There's no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/GTib21DmdH
Early in Florida We typically schedule #CleanWIP articles to post within a couple minutes of midnight each day, but they are usually only a skeleton of the fun articles they become. We update them many times the day they are first posted then occasionally thereafter. In this and many other ways, CleanWIP Magazine is also a work-in-progress. We’ll have more great content here soon. Meanwhile, perhaps you’d like to revisit some previous articles.
It’s Friday! Here’s the scoop on #CleanWIP Relaxed Fridays. It also seems a lot of authors are busy doing other things today (maybe they’re writing), so we’re going to share several recent Special Edition posts you might have missed.
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/yGzYm0qp2K
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/rf3Jk7HgLF
~ Scott R. Rezer ~ From my upcoming release The Haberdasher’s Wife, Chapter 3: Josefa mouthed the words of the prayer, her voice a mere whisper escaping her lips. The words echoed in her head, swirling amid a swarm of thoughts that had nothing to do with her mother or the sickness that weakened her with each passing day. Distraction was Josefa’s greatest enemy. And everything seemed to distract her when she needed most to concentrate on her prayers—the brightly painted frescoes, the statuary, the pungent smell of incense, the glow of candlelight on the gold all around the church. Father Anselm would certainly tell her that her mother’s life depended on it. But Josefa was never good at prayer. She found no comfort in it. Another bead slid through her cold fingers. 𝐻𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑦, 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒… Empty, hollow words.
]The time ticked by slowly in silence. Then, without looking up from her magazine, Dottie spoke.
“If you’re going insist on glaring at me, child, do it with a bit more grace. Or else, say what you have to say at once, and be done with it.” #CleanWIPhttps://t.co/RFgGzbTiPG
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) February 7, 2020
~ Laurean Brooks ~ From Not What He Ordered: Josh Kramer mistakes a pretty young lady for his aunt’s domestic help and hauls her to his ranch. What he doesn’t know is, his aunt did not order domestic help, but a BRIDE for Josh. CARRIE FRANKLIN was tempted to leave, but she’d made a promise and meant to keep it. “Excuse me,” a smooth baritone voice sounded above her head. Carrie gazed up into hooded, black eyes that pierced through to her soul. The tall cowboy wore a black Stetson over coal-black hair with curls that caressed his ears. His strong jaw suggested determination and stubborness. A little lower, a red bandana circled his neck. Molly failed to mention he was handsome. But only an egotist would boast about his looks. “Are you the woman I’m looking for?” he asked. Carrie’s heart raced. If only she were. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. “I…I–” was all she could manage. The cowboy shuffled his booted feet. “Well, what are you waiting for? A ranch doesn’t run itself. It’s a ten-mile drive. Let’s get going.” “Mr. Kramer, I’m not–.” He pointed to the valise at Carrie’s feet,“Where are your other bags? Is that all your luggage?” She could only nod. The cowboy’s intimidating demeanor had paralyzed her tongue. He snatched up her bag, tramping out of the depot before she could explain she was not the woman he’d ordered. Carrie hurried after him, catching up as he set her valise in his buckboard. “But, Mister Kramer…I’m not–.” “Are you ready to go, Miss Davis?” Miss Davis? He really thought she was— “Mr. Kramer, I need to tell you something.”
Let’s get this Friday party started with an excerpt from Sunlight and Shadows by Jessica Marie Holt. * If there was one thing Betty couldn’t ever come to terms with, it was how the best day of her life also ended up being the worst day of her life. The irony of it all seemed especially cruel, like it ought to go against some kind of sacred law of nature. But it was the hard, cold truth; October twenty-fifth, 1870 — two weeks after her seventeenth birthday — was the day everything came together, and the day it all began falling apart. *
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/06uTdc2w6B
From To Trust Her Heart by Laurean Brooks (Amanda at a job interview with Attorney Jake Tyler. She just told him, his reckless driving through a puddle splattered mud all over her yellow coat.) Jake pushed a button on his desk phone. His deep voice boomed over the intercom. “Willa, will you come to my office,please?” Was he planning to use his receptionist to swear he had been in his office at the time of the incident? Because Amanda knew better. The receptionist cracked the door enough to poke her head through. The woman’s voice quavered. “You wanted to see me, Mr.Tyler?” She felt sorry for the gray-haired lady who appeared to be intimidated by her employer. His deep voiced didn’t help matters. Amanda’s throat tightened. She should not have applied for this position. What happened to his last secretary? Did she run for cover? “Yes, Willa.” The attorney’s voice softened. Pulling the soiled coat off Amanda’s arm, he dangled it in front of the receptionist. “Drop this by the cleaners on your way home, please. Charge it to my account, and tell them to have it cleaned as quickly as possible.”
Ten twists in as many steps, a signal of anxiety ringing out louder with each twitch of her fingers. Ravi wondered if anyone else heard it.
