#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Hallart is Everywhere! #sfr

Happy New Year! Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. Your support and comments always give me new ideas. I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Genna is at headquarters meeting with the Commissioner of the Clandestine Sector of Coalition of Planets Intelligence. Last week's final sentence was Commissioner Vorinda interrupted her thoughts, “. . . pleased to learn that Hallart seems to have abandoned Malcor Sector.”

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. 

The most-feared gangster in the galaxy (slight exaggeration) was everywhere. She hated correcting her superior, but he needed to know the truth.

“No, sir, the new tavern in Astron Colony is a front for Hallart’s operations in Malcor Sector.”

“What’s this?” When Vorinda’s indigo eyes hardened and his face turned scarlet, she worried she’d gone too far by correcting her boss. If he considered firing her, she’d given him ammunition to do it.

Nevertheless, she swallowed past the knot in her throat. Since she’d crawled this far out on a limb, she’d better tell him more. “A Kruferian named Nakus used to be head of Astron Colony Security but was fired for being an incompetent slob. He appears to be a toady but is very smart and is the manager of the tavern.”

Tentative blurb:

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

On a personal note, my husband came through his surgery with flying colors. He's home and doing well. Thanks for your healing thoughts and prayers. No excuses for not writing now.

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Is She Fired? #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. Your support and comments always give me new ideas. I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. I've skipped ahead a little from last week. Genna is at headquarters meeting with the Commissioner of the Clandestine Sector of Coalition of Planets Intelligence. The same thought has been going through her mind since she left the training center--he summoned her to tell her she's fired.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. 

 

“Congratulations on completing your training—I’m impressed with reports from your trainer. You have done well—top of your class in weaponry, second in physical stamina and endurance, but strategy?” He wobbled his hand.

Yeah, strategy wasn’t her strong point.

Hang on, would he offer praise before firing her? During training, she’d heard he was fair, a good leader, better than the former administrator who, according to the old-timers, didn’t seem to care about his people.

She had no idea what he was getting at—the bigger concern was why she’d been summoned, not very urgent if he wanted to waste time chit-chatting. Yet, the summons—via her training supervisor—indicated she had to get to HQ immediately.

When she cancelled her vacation with Ian, she’d told him she’d gotten a job interview. He, like everyone in the vicinity, assumed the training center was an extension of a university, and though disappointed, Ian wished her well, at the same time offering his ship.

Commissioner Vorinda interrupted her thoughts, “. . . pleased to learn that Hallart seems to have abandoned Malcor Sector.”

Tentative blurb:

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

I hope everyone had a good time during the holidays. Our Christmas was chaotic and fun--what would you expect from 2-year-old twins and their 4-year-old sister plus 3 dogs. 😊 

Not sure if I've mentioned here that my husband needs his aortic valve replaced. On Thursday, it will finally happen. We'd appreciate some healing thoughts and prayers. Thanks so much.

Wishing everyone a happy and productive New Year.

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: He Didn't Trust Security? #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. Your support and comments always give me new ideas.

I hope everyone enjoys the holidays.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. Because this is a work in progress, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I've jumped ahead to where Genna is at headquarters to meet with the Commissioner of the Clandestine Sector of Coalition of Planets Intelligence.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. 

“Come in, come in,” Commissioner Vorinda gave a hearty laugh as he rose to greet her, “How are you, girl, did you have a good trip?” he spoke rapid-fire, as he strode around his large desk.

She waited until the assistant closed the door, “Yes, sir. I did.”

He ignored her outstretched hand and enveloped her in a hug that took her breath away—the older man didn’t know his own strength. His enthusiastic greeting surprised her, considering their limited contact, yet she found the embrace oddly comforting—how she imagined her father would hug her, if he gave a sherd.

Commissioner Vorinda perched on the corner of his desk, while waving her to sit in a comfy-looking chair on the left. “Genna, dear, I am so glad to see you.”

His use of her real name came as such a surprise she continued to stand—she’d been taught to never break cover.

“Sir, did you realize what you called me?”

“Of course—my office is soundproof, and Security sweeps for listening devices daily,” He winked at her, “so do I.”

He didn’t trust his own Security?

Tentative blurb:

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Always An Entrepreneur #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. 

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. Because this is a work in progress, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I'm continuing where I left off last week with Genna in a taxi with an inquisitive driver.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. 

“Maybe you’d like me to drop you at a hotel first,” He was a persistent one, “They don’t allow totes as big as yours into the museum.”

