Rainbow Snippet May 19-20

Posted on May 19, 2018 by Brenda

Hello Snippeters, I’m writing this on my porch, it is raining like hell and the sun is shining which is always special and I’m hoping for a rainbow. This week’s snippet is from One. A book I released last Fall. Set in Italy it is a favorite story of mine as it reminds me of a fabulous trip I took with my wife.

From ONE:

“THE NIGHT-MANAGER let them in through the small barred door next to the drive. The parking lot of the hotel was paved with cobblestone. Lana held Mac’s arm as she picked her way across the lot, her heels and the three glasses of wine she had consumed with dinner making it hard for her to navigate the rough round stones. They walked to the tiny walled garden at the back of the hotel. Small brass candle lanterns lit the wrought iron tables and benches in the seating area, bathing the entire area in a seductive pale golden light. The smell of warm bricks mingled with the floral scents of the late blooming flowers that overflowed their terracotta pots surrounding the tiny oasis.

“I’ll be right back.” Mac left Lana sitting on the high-backed bench. She turned to look at her. Damn. So beautiful. So perfect.She lingered in the doorway watching Lana unobserved, memorizing everything about the night and the woman who waited for her. They had spent dinner laughing and talking about racing and engines and favorite drivers. Smart. Sassy. Passionate. She made Mac ache for things she hadn’t known she wanted.”

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.

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

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

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

Both Ends of the Whip

ONE

Sum of the Whole

Dominique and Other Stories

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!).

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.

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.

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

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

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

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

Books available at

Dominique and Other Stories

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Rainbow Snippet March 17-18

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Brenda

This week’s snippet comes from my third novel, Both Ends of the Whip, slated for release in May with NineStar Press. It was inspired by a tour of an amazing woman-owned and operated organic vineyard in northern Italy. I sketched a brief outline of this story in my journal on the ride back from our day trip.

From Both Ends of the Whip

She rolled open the door to the barn and shut it after her. The door to her office was half open. Vivian was sitting in the desk chair, her long legs stretched out in front of her and crossed at the ankles. Vivian. Waiting for me. She pushed the door to the office open wide and stood in the doorway resting her hand on the frame.

Vivian looked up at her. On the desk were two glasses and a dusty bottle. “Do you like cognac?”

“You always keep your cognac in the barn?” She moved to the chair next to the desk and sat down across from Vivian.

“Miriam liked a nip after a ride.”

“She sounds like I would have liked her.”

“Yes. I think you two would have liked each other very much.” She filled two shot glasses.

The cognac is the same color as her eyes. So beautiful. Octavia picked up her glass. “To old friends and new beginnings.”

Vivian raised her glass and touched it to Octavia’s before she took a sip. She licked her lower lip. She raised her glass. “To love’s memory.”

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!).

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 swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, 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

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

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

Books available at

Dominique and Other Stories

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Rainbow Snippet March 10-11

Posted on March 10, 2018 by Brenda

Props to my amazing father-in-law for this great photo from our trip.

This week’s snippet is from a work I signed a contract for this week. The novel, Knotted Legacy, is set on the Isle of Skye, and although the castle pictured above is not located on Skye, it was the inspiration for Rowan House. I’ve always keep travel journals, I use them whenever I want to add details that lend verisimilitude to my manuscripts. I had a wonderful time rereading my journals and letting myself get lost in those memories as I created this story. I hope you enjoy this week’s snippet. It’s a peek at a lunch date that becomes so much more than a meal.

From Knotted Legacy:

Lucia picked up her menu and studied it. Martha took advantage of her distraction and studied her. Her loose curls were pulled back displaying her long neck, the low neckline of her dress showed off the swell of her breasts. Her brown skin glowed in the firelight reflecting off the white stone making her blue-green eyes even more stark in her face.

“It all looks so good. Can we do the tasting menu?” Lucia placed her menu on the table.

“Sounds perfect. It’s what I usually order. They have a wine flight they serve with it. It’s nice to let someone else make the decisions.”

