Sunday Snippet: Poetry in Motion

Wow. September snuck up on me even though I've been talking about how close August was to ending. 2021 is a weird year, just saying.

Had a solid week of working with a potential new project coming in and several more lurking in the wings. I finished up a great manuscript and can't wait for the book to release. It featured a tornado!

Not a bad week of television. I started with Master Class with LeVar Burton and lesson eight with focused on performative storytelling. I love watching LeVar break down how he approaches telling and sharing stories.

Watched two episodes of Inside the Episodes: The Witcher. The shows broke down episodes two and three. It's very interesting to go back and see where the production side of things is coming from after seeing the entire first season. I'm really looking forward to season two.

Caught two episodes of Berlin Live. The first featured Blondie and I thoroughly enjoyed the string of hits minus one of my very faves. Boy George and Culture Club also put on a great show and I'm love diving back into some music from my formative years.

Enjoyed another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. I'm slowly getting to know the characters and I'm starting to like how everything is coming together. Really interesting to see a character from Star Trek: TOS. Looking forward to seeing if anything comes from that.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and ended up really liking it. I'm once again really happy to finally be able to watch this show from the beginning and fill in so many blanks.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I love this quirky and fun show even though there's always a murder to solve. As I've mentioned before, having characters that pop up with frequency makes me happy.

Finished out the second episode of Silent Witness. I'm getting toward the end of season twelve. I think I've got four more episodes to go. I'm also remembering why I really liked this show when I watched it the first time.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. This one feature country music, which I always find interesting when it's in another country.

Finished out season eighteen of Classic Who and Four's tenure. Five is taking over the controls of the Tardis and I'm looking forward to seeing his take on the Doctor.

Started UFO Conspiracies and it's not bad. I'm always interested in digging into what other countries experience with UFO sightings and this series seems to include those takes.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Lesley Ann Warren and Danny Kaye were the guest stars. Very fun episodes.

Caught another episode of Prime Suspect and finished out the first season. I'll start season two this week.

Peak Practice had an interesting episode and I enjoyed it. Andrew definitely has some issues and I like how the show is exploring them.

That finishes up this week's television update. Tonight's post is from Poetry in Motion, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ian Flannigan, a talented athlete, wants to take the crown on the planetary Sky Dawg circuit. But when he inadvertently causes the death of a competitor, he has to decide if he can keep it together enough to win, which won't be easy with the coach's daughter constantly pushing for him to lose control.

And a sneaky peek…

"A little hard on him, weren't you?"

Reagan shrugged. "He deserved it."

Ramsey studied his daughter. "It eats at you, doesn't it? You want him so badly but can't—won't—change your mind about your rules." Ramsey tsked. "And he won't play by 'em."

Reagan got up. "I'm so not having this conversation with you, Ram." She stalked toward the door.

Ramsey got off another shot. "He's not Stuart. You'd do well to remember that, Reg."

She sucked in a harsh breath. "Low blow, Dad." She did not want to discuss her asshole ex.

Ramsey shrugged. "Maybe. But you needed to hear it." His voice gentled. "Stuart Abercrombie twisted you up and turned you inside out."

Reagan slowly made her way back to the bench and sat down. "He used me."

Ramsey nodded. "That, too." He met Reagan's gaze. "But you set him straight—and showed him the door when he thought to keep his spot on the team because he warmed your bed."

Reagan rolled her eyes. "Geez, Ram. Can we not talk about this?" She shook her head. "You know way too much about my sex life."

He snorted. "Reagan, it's hard not to. The circuit's a close-knit group. An incestuous bunch on a bad day. I usually know within hours when you hook up with someone new—people can't wait to keep me informed—but I give you your space and keep my mouth shut."

She couldn't resist a sarcastic comeback. "Yeah, thanks for that, Dad."

Ramsey sent her a level look and lifted a brow.

Reagan backed down. "Okay. You're right." She tilted her head. "But I don't have to like the fact you are." She paused a moment. "And why stick your nose in now? With Ian?"

Ramsey gave it to her straight. "Because he's got it bad for you and you need to back off and let him figure shit out on his own." He cut deeper. "You don't help when you pull the bitch card and club him over the head with it."

The accusation hurt … but she could see his point. "Fine. I'll quit jamming him up." She dropped her gaze to her hands, twisting her fingers together. "I just wanted to see if I could get Ian to lose it … just once."

