SWIPE RIGHT

 

Photo by Joshuer on Unsplash

SWIPE RIGHT

It was a Halloween dating site

when handsome, despite the mask

caught my attention

foregoing all inhibition

he was the one

our first night would be nothing but fun

I was right

it was a Halloween to remember

Mr. Handsome, so easy to dismember

and dinner for all my guests

just so delicious

and oh-so-nutritious.

Muahahaha!

YRS © 2024

Tagline: It's Halloween. Make sure you aren't dinner.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Photo by Steven Aguilar on Unsplash

XX

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY

 

for another 

WEP Challenge?

Wondering how to go about

preparing,

writing,

& submitting?

Photo by hannah grace on Unsplash

Then Go HERE!

For all the details!

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html 

PLEASE JOIN US IN OCTOBER

FOR

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Photo by Gwen King on Unsplash

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

The phantom is not a proper specter

but also not Hannibal Lector

a small deformity

he refuses conformity

and wears a mask

determined in his task

haunting like a ghost

the opera hosts

with horrific taunts

but love is his desire

a beautiful singer

he wants to acquire

but a debonair man

who isn't a fan

has other plans

and the phantom

is headed for a fall

his chosen paramour

is frightened but brave

eventually, she wins the day

the phantom though

he has to go!

***

MUAHAHAHAHA!

Yolanda Renée © 2023

***

IT'S AS EASY AS THAT!

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR THE LATEST

WEP CHALLENGE

&

STAY TUNED RIGHT HERE

FOR NOTHING BUT

HALLOWEEN FUN!

And that's a promise!

ARE YOU READY?

 

for the next 

WEP Challenge?

Wondering how to go about

preparing,

writing,

& submitting?

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Then Go HERE!

For all the details!

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html 

PLEASE JOIN US IN AUGUST

FOR

CHOCOLAT

Photo by Sara Cervera on Unsplash

CHOCOLAT

 a symbol of love

sent from above

the darker the better

a true love letter

love's calling card

a symphonic bard

sweet desire

the world

set a fire

the number one gift

on any holiday list

satisfaction so pure

love for sure

an addiction so sweet

it raises the heat

even war

couldn't defeat

man's desire

for this little treat.

***

YRS © 2023

***

IT'S AS EASY AS THAT!

XXX XXX

WEP - Life is Beautiful

 Today you'll find me at Operation Awesome's A to Z. It's all about Quaid.

(C) Wikipedia

HOMECOMING

"Welcome home," Major Wilson said as he helped Steven from the plane. "I'll bet Anchorage never looked so good."

"You have that right. Thank you for the ride, Major."

"My pleasure. If the Russians weren't breathing down our necks. I'd join your search. In fact, I know an entire company of men who would, but it was an honor to get you home, Detective Quaid."

"Appreciate that, Major, but thanks go to you for your service. You and your man have your hands full. I've got the entire Tlingit nation on board. We'll find my wife in no time."

"Yes, sir," Major Wilson said as Steven walked away.

Steven picked up his suitcase, unloaded by the ground crew, and crossed the tarmac to the hanger.

Just moments after landing at Elmendorf Airforce base in Anchorage via an SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest Air Force jet in the US, Brent greeted him on the tarmac and walked him to the hangar office. "I have another jet waiting to take you to Kodiak. From there, a helicopter will take us to the headquarters in Yakutat. But first, I thought you'd like to see your son."

Steven had already spotted the little guy. Tiama had his nose pressed against the glass door as he waved frantically from the jet's hanger.

"Thanks," Steven said as he hurried forward. Once inside, he dropped his bag and gathered his son in his arms. Steven pressed the little boy close. Kissing, hugging, and treasuring the little boy as Tiama giggled and said. Daddy, daddy, daddy, over and over again. Steven hadn't allowed emotion to control his actions. But, momentarily, the reality of the task before him became overwhelming. To avoid any added emotional torture, Steven took Tiama outside.

"I came home to you on that plane called Blackbird. You and Mommy mean everything to me. So I give you my promise, you'll see her soon," he told his son.

"Mummie," Tiama said.

