Girl in a Cage – DAY 2 of the Romance Bandits Invasion
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better – we have Day 2 of the Romance Bandit’s Invasion. 1 photograph, 4 new authors, 4 very different stories and brand new prizes. Authors Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy, Joan Kayse, Susan Sey and Chrisitne Wells choose ‘Girl in a Cage‘. Here are their vignettes based on the photo.
New day, new authors, new prizes. You could be eligible to win a Signed copy of THE DANGEROUS DUKE by Christine Wells, a signed copy of THE WILD SIGHT by Loucinda McGary, a Romance Bandits mousepad ( I want one of those), Godiva chocolate and a $15 Barnes & Noble card. One lucky person will be chosen, but you can enter more than once.
Vignette 1 by Loucinda McGary AKA Aunty Cindy!
“Let me out of here!” Caroline shrieked. She hooked her fingers through the open mesh of the wire and shook with all her might. “You can’t just treat me like I’m some kind of animal!”
Her captor turned dark, fathomless eyes in her direction and said nothing. Then he turned back to whatever it was on the tabletop that currently occupied his attention.
The lightest feather of a touch made Caroline jerk her head around to stare at the other occupant of the cage. A young man close to her own age, with honey-brown hair and cool blue eyes. A large purple bruise discolored one of his cheeks.
“You need to stop,” he advised in a low voice. “They don’t like it when you yell. Trust me, you’ll be sorry if you keep it up.”
Loucinda McGary, everyone’s irascible Aunty Cindy, likes to set her tales of romance and suspense in some of the wonderful places she has visited. Her current release THE WILD SIGHT is set in Northern Ireland, while her next release JEWELS OF THE MADONNA, set in Venice, will be available this Fall.
Vignette 2 by Joan Kayse
“How much for the female?”
Kira lifted her gaze at the low, rich baritone. It took every shred of her will to remain in the position of deference demanded by her captors as she looked through the cage at the tall, powerful man standing beside the slaver. Dressed in a tunic of fine woolen, he had the hard body of a warrior and the sinfully handsome face of a god.
“You have a keen eye,” smiled the toad charged with her sale, “She is a beauty.”
“I’m not so certain,” the man replied, raking her with a critical eye. “Her features are pleasant, her mouth generous. Her body shapely but one cannot know by looks alone.” He glanced over his shoulder and raised his brows. “May I?”
The slaver nodded and motioned Kira forward.
Kira shifted her gaze downward. Trembling, she stepped toward the wire and gasped as two strong, lean hands reached through and palmed her breasts.
“A bit small for my taste.”
“Marcus, you pompous ass,” Kira hissed, “I will not forget this!”
Joan Kayse has been writing toward publication for eight years. Her Roman historical The Patrician’s Desire was a 2006 Golden Heart finalist.
Vignette 3 by Susan Sey
Secret Service Agent Maria di Guzman–Goose to her friends–looked around with interest as the cage clanged shut behind her. So. This was the proverbial Mexican prison. Huh.
“Nice,” her new partner snapped. He glared at the filthy toilet bowl squatting in the corner. “Very nice. Was this part of your famous plan, Agent di Guzman?”
Goose sighed. Newbies. God. Why did she always have to break in the new guys? “Listen, Jason, don’t sweat it, okay? We’ll be out of here in no time.”
“What, you have another plan?”
She could have done without the sarcastic finger quotes.
“Watch and learn, junior.” She slicked her lips, threaded her fingers through the wire, and pitched her voice to a sultry alto. “Senor? Por favor?”
A man walked through the door and her breath stopped. She’d expected the lackey with the key ring. She had not expected this.
Susan Sey lives and writes in St. Paul, MN with her wonderful husband and two reasonably well-behaved children. A three-time Golden Heart finalist, she is looking forward to the July 2009 release of her first book, Money Honey, from Berkley Sensation.
Vignette 4 by Christine Wells
The cell was freezing but Jardine’s body burned. Louisa had bound his wound with strips from her petticoat, but bandages wouldn’t arrest infection. He’d be delirious with fever by dawn.
“I saw what they did to that girl.” Louisa’s voice was a thin scrape in the enveloping darkness. She took a shuddery breath. “They’ll torture me to make you talk. That’s what he meant, isn’t it?”
“I won’t let that happen.” Jardine attempted to rise and gasped at the pain that ripped through him. He sank back with gritted teeth, furious at his weakness. He was in no shape to fight them. They must find another way.
Skirts rustling, Louisa huddled down next to him on the floor, her trembling, scented softness pressed along his side. Squeezing his eyes shut, he inhaled her. God, how he wanted her, even now.
“Jardine?”
“Yes?”
“Will you do something for me?”
Christine Wells writes historical romance for Berkley Sensation. Her novels include SCANDAL’S DAUGHTER, THE DANGEROUS DUKE and WICKED LITTLE GAME (coming, July 2009).
Remember add a line to any or all of the vignettes and you are eligible to win a signed copy of THE DANGEROUS DUKE by Christine Wells, a signed copy of THE WILD SIGHT by Loucinda McGary, a Romance Bandits mousepad, Godiva chocolates, and a $15 Barnes & Noble card.
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Nancy Northcott
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 12:28 am:
Oooh, banditas! What very cool takes on this photo. I love them all. I’m teaching tomorrow, so I’ll be scarce for a while, but I can’t wait to see what everyone does with these.
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:22 am:
Hello Aunty Cindy, Joan, Susan, and Christine! These vignettes are a little tougher then yesterday, but I love a challenge…. *rubs hands together* here goes nothin’…
Vignette 1- There was something about the young man, something so familiar, she just couldn’t put a finger on it. Turning her vision back to her captor she said, “I can take care of myself… I’ve always taken care of myself, and I always will.”
Vignette 4- “What is it?” he asked. “Will you kiss me?” His eyes shot open, looking at Louisa, she was looking down a slow blush creeping up her neck. Oh how he loved when she blushed. Taking his pointer finger, he used it to lift up her chin, her crisp blue eyes sparkling like the night sky, slowly he lowered his lips to hers, the pain long forgotten.
okay… there’s 1 and 4…. I gotta do some brainstorming for 2 and 3… I shall return!
Jo Robertson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:43 am:
Ooooh, four more wonderful vignettes! Awesome story lines, ladies. Now come on, readers, keep those story endings coming. They were fabulous yesterday!
Aunty Cindy, such menace! Susan, Goose!!?? Love it!
Uh, Christine, I’m thinking I’ll do anything for Jardine. Joan, love the line “toad charged with her sale.” Bring on the Roman boys!!
Tawny Weber
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:46 am:
WOW! GREAT vignettes, gals. So intense. I’m panting to hear the next lines. C’mon, gang.
Bronwyn
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:47 am:
Number 3;
“Now it all makes sense,” Maria whispered.
Willing her heart to slow, and her breathing to stay even, she looked at the man she used to call ‘husband’.
Her plan turned to ashes as she realised her goose was well and truly cooked.
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:52 am:
Hey Nancy, I’m looking forward to this myself!
After yesterday, I think we may have a very difficult task picking a winner.
Do your best, or maybe your WORST, RNTV gang!
AC
Bronwyn
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:54 am:
Number 1;
“Well you better stand back then ’cause it’s about to get messy.” Caroline had no intention of going quietly. She didn’t know the meaning of the word.
I have to cook dinner so I’ll check back for 2 and 4;-) The brats are getting restless…
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:55 am:
Way to start us off, Dani!