If she hadn’t needed the tote’s contents for disguises, she would’ve left it aboard her ship, but it gave her the appearance of a tourist. Since she wasn’t staying long enough to need a hotel, she demurred, “I’m heading out to the rainforest this afternoon.”

She caught the reflection of Bricaldia’s sun on the Coalition of Planets Hall of Representatives. The magnificent building looked like it was made entirely of glass, an illusion that all transactions there were transparent, and if she believed that she could be the proud owner of lake-front property in the Astron Desert.

As the conveyance descended, he proclaimed, “Here we are—isn’t that a fabulous site?” He waved at the Hall of Reps, “I could take you out to your hotel in the ‘forest after the city tour.”

Always an entrepreneur.

“I will consider that,” She used her fake ID card to pay for the ride, relieved to get away from the chatty driver.

She had one leg on the walkway when he leaned out his open window and handed her a card half the size of her ID, “If you finish your business early and want a ride anywhere during your vacation, comm me.”

“Right,” She didn’t refuse the card--let him think his tactic worked.

Tentative blurb:

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#WeWriWa THE SPY: The Oh-So-Helpful Driver

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. Because this is a work in progress, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I'm continuing where I left off last week with Genna in a taxi with an inquisitive driver.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. 

            “You could tour the museum next door,” The oh-so-helpful driver looked over his shoulder, making his long, curly hair—a brassy yellow—swing to the side. Orangey-tan spots ran from his forehead along the sides of his neck then disappeared inside his floral shirt, “Maybe you would like to go to the Hall of Justice when you’ve toured the museum, the artwork on the walls is worth the walk. You know, I could drop you there instead.”

When she entered the conveyance, she’d sat on the right, behind the driver, so he couldn’t see her directly—that didn’t stop him from looking over his shoulder at her. Not good that he wasn’t watching traffic, a vehicle next to them swerved to avoid a collision.

“No thanks, I’m sure the museum is worth seeing.”

“How long are you staying in Eleganza? I could tell you more places to visit, I’m available for private tours in another hour, I could show you around.”

Ri-ight, the guy wasn’t trying to be helpful, he wanted to earn himself some extra credits--Chellians never missed a chance to make more. She needed to stem this discussion.

Tentative blurb:

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#IWSG: My Writer's Dream

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. We are rockin' the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the December 4 posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Beverly Stowe McClure, Nicki Elson, Fundy Blue, and Tyrean Martinson!  Thank you so much!

December 4 question - Let's play a game. Imagine. Role-play. How would you describe your future writer self, your life and what it looks and feels like if you were living the dream? Or if you are already there, what does it look and feel like? Tell the rest of us. What would you change or improve?

If I was living the dream, my income would overshadow my social security. My name would be recognized and not just in west Michigan. Readers would flock to my booksignings and/or craft shows. No, wait. I wouldn't have to do craft shows to sell my books, since they would be readily available in bookstores. I could afford to pay someone to do all my promotion so I could spend my time writing. My income would pay for that Alaskan cruise I've been planning for over 20 years.

Obviously, i haven't realized my dream...yet. I'm happy self-publishing, but it does have its drawbacks--distribution being a biggie. If I were to do it over again, I would've started sooner, even though I don't regret the time I spent volunteering for my kids' school, scouts, and church activities. I still need to spend more time writing.

What does your dream look like?

On a side note, last month, I mentioned my husband's health problems. We had good news yesterday (after 2 medical procedures), the lung doc is recommending to the cardio team that he's good to go for the valve replacement. We just hope the cardio team agrees, and it can be done soon. Whew.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays . . . however you celebrate. 

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Get In, Get Out, Get Home

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. Because this is a work in progress, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I'm continuing where I left off last week with Genna in a taxi with an inquisitive driver.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. 

“Your first time in Eleganza?” the driver persisted in trying to engage her in conversation.

“No.”

“Vacation or business?”

Chatty guy. If she said business, that would keep the conversation going, then he’d asked what kind of business, and that would require more lies.

“Vacation.”

“The Reps are in session, you know—no tours.”

“Hmm,” Genna hadn’t known, not that it mattered since she wasn’t planning a tour of anything—Get in, get out, get home—except she had no home. Before leaving on her vacation with Ian, she’d boxed up all her belongings at training camp, awaiting her instructions as to where they should be shipped—which she should find out at headquarters. With any luck, she’d be on her ship—Ian’s ship—and off Bricaldia in an hour, maybe two.

Tentative blurb:

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.