Category Archives: Novels

Book 1 Chapter 3

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(credit to Bing.com images.)

Normally, I’m good with faces, so I can’t believe I don’t remember him that is if he is speaking the truth. It could be a way to toy with me.

“I don’t remember you.”

“I worked for a local farmer in the summer of 1999, you came out to the farm with a girl, she had blonde hair and blue eyes. Can’t remember her name but I didn’t forget you. We hung out on the farm and then went to a party that night.”

“Hmm, the friend has to be Dorie but I’m not remembering the farm or party.”

He looked at me with the most amazing grin on his face. My heart did a flip-flop like I have never felt before. Why did that just happen? What is it about those blue eyes that make me weak in the knees?

Mystery man walked over to me. He leaned on the table inches from my face. I could feel the warmth of his breath on me and smell the sweetest cologne. This man should make my blood boil with rage not set it on fire with lust. What the heck is wrong with me? He snatched me.

I stood up and stepped back. My heart racing and my hands shaking.

Annie-Profile-Manipulated

(credit to my daughter, it is her.)

“I do not remember you, I’m sorry. I just want to leave.” I spoke.

“I don’t know if leaving would be too wise. See, when I found you a man had been chasing you and when I went out earlier he was still out there only with several others. I am not the guilty one. I put you in that storage closet in case he happened to come to the door asking questions. You were hidden in there if he would happen to come to the door.”

I don’t know if he is telling the truth. I was knocked out. I suppose in a way it would make sense. Explains not being tied up and that he allowed me to come out and eat. No guns lying around. Now what do I say or do.

“Well, then I thank you for not leaving me there for him. Remember falling and my head hurting. Sorry. But how did you get me away from him if he hit me?”

A loud bang came from outside that made us both jump.

He ran over, grabbed my arm and led me back to the storage room. He shut the door behind us. Motioned for me to be quiet. He locked the door gently and put his arm on mine as if to tell me to stay still.

A knocking came from the front door. The door knob began turning. Several footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor. No one spoke. It’s like they knew we would be hiding.

I could feel a sneeze coming. Crap. Doing everything I could to hold it in. I sneezed my funny half sneeze. Mystery man covered my face up in case there was another one coming. I normally do sneeze more than once, luckily this time I did not. Did he remember that from years ago? Why can’t I remember?

A pair of footsteps came to the storage door and tried the knob. When it wouldn’t turn, the person tried shoving on the door but luckily it didn’t budge.

Mystery man motioned for me to follow him on hands and knees to the back of the room. He opened that metal box that smelled awful.

He motioned for me to crawl into the box. I shook my head no, not in that smelly thing. He motioned again with a rather angry look and whispered get in. I peered over the side of it and saw the bottom had been opened and there was a ladder leading down below. Just like out of an adventure novel! I smiled. Did my best to not think of the smell.

I climbed in. Placed my foot on the ladder rungs one after the other praying that they were not old and rickety. I looked up to see him closing the lid after him and locking it from the inside. Then when he got past the bottom of the box he closed that as well and sealed it with an extra bar lock.

It was airy and pitch black. It smelled musty and I could hear running water. My feet touched ground. After he was down, he took my hand and he led us closer to the water sound.

I hope those guys above don’t find the box. I wonder how this place got here. Many questions popping in my head. Exciting. Terrifying.

His hand feels warm and fits perfectly around mine. I don’t want to let go.

He dropped my hand, bummer.

Mystery man lit a small candle and placed it on a wooden table against the wall. He started opening tubs searching for something. He found a flashlight and shone it in my eyes. Bright light.

“I was hoping it wasn’t dead. We will head further down the tunnel just in case they find the passage way. I don’t think they will but better to be safe than sorry.” He said looking at me and then blowing the candle out.

“Why didn’t you just lock me in the room and answer the door?” I asked, thinking why go to all this trouble.

“Several of them, one of me if things went wrong.”

I didn’t know what to say or think. I am floored. This is like out of a spy movie. I guess I got my adventure I was wanting.

I shook my head in agreement and began to follow him down the cold, dark cave like tunnel. Just where it leads and what the story is behind this, I can’t wait to find out. My heart won’t stop racing from the unknown and Mr. Blue eyes.

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(credit to Bing.com images)

©JwlsMacRay 2016


 

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Book 1 Chapter 2

Oh, what a splitting headache.