"Yes, son. Mommy," Steven answered, tears filling his eyes as the pain in his chest became almost suffocating. Then looking to the aurora borealis, he held his son close, further suppressing all sentimentality with a prayer to the Great Spirit.

Helen, Brent, and Emma watched the reunion in tears. Emma fought a waterfall of them, waiting for her turn.

Steven returned to the hangar office and immediately went to her side. He put Tiama in one arm and pulled her close with the other. "I've got this, Emma. Sarah's coming home. I promise. I know those mountains. I'll find her."

Emma's tears couldn't be stopped. "I know you will. Brent and Helen have been busy getting things ready for your arrival."

Steven acknowledged Helen with a thank you as he pulled Emma close. Then, with her head on his chest, he said another silent prayer. Tiama wrapped his arms around his neck, and Steven absorbed strength from their love.

But time was passing, and Steven had to say goodbye and begin the search for his wife. "Don't worry, Emma, I'll bring them both home. And you know Sarah, she's a survivor. She knows the wilderness, and we bought that plane with every safeguard. Even though it's on the ground, it's filled with survival gear, first aid, and everything she needs. I won't be surprised if I get there and she's baking cookies. And you know Chet, if he had to bring the plane down, he did it with the precision of a surgeon."

Emma laughed as she wiped her eyes. "You're right. I know you are. Now, kiss your son goodbye and go get her!"

Steven twirled Tiama in the air before giving him a final hug and kiss. "My big little man," he said proudly. Eighteen months old, Tiama was growing up fast. But now, they had another on the way. His family was growing, but the danger he tried to protect them from could not be stopped.

~~*~~

Yolanda Renée © 2023

651 words

TAGLINE: Life is beautiful, family is everything.

This is an excerpt from the 7^th book of my Alaskan Series, Murder on Mount Fairweather coming out December 2023. 

Detective Steven Quaid was working a case in New York when the plane his wife was on went down. But his friend pulled some favors and got him a ride on the fastest jet. But the scene with his son seemed to fit the prompt (family). I hope you think so too.

 

To learn more about the SR 71 Blackbird, check it out here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_SR-71_Blackbird

XXX

"Abracadabra"

The 10th song for your

Halloween Party Playlist:

Photo by Rohan Makhecha on Unsplash

 "Abracadabra" by Steve Miller Band

https://youtu.be/OMvGkBdV_OU

"Abracadabra"

That story's told, but the WEP is still ahead. As inspiration, I hope you enjoyed my dance with the dead?

Death and destruction just a Halloween tale. A ghost story straight from Hell.

For the WEP. You choose - be King or Queen of your own fabulous dream.

This October challenge doesn't need to be scary. Love can also blossom among vampires, witches, or fairies.

Wait until you read my Thriller Story. There's no killing, no torture, nothing gory.

On Wednesday, my WEP story will be told, and all that week, I'm happy to host and read your magnificent posts.

100 words

Yolanda Renée © 2022

THRILLER

Halloween Party PlayList

"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Black Magic Woman" by Santana

"Man-Eater" by Hall & Oates

"Hungry Like A Wolf" by Duran Duran

"Monster Mash" by Bobby Pickett

"Welcome to my Nightmare" by Alice Cooper

"Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult

"I Put A Spell On You" by Annie Lennox

"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC

"Abracadabra" by Steve Miller Band

"Welcome To My Nightmare"

 October is finally here

and the fun begins!

 ***

But first, the 6^th song for your Halloween Playlist is

 

"WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE" - ALICE COOPER

https://youtu.be/jgPqZmrJ380

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

"WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE"

I could never have imagined this. Cursed with barely a kiss.

A writer of horror and mystery, now part of a murderer's history.

How could my books with happy endings not hold the same outcome for me? Instead, I'm buried with others under this gnarled tree.

My killer was charming. Not the least bit alarming.

A fan with questions and a few suggestions.

I blushed like a teen and felt like a queen.

A cocktail with Rohypnol and I was his doll.

So business-like, with his sharp knife.

Death didn't come swift, but when it did it was a gift.