Ramsey chuckled. "Reagan, my girl, if and when Ian decides to step up and let go, you'll know. He's got some decisions to make and a path to choose. Hell, when he puts his foot on the road to victory, everyone'll know."

Reagan muttered. "I hope you're right, Dad."

Ramsey snorted. "Trust me on this, Reg. He's headed in the right direction."

Her father had never called it wrong. He'd known Stuart didn't have the chops from day one … but gave the jackass a chance anyway.

I love, love, love writing Reagan and Bruce's family dynamic. They don't have a typical father / daughter relationship and I really want and hope that comes through.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs

July kind of flew by in a series of weird weather and crazy work schedules. I'm oddly okay with that. The weather is what it is… and will probably keep acting like an angry toddler. My work calendar is bursting at the seams and I'm excited about my new projects.

But… my television viewing is sporadic, which isn't a bad thing. I'm just so used to doing rundowns each week I feel like my blog is naked if I don't have a full slate. LOL

I did get a few shows watched. I started with Midsomer Murders and got a holiday episode. There's a new detective sergeant or maybe it's detective constable, but either way, I'll miss Jones. I loved that character. Which isn't to say the new guy won't grow on me. He's not bad. Good mystery also.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it's rather different and I like it. I'm not sure how long the first season is, but the series is something like fourteen seasons and it's nice to have variety in format.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I'm kind of excited to watch a live-action episode with Two. So far, it's been six animated episodes.

Finished the final episode of Blade. I have to admit to still being disappointed with the outcome on my rewatch. Sometimes I can have a change of heart when I've got a few years of distance when viewing a show's run.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a great episode. I'm starting to like Grayson a little more and it'll be fun to see if Frankie's mom sticks around.

Watched the fifth episode of Daredevil and, eh, this is something of a slow-moving season. I do like where things are going and it's great to see Karen kind of have to face what she did in a previous season. That said, I'm enough of a Fisk non-fan to really not want to watch a bunch of scenes with him. And the FBI agent annoys the crap out of me. I actually think he's too smart to be playing things so stupidly. So, yeah, I hope the rest of the season evens out.

Started Riverdale's Bizarrodale episode and hope to finish it later today. This season has been dark and twisty and I like it.

New episodes of Killjoys have started and I'll be hopelessly behind on those, but I can't wait to watch this final season.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a sexy short bonus scene featuring Reagan and Ian from Poetry in Motion.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reagan Bruce won't slow down, not even when she's seven months pregnant and Ian Flannigan decides to walk away from competing to keep Reagan healthy. The couple exchanges some zinging barbs until they work out their issues.

And a sneaky peek…

Reagan Bruce planted her hands on her hips, her pregnant belly on prominent display. "Where you go I go." Ian Flannigan would not leave her behind.

Ian gave her stomach a pointed look. "The wee one inside you disagrees." He met her gaze. "And so does our doctor." He always used inclusive words… like it meant he shared her burden-slash-blessing more than he actually did.

Or could.

As if.

Reagan brought her hands forward to palm her protruding stomach. "Yeah, well, my doctor doesn't always make the right call. I'm seven months pregnant. Of course I'm tired a lot." And, okay, her energy levels came in short bursts, but she got shit done when they came.

Ian blew out a harsh breath. "You're being stupid, Reagan. You make it sound like you have a choice when you don't." He threw his hands up. "And I'll be damned if I'm going to watch you push too hard and put yourself and our kid in danger."

Reagan refused to give in to the tears pricking behind her eyelids. Stupid hormones turned everything into emotional drama. The one thing she hated about being pregnant.

She could do crazy drama without hormones.

Ian broke into her internal monologue. "Look, Reagan. I'll make this simple. I love you and our kid more than I want to be a champion." He moved forward and cupped her face.

Reagan went from blubbery sad to red-hot pissed off in less than a millisecond. "Now who's being stupid, Ian?" She pushed him away. "You're at the top. You can't walk away now." Why the hell would he want to?

Oh, right. Her. And their unborn kid. Dammit.

Ian quirked a brow. "Oh, yeah? Watch me." He went to find his phone.

She had to stop him. If he called and canceled his next bout, he'd never forgive her. Hell, she wouldn't forgive herself.

She grabbed his arm. "If you quit now, we're done. I'll leave you." What? Sometimes she hated the way her brain worked.

Ian closed his eyes but not before she caught the flash of anger and rage in his gaze.

He yanked away from her. "No, you won't." He grabbed his phone and keys. "Because I am." Taking the five steps to the door, he slammed it shut behind him.