AHA! So Caroline KNOWS the guy in the cage with her… I smell a conspiracy! Or maybe that’s the Godivas… YUM!
Can’t wait to see what you come up with for #2 & 3.
AC
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:59 am:
Thank you, Thank you, Jo-Mama!
You know what a true menace I can be when I try!
And leave it to our Smoov to name her heroine Goose! Wonder if the guy walking into the prison is the Golden Rooster?!?!
*SNORK*
AC
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:02 am:
ROFLOL, Bronwyn!
Goose realized her goose was well and truly cooked!
SO what’s for dinner?!?!
AC
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:05 am:
Uh oh, Bronwyn!
Is it about to get messy because Caroline has helped to cook Goose’s goose?!?!
The plots are thickening!
AC
Bronwyn
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:17 am:
I think I’m off goose! No poultry tonight. Good old rissoles and mash. (that’s mashed potato for the non-aussies)
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:22 am:
okay… here is 2 and 3….
Vignette 2- Jerking away from his touch she glanced up, anger evident in her deep blue eyes as she slowly backed away to the back of the cage…
Vignette 3- The man slowly walked up to the cage his cold, sinister eyes never leaving hers… she would never forget those eyes… those eyes of the man she loved years ago… her ex-fiance’s
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:22 am:
Thank you AC
I have a feeling for number 3 that PJ is gonna do another humorous entry like her “granny hang gliding incident” LOL
kh
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:23 am:
#3 anyting you want iam at your command
Bronwyn
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:28 am:
You could have a best seller with this one Joan…
number 2;
Marcus turned to the toad, fighting the urge to laugh out loud. Kira and her big mouth had got herself in this mess, he had to make sure she learned a lesson for next time.
“I’ll take her, but I want her stripped and washed first.”
He met Kira’s angry stare head on. Unflinching, he winked at her and then walked away.
It was time for a beer!
Minna
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 3:30 am:
1. “Well, we’ll see about that.” Caroline had no intention of staying as a prisoner a moment longer.
2. Marcus merely smirked and whispered “aw, now you are really scaring me.” He turned towards the toad. “I might buy her, after all. How much?”
3. “That scumbag was supposed to be dead,” she thought. “Well, well, well. Long time, no see, miss Guzman.”
Helen
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 3:38 am:
I will give it a go
1. Caroline bent down and asked her new friend “how are we going to get out of here” do you have any ideas
2. Play along Kira, Marcus whispered and I will get you out then you can repay me he said with a smile and I am sure you will forget my comment.
3. What a hunk! This is going to be a harder seduction than I first thought but a more enjoyable one
4. Depends on what you want Louisa. Trust me and we will get out of here.
I do love these
Have Fun
Helen
Alison
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 3:55 am:
#1 “Yeah, well you’re not me!.” She turned back. If only the creep would move to the left a little- Yeah, there we go. She shook her head in disgust. “Hey, idiot, trump it with the ace.”
#2 A slow smile shaped his lips. Ardent eyes glowed back at her as curious fingers roamed freely. “You’re not the only one.”
#3 Rage boiled within. So this was where her lazy son-of-a-bitch ex was getting all his money from! She should have known.
#4 “Will you please get off my foot. You’re awfully heavy.”
Bronwyn
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:36 am:
number 4;
“I want you to kiss me,” he groaned and pulled her tighter even though the effort nearly killed him. “I want to taste you one more time before we both leave this earth.”
This was the hardest one for me by far! Well done Christine.
Anna Sugden
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:44 am:
Wow! Great job, Banditas! Both yesterday’s and today’s are awesome. I”m so proud of you all!
I’m really impressed with our visitors too – great follow-on’s. Can’t wait to see what else you all come up with.
Christine Wells
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:33 am:
Hi Marisa and Maria and all the RNTVers! Thanks so much for having us here this week. Oops, nearly posted as Anna Campbell. Anna has been at my house, playing on the computer today.
AC, Smoov, Joanie T, I bow before your greatness! What brilliant vignettes. I’m in awe.
I’m loving these responses, too!
ah, Dani, you are a true romantic. Nice kiss!
Hi Bronwyn from Oz! Are you one of the Bs from ROMAUS or a different Bronwyn? And if you are a B which B are you?
Helen, love your answers, too. This is great. I’m so glad everyone has joined in the spirit of the thing.
Alison, snork about the get off my foot line. Actually, that sounds a lot like Louisa, come to think of it.
These are all so good, I’m glad I don’t have to choose a winner.
Marisa
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:39 am:
Good morning and welcome AC, Joan, Susan and Christine – Wow, Girl in a Cage! Love these. And already such great follow ups. I’m going to be hard pressed to give it a go.
Before my day starts, and before I’ve had my morning coke I’m going to start with # 3
The man she had hunted for four long years smiled as he took the keys from his pocket. “I thought you were long gone by now” she hissed. He laughed and put the key in the lock, “I’ve never been far away, I’ve always been right were you needed me”.
Christine Wells
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:21 am:
Hi Minna, lovely to see you here! Ooh, I like #3. Bronwyn, you have a run for your money here!
KH, did you mean your answer as an ending for #4? Because I can see that happening for my vignette, too.
Ooh, nice bit of conflict there, Marisa. Great answer for Susan’s vignette!
Well, I shall retire for the evening but I’ll be back to check out all our entries. Woohoo!! Can’t believe the number of comments we had yesterday!
Margay Leah Justice
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:53 am:
1. “Oh, no,” Caroline said, “they’ll be sorry if they don’t let me go.”
2. Marcus just smiled and said, “Neither will I, love. Neither will I.”
3. “Oh, my god.” Her breath left her body in a rush. “It’s you.”
4. “Anything you wish.”
Caren Crane
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 7:07 am:
Oh, these are marvelous! No wonder I love hanging out with you guys. Too clever by half! AC, your heroine is as saucy as you are.
Joanie, I love that you got your Romans in there – and a slave sale to boot! 
Susan, I love your spunky, kick-arse Goose! And Christine, thank you for the glimpse of Jardine! *swoon* I LOVED him in The Dangerous Duke. Poor Louisa, denying herself all these years. Thank you! I can’t wait to see what everyone does with these. They are already so good. Alison, I love the evil ex!
Beth Andrews
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 8:51 am:
Wow! I’m once again blown away by all the talent – both the vignettes and ending lines! You all are amazing *g* I can’t wait to read more
Suzanne Welsh
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 8:59 am:
Great posts, ladies! I read them between deliveries last night, and my co workers were amazed at how different each one was for the same picture. But what really amazes me is how each of your special interests, (paranormal, Roman historical, contemporary and regency historical) came out in your vingettes!! Fantastic job!! Can’t wait to see the continuations when I get up!
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:26 am:
Good morning all!
I wake up to 4 inches of sleet and snow and another day of FANTASTIC endings!
Dani, girl are you a writer? Because if you’re not, you should be! I love the spirited response of CAroline “I can take care of myself!”
Brownyn (whether you are THE B or another B) LOL on the “Goose was cooked”, LOL, too funny. And thank you about the best seller…I’m doing my darndest and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your line for Marcus. It fits PERFECT with his character.
Alison also love the roaming fingers as Marcus responds. The cad…..taking advantage while he can
Helen, you really captured the mischievous tone of the characters
Marisa! Great conflict on Goose’s story! I REALLY want to read the rest. Either you or Susan have to write it..NOW.