Of course they don’t, he scoffed to himself. Who’d even bother to listen? #MisfitsRising#cleanWIP
Featured image is a minor adaptation of a photo by Aaron Burden.
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun article. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or perhaps news of a clean new release or upcoming event. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/gsqao9XP9w
Review Highlights Jonquils in the Snow by Laurean Brooks ~ “A beautiful, heartwarming story of grief and loneliness being overcome by love; Miranda and Brady touched my heart and the author’s wit made me smile. Definitely a thumbs up read.” ~ Rebecca J. Vickery
~~~
Shadow of the Mountain by Scott R. Rezer —Chosen… or delusional? How does one man persevere when he is given a message that will either test the strength of his faith or convince him he has lost his mind? “… a version of the Noah story from the Old Testament that is both richly imagined and radically different from anything readers are likely to have read before… well-done political intrigue, vexing questions of faith, and a deep and challenging portrait of Noah himself. The action builds slowly and expertly as the unthinkable disaster of the Flood looms closer and closer, and Rezer’s so skilful at infusing his entirely human stories with drama that most readers will likely start to think of the forty days and forty nights of rain as something of an anti-climax. Very strongly recommended.” ~ Steve Donoghue, Historical Novel Society Reviews [Editor’s Choice Selection]
“She’s something, ain’t she?” said Charles. “She sure is,” said Louis. “Look at you, you’re smiling.” Charles pointed at Louis and laughed. Louis swatted his hand away. “I am not, either.” “Are too.” “You are smiling,” said May Belle, with a giggle. “You love her.” #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) January 24, 2020
“Life is precious, and though no individual lasts beyond a lifetime, there is something beautiful about each one. Should I not show this girl what kindness I have the power to share?”#amwriting#WIP#CleanWIP
“Are you sure you don’t want a cat?” She ignored him. If a man like him didn’t want to get attached, or let go, or whatever his problem was, he should have never agreed to keep Griselda. Natalie wondered what his old girlfriend’s name had been. #CleanWIPpic.twitter.com/49ike40XLg
Photo is a selected portion of a larger photo by Mohamed Ajufaan.
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/sQ6D6i9X12
Laurean Brooks~ Journey to Forgiveness is the book I wrote and dedicated to my parents. It is loosely based on their lives (romance) in 1938 Chicago. Witty and sassy characters, goofy ones–but all interesting–grace the pages of this heartwarming story of a mission trip to rebuild a small town after 5 tornadoes destroy homes. A time when the last of Chicago’s gangsters were captured. Or…were they?
Incidentally, we started off this Relaxed Friday article with a cute kitten in a tree photo but we’re going to move quickly forward to a thousand zombies and tortured metal. Let’s get this Friday party started with an excerpt from Time For Blood. This work-in-progress is part of The Blood Series by Michael Lynes and it’s expected to be released November of this year.
“Ow!” He let go of the handle and began rubbing his arm. “Okay, I get it. . .the air stinks like a thousand zombies and our door is all beat-up. Plus, the whole place is a wreck, and it’s pretty spooky in here.” He gestured toward the scratches and dings along the doorjamb. “But look. . .whoever wrecked this place might have tried to break in, but as far as I can tell the door hasn’t been forced. Second, besides the locks, we also have a little magical protection on the space. Even if the Undead had managed to break down the door, I don’t think they would have gotten past that.” I nodded reluctantly as my heart began to slow. “So let’s go in, grab what we came for, and get out. No muss, no fuss.” He turned back to the door and inserted his key, unlocking the deadbolt. He reached to turn the knob. Before he could touch it, the door swung open without a sound. Pearl’s hilt jumped under my hand and her light flared sun-bright. I felt my heart stop. A howling wail filled the air and scores of dead-white arms erupted from the darkness. The door disappeared with a shriek of tortured metal as it was ripped it from its hinges. We sprang back, drawing our swords as zombies surged through the shattered doorframe.
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/tCaY1ymKn1
Achron prodded the young man’s still form. He would be dead in days without intervention. Achron grasped for his staff, and in a flash of white it came into existence. He touched his own forehead before touching Tonis’s. “Come back to us. Now is not your time.”#CleanWIP#WIP
They walked in to find Granny Hazel chasing Charles around the living room and waving a wooden spoon menacingly in the air.
