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

Sunday Snippet: Excelling Anger

Finally have a little bit of spring weather, which is a nice change from the cold and dreary yuck of last week. Taking the doggos out won't be as much of a chore and they like it when the temperatures are mild.

Super, super busy work week. I dropped a quick copy edit in for a healthcare workbook and managed to get the revisions reviewed and back to the author in record time. Might have a few tweaks left, but otherwise that project is in the books.

Also completed a clean copy return for a romance novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I've been lucky enough to edit the whole series and I'm excited for more!

Finished up a full copy edit on a novel and have the file ready for author review. I'll be forwarding it later today and I'm excited to finish book one so we can jump into book two. This is a fun series to work on.

Also finished up a manuscript evaluation for a new adult novel and I can't wait to work on this series with the author. I love the concept and the characters are messy and fun, which is what I like in the new adult genre.

All those projects didn't leave a lot of time for television this week, which I'm actually okay with. When projects are fun and interesting, I fall right into work mode and enjoy what I do so much!

I did finish up The Mandalorian. This episode ended up being terrific. Ahsoka's introduction and her interaction with Grogu topped my favorite moments. Having the Mandalorian and Jedi working together also made things interesting. I love this show.

I started the next episode of Only Murders in the Building but didn't get to finish. I'll probably watch the rest later tonight.

Also missed my weekly rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. We're doing a double-header for the last two episodes of season one and I didn't have the chunk of time needed to do that this week. Bummer.

My daughter also finished up this semester of college and came home this weekend. She'll be here about a month before heading off to Michigan for a paid internship in a summer stock theater. So excited for her!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Excelling Anger, a novella that explores the way an almost couple navigates their personal and professional relationships.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

“One more time?” Marcie reset the monitor.

Rook shook his head. “No. But I’m glad we took our time, even though Troyer pushed for a completed plan.” He gathered their translation. “We need to get this to command. Whoever goes on this mission, they’re headed for an ambush.” He didn’t like what they’d pieced together with the transmission.

He and Marie hauled ass to the comm deck to inform Gamner.

“Sir, we’ve got new intel. We need to scrap the current parameters and replan the mission.”

Gamner shot a narrow-eyed glance toward Troyer. “I’ve opted to follow the recommendation of Colonel Troyer.” He came around the console and stood between the two men. “We’ll send an SAR ship to retrieve the stranded crew. Quick in and quick out.”

Rook shook his head. “That’s the exact opposite of what Fallon suggested. We should send at least one squadron to cover their six.” And prevent more loss of life.

Gamner sighed. "Look, your CAG isn't up to jumping in just yet."

Troyer smirked from his corner.

Rook squared his shoulders. “Actually, she is. Dreamboat and I just spent hours piecing together the information.” He waved the notes back and forth. “You send another bird, the enemy will track them back to us.” And catch the ship with the asses hanging out.

Gamner waved off the concern. “We’ve got our plan set. We’re not making changes now. You said yourself it took hours to piece together information that’s garbled and questionable. By now, you’re hearing what you want.”

Rook got pissed. “You know what? Fallon's right. You're too old school. We’re dealing with pirates who don’t follow a standard playbook.” He sent a glare in Troyer’s direction. “Launching a full squadron won't hurt and it could save lives. At the very least, we should have both squadrons launched and ready if our bird is traced.” And it would be, Rook would bet his next paygrade on it.

Gamner straightened. “Get off my command deck. Your very personal relationship with the CAG is clouding your judgment.” He nodded toward Troyer.

Rook shook his head. “No, it's not. It never has and never will.” Which probably explained why they couldn’t seem to get their acts together and make things official.

Gamner’s lips thinned. “I thought you understood the command structure. Apparently, you don't.” He lifted his chin and Troyer escorted Rook to the hatch.

Rook held the man's gaze for a long moment. “This is going to bite you on the ass. And you'll deserve it.” And so much more.

Troyer sneered. “My ass is gonna look good when I'm second in command.”

Marcie snorted when she ducked past Troyer. “Doubt it.”