I sat up slowly rubbing the back of my head trying to make it feel better. It wasn’t working, felt like a bad hangover. I looked around but I couldn’t see much in the small, dark room. Where the heck am I and who the heck hit me? Wait, I fell, but someone had grabbed me.

I hate dark places. I shivered thinking about what could be lurking in the corner. Like a dummy, I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing tonight. It is only Friday so no one will miss me until Monday morning when I should be opening the store. Mental note, make sure to leave a note on my kitchen table to where I venture off to next time.

I moved to my hands and knees and began to move along the floor. A foul smell was coming from my left side. Moving my hand around I touched something cold and smooth. I felt a latch. Leaning next to it to make sure no animal noises were inside. It would be the pits to have an animal jump out. No noise. I unhooked the latch, slowly opening the lid.

That’s worse than spoiled food!

I slammed the lid back down. Covered my nose and did my best to not be sick. A lovely symptom to add to my splitting headache, a true hangover without the fun beforehand. After the smell faded, I began crawling again. Felt a slight breeze on my face, maybe I am close to the doorway. Bumped into something in front of me. Decided to stand up feeling all the way up. Moved my hand to the right, a door knob.

Relief.

I turned it, unlocked. Opened the door slowly, trying to not make a creaky noise. Light and freedom, almost.

“I was hoping you would be waking up soon. I have supper all ready for us.” said the stranger, “Come join, before it is cold.”

He was tall, blue eyes, and dark brown hair. The most amazing eyes, I might add. The bluest of blue. Reminded me of the clearest ocean waters. I couldn’t stop staring at them.

untitled (Just a photo off of Bing.com Gorgeous eyes!)

imagesu2vqs13n ( I just had to add this one of McDreamy! He showed up in the search. LOL)

“Why was I shut up in there?” I asked staring at him.

He looked at me and smiled.

“It was not locked, was it?”

“Well, no. That isn’t the point.” I said getting irritated, “I remember falling down. Why am I here?”

He stood up from the table and began walking towards me. I stepped back reaching for the door knob behind me. I was thinking that I could at least put the door between me and him. He stopped, seeing that I was going to turn into the room I had come out of. He stared at me. I stared back. It seemed like an eternity went by. He let out the most annoying laugh, turned around, and sat back down at the table. I don’t like playing games. He is irritating the heck out of me despite his gorgeous looks.

“Well, I am famished. Stand there all night if you like, the food will get cold.” he said.

Night? So only a few hours have went by? Or has days gone by? Is anyone out looking for me? The biggest question, are we in Obeyville?

The food smells amazing and is making my tummy grumble. I do need my energy if I am going to get out of here. It would be smart to eat. I suppose if he poisons me, I will at least enjoy the food.

I cannot figure out why he is acting as though I am not a prisoner.

“If you sit down and eat, I will answer what is obviously asking in your pretty little head.” he said looking at me.

“I am only eating because skipping meals is not good.” I said as I plopped down in the chair across from him. He grinned still looking at me while placing the baked chicken on the steamy white rice on his plate.

I reached for the bowl of rice and put two big helpings on my plate, yes I like rice. Added the chicken on top just like his. The whole time he watched me. I hate that. I dove in savoring every bit of the meal. Oh, he can cook. The chicken had so much flavor and so moist. I closed my eyes and heard him chuckle.

“That good, huh?”

I glared at him.

“Just hungry. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Arrogant and good looking.

While enjoying the meal, I scanned the small cottage. There were a lot of photos of nature and no portrait ones. One photo had the most brilliant purple stone on a beach setting. It was dazzling.

large (credit to Bing.com images)

The place had small windows with lacy curtains, not typical of a man’s bachelor pad. Great, he is probably married and she is going to come through that door thinking we are having an affair. I glanced at his left hand, no ring and no tan line. Possibly, not married or doesn’t like jewelry. I know a few that do not wear their rings.

“No, I am not married.” He flashed his left hand at me. I believe my mouth dropped a few feet.

I looked away feeling embarrassed. I scanned the room some more. Next to my so-called dungeon, looks to be a bedroom. This room is an open kitchen and living room design. In the front of the cottage by the front door is a bathroom. I could probably fit this entire house into my living and kitchen areas of my house. I feel trapped because I have no flipping clue where I am at. Woods? Another planet perhaps?