“You little scoundrel! Granny shouted. Her face was as red as a beet; whether with rage or exertion, Louis couldn’t tell. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) January 10, 2020
Charles only grinned and ran faster; at fourteen, he was nearly as big as she was–almost too big for a whooping, really–and he easily ducked out of her grasp every time she got close enough to snatch him by the arm. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) January 10, 2020
Laurean Brooks shares with us today from Beneath A Macon Moon. “Born with a silver spoon in her mouth” described Jaela’s life to a tee; but if her mother’s behavior was any indication, Jaela’s perfect world was about to shatter. The late afternoon sun slanted through half-closed blinds, glinting off the ballerina atop the music box. As a child, Jaela found comfort in the melody. The music box had not been wound since Dad died. The compulsion to hear it grew until it overcame Jaela’s fear of invoking bittersweet memories. She picked up the box and wound it. Beautiful music flooded the room. Jaela hugged it close and waltzed around the room, soaking in the tinkling melody of “You’ll Be In My Heart.” When the music died, she dropped the lid. But it would not close. An envelope, folded to fit the interior, was wedged in the music box, preventing it from closing. Who had put it there, and what did the message say?
Scott R. Rezer shares from a work-in-progress. Anger had gotten the better of her, but now she tried to bring it back under control, difficult as it always was when talking to her brother. “And because of it, I almost spurned a chance for happiness simply because the man I fell in love with is a commoner. Do me the favor and don’t bother to lecture me, Anton, about marrying a man beneath my station, for in all truth, he has more nobility in his common blood, than you or I have in ours.” He wagged a finger before her face as if scolding a defiant child. He clenched his pipe between his teeth. “If you do this, Johanna, if you marry this commoner, this haberdasher, you do so without my blessing. And in so doing, you give up everything—your title, your wealth, the security of everything you’ve ever known—and for what? Love? Life needs a few more assurances than simple love.” “If love isn’t enough, Anton, then none of those things hold any meaning. It’s a pity you have forgotten that, or maybe, you never did.”
Photo by Earl Chinnici captured January 3, 2013. #FlashbackFriday
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/3aQcLl4feR
“Johnny, did you hear about the Lewis boy from Winchester?” Julie asked. He stopped chewing, his jaw clenched. “No…what?” “His plane was shot down in Saigon. They don’t know if he and the other two soldiers were killed or taken hostage.” Johnny turned his root beer up and swigged it down, setting the empty bottle on the counter. His somber gaze met Julie’s. “We need a plan to end this conflict. Half of Flyntburg has at least one family member involved.” “I’m praying for an end to the conflict;” she said, “but above all, I’m asking God to protect our troops.” Johnny threw down his napkin. “Yeah, I know we should pray–only it seems like God’s not doing anything.” “Don’t say, that! Sometimes we can’t see it…but He is.” Johnny glanced at the clock and rose from the bar stool. “Time to hit the road.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Gotta go. See you, tomorrow.”
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/HarMv7feNJ
#FantasyFicFriday#CleanWIP “Even more important than one’s birth family is the family we gather throughout our lives, the family of our heart.” Mercy’s face glowed, and Joy couldn’t help but smile. “And, dear one, if we are blessed to marry a friend, then happy indeed are we.”
Arthur Daigle shares with us a short piece from William Bradshaw and Urban Problems: “Hello!” an echoing voice called out. It took Will a few seconds to spot a pit dug into the trail. It had been covered with a thin wood board coated with dirt, blending in perfectly until some unwitting person stepped on it and broke through. Whoever was trapped in the pit called out again, “Is anyone there?” “We hear you,” Will replied. He thought about who could be trapped in the pit, and then covered his face with his hand. “Excuse me, but are you the puppet person who came to warn us?” “Yes, that’s me,” the puppet person replied. He had an echoing voice, like he was speaking inside a box, but he still sounded friendly. “I don’t wish to be a bother, but I was wondering if you could lend a hand. This pit is proving a tad inconvenient.” “See, this is why I don’t like you guys making so many traps,” Will told the goblins. “We get an ambassador—” “President,” the puppet person corrected him from inside the pit. “A president comes to visit and he ends up in a pit!” Will shouted. “We either need to cut back on the traps or have someone around to keep them from catching innocent bystanders.” “It’s not like we killed the guy,” Mr. Niff protested. He leaned over the pit and asked, “You’re alive, right?” “Yes, thank you.” Exasperated, Will said, “Just help me get him out.”
Laurean Brooks shares from To Trust Her Heart. Amanda Wilcox marched through the door of Tyler Law Office, fuming. She’d wanted to look her best for the interview. But when she started across the street, a dark-haired man in a sporty convertible, sped by and splattered mud across her buttercream trench coat. How she’d love to give the inconsiderate bum a piece of her mind! The silver-haired receptionist welcomed Amanda and sent her directly to the attorney’s office. “Good afternoon, Miss…Wilcox, is it?” The attorney’s penetrating gray eyes raked her before he looked down at her resume’. Amanda’s breath caught when she recognized him a the man who had slung mud all over her. “Yes-s.” Should she reprimand him and thereby kill her chances of obtaining a position as his secretary? She needed this job. As a young widow, she was penniless. Her philandering dead husband–his body found in his mangled sports car along with that of his young secretary–had gambled away all their assets. She even stood to lose their home.
