Sunday Snippet: Yarn Spinning

Another month end is almost in sight. August is gearing up to be a busy month for me and I'm excited and exhausted at the same time. I love being busy and having projects on my calendar but also have to remember to take time to decompress.

Cleanout project stalled again. I had deadlines to meet and also got a new office chair that needed assembly. Have to admit it's comfy.

Had a solid work week with several projects ongoing and two that needed to be finished. I got those out of the way and started a new one that's a long procedural.

Pretty good week of viewing. Made it through a full round of shows and started both of my back-burner ones.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the backstory of Janie and Phryne. Almost through the first season.

Started the new season of Madame Blanc Mysteries and a holiday episode. Looking forward to more of this show.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Kind of sad to see Marlon go. He ended up growing on me. Thrilled to see JP back for a brief appearance. The mystery also gave Marlon time to shine, which is nice for his final ep.

Watched another episode of Poirot, which is the first of two parts. Looking forward to seeing how this one ends. A super-young Polly Walker is a guest star!

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I haven't quite decided how I feel about Moreland sticking around for a while, but I did like his interaction with Sherlock. The case also proved to be interesting.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and have vague memories of this one the first time around. Always fun to have Shriek back.

Watched another episode of Lower Decks. This show annoys and charms me in equal measure. I did quite like the interaction between mom and daughter even when I rolled my eyes several times.

Started an episode of Peak Practice. I didn't quite manage to finish it but will get it done this week. I hope!

Also started and got most of the way through another episode of Reacher. I only stopped because I couldn't keep my eyes open. That's what watching a show at four a.m. will do.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yarn Spinning, a novella that puts a couple together in an awkward situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Torrin Becks and Gaelan Van Zant pull duty on the same scout ship, which creates a good bit of tension in the five-man crew. Torrin and Gaelan have something of a history and when the yarn spinning—who has the greatest exploit—starts, Torrin has to decide if she'll call Gaelan out on a big fat fib or let the story stand as the winner.

And a sneaky peek…

Torrin lurked in the corridor hoping to run into her female crewmate, Emlee Natch. If she could talk Lieutenant Natch into trading quarters, Torrin wouldn't have to suffer through the awkward situation with Gaelan. Seriously, who did she piss off to land this duty assignment?

Humming preceded footsteps on the deck. Torrin pushed away from the bulkhead and walked toward the musical sound.

Her first look at Emlee, dark hair, friendly face, and welcoming eyes, eased some of the tension in Torrin's shoulders.

Emlee grinned. "You must be Lieutenant Becks." She thrust her palm forward. "Welcome aboard."

Torrin clasped the other woman's palm. "I am, yes. It's nice to meet you." She nodded toward the bunkroom across the corridor. "You're Lieutenant Natch?"

Emlee nodded. "Yep. But call me Emlee. Except for the captain, we're on a first name basis here. So much easier with this small crew and it's distracting to use rank when we're all lieutenants." She propped a shoulder on the bulkhead. "You getting settled in?"

Torrin would take that opening. "Uh, about that. You wouldn't be interested in switching sides with me, would you?" She hesitated to say more because she didn't want to put Gaelan in a bad light.

Emlee tilted her head. "I sense a story here … one you're not ready to talk about, yeah?"

Torrin grimaced. "Wouldn't be appropriate, but it's not anything terrible. More like awkward." She left her reasoning there to avoid diving too deep.

Emlee gave her a commiserating look. "Understandable. But I won't be able to help." She leaned in and pitched her voice low. "Craig … Lieutenant Lawler … and I are, well, involved. If we weren't, I'd've been happy to switch quarters."

Torrin's head bobbed. "Ah. I see. And I get it. Thanks anyway." She dipped her chin. "Really great to meet you. Looking forward to working with you." Easing back, she turned and reentered her quarters.

Emlee paused at the hatch. "If it helps, I'll trade shifts with you once we're out in the black."

Torrin smiled. "Thanks. Can I get back to you on that?" She might take Emlee up on the offer if Gaelan made things too weird.

Emlee nodded. "Absolutely. Let me know." She stepped away and crossed the corridor to her quarters.

Torrin sat down on the small sofa against the bulkhead.

