Weekend Writing Warriors #97!

Goooooood morning, fellow warriors! Happy Sunday to you! In last week's excerpt from Adventures in Online Dating, Charlie dashed into the washroom to remove all traces of face paint, and Sydney checked her phone to find three texts from Collin, yet another eligible bachelor. 

Here's the blurb: After too many failed relationships, too many shots of tequila, and too many not-so-gentle nudges from her best friend, Sydney Montrose joins an online dating site in hopes of finding THE ONE. During her adventures, she crosses paths with a professional gamer who lives with his parents, a sweet and sarcastic parking enforcement officer, a flirty barista, a mystery man, a touchy-feely former felon, and a clown. Which one will she choose? Well, that's all entirely up to you! 

And here's an excerpt (which is slightly more than eight sentences so I could wrap up this scene), continuing from where we left off: 

She read his first text, her cheeks flaming at the blatant flirtation. The second was just as suggestive, and in the third, he flat out told her to drop any plans she might have and meet up with him ASAP. Her hormones were in overdrive. Charlie seemed like the type who took things slow, besides dive-bombing strangers with hugs; Collin knew what he wanted and wasn’t shy about saying so. Sometimes a woman found that damn appealing...which is why she was considering bolting.

            If she left now, she could start fresh with Collin. Charlie wouldn’t need to know. The very idea that she could ever bring herself to love a clown was preposterous. If she stayed, she’d give the clown false hope.

            Her fingernails danced against the tabletop. She glanced toward the washroom. Taking a long drink of her lukewarm coffee, she rose to her feet. 

So now, my dear readers, it's up to you! Do you think Syd should give Charlie a chance, or should she get out while she can and try Collin on for size? Let me know in your comment!

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to visit the other Weekend Writing Warriors!

I've got some exciting news to report! On December 10th, I was offered a long-term teaching position at Adult High School in Ottawa, and I officially started on the 11th! Two days in, and I'm officially in love with the school, the students, and the courses I'm teaching--Physical Education and Literacy. Just one week to go till I'm on Christmas break! Wishing all of you a fantastic week ahead!! :)

Weekend Writing Warriors #96!

Hiya, folks! Happy Sunday! I'm sharing another excerpt from Adventures in Online Dating, and we're wrapping up Sydney's date with Charlie...or are we? ;)

Here's the blurb: After too many failed relationships, too many shots of tequila, and too many not-so-gentle nudges from her best friend, Sydney Montrose joins an online dating site in hopes of finding THE ONE. During her adventures, she crosses paths with a professional gamer who lives with his parents, a sweet and sarcastic parking enforcement officer, a flirty barista, a mystery man, a touchy-feely former felon, and a clown. Which one will she choose? Well, that's all entirely up to you! 

And here's an excerpt, continuing from where we left off: 

She smiled and nodded her head. “I’ll wait.”

            “Okay, I’ll be right back!” In another burst of energy and enthusiasm, Charlie was off. 
            Her purse vibrated and she reached inside to retrieve her cell phone. Three texts were waiting for her, all from the same guy--Collin, bachelor number three. The one she failed to mention to Grace. There were a few reasons for that, the main one being that his profile contained less than 100 words of effort. She knew next to nothing about him, other than the fact that he was a blond-haired, blue-eyed sex magnet.

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to visit the other Weekend Writing Warriors! 

Today I'm off to a holiday potluck with the Ottawa Romance Writers of America! Looking forward to the food and festivities with this fabulous group of ladies. Wishing the rest of you a fantastic day and week ahead! :)

Weekend Writing Warriors #95!

Hey there, wordy friends! Welcome back! I'm sharing another excerpt from Adventures in Online Dating, and I'm delighted that for many of you, Charlie the clown has redeemed himself. Mostly. We'll see how he fares today. ;)

Here's the blurb: After too many failed relationships, too many shots of tequila, and too many not-so-gentle nudges from her best friend, Sydney Montrose joins an online dating site in hopes of finding THE ONE. During her adventures, she crosses paths with a professional gamer who lives with his parents, a sweet and sarcastic parking enforcement officer, a flirty barista, a mystery man, a touchy-feely former felon, and a clown. Which one will she choose? Well, that's all entirely up to you! 

