THE MIRROR PEOPLE

Meet another winner of the 
IWSG Anthology
Parallels: Felix Was Here

Crystal Collier

***

5 Reasons NOT to Be a Psychopath

I don't normally write about psychopaths. (And why not?--you might ask. They're so fun!) Quite frankly, it's because I don't want to be mistaken as one, but sometimes they write themselves like in THE MIRROR PEOPLE. My research for this story led me to believe:

5. Psychopaths suck. Let's face it. Turns out the business world is full of them--cut-throats who think there's nothing wrong with breaking a man's spine to climb the company ladder. (Proverbially or literally.) It's been tested and proven that they are cut out for managerial work.

Source

4. They have a poor sense of smell. I admit, I don't have the best nose, but a study done in Sydney, Australia shows that psychopaths couldn't identify smells very well due to low activity in the orbital cortices of the brain (the part that controls impulses, long term plans and smell).

3. Empathy--what's that? Not only can't they experience/understand fear, they also find it easy to flip that inner switch and cut off all emotion. You know, everything that makes you human? (I suppose that's why they make such great antagonists.)

2. They populate prisons in abundance. You read that right. I have no desire to be in prison. Do you?

1. The FBI will find you. I admit, if the FBI came looking at my browsing history, I might be in a tight spot. But like Jak in THE MIRROR PEOPLE, once they find you, they won't bury you. No sir. They'll offer you a fat paycheck, stick a gun in your hands, and send you to work. Let's face it, who wants to rely on government benefits? No thank you.

Despite all that, psychopaths are a blast to write, even if you don't want to be one--just like it's fun to read about prehistoric times but living with Dinosaurs would be downright awful. (That's a discussion for another day.)

Coming May 3, 2016

Preorder HERE

PARALLELS: FELIX WAS HERE!

The Mirror People

Every day I look into the eyes of a stone-cold killer. Sometimes he’s straightening his tux bowtie before a fancy shin-dig. Sometimes he’s grinning madly while brandishing a knife. Sometimes he’s spattered in blood.

The point is, it’s my job to look into his eyes, day after day, unable to raise the alarm or warn his victims—like the middle aged woman he’s just finished off—because I inhabit the world on the other side of the mirror.

I’m Jak Ralston’s reverse identity, also known as Jak Ralston. His prisoner.

He wipes his blade clean having already sheared off his trophy, a finger, and turns away from the mirror to the mess of a hotel room. I relax. My shoulders ache from the tension. He is always intense. Always serious. Always angry. But not the explosive kind of angry, the cool, I’m-going-to-rip-your-eyeballs-out-in-your-sleep kind of angry (while he tells you how lovely you look in gray). He’s calculating. Terrifying.

I stand on the other side of the mirror, mimicking his movements like my life depends on it, because it does. Mr. Murder is my twid (twin identity), me in another realm, and if I break from being his reflection while anyone is watching (including him), we’ll both keel over and die. No matter how much I despise him, I’m not ready to die—like Susan, the mirror woman he’s just murdered in my realm. Facing her now, it’s all I can do not to slam my fists into the mirror and scream, but destroying myself won’t bring her back...

Coming May 3, 2016

Preorder HERE

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.

Thanks, Crystal!

 Congratulations!

Who is your favorite psychopath in literature or TV?

IWSG - FLU TRUMPS ALL

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Created and hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh

His minions for this hop are

Lauren Hennessy, Lisa Buie-Collard, Lidy, 

Christine Rains, & Mary Aalgaard! 

My insecurity?

Oh gosh, so many, too many to count.
But I'm down with the flu.
Nothing else is really registering.
Thank goodness this isn't catch-able via the blogosphere.
Stay healthy!

*****

To help inspire you:

“Life is like photography. You need the negatives to develop.” – Unknown

“We learn something from everyone who passes through our lives.. Some lessons are painful, some are painless.. but, all are priceless.” – Unknown

“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. it means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” – Unknown

FELIX WAS HERE!

Please welcome the winner of the 
IWSG Anthology Contest

Parallels: Felix Was Here!

L. G. Keltner

I can remember the day when the story “Felix Was Here” began to form in my mind, though I can’t recall the exact date.  I was looking through a list of publications that were looking for submissions and contemplating how amazing it would be if I had the courage to submit something to one of them.