Gaelan rapped on the door to her side of the bathroom.

Torrin sighed. "Yeah?"

He poked his head inside her space. "Are you moving across the corridor?"

She shook her head. "Sorry, no. We'll have to make do." She drew her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.

Gaelan grunted. "Right. Okay then. I'm going to grab a shower. Captain wants a quick briefing in thirty." He closed the door, and the water turned on.

Torrin let out a long exhale. "At least he told me." Something Eric wouldn't have done…

She didn't want to think about him. And her newly formed plan would see her avoiding Gaelan as much as possible. Which pissed her off because he based his opinion of her on Eric's description of their breakup.

She had a good reason to split up with him. "And it wasn't easy." No matter what her ex probably told his best friend.

I'm pleased with how this story is coming together. Torrin takes the upper road and it should end up paying off for her.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yarn Spinning

The first week of August didn't end up being horrible and hot. We did get some humidity but the temperatures weren't terrible. I didn't have any big work projects and got to focus on a lot of writing. I also had a terrific brainstorm idea that I hope to talk more about in the near future!

Solid week of viewing television in the background while I got to work on writing. I'm a little ahead of my weekly schedule and hope I can work another movie in this week.

I caught two episodes of The Snoopy Show. This is such a great thing to have on in the background when I need some noise and funny stuff.

Watched an episode of the Agatha Christie Hour. The slightly paranormal angle made me happy.

Enjoyed a two-part Silent Witness and ended up liking it a lot. A good twisty plot on this one.

Finished up an arc of Classic Who and started a new one. The cybermen made an appearance in the new arc.

Also got the last episode of Most Terrifying Places in America watched. The final episode focused on the unnatural world and had some good stories.

Caught another episode of Moon Knight. This show is such a nice mix of action and humor with some interesting lore thrown in. I really love it.

Watched the penultimate episode of Harrow. Next should be the big finale and all I have to say is nothing bad better happen to Fern or Cal. At this point, I don't care if James is a good guy or a bad guy, I'm not a fan at all. Fairley makes me so happy and Grace … well, I really hoped they wouldn't do a weird triangle thing, but it looks like that might be in store for next season, if there is one. Bleh.

Enjoyed an episode of Blue Heelers, which kind of picked up where the last one left off. Loved how the characters pieced everything together and got Nick off the hot seat for the most part. We'll see what happens on the next episode.

Caught another MasterClass lesson with Roxane Gay. She talked about consuming and criticizing culture and I took a couple of valuable points away with me. I enjoy listening to her so much.

Watched another episode of the Babysitters Club. I say it often, but I'm so disappointed this show won't have any more episodes. It's fun and witty but always has some great dramatic moments also.

Thoroughly enjoyed two Classic Rugrats episodes. The Passover episode is one of my favorites and I'd forgotten that was in season three.

Caught another episode of Driven from Passionflix. So much happened and cliffhanger end hit hard. Can't wait to watch the next one!

Have to say I'm so disappointed in Natalie's characterization on Chicago Med. I realize we're close to when she'll be leaving but, man, she definitely did Will wrong on this one. I loved Daniel's arc and the understated way he showed his grief over CeeCee's death.

Finished up The Force Awakens and I'm so glad I've watched the movie from beginning to end and not in sporadic pieces. Looking forward to episode VIII.

Watched another Batman: The Animated Series episode. This is probably my all-time favorite animated series and the Dr. Freeze storyline is a particular favorite in the first season.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. This one had a lot of twists and I liked them. Gina continues to crack me up on a regular basis.

Started a new docuseries with Strangest Things. This is another show where I've bits and pieces of episodes and I'm excited to watch them in order and all the way through.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yarn Spinning, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Torrin Becks and Gaelan Van Zant pull duty on the same scout ship, which creates a good bit of tension in the five man crew. Torrin and Gaelan have something of a history and when the yarn spinning—who has the greatest exploit—starts, Torrin has to decide if she'll call Gaelan out on a big fat fib, or let the story stand as the winner.

And a sneaky peek…

Torrin regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. What did I just let myself in for?

Gaelan threw out a hand. "If you're anti-having kids, why didn't you say something?" He paced back and forth. "I mean, why date him for three years and then break this heart?" He paused and turned to face her.