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:36 am:
Joanie T- Thank you!
I’m not a writer… but I have been thinking about it a lot lately… I’m just not entirely sure how/where to get started…
Trish Milburn
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:50 am:
Wow, these are awesome vignettes. Isn’t it interesting how 4 people can see the same photo and come up with totally different stories?
Kay Thomas
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:07 am:
This is addictive but very fun!
#3
“Surprised to see me, babe?”
Her throat tightened as her old partner stepped closer. There was no warmth in his gaze, yet he was still as devastatingly handsome as he’d been the last time she’d seen him. That horrible, horrible night in Paris.
“B..But I saw you..you’re dead.”
“You’re not that good a shot, Maria. Don’t you know I’m harder to kill than that?”
Kay Thomas
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:07 am:
This is addictive but very fun!
#3
“Surprised to see me, babe?”
Her throat tightened as her old partner stepped closer. There was no warmth in his gaze, yet he was still as devastatingly handsome as he’d been the last time she’d seen him. That horrible, horrible night in Paris.
“B..But I saw you..you’re dead.”
“You’re not that good a shot, Maria. Don’t you know I’m harder to kill than that?”
janeybooks
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:11 am:
Yet four more great vignettes. I’m going to have think hard on these. Girl in a Cage, just the title alone gives me all kinds of thoughts.
#1. “And what do they like?” she replied as she snatched the feather from his hand. A feather that suddenly began to grow.
#2. “I’m sure you won’t and neither will I, but you’ll have to thank me later, for now do as your told and we’ll both get out of here alive.” Marcus has not removed his hands from her breast the entire time and Kira new that any minute now she was going to reach down low and show him what an unwanted touch felt like.
#3. Seeing the man she killed almost 10 years ago walk through that door had her heart stopping. It couldn’t be him. She knew then and there that there was no escape.
#4. Will you marry me? I need to know before I leave this earth that you are truly mine.
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:16 am:
A feather? Ooooooo…janeybooks…interesting. I don’t suppose it fell off of PJ’s hang gliding granny? OR..or MAYBE it’s the Golden Rooster!
And way to go Kira! Show Marcus he doesn’t have the er, upper hand
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:28 am:
Ooooh, Bronwyn, I love it! You’ve cooked my goose!
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:29 am:
Dani! An ex-fiance for #3! Wonderful! I have to admit, I had no idea who came through the door. I’m loving all these suggestions!
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:32 am:
kh wrote: #3 anyting you want iam at your command
Ooooh, I like the sound of that. But who’s giving anything he/she wants to whom??
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:33 am:
Minna wrote: “That scumbag was supposed to be dead,” she thought. “Well, well, well. Long time, no see, miss Guzman.”
Ha! The nemesis! Is he a hot nemesis, or more truly scummy? I vote hot, myself…
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:34 am:
Helen wrote: What a hunk! This is going to be a harder seduction than I first thought but a more enjoyable one
Anything (or anybody) worth having is worth working for, I say.
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:36 am:
Alison wrote: #3 Rage boiled within. So this was where her lazy son-of-a-bitch ex was getting all his money from! She should have known.
A cheating, no-good ex! And rich, to boot. Illegally rich, while poor Goose rots in a Mexican prison with a snot-nosed newbie partner. Good stuff!
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:39 am:
Marisa wrote: The man she had hunted for four long years smiled as he took the keys from his pocket. “I thought you were long gone by now” she hissed. He laughed and put the key in the lock, “I’ve never been far away, I’ve always been right were you needed me”.
Oh, I love this one. I have such a soft spot for the alpha hero who’s just maddenlying capable while the heroine digs herself in deeper & deeper. Only later on in the book, the heroine has to find her stride while he loses his. That makes me smile every time.
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:40 am:
Margay wrote: 3. “Oh, my god.” Her breath left her body in a rush. “It’s you.”
Yes indeed. You.
But who’s you? That’s what I’d like to know.
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:42 am:
Kay wrote: “B..But I saw you..you’re dead.”
“You’re not that good a shot, Maria. Don’t you know I’m harder to kill than that?”
Oh, Kay, that’s awesome! Not only a troubled past relationship but she tried to kill him? Good stuff!
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:44 am:
Janeybooks wrote: #3. Seeing the man she killed almost 10 years ago walk through that door had her heart stopping. It couldn’t be him. She knew then and there that there was no escape.
Nice! I love the impossible past angle on this one. Nothing like a closed chapter of your life reopening itself at the most inconvenient possible moment to get a book started off right!
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:48 am:
Just wanted to say thanks to Maria & Marisa for hosting us this week & to all the RNTVers joining us! It’s such a cool community to be part of, & the creative energy here is astounding! Can’t wait to see how things develop over the course of the day, especially since my partners today conjured up such unique & amazing jumping off points.
Arianna
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:50 am:
#2
“Nor will I,” he whispered in her ear, his breath warm and teasing sent shivers through her body. Not a shiver in terror, but something more dangerous. “And here you said I would never touch you.” He turned back to the slaver. “Have her sent to my chambers immediately.”
Arianna
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:59 am:
Caroline rolled her eyes. “Puh-lease. They’ll be sorry if they keep me cooped up.” She smiled, the silver fangs she usually tried to keep hidden poking from beneath her lips. “Very sorry.”
Donna MacMeans
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:05 am:
THese are great! Amazing what you captured with just 150 words.
Kate Carlisle
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:08 am:
Wow, these four vignettes are fantastic, too! Way to go, Banditas! And thanks again to Maria and Marisa for allowing us to invade once again!
The endings are great! They’re flying fast and furious! I love Bronwyn’s tag for Susan’s. And janeybooks, wow! Adding all sorts of vewwy interesting complications to Goose’s life! I’ll be back soon to read more.
Vicki
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:10 am:
Yesterday I was good and kept each one to one line. Today…not so much, but I’m having a blast doing these and reading all the others. So glad I’m not judging them.
Vignette 1 by Loucinda McGary AKA Aunty Cindy!
“Yeah, likes that’s going to happen.” Caroline’s iced blue eyes slid back to her captor. “So they don’t like yelling, well let’s see what they think about this.” With that she threw back her head and what stared as a soft purr, revived to an ear shattering roar as the pads of her now paws slammed the wire.
The young man behind her, shook his head, a nervous twitch in his right arm began as he took a step backwards and sighed. “That’s why you’re here.”
Vignette 2 by Joan Kayse
Laughter bellowed from Marcus. “She has spunk, I like that. Not that I’ll allow it for long, but a short game would be entertaining, don’t you think?” He turned back to the slaver, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “She doesn’t dress as we, from where what ransacked village did she come?”
“Aye, but we didn’t take her. She wandered into the courtyard demanding to see the person of charge.”
Kira groaned and their attention returned to the raven haired beauty. “I’m not a slave and I don’t belong here. My ship is in need of repair—”
The two men stared at her as if she was nuts, but it was the salver who responded. “Tis no water to bring a ship close enough to our land.” His eyes darkened, his hand reaching for the whip. “Mayhaps, you’re a spy sent by King Iros.”
Holy Mother of the Goddess, where am I.
Vignette 3 by Susan Sey
“Yes, Senorita, did you wish for…something? We could leave your friend to play with the rats, while we enjoy each others company, eh?”