Through the windows the sun was going down. I could try to escape when it gets dark. Though I would not be able to see much of my surroundings, especially if we are out in the wooded area still. If I could get to the creek, I could try following it. It does run along the town edge.

Oh, where has he taken me? Hate being out of control. Did he follow me from my house?

“Do you know who I am?” I asked. I might as well be blunt and to the point. He may answer and he may not.

He laughed that arrogant laugh.

“You said you would answer my questions.”

Grinning, he reached for more rice. I grabbed the rice and set it down by my plate. He glared at me. It got his attention.

“Listen, I don’t like games. I want some answers.” I said angrily.

He stood up grabbing his plate and took it to the sink. I could see him scraping it off. Nice butt.

He set the plate down and turned towards me.

“You really do not remember me.” he spoke irritated.

 

©JwlsMacRay2016

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Book 1 Chapter 1

Obeyville-Snoop-Book-Cover-1

Obeyville Snoop by Jwls Mac Ray (me) 🙂

If I had known this week would end up the way it did, I would have hand cuffed myself to my chair at home. Then none of the circumstances could have happened that cost me my best friend. Curiosity got the best of me. I must get her back.

I like to walk along the Sappa Creek, a beautiful creek that meanders through the south side of Obeyville, Kansas. Though these days not a whole lot of water fills the creek banks. It gets less and less every year. We need a few good steady rain seasons. Our farm fields need moisture. In this farm community, if they don’t have a good crop season than they don’t buy art, knick knacks, and books in my family store.

The winter brought little snow fall as well. It was like having Spring and now Spring is Summer. I believe Mother Nature is confused.

The kids don’t know what it is like to have a foot of snow. They think an inch is exiting. I haven’t had to buy snow boots in the last two years. I can’t say I miss the blistering cold temperatures but a good snowfall would be great. I miss sledding.

My friends and I would slide down the steep creek bank which zoomed us across the frozen water to the other side. We would giggle all the way and hope the ice wouldn’t break. It wasn’t but a foot deep but it would freeze one’s buns.

I like to explore; it makes me feel like I am ten again with no concerns. I suppose you would think a twenty-five-year-old woman would rather be chasing men and hanging out in bars, not me. I would rather be outdoors and learning. I’m like a sponge, soak in every bit of information I can. I have an entire room in my house devoted to books. I call it the Library Cave, some people have Man Caves, and I have a Library Cave.

Yes, I am a nerd. A reborn nerd. I did my share of partying and being on the wild side in my High School days. I want to be a nerd now, much more relaxing and better for your health.

My work day is spent inside catering to customers at least five days a week, sometimes more. My parents own the store but I manage it so they can live their golden years fishing or whatever they want. I’m a good child like that. Nah, I just didn’t want to go to college, yet. I know someday I will just have no desire right now.

I love my customers, but occasionally I get that one bad apple to ruin my day. I then head to the creek, stand in the middle of the thick lush trees, and yell at the top of my lungs to get my frustration out. The fresh air and exercise are an added blessing. A wonderful stress reliever. I sometimes bring a book with me and sit in one of the many trees along the creek and get lost in the story. I imagine I am the main character and it becomes one adventure after another. If only life was that way.

Today I walked to the edge of the bridge and made a sharp right turn where a well-traveled grassy path led into the dense trees. It’s a wonder that I like to come down here because I am extremely afraid of snakes. Luckily, I have not come across one, alive or dead. As I walked along the path I had to keep shoving the branches out of the way. They are getting overgrown, mental note to trim them back next time. Don’t want my path blocked.

A shiver ran down my spine from the chill of the shade trees. I wish I had brought a jacket. When I stepped out my front door after work, the sun was warm on my face. It didn’t occur to me that the thick of the trees would be a different story.

birch_branches (credit to Bing.com images)

 

The branches snapped loudly under my tennis shoes. The previous adventure the sticks kept poking in through the sandal holes. Glad I didn’t wear those again.

On the right side of the path is the old crooked tree that we would play truth, dare, or double dare when we were in grade school, it was coined the Love Tree, hence all the initials carved in it. I touched the initials that I carved into the tree of my first crush. Ah, the memories.

At the base of the tree a bunch of sting weed surrounds it. A person gets their skin next to that and it is like itchy non-stop for a few days. I laid in some without thinking once, never again. Itched in places no person should have to scratch.

