Writing While Distracted

Rainbow Snippet March 16-17

Posted on March 17, 2019 by Brenda

Hello Snippeteers,
It has been cold and snowy and cloudy and I’m ready for Spring in the worst way. This week’s snip is from Complex Dimensions, the fourth book in the Rowan House Series contracted to NineStar Press and set to release September 2019.

From Complex Dimensions:

“This is amazing.” Veronica ran her fingers along the cherry wood shelf. Floor to ceiling shelves, full of books complete with a rolling ladder covered three walls of the large room. Opposite the shelves, three wide windows looked out towards the far mountains. A large overstuffed sofa that begged lying about with a book, a butler’s table and two wingback chairs with matching ottomans completed the library of Veronica’s dreams. Millie stood with her hands clasped behind her back. She glanced at Veronica before she looked down at the carpet. “It’s my second favorite room in the house.”
Veronica studied the way a blush stole over Millie’s face. Not asking which one is her favorite. What room is it? What could make her blush from her collarbones to her hairline?

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 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 fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys. When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot. She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted. You can find her on Facebook by clicking here. Sign Up for her email list here www.brendalmurphy.com

Books available at

Rainbow Snippet March 9-10

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Brenda

Hello Snippeteers, I’m celebrating this weekend as my fifth novel in the Rowan House Series, Double Six has been signed to NineStar Press. Elaine’s story was hella fun to write and I’m stoked to feature a snip this week from the manuscript.

From Double Six,

Elaine flicked the brush over Luna’s shoulder. Puffs of hair and dirt she had loosened with the curry comb floated through the air. “They’re going to be so disappointed. Fuck.” She moved along Luna’s body brushing her back and rump. “What the hell, Luna? One conversation and I blow this whole thing up.” Luna shuffled in the cross-ties, and Elaine dropped the brush in the grooming box. She picked up the soft finishing brush and moved to Luna’s head. “What am I going to do?”

“The first thing you might want to do is to stop asking your horse for advice and talk to a person,” Veronica yelled from the barn office.

“Oh, if only there was someone around to shower me with their wisdom.”

On cue, Veronica strode into view.

Elaine rolled her eyes. “Where were you? And how long have you been eavesdropping?”

“Having coffee with Millie. And long enough to know you fucked up with Petra.”

Elaine rolled her eyes. “I did not ‘fuck up’ she’s too sensitive. I mean really, what kind of Domme is she if she gets her feelings bent so easily?”

“A Domme trying to find a place where she’ll be accepted as a person, and not as an exotic caricature, or Asian stereotype. She’s looking for someplace or someone real.” Veronica crossed her arms across her chest. “And if you don’t stop glaring at me you’re going to sprain something. Not my fault if truth hurts.”

“I liked it better when you were afraid of me.”

Veronica guffawed. “You must be high. I’ve never been afraid of you.”

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 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 sexy times, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

Books available at

Rainbow Snippet March 2-3

Posted on March 2, 2019 by Brenda

Hello and welcome to another Rainbow Snippet. This week’s snip is from my WIP Shifting Flames. I had a rough start with this WIP but I’ve made more progress this week. Wishing you all a good week ahead.

From Shifting Flames:

Eve took her computer glasses off from Felix Gray and rubbed her eyes. “Sit down before you wear a hole in the floor. You’re like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”

Celeste frowned “What?”

Eve quirked her mouth. “It’s something my grandma used to say.”

Celeste smiled and laughed. Eve stared at her over the top of her computer. Her laugh. So rich. So sweet. Makes me want to kiss her. Again. Would it be so wrong? She said no. Honor that. Honor her.

Celeste stopped walking and rested her hand on her hip. “I haven’t heard that expression in years. My mother’s family was from Greenville Mississippi. Did you grow up in the south? I don’t hear an accent.”

Eve pushed her hair back with both hands. “I grew up in Atlanta. I worked long and hard to eradicate my accent.”

Celeste tilted her head. “I get that” She glanced at Eve’s computer screen. “Are you hungry?”

Don’t say it. Stay classy. Still can’t believe that kiss. What the hell was I thinking? “Yes. Should we stop for the day?”

“Yes. It’s late. I need to start supper.”

“You don’t have to cook for me.” Eve flushed. Smooth. She said she was hungry. Stop talking.

Celeste’s gaze settled on Eve. “I like to cook. It’s a pleasure for me.” She looked down and away. “I haven’t had anyone to… She trailed off. “It’s not a hardship.” She bought her gaze back to Eve’s face. “Don’t feel like you have to stop working. You don’t have to keep me company.”

Eve studied her face, the sadness that filled Celeste’s eyes. “I don’t cook for myself either when I’m alone. Let me back this up and I’m at your service.”

Celeste’s lips pulled into a half smile. “Be careful what you say, I might take you up on it.”

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 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 sexy times, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

Books available at

Rainbow Snippet Jan 26-27

Posted on January 27, 2019 by Brenda

Today is Sunday, the last Sunday in January and the start of a new week. I love Sundays. It’s my day for planning, taking some time to unwind and to prepare for the week ahead. I’m stoked because this week I will start on an erotic shifter romance that I have wanted to write since last spring. Today’s snip is from Double Six, the fifth book in the Rowan House series.

From Double Six:

Harsh sounds of their rough breathing filled the room as they held tight to each other. Petra lifted a shaky hand and reached for Elaine’s cheek. Elaine drew back. With a soft sigh, Petra let her hand fall back to her chest. Elaine looked away from the hurt in her dark eyes and pushed herself to sit before she slid off the table. She reached into her bag and pulled out a soft fleece throw and covered Petra with it. Petra curled her fingers over the edge of the blanket and drew it up to her neck.