The deep baritone voice sent shivers skirting along her spine. She was face to face with the biggest suspected warlord in all of Mexico. Instead of fear licking at her belly, she felt the hot sensation of want traveling through her, landing in a moist heap between her thighs. She was in trouble.
Vignette 4 by Christine Wells
“If it’s within my power.”
“You must pretend to hate me, the very sight of me, must make you ill.”
Louisa’s feather soft touch cooled his brow in the darkness. Hate her? How could he when he’s loved her for as long as he could remember. “I can not.”
The soft escaping her lips was barley audible. “Then we shall both die.”
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:10 am:
Wow Arianna…..Kira should have remembered that paybacks are…..hades
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:22 am:
Awesome, Vicki!
It is hard to keep it to one line. My original vignette had 230 plus words. Good lesson in editing but hard to do when there is so much at stake for the characters.
Keep them coming ya’ll!
Arianna
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:47 am:
#3
A man walked through the door and her breath stopped. She’d expected the lackey with the key ring. She had not expected this.
“Si, Senora?” the voice, rich and deep sent her heart racing. “No way.”
“Senora?” Jason asked, incredulity lacing his voice.
“Yes.” The man leaned in, his nose brushing against the dark wire of their cage. There was no mistaking the cobalt eyes that met hers. “She’s my wife.”
Arianna
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:54 am:
Okay. I am fixing my #3 because I am a perfectionist by nature:
A man walked through the door and her breath stopped. She’d expected the lackey with the key ring. She had not expected this.
“Si, Senora?” the voice, rich and deep sent her heart racing.
“No way,” she breathed out in disbelief.
“Senora?” Jason asked, incredulity lacing his voice.
“Yes.” The man leaned in, his nose brushing against the dark wire of their cage. There was no mistaking the cobalt eyes that met hers. “She’s my
Arianna
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:56 am:
Oh man! too long I guess!
A man walked through the door and her breath stopped. She’d expected the lackey with the key ring. She had not expected this.
“Si, Senora?” the voice, rich and deep sent her heart racing. “No way.”
“Senora?” Jason asked, incredulity lacing his voice.
“Yes.” The man leaned in, his nose brushing against the dark wire of their cage. There was no mistaking the cobalt eyes that met hers. “She’s my wife.”
Promise that’s the last one
Claudy
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:58 am:
These are all so wonderful. I’m having so much fun reading them.
#1. Caroline was in shock. Could Jake actually be here? “Jake, how did you get here, what are you doing here?” You were suppose to be safe with your wife and 3 kids back in Idaho. Did I risk it all for nothing?”
#2. Marcus laughed long and hard before he took his hands from her breasts. This made Kira want to reach through the bars and slap that smile off his face. “What do you want?” she screamed.
“Why my dear, I thought that was obvious”.
#3. ‘Por Favor”, had she just said por favor? Out loud? She wouldn’t beg a favor from this man if her life depended on it. She wouldn’t even spit on him if he was on fire. What the hell was he doing here anyway.
#4. “I would do anything for you, you know that Louisa. But I’m not sure how long I can stay awake. You must listen to me, hush, and listen to me. We don’t have much time. They’ll be here soon. Go to the far wall and remove the third brick from the left. You’ll find the key my brothers have hidden. They always think to be prepared when my father is involved. And believe me my father’s stench is all over this mess.”
Arianna
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 12:04 pm:
Ahh phooey… oh well… It still didn’t turn out the way I wanted.
Here’s # 4
“What is it, my dear?” He would do anything within his power to please her.
“Let them take me.”
A burst of anger and despair mingled with the pain. “No,” he bellowed. “I will not.”
Rachel
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 12:05 pm:
looky, looky. I can’t believe such different stories from one photograph. I’m having a blast reading them all and it makes me want to read the rest.
#3 To think Noah would have been involved in this. She hadn’t seen or spoken to him in over five years and now he comes waltzing through the door as if they were sitting at her mother’s kitchen table. But that wasn’t even the half of it, he looked good. Damn good. She knew she was in trouble.
cheryl c.
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 12:19 pm:
Wow, another fun day!
#1 – Trust you? Trusting a MAN is what got me in here in the first place!
#2 – Marcus looked at her coldly and said, “No, I don’t see anything I want…not anymore.” As he turned to walk away, Kara yelled after him, “You can’t just leave me here!”
Marcus stopped, and knowing he had her exactly where he wanted her, he said “What will you do for me if I get you out of here?” Kara willed herself to look humble as she said, “Anything.”
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 12:23 pm:
Kira would have to will herself to look humble. She’s too full of pride to grovel…but she’s not stupid either. Good job cheryl
Becke/Treethyme
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:01 pm:
Vignette #1:
“Why did they capture you?” she asked, hesitantly. “Why are you here?”
“The same reason you are,” he said, his cool blue eyes darkening to the color of a stormy sea. “The bastards want us to mate.”
Becke/Treethyme
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:06 pm:
Vignette #2: The guard raised his eyebrows. “You know the prisoner?” His hand moved to his sword.
“Unfortunately.”
Kira began plotting all the hundreds of ways she could kill Marcus, just as soon as he set her free. Why was he wasting time?
“So are you going to pay the price or not?” the guard asked belligerently.
Marcus looked her over, as if she was a slab of meat hanging in the butcher’s window. “I’ll have to think about it,” he said, looking her right in the eye. “I’m thinking a mute slave might have some attractions. Let’s see what else you’ve got on offer.”
Forget murder. She was going to eviscerate him while he still lived.
Jo Robertson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:15 pm:
Browyn, cool how you brought the “goose” back in!
Ah ha, AC, maybe there’s be a clash of the titans with the GOOSE against the GOLDEN ROOSTER! Anyone want to take bets?
Jo Robertson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:20 pm:
Hi, Minna, I love your Marcus one. You adhere well to Miss Joanie’s Roman theme. Hmmm, nothing quite like a bought woman. Except maybe a bought man?
Way to play, Helen!
Alison, I love the “get off my foot” one, such a great contemporary line for an historical!
Jo Robertson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:27 pm:
Wow, Vicki, super endings!
Ooooh, Adrianna, I like the change you made, to leave the mystery of it. Well done!
K. Nelson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:30 pm:
#1….
“Oh they don’t, do they?” Caroline smirked at her cellmate and then closed her eyes in concentration.
Let’s see what they think about this….she thought as her mind went to the quiet place before she began to make the change. Her body began to feel hot and she began to shiver as if she had a fever and was both warm and cold at the same time.
Then….she began to fade from the cage.
The young man with cool blue eyes watched as she disappeared from the cage and began to quietly reappear behind the hunched over back of their captor. When Caroline was back in her human form, she looked at the young man in the cage and winked…then she tapped on the shoulder of their captor.
Karin
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:42 pm:
Aw, janeybrooks beat me to the feather. Oh well, it pays to have alternate endings. lol
Vignette 1:
“What they like doesn’t matter to me. Getting out of here does.” Caroline returned her attention to her captor and began yelling, though her yells were cut short by her laughter when he turned with what appeared to be a Tinkerbell look alike resting in his palm glaring at her.
“Now you’ve done it,” her brother said, moving further back in the cell they shared to avoid the wrath of the pixie.
Vignette 2:
“Then I’ve made my point,” he whispered fiercely. He forced a chuckle for their audience as he tweaked her nipples before releasing her.
Vignette 3:
The man was old enough to be her grandfather, and there were just some things she wouldn’t do, even if it meant an overnight stay in the disgusting cell with her new partner, who was far from disgusting.
