Storm – copyright Sue Vincent
The First of Chaos strode into the Borderland, summoning the rains with his raised palms. Would their thunderous return drown the land and all those toiling in its dust? He harbored little doubt of that outcome. Would they quench the thirst of a parched and dying land to foster new life? Of that end, he was curious. Chaos wasn’t devoid of hope, but it was always unpredictable.
He turned to the peaks, the land of goblins and raptors, of hooved climbers and burrowing rodents. Towers crumbled. Ridges eroded, swept down by torrential rains. Giant trees toppled like kindling, hillsides laid low by mud-clotted waves, pummeled by sand and stone.
The storm crushed all in its path. Caverns collapsed. Tunnels flattened and filled. Goblins died. Changelings died. Elves died. The noble and treacherous, the innocent and immoral, the young and old. By chance alone, others would survive. They fled down the mountainside on his mighty heels.
He strolled the perimeter of Ka Radiff, a once-thriving center of commerce, an open and welcoming city. Now, a crater, a receptacle of his brown deluge and a raft of bloated bodies. To the west, ash and dust shrouded the land in a ghoulish film the color of old bones. Soot joined with the billowing smoke of the forests where the inferno raged, consuming all in its path—human, plant, and animal, the common and plain, the rare and beautiful. Gone, gone, gone. A waste. He would wander in that direction eventually. But first, he’d satisfy his curiosity.
There was a war on.
***
A cheery snippet for Valentine’s Day from my WIP ( book 3: Lords of Chaos), slightly modified.
In response to Sue Vincent’s Thursday #writephoto prompt. Thanks, Sue!
And Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤
pixabay
Myths of the Mirror 
Nicely done, Diana! Not sure I would call it cheery though … 😀
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Ha ha ha. Not exactly cheery. It’s a pretty low point in the book. Thanks for the visit and I’ll be over soon to see what’s up with you. I hope spring is making an bit of an appearance. 🙂
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Beautifully written, Diana. Enjoyed the read. 🙂
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Thank you so much for the comment, Deepa, and I apologize for the delay in replying. I’ve been on a bit of a blogging break. I hope you’re having a lovely week. 🙂
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Same here, Diana. I too take long breaks on and off. 🙂
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Cheery, indeed. 🙂 But we need to offset the sweet with the bitter, and chaos may be unpredictable in its bittersweet story (that’s my prediction – you will blend the bitter with the sweet). Enjoy your blogging break as you work on a new WIP that we all wait for with anticipation. ❤
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It’s slow work, Pam, but I’m on the third draft. My parents and grandson needed some time too, so a busy break. 🙂 And I got my first cold in over a year. Ugh. Thanks so much for the visit and for making me smile. Have a lovely week!
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Third draft is IMPRESSIVE. I swear I’ll get to my book as soon as the break is totally broken. I’m thinking that a cold found it’s way to you in the heat of taking care of your loved ones. YOU take care, my friend.
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I’m feeling a little starved from another full-length book from you. Happy Writing!
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THANKS! I needed that….
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… now, get writing!
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Hahah. Maybe YOU should be my muse. 🙂 xo
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Lol. I can do that! I’m very bossy. I want a another book with Meredith (see I even remember her name.) 🙂
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Your own muse is the boss of all bosses. And she seems to work well for you! Yes, I’m working on my sequel to THE RIGHT WRONG MAN, in which Meredith makes a few appearances. But it’s more about secretive Gregory. Oh, for another 8 hours to a day. Okay, I know, NO EXCUSES….
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😀 Yay
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Well done, Diana!
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Thank you. A bit grim for Valentine’s Day, but it fit. 🙂 Have a great week, my friend.
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It did! Best to you, my friend. 🙂
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[…] Diana Wallace Peach at Myths of the Mirror […]
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You have a way of writing that is so incredibly visual, Diana- it’s film-worthy, truly ❤
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Thank you for such a kind comment, Jacquie. I’m still waiting for James Cameron or Steven Spielberg to call me. Hee hee. I’m glad you enjoyed the grim snippet! Happy Wrting!
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“Chaos wasn’t devoid of hope, but it was always unpredictable.” The stormy looking prompt image makes it difficult to write something cheery. You do manage to come up with the right names, titles, or places — First of Chaos. Ka Radiff. Perfect.
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Thanks Mary. I suppose I could have gone wistful or solemn. Instead, I chose total annihilation! Lol. You picked up on the most important line of the passage and a key to the entire story. 🙂 Have a great day and Happy Writing!
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No need to go wistful if it isn’t right for your vision of the prompt. Happy writing back at ya!