Lucia tilted her head and fixed Martha with her gaze. “It is. As long as you trust the other to make the right choices.” Her voice was the same she had used with Robin, soft yet unyielding, quietly insistent, the voice of a woman so secure in her power she knew her words would be obeyed without question no matter the volume of her voice.

Martha’s body responded to her tone. She took a sip of her water before she answered. “Indeed. It only works if that’s the case.”

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!).

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 swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, 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

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

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

Books available at

Dominique and Other Stories

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Rainbow Snippet March 3-4

Posted on March 3, 2018 by Brenda

This week’s Rainbow Snippet is from ONE. I loved writing this book because I was able to imagine myself back in Northern Italy as I wrote it. I would close my eyes and be right back where the story idea started, a warm sunny day, traveling on a ferry to Bellagio. My partner loves to tease me when she notices I’m distracted by a story idea. A writer herself she is always tolerant of my mental wanderings. I hope you enjoy this snippet. Mac and Lana will always be one of my favorite couples.

From ONE:

Mac strolled over to stand in front of her. She set her legs wide. “How’d you know you’d catch up with me?” She flicked the zipper on Lana’s jacket with her finger. “You always ride crazy?”

“I didn’t.” She tipped her chin at Mac. “And yes, if I have to.”

Pushback. Mac grasped the zipper pull and eased the zipper down one notch at a time, stopping before Lana’s breasts spilled out. Nothing on underneath. “What if you’d killed yourself?”

Lana looked into Mac’s eyes, her gaze steady. “You’re worth the risk.” She rested her hand on top of Mac’s and forced the zipper the rest of the way down, exposing herself.

Me worth death? Losing a job? Losing money? Mac looked away from Lana’s eyes. “You sure?”

Lana clasped Mac’s hand and brought it to her breast. “Quite.”

Rainbow Snippets 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 the 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. You can follow this link and check out the rest of the fantastic snippets available each week.

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

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 swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, 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

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

Books available at

Dominique and Other Stories

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Rainbow Snippet February 24-25

Posted on February 24, 2018 by Brenda

A little more from the collection of short stories that started it all. Natalie is my favorite story in the collection. I hope you enjoy this weeks snippet.

From Natalie:

“I’ll take that glass of wine now.”

Liv poured a glass for Natalie and patted the barstool beside her own. Natalie turned in her seat to press her thigh against Liv’s knee.

Natalie took a sip of her wine. “Mmm. Nice choice.” She picked up Liv’s hand and kissed the palm, settling it on her thigh. Liv basked in approval as Natalie smoothed her hand over Liv’s shoulder. “Did I hurt you?”

“No more than I wanted.” Liv touched Natalie’s cheek. “No more than I’ve craved.” She dropped her head, shy after her admission.

Natalie brought her fingers up. Tilting Liv’s face to hers, she whispered against her lips. “No, love, don’t hide from me. Let me see your lovely eyes.”

Obedient, Liv looked into Natalie’s eyes, showing her desire and hoping it was all that Natalie might ever want and need.

I can never keep my posts to six sentences but Rainbow Snippet is a blast. Check out the group on Facebook.

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

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 swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, 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

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com
Facebook: Writing While Distracted

Books available at

Dominque and Other Stories

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Rainbow Snippet February 17-18

Posted on February 17, 2018 by Brenda

Hello and welcome to the middle of February. Today’s Rainbow Snippet is from my first novel, Sum of the Whole.

Sarah pressed harder against Jaya’s leg and tipped her head back, eyes closed. Jaya rocked her hips, pushing back against Sarah. A shout in the distance made her stop.

Sarah looked up, her eyes glassy with desire. “What?”
“I heard…” Jaya released Sarah and steadied her.
“Here, girl! Here, Sassy!”
They broke apart. A beagle puppy jumped on Sarah. Sarah leaned down and scooped the puppy up and held her close. The owner arrived, visibly out of breath. He skidded to a stop on the gravel. A pink leash and collar dangled from his hand. Jaya blew out a breath and tried to smooth her expression.

“Sorry. She slipped her leash. Thank you.” The man spoke to Sarah, avoiding Jaya’s eyes.