The details are fuzzy now, but I remember an anthology was asking for stories inspired by the 1939 World’s Fair.  I didn’t have time to write something for it, and even if I did, I didn’t have the confidence at the time to write the story.  This all happened about a year ago, and I hadn’t yet found the confidence to really start putting myself out there.  Still, the idea began brewing in my mind behind the scenes.  In my spare time, I started researching the 1939 World’s Fair out of curiosity.  The idea of the World of Tomorrow intrigued me.  People were so excited about the possibilities and they looked eagerly to the future to provide a better life.  That hopefulness stuck with me, and I started to wonder what might have happened if someone tried to make that future happen.

That question followed me over the next several months.  I considered writing the story, but several things stopped me.  Time, other projects, etc.  The biggest thing stopping me, however, was my own insecurity.  As much as I loved the idea, I didn’t know how to go about writing it.  I was afraid of failure.

Then the IWSG short story contest was announced, and I knew I needed to enter.  It was simply too good an opportunity to pass up, so I started brainstorming ideas.  I soon had a list of ideas drawn up, but none of them felt quite right.  My mind kept stubbornly returning to the characters Felix and Betty and the society inspired by the World of Tomorrow.  The idea still intimidated me, but I’d also realized that this story needed to be told.  It was going to keep bugging me until I did it.

With a bit of research and a lot of patience, I wrote the story that had been nagging at me for months, and now here we are.  “Felix Was Here” is going to be shared with the world, and I feel pretty good about that.

Coming May 3, 2016

Preorder HERE

PARALLELS: FLEX WAS HERE

Tagline:

Utopia isn’t meant for everyone.

Blurb:

Betty’s family lived in a small Brooklyn apartment when the 1939 World’s Fair offered the nation a stunning vision of the future.  A charismatic man worked with the government to make that vision a reality.  Six years later, Betty has a nice home, a good husband, and all is right in her world.

When someone casually mentions the name Felix in conversation, everything changes.  Betty’s dreams suddenly revolve around a boy named Felix.  A boy she doesn’t recognize.  Sleep deprived and confused, Betty begins to question the foundation upon which she’s built her idyllic life.

Pre-Order HERE!

L.G. Keltner has been trying to write novels since she was six years old.  She’s wanted to be many things over the years, but the dream that survived into adulthood was that of being a writer.  She graduated from Drake University in 2008, but she’s still learning every day.  L.G. lives in Iowa with her husband and children.

Blog- Writing Off the Edge

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Thanks L. G.

 Congratulations! 

What do you think folks - do you find stories that just won't let go until you put them on paper?

*****

NO PARKING!

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields asks:

Write a complete story in 100 words or less.

·     Take your time

·     Proofread

·     Edit

·     Include photo prompt and InLinkz code

·     Post and Link your story URL

·     Reciprocate. Read and comment. It's half the fun!

MAKE - EVERY - WORD – COUNT

FRIDAY FICTIONEERS

NO PARKING

I told you not to park there!

Calm down. We'll find out where they're towing it too and pay the fine.

So much for hiding our time machine in plain sight. What if someone hits the wrong button?

Quit panicking. I created the remote starter for a reason. All we have to do is lock it down, and no matter what button they hit, nothing will happen. Just hand me the beach bag and I'll make sure.

You mean that cute blue and white number I bought yesterday.

Exactly!

Uh, sorry, but it's on the back seat of the car.

100 WORDS

Yolanda Renee © 2016

TO READ MORE GREAT FLASHES JUST 

CLICK THE FROG!

HOW DO I LOVE THEE?

Flash Fiction for the Purposeful Practitioner is a weekly writing challenge designed for both the flash fiction newbie and the more experienced writer. It is the desire of this challenge to allow writers the opportunity to clear the cobwebs from a more tedious and involved project.
Our Host Roger Shipp

FLASH FICTION FOR THE PURPOSEFUL PRACTITIONER

Picture Copyright

How Do I Love Thee?

There it was sticking out of the torn lining of the battered book of sonnets by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The poem I'd written to Elise. The book was sitting on the corner of the desk where my wife Jane, was working.

I stepped into the den. "Hey, gorgeous. Why don't we pack a picnic lunch and enjoy this beautiful day in the park?"

She looked up. Smiled. Then sat back in her chair mulling over my idea.

"Sounds romantic. Why don't we take a bottle of champagne? That way we can discuss my million-dollar divorce settlement. And you can celebrate the fact that I won't sue Elise for alienation of affection."

I chuckled. "Sounds like a plan. We'll work this out over caviar and champagne."

After she consumes the digitalis, we'll walk to the highest point in the park to admire the view. 

Her black heart won't see a dime.

150 words

Yolanda Renee © 2016

To read the other flashes click

HERE!

****************   Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

                         

           ***       

SON OF A PITCH ROUND II

Starting today, published authors will give feedback on the query's and first 250 words.