Torrin swallowed down the bile rising from revisiting the hard reality of Eric's lies.

She exhaled slowly. "First, I have nothing against having a family. Someday." She leaned against the bulkhead, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm not ready yet. Hell, I've got three more years before I can think of mustering out." She met Gaelan's gaze. "Eric wanted me to have a kid right now and when I said I'd like to wait until I'm out so my career didn't take a hit he called me stupid then decided I didn't want kids." Her heart twisted because she'd never, ever said she wouldn't be happy to have a family. "I mean, honestly, my career couldn't possibly be as important to me as his is to him, right?" She'd worked hard to rise up through the ranks and having Eric completely reduce her down to becoming nothing more than a breeding vessel … sucked balls and hurt like hell.

Because she'd loved him.

Gaelan closed his eyes. "Let me guess. He gave you an ultimatum?" His tone showed he'd accepted the stark truth of her words.

Torrin flicked her tongue against her teeth. "You betcha. He wanted me to choose him and a kid on his timetable or staying in for my allotted time so I could receive my ten-year pension—which would've helped with raising a kid, by the way." She pushed away from the bulkhead. "So I walked. He didn't leave me a choice. Especially not once he started getting nasty when I didn't cave to his demand." Her gut roiled with the memory of Eric's tactics.

Gaelan's eyes narrowed. "Nasty, how?" His head tilted to one side, his gaze studying her.

Torrin didn't sugar-coat her answer. "By not giving me updated schedule changes so I'd be late for duty, or telling the officer in charge that I needed time off but forgot to put the request in." She bit her cheek, tamping down the anger. "I got dragged before a review board and had to explain myself. Two hours later, I ended things and got an emergency transfer. I was stuck on an outpost waiting on the new orders to the Merrymack." Never mind the fact Eric had been in the wrong but got to stay on base.

Gaelan winced. "I'm sorry." His voice held regret.

Torrin shrugged. "It is what it is. I don't hold a grudge." She tried hard to live and let live.

Gaelan snorted. "Eric does."

Torrin huffed out a breath. "I'm aware. But I'm not going to change on a fundamental level and let hate rule my life. Not for Eric. Not for anyone."

Gaelan put a hand on her shoulder. "You shouldn't have to. And I'm sorry for taking his side." He gave her a gentle squeeze. "He's changed a lot since you ended things. And it's not for the better. I don't think I realized how far and how much he's changed since we were kids."

Torrin lifted her chin. "Sometimes it's hard to see those kinds of cracks when you're as close as you two are." Hell, she'd missed them, too … until Eric showed his whole hand.

Gaelan clarified. "As close as we were. I can't go back to not knowing how badly he's treated you." He paused a moment. "Or how he tried to wreck your career to get what he wanted."

Torrin smiled. "I appreciate that." She put her palm forward. "Truce?"

Gaelan clasped her hand. "More than that. Clean slate." After a firm shake, he gave a nod and ducked back into his quarters.

Torrin sat quietly, more than a little relieved. Her past with Eric might finally be at rest. But she'd guard her heart against the burgeoning attraction she had for Gaelan. Why invite that kind of trouble when her life started looking semi-normal again?

This story went in a direction I didn't expect but I love how it's coming together. Torrin and Gaelan have a history to overcome and an obstacle standing between them and that's a lot of fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yarn Spinning

Where on earth did the month of May go? I realize I noted it was almost over last week, but, honestly, I feel like I blinked and the week flew by.

Another so-so week of television viewing. I had a lot on my calendar and needed to do some serious focusing while working. I did get some quality viewing in.

I started and finished the third episode of Blue Heelers. I like it. The cast is pretty stellar and the storylines are fun for me.

Caught Arrow's emerald archer episode and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm going to miss this show so much when it's over next season. I'm really hoping some of the cast stays available to do the crossover episodes in the Arrowverse.

Watched another episode of The Murders. This show… I'm very into it. It's not really a shipping kind of show but I'd be totally down with Nolan and Kate hooking up. It would add an interesting layer to their partnership.

Watched what I think is the penultimate episode of Painkiller Jane. One episode left then it's on to a new show on The Roku Channel.

