore at his heart. The both jumped when the door slammed opened.

They could see inside, so very different from the outside. The air inside smelled of roses and the living room seemed immaculate, as though someone were still living there. Jake squeezed his sister's shoulder. "Not so creepy now..."

"You don't think it's weird that the inside looks like it did ten years ago? I do." Again, she tried to pull them backwards but nothing happened. "Jake-"

"Shhh, I hear something. It sounds like footsteps."

"Jaaakkkeee..." her voice shook.

The stairs creaked and the footfall grew louder. The wind rose again and as they looked back, the front door slammed. When they turned back, a teenage girl was standing in front of them.

She held out her hand. "Hello, I'm Becky Samuels. Welcome. I understand you were eager to visit. Come in. Share your energy with me!" As she turned they heard her say, with an evil laugh "Welcome to your new home. You will feed me for years to come." 

Stay Calm and Read Flash Fiction!

  

Follow the A to Z Goldendoodles

A to Z: D - Den & Dark

My A to Z Challenge: Flash fiction written using two words and a photo for inspiration. How did I chose the words? First I brought up a noun list for each letter, then averted my eyes, scrolled the mouse down, stopped and double-clicked. That was the word! The second word was chosen the same way but from a dictionary list of words.
NOTE: Photos are from free to use photo sites such as Pixabay.com and Morguefile.com. No attribution necessary.

He had to find a place to get away. Some place dark, some place they wouldn't search,  someplace they would never find him. Keeping low, he scanned the area, searching. He took a few steps, looked around, and took a few steps more. He was running out of time.

Then he spied it, the perfect spot to hide. He didn't know how long he would have to stay there but he was prepared to wait them out. He heard distant voices and raced to the spot. He peered inside then hurled himself into the darkness, unaware of what dangers might await inside.

Curling up like the little bugs that lived in his basement, he wrapped his arms around his legs and thought about his predicament. It had started as fun, just a game they said. But it changed when they came after him. He had panicked and run. Their taunts followed him and their laughter turned mean.

He slept for a bit, cozy in his hiding place.  Rubbing his eyes, he listened for any sounds of pursuit but heard nothing. As he edged closer to the outside he heard it. 

"Michael David Douglas! You get your butt down here right now. Everyone's seated, dinner's on the table and your father is hungry."

Stay Calm and Read Flash Fiction!

  

Follow the A to Z Goldendoodles

A to Z: C - Chapel & Can

My A to Z Challenge: Flash fiction written using two words and a photo for inspiration. How did I chose the words? First I brought up a noun list for each letter, then averted my eyes, scrolled the mouse down, stopped and double-clicked. That was the word! The second word was chosen the same way but from a dictionary list of words.
NOTE: Photos are from free to use photo sites such as Pixabay.com and Morguefile.com. No attribution necessary.

He was lost and he knew it. In fact, he welcomed it. Life had been boring lately, things came to easily to him and he wanted, no, needed a challenge. He shifted the weight of the backpack from one shoulder to the other, then let it settle back into a comfortable position.

Foot deep snow had slowed his steps earlier, now past that, he paused to survey his surroundings. He was deep into the  forest, a long way from the main road he'd left several hours ago. Or was it days ago? He rubbed his forehead wondering why his memory seemed so foggy. Maybe I need to eat. He looked for a good spot to sit for a bit and spied a huge boulder ahead, high enough for the top to be dry.

He clambered up the rock, shrugged off his pack and pulled out a pack of jerky and his container of water. This is all I need, to heck with city life and the corporate BS. Survival. Do what you have to in order to stay alive. The simple life.

Refreshed, he remained on the rock, the sun warm on his back. He listened to the birds and watched a rabbit nibble on the bark of a small tree in a bare patch of ground. I should trap that rabbit and eat it. But he knew he wouldn't. At least not now when he still had plenty of provisions. Maybe later, when he needed food. He noticed the sun was setting and slid down, continuing his trek. 