Troyer glared but turned on his heel and shut the hatch.

Marcie fell into step beside Rook. “What are you going to do?”

Rook paused at the causeway. “I'm going to camp out in Gamner's quarters until the man sees reason.” They had a twelve-hour window and Gamner had to sleep sometime.

Marcie grimaced. “Probably won't go over well.”

Rook grunted. “Don't care. He's wrong. I love Fallon—even though she's a hot-headed pain in the ass—but I take all sides into account. She's right this time.” He gave Dreamboat the translations, nodded, and headed for command quarters.

This story is fun to write. I love taking a couple who aren't quite committed to each other yet and throwing them into an intense situation so they have to face their drama. Rook and Fallon get to do that in this one.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Excelling Anger

Another crazy weather week in Ohio. Warm, chilly, cold, hot. Seriously, I'm not putting anything seasonal away this year … just in case.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I'm almost finished with the Blue Heelers episode I started last week. I like this one. It's got some twisty turns in it.

Watched the Thanksgiving episode of Riverdale and got just a wee bit misty-eyed by the end. Anything to do with Fred and his presence on the show makes me happy though. The dinner from hell Cheryl and company hosted will go down as the most creeptastic but ultimately hysterical I've ever watched on television. Betty and Jughead's Charlie Brown Thanksgiving entertained me even if the cat and mouse with Brett and Donna didn't really shed much light on the situation at the prep school. I spent another episode wishing for Hiram to join Cheryl's family in whatever circle of hell will provide the most torture. I seriously hate the character. Time will tell if I can stomach next season with him in it or not. Chances are … not. Which is unfortunate.

Caught three more episodes of Danger Man. I needed a good background noise show and this one works well. I had several graphic images I needed to work on and it's nice to take a small break when needed and watch the action.

Started an episode of Roswell, New Mexico. This is a show where I enjoy the cat and mouse going on. I'm to the point where Maria discovered Rosa and thinks she's completely lost her mind. Really happy to see Cameron back and I hope she's not going to be some kind of double agent working the alien camp for intel to give to Papa Main. I'll be a little pissed if that's the case. Alex might have bitten off more than he can chew regarding his dad. I'll get more into my thoughts on Isabel next week. I kind of miss Kyle and hope he makes an appearance or has screen time in the next episode.

I also began something a little new but also very old. Listening to soundtracks while I work. Bear McCreary's music is awesome to have playing while writing or editing. I blew through the second and third season soundtracks for Battlestar Galactica this week.

Last, but not least, I finished up the Strike Back episode from last week. I had a feeling while writing my reaction in the last post of what would come but didn't want to dive too deeply into it because it hadn't happened yet. Yes, I'm being cryptic but I don't want to spoil anyone … and maybe I'm not quite ready to face the reality of being one character down. All I can say is stellar acting by every single character. Seriously.

The Strike Back: Declassified episode ended up being funny and poignant. Getting the reactions from the actors and hearing how they prepared ended up being a soothing balm after the gut-wrenching episode. Kudos to shows who do the behind the scenes interviews. I really miss that with Roswell, New Mexico this season.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Excelling Anger, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Rook shut his duty locker but didn't turn around. "Wondered how long it would take for you to pop up." Arms slid around his torso and he grinned.

Fallon gave him a tight hug and backed away. "A heads-up would've been nice." She tilted her head to one side when he faced her. "Your hands don't look injured. You can't call? Or send a back-channel message?" Her teasing tone eased the pinch of guilt he'd had.

He'd been ordered not to let her, or anyone else, know prior to the official notification.

Rook rolled a shoulder. "Where's the fun in that? Thought you liked surprises." She did when they'd served together before … especially when he got off shift and crawled into her rack.

Fallon glanced away. "Surprises aren't really a thing on Gamner's ship." She frowned but brightened immediately. "But seeing you is definitely great." Her arm swung out. "Nice new digs befitting your new role. Lots of space to move around." The newer ship gave the CAG single quarters.

