Challenge - Noir Friday

I was challenged on Romance Divas this week to write a story a'la 1930's noir fiction. The challenge was:

Your story should include the following: a dirty taxi, a missing councilman, a Dick Tracy watch (radio included), and should take place in the 1930's.

Here, then, in honor of Flash Fiction Friday, is my story. I think it might work out to be a Chapter One in a possible novel; what do you think? Shall we continue? Read on and decide for yourself. (I should warn you, because of the time period, there is profanity and racism in the writing, so please don't continue if you're not comfortable with either.)

Thursday 13: A Writer In Her Library

As my Facebook friends know, I host a series called A Writer In the City. In thinking about what to focus on for my Thursday 13 responses, I decided to give my readers a glimpse into the books in my library - for, as I’ve been told, I have rather a lot of books.

Today I’d like to focus on one of the sections of my library, my craft books. I have several sections within it, including knitting, crochet, weaving, pysanky, woodworking, candlemaking, needlecraft (which includes Bargello, needlepoint, counted cross-stich, etc.), beads and jewelry making, polymer clay, PMC (precious metal clay), and more. (I’m startled to see how much more, as I am preparing for this Thursday 13.) Join me as I discuss thirteen of my craft anthologies.

New World Order - Making New Friends (Belinda)

The next installment of New World Order, Chapter 18, "Making New Friends," is up on Taurus and Taurus for your perusal.  Enjoy!

Spreading the Love Blog Hop

Today, I'm going to share something a little sweeter for Valentine's Day.  This little story was inspired from a picture prompt and I thought my readers might enjoy it.  I wrote it way back on March 30th, 2008, and I figured it's time to blow the dust of it just in time for some Valentine's Day inspiration.

Thanks for visiting.  Be sure to visit the other fine authors in this year's Valentine's Day Blog Hop, and good luck!

Thursday 13: Snowpocalypse 2K11

This storm covered 30 states! Pretty amazing. Here are 13 random thoughts on the Lee of the Storm:

1. Tuesday night, we made it through Lakeshore Drive just in time, apparently. Michael picked me up at 3:30 P.M., having left his office at 3:00, and we didn’t get to our garage until 6:00 P.M. We were lucky: many, many people got stranded on Lakeshore and had to be rescued.