He maintained a lookout for a spot suitable for spending the night. He didn't need much- He almost tripped, he stopped so abruptly. Just off to the side of the his path was a small wooden structure. He stared at it, then looked around to see if someone was watching him. Was it a trap?

He took small steps towards the structure which looked like a small chapel, at least from the front. What was it doing out here in the middle of nowhere? Who had built it? And why? He stood in front of it and studied the carved wooden door. There was a can with a sign on it: ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. He laughed. That sounded like a dare. He pulled up the sign and looked at the back. Ah, the fine print. In small block letters was another warning. ONLY FOR THOSE WHO SEEK FREEDOM. Wasn't that exactly what he was looking for?

He took one step up and put his hand on the door handle. A vision flashed but too fleeting for him to capture. He twisted the knob to the right but it wouldn't move. He twisted it to the left and heard, no, felt the tumblers in the lock release. He took a deep breath, exhaled, pushed on the door and took one step forward.

A blast of hot air hit him in the face and forced him to close his eyes. Music assaulted his ears, something island sounding, from the Caribbean maybe. He swore he could smell coconut and bananas. And rum! Was this his new found paradise? He didn't question what had just happened, he just accepted.

The blast of hot air stopped and he opened his eyes as the door slammed behind him. He was in a small room that appeared to made of concrete. An empty room. The music got louder and the smells stronger as he ran from wall to wall and then back to the door. I've got to get out, what kind of hell is this? He struggled with the door knob but it wouldn't budge. He banged on it. "Let me out! I need to get out. Please!"

He was rewarded with silence. The music stopped and the tropical odors faded away. A crackle filled the air and a loud voice declared, "You are free" as the darkness closed around him.

Stay Calm and Read Flash Fiction!

  

Follow the A to Z Goldendoodles

A to Z: B - Barnstormer & Baggage

My A to Z Challenge: Flash fiction written using two words and a photo for inspiration. How did I chose the words? First I brought up a noun list for each letter, then averted my eyes, scrolled the mouse down, stopped and double-clicked. That was the word! The second word was chosen the same way but from a dictionary list of words.
NOTE: Photos are from free to use photo sites such as Pixabay.com and Morguefile.com. No attribution necessary.

"Look at what I got at the auction!" Cheryl opened the lid of the antique trunk, displaying a variety of old, musty items.

"Phew, it stinks." Her younger brother Ray held his nose as he peered inside. 

"I'll let it air out here on the screened porch. It'll be better tomorrow."

"Maybe. Maybe next week. Why you'd buy this old piece of baggage anyway?"

"C'mon, it's a piece of history. Doesn't that excite and intrigue you?"

Ray shook his head and headed off to work but not before hollering back, "Wear gloves!"

Cheryl snickered. "Gloves, shmoves...I'm not waiting." She slowly peeled back the first layer of netting, trying to not send the dust flying. She sneezed anyway and she chuckled. "Maybe a mask would be a good idea." 

Layer by layer, she removed things from the trunk and laid them on the floor. Men's and women's clothing from decades past, a few photographs and a leather bound journal. She picked up one of the photos and studied it. Two people standing beside an old bi-plane. "Hmm, wonder if one of them owned this trunk?" She flipped the photo over and tried to read the inscription. "Jules, Julia, um, Julian and.." She leaned closer towards the sunlight, "Julian and Emily!"

She picked up the journal, setting the photo down with the others. The leather was worn, marked with years of use, and the pages were yellowed. She flipped through several pages and stopped to read the page marked by another photo tucked in, maybe acting as a bookmark.

It took several minutes before she could read the handwriting, the cursive letters seeming to swim around, making it hard to read. She stopped reading, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath before continuing.

February 14, 1921
My darling Emily, I write this as I sit here alone in Georgia, contemplating our future. I understand the concern of your parents. I am too old for you and they do not condone our relationship. I fear it is my career as a barnstormer has influenced them to think poorly of me. My hope is to make enough money this year to open my own business back home with you.
With the greatest affection, Julian

She picked studied the photo that had been tucked in between this page and the next. It was a portrait style picture of a young girl. On the back someone had inscribed Emily Smythe, age 17. The next entry was dated April of the next year.