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Grim, very grim. Bravo, Diana.
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I know, Andrea. This is what Trump does to me. My mood gets rather dark and my poor characters pay the price. This snippet is a rework of a section of book 3 when things are falling apart. Thanks for taking a peek, and I hope your day is cheery! Happy Writing, my friend ❤
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I’m a binge reader from way back so…ahem, should I start on book 1 now or wait for 3 to be published so I can read all three? I guess that was a pretty unsubtle way of asking how 3 is going? lol
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I publish them all together (within a month anyway). That’s why it takes me so god-awful long to get them out. I’m a binge reader too and would much rather read a trilogy like one long book. 🙂
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Yes! I did the same with Innerscape, and for the same reason.
I know the wait will be worth it so take your time, just not toooooo long. 😀 😀 😀
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Wonderful snippet – going to have to seriously consider these books! ;P
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You have a long time to consider because I’m a long way from having them ready. Lol. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day and Happy Writing!
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Diana – I was so delighted to learn that you are working on your new book. What a fantastic news. Sorry I was not able to visit for such a long time, but I do try to catch up.
Hope 2020 has a good start and all is well ❤
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Thanks for the visit always, Inese. I hope that you’ve been busy with fun travels and creative adventures! Yes, a trilogy in the works. It’s been a long process since I had to stop writing in 2019 to care for my parents. Things are more stable now and I hope to have the books our this year. 🙂 Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
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Thank you so much, Diana! Glad to hear that everything has stabilized, more or less. Look forward to reading your books. Unfortunately, there were no adventures in my life these past months – well, not a pleasant sort of adventures anyway 🙂 Hope for the best though. Have a lovely day you too ❤
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Masterful telling! There was so much in this snippet that it felt like much more than 4 paragraphs, yet not at all info-dumpy (which I believe is the 100% correct and true usage of that phrase). Also Ka Radiff is possibly the best location name I’ve ever heard. Was it a rearrange of Cardiff, or something brand new you made up?
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Thanks for the great comment. 🙂 It got me smiling this morning. This takes place in the 3rd book, so it had to be a big moment of crisis. I modified it a bit for the post so it would make sense, but not too much. Ka Radiff is made up – one of those names that popped up and required no struggle (like many of the names in the book). Lol. Have a great day and Happy Writing!
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Wrestling with names – one of the hardest parts of any story! Good luck with the rest of the book 🙂
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Really enjoyable, Diana. Very ‘tongue in cheek.’
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Thanks, Kim. Not really that cheery, huh? Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed all my heartless destruction. 🙂 Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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Aw yeah! I’m gunna LOVE this!!! Bring it babe!
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Death, destruction, and failure, Jessica. A dash of precarious hope and lots of chaos. Thanks for stopping by to read! I have lots of editing to do, but before the end of the year. 🙂
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[…] Continue reading at Myths of the Mirror […]
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Thanks so much for sharing, Sue. I appreciate it. I have Tornado Boy this (US) holiday weekend, so will be back on Tuesday! Have a great week, my friend. ❤
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Wow, what a vivid scene!!! I was swept along in the torrent.
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Thanks for the visit, Liz. I was working on the scene and then Sue’s prompt popped up and it fit. I had to rework it a bit, but made it work. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Happy Writing.
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Yes, I did, thanks. My husband and I drove up the coast to Cape Elizabeth, Maine. We got some really beautiful winter beach photographs. Happy writing to you, too, Diana!
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Haha! Definitely a cheery snippet for anyone alone on V-Day. Fits so well with that photo, though. Nicely done! 🙂
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Lol. Or for someone whose beau forgot to get a card. Chaos descends. I don’t celebrate the day – maybe that’s why I everyone died in this snippet. Ha ha. Thanks for the visit, Betsy. I hope your Valentine’s Day was full of chocolate and chex mix. 🙂
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I very likely had both, yes. That’s how I celebrate love. 🙂
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That is a heck of a Valentine’s Day post, Diana! 🙂 No mushy love stuff there!
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Oh, but I do “love” writing dark stuff, Jan. And the prompt wasn’t evoking any mushiness in me. 🙂 Thanks for reading and I hope your Valentine’s Day was the exact opposite of this – full of Love and Happiness! ❤
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The flow like river rushing to find love… hope you had a great Valentine’s Day!❤️
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Now that is a very positive view of this piece. Lol. Thanks for the Valentine’s Day wish. I hope yours was lovely, Solitaire. Have a beautiful weekend. ❤
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It was , thanks enjoy- we’re freezing 🌬
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You’re muse must be celebrating 🥳
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My muse is very bossy and she’s glad I’m finally trying to finish up this book after a year of no writing at all. Thanks for the visit and have a wonderful weekend.