To crank up this party, let’s visit a WIP of Scott R. Rezer: The Haberdasher’s Wife, expected to be released in the spring of 2020.
Josefa pulled harder on his hand. “I’m thinking there will be a much better gift waiting for me at the end of this hunt as a reward for bringing me out in this frigid cold. Am I right?”
“I guess that depends on your definition of a reward,” he said and sprinted past her as the falling snow began to thicken, laughing. Josefa squealed with delight and ran after him.
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/MR3PzOG9rK
Merry Christmas! 🎄Not in the Plans is FREE from today (the 20th) though Monday (the 23rd)! It’s a great last-minute gift for someone who loves a good heartfelt Christmas read–even if that someone is you. 😊 https://t.co/ajwknXv3QK#CleanWIP#freebooks#FlinchFreeFiction
“That’s what I figured.” He chuckled. “No one talks to me.” “We’re too busy talking about you.” Peggy covered her mouth as her face turned as red as Kat’s felt earlier.
#FantasyFicFriday “I helped you, Mama,” he said solemnly. “Yes, you did, love. Thank you.” Tears filled Mercy’s eyes. He was only four years old! And yet, Val had spoken to the dragons at the same young age. Could it be her sons had gifts far surpassing hers?#CleanWIP
My throat tightened. Should I pretend to remember and know things of myths and legends I’d never heard? No, I’d speak as little as I could and hopefully they didn’t kill me for impersonating divinity. #cleanWIP, #vss365
We encourage our frequent contributors to let loose on Fridays and share teases and news from both works-in-progress and published books. Here’s some fun from Journey to Forgiveness by Laurean Brooks. (A heartwarming, emotional romance.)
Jenny looked up and met the gaze of the luggage thief she’d encountered in Kankakee.
His cerulean blue eyes danced with mischief as he flashed his pearly, white teeth. “I never did get your name.”
“Get away from me!” she hissed.
He persisted. “Sorry we got off on the wrong foot. Do you think we could start over?”
“Over my dead body!” Jenny glanced toward the Ladies’ room. Where was her aunt when she needed her?
“Now, we wouldn’t want that,” he breathed. “You’re too cute to die.” His eyebrows pulled together. “You don’t really believe I wanted your vanity case, do you?”
His brows arched when she didn’t reply, but he pressed on. “How long will you be in Chicago?”
She glared at him, her heart racing. “None of your business.”
A stout middle-aged man approached the table and the unwelcome guest hovering over her. “Are you ready to go?” the man asked her obnoxious intruder.
“Be right with you,” he replied before turning back to Jenny. “Who knows, sweetie, we could meet again. I’ve heard that good things come in threes.” He winked, then swaggered out the diner door.
Where was Austin? She’d seen him leave a minute ago. Something stirred inside the church bus. Jenny flattened her back against the metal building and inched closer for a better look. Her heart hitched when through the open bus door she spied Austin through the open door of the mission bus, kneeling before the strongbox. He reached into it, scooped up a stack of bills from the mission fund and counted them. He returned some of the money to the box, stuffing a larger roll into his shirt pocket. The metal lid slammed shut. Jenny fled back inside the the shelter, tears streaming, and her heart pounding against her ribcage. Tears streamed down her face. The man she loved was a thief!
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or share something else CLEAN you feel our readers will love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/pf0c33AcDF
“Remember,” Farid said, before turning back to the mountains and desert beyond, “what you want and what you should do are not necessarily the same thing.” #cleanWIPhttps://t.co/ILovl3pLcb
Our hearts can fill us with joy or terror, with hope or hopelessness, with courage or fear. The human heart must be tended, shepherded, coaxed, encouraged, and uplifted. This is a constant challenge. https://t.co/vOj8nFqBMZ via @MelindaVInmanpic.twitter.com/OdSa3bzjfs
And yet, he kept coming, just to see it–the gravestone his daddy had sold one of his horses to buy–just to read the name “Fred Finley, Jr.” and wonder about life and death, and why things happened the way they did. #CleanWIP
Why must the clouds be so dark? Why must the times of life be so dreary in the winter? December of 1944 and it shouldn’t be so depressing; but it snowed. Roscoe the neighbor’s dog slinked past my window, seeking a sign of hope. I was much like Roscoe; I had no hope. #CleanWip
Let’s drop in on Will and Domo. (This time we’re visiting William Bradshaw and Fool’s Gold.) “This is a new level of weirdness even for you, Will,” Domo said. “I’m just gardening,” he replied. “Why does everybody act like I’m biting the heads off dolls?” “That’s something the guys would accept, even appreciate. This just plain doesn’t make sense. Why are you growing food when you get it for free?” Will leaned the hoe against the fence and wiped sweat off his brow. “I thought it would be a nice gesture to the innkeeper.” “I don’t follow you.” Will pulled his king contract out from his pocket. “My contract lets me eat free anywhere I go, but I always go to the same inn since it’s the only place nearby. The innkeeper feeds me three free meals a day, and it’s got to be costing him a bundle. It won’t be so hard on him if I grow some of my own food.” Domo stared at him. “Is this that ‘fairness’ thing you keep going on about?” “What’s wrong with thinking about other people?” Domo pointed his walking stick at Will. “You were taken off your world and tricked into being our King. You don’t get paid. Three quarters of the planet’s population hates you. You’ve almost been killed dozens of times. What’s fair about that?” “Nothing,” Will said. “But just because other people aren’t fair to me doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be fair to other people.”