A twig snapped behind me. I twirled around.

“Who’s there?” I asked.

No answer, and I couldn’t see a thing. Instant panic. I could run down the path I was going down, but then I will go deeper into the woods and may not find a way out. Whoever it is, came down the path I had. I looked around for a big tree branch to defend myself. Crap, all baby twigs.

Another twig snapped.

I could see a shadow of one person. He was tall, masculine built, wearing a hat and far enough away I couldn’t make out the face. He slowed his pace down. I moved behind the tree. I hope he didn’t see me or is far enough behind me that he may not even know that I am here.

k0014711387-815710 (credit to Bing.com images)

 

Duh, I spoke, so he must know the general direction. Idiot I am, number one rule don’t ask the hunter if they are there. Looking behind me I saw a fallen tree along the ground. I will crawl across. It leads to the other side of the creek. Then work my way around him and get back to the path and run like crazy back to my house. My house is only a block away, an easy run. I can get help then.

I ran for the log. Oh, please let me get out of here. I didn’t hear him moving anymore. The log was big enough for both feet side by side. Thank goodness it is only a foot above the water or I would say heck with it and take my chances with the mystery man. Objects in the air with narrow walking space is so not my thing.

I wobbled a bit making my heart race. I kept thinking about him being right behind me and grabbing me. I got to the end, stepped off the log and turned around to see if I could see him. If I can’t see him then maybe he can’t see me. The early spring leaves on the trees created a maze of hiding places. I couldn’t see anything and could only hear the breeze on the tree tops. I ran along the creek a good few minutes and then jumped across a narrow passage of water to get back to my side of the creek. I didn’t bother to look back. I had one goal in mind and that was to get back to the path. I ran through the tall weeds praying for no snakes. I heard feet hitting the ground behind me. My heart pounding and my mind telling me to run faster. I felt a hand grab my arm, I swung around, losing my footing and falling to the ground. My head smacked the ground with a thump, and then the world went dark.

 

©JwlsMacRay2016

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Writing Challenges

My first NaNoWriMo challenge was November 2012. It was the first official beginning of my book #1 – Obeyville Snoop. I accomplished 5,510 words. My creative mind was not appearing for the challenge. I did have fun beginning the book, but lacked the discipline to write every day. I had post-it notes, apps on my phone, and to do lists reminding me to write but it didn’t help. I set the draft aside.

Then I saw Camp NaNoWriMo pop up in an email for April 2013! I had to do it. I could not resist. I went top speed on the first book again. The words flowed. I won with 50,219 words! Yay! It felt wonderful! I read afterwards what I wrote and couldn’t stop laughing. Nothing fit together. Definitely, a first draft!

Feeling inspired I signed up for July 2013 camp and began the second book in the series “Snoop In Overdrive.” Didn’t go well. Zilch!

Signed up for November 2013. Zilch again on book #2.

April 2014 rolls around, sign book#2 up and wrote 10,095 with a goal of 30,000 words. Thought maybe shorter novels would be better for me.

November 2014 I signed up book #2 again. Didn’t add any words. In fact, I tried revising first what I had written. Bad thing to do. Needed to finish it first.

Seems like the November challenges are not good for me. No creative spark. Maybe my mind is more interested in the holidays.

I skipped April 2015 but decided to do July 2015 with Book #1 revisions. I had already chopped so much out of Book #1 over the last year that the goal was now 25,000 words. Yep, short novels might be better for me. I revised a second time only 7,262 words.

Signed up again November 2015 with book #2. Zilch. I can’t stop signing up! LOL. It is like a habit now. Need the writing to be a habit. 🙂 We will see about this year. Maybe this will be where I finally stop signing up during November. LOL

I signed up for this April’s camp! It is going SOOO GOOD!!!!

I have officially revised everything I had cut long ago in Book #1. I am at 22,104 words with a 25,000 word goal! I feel great! Now comes adding the last 2,896 words from scratch. Which I am OK with because the book needed a different ending. I think I have been so hung up on that part and is why I never finish.

Lots of thinking and writing tonight!

The book will need a final complete revision but not because of the plot this time. The BONES are there! Finally!

Kudos to all you authors that can write several novels in a year. Maybe in the future for me but I don’t think this decade! LOL I’ll be tickled pink to finish this series of three books!