And here's an excerpt, continuing from where we left off: 

“I guess I was worried about disappointing you. This is your job, and I respect that you love what you do, I mean that, but I’d rather keep on believing you’re one of the Wiggles and not a John Wayne Gacy lookalike.”

            He laughed even louder. “I can see where the fear stems from. I promise you my record’s as clean as my face will be after I go and wash off this make-up.” Charlie stood and took a step toward the washroom, then he quickly turned back to her. “Will you wait? Please say you’ll wait.”

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to visit the other Weekend Writing Warriors! 

Happy almost-December! It's the most wonderful time of the year! I'm startlingly organized this year and have already purchased, or at least know what I'm purchasing, all the important people in my life. As for all of you lovely ladies and gents, you'll have to settle for virtual hugs and smooches this year. ;) Okay, maybe I'll share a few extra sentences with you. I might even have a giveaway or two this month. Stay tuned! Wishing you all a magical week ahead! 

Weekend Writing Warriors #94!

Hello, friends! Welcome back to another exciting weekend of the warriors who write! I'm still sharing bits and pieces from Adventures in Online Dating, and Sydney is still on her date with Charlie, the clown. I have a feeling Mr. Clown is gonna make a few new fans in the next couple weeks. ;)

Here's the blurb: After too many failed relationships, too many shots of tequila, and too many not-so-gentle nudges from her best friend, Sydney Montrose joins an online dating site in hopes of finding THE ONE. During her adventures, she crosses paths with a professional gamer who lives with his parents, a sweet and sarcastic parking enforcement officer, a flirty barista, a mystery man, a touchy-feely former felon, and a clown. Which one will she choose? Well, that's all entirely up to you! 

And here's an excerpt, skipping ahead a bit: 

“I so badly wanted this to work because I just...I really like you. You’re the first woman whose profile really spoke to me and—”

            “I’m afraid of clowns,” she blurted.

            Her admission brought his tangent to an abrupt halt. “What?”

            “Clowns...they scare the crap out of me.”

            Instead of reacting in hurt or anger, the man laughed—the belly-shaking, tear-forming kind of laughter. ‘Why didn’t you just say so?” he sputtered out. 

Well, he makes a good point. lol. Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to visit the other Weekend Writing Warriors! 

Sooooo. How about that snow? Ya know, we haven't been hit too hard with the white stuff yet in Ottawa, but it's very early in the season yet. We've got another four months to go. But on the bright side...it's almost Christmas! See, we Canucks are already thinking Yuletide 'cause our Thanksgiving happened back in October. But for all the Yankees out there who'll be celebrating next week, I wish you all an incredibly happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for all of you, for the friendships we've made, the smiles, and the unfailing support. :x

Weekend Writing Warriors #93!

Greetings, clown lovers, haters, and in-betweeners! Happy Sunday to you! I'll share a couple more excerpts from Sydney's date with Charlie before we move on to the next 'choice'. But first, a little business....

Here's the blurb for Adventures in Online Dating: After too many failed relationships, too many shots of tequila, and too many not-so-gentle nudges from her best friend, Sydney Montrose joins an online dating site in hopes of finding THE ONE. During her adventures, she crosses paths with a professional gamer who lives with his parents, a sweet and sarcastic parking enforcement officer, a flirty barista, a mystery man, a touchy-feely former felon, and a clown. Which one will she choose? Well, that's all entirely up to you! 

And here's an excerpt, continuing from where we left off: 

“Here we are!” Charlie said as he plopped into his chair again, armed with their drinks.

            “Gah!” The enthusiasm over everything--another creepy clown characteristic. She dove for the monster-sized coffee cup and downed a quarter of it in one gulp.

            “Wow,” he said, "you really like your coffee.”

            “Uh-huh, coffee good.”

            He laughed again--not so much a maniacal laugh, but certainly a boisterous one. “So I read in your profile that you play the piano in an orchestra, and you offer lessons too. I can play the guitar, but it’s just something I picked up for my act because the kids love that stuff....”

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to visit the other Weekend Writing Warriors! 

So today is a special someone's birthday. I think you all know her by Maggie Wells. So this is just an extra little birthday wish from me to you, Ms. Wells. Hope your day is as fabulous as you are! xoxo <3 Wishing the rest of you a fantastic week ahead! :)

Weekend Writing Warriors #92!