April 21, 1922
My dearest Emily, I have been remiss in journaling but for good reason. I have made enough money barnstorming in Georgia and Florida that I am now able to fund my own business. But I fear I have lost you. When I returned home to Albany, the first and foremost item was to call on you. Your parents informed me you were gone and I would never see you again. When I inquired as to your whereabouts, your mother sobbed and your father directed me to the local graveyard. You are lost to me until we meet in another time and place. You are my one and only, my heart. I will go on without you to honor you, but with protest.
Devotely yours, Julian.

She put the journal in her lap and picked up the original photograph of the two lovers.  How tragic. To love so deeply and lose it all so young. She closed her eyes, the sun warming her as she dozed off, dreaming of the two lovers and wishing someone would love her as deeply as Julian loved Emily.

A sound in the distance startled her awake. She rubbed her eyes, trying to clear her fuzzy thoughts. Julian. It was all about Julian. But what about him? She closed her eyes and concentrated. Nothing. She opened them and looked around. She was on a sun porch, sitting on the floor beside a new trunk. Packing! I was packing for travel. She stood and brushed the dust off dress. He'll be here soon. We have to leave before Momma and Poppa get home. She smiled as she put the last of her clothes inside and closed the lid.

She watched the stream of dust rise from their long drive as the old Model T sputtered towards her. She covered her ears to block the squeal of the brake as the car rolled to a stop. A handsome young man got out, slapped the dust off his legs and waved his cap at her.

"Allo there! Are you ready for our grand adventure?" He pulled her into an embrace at the top of the steps. "Are you ready to be my wife, dearest Emily?"

"With all my heart, Julian."

Stay Calm and Read Flash Fiction!

  

Follow the A to Z Goldendoodles

A to Z: A - Accordion & Absent

My A to Z Challenge: Flash fiction written using two words and a photo for inspiration. How did I chose the words? First I brought up a noun list for each letter, then averted my eyes, scrolled the mouse down, stopped and double-clicked. That was the word! The second word was chosen the same way but from a dictionary list of words.
NOTE: Photos are from free to use photo sites such as Pixabay.com and Morguefile.com. No attribution necessary.

He wasn't sure how he found himself here. He wasn't a religious man. He'd given up on that long ago. A lifetime ago. Back after his, well, back when he was a young man.

He'd been raised in Florida, deep in the swamps near the Everglades. As a boy, he'd always loved the fan palm trees. Their leaves that reminded him of accordion bellows that fascinated him. How could blowing air produce such distinct sounds he would wonder as he watched the Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday nights with his parents.

He pulled his ragged thrift store coat tighter as the wind heightened, whistling an eerie tune as it wound through the headstones. This was his quiet place, the only place he didn't hear the voices from the past. Or maybe the only place he did.

His existence felt absent from connection to the present, he felt firmly anchored in the past. He smiled as he remembered his mother's warm hand on his forehead when he was sick. He chuckled picturing his father acting out a silly word as the family played charades. He felt a pain...her face, his fiancé's face...

The pain deepened and he rubbed his hand over his arm. So young, too young. A song tickled the corner of his mind...their song. The pain eased, but only temporarily. He closed his eyes and wished the pain would take him away. Far away from a life where he was always on the outside looking in. He took a deep breath and counted. One... Two... Three... By the time he reached ten, the pain left.

He let the memories flow...their first date, the prom night when he asked her to marry him after they graduated, the- He stopped. Graduation night. They fought and she took a ride home with a friend. There was an accident. No one survived. His tears trailed down his cheeks untouched. "Emma," he sobbed.

How different his life might have been, if only... No, he knew better than going that route. Nothing could change the past. What was done was done. But if only...