Caught another episode of Durham County. Man, this show is dark. Which I like, don't get me wrong. I spend most of the episode wanting something terrible to happen to Ray Prager. The guy is just… creepy. I'm really hoping to find out why he hates his own kid so much.

Watched another episode of Midsomer Murders. The first episode of series fifteen ended up being terrific. James Callis played twins, one an arrogant jerk and one a rather affable guy… until the murderer is revealed. Great episode.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn. I'd seen both already but they were pretty good so I didn't mind watching again at all.

Watched two more episodes of Doctor Who and finished out The Ark storyline. Looking forward to starting a new group of shows.

In the Dark's third episode was… pretty good. There are times when the awkward mess Murphy makes of her life is hard to watch but I think that's part of the reason I like the show so much. She's so prickly and obnoxious but she's also got a softer side that she has no idea what to do with.

Started episode two of my Banshee rewatch and I'll have more to discuss next week.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Yarn Spinning, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt of writing a story that involves a lie.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Torrin Becks and Gaelan Van Zant pull duty on the same scout ship, which creates a good bit of tension in the five man crew. Torrin and Gaelan have something of a history and when the yarn spinning—who has the greatest exploit—starts, Torrin has to decide if she'll call Gaelan out on a big fat fib, or let the story stand as the winner.

And a sneaky peek…

Gaelan would never admit to hiding on the transport to the scout ship… but he did. He found the seat in the corner and prayed Torrin wouldn't be anywhere near him.

Filing out at the last possible moment, he snorted. "No chance of that." He'd pretty much guaranteed she'd give him wide berth.

Which she had, staying in the front section directly behind the pilot.

Just as well, too. Since she'd dumped Eric, the guy had gone down a dark hole and still hadn't clawed his way out. He kept hooking up with random women and, according to what he told Gaelan, none of them had what Eric wanted.

Gaelan took that to mean none of the women were Torrin.

Which he got… more than he should.

Another reason he'd rather not be trapped on a small ship with her.

After checking in with the captain, he made his way to the crew quarters and found his bunk area. Fuck. Right next to Torrin.

He dropped his rucksack on the deck and keyed in the entry code to his space.

Torrin glanced over her shoulder and sighed. "I'll try to change spots with one of the other crewmen." She pushed the hatch open and dragged her bag inside the room.

Gaelan frowned. "I'm not sure why—" He glanced inside his space and discovered the reason. The bunk areas had a shared bathroom with curtains separating the space.

Dammit.

Torrin shrugged. "Give me twenty-four hours. I'll see what I can do." She didn't wait for a reply before shutting the hatch.

Gaelan picked his rucksack up and tossed it on the bunk. "Whatever. If she can't find a switch, maybe I can." He blew out a long breath. "Figures. If Torrin and Eric were still together, this might have been fun." He used to love spending time with the couple.

But Eric's rendition of their breakup forever altered Gaelan's opinion of Torrin. To be as cruel as she'd been… well, Eric probably dodged a bullet when she dumped him. Not that Gaelan could convince his friend of that fact.

Gaelan dropped down on the bunk. "Now I get to share space with someone I don't even like anymore."

How fun.

Not.

Nothing like some close quarters to make things really awkward. Gaelan and Torrin are going to have a lot of fun trying to avoid each other. Not.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yarn Spinning

Happy Valentine's Day and Singles Awareness Day to everyone! My husband and I don't do a big celebration, but we do try to make the day special in little ways. And it's been a truly rough week so we're appreciating the small moments of support.

What a terrific week for television! Monday is becoming one of my favorite nights with The Magicians and Lost Girl, and starting this week, Bitten. I watched the first episode and it rocked. So sad it's the final season of this show.

Tuesday is jammed up with The Flash and Agent Carter, both of which are terrific. Loved the journey to Earth 2 and seeing the counterparts. I'm very curious about who Zoom is, but I have a theory that probably won't shock anyone. LOL Agent Carter doesn't have long to finish up this storyline and I'm kind of excited to see where things go.