“No worries. She’s a sweet girl.” Sarah rubbed the puppy’s head and handed the dog back to her owner. He stuffed the leash into his pocket and headed down the path. Jaya flopped on the bench and groaned. Sarah walked over and settled herself on Jaya’s lap. Scooting her hips, she pressed and rubbed against Jaya before she tucked herself into her arms. Jaya sighed and wished she could summon a djinn to spirit them away, like the stories her mother used to tell.

“I have to teach in an hour, but I would love to continue this discussion.” Sarah kissed her way along Jaya’s neck. Jaya hugged her close.

“Name the place.” Jaya pulled back to look into Sarah’s eyes. “And please can it be somewhere with a bed?”

“Yes. A bed would be nice. If you don’t mind grad school chic, what are you doing tonight?”

“Showing you how much I missed you.” Jaya pulled Sarah into a fierce kiss and Sarah melted against her.

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

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 swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, 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

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com
Facebook:Writing While Distracted

Books available at

Dominque and Other Stories

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Rainbow Snippet Feb 10-11

Posted on February 10, 2018 by Brenda

Hello and welcome to this weeks Rainbow snippet. More from my novel One. I loved writing this novel because it was like traveling to Italy all over again.

Mac placed the white pastry box on the table. She untied the blue and white ribbon and opened the box and pulled back the wax paper. The cannoli were nestled together and the scent of them filled the air.

Lana picked up the ribbon and wound it through her fingers. “Mmmm. I know this place. What kind did you get?”

“Two traditional and two pistachio chocolate chip.”
Lana’s face was hard to see in the light and Mac wished she could watch her expression as she took the first bite of her cannoli. The tender pastry cracked and a bit of filling squeezed out and onto the corner of Lana’s mouth. Mac wanted to slide over and kiss the sweet cream off Lana’s lips before taking her back to her room and feasting on her body till dawn. She scooted closer on the bench. Lana turned her face to Mac, her eyes wide in the dim light. Mac reached over and used her finger to wipe the spot of filling off the corner of Lana’s mouth. She reached up and caught Mac’s hand and pulled it to her mouth. She licked the filling off Mac’s finger, the touch of her tongue quick and light.

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 swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, 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

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com
Facebook:Writing While Distracted

Books available at

Dominque and Other Stories

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

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Rainbow Snippet February 3

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Brenda

Happy Sunday! Sending everyone positive energy and hope you all have an amazing week. This week’s snippet is from a collection of short stories. I love short stories, writing them and reading them.

From Genevieve:

Dar volunteered to take Bobby to daycare every day, but she didn’t see Genny again until Friday morning. On her way back from the house, Dar dropped her keys. Skittering on the driveway, the keys slid under her car.

“Fuck.” Even with her long reach, Dar was going to have to lie down on the driveway to reach them. Stretching out on the blacktop, she extended an arm and grabbed the errant jumble of metal. Hearing the sudden crunch of shoes on gravel, Dar paused, and then pushed herself out from under the car. The black pumps were inches from her face. She looked up as Genny squatted down next to her.

“You okay?” From her spot on the ground, Dar could see the bright red lace Genny had on under her tight skirt. Genny stood up and stepped back.

“Dropped my keys.” Dar pushed up from the driveway, dropping her keys again in the process. Embarrassed, Dar stood up, gripping them hard.

“You have some dirt here.”

Dar’s nipples hardened as Genny stepped close. Reaching up, she brushed Dar’s face with her fingertips. Dar’s cheeks burned as Genny trailed her fingers down her face. She let them rest on Dar’s lips, and Dar trembled under Genny’s touch. They locked gazes.

Genny’s amber eyes held Dar open and exposed. Slowly, she pressed the length of her body against Dar. Mesmerized, Dar watched Genny’s tongue slide over her lower lip, the blood-red paint glistening. Dar clenched her hands. The keys dug into her palm. She ached with need and desire. Not here. You can’t grab this woman and kiss her right here. She dropped her gaze.

Genny stepped back, lowering her hand. “Sorry. I guess we’ll both be late.”

I hope you enjoyed this week’s snippet. Please check out their Facebook page.

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

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, is One, published by NineStar Press. When she is not swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, 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