Rook cracked a smile. "Lots of privacy too." He moved forward, grasping her hip with one hand. "Changes the dynamic a bit, yeah?" Their standing arrangement usually didn't afford actual alone time.

Fallon's lips curved in a wide smile. "Is that an invitation for me to give you a proper welcome later?" Her hands slid up his chest to wrap around his neck.

Rook dipped his head. "Proper welcomes are important, don't you think?"

Fallon tipped her chin up. "Absolutely. As are previews for the coming attraction." Her mouth ghosted along his jawline before meeting his lips.

Rook savored the contact. No one kissed the way Fallon did. She drove him crazy on a regular basis, but this … they always got the physical side of their relationship right.

And he'd never have another person like Fallon in his life. Someone he'd grown up with, who knew him as well as he knew her. A blessing and a curse but nothing he'd change.

Fallon ended the embrace. "Whew. Been a while. I'd almost forgotten what locking lips with you can do to a person." She fanned her face.

Rook pulled her flush against him. "I can say the same." The evidence of what their kiss did to him nudged against her belly. "I've missed you, Fallon."

She cupped his face and eased away. "Me too." Turning she headed for the hatch. "So … later? After midevening watch?" Her eyebrow quirked upward.

Rook nodded. "Sounds perfect. Until then."

She gave a jaunty salute and exited his quarters.

Rook grinned but sobered quickly. He didn't expect smooth sailing with this transfer. Tonight might be the only night they had before they landed on opposite sides.

Nothing unusual for them and maybe he'd be proven wrong just this once.

I'm excited about where this story is headed. I have the broad strokes mapped out and most of the details nailed down. Now for about five more hours in a day to really focus and write.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Excelling Anger

Another crazy week with weather. At least we didn't get the huge ice storm the forecasters predicted. Thank the universe.

This week in television saw a lot of Hawaii Five-0. I'm developing a healthy obsession with Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan. I'm working on season six and then it'll be a waiting period until season seven is done airing. Gotta say I'm pretty pleased with the continuity on this show. That said, I do have a couple of questions that haven't been answered yet. Maybe they'll have a resolution later?

Still need to catch up on The Librarians and Teen Wolf. Gotham returns this week, I think. I'm interested in seeing how the death of Mario is resolved.

Missed the return of Agents of SHIELD. Playing catch up on that one, too. So many good shows, so little time.

Tonight's post is from Excelling Anger, a novella that got a start with the writing community prompt of "your characters excel at many things, but they have being angry at each other down to a fine art."

Here's the mini-blurb:

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

And a sneaky peek…

"And to finish off our morning briefing, get ready for a new face aboard the Merrymack. Captain Rook Stuartson is joining us this afternoon."

Fallon Bard sat up from her slumped position in the chair. The acting CAG finally had her full attention. Dan Tigress might be a great guy, but he could use some lessons on motivational speaking.

Although delivering good news proved a step in the right direction.

Several hands shot up and Dan Tigress shook his head, waving off questions. "You'll all meet him soon enough. Right now, you've got work to do. Dismissed." He stepped down from the dais and started for the exit.

Fallon rose from her spot in the back of the room and waited for Dan to pass before falling into step beside him. "Will you be leaving us, sir?" She actually hoped he'd stick around, just not as the CAG.

Tigress snorted. "Gonna throw a party if I am, Lieutenant?" He exited the briefing room and paused outside the door.

Fallon frowned. "Of course not. Why would you think so?" Okay, he had a list of reasons why he'd think she'd be happy to see the back of him.

But throwing a party? Not her style.

Dan raised his brows. "Seriously? You're not exactly a fan of the way I run things." He started down the corridor. "You've made that pretty clear."

Fallon followed and caught up with him. "Okay, true. But you're a good officer and great guy. So, no, I'm not going to throw confetti if you're leaving us."

Dan quirked a smile. "But you'll roll out the welcome mat for Captain Stuartson, won't you?" He cast a sideways glance. "You two go way back, right?"

Ha. Understatement.

Fallon chuckled. "If you consider we met in preschool, then, yeah." Rook had eighteen months on her, which he loved to remind her of.

