Happy Valentines Day!

If you're like that means that today is February the 14th and that's it. Yes the life of the single author is a harsh barren place. But on the bright side it means I don't have an excuse to write stories and send out this newsletter. So win/win for all of us.

But what else is in it for you? Or maybe you're really wondering how I'm making myself better, well I can guarantee you this isn't a testimonial for a diet plan (I'm firmly on the see food diet, I see it, I eat it) or a work out plan (typing is exercise, right?) but instead all the craft books I've been reading - much to my fellow authors dismay (Cause I only have a million books in my To Be Read pile that I need to read too). But I'm working on writing faster and better.

Which brings me to BOOKS! Huzzah! Wait, don't get too excited, book 4 is not out yet. Notice the yet there. But I have a teaser - COVER!

I love this cover. It shows Cori growing older and finding her place. But she still has a long road ahead of her. I'm already starting book 5 (Drafted Luck) and am starting out strong. I mean two chapters in and someone has already indicated they plan on killing her.

But I'm sure that isn't any help when you want new stories now - so here are two short (micro stories) to tide you over until Inherited Luck goes up for pre-order. And don't forget you can read No Luck if you want to see what really happened between Charles and Daniela.

So now on to the free stories! These are micro stories where I grab an image and write a teeny story based on that image. They have nothing to do with anything, but small bits of writing for me.

Key to Adventure

Andrew stared the dining room wall. He looked back at the mundane living room, then to the keyhole mocking him. Once again he looked back, checking everything was the same. It was, except for the giant keyhole mocking him.

Every movie he'd ever seen told him to run as far away as he could. If he stayed, if he did anything, he'd likely die a violent gruesome death. But those same movies also told him this way lay adventure, excitement, a life he'd never had.

He glanced down at comfortable work boots, worn jeans, and t-shirt. Practical clothes for remodeling his new house. A house he'd hoped would finally be a place of his own, a true home. And now there was a wall, one previously covered with wallpaper and looking as ordinary as he was. Until he removed the facade.

He looked again at the living room, the second hand couch, rug he'd gotten from his parents, a few boxes of stuff he hadn't bothered to unpack yet. Normal, boring stuff, to go with his normal, boring life, provided by his normal, boring job.

The hole beckoned. Andrew took three steps back and it didn't go anywhere. A smiled started to spread across his lips. He sprinted though the house the boxes of stuff he'd never thought he'd use again. Fifteen minutes later, his backpack loaded with everything decades of watching movies had told him he'd need—especially extra socks—he stepped into the keyhole.

Screw normal and boring.

Next

Shimazu stood in the garden, his katana resting on the chest beneath the tree. The body of the latest challenger lay on the ground, katana unbloodied. Their katanas were always unbloodied.

Ritually Shimauz pulled out a silk cloth and cleaned his katana. The the calls of the birds and the splash of the waterfall filling the area as he restored his blade to pristine beauty. The noise of those waiting for their chance to die a low hum. When not a fleck of blood remained, he returned it to the sheath at his waist. With solemn reverence he went to the fallen warrior and removed the katana from his grip. 

Shimauz looked at the garden eyes narrowed. He jerked his head once and strode six paces, towards the pool of water, in line with the cherry tree and sank the blade into the ground. Three more blades and that design would be finished.

By the time he moved back into the ritual arena the caretakers had already removed the body, leaning the coins in a neat pile. The armor and clothing would be removed, sold to maintain the garden and temple. The body treated with honor as it was washed, anointed and cremated, the ashes spread from the waterfall.

Shimazu placed the coins in the chest, then turned. All was pristine. He looked at the waiting challengers. To defeat him would bring honor, the contents of the chest under the tree, and his katana. No one would win today.

"Next?"

I hope you enjoyed the two stories. Have a great week and I swear, new books this year!

Stay well and happy.

Mel

Schedule for 2021 so far

Fantasci - May 21-23, 2021 NEW DATES!

Libertycon - June 25-27th, 2021

Dragoncon - September 2-6th, 2021

Masterclass - October in Vegas

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