With permission from the author, we’re again eavesdropping on Will and Domo to start off our theme-free Friday. The author, by the way, is Chicago-born and raised Arthur Daigle and the fun exchange below is from William Bradshaw and War Unending.
“You’re up early,” Domo said to Will. “Blame Vial. The boys said you had some mail for me?” Domo held up the stack of letters. “I was just finishing with it. Let’s see…hate mail, hate mail, you may already be a winner, death threats. The University of Eastwich granted you an honorary expulsion. You got an anti-invitation from Kervol Ket.” Will stopped in front of Domo. “I know I’m going to regret asking, but what’s that?” “You know how good old Kervol got married?” Domo asked. “He married Princess Marisa Brandywine?” Will didn’t try to hide his surprise. He’d once held the princess prisoner. He didn’t want her, and his attempts to return her to Kervol had been rebuffed. Brandywine was the most annoying person Will had ever met, which considering he was surrounded by thousands of goblins was saying something. It amazed him that someone even as stupid as Kervol would marry her. “Shocking, I know,” Domo said. “Anyway, the lady’s expecting their first child, and Kervol sent out invitations to celebrate the birth. He sent you an anti-invitation. You’re not supposed to attend the festivities, and the only gift he’d like is to hear you died in a horrible accident involving a potato peeler. Basically he’s rubbing it in your face that you’re a social pariah.” “Charming.”
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/tAEg8VBszv
Tired of the “gotta build my social media numbers” mindset that has infiltrated the #wrtingcommunity. Let me (possibly) be the first to tell you: social media #’s won’t sell books. Personal connections will. I should know. I’ve lived it.🤦♀️😄#writerslife#YouGotThis#powerup
The sudden cry of a woman in travail rent the stillness of the air. At the sound, Noach tensed and stood uncertainly, turning towards the tents of their small settlement. The waiting had grown agonizingly long; the birth of children often did so—especially with firstborns. His nerves frayed with the waiting, his body as taut as a drawn bowstring. Death was too often an unwelcome shadow at the miracle of birth. Soon, he thought. It will be very soon now. —And then what, old man, whispered the voice of his own nagging doubts. This one will be born, and then there will be others. Men will multiply upon the earth. In time, there will once more be rebellion and bloodshed and wars. Sin will have its due. “No,” he breathed vehemently. “There will be peace and harmony at last in the earth.” It was a familiar argument he had often waged against himself in the past nine months. The outcome was always the same. —Is that what you think? Have you learned nothing? Men are incapable of such nobility: only of evil and more evil. “This time it will be different—it must be,” he said. His hands balled into fists at his side. “The errors of the old world cannot be repeated. They cannot; they will not.” —Oh, but they will, his own malevolent thoughts whispered, mocking him with laughter. Open your eyes, fool, and look around you. The errors of the lost world are but beginning anew. Death hovers, eager to devour the sinful. Watch; and wait. Listen for the cry of this child for which you await so desperately. It will be the lustful cry of sin being reborn into the world. And there is none born of men who can ever change it. “Of men… no,” Noach whispered, smiling, remembering another, far older, promise. “But of a woman…”
Domo walked around the chair and studied it. “What’s this?” “This,” Will said proudly, “is what we humans call a chair. It’s the latest fashion where I come from.” “That was either sarcasm or proof you shouldn’t do standup comedy,” Domo said. He poked the chair and watched it wobble. “Doesn’t look like woodworking is your thing, either.” “No, but if I want a chair this is the only way I’ll get it. I can’t get one from the nearby human villages, what with me being broke and them expecting money for doing work.” “Scandalous the way peasants behave these days,” Domo said. “We do have our own carpenters, you know.” Will filed down the leg some more and tried sitting on the chair. The legs still weren’t even. “I thought of that. I asked four goblin carpenters to make me a chair. I wanted a bed to replace the pile of rags I have to sleep on, but I figured I’d start by asking for something small.” “And?” Domo prompted him. “Chairs shouldn’t have more legs than centipedes.” The four dysfunctional chairs Will had received (and burned as firewood) weren’t proof that the goblins hated him. Quite the opposite, they liked and even respected him. That didn’t change the fact that goblins were stupid and crazy. When asked to make something as simple as a chair, they felt the need to make improvements. While he couldn’t actually sit on the chairs, and they’d looked like they were dreamed up by an impressionist painter and built by a one-eyed, drunken chimpanzee with arthritis, Will could at least take comfort in knowing there was no malice involved.