She watched him from afar, knowing they would soon be together. She smiled. The end always brings new beginnings. Her sigh whispered in the air and circled him. "Emma and Carl, together forever."

Stay Calm and Read Flash Fiction!

  

Follow the A to Z Goldendoodles

Theme Reveal - #AtoZChallenge

Today is THEME REVEAL day! As I stated earlier, I planned on writing flash fiction. Last time I had length restrictions, this time I won't.

But this time I chose two words for each story. They must be mentioned in the telling but they don't have to be the key to the tale.

How did I chose the words? First I brought up a noun list for each letter, then averted my eyes, scrolled the mouse down, stopped and double-clicked. That was the word! The second word was chosen the same way but from a dictionary list of words.

As in my first A to Z challenge, I then searched sites like Pixabay, Unsplash and Morguefile for photos to spark some inspiration. I found some good ones - I know they are good when I look at them and the opening sentence to the story comes immediately to mind.

Final note, why am I doing this? Why am I spending time writing these stories for free, when I could be writing another book? It's simple. I want to find the joy in writing again AND I want to stretch my creativity. Flash fiction does both! I hope this intrigues you enough to follow along.

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It's Official! #AtoZChallenge

It's official - I joined the master list today for the 2018 A to Z Challenge. Phew! Excited and terrified. I haven't written any flash fiction in four or five years.

The Annual Dilemma - #AtoZChallenge

It's that time of year again. Time to make a decision on whether I will participate in the annual April A to Z Challenge. I've done it several times, last year I did it based upon the travels we have taken [selections from my personal blog].

I had planned on taking at least a six month hiatus from writing, time to catch up on some reading (my Kindle is so full I can't download any new books!).

So why am I considering doing this again? Flash fiction - I loved writing it and I miss it. It was were I started my current writing journey and I feel a need to write more of it.

Now the challenge is to choose MY challenge. A theme isn't required but I find I do better with one. My first April A to Z Challenge was flash fiction. I used a theme of A to Z in 10 by 10 and all my stories are now published on Amazon under that title.

26 letters in the alphabet provide the start of 26 flash fiction stories. Each story was written based upon a word and a photo used for inspiration. That's the A to Z.

The 10 by 10 refers to the story length. Each story was written in no more than ten sentences but with a minimum of 100 words (10x10=100).

Some tell a sweet tale, some have unexpected twists, some leaving you wanting more and some, well that's up to you!

I don't think I want to be quite as restrictive this time but I do want to keep each story short. And how do I chose my words? Previously, I just wrote down the first word that came to mind and wrote a story using it. Last year it was all about the places we have traveled to and visited.

I'll have to think on this...open to suggestions, thoughts and ideas!

2012 A-Z

2014 A-Z

2015 A-Z

2017 A-Z

New Book, Launch Party, & Giveaways!

Mark your calendars for February 20th - that's the launch day for all the above new Lei Crime Kindle World books, including mine, Paradise Drift. The launch party will be on Facebook and party prizes will be randomly selected from those who post comments on the posts. [Note: you will have 24 hours to post, so no excuses about work!]

In addition, I will randomly select one person from those who comments on my posts for this handcrafted gift (no, not made by me).

HAWAIIAN GREEN SEA TURTLES

The most common sea turtle species in Hawaii is by far the Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu). They are regularly found resting under underwater ledges, basking on beaches, and nibbling on algae in shallow waters. The average shell length of an adult honu is 3-4 feet and they weigh ~250 pounds, but they can grow to a weight of 500 pounds.is 4-5 feet long and weighs 250 pounds, although they can grow as large as 500 pounds.

A little more about the prize:
Handcrafted 100% in The Copper State (Arizona USA) with attention given to every detail. Many are brought to life with bends and creases to the designs. No two are exactly the same as inherent ingredients in the copper along with the verdigris application technique and local desert weather conditions all play a part in creating the unique patina of each ornament. Not just for Christmas trees, these artful copper creations command instant attention and add panache to any space year-round! Measures 5.25 x 3.75 less hanger. Bonus: Mini suction cup included!

