Happy International Mermaid Day!

It's International Mermaid Day! And to celebrate, here is part of the opening scene from Siren Song. 

“No, I didn’t lead him here!” Anahita shouted as she struggled against Darya and Kai and the rope binding her hands. 

Nerida held back her cry as she watched the two tie Anahita up to the shipwrecked hull next to the struggling human man. They were secluded from the moonlight in their secret cove. The waves gently swept the black sand in and out. The ocean was calm on this sad, dark night. 

“You claim to love him,” Loire said as she tightened the ropes on Anahita’s wrists. “He’s human. You know the rules.” 

“But I do love him,” Anahita said as she leaned forward against the ropes. “He won’t tell him anyone about us. He loves me.”  

“He doesn’t love you,” Darya said as she crossed her arms. “We watched him tell another human about the secret waters of the mermaids.” 

“He wouldn’t do that!” Anahita shouted as tears streamed down her cheeks. 

“You’re crying for him?” Kai asked as she shook her head. “Our tears are precious.” 

“Ask him,” Bayou said as she swam over to Anahita. “Ask him if he spilled our secret. It’s not just you involved. It’s all of us. Ask him if he’s worthy of your tears.” 

Nerida watched as Anahita looked at the human man tied up next to her. She saw the tears still streaming down Anahita’s cheeks. They glowed in the moonlight against her skin. A mermaid’s tears could heal anything as long as that mermaid loved you. 

“Please tell them you didn’t say anything,” Anahita begged. “Tell them they’re wrong.” 

Nerida watched the human shake his head as he looked at Anahita. Her heart broke for Anahita. The human wasn’t worthy of Anahita’s love. 

“Anahita, I’m a collector. I owe a large debt and you and your sisters are worth gold. Enough to pay off my debt,” he said. “I knew you were not what you seemed, so I seduced you for information. You’ve been very forthcoming. I thought I would have to wait much longer for your secret. You almost made it too easy for me. I could’ve had all your secrets the first night we met. You were desperate.” 

“No,” Anahita cried as she shook her head. “I love you!” 

“I know, which worked in my favor,” he said as he tugged on the ropes and looked at the others. “I demand you release me. My men will be here at dawn to collect all of you. I’ll finally be free of my debt and can marry the woman who’s been waiting for me. She’s been patient these two weeks while I gathered all the information I needed.” 

“You love someone else?” Anahita asked. 

“Of course, I do. Why would I love a fish? You’re a creature who needs to be destroyed or at least in a tank to be on display,” his said. 

Done

Siren Song is done! And ahead of schedule. Switching to editing mode now. 

Siren Song scene

Once she was back in the water, she swam around to see if Destan was where she left him. After she surfaced, she pushed her hair back and saw him sitting in the sand. She hated lying to him, but she couldn't tell him her family would be more than worried. They would be angry she was talking to a human. Angry enough to use sea foam on both of them even if she hadn't told him anything. 

One last look at him, she dove beneath the water and cried. Why couldn't she be human? 

Book 10 Scene

Entering the last chapters, I thought I'd share a scene from the book following Siren Song. This book is back to my regular romance genre and will actually be filming Siren Song. It's the reason I decided to write Siren Song because I had several scenes written for Book 10.

*This is unedited*

“Caspian, you need this role if you want to break out of the chick flick rut, you’re in,” Russell said.
Caspian groaned as he looked at his uncle. “It’s an action movie with romance,” Caspian said as he crossed his ankles. “I didn’t even read the book.”
“I brought you a copy. You can finish it before the weekend then read the script,” Russell said. “I need a leading man and Tom backed out.”
“Who’s opposite of me?”
“Does it matter?”
“Of course, it does,” Caspian said as he uncrossed his ankles and leaned forward. “If I have to act with them, we need to have chemistry.”
“Son, you’re thinking like a romance lead. This is action/adventure. The woman is the accessory,” Russell said.
“Says the one who cast last year’s swimsuit model for his horror movie,” Caspian said.
“She looked great in a tank top and could lay in fake blood,” Russell said as he rubbed his hands. “I did want the cover model this year, but she couldn’t sing.”
“This movie has singing? I’m out. You know I can’t sing and I refuse to dance,” Caspian said as he stood up. “Since when do you produce musicals?”
“It’s not a musical. The lead female has to sing. If it wasn’t in the book, I wouldn’t care, but those crazy book lovers will protest.”
“What does it matter? Seleniczk cut two of Scarlett’s children out of the script and it’s still a classic,” Caspian said.
“He didn’t cut out Mammy or Melanie though. The girl being a singer is like a character on its own,” Russell said.
Caspian paced the length of his uncle’s living room.
“Let me read the book then decide,” Caspian said.
“I need to know today. The casting director has her pick.”
“You get final say,” Caspian said. “Explain that I need time.”
“You don’t have time. I’ve started filming B-roll footage with the mermaids. Principal filming starts Monday,” Russell said as he stood up.
“Why did you wait so long?”
“I told you Tom backed out. The guy we had as a backup is filming a new show for the L network.”
Caspian closed his eyes as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
“I know I’m going to regret this, but alright. I’ll be in the movie. What’s my character’s name?”
“Destan Waters,” Russell said as he picked up the book. “I suggest you read this. I’ll send your agent the script. Be on set Monday for your fittings. Your scenes start on Tuesday.”
Caspian nodded as he grabbed the book.
“Uncle, don’t make me regret this.”
“It’s a paycheck, who could regret those?”
Caspian sighed before out of the house. He had plans to cancel. Nessa wouldn’t appreciate the change, but he didn’t care. She canceled plans all the time for various reasons. One of the perks of not being in a relationship.