Maybe by 2018! 🙂

If all goes well, I hope to have Book #1 self published this summer and dive into Book #2 in July! Fingers crossed! I feel the writing muse is around me.

Have a great weekend! I hope to have great news on Sunday or Monday! 🙂

Obeyville-Snoop-Book-Cover-1

 

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Spring Time Changes

thCAQ7ISXQ(Credit to Bing.com images)

I have stayed busy and consistent with editing every day for Camp NaNo! Makes me feel great! 🙂 I know another edit will need to be done after this challenge because there are some boring holes to fill. Oops.

I feel confident! I am energized to get er done! 🙂

I updated my blog as you can see. I think I really like it. It is clean and easy to read. I can change the colors easy as well. The header proved a challenge with my blog title but I finally found one. I think I will make me some for the next update now that I have my Illustrator program back. I love that Adobe does monthly subscriptions now. Though it does stink to pay for one program for almost the same price for the whole set but my computer graphics card can’t handle it. I do need to learn lots more on Illustrator so that is ok. I do miss Photoshop but maybe once I can upgrade the graphics then I can get all the programs again.

I did something I thought I would never do, I deactivated Facebook. I thought if I am going to get my HUGE list of things done I better do it. I feel rather good about it. I doubt I am missed. I didn’t have much interaction from people. I will miss other people’s updates but I must get things done. It was easy to pass an hour or two reading everyone’s. LOL.

I can hear “Lazy” the cat meowing so I better get out of the Creative Cave and give him some attention! I don’t allow the cats in here and it bothers them. Too much to knock over and “Emobear” loves to chew on PAPER! Go figure! LOL. My tummy is growling.

Have a splendid week!

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Editing Enough Said

notafraidfirstdrafts(I think I got this from the NaNo site?)

I keep telling myself this. I was surprised today when I began editing my novella that it had been a whole year since I had touched chapters six and beyond. Wow.

I guess I was afraid! LOL. I did spend a few days on the first five chapters throughout the year. Hopefully, I did not over edit but I read through them and I like what I have. I don’t know if others will but as long as I do right now that is what counts. At least that is what I tell myself. 🙂

Once again, I waited until the last-minute to finish editing before I tackle the next part of the series, novella #2. It might actually be a longer book. We will see how much extra I end up with this next month. Those filler words tend to sneak their way into the book before the end of the month deadline. 🙂

I have a good feeling that I will get this accomplished this time.

Even though, I may not pick the pen up much over the year I am constantly thinking of the plot to the book. I do jot down notes so not all is lost on the writing. When I finished the first book I knew something was missing and it was not coming to me over the last few years. I knew when I felt the words rolling out on the screen today the missing part has been found. 🙂

I did start writing the second book a year ago and why I feel better about it is beyond me. I have always been a bit backwards though. LOL.

I am going to try my best to stay busy the next few days. Social media will not interfere I tell myself, over and over. 🙂

Happy writing! I am off to make spaghetti! 🙂

thR2OCW7UY(Bing.com image)

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I Did It Again

I signed up for NaNoWriMo!

I have never won a November challenge. The last few years I have not accomplished writing even ten percent of the 50,000 word goal.

The only time I won was the April Camp challenge. I was determined then unlike the November ones. I don’t know if it is because of the holiday time so lots of distractions or what the reason is. But I am going to give it another try. Why not. Plus, I don’t like to give up. I say every year I am not going to do the November challenge but then I sign up. 🙂

20151020_084323(My photo writing this blog in my new teeny tiny comp book.)

20151020_084459 (I think tiny items are so cute. I purchased these yesterday at my youngest son’s book fair. We had his teacher conference.)

The first novel in my series of books to write has the basic bones it just needs some more “fluff” to make it fun and interesting.

Obeyville-Snoop-Book-Cover-1( My current book cover for book #1.)

I am not sure if I will ever be able to write several books in a year. This first book has taken me since 2012 to write. I have the second book started but only a few chapters done. It is the book I signed up to do the challenge.

When I edited the first book I shrunk it from 50,000 words to about 25,000 words. There was a lot of extra stuff that made no sense. I was laughing when I read it, it was that absurd. 🙂 I imagine I will be more of a short Novella writer instead of a full novel writer.

Cheers to everyone doing the challenge!

Time to eat breakfast, waffles with peanut butter on it. Yum! 🙂

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