Just a few ideas:
   • Hang on a window or mirror with a suction cup
   • Use as a unique napkin ring gift for dinner guests
   • Drape one over the neck of a wine bottle
   • Gift wrap accent
   • Candle accent

A little excerpt from my upcoming novella, Paradise Drift:

Their conversations were interrupted by a massive explosion sending a fireball high up in the night sky, lighting the surrounding area. Even as far away as they were, the inevitable concussion was overwhelming.

Everyone looked up when Peter approached. “I’m sorry guys. I just called the Coast Guard. Captain Leach isn’t answering the phone.” He put his arm around Bobbi. “I’m so sorry, sweetie.”

She gulped and nodded. “It’s okay. He got away on the inflatable. He just forgot the sat phone. He’s okay,” she kept repeating. “He’s okay, I know it.”

Angeline seemed to finally realize what this all meant. “My Arty? Where’s my Arty?” She collapsed onto the sand crying as everyone looked on helplessly, already consumed in comforting each other.

An early reader review:
"I loved it! Your use of the main group of people & the new people was awesome! It was a mystery, romance & funny commentary all the way throughout the story."

One more chance for a special prize - help Name That Kitten & Name That Puppy in the  Lei Crime Kindle World Story, Called to Protect, by Amy Shojai, the final book in her trilogy. The two folks with winning suggestions will get an advance digital of CALLED TO PROTECT, their names in the acknowledgements, and bragging rights. CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY, so hurry and enter your suggestions!

Want to stay up to date with news about all the current and future Lei Crime Kindle World books? Join in the fun on Facebook, become a member the Lei Crime KW Ohana group!

Featuring a Few Friends

It's been a crazy year and to give thanks, I thought I'd share some of my favorite author book series. These are all book I have read (usually grabbing the first one and getting so hooked, I went out and bought the rest in the series). I hope you will give them a try!

So, in no particular order....

Brandon Hale: Day Soldiers (Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, touch of horror, good for YA & up)
Joan Young: Dead Mule Swamp (Cozy mystery, humor, small town)
J.B. Lynn: The Neurotic Hitwoman (Mystery, humor, romance, sometimes gritty but always funny)
Meghan Doidge: Dowser, Oracle, Reconstructionist (Urban fantasy, some adult content, graphic)
Nick Russell: Big Lake (Mystery, Police Procedural, some adult content, some romance)
Jamie Lee Scott: Gotcha Detective Agency (Mystery, Humor)

On my list for next year are the following series:
(I have already bought most of these)

Bobbi Holmes: Haunting Danielle (Mystery, Paranormal Romance)
Paul Anlee: Deplosion (Science Fiction)
J. Michael Herron: Colors of Alaska (Romance, Mythology & Folks Tales)
C. Craig Coleman: Neuyokkasinian Arc of Empire (Fantasy, Mythology)
Nick Russell: John Lee Quarrels (Mystery, Crime, gritty)
Suzie O'Connell: Northstar Angels (Romance) & Sea Glass Cove (Romance)
Scarlet Braden: Providence in Ecuador (Mystery, Thriller, Romantic Suspense)
George Weir: Bill Travis (Mystery, Hard-boiled) & Elysium Chronicles (Mystery)
Billy Kring: Hunter Kincaid (Mystery, International Spy Thriller)
Billy Kring & George Weir: Far Journey Chronicles
Minnie Crockwell: Will Travel for Trouble (Cozy Mystery, Short Reads)
Bess McBride: Train through Time, Searching for a Highlander, Fairy Tales Across Time & several others (Romance, Time Travel, Historical Romance)
Mona Ingram: I have read several of her stand alone romances and really enjoyed them. She has several series I plan to check out.

By the way, I have so many books downloaded to my Kindle Paperwhite that I can't download any more. So after my next novella in the Lei Crime Kindle World series is done (Paradise Drift), I am taking a break to READ!