Writing While Distracted

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Rainbow Snippet May 12-13

Posted on May 12, 2018 by Brenda

Hello Snippeteers! Both Ends of the Whip released on Monday, this week’s snippet takes place the morning after last week’s snippet. Wishing all of you a great week.

From Both Ends of the Whip:
Bridget leaned her head against Octavia’s chest and pressed herself tighter into Octavia’s arms. “I’m sorry about last night. I’m glad you woke me.”
Octavia opened her mouth to speak but shut it when she heard Vivian clearing her throat as she entered the kitchen. Breaking their embrace, they turned as one to face her.
“Is there coffee?” Her voice was rough around the edges. Her tight curls were swept up in a head wrap, showing off her profile. She wore a silk thigh-length aqua-blue dressing gown that clung to her. Her dark nipples were visible through the thin fabric. The shortness of the robe displayed Vivian’s long legs. A wide keloid scar blossomed in the center of Vivian’s calf and crossed the front of her knee before it disappeared under her gown.
Nothing on under there. Damn. What the hell made that scar? Car accident? Damn. Don’t stare. Too late. Octavia’s cheeks grew warm, and she shifted her gaze to Vivian’s face. The raised eyebrow and cool look in her eyes let Octavia know she had noticed her staring. Octavia glanced at the floor and tucked her hands in her back pockets.”

Rainbow Snippets( https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/)is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this groupyou’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Books available at

https://www.amazon.com/Both-Ends-Whip-Brenda-Murphy-ebook/

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The Four Stages of Submission

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Brenda

No. Not that kind of submission. I’m talking about hitting the send button after I’ve polished my manuscript to hell and back and send it off to my editor. That kind of submission. With all due apologies to my friends who have to deal with me between the time I send a manuscript out and hear back from my editor, this is what I experience every time I send a book off for evaluation.

Elation. The highest high, I’ve finally sent it off. Woo hoo I am done. Now I can start on that awesome idea I had for a book in the middle of this book.
Anxiety. Oh hell, what was I thinking? It wasn’t ready. I should have spent more time editing it. Damn it’s too late. They’ll hate it. I better get to work on the next book.
Anger. The hell with it. What do I care if they don’t accept it? I have other stories. So many other stories to write. Let me channel my anger into this scene.
Relief. The editor has responded. No more wondering. No more obsessively checking my email fifteen times a day.
Substages: *1. They accepted it. Woohoo. Time to celebrate and then get to work on the next book. 2. They rejected it. Damn. Time to wallow in sadness for a bit, soothe myself with old movies, and bourbon. Then I let it go and get to work on the next book.

The key to surviving as a writer is to always get back to work. Feel the feels and then sit down and write.

What are your stages of submission?

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Rainbow Snippet May 5-6

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Brenda

Hello All, this weeks snippet is another snip from Both Ends of the Whip, available for pre-order now. Relase day is Monday May 7. Wishing you all a joy filled week.

From Both Ends of the Whip

“Bridget. Wake up. Hey, love. Wake up.” She patted her shoulder.
Bridget started awake. Her breathing was rapid. “What?” She grabbed Octavia’s hand with both of hers.
Octavia squeezed her shoulder. “You were dreaming. It didn’t sound good. I woke you.”
Bridget snuggled closer. “I was. It was awful.”
Octavia shifted her arm and held her tight. “You want to talk about it?”
“No.” The sharp tone in Bridget’s voice pricked at Octavia. “I don’t.”
“I wasn’t trying to piss you off. Talking about it might make it better.”
“If it bothers you, I can sleep in the other room.” Bridget sat up, pushing away from Octavia.
“For fuck’s sake.” Octavia bolted upright and turned on the light. She squinted against the flare of brightness. “What the hell, Bridget? I wasn’t trying to start a fight. I thought it was the right thing to do to wake you up.”
“I don’t want to talk. It doesn’t help.” Her voice was flat. She lay down, turning away from Octavia. “Sorry I woke you.”
What the hell? Why won’t she talk to me? Octavia stared at the tight set of Bridget’s shoulders. What to say? Say nothing. Let it go. She’ll talk to me when she wants to. Or she won’t. Octavia stifled a sigh and turned off the light. She flipped her pillow over and lay down before rolling on to her side to face away from Bridget and the distance between them.

You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Books available at

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Rainbow Snippet April 28-29

Posted on April 28, 2018 by Brenda

Hi All, I missed last week becasue I was traveling and my laptop died. It didn’t owe me a dime but it was annoying as hell. On a brighter note Both Ends of the Whip will be released May 7th and I’ve got a new snippet this week. Sending all of you positvie vibes.

From Both Ends of the Whip:

“I’m not sure why you had to find the only mud puddle in the whole field and roll in it.” Octavia brushed the mud from Max’s coat. She ducked under the crossties to work on his other side.

“Do you always talk to them?”

The brush clattered on the floor. Octavia bent to pick it up, one hand on the horse to steady him. “Only when I think I’m alone.”

Vivian laughed. “I’m sorry I startled you.”

“It’s okay.” She worked the brush over Max’s side and flank.

Vivian picked up a brush and worked his other side. “I’ve missed this.”

“Grooming the horses?”

“Spending time with them, yes. I’ve neglected them.” She patted Max’s shoulder. “But that’s going to change.”

“What happened?” Octavia placed her brush in the grooming box. She stepped around the horse. She looked into Vivian’s eyes. Sadness. Grief. Regret. Pain. So much sorrow. “Did you fall?” She gestured to Vivian’s leg. “I noticed your scar.”