Vignette 4:
“Anything.”
Louisa nibbled on her lower lip, concern for him eating at her. “You need to get up. I think I know a way to get out of here, if you can just move quietly.”
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:43 pm:
Oh, these are WONDERFUL! Way to go Banditas! And what marvelous “next lines” from everyone. Helen and Bronwyn and Vicki and K. Nelson…well, everyone. Becke, eviscerate is a great word, isn’t it? One of my favorites. Bwah-ha-ha! Tells you why I write Romantic Suspense, right? It’s right up there with defenestrate (throw out a window) and exanguiante (bleed out) for fun words of the day. Grins.
As someone else said, it’s amazing how different “voices” come through and you can put this in any time, place or setting and come up with such varied stories. It’s just fabulous!
Can’t wait to see what else everyone comes up with. Oh, and Dani, if you’re thinking of writing, you couldn’t be in better company than you are! That and joining your local RWA chapter and National will stand you in good stead as you begin to write. :>
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:45 pm:
Oooooh, K.Nelson I lurve that next ending for #1! Way to go!
Kate Carlisle
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:47 pm:
Bronwyn, fabulous ending for Joanie’s Marcus!! And you’re so right, she will be a bestseller!
Vicki — Wowza!!! Great twists and turns on all your endings. I love that #1 turned into a pussy cat! #4 is very intriguing and your end to #3 is just plain yummy!!
Cheryl, wow, you’ve stirred up some conflict with Kira and Marcus! Great job!
Everyone’s amazing, so far!! And I’m still reading!
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:52 pm:
Becke, I love some mating…..um for purely scientific purposes. ;-D
And man Ms. Kira turning a bit rapid. I think that makes the conflict sizzle…..Um, probably shouldn’t mention sizzle in the same situation as eviscerate :-0
Karin turning the emotion of the scene back on Marcus. Love it!
Dani, I couldn’t agree with Jeanne more. (And I agree with her most of the time). If you…any of you…are interested in pursing writing, find a local RWA chapter and WRITE!
Christie Kelley
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:56 pm:
Great vignettes, ladies! I need to go through all the comments now.
terrio
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 1:59 pm:
I’m loving all these different takes on the same picture. And it’s cool how everyone’s style and voice come through in just these little snippets. And what great stuff y’all have added.
K. Nelson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:08 pm:
#2…………
Marcus threw his head back and his deep laughter rolled out.
Kira stared at him in disbelief and incredulity as she self consciously crossed her arms over her chest and then realized what she was doing and punched her fists down by her sides. She straightened her posture and held her head up high. Her tongue ran over her smooth teeth as she seethed anger at Marcus.
Oh, he will definitely pay for this….tonight in her chambers. When she was home again in her chambers, she would summon him to her. He’d pay for toying with his superior like this. After all, what good was it being a Princess if you couldn’t demand pleasure from your royal subjects?
Marcus turned to the slaver and asked, “Good Lord man, don’t you know who this woman is that you hold captive?” The toad-like slaver began to look uncomfortable and his eyes darted back and forth between Marcus and Kira.
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:09 pm:
May I just say WOW!!!
You’ve all been having TOO MUCH FUN with these endings.
Christine, I have bad news for you Madame. You ARE going to have to help pick the winner, and it looks like it will be a VERY tough choice! ACK!
Thanx again to Maria and Marisa for inviting us to invade! This is such a blast!
It IS amazing how the four of us took such entirely different slants (as the Forest Girls did yesterday). We purposely did not share our vignettes with each other so that we would not be influenced and we definitely were NOT!
AC
Becke/Treethyme
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:21 pm:
Vignette #3: “You would not believe how much trouble we’ve had trying to find you,” griped Ed McMahon.
A flashy smile quickly replaced his frown as a young guy with a TV camera braced on his shoulder wedged past him. Two perky cheerleader-types nudged in beside McMahon in the narrow hallway. They walked next to each other in small sideways steps, like Penguin Barbies, balancing a huge cardboard check between them.
Maria’s eyes goggled at the number of zeroes on the check, barely able to make sense of the words that burst out of McMahon’s toothy mouth. “Maria di Guzman,” he announced with forced glee. “You are the winner of the Publisher’s Clearing House grand prize of ONE MILLION DOLLARS.” Under his breath, she heard him mutter, “Less the cost of this trip to Mexico, of course.”
Huh. She reached through the wire cage to trace the big black numbers. “So are you planning to let me out of here?”
McMahon looked uncomfortable. “Well, Ms. di Guzman — ”
“Agent Guzman,” she corrected, unable to stop herself.
“The thing is…it’s not quite that simple.”
Shit. The words of the immortal Rosanne Rosanadanna flashed through her head. “It just goes to show you, it’s always something.”
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:25 pm:
ROTFLMAO, Becke!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, my God that is hilarious! Susan aka Smoov Goose will LOVE it!!
And dang, AC, I FORGOT we’d have to choose ONE….I don’t know if I can!!!! I know, I’ll unwrap the Godiva and mail one piece to everyone…
Ed McMahon….ROTF….
Becke/Treethyme
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 2:37 pm:
Vignette #4: “Will you lie to me?”
Jardine froze, certain he’d misheard Louisa’s whispered request. “I’m sorry?”
“Lie to me, Christophe,” she said, gripping the torn fabric of his waistcoat urgently.
He shuddered at her use of his given name. It seemed a foolish request for a possibly dying woman to make — what would it hurt to humor her? “As you wish, but I’m not sure I understand –”
“Tell me that we will live through this,” she insisted, her voice fervent. “Tell me that we will have the most talked about wedding of the year, that we will move to the country and raise spoiled children who will be constantly underfoot, driving us mad with their demands for attention. You will love them desperately, but our daughter will secretly be your favorite. But, even then, you will love me more.”
Jardine could picture it so clearly, he could almost believe it would all come true. And so he granted Louisa her wish.
He lied.
Becke/Treethyme
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 3:04 pm:
Hmm. Got that wrong. It was Jardine possibly dying, not Louisa. Oh well.
Virgina H
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 3:11 pm:
Vignette 1 He was right, they came and got me and tortured me.
Vignette 2 If I ever get out of here I will kill you and thats a promise.
Vignette 3 The man that walked in was the last partner that she had trained. Why does he have me caged?
Vignette 4 Make love to me before I die, and promise me you won’t let them torture you, tell the truth.
K. Nelson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 3:11 pm:
#3……….
In walked the most beautiful man on earth, Goose was sure of it. She was also sure that she’d have to come up with another plan other than simply flirting her way out of the cage as she’d planned to do.
Goose knew this man who stood in front of her with only the cage bars separating them. He was the man who had taught her everything she knew about being an agent including how to escape from a situation like this one. He was the same man who had taught her everything she knew about making love….and, in time, everything she knew about a broken heart.
He stared back at her face and his eyes roved down her body taking in each detail. Just as he always did, he made her feel a heat begin to pool inside her. It was hard to think…to concentrate when he was around. He was the only man that she’d ever given her heart to and now look where it had gotten her.
Then, he smiled at her and his voice purred out…”honey, I’m home….”
She blinked back at him and felt herself break out in a cold sweat. The man who held her captive was her husband.
Nancy Northcott
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 3:39 pm:
These are all great conclusions! And so different from each other. I’m glad I don’t have to pick the winner.
Joan, sorry about the weather. At least you have this fun thing while you’re stuck indoors.