The judges will vote for their favorites to go onto the final round.

They will cast five votes each, anywhere they want, and the top 20 will go onto the next round.

Visitors are welcome to comment on this lead in blog but not the individual blogs!

Votes will close on Thursday 11:59 p.m. MST.

Participants do not comment on other entrants' posts, only your own. You can bribe, coax, share, tweet, and do whatever to your entry, but you cannot comment on anyone else's.

Our hostess Katie Hamstead Teller

The Judges
Ayden Morgen
Elsie Elmore
Leigh Statham
Mara Valderran
Stacy Nash
Elisabeth Roderick
Samantha Bryant
&
Me!

The entries I'm hosting are posted individually by title - just click the link!

Adult

His Soul Purpose

Buried

Darkest Rendezvous

Forbidden

Coded For Murder

And I Remembered

Venom

Skipping Stones And The Silver Strike

Martins Wings

Handsome Is As Handsome Does

And to make it easier to get to all the entries 

Here they are by catagory!

Young Adult:

Elsie Elmore's Blog:

The Quester

The Last Dreamer

Starboard

The Glass Sister

Hunter

Lost in Transition

Supernova Fall, Supernova Fly

Illusion

The School

Caster's Flame

Quantum Fairytales Blog:

When Planets Fall

Quantum

Bellamy of the Ball

The Time Slave

The Blood Barrier

The Stained Glass Son and Moon

Neodymium Exodus

The Pendragon's Son

Shadow of a Soul

Status: Positive

Samantha's Blog:

The Witch of Belle Fleur

New Adult:

Ayden's Blog:

Her Knight, His Princess

Jake Whittaker, PI

Traditor

The Collective

Soul Gifter

Raker

No Halo

Across Jaspen Bay

Adult:

Ayden's Blog:

Tides of Magic

Samantha's Blog:

A Touch of Heaven

The Aldar Dominion

The Proxy Initiative

Second-Self

Always the Moon

Standing the Final Watch

Settle the Score

Bail Up

My Soul to Give

Enjoy!

And don't forget to offer helpful advice for your favorites HERE and only HERE!

His Soul Purpose

Title: HIS SOUL PURPOSE

Category and Genre: Adult paranormal romance

Word Count: 90,000

Query:

Byron enjoys his damned existence as a vampire until the night he attacks a young twentysomething with a gold cross around her neck. She stirs memories of when he had been human so long ago, and a pang of guilt prevents him from hurting her.

Although red belt librarian Grace is frightened of the vampire, she thinks his act of conscience might mean he isn't damned after all. After another vampire attacks them and destroys the library, Grace convinces Byron he is worth redemption.

The quest for Byron's soul leads them to uncover an ancient conspiracy to keep vampires damned forever—and brings them far closer than either intended.

While rejoining Byron and his soul may save him, it may also kill him.

First 250 Words

Byron curled back his upper lip. "You've displeased me for the last time."

"I'm… I'm sorry. Please." The man backed up, hands raised defensively. As if he could defend himself from Byron. "Please, give me another chance."

He circled around the pathetic man. Illumination from candles flickered against the white walls of his office. Byron never did care for artificial lighting. "Against my better judgment, I already did. Twice. A third chance to wrong me just wouldn't be prudent."

"But… my family…"

Byron held up the faux gemstone. "You think I wouldn't realize it was a fraud?"

"N-no… I never meant… My contact assured me—"

"Your whining grates me." The gemstone ground to red dust in his hand. He opened his fist, allowing the specks to filter to the hardwood floor.

"Please, I can find you—"

"You will do nothing for me."

Byron snatched the man's neck, lifting him a foot above the ground. His hold tightened, the man's eyes bulging, his attempts at fighting growing more pathetic with every passing second until he slumped over.

"You will do nothing for anyone."

He dropped the man onto the floor, on top of the ground stone. Clapping the remnants of red from his hand, Byron stepped over the body and left the office behind. He could have, and perhaps should have fed on the man. Even now, his thirst grew, a pulsating need that could not be denied much longer. Recovering the Ruby Heart could wait. 

*****

Participants do not comment on other entrants' posts, only your own. You can bribe, coax, share, tweet, and do whatever to your entry, but you cannot comment on anyone else's.

The Judges

Ayden Morgen

Elsie Elmore

Leigh Statham

Mara Valderran

Stacy Nash

Elisabeth Roderick

Samantha Bryant

&

Me!

Visitors welcome!

Please comment as to whether this pitch piques your interest and what feedback you have about making it stronger.

Your assessments will be appreciated by the participants.