Proof

Got the proof in! Less than a month #diamonddirt #april7th

Happy Anniversary to The Woman Behind the Letters

Happy Anniversary to The Woman Behind the Letters! Here is the scene I dreaded writing when I decided to write Kathryn's side of the story. In Cursed Soldier, Kathryn was a part of Benjamin's past but you only saw her through the letters she wrote. In The Woman Behind the Letters, Kathryn was front and center. This was her book, but I knew one scene had to be in there. It's in this scene that everyone wants to hate Benjamin. It's because of this scene that I tell people to read Cursed Soldier first. I didn't want to write it, but it was necessary for Kathryn's journey. Here is the scene.

She watched him take a deep breath before looking directly at her. There was no joy in his eyes. Was he not happy to see her?
"I'm sorry because I can't marry you," he whispered releasing her hands.
Her arms fell to her sides, as she tried to process what he said.
"What?" she asked in shock. "I don't understand why you can't marry me," she muttered, trying to wrap her mind around his statement.
The war was over, so they could get married. This was their plan before he left four years ago.
"Kathryn, I love you, but the war has changed me," he stated coolly. It was not the loving tone she loved so much. In fact, he never spoke to her in such a cold voice. "I'm not the man who left here that April morning. I don't know that man any longer."
"What? Yes you are. You haven't changed," she protested.
This wasn't right. She waited for him to come home and complete her life, not tell her he changed.
"I've changed, more than you will ever know," he whispered brokenly.
"I don't understand," she cried. "I've waited over four years for you to come home," she voiced angrily.
"I know Kathryn," he whispered, closing his eyes. "I can't stay marry you. I will not burden you with marriage to me. It's not fair to you."
"No, this is not fair to me!" she shouted, as she held back her tears. "I love you. I want to marry you and start our life together."
"Kathryn, this is hard, and I don't want to hurt you anymore than I am. If I were to marry you, your entire life would change. I can't ask you to give up your life for me."
"Benjamin, I know you've seen more than I want to know, but it's not a reason to call off our engagement," she stated, trying to reason with him.
He backed up and sighed. "I can't explain, but I will never get married," he stated with finality.
Kathryn stood there for a moment, as her heart broke into a million pieces. "Are you sure? We don't have to get married anytime soon. We do have to plan the wedding," she muttered still trying to make this work.
"I am sure," he stated. "I wish I could share what's changed in me, but I can't. Please believe me, and let me go."
"I prayed for you to come home from the war," she whispered. "I prayed for you to come back to me."
The tears threatened to spill, as she bit her lip to control her emotions. She refused to cry in front of him.
"I am sorry."
"This has something to do with the Battle of Gettysburg," she muttered, as she really looked at him.
He was a changed man. The sparkle in his eyes was gone, causing them to be a dull, dark color. It was as if he was cloaked in shadows and hidden away from her, even though the sun was shining on him. It was Benjamin, but then again it wasn't.
"Kathryn," he moaned. "I can't stay here and marry you. Please live your life without me."
"I'm not sure I can," she cried, as she felt him slip away from her. "You've broken me," she whispered, as her lip trembled.

Halfway done with Siren Song

I'm halfway done with Siren Song! Here is a small scene to celebrate.

“Can we help you?” the old man asked.

“Yes. I’m Captain Maynard and I’m here to handle your pirate problem,” Captain Maynard said as he stomped onto the dock. “I hear you have pirates hiding in port.”

“No sir,” the old man said. “I ain’t seen no pirates.”

“I’m sure you haven’t,” Captain Maynard said as he rubbed his beard. “I bet you think they’re good men and help you and the village out.”

“I said, I ain’t seen no pirate,” the old man said as he shook his head.

“Well, some pirates attacked one of the Spanish ships near this island. They sunk the ship after taking all the gold,” Captain Maynard said as he looked around the dock. “Did you have a ship leave? I thought I saw one more this morning.”

“Naw, ain’t no ship left,” the old man said as he crossed his arms. “Most men be drunk in the tavern.”

“That’ll be my next place to check for pirates,” Captain Maynard said as he touched the hilt of his sword. “You wouldn’t be lying to me, would you?”

“No sire,” the old man said as he shook his head. “Ye want me to watch ye ship?”