Speaking of birds, here’s a little teaser from Joanna McKethan‘s Stone of Her Destiny – Kenna, the heroine, is learning falconry from Lane. “There now, ye see? He’s all yours. He’ll love you forever. Don’t mistake him for a pet, all lovey-dovey; they are always and still, birds of prey. But they will be faithful. Remember that.” “Oh, I thought Bonnie Blue was a lady.” “No, remember Bonnie Prince Charlie was a man,” he said, teasing.
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/CQ2AI7bQpb
You are ready for spring if you can get excited about a few buttercups. I had to call Madonna She laughed, “Leroy, you’re such a kid; watch your driving.” I was in a good mood all day. A small clump of Buttercups had defeated the winter blues. #CleanWip#GrayHeron
#CleanWIP#WIP ~ Skin Cancer, Black Salve, and Me ~ The cancers otherwise caused me no trouble until… I felt a burning sensation from one that caused me to contemplate reaching into my left arm with the fingernails of my right hand and plucking each cancer out by the roots.
“I had no beginning. I will have no end.” The voice rose up from the seated figure, whispering into the void. He lifted his gaze, focusing on the formless zenith. His right eye was a spinning orb, half Darkness, half Light; the other was a piercing shade of blue. His robes too were ever-shifting, at once light and dark and all-colored, patterned with the same mystic symbol. “The words are indistinguishable, and meaningless.” ~ from Michael Lynes‘ latest release, First Blood(The Blood Series Book 2), which released November 1st of this year. More specifically, the excerpt is from the third chapter, Time.
We’re on a roll. Let’s enjoy one more teaser before the weekend.
Carrie picked up the bag and walked to the door. When they were outside the general store, Aunt Em stopped her. “Did we get any mail?” Carrie reached into her skirt pocket and handed over the stack. Josh’s aunt frowned at the letter on top. “What does Miss Leah want with Josh after all this time? I’ve a good mind to toss this in the wood stove.” Carrie’s thoughts exactly. “No, we can’t. The letter belongs to Josh. He has a right to read it.” Aunt Em snorted. “You would have to remind me. It’s temptin’ to accident’lly drop it along the way. Leah’s hurt Josh enough. I don’t want him hurt any more. ~ from Laurean Brooks‘ Not What He Ordered
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays)—or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/FXgUQgnWyr
Jack hesitated and then continued, ‘But my Dolly was not so lucky. She was trapped and burnt to death. I could see the billows of smoke from my boat, but by the time I got to shore and up the hill—it was all over #CleanWIP
“There will always be those who mock. You must be strong without falling to their viciousness. You must be careful for you have a gift of strength that they will never have.” #cleanWIP
Merry quit pacing so suddenly she almost fell over. Her truck? She’d gotten worked up over a call to borrow her truck? For a move-in that she already knew about? Still. She couldn’t exactly control her fear of the unexpected. #cleanwip#introvertlife
#CleanWIP#FantasyFicFriday “They be quite tasty.” The insect wriggled between his thumb and forefinger. “Do you know this from experience?” Valerian eyed the locust. “Yes, Sire, I do.” Kieran grinned. “But I’m happy tae sacrifice this morsel for the sake of a larger feast.” pic.twitter.com/akGdJWszrK
Quitting cigarettes doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Congratulations to those who are quitting. ~ One Small Scrap ~ https://t.co/R2pXyZVYPR via @CleanWIP
Often people are afraid of what is different from them. And so they hate it, and they teach their children to hate it. Prejudice is a powerful mask for fear. — The King’s Trial#cleanWIPhttps://t.co/ILovl3pLcb
“I got him! I got the long eared thieving bunny!” the goblin shouted triumphantly while dancing around in a circle. “Hold on,” Will began, but the goblin was too taken with his victory to notice. “He thought he’d ruin the boss’ garden, but I showed him!” “What’s this about?” Domo asked. Feeling faintly embarrassed, Will said, “An animal got in my garden last month and did some damage. When the warrior goblins found out they assigned guards to watch over it, which would be a really nice gesture if they didn’t keep attacking innocent animals and salesmen.” “Animals are guilty until proven innocent!” the warrior goblin shouted. “And even then they’re guilty!” “The rabbit wasn’t anywhere near my garden,” Will told him. “He was thinking about it!” The goblin poked the rabbit in the belly. “You were conspiring! Confess!” Will said, “Just take it a few miles away and let it go.” The warrior poked the rabbit again before he marched into the woods. “The King’s going easy on you, but this is still going on your record! You have the right to remain silent! Anything you say will be ignored or misinterpreted!”
tl; dr: No #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a collaborative article. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays). This concludes the short version. [For best results: https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/OPByTqTuI5
#CleanWIP Her mother’s pasty complexion stood in stark contrast to her chocolate brown eyes. “It’s about…your father.” Jaela shuddered. Don’t let her say it! Jaela’s mother looked her squarely in the eye. “It’s time you knew the truth. Jay Andrews was not your real father.”
