Sunday, June 14, 2026

Sunday Snippet: Excelling Anger

Kind of a long week and I'm glad it's over. There's something nice about starting a new week with a clean slate. Even if projects linger from one week to the next or challenges still need to be met.

We've got wild weather in Ohio again. Muggy and hot until a storm rolls through then it's lovely for a day until it gets muggy and hot again. The humidity is not fun.

Had a solid work week. One of the projects I thought was finished ended up having more revisions. At this point, the author is wordsmithing and really should leave things alone. That said, it's her last book and giving some grace can't hurt. I'm hoping to finish up a proofread on a science book this week and start a new project about a family history. I also have a developmental edit to get back to and copy edit to finish up. The copy edit is a holiday book and I'm so happy to have one of those to edit.

Had a pretty decent viewing week. I made it through my regular slate of shows, which actually made me happy. It was a busy week, and I ended up being kind of drained.

Started the week by finishing up an episode of Foyle's War. I do believe I have only the bonus episodes left.

Started a new series about Irish castles and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. So much history I don't know, and I love learning new things.

Caught another episode of Silent Witness. The move to Birmingham seems to be resetting the series with a lot of darker content. I'm actually interested to see how this plays out.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed one of the better known classics with "Death on the Nile."

Elementary kind of blew my mind. Not sure how I feel about the whole Shinwell thing. It's going to prove interesting to discover Joan's reaction.

Enjoyed an episode of Young Justice. So far, I like the unfolding of the first season. The pacing is pretty good and the reveals are well-earned.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and really loved the interactions. I honestly didn't know if I'd find my groove with this show, but I did!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Excelling Anger, a novella that explores how a couple work through their issues.

Here's the miniblurb:

Fallon and Rook are pilots who excel at many things, but they've turned being angry with each other into a fine art. When they have to confront their issues, they rediscover how working together can have excellent results.

And a sneaky peek…

"Thank whatever rules the universe Gamner's marine guard doesn't have to be out there when he's not in quarters."
Rook didn't turn when Fallon's statement broke the quiet he'd let surround him. "You shouldn't be here. You're not executive level. These quarters are off limits without the commander being present." Not that she'd ever let that stop her.
Fallon gave a rude snort. "Based on Dreamboat's recap, you're skating close to being an ex-executive officer, so I'm in good company." She came further into the quarters, moving to stand not far behind him.
He didn't want or need an audience when he tried one last time to make Gamner see reason. Especially when Fallon would only spike Gamner's ire.
Rook sighed. "I don't want you here, Fallon. Get out before Gamner returns." He shoved his hands in his pockets.
Fallon folded her arms. "I'm not leaving." Her voice had the stubborn tone she used when gearing up for a fight.
Rook didn't have the patience to fight two battles today.
Rook whirled to face her. "Why are you here, Fallon?" Why could she never leave well enough alone?
She went still for a moment then flung her arms out. "Because I love you, dumbass. You're my very best friend in the whole universe." She jabbed a finger in his chest. "And if you're going down, I'm going with you. This is wrong. As in career ruining wrong. You know better than most when this turns into an epic shitshow, Gamner's going to get the heat. As his XO—for however long that lasts—it's your duty to protect his command and not let anything get in the way. No matter what you have to do."
Rook's eyes widened. "Tell me you're not talking mutiny." The no-matter-what part had red flags rising in his brain.
Fallon made a grimace. "Fuck no. I'm crazy not insane." She turned and paced back and forth. "You're on the right track here. Trying to get Gamner to listen without Troyer throwing wrenches and backstabbing knives into the mix." She paused. "And there's a strength in numbers, that's all I'm saying."
Gamner stepped through the open hatch. "She's right. If what I just watched unfold is the standard for you two, I'm willing to listen. You faced your issues and confronted the big problem." He moved to his desk and grabbed the comm set. "I'm beginning to realize how working together can have excellent results." He punched in a series of numbers. "Stuartson, you're ordered to plan and lead the mission." He put the handset to his ear.
Rook blinked, shocked to his toes. "Yes, sir. What about—"
Gamner cut him off with a hand-wave. "I'll deal with Troyer. Go plan the op."
Fallon grabbed his forearm. "You heard the man. Let's go." She led him out of Gamner's quarters.
Rook shook his head. "I guess we'd better hit the briefing room."

I'm very happy with how this one is coming together. Fallon and Rook are fun to write.


 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

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