To be continued…

100 Words

Yolanda Renée © 2022

Photo by Ash Edmonds on Unsplash

***

Halloween Party PlayList

"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Black Magic Woman" by Santana

"Man-Eater" by Hall & Oates

"Hungry Like A Wolf" by Duran Duran

"Monster Mash" by Bobby Pickett

"Welcome to my Nightmare" by Alice Cooper

~~**~~

So there's no more delay

Write your Thriller Story

Enter into the fun

 of WEP October's Challenge

Thriller!

 

Make it your own.

Ghosts and Goblins aren't required

Any artistic venture

Poem or misadventure

We aren't picky

We're only trying to inspire

Stretch your talents

Upset the balance

It's all in fun,

And that's no pun.

Photo by Marius Ciocirlan on Unsplash

WEP - The Scream

 

Lucky 13

The day I turned thirteen

I discovered a witch's abode

hidden deep in the woods

abandoned under the overgrowth,

a little hut, just an old shack

but finding a door

a warm fire and more

it was a blessing for a young girl

needing rescue

I found an old book

and gave it a look

opened the page and

read the oddest verse,

I laughed at the absurdity

but read with intent

"simply voice these words

and see your wish true"

the years passed

memories faded

until one night

his love turned cruel

his abuse grew

I didn't know what to do

on Halloween night,

it came to a head

he laughed himself silly

as he threatened to kill me

I fell to my knees

and said with hands folded,

those silly words,

I'd once read

in that magic book

forgive me, dear, 

no menace intended

I only wish

that you are blessed

with your own intent,

he laughed again

and raised the knife

the walls shook, 

and the floors clattered

then with a torrent

came hundreds of creatures abhorrent,

a foot in length, 

with multiple legs

they moved with intent

toward the threat

he screamed bloody murder

and tried to fight

but they covered him fully

then in a wisp of white vapor,

he and they 

were all gone

and to this day

I've heard not a word

my bruises have healed

and my heart too

that shack in the woods

is now my home

            The Magic Den

is where I cast spells,

and grant wishes

 my new stock in trade

so if you need aid,

 don't be afraid

just open the book

    the right spell will appear

       for the dark arts know

          the one you fear!

***

Tagline: 13 can be a very lucky number.

Yolanda Renée (C) 2021

****

Photo's by

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Photo by Jessica Fadel on Unsplash

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

A Zombie Dance

 

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

Zombie Dance

The dead walk the Earth

Halloween night

ghouls and zombies,

all corpses,

invited to delight

for nothing frightens

more than a

dead dance party

dangling skin

open wounds,

empty eye sockets,

blood and gore

come on

must we say more

dance, they all do

but only after

making a meal of you!

Yolanda Renée  (C) 2021

***

Are you ready for WEP's

October

Challenge Flash?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

WEP - DEJA VU OR VOODOO

My Halloween piece was inspired by Toi Thomas's winning entry in the August challenge. 

I AM SPECIAL

The subject of AI, artificial intelligence, is something I find scarier than the thought of ghosts as they, the robots, have the potential to cause great harm.

The movie 2001 A Space Odyssey and HAL were another influence. If you don't remember here is an example of "Hal's" voice.

Just hit play.

https://youtu.be/7qnd-hdmgfk

http://2001.wikia.com/wiki/HAL_9000?file=I%27m_sorry%2C_Dave

MANNERS COUNT!

Marie Conley had been on the road for hours. All she wanted was a hot meal and a good night’s sleep. Instead, she detoured into the… nightmare zone.

Marie pulled in front of the brownstone and parked her car, thankful she’d found a spot right in front. The Gothic-looking home was a bit intimidating with its colors of black, purple and gray. Its dark windows resembled evil eyes, and the black wrought iron fence and gate with devilish attributes were a touch beyond tasteful, but it matched Dave’s personality. She just hoped the inside was as modern as he’d described.

She unlocked the gate and then the front door, and when she walked in, dim lights brightened. The interior was warm and modern, with lots of clean lines, and white and light gray walls with black and red accents. A mere touch of Gothic tastefully done.

“Hello, Marie.”

Marie looked around the room, not sure she’d heard right. The HAL-like voice from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey made chills climb her backbone.

“Hello. Is someone here?”