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Diana, a perfect snippet for the prompt … and I can sense how you relish writing these darker pieces, tasting the words almost before putting them down to paper (screen?). An incredible and evocative piece, total destruction … and this is just the beginning of the war? Intriguing…
Hope you had a special Valentine’s Day, my friend! Happy Writing! Hugs xx ❤️
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Oh, I do like writing dark stuff, Annika. (Inspired by Trump). l was working on this yesterday, and when I saw the prompt, I just modified it a bit and popped it on the blog. Yes, just the beginning of the war. The “god” of Chaos is a real troublemaker! Thanks for the visit. And have a wonderful weekend!
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Diana, I can’t find your terrible poetry entry anywhere! I wonder if the form somehow refreshed when you tried to submit. I’m very sorry, but wanted you to know I omitted yours because it’s simply not there!
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I didn’t save it either – it was so terrible, ha ha. No problem. I find that those forms are often faulty, but this was no loss. 🙂 It was mostly about loving my boyfriend on prom night despite his vomit on my shoes. Lol
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😥 Well, now I *really* want to read it!
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Lol.
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Well done, Diana. Of course, I’m a fan of dark themes, particularly for Valentine’s Day. 🙂
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Ha ha. I can relate, Steven. I don’t celebrate, though I did make my dad get a card for my mom. 🙂 Thanks for the kind comment. I was working on this part of the book and it seemed to fit the prompt. Have a great weekend and Happy Writing!
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Happy writing/editing, Diana. 🙂
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Yes; very romantic. 😀
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Hee hee. Wasn’t it? I’ll bet it made you feel all warm and fuzzy, Chelsea. But it worked with the prompt, so you’ll have to blame Sue. I hope you had an awesome Valentine’s Day and enjoy your weekend!
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Thanks! You, too!
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Devastation looms, yet hope remains alive… Well done, Diana! Wishing you and yours a blessed and beautiful Valentine’s Day! ❤
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Thank you for stopping by to read this dark snippet on Valentine’s Day. Lol. Have a beautiful, peaceful weekend, Bette. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤
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lol, yes, quite cheery indeed. Nicely done! Happy Valentine’s Day, Diana! ❤
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Thanks, Sheri. I know, so inappropriate for Valentine’s Day. Lol. Hope you have a day full of love and peace without any apocalypses!
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Interesting. I’ll go ahead and be inappropriately critical since I know you actually like feedback and say that I had to reread the opening–I was swamped in too much detail, too fast. And who are the “they” who survived by chance? Goblins, changelings, elves?
And how can there be an inferno in the middle of a flood? Is there also a volcano or something?
OTOH, it’s an excerpt, and maybe if I read it in context, I would have been fine. The world-building is certainly impressive. The ending line is a gut punch and left me wanting to know more. I’m looking forward to reading the whole thing later.
Happy Valentine’s Day! : )
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No problem, Cathleen. In context it makes much much more sense, and it was slightly modified for the post. There’s about 800 pages before this scene. Lol. (Are you cringing??) And yes, I always like feedback! The second draft is done and there’s still a lot of work to do, so hopefully you’ll have some time for me during the summer.
Happy Valentine’s Day. ❤
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As I said before, I’ll make time. : )
Seriously 800 pages? That’s quite an opus. I can see why it took three books. Looking forward to the read.
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I’m certain you’ll help me condense! But I’ll try to do that before I send it off. 🙂
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I’m going to have to read this series 😉
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Thanks so much, Sue. This is a very dark moment that I was working on yesterday. It seemed to work with the prompt, so I couldn’t resist. 🙂 I appreciate the opportunity to share it. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤
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I’m glad yo did, Diana.
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You have me curious as to what’s going on and happened, Diana. Happy Valentine’s day!
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This is from book 3 so a lot has happened, Denise, and a lot more is going to occur. A dark moment. 🙂 I’m glad it intrigued! Thanks for the visit and Happy Valentine’s Day. ❤
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Chaos and hope…your WIP sounds wonderful Diana. Your style, as always is impeccable, I envy your creativity. 🙂 Have a wonderful Valentine’s day dear friend.