Reagan carefully walked to the sofa and sank down. "Stupid fucking hormones." But she couldn't blame everything on her body's chemistry.

Being told she couldn't do something never sat well with her. Yes, she balked at being left behind. Hated the horrible timing of everything. But she didn't want Ian to give up his chance to take the championship because her insecurities wouldn't take a back seat at the moment.

Closing her eyes, she massaged her stomach. "I really, really hope you're more like your dad, little person." An answering kick nudged against her fingers. "Yeah, yeah. I'll go find him." She got up and crossed the living room to retrieve her keycard and phone. "I have a feeling I know where he went."

I love writing small sexy peeks into what's going on after a couple has supposedly worked through their drama and settled into their happily ever after.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Poetry in Motion

Well, we had a semi-nice weekend. Today is rainy and chilly but Friday and most of Saturday was sunny and beautiful.

I got a lot of television watched this week. Dipped into CW Seed's Vixen and thoroughly enjoyed the first "season". I'm almost finished with Blindspot's first season and I'm looking forward to starting season two. Watched another episode of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD this week. Not sure how much I like seeing Hank defanged on Chicago PD but I'm in for the ride either way.

Legends of Tomorrow delivered an awesome season finale. I'm thrilled with where the characters ended up and having Constatine and Gary drop their little gift on the team made me laugh.

The Flash had a decent episode. I'm actually ready for the season to be over and Devoe to be defeated. Still need to catch up on Black Lightning. I'm hoping to find time this week to watch the episodes I've missed.

I did catch an episode of Riverdale and, yeah, talk about uncomfortable. No one is having an easy time of it right now. Definitely concerned about Cheryl. Her mother is a piece of work. Fred running for mayor… that's gonna be interesting. Just saying.

I got another episode of Gotham out of the way and things did not go where I thought they would. Sofia is a piece of work. I did love the overall theme of getting people back together. "Reunion" is a perfect title for the episode.

Arrow truly continues to amaze me. I'm saddened Oliver seems to be breaking ties with everyone so he can focus on the mission, but I'm also pretty interested in how the rest of the season plays out. I'll go out on a limb and say the councilman is on Diaz's payroll, too.

I'm almost finished with season two of Jessica Jones and I'm truly thrilled we'll have a season three. That said, I hope it's a little more cohesive. It's nice to have Jessica's backstory but I'd like to see her truly throw down with a villain. Just saying.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Poetry in Motion, a sexy short that started as a scene prompt from a writing community.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ian Flannigan, a talented athlete, wants to take the crown on the planetary Sky Dawg circuit. But when he inadvertently causes the death of a competitor, he has to decide if he can keep it together enough to win, which won't be easy with the coach's daughter constantly pushing for him to lose control.

And a sneaky peek…

Ian threw the towel across the gym. "I think I'm done. After this season."

Well, that answered how heavily the guilt still weighed on him. Too much.

Wayne DuPres shouldn't have lost his life.

Her powerful attraction for Ian warred with her desire to kick his ass. She'd worked with the Bruce long enough to see what he saw. Buttloads of potential. But Ian's control freak persona doomed him. The man kept a tight lid on himself. Feared letting go. Took on way too much responsibility.

But to consider giving up? Oh, yeah, that pissed Reagan off.

She snorted. "You're an idiot."

He paused with his shirt halfway up to his head. "Excuse me?" Yanking the garment on, he planted his hands on his hips.

If only covering up ruined his appeal. It so didn't.

But she pushed on. "Do you have any idea how much wasted time and effort we've used on the investment in you?" She started pacing, trying to keep a lid on her anger, and think of a way to tell Ian his main problem. "Christ, Ian. You're not responsible for DuPres. Everyone who signs on the bottom line for this sport knows, knows, the risks." And if they didn't, they were too stupid to live anyway.

Ian threw a hand up. "It's not that simple, Reagan." He started a slow walk back and forth, keeping pace with her. "Yeah, we all get it's dangerous, but our choices on the course affect more than the win-loss column."

She rolled her eyes. "God, you're not responsible for the world, Ian. Why can't you see that?" No one blamed him, except him.

He stopped and faced her. "I do. And you've got a point. A big part of why I want to get out now has to do with Wayne's death." He glanced away and then back again. "Because every time we push the rules and boundaries, the potential to kill someone is there." He held her gaze, all but daring her to argue.

And she wouldn't, not on that particular topic. She'd never change his mind. She'd alter her tactics instead.