Dani, what Duchesse said about the writing thing–if you’re interested, you should act.
Bronwyn, I hope the kids are fed and happy!
Cassondra Murray
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:02 pm:
Way to go ladies!
All four of these are fantastic!
Alison said:
“Will you please get off my foot. You’re awfully heavy.”
SNORK! Hot tea on the keyboard! I love it!
LOVE the different endings to all these. Everybody keep going, I’m having a great time reading these. We’re iced over in Kentucky–no cell phones, and sparse interent….y’all cross your fingers that the phone lines don’t go down, cuz I wanna keep reading!
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:08 pm:
How do I go about joining a local RWA chapter? Do I just go to the RWA website and fill out the application to join and pay the fee? Like I said I’m not entirely sure of how/where to get started lol
Becke/Treethyme
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:09 pm:
Cassondra — we’re practically neighbors. I’m in Cincinnati, looking at all the snow out my window. Looks like rain or sleet coming down right now. Ugh. But it’s better than the minus eighteen degrees that Chicago had when I was up there a few weeks ago!
I’ve been sending this link to my friends — this is too much fun!
Caren Crane
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:10 pm:
Dani, in order to join a local RWA chapter, you must first join RWA national. It’s at http://www.rwanational.org. I hope you join. Romance writing is the most fun ever!
Caren Crane
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:11 pm:
K. Nelson, you’re endings are wonderful! And Becke, you are cracking me up. Are you trying to one-up PJ and the flying granny?
It’s working!
Caren Crane
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:13 pm:
Cassondra and Joan, stay warm in frozen Kentucky today! We have dreary rain and 40 degrees. Pfft! It’s supposed to be 64 tomorrow, then back down to freezing at night. No wonder we’re all sick!
The endings are definitely spew-worthy, I must say. I’ve managed not to snork water on my keyboard, but it’s been close!
Jo Robertson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:17 pm:
Karin, a wrathful pixie! How cool!
K. Nelson, that just gave me chills, a la the Jack Nicholas movie, “Daddy’s home!”
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:20 pm:
That’s what I thought Caren, Thanks for comfirming it! I’m definately going to think about joining
Susan Sey
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:26 pm:
Oooh, Vicki–very hot! I like it!
Arianna–Something about the ’she’s my wife’ line gets me every time.
Rachel–I love the way you’ve implied that they go all the way to being kids together, sitting around her mother’s kitchen table. Puts a great spin on the trouble with the boy next door.
Karin–Ew, the grandfather.
Yeah, I’d take the whiney boy in the cell over a grandpa myself.
Becke/treethyme–Ed McMahon? She won the lottery?? Ha! I love it!
Virginia H–Oooh, I like the twist the the former protege now has the upper hand…
K Nelson–”…everything she knew about making love, & eventually everything she knew about a broken heart…” This is a GREAT line.
Cassondra Murray
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:31 pm:
Dani, if you go to the RWA website, there should be a list of local chapters. Usually you can attend a meeting or two before you join, to see how you like it. That might be a good introduction, and you can get to know other writers in your area that way, too.
Cassondra Murray
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:33 pm:
treethyme said:
Cassondra — we’re practically neighbors. I’m in Cincinnati, looking at all the snow out my window. Looks like rain or sleet coming down right now. Ugh. But it’s better than the minus eighteen degrees that Chicago had when I was up there a few weeks ago!
Oh, yeah. I’ll take Southern KY over Chicago any day. People go on about what a fun city it is, but I don’ t think I could put up with that weather! The few days of extreme cold we get down here each year are PLENTY for me.
Keira Soleore
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:38 pm:
I’m the star of JoanieT’s story. Ooh la la, if I say so myself. (preen)
#1
“And just who do you think you are?” hissed Caroline.
The young man smiled. “His son,” he said pointing outside the cage.
#2
“You know this man?” charged the toad.
Kira and Marcus did not answer. They were too busy anhilating each other with their eyes.
The toad insinuated between them. “Then you know he’s no prince among men,” he whined. “I, on the other hand, am a prince, and only need a kiss to prove it.”
#3
The man came to a sudden stop, his attention rivetted on Jason. “Today is your lucky day, cutie.” His voice dropped to a persuasive baritone, “Come here.”
#4
His silence was answer enough. He would always be there for her, even now in so much pain. For a minute, she could not speak. How she loved this man.
Cassondra Murray
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:38 pm:
Kay wrote:
“Surprised to see me, babe?”
Her throat tightened as her old partner stepped closer. There was no warmth in his gaze, yet he was still as devastatingly handsome as he’d been the last time she’d seen him. That horrible, horrible night in Paris.
“B..But I saw you..you’re dead.”
“You’re not that good a shot, Maria. Don’t you know I’m harder to kill than that?”
Kay, I love this. What a great twist!
Cassondra Murray
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:40 pm:
Keira wrote:
“And just who do you think you are?” hissed Caroline.
The young man smiled. “His son,” he said pointing outside the cage.
Whoa, Keira! Nice!
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:42 pm:
Cassondra- I was just checking that out and both the chapters that are in Minnesota are both about 3 hours from me LOL … that’s gonna be quite a drive
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:45 pm:
I agree Cassondra. LOVE the twist for #1 Kiera!
LOL, at the kissing a toad/prince thing…..been there. Done that. Didn’t bother with the T-shirt.
Trish Milburn
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 4:54 pm:
I posted it on yesterday’s post but thought I’d post here too since everyone is hanging here today…
Okay, after much deliberation, we’ve chosen PJ and her hang-gliding granny as Monday’s winner. PJ, drop me an e-mail at trishmilburn AT yahoo DOT com with your address so I can pass it on.
However, since we had so many good entries and since we were kicking off the week and we appreciate all the participation, we’re giving a secondary prize of a copy of Anna’s Tempt the Devil and my A Firefighter in the Family to Nikki Logan. Nikki, please e-mail me with your address.
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:02 pm:
Congrats to both PJ and Nikki! You both deserve it!
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:21 pm:
GOOD GRIEF!!!
So far Caroline has been a vampire who shape shifts into a lioness who can turn invisible and teleport thru the wire cage to trump the evil captor at cards, and she is NOT afraid of pixies!
Talk about your multi-talented heroine! But I notice that NOBODY assumes she will remain quietly caged…
AC
who had no idea her heroine was so versatile!
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:28 pm:
Claudy said: #1. Caroline was in shock. Could Jake actually be here? “Jake, how did you get here, what are you doing here?” You were suppose to be safe with your wife and 3 kids back in Idaho. Did I risk it all for nothing?”
OOOOOO! Nice one! Caroline was involved with a MARRIED MAN?!?!?!
Oh wait, Karin said he was her brother, who was wimping out over a PIXIE!
You guys are just too good!
AC
Marisa
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:30 pm:
My oh my, Becke you had me rolling on the floor with Ed!
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:31 pm:
Becke/Treetyme said: “Why did they capture you?” she asked, hesitantly. “Why are you here?”
“The same reason you are,” he said, his cool blue eyes darkening to the color of a stormy sea. “The bastards want us to mate.”
MATE?!?!!? OMG! Way to throw in the twist, Becke!!! And um…. Are we about to tread into Erotica territory now? Where is Sandy Blair from yesterday with the 501 jeans’ button?!?!
AC
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:34 pm:
cheryl c said: #1 – Trust you? Trusting a MAN is what got me in here in the first place!