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Thank you, Balroop. I’m glad you picked up on the possibility of hope too. I’m glad the snippet doesn’t have to running away as fast as you can. Lol. Thanks for the kind comment, my friend. Have an amazing Valentine’s Day. ❤
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A bit dark, perhaps, for Valentine’s day. Happy Valetin’s Day Diana. 🙂
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I know, Celestine. Not quite a romantic snippet. Lol. But it fit the image pretty good. 🙂 I hope your day is full of love, beauty, and kindness. ❤
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Your imagination and creative story telling technique always amazes. 😊😊😊
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Thank you, Mich, for the kind comment. This one is pretty dark and won’t be for everyone, but I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Valentine’s Day. 🙂 ❤
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You conjured up some powerful words and images Diana. A bit dark for Valentine’s Day or are you celebrating the dark today? 🙂
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Ha ha. Yes, dark, but the prompt led me to pop this up here. I had to! Lol. My Valentine’s Day will be full of love and peace. I hope yours is as well, Brad. ❤
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I love your writing and am glad your day was full of peace and love.
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Mid – afternoon, the light is fading, spring on hold, an approaching storm greying out the weekend, chaos rains, the news ahead, forewarned yet not, England, all bend in not back, the howl, the wind, stiff upper lip – I read you, shadows on the hill, you speaking in my head… quite brilliant, Diana, you never fail to stir.
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Thank you! I love your comment. I have to admit that the darkness in this is Trump-inspired. Will we win against chaos? Can we make the valiant choices, or will we participate in our own demise? Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Valentine’s Day. ❤
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That is going to be a great book. I love ‘chaos’–as a name or a challenge. Lovely.
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Chaos is my bad-guy “god,” Jacqui. He’s actually sort of amoral and unpredictable most of the time. I’m glad you enjoyed this. I was working on it last night and decided to pop it up here when I saw Sue’s prompt. Happy Writing and Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤
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Fantastic story, Diana. Loved reading it and Happy Valentine’s day to you dear. Have a wonderful day.
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Thank you, Kamal. This is a dark one for such a day as Valentine’s Day. But I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope your day is full of peace and love. ❤
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Yes it sure was, Diana but your story was awesome. Happy Valentine’s Day to you. Much love and light to you always.
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Wow, this really is very vivid and descriptive, Diana.
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Thanks for reading, Robbie., and for the kind comment. It is a terribly dark point in the book, but seemed to work with the prompt. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it despite all the destruction! Have a lovely day filled with love. ❤
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Such a great atmospheric piece! Your WIP is going to be wonderful ❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day.
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Thanks, Tessa. Only the 2nd draft, but getting there. I was working on this yesterday and the prompt seemed to fit, so what the heck. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed this bit of dark destruction. Lol. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. ❤
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Hi. There are many fine images and lines in your story. Here’s one that gets to me very much:
“Chaos wasn’t devoid of hope, but it was always unpredictable. “
That’s a powerful sentence.
Enjoy the day!
Neil Scheinin
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Thanks, Neil. You’re an astute reader! That line was planted in there with purpose. Chaos is closely linked with choice, one of the main themes of the books. Thanks for stopping by to read, and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. 🙂
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Wow! This was a “cheery” snippet. Is this what happens if you forget to give your loved one flowers or chocolate on Valentine’s Day? 🙂 Nicely done, Diana! ❤
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Ha ha ha. Let’s hope not! Lol. Great comment, Jill. You crack me up. It is dark, but it’s near the end of the book, so things are not going well, obviously. Thanks for the visit and enjoy your flowers and chocolates! ❤
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❤
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Your imagery always astounds me, Diana. Too bad this guy’s not having a great Valentine’s Day.
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Oh, He’s having a great day, Teri. Ha ha. everyone else? Not so much. I’m glad you enjoy the snippet. I was working on this yesterday and decided to give it a go. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Oh, your book is out! Running over to get it. ❤
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Fabulous Diana ! Happy Valentines Day !
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Thanks, Holly. Not a very cheery piece for Valentine’s Day. Lol. Thanks for the visit and have a day full of heart and sweetness. ❤
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Same to you Diana ♥️
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Thank goodness — I was hoping that was part of a larger work, Diana. It was far too good to just leave it there. 😀 Hugs on the wing!
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It’s toward the end of the trilogy, Teagan, and modified a bit, but no spoilers. I was just working on it yesterday and it kind of fit the prompt. Thank you for the kind comment, my friend. Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope yours if full of good cheer. 🙂
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That was a good response to Sue’s prompt. So visual. A “cheery” snippet?:-)
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It was a bit of a cheat, Priscilla, but I’ve been furiously editing and rewriting, and had just finished the 2nd draft of this scene. Yeah, so cheery! Lol. Thanks for stopping by to read. 🙂
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