Hi there, my friendly neighbourhood writers and readers! Happy Sunday to you! I'm sharing another excerpt from Adventures in Online Dating. Sydney has just officially met Charlie the clown. Too bad she's terrified of clowns. 

Here's the blurb: After too many failed relationships, too many shots of tequila, and too many not-so-gentle nudges from her best friend, Sydney Montrose joins an online dating site in hopes of finding THE ONE. During her adventures, she crosses paths with a professional gamer who lives with his parents, a sweet and sarcastic parking enforcement officer, a flirty barista, a mystery man, a touchy-feely former felon, and a clown. Which one will she choose? Well, that's all entirely up to you! 

And here's an excerpt, continuing from where we left off:

“Oh, where are my manners? What can I get you to drink?”

            “Coffee...in a vat.”

            Charlie laughed, but when she didn’t offer so much as a hint of sarcasm, he hopped to his feet and promised to order the largest size they had. 

            When he was out of sight, she exhaled all the air she’d been holding in. She was petrified of clowns--the freakish grins, the maniacal laughter, the make-up, the shoes. Why were their shoes so damn big? What the hell were they hiding in there? Human body parts, no doubt, because all clowns were serial killers.

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to visit the other Weekend Writing Warriors! 

Well, after months of waiting, I finally got an MRI on my knee this week. I've never had an MRI before, but I'd been led to believe it was a rather unpleasant experience. My experience, however, was quite the opposite. Why? First, because it occurred in a Children's Hospital, so as soon as I walked in the door, there were games and toys and splashes of colour everywhere. Second, because I got to wear a gown and pants AND keep my socks on. I'm not a big fan of being barefoot and my socks are fabulous anyway. And third, because the MRI technician lady asked if I'd like to watch an episode of Friends while the procedure was taking place. Um...yeah! I had no idea that was even possible! The wonders of technology. So I put on some headphones and then these super-cool goggles that had a screen inside them! A screen! Inside goggles! Mind = blown. The only hardship was trying to keep from giggle-squirming so she could get some good pictures of my knee. I wouldn't mind doing it all over again, but let's all hope that I never have to. Wishing you all a fantastic week ahead!! :)

Weekend Writing Warriors #91!

Well, hello there, you beautiful people! Happy Sunday to you! I'm back with another excerpt from Adventures in Online Dating! For those who've been following along, Sydney's about to meet Charlie, one of her matches, for the very first time. The guy who claims in his profile to be a children's entertainer. But clearly that can take on multiple meanings.

Here's the blurb: After too many failed relationships, too many shots of tequila, and too many not-so-gentle nudges from her best friend, Sydney Montrose joins an online dating site in hopes of finding THE ONE. During her adventures, she crosses paths with a professional gamer who lives with his parents, a sweet and sarcastic parking enforcement officer, a flirty barista, a mystery man, a touchy-feely former felon, and a clown. Which one will she choose? Well, that's all entirely up to you! 

And here's an excerpt:

The clown took three hurried strides and swept her into his arms in a way-too-friendly greeting. “It’s so nice to finally meet you!”

            “Whoa.” She closed her eyes as the shudders ran through her. It’s okay...it’s over...just don’t look at his face.

            “I’m sorry I’m a bit late. I was just at a birthday party and it ran overtime and the traffic was crazy! I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.”

            She just kept staring at her hands which were shaking on her lap. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to visit the other Weekend Writing Warriors! 

So...dating. It's the worst. But it's the only cure for the whole singleness thing, barring a mail-order groom. In my attempts to find Mr. Right, I've dabbled in the world of online dating, tiptoed my way through Tinder, and just last weekend I tried speed dating for the very first time. I would describe the experience as exhausting, entertaining, and enlightening. In that order. I learned three valuable lessons that night: 1. The cutest boys hover around the food table. 2. Pumpkins are NOT a good conversation starter. 3. I'm a sexy beast. Follow-up to the last lesson: Over 70% of the men I dated for 8 whole minutes wished to see me again, and I received a certificate stating as such...which I might have laminated and hung on my wall. :D Wishing you all a fantastically fun and fabulous week ahead!!