She made an angry choking sound. "You're too by the book to ever win a championship anyway." Pacing back and forth again, she went for broke. "You know why no one trash talks you? They know they don't have to." If he didn't react to that bold statement, she'd give up.

He frowned. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" His hands curled into fists.

Exactly what she wanted. "You think too much. You psych yourself out faster than any one of those goons out there could." Her voice lowered. "Shut your brain down and let it roll, Ian." Just once…

He grabbed her arm. "What? Like you?" Snorting, he shook his head. "You have no control, Reagan. How many skeds have you destroyed this season alone? And you don't even race." His brow quirked.

Wow, okay, way to put the focus on her instead of where it needed to be.

She flung her free arm out. "Who the hell cares? That's what we have the lane crews for." Pulling away, she put some distance between them. "They take care of the machines… we take care of winning." She widened her eyes… how could he not understand?

Ian sighed. "What do you want from me?"

She huffed out a breath. "A win, Ian. I want you to win like I know you can."

Frustrated and way too close to being pissed, Reagan turned and walked out of the gym.

I kind of enjoy writing scenes where the characters are at a fundamental cross purpose. Neither is wrong, but they're on opposite ends of the spectrum.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Poetry in Motion

Howdy,

Remember when I said I was ready to start marking the death toll on Sons of Anarchy? Totally didn't know it would include so many. Will have to wait until next week's post to note the number, if that's even possible. I admire Kurt Sutter's willingness to make a bold choice and stand by it. He always claims his show doesn't flinch from showing the ugly side of things and honestly, I'm thrilled to see what happens when something the club is involved in bites them on the ass. Hopefully I've made my thoughts clear without giving away too many details. J

Strike Back is almost halfway through its run and my head sorta spins with everything going on. It's one of the things I love about watching. Stonebridge better catch a break soon and he needs to figure out what the hell he got into when he slashed his arm open. Something tells me that seemingly small injury will end up being the key to everything about whatever attack is being planned.

GAH! My shows are eating up too much of my brain. LOL

Moving on…

Tonight's post is from Poetry in Motion. I'm not sure if this will end up as a short story or novella, but I love how it started. A single random scene where description sort of became the main character. Right, that probably doesn't make sense, but Reagan pretty much needed me to write it and get it on the page. J

Here's the tagline:

Ian Flannigan, a talented athlete, wants to take the crown on the planetary Sky Dawg circuit. But when he inadvertently causes the death of a competitor, he has to decide if he can keep it together enough to win, which won't be easy with the coach's daughter constantly pushing for him to lose control.

And a sneaky peek…

The quick punch-jab-shuffle rhythm coming from across the gym drew her attention. Reagan loved a good bout. She finished up her workout and made her way over. The sparring session would be fun to watch. Whoever had the ring—they weren’t holding back.

Approaching the squared off area, her breath hitched… her pulse leapt… hell, her heart skipped a beat when she discovered who wore the gloves today.

Ian.

With the old man—who held his own—not that she expected less from the elder Ramsey. She’d spent hours listening to him talk about impromptu matches aboard the freighter he and Sal Moreno used to haul for. Her dad had chops.

But Ian?

Ian fought by the numbers. Technically. Mechanically. No heart. No heat. Hence the reason the old man usually won.

Except now?

Form and function met passionate intensity.

The bunch and flex of muscle under his skin with each jab—

—the measured shuffle of his feet keeping time with a rhythmic cadence—

—accented by the rapid-fire thud of leather hitting skin when his gloves found their mark—

—all mixed up with the staccato breath sounds with each connection made or absorbed.

He’s poetry in motion. She watched Ian move through the sparring match with her father, thinking Ian had finally found the way to let go.

Nothing wasted. Ian gave his all. Every movement fluid, Ian fought with controlled precision tempered by instinctive reaction. Slowly and methodically, he chipped away at Ramsey's defenses, making surprise moves that caught her father off guard. Intuitively, he blocked and made shots he’d never been able to pull off before.

Ian finally sparred the way he should in the ring, the way he rode when it didn't matter, when he hopped on a sked for the sheer joy of riding. Holding nothing back. Using pure instinct. Going full out until the old man—winded and worn out—stopped the bout.

Magnificent.

Not that she’d ever tell Ian. Once had been enough.

But damn. He'd become a pleasure to watch.

Reagan melted back into the shadows and left unnoticed.

Or so she thought.

Yep. Ian is as hyper-aware of her as she is of him. Seriously, this one is so much fun to write. J

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

ML Skye