Wednesday is still my favorite and Arrow keeps dropping crazy twists into the storyline. I have so many potential theories of who's buried in the grave and who Oliver has to take out, it's not even funny. But I love it! Kudos to the showrunners for keeping me on my toes.

Legends of Tomorrow also makes me happy. I like how the group is coming together and starting to gel as a unit. And they're mixed up enough to keep things interesting. Almost every week a new grouping is featured and I'm totally down with that.

On Friday, I caught up with Teen Wolf and not a bad episode. Gotta say I'm rather thrilled the psycho doctor is no longer of this earth, meaning I won't be shocked if he makes another appearance somewhere down the road. I am going to be slightly disappointed if the beast turns out to be one of Theo's pack because there would have to be a huge bait and switch to make that plausible, in my opinion. I'm also caught up on Murdoch Mysteries, but still behind on X Company. *sigh* Seriously, the past week got completely crazy. LOL

And that's it for the random TV update. The Walking Dead premieres tonight and I'm hoping I fall right back into the show. J

Tonight's post is from Yarn Spinning, a novella that got its start with the prompt of "write something involving a lie". I put something of a spin on the prompt and hopefully will end up with a very cool story when I'm done.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Torrin Becks and Gaelan Van Zant pull duty on the same scout ship, which creates a good bit of tension in the five man crew. Torrin and Gaelan have something of a history and when the yarn spinning—who has the greatest exploit—starts, Torrin has to decide if she'll call Gaelan out on a big fat fib, or let the story stand as the winner.

And a sneaky peek…

Torrin Becks dragged her rucksack across the corridor and out onto the docking station. Her transfer papers dangled from between her lips and she tucked her ident badge into her back pocket. She wouldn't need it for the transport ride over to the Merrymack, the small scout ship she'd be billeted on for the next several months, maybe longer, but she'd need it once she boarded.

Glancing up, she spotted a pair of broad shoulders in front of her. Yum. She might get lucky and have some sexy eye candy to ogle on the flight over. Her gaze dropped to check out the ass that went along with the shoulders and, yep, nicely sculpted, filling out the grey fatigues to perfection. Her mouth watered and her eyes traveled upward again, hoping for a glimpse of the face belonging to her new obsession. She grabbed the transfer papers to protect them from possible drool.

The man angled his head to check the time and her salivating turned to instant dehydrated desert. Son of a bitch.

Gaelan Van Zant.

He definitely qualified as a primo specimen of manhood. Too bad he also happened to be her ex's best friend. And not a big fan of Torrin's since she and Eric Latimer broke up.

So much for her, up until now, great day. Why did the universe put them in the same line for boarding? Wait. Maybe Gaelan had the wrong line? Oh… she could hope.

The line next to hers moved forward and Torrin shuffled ahead, not paying attention. Until she smacked into the hard body in front of her. Dammit. Could she be any more stupid?

Gaelan angled around, glancing over his shoulder, lips curved in a half smile. His mouth flattened as soon as his gaze met hers. Yeah, too much to think he might let bygones be bygones.

Torrin braced for a confrontation, but apologized. "Sorry. My mind was elsewhere." She took two steps back, praying the person behind her saw her coming. "I'll keep the proper assured distance from this point on." She settled her rucksack in front of her, making it impossible to run into him again.

Gaelan rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me. You're on the scouting run?" Distaste coated his words.

She lifted a shoulder. "I go where they send me." At least she didn't tell him what he obviously didn't want to know.

He shook his head. "Yeah, no choice with orders." He frowned. "But let's keep that whole distance thing going once we board. The less we see each other, the more pleasant our journey will be." He didn't wait for a response, grabbing his bag and hoisting it over his shoulder.

Torrin sighed. She admired Gaelan's loyalty to Eric, but didn't relish spending the next several months being judged. Especially when Gaelan only had Eric's side of the breakup. Then again, he probably didn't give a damn she had a good reason for getting out of the relationship. And she could live with him not knowing her side of things.

But being crammed onto a small ship with Gaelan might mean her stock of painkillers would be gone within the first month.

How fun.

Not.

Gaelan is going to be kind of a pain but for more than one reason. Torrin puts everything down to his loyalty to Eric, but Gaelan's issues go a little deeper than that. And that's been fun to write. :D

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

ML Skye