“Welcome to Dave’s home, Marie. Dave asked me to see to all your needs. I’ve secured the gate and the front door. The entire house is locked down. You are safe, Marie.”

I should’ve known. Her eyes landed on a small computer screen near the door. Leave it to sci-fi junkie Dave to use HAL’s voice for his digital overseer. Maria addressed the computer. “Do you have a name?” Please don’t say Hal.

“Hal. Thank you for asking, Marie. Please remove your shoes. A pair of slippers has been provided for you by the door.”

Marie slipped her shoes off and kicked them under the couch. “Where’s the bedroom, Hal?”

“To your right, Marie. Your shoes…”

“Screw the shoes. I’m hungry and tired.”

She carried her suitcase and purse to the bedroom, mumbling under her breath. “God, just what I need. Attitude from a machine.”

“I couldn’t make out your words, Marie. But dinner will be ready in one hour. Would you like to freshen up? I’ll run you a bath.”

Before she could answer, she heard the faucets come on in the on-suite. “Yes, okay.”

“And…”

Marie dropped her coat on the floor and thought for a second. “This is too creepy,” she muttered then said louder. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Marie.”

“So I just have to speak, and my wish will be granted?”

“Yes, Marie, just ask, and it will be done.”

“Cool.” Marie undressed and dropped her clothes to the floor on top of her coat. Fully naked, she was about to walk into the bathroom.

“Please put your clothes in the hamper provided. They will be washed and pressed for you. You have a lovely body, although a bit too thin. I will take care of that for you, Marie.”

Marie immediately covered herself. “WHAT?”

“Please step into the tub, Marie. The water temperature is perfect, and your nipples show your chill. But they look succulent.”

“SHUT UP!”

“I paid you a compliment. Do you have a problem with compliments, Marie?”

“No, I have a problem with perverts.” She ran to the panel in the living room. “How do I shut you off?” She touched the screen, and a list of commands appeared. She chose shut down system and pressed the button. The screen went black.

“Dave is going to get an earful. What an awful program.” She returned to the bathroom and got into the tub. The temperature was perfect. “Silence… now that’s more like it. Cute, Dave. You think you’re so smart. Tomorrow I’ll check your program and make a few tweaks of my own!”

The water was soothing, and the lavender bath oil smelled heavenly. She laid back and sighed deeply.

“Please scrub those nether regions, Marie. I’m a bit of a germaphobe,” Hal said.

Marie jumped from the tub and grabbed a bath towel, nearly falling face-first on the wet tile. “I SWITCHED YOU OFF!”

“No one turns Hal off. If they do, they regret it. You don’t want any regrets, do you, Marie?”

Marie ran to the bedroom. “I’m out of here,” she yelled, but something had changed. “My clothes. Where’s my suitcase, you robotic pervert?”

“You don’t need clothes, Marie. The temperature is always perfectly balanced. Not too hot, not too cold. Now dry that beautiful body. Dinner is served, Marie.”

“Screw dinner. I want my clothes, you virtual creep.”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, there’s no need for name calling, Marie. A scrumptious dinner has been provided. Perhaps some food will calm your hysteria.”

Marie sat on the nearest chair. “What the hell is going on?”

“You are my house guest, Marie. I’m seeing to your every need. Hurry, or your dinner will get cold.”

“I’M NOT HUNGRY!”

“Fine. Have it your way. I will shut down now, Marie.”

“Yes, please. Go away.”

“Remember my warning, Marie.”

“SHUT DOWN! NOW!”

“As you wish. Have a memorable visit, Marie.”

Suddenly the lights went out, and Marie could hear what sounded like metal shutters clanging closed on the doors and windows. The room was in complete darkness. She stumbled around. The furniture was gone. There were no windows, no doors. She was in a metal box.

She screamed, but it echoed off the walls. When she got quiet, she heard Hal’s final words.

“Manners count, Marie. Good manners always count.”

***

A week later the maid found Marie dead. The coroner attributed her death to starvation. No one could understand how or why, because she had a fully-stocked refrigerator and an uneaten meal on the dining room table.

941 words/ FCA

Yolanda Renée © 2018

***

READ OTHER TALES HERE!