There he was, four years past his marriage deadline, sitting on the porch of his lonely house, once again reliving the moment Amy shoved the ring into his hand and tearfully told him she wasn’t ready to settle down.
Five months later, she married someone else.#CleanWIP
We publish each day except Saturday. ~ Sunday through Thursday, we host a theme-based hashtag game & create collaborations with many #CleanWIP tweets. https://t.co/Ujy9BVU7X3 Fridays are sans theme. https://t.co/i8vx0AKUil We want CLEAN laundry. Give us something we can use.
We hope you enjoy the following breakfast teaser from the first chapter of Linda Ellen‘s award winning historical romance, Sweet Love at Honey Landing: A Mail Order Bride Story – with a Twist! (Maple Heights Series Book 1). Since we’re jumping in mid-conversation, it might be helpful to note that Noah is already sporting a milk mustache when we begin eavesdropping. We haven’t read the entire book, but based on the title of the book and the happenings in the first chapter, we strongly suspect a wedding will ensue before the end of the third book.
tl; dr: No #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we do publish a collaborative article. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays). This concludes the short version. [For best results: https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/xVMcAdnVMs
And yet, he kept coming, just to see it–the gravestone his daddy had sold one of his horses to buy–just to read the name “Fred Finley, Jr.” and wonder about life and death, and why things happened the way they did. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 8, 2019
#CleanWIP In 1938, Jenny Largent leaves her family farm in Tennessee for Chicago. She is shocked–not from the unfamiliar electricity–but when a tall, blond man steals her vanity case at the depot. Surprise! He shows up at her aunt's church to bilk the congregates for his cause.
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 8, 2019
From an #authorinterview with Sara Petersen: “Most helpful of all, were videos of the older generation describing life at that time.”#writerscommunity There are so many interviews on YouTube. Here’s one of a 108-year-old Victorian woman in 1977: https://t.co/JNkNsztEXP
Jesus told stories because it was the most powerful way to communicate truth that touches the heart. #ChristianFiction#writers walk in his steps, following his model. Write powerful stories like his with unexpected heroes and life-changing lessons. #WritingCommunitypic.twitter.com/tqgmKJprSA
Today is officially the beginning of NaNoWriMo, when hundreds of thousands of writers (or more) begin work on a new novel. That’s a lot of new works-in-progress and we’re excited.
tl; dr: No #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a collaborative article. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays). This concludes the short version. [For best results: https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/M3gjKOWinC
#CleanWIP The songs he played chased away dark thoughts and sad feelings. I didn’t know anything about this mysterious man, but I did know he poured his soul into his music, and that’s when I knew I loved him. https://t.co/wmNytmBQIYpic.twitter.com/jx78UQPcmW
How is this for a frosting of purple flowers at @BlueMountainsBG? Felicia fruiticosa subspecies fruiticosa. Not sure why this is not a more popular garden plant. Look at the flower power. Commonly called Shrub Aster and a native of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. pic.twitter.com/D9FdDesTKN
Was she…was she daring him? Tyrel assessed her too-sweet tone, the sly twist of her lips. Oh yeah. He was without a doubt being dared. It didn’t fit with any of her other behavior so far. Nevertheless, he felt a need to rise to the challenge.#amwriting#cleanWIP
The dreams were so vivid and real that living in them, even for the briefest of moments, was worth the dismal shock of waking from them. #CleanWIPhttps://t.co/5SSPh3hjwv
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 25, 2019
The sunlit throne room echoed with angry noblemen. Ten of them huddled like grouchy sheep at the bottom of my dais, an impromptu committee to help me mend my ways. Two guards stood on either side of me, and eight more watched close by. None had drawn weapons—yet. #cleanWIP
This marks the second ‘Relaxed Friday’ we’ve hosted but unfortunately the first was apparently so relaxed, we failed to create a collaborative article. What can we say? Relax already. Don’t judge.
Here’s the scoop on #CleanWIP ‘Relaxed Fridays.’
NO THEME – We’re encouraging authors to take advantage of ‘Relaxed Fridays’ by sharing interesting lines without the usual concern of whether an excerpt matches our announced theme.