Tigress stopped outside the command center. "And you've been a pain in his ass ever since, haven't you?" He pinned her with a surprisingly frank gaze.

Fallon opened her mouth to deny the statement but decided to shrug instead.

Dan shook his head then leaned in a little closer. "If you head down to quarters, you'll probably run into him. He arrived on ship earlier than expected." Straightening, he turned and entered the command station.

Fallon blinked, a little stunned by the gesture. Tilting her head to one side, she studied the soon to be former CAG until the door slowly swung closed. A friendly move by someone who'd put up with a lot from her.

Moving down the corridor, Fallon headed in the direction of D-deck where the officers' quarters were located. She'd missed Rook, even though their relationship ran the gamut. Friends forever, they drifted from on to off to something indefinable.  But their history meant something and she couldn't wait to get reacquainted.

I'm still in the preliminary stages on this one, but I have the story mapped out and can't wait to really dig in and get rolling.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Excelling Anger

July 20, 2014

Do any of my readers watch Defiance? I'm totally loving the new season. The tagline of Tick, Tick, Tick seems to fit the way the episodes have been going. I'm looking forward to when everything blows up and comes to a head.

Dominion and The Last Ship are also on my must view schedule. I kind of like finding new shows in the summer to sink my teeth into. I'm also rewatching the original La Femme Nikita series from the 90s. I love that show! Oh, and Peacekeeper Wars! So much good TV right now.

Tonight's post is from Excelling Anger, a novella where my main characters have a knack for getting mad first and figuring out what they need to do later.

Here's the tagline:

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

And a sneaky peek…

Dreamboat propped her shoulders against the bulkhead. "Did you hear about Rook's little set down with the captain? Directly before he got booted from command deck?"

Fallon shrugged. "I heard they had words, but nothing else. Why?" She didn't really want to talk about Rook.

Marcie made a sound of disbelief. "You're kidding, right? Are you seriously going to tell me you have no idea what went down?" Her voice rose and her eyes flashed.

Fallon frowned. "I'm saying I don't know what happened. I'm not exactly keeping track of how many people Rook pisses off." She pushed away from the bulkhead and started down the corridor.

Marcie called out. "Except yourself, right? The guy can't breathe without pissing you off."

Fallon paused and glanced over her shoulder. "It's a mutual kind of thing, Marce. Either say what you have to say, or leave me alone."

Marcie marched over and got in Fallon's face. "You know, you two have to be the single most stubborn people in the universe. You're so damned good at everything… but excelling at anger?" She waved a hand back and forth. "You two take top prize. Being pissed off at each other all the time is wasted energy." She leaned in closer. "And you're both stupid. You excel at that, too."

Fallon quirked a brow. "Geez, thanks, Marce." She narrowed her eyes. "What's got you all bent about this? Rook and I eventually work our shit out."

Marcie growled. "He's been removed from command because he backed you up." She jabbed a finger in Fallon's shoulder. "Get your ass out there and do something."

Fallon's eyes widened. "He backed me up? He told me to cut the crap and quit bitching about Gamner's order." When had he changed his mind?

Marcie rolled her eyes. "And you stormed out, right? He listened to the comm log and came to the same conclusion you did."

Fallon huffed out a breath. "That we'd be heading into an ambush." She shook her head. "Why didn't he stop the mission?"

Marcie made a garbled choking sound. "What the hell do you think he was trying to do when Troyer kicked him out of command? Good God, Fallon. He's in the briefing room with Gamner right this moment trying to convince him to launch an entire squadron instead of a single SAR bird." Marcie threw her hands up. "And you're sulking around like a wounded animal. March yourself into the briefing room and back Rook up."

Fallon had already headed in the direction. "Thanks, Marce. I owe you one." She didn't catch Marcie's reply, double-timing it down to the next junction and taking a left.

Rook might not welcome her intrusion, but if nothing else, she could verify the lack of data in the transmission.

And she could do it respectfully… even if it killed her.

The bickering is almost as much fun to write as them working out the solution to their issues. J

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

ML Skye