Yes, this truly sums it ALL up!
WTG!
AC
K. Nelson
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:37 pm:
#4………
She hesitated….swallowed….looked down and then said, “Will you call to him?”
“Who?” Jardine replied as he wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead. He’d been hurt before but this time it was different. He could feel his strength slipping away quickly and he knew that they didn’t have much time before he was too weak to make a move.
She remained silent. He looked up and when he made eye contact with her, she looked away as if embarrassed or ashamed.
He knew then what she was asking…..
“No!” he said harshly, causing her to jump. He instantly regretted startling her but he would not…he could not do what she was suggesting. He’d promised his mother that he’d never do that.
“But its the only way…” Louisa pleaded, her voice trembling.
He looked down at himself and knew that he must look worse than he felt if she was even asking this of him. He realized then that she must be scared beyond belief.
He shook his head. He couldn’t think clearly with the pain and her pleading…he couldn’t protect her.
“He could help us escape….”
“Louisa,” he interupted “if he comes, I’ll die.”
“But we can still be together…..we can get out of here….”
Jardine smiled at her…a hopeless smile. “Louisa, my brother is a vampire. If he comes, he’ll have to turn me in order to save me. Then, we’ll never be together. You don’t understand what you’re asking.”
She touched his arm and he felt the warmth of her skin.
“I understand completely, my love. That’s why I’ve summoned him for you.”
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:41 pm:
Keira said: “And just who do you think you are?” hissed Caroline.
The young man smiled. “His son,” he said pointing outside the cage.
OMG! ANOTHER great twist!
You people really know how to make a decision IMPOSSIBLE!!!
Now if ONLY Ed McMahon and his gigantic check would show up HERE! Then we could ALL BE WINNERS!
AC
Becke/Treethyme
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:54 pm:
Oh, yesterday’s hang gliding granny was the winner, hands down — loved it!
Kate Carlisle
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 5:58 pm:
Congrats to PJ and her hang-gliding granny!!! And Nikki, congrats to you, too!! It must’ve been close to impossible to pick yesterday’s winner, and I think today’s judges will have an even tougher time. These endings are phenomenal!!
Dani, RWA also has online chapters you can join and they give a lot of support, too. But it’s nice to spend quality face time with fellow writers once in awhile, too.
Good luck!
cheryl c.
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:08 pm:
I am back, and I am thoroughly entertained by all the new entries. So many creative people! I tried 1 and 2 this morning, and now I will have a go at 3 and 4.
#3 – She stared at the man before her. This was her husband. Her DEAD husband. He had been killed during an undercover assignment…or so she thought. His eyes bore into hers as he gave a little shake of his head. A warning not to say anything, not to give him away.
#4 – Stay alive for me. I need you…I need you to tell me the secret because I am going to use that to bargain for our lives.
PJ
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:10 pm:
I’m fighting off a cold today and nursing a split lip so I really needed something to brighten my day. Granny and I thank you!
Congrats to Nikki too! Everyone’s lines were so wonderful. I sure am glad I didn’t have to choose a winner!
Off to read today’s entries…
Suzanne Welsh
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:14 pm:
Wow! A girl sleeps all day and wakes up to more mayhem! Fantastic job y’all!! I do believe we have some aspiring authors out there. And Kay Thomas…are you channeling the movie, The Long Kiss Goodnight? I LOVE that movie and your post reminded me of it.
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:18 pm:
Kate, tough time doesn’t begin to describe it!
We may have to pick names from a hat. Everyone has some GREAT lines whether funny, emotional, unexpected, or a combo of everything!
AC
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:22 pm:
Darn PJ! Sorry to hear about your cold and split lip, but all those wonderful prizes should help cure what ails ya.
Anxiously waiting to see what you come up with today,
AC
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:27 pm:
My oh my, Becke you had me rolling on the floor with Ed!
Hmmmmm….how was it? ;-D
Pam Grootemaat
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:31 pm:
Yesterday was fun so here goes for today’s vignettes.
V1:
Caroline considered the man in the cage with her.
“What did they do to you,” she asked. He snorted.
“If you mean this,” he pointed to the bruise on his face, “the feral female they stuck in here before to mate with me did this.”
Caroline gaped.
“What.” The man looked at her sympathetically.
“They mean for us to mate. Whether we like it or not.”
V2:
Marcus grinned. Kira glared at him then smiled too. That threw him off guard.
“You better not be planning something Kira,” Marcus warned.
“Of course not. I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise the mission,” she said. No, it would be after the mission that she would make him pay.
V3:
“Alistair. You’re behind this,” Maria gaped incredulously. Alistair grinned. Maria fumed.
“Why you snivelling piece of …”
“Are you going to let us out of here or am I going to have to tell dad about this,” Jason snapped. Maria felt the wind go out of her sails. What did he say. Alistair looked at Maria, an evil twinkle in his eye.
“I’m here to let you out brother but as for Goosy Loosy here …”
V4:
Jardine could imagine lot’s of things he’d like to do for her but he waited patiently for her to speak.
“Will you hold me,” she whispered.
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:41 pm:
WOW Pam! GREAT STUFF!
Another forced mating?!?! YIKES!
A secret mission?
Another long lost brother and Goosy Loosy?!?! ROFLOL!
and #4… AWWWWWWWW!
AC
Pat Cochran
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:42 pm:
1. Especially now………… They just received some early copies of Kate’s book!
2. Arrgh! I knew I should have selected implants that were a size or two larger!
3. Director, someone has again forgotten to call the maid service!
4. Would you please turn the thermostat down? It seems so hot in here, or is it me?
Pat Cochran
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:46 pm:
ROFLOL, Pat!
I don’t blame the evil captor, I wanna read Kate’s book Homicide in Hardcover too!!!
If it FREAKIN FUNNY in here? I know it’s not just me!
AC
Beth Andrews
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 6:50 pm:
Oh, I love everyone’s endings! I’m so glad I don’t have to pick just one because they’re all so great *g* From funny to emotional to sexy to suspenseful – we’ve got it all! Great job everyone
Kate Carlisle
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 7:02 pm:
LOL Pat!! You’re too cute! Sure, that ought to keep everybody in the cage!
It’s not just you, Aunty, I’m LMAO, too!
Loved Loosy Goosy, Pam!
PJ, sorry you’re feeling punk. Hope you’re all better soon.
Karin
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 7:24 pm:
Congratulations to PJ & Nikki for yesterday! I really enjoyed your endings. PJ, I hope you feel better soon.
I’m also really enjoying today’s endings.
Marisa
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 7:30 pm:
After reading all the follow up lines I’m not sure how you all are going to choose a winner. There are plenty of scenarios here I’d love to see turn into full length books.
Christine Wells
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 7:34 pm:
Oh, nuts, AC, I thought M&M would be choosing the winner!
You people are so clever with all the twists you’re coming up with. Didn’t see that vamp brother for my Jardine coming!LOL
Keira, you are a brave woman to star in one of Joanie’s books!! She’s very cruel to her characters. Bwahaha!
I’m amazed at the talent we have here. We have been hotly debating the winner and I see it’s going to be a really tough choice!
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 7:35 pm:
Marisa,
We’re agonizing over how to choose a winner RIGHT NOW! ACK!
And I’m in FULL agreement! There are some wonderful scenarios here that would make GREAT BOOKS!
GREAT JOB EVERYBODY! Thanx so much for commenting today.