“No, I’ll leave some of my men here to watch the ship. It’s property of the Crown,” Captain Maynard said as he turned back to his ship. “Forward.”

A dozen men in uniform marched down the gangplank off the ship.

“Time to round up some pirates,” Captain Maynard said with a smile.

Platform updates

I have taken Courtney, Lily, Savannah, Slay the Demon, and Falling for Cody off all ebook platforms except for Amazon. I'll be enrolling them in KD Select. If you haven't picked them up on another platform, you still have time before they're removed. Cursed Soldier, The Woman Behind the Letters, and Life in the Moments are still available on all platforms. Diamond Dirt will be released on all platforms on April 7th. All pre-order links are active.

Kink

That feeling when you want to throw another kink into your characters' lives 🤔 They'll survive... maybe.

Names

Siren Song has a host of characters that consist of pirates and mermaids. My main couple is Destan (pirate) and Nerida (mermaid). Here is the list of the other characters to round out my book.

Pirates: Teague, James, Boosa, Turner, Red, Stede, Kidd, Bartolomew, Fen, Morgan, Greaves, Bellamy, Ceasar

Mermaids: Loire, Cordelia, Anahita, Bayou, Misty, Darya, Mira, Kai

All the names have special meaning. The pirate names are based on real pirates, except for Destan. The mermaid names all have something to do with water. I enjoyed the research on pirates and names relating to water. Can't wait to share Destan and Nerida's story.

#amwriting #sirensong #destanandnerida

Walk the Plank

Happy Dr. Seuss Day! Here is a small scene from Siren Song.

“I’ll keelhaul you for this!” Captain Seaton yelled as he stood up from his bed. His shirt hanging up with his pants untied.
Destan smiled as he held his cutlass to the Captain’s neck. Holding the weapon to his former Captain’s neck was his prize. It had been his motivation while subduing the other officers.
“Not before you walk the plank,” Destan said. “We’re taking over this ship.”
“Mutiny! On my ship?” Captain Seaton asked. “You were my best deckhand. I posted the money for you to escape the orphanage and have a life at sea. You’ve been on the ship for three years now.”
“You really shouldn’t have taken my threats lightly. I told you sailing men to servitude wasn’t my desire,” Destan said. “It’s my ship now.”
“Destan, you’ll hang for this. Mutiny’s never taken lightly,” Captain Seaton spat out. “I’ll make sure of it.”
“You’ll be in the locker before anyone hears of this,” Destan said as he stepped to the side and waved his cutlass for the Captain to exit. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind, step outside.”
“And if I don’t?” Captain Seaton asked as he crossed his arms.
“Then I’ll run you through here and drag your body overboard,” Destan said with a shrug. “It makes no difference to me. The men will get a show either way.”
“Why?”
“I’m tired of moving slaves to the Americas,” Destan said as he kept the blade on Seaton’s neck. “Especially when we throw half of their dead bodies overboard. My desire was to sail the sea, not ship slaves from one continent to another.”
“They’re only slaves,” Captain Seaton said as he shook his head. “They mean nothing.”
“Maybe to you,” Destan said. “Now, let’s go Captain. My men need a show and you’re to provide it to them.”
“You do this and you’ll never work for the Crown again.”
“Good, because I don’t want to work for the Crown,” Destan said as he escorted the Captain out to the deck.
“So, you’re to be a pirate then? You’ll be chased around the Caribbean and hanged,” Captain Seaton said as they stepped onto the deck.
“Let them chase. They’ll never find me,” Destan said. “Now, walk the plank.”
“Plank, plank, plank,” the men cheered as all the officer were pushed towards the plank.
Destan smiled as the officers were pushed overboard until only Captain Seaton remained on the plank.
“Don’t just stand there, Cap. Davy Jones be ready for you,” James called out.
“Bunch of pirates!” Captain Seaton yelled.
Destan nodded as he stomped the end of the plank to send Seaton into the murky depths below. Turning to face the men, he held up his cutlass and shook it in the air.
“Free the men below!”

#sirensong #pirates #walktheplank

Anniversary

To slay a demon, you have to face it. Slay the Demon is 3! Here is a snippet of one of my favorite scenes.

“He’s a father to an adorable little girl named Maggie. However, it doesn’t really define him either. I guess it’s more of his strength. He allowed me to take Maggie back to the school. She’s the little girl I’m helping to get past her school shooting. And just the emotions of stepping back into a school building with her almost brought me to my knees.”
She choked back her tears before continuing.
“But with Matt there, I felt his strength radiating through the walls, even though he stood on the outside as I led his little girl back into the place where her demons reside. I didn’t know what I would face walking in there with her, but I knew she could handle it. Because I did. Even though she’s only seven, I see myself in her, more than ever.”

#slaythedemonis3 #kimandmatt #graveyardtalks

Preorder Link

Preorder link for Diamond Dirt

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0859T4HCF/ref=mp_s_a_1_11…