Book 10

Here is a small snippet of Book 10 that I'm working on. Syrena and Caspian's story is coming together pretty quick. #book10 #syrenaandcaspian #movieset

"Now, tell me who was cast to play Destan. I picture the character with blonde hair and green eyes, smaller build due to swinging on the ropes."
"Girl, you know they're not casting a skinny dude. This is supposed to be an action blockbuster."
"I read the book."
"So? Skinny action dude doesn't sell unless he's beefed up in the movie like Captain America," he said. "You know they don't always stick to the book."
"Ugh!" She shook her head as she watched the other girls dive into the water. She was next.
"You better get in the water. You don't need to be fired on your first day," he said.
She nodded as she slipped into the water.
"So, who did they pick?"
"Caspian Wells."

Working on Edits

Working on edits while I watch Christmas movies! Also I have relocated for my job which put me away from the computer for a bit. I'm back now and working on Diamond Dirt along with 2 other books. Be on the lookout for at least one book in 2020. My goal is 2 full length books and the novella I've been plotting.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season with your family and friends.

One Pitch at a Time

"Remember, it's one pitch at a time. Don't worry about anything past the next pitch."
"No. I need to focus on bringing my team to post season," she said as she grabbed the ball. "This is our time and this is the team."
"Shelby," Coach Swan said as she placed her hand on Shelby's arm. "Relax. This isn't just on you. It's a team, remember that."
Shelby nodded as she took a deep breath. "I'm the Captain."
"Yes, and the mark of a great leader is knowing when to step back. This team loves you and they will do anything for you. You don't have to take the entire team on your back. They are there to help you."
"I know," Shelby whispered as she eased her grip on the yellow ball in her hands.

#diamonddirt #amwriting #pressuresofbeingapitcher #shelby

Jerky Stand

"Where did you get the jerky?"
"From the jerky stand," she said as she pointed to the rundown looking stand with the broken umbrella.
"You bought beef jerky from a stand? Are you crazy? Our parents are going to kill me if their precious princess dies because she bought jerky from a stand."
"Relax, no one's ever died from buying jerky from a stand," she said as she rolled her eyes. "Mom and dad won't even know."
"They will if you die."
"Dont worry, Winston. Kieron gets it every time she's here. She knows the guy and his family," Shelby said as she waved to the man at the jerky stand.

#diamonddirt #amwriting #jerkystand

Small Scene

I honor of Game 2 of the Championship series of the Women's College World Series here is a small scene from Diamond Dirt.

“This is where you feel most comfortable. If I can help you learn these royals here, then I can help you anywhere.”
“How do you know this is where I’m more comfortable? You haven’t seen me anywhere except here and the library,” she said as she crossed her arms.
“You fidget when we’re in the library. It’s not much, but you’re tapping your foot, your pen, and even the edge of your notebook while you take notes. You shift every few minutes as if you’re not comfortable. When I saw you on the field, I noticed how calm you were. You stole a base without hesitating,” he said. “You knew what needed to get done and you did it without shifting or pausing.”
She nodded. “This is my comfort zone. I know what to expect with each pitch.”
“How? The batter can hit the ball at any moment,” he said.
She smiled. “Yeah. It’s their job. I only pitch the ball. They’re supposed to hit it. Sometimes, I win the battle and sometimes they do.”
“It sounds simple,” he said as he turned to face her.
“It is,” she said as she glanced towards the plate. “Between these chalk lines is easy.”
“Then let’s bring the royals here,” he said.

#diamonddirt #amwriting #shelbyandwinston

Sneaking In

So I am writing Diamond Dirt, but I have 2 that I'm also sneaking in some typing time. One will be a novella that will link to Book 10. I do have a name for the novella: Siren Song. Here is a small scene from Siren Song.

As the sun sank in the sky, Destan secured the rigging. His men were busy loading the cannon and preparing for the attack. One man was pulling down their decoy flag so he could raise their colors. He looked over the horizon and saw their target. The lone ship was flying the colors of the Spanish. They were a long way from shore and any help.
“Captain, the front guns are ready to go whenever you are,” Teague yelled up at him.
Teague was his quartermaster and right hand man. The peg leg didn’t slow Teague down. The man was fierce in battle and the one man Destan trusted with his life.
“We’ll fire once we’re closer,” Destan called back. “Red, man the helm.”
“Aye, Cap,” Red said as he grabbed the wheel.
“Cap, we’re entering the Isle of Siren,” Bartholomew said.
“Siren Shores tis but a myth,” Boosa yelled. “Ye, yella be showing.”
“It’s no myth,” Killian said as he shoved Boosa to the side. “I hear tell of the lasses beauty.”
“No lass there mate,” Kidd yelled. “They be demons.”
“Demons?” Bartholomew asked.
“Mermaids, boy,” Fen said. “Be ye wary, mermaids mean a trip to Davy Jones’ Locker.”
“Aye, mermaids be the death of many of men,” Stede said. “Cap, the ship is flagging us.”

#sirensong #firstnovella #piratesandmermaids

Post Season Softball

Here is a small scene from Diamond Dirt in honor of the start of the post season for college softball.

"Professor Davis suggested I sit out a few games."
"Does she know we're in the running for a regional spot?" Kieron asked.
Shelby listened as Kieron moved around on her side of the room.
"I don't know," Shelby said before sighing. "I know I need to get my grade up. I'm working as hard as I can."
"At least Winston is trying to help you," Kieron said. "I wouldn't have put you on the field to study."
"I know, it was weird when he suggested it," Shelby said as she shook her head. "He said he wanted me in my comfort zone."
"Well he got comfort zone right, I don't think I've seen anyone more comfortable on a field than you. It's your home and it's like an old glove. It fits."

#diamonddirt #amwriting #betterondirt