AC
Marisa
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 7:38 pm:
AC, I particularly like all the names people have come up with for characters not already named (awkward sentence much?)
Twists and turns a plenty, I’ve been alternating between spitting my coke on my keyboard and sighing.
Keira Soleore
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 8:28 pm:
Congratulations to PJ & Nikki for yesterday!
Christine said, “Keira, you are a brave woman to star in one of Joanie’s books!! She’s very cruel to her characters. Bwahaha!”
Shiver me timbers. JoanieT, the gauntlet’s thrown. Do your worst, but do be quick about it.
PJ wrote, “I’m fighting off a cold today and nursing a split lip…”
Lots of tender hugs, PJ. I was wondering how come I hadn’t seen you anywhere on the ‘Net. I was hoping you were just caught up in a book, hence the silence. Hope your lip heals soon.
Whoa, Keira! Nice!
I agree Cassondra. LOVE the twist for #1 Kiera
OMG! ANOTHER great twist!
Hey thanks, Banditas.
PJ
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 8:52 pm:
Thanks, Keira. My lip collided with Cassy’s head this morning. It was a big ouch.
I also loved your twist on #1!
Tawny Weber
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 8:54 pm:
Brilliant!! Absolutely fabulous endings. I sighed and laughed my way through reading them and am so glad I don’t have to pick (yesterday was hard enough!) and can just sit back and enjoy the fun for the rest of the week *beg*
Tawny Weber
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 8:56 pm:
Ooops, forgot to add – PJ, hope you feel better! Take care of that lip and get lots of rest.
Christine Wells
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:02 pm:
PJ, hugs on the cold and the split lip! I had a similar experience when I threw my 2 yo in the air in the swimming pool the other day. He gave me a Liverpool kiss right in the mouth! Ouchy, indeed.
Keira, don’t you know that not only is Joanie mean to her characters, she likes to see them sweat?
Tawny, SOOO glad you’re nice and relaxed. Humph! I’m a Libran, I’m not supposed to make decisions.
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:26 pm:
Torture? Moi?
Well it is Rome and ya know….’stuff happens’
Andrea
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:46 pm:
Oh my gosh, these are awesome, ladies!! I’ve just spent the last thirty minutes reading all of the comments in both posts and we have a lot of talent here!! I’m really enjoying this. LOL
Congrats to PJ and Nikki!!
Andrea
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:47 pm:
Paging Ms. Christine Wells … I have to tell you that I read your status on Facebook and let out a SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! I am so, so happy right now.
Christine Wells
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:52 pm:
Hi Andrea! LOL, thanks for the squee! I’m very pleased that Jardine and Louisa’s story will come out after my July release, Wicked Little Game. The vignette is from a part I haven’t written yet and might not make it into the story at all, but we’ll have to wait and see. Thanks for dropping in!
Keira Soleore
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 9:56 pm:
PJ wrote, “My lip collided with Cassy’s head this morning. It was a big ouch.”
Hard head there. Good for Cassy, not good for dear PJ. Ice it while blanketing your body. More hugs.
Maria Lokken
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:15 pm:
WOW all these entries are amazing!
I’m a greedy fan girl – I want the whole book. Loucinda, Joan, Susan and Christine, you did an amazing job with just one photo. That’s why you’re the writers and I’m the reader.
Christine Wells – I feel like we got a ‘behind-the-scenes’ never before look! I’m honored.
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 10:57 pm:
WOO HOO, Christine!
We get Jardine and Louisa’s story?!?!?! I’m sooo jazzed! I LURVED Jardine in TDD! He was the perfect foil for Max.
I can’t believe all the talented writers who have commented today. Thanx for making our decision the toughest EVER!
AC
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:11 pm:
Yeah!! Jardine and Louisa’s story!! WOohooo!!! Fab-o!
Bronwyn
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:22 pm:
Hi Christine,
Yes I am the Bronwyn from Romaus. B4. I got an invite for this from Anna Campbell on Facebook and when I checked it all out, it was just too good not to take part in!! My brain is having trouble today however, with the 45C heat. I’m not getting much done…
Joanie T
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:31 pm:
We’ve deliberated, we’ve discussed, we’ve laughed and we’ve stood in awe of all the talent exhibited today to our humble vignettes. (We were going to arm wrestle but that proved problematic since we’re in Oz, CA, MN and KY)
Girl in a Cage authors have chosen Becke/Treethyme as the winner for today! Anyone who had the wit and imagination to send Ed McMahon into a Mexican prison (and penguin Barbies, ROFL) deserves the prize. An honorable mention goes to Marisa for her intriguing response to Susan’s scene.
Send your info to JoanieT13 AT gmail DOT com!
Dani~ aka The Romance Book Addict
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:39 pm:
Yay! Congrats Becke!
Louisa Cornell
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:40 pm:
YAY Treethyme !!! I LOVED your stuff! Truly great!! And Marisa your addition to Susan’s scene was stellar!! I didn’t get the chance to participate as Louisa Cornell had her very first speaking engagement – a talk about what it’s like to be an aspiring romance writer at our local library. It went well AND I got a huge box of chocolates !!
Becke/Treethyme
on Jan 27th, 2009
@ 11:47 pm:
Oh wow, I’m so excited! The only time I ever win anything is with you guys. Keep this up and maybe Ed will come knocking on my door — if he can get past the ice and snow, that is!
Thank you so much! And congrats to Marisa, too. Louisa — congrats on your first speaking engagement AND the chocolates!
Whee! I’ve been hitting my head on the wall with Imposter Syndrome all week, you’ve gone a long way toward bring me out of that tailspin. Thank you!
(I just noticed I capitalized “Penguin.” Anna S., I must have been subconsciously thinking of those English Penguin chocolate biscuits…)
Maria Lokken
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 12:06 am:
Congratulations Becke/Treethyme! and a BIG THANKS TO Loucinda McGary, Joan Kayse, Susan Sey, Christine Wells for your cleverness, creativity and spending the day with us here at RNTV. You made the day fun and exciting!
Hugs,
Maria and Marisa
pambook
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 12:23 am:
Congrats Becke! I’m late to the party, finally here and having fun right now catching up, this is fun, Banditas!
Keira Soleore
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 12:43 am:
Congrats on your win, Becke.
Congrats to Louisa on her first speaking engagement! No guts, no glory. You went, you talked, you came home with a box of chocolates.
Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 1:10 am:
Congrats Becke! And Thanx to EVERYONE who contributed so many great lines. We could have easily picked twenty winners!
HUGE THANX to Maria and Marisa for allowing us to “invade” RNTV! We’ve had a BLAST! And there’s more fun to follow in the next three days, so be sure to check back. I know I will!
AC
Christine Wells
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 3:13 am:
Thanks so much for having us, Marisa! Congratulations, Becke/Treethyme! It was a really tough choice. There were so many great entries.
PJ
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 7:43 am:
Congratulations, Becke!
Louisa, congrats to you on your first speaking engagement!
Marisa
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 7:46 am:
Congratulations Becke – and thanks Bandits for the honorable mention I’m SOO Thrilled!!
cheryl c.
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 12:39 pm:
Congrats Becke and PJ! A hang-gliding granny and Ed McMahon! Funny and irreverent to beat the winter blues. No more being serious for me!
Karin
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 1:06 pm:
Congratulations, Becke!
Anna Campbell
on Jan 28th, 2009
@ 2:03 pm:
Becke, fabulous vignette! Congratulations!