WIP OR PUBLISHED WORK – Since every published work was once a work-in-progress, we want to see the polished product—but only on Fridays because CleanPublishedWorks Magazine didn’t sound right to our ears.
PURCHASE LINKS WELCOME – Since we’re sharing lines from published works on Fridays, we want a quick way to purchase something that catches our attention.
#CleanWIP NOT REQUIRED – Say what?! – This isn’t a mistake—or at least we hope it isn’t. Authors who have joined us in the CleanWIP Facebook group can also share links on the Relaxed Friday thread there to other hashtag game posts as well as pretty much any fun sort of thing readers are sure to love.
RELAX – It’s nearly the weekend. Why stress?
Relaxed Fridays. There is no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays. Just use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from any WIP or PUBLISHED WORK (with link) you could confidently market as CLEAN. We’ll embed many in the magazine linking back to you. https://t.co/JB78lcFwxE#amreadingpic.twitter.com/PAuDkawQjw
It would be the last time that I would see #34 take the field for his beloved Black Knights. Standing at mid-field for the coin toss, with the chin strap hanging down, and shoulders squared, Rye personified the look of a stallion ready to race. #CleanWip#GrayHeron#Amazon
“Life is beautiful. Except for the spider I almost drank. That wasn’t beautiful. It probably didn’t think I was beautiful either, as I almost swallowed it whole, but then it shouldn’t have been sitting in my water cup.” – Letter from Vasilisa, #cleanWIP
#CleanWIP ~ “You must be out of your mind, Jenny. You think I should apologize after the way that country-clubbing jerk treated me? Whose side are you on anyway? I should have known you’d bring up my temper again.” pic.twitter.com/6J3jnAiCPB
They stood there, a somber, silent foursome. Levi thought about what a strange thing it was to just stand around in the dark, in the rain, waiting for a car that would most likely take him to his death, as though they were waiting for a ride to the airport. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 18, 2019
Fun Granny Excerpt! By Jessica Marie Holt “Henry, listen. That is Samantha Cooper at the door. She needs our help because she’s having . . . lady-troubles. Would you mind very much making yourself scarce for a while?” Henry stared at her skeptically. “Lady-troubles?” “Yes. Very personal lady-troubles.” The doorbell rang again four times in a row. June jumped slightly. “Here, Henry,” she said, hurriedly shoving cookies into his hands. “Take these with you. Fresh out of the oven. You can eat them upstairs, In bed, if you want!” Henry’s eyes widened, and his brow furrowed. “I can eat them . . . in bed,” he said slowly. “Yes, yes! I’ll even let you read to me later from that book you like so much, and I won’t fall asleep this time,” she said. Henry stared at the cookies with a familiar gleam in his eye. “Lady troubles.” “Lots of lady-troubles,” said Ellie, nodding. Henry shook his head. “All right. But I’m keeping an eye on you two.” “Yes, Henry. You do that. But later.”
He sometimes imagined a new home, in a new place, where no trace of her existed, but it was useless. She floated in his shadow; she hovered at the edge of his consciousness; she inhabited his waking and sleeping dreams. –The Mission #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 11, 2019
“Well. I have something to discuss with you.” June was intrigued. She never knew where Ellie’s mind would go, but it was almost always somewhere interesting. “What is it?” “The pact.” Her eyes sparked. June set her coffee cup down firmly. #CleanWIPhttps://t.co/u99eP8DLuB
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 18, 2019
From a WIP by CleanWIP Magazine’s very own Earl Chinnici – ~ We didn’t set out to be heroes, but heroes we became. I’m sure you’ve seen our faces on billboards and subway walls. We’re uncanny symbols of America’s determination and resilience. Some people claim we’re not human; some claim we’re not real. We want you to know we are. We do have feelings. ~
I stepped onto a west-facing balcony and gazed over the three-walled city as the rising sun lit the snow-dusted farmland beyond the cliff’s shadow, then the outer wall. It would be hours before the cliff’s shadow allowed the sun’s warmth on this balcony. #CleanWIP
Liora bolted upright in bed, straining her ears. The room was pitch black, and Stanley snored nearby. If the fat cat was still asleep, then perhaps she’d imagined the noise. #CleanWIP
#CleanWIP My father-in-law’s small truck was running in the driveway. (a 5-speed). He glanced out the window and drawled, “There goes my little truck. Wonder how far it’ll go.” My husband looked out the window then went running after it.
Coldness embraced me as I shed my emotions and entered the realm of shadow-walking. The shed emotions glowed in rainbow lights—lights that only another in the shadow realm could see. #CleanWIP
The fire cracked and popped merrily. The dog snored gently. The paper felt smooth in his hand, and made a satisfying rustling sound when he turned each page. When he reached the sports section, he looked at his watch. Six o’clock. Right on schedule.–Arthur Flint Files #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 11, 2019