“No.” Vivian looked away. “I haven’t had the desire. It was something I always did with my wife. Between assignments.” She stopped brushing Max and held the brush to her chest.

Married. She was married. Damn.“Breakups suck.”

Vivian raised her eyes and met Octavia’s gaze. “She died three years ago.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Octavia’s cheeks grew hot. “I’m sorry.”

Vivian sighed and placed the brush on the bench. She sat down next to it and looked straight ahead, avoiding Octavia’s eyes, her cool mask back in place. “I don’t tell people. I hate the pity in their eyes when they find out.” She rested her chin on her chest. “Or looks of disapproval. People have a right to know what’s going on, to read and see the truth about conflicts, not the sanitized version big media wants to tell.” Her voice was a fierce whisper. “Miriam died doing what she—” Vivian’s voice cracked. “What we believed in.”

You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Books available at Amazon NineStar Press

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Blend by Georgia Beers Review

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Brenda

Ice Queen? Check. Woman warm enough to melt said Ice Queen? Check. Fun romance setting that makes me want to run down to my local wine bar and belly up? Check.

I’ve read other novels by Georgia Beers and she is one of my one-click favorites because of her consistency. Her books are always well paced, well written and hit all the emotional beats necessary for a robust romance. She hits all the right notes with this romance set in a Wine Bar. Like the title, Beers’ novel blends the storylines of her main characters Piper and Lindsay in her signature style. The story is subtle, yet compelling as the lead characters grapple with issues of self-esteem, grief, and ethical dilemmas. A low angst tale it still delivers a story rich in heart-rending moments before the characters get their happy ever after. A well-crafted read, Blend is a marvelous way to spend an evening curled up with a large glass of your favorite vintage.

You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Books available at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/

Rainbow Snippet April 14-15

Posted on April 14, 2018 by Brenda

Hello All. Spring has finally made an appearance here, although it seems for a limited engagement based on next week’s forecast. I’m happy to offer a snip from my novel Both Ends of the Whip up for preorder from NineStar Press. You can save 30% and get the novel three days early if you order direct from the publisher.

From Both Ends of the Whip:

Octavia washed up in the sink in the mudroom. The house was cool after the heat of the barn, and she shivered as she pulled her shirt on over the tank top she wore. She walked into the kitchen. The table was set with two place settings. In the center rested a crystal water pitcher and a large platter filled with thick wedges of tomatoes and fresh mozzarella slices drizzled with balsamic vinegar and fragrant green olive oil. Dark green basil leaves were scattered over the top and stood out against the bright red of the tomatoes. She inhaled the smell of Bridget’s signature crusty bread. Bridget stood at the counter, scooping berries into dessert bowls.

Taking in the line of her thick hips, the way her broad shoulders filled out her uniform, made Octavia’s mouth water, for more than the gorgeous lunch laid out for them. She crossed the floor and wrapped her arms around Bridget’s waist to pull her against her body. She kissed the soft space under her ear. “This looks and smells amazing. Is it for us?”

“Vivian had a late breakfast and left. She won’t be back until supper.”

Octavia pressed more kisses along the slope of her neck. Bridget brought her hand up and cupped the side of Octavia’s face, resting it there. Octavia stilled. She hugged Bridget closer. Their breathing synced, and the hurt and angry words melted between them. Love. She does love me. As much as I love her.

Rainbow Snippets ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/) is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Rainbow Snippets April 7-8

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Brenda

Hello Snippteers, I had a lovely week off at my aunt’s farm, whatever you celebrated, I hope it was good. This week’s snippet is from my novel Both Ends of the Whip scheduled for release May 7th. This novel was inspired by a tour of a vineyard in northern Italy. Above is the gorgeous cover from Natasha Snow and NineStar Press. I hope you enjoy this snippet.

From BOTH ENDS OF THE WHIP

“Do you still work as a photojournalist?”

Vivian brought her gaze back to Octavia’s face. “No. After…” She glanced at her hands before she brought her gaze back to Octavia’s face. “Everyone with a phone is a photojournalist now. I do portraits. Private events. I work when, and if I choose.”

Pain. Sadness. So much sadness. Let it go.Octavia wanted to cross the room and take away the sadness in her eyes, wanted to kiss her perfect mouth until she was breathless. What is the story there? Why so much pain?

Bridget made a soft sound, breaking the moment. “What time would you like your breakfast…? Um, what should we call you?”

“Vivian is fine. I’m not as—” she focused her gaze on Bridget’s face and Octavia’s stomach tightened with desire watching the exchange between them. “Formal as Martha, although we are alike in other ways.”

Bridget’s face flushed. “Could I see the kitchen please? Vivian.”

How long? How long will it be before she offers herself to her? Will I be there? I want to be there. Octavia stood up. “I think I can find the barn, if you two don’t need me.”

“Need and want are two different things.” Vivian raised her gaze to Octavia’s face, a half smile playing over her lips. “Come to the kitchen with us, and then I will accompany you to the barn while Bridget prepares dinner.”

Power and control flowed from Vivian like water over smooth rocks washing way any doubts Octavia might have had about what they had signed up for, leaving no doubt who was in charge.

In this group, you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

Brenda Murphy writes short stories and novels. She is a member of Romance Writers of America. Her nonfiction and short fiction have been published in various collections. Her most recent novel, One was published by NineStar Press. When she is not loitering and writing at her favorite tea shop, she wrangles two dogs, twins, and an unrepentant parrot. She writes about life, books, and writing on her blog, https://www.brendalmurphy.com/blog.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Writing-While-Distracted

Books available at