“I’ll get you some water.” Elaine fled the room, running from the wave of emotion threatening to pull her under.

In the kitchen, she poured a glass of water with trembling hands. So responsive. So perfect. She took everything. Only Robin has been able to tolerate that. What have I done? She hurried back to Petra. She lay with her eyes closed, curled on her side. Elaine touched her shoulder and she started. “Drink this.”

Petra took the glass from her and kept her eyes averted from Elaine’s face as she sipped her water.

Robin pushed through the door, her gaze swept over the scene before briefly connecting with Elaine’s. Lips pressed in a frim line, she backed out of the room. The swish of the kitchen door closing was loud in the silence between them.

Petra cleared her throat. “Well, I can see why they talk about you.” She took another sip of water.

Elaine traced her finger over the pattern on the tablecloth. “I’m not going ask if that’s a compliment.”

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Rainbow Snippet Jan 19-20

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Brenda

Hello Snippeteers!

This is my first snip for this year. I submitted the fifth book in my Rowan House series, Double Six, on Friday and I’m snuggled in with the snow and noodling my next book. I hope wherever you are you are safe and warm.

From Double Six:

Petra trailed her fingers over the stocks set into the floor. She paused beside the newest addition to the dungeon. A large polished wine cask mounted on its side, adorned with cuffs and chains to secure submissives over its wide curved surface. She drummed her fingers on the cask. “Victor’s Vineyard. I know this winery. I had no idea they offered anything besides wine.”

“They don’t. It’s a gift from a former client and her submissives. They commissioned it.” Elaine shifted in her chair and crossed her legs.

“She must have been very grateful.” Petra stopped next to an iron and wooden device resting against the wall. She side-eyed the antique torture cabinet. “An iron maiden?” Petra rested her hand on her hip and quirked her mouth at Elaine. “Really?”

“Just for the head fuck aspect, it’s not functional. I’ve considered having it modified so I could use it for seclusion. But my sister insists it would destroy its value as an antique. Pity.”

Petra sauntered to the top of the polished wood whipping post and drew her fingers over the top of the post. “This is fantastic.”

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Rainbow Snippet December 15-16

Posted on December 15, 2018 by Brenda

Hello Snippeteers!

This will be my last Rainbow Snippet for the year. I’m taking two weeks off to enjoy the holidays with family. Whatever you have planned for this weekend be sure to include some time just for you. Today’s snip is from my WIP Elaine’s story, book five in the Rowan House series. I’ve just finished the first draft so please excuse any errors.

From Elaine’s story:

A soft tap at the door, Petra’s gardenia perfume tickled Elaine’s nose and she ignored the knock, willing Petra to go away and leave her in peace to gather up the bits of her shattered heart.

Another knock, more insistant than the first. “I’m not receiving,” Elaine shouted.

“Open the door.”

“Go away. Is that more clear?” Elaine covered her face with her hands.

“We need to talk, and hiding is not going to make it better.”

“Thank you, doctor. Tell me where to send your final bill.” Elaine rested her arms on her knees and leaned back against the door.

“I’m not leaving until we talk.”

The thump and vibration of what had to be Petra’s shoulder against the door shook the door where Elaine leaned against it and rattled the knob.

“Open the door, Elaine. Now.”

“Or what?”

An explosive kick against the door rattled the hinges.

“This door is older than you are, and if you damage it, I will take it out of your skin.”

Another kick, louder than the first made Elaine jump to her feet, she twisted the deadbolt knob and yanked the door open. Not caring if the murderous thoughts in her head were reflected on her face.

Petra strolled past her and turned to face her.

“I didn’t invite you in.”

What are you? A vampire? For fucks sake, Elaine, stop acting like you’re thirteen and just lost your first girlfriend.”

Elaine slammed the door shut. “It that supposed to be therapeutic? Make me angry, so I stop feeling sad?”

“If you were honest, none of this would have happened.”

“Oh, so it’s my fault?”

“Yes.”

Elaine clenched her hands into fists. “What?”

Petra’s gaze was steady. “If you were honest about how you feel about Robin, you would have never given her to me. And she would never have agreed.”

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.

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys. When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot. She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted. You can find her on Facebook by clicking here. Or if Twitter is your thing follow @BMurphySideshow

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

Books available at

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

Rainbow Snippet August 25-26

Posted on August 25, 2018 by Brenda

Hi All, I’m back from vacation and ready to rock Rainbow Snippets again. I just sent off the final proof to Knotted Legacy to my editor and all systems are go for the September 10th release. Here is a little more from Knotted Legacy to whet your appetite.

From Knotted Legacy:

“How has it worked out? Any conflicts?” Lucia turned back to Martha and looked into her eyes.

Martha met her gaze. “Occasionally we have people who choose to leave, but I’d rather have them leave than be unhappy working here. Our guests deserve to have submissives and Mistresses who are emotionally present and like their work.”

“And you?”

“What about me?”

“Do you like your work?” She closed the distance and stood in front of Martha, a teasing light in her eyes.

“Very much. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t.”

Lucia tilted her head and pursed her lips, her expression thoughtful. “Is the bath through there? I need to freshen up after my trip.”

Martha wanted to linger, to continue getting to know this woman who challenged her. “Yes. Would you like me to send up someone to attend you?”

“No. I’m used to attending to myself.”

Perhaps I could help you? Don’t say it. Keep it together.“Would you like a tour of the house? After lunch?”

“I’d like that.” Lucia unbuttoned the top button of her shirt and pulled the hem from her pants. She unbuttoned the rest of the buttons and stripped off her shirt. The saucy black-and-white polka-dot bra with black lace she wore matched the playfulness in her eyes. “Very much.”

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

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