Sunday Snips & Stuff #Sundaysnips

Author's are either plotters or pantsers.  I'm the latter, meaning I write by the seat of my pants.  I never plot, can't, don't even try.  My stories come to mind through characters who take up residence in my head, have a story they've already named and introduce me to the cast (also named.)  I guess you could say I have it easy because I don't have to fret over titles and suitable monikers for my characters, but...I'm only successful as long as the characters speak to me.  My writer's block comes from long unexplained silences. Don't understand the muted periods, but I have plenty of noises in my head.  :)

I love writing short stories because I'm not one for extraneous information or word counts.  I was very fortunate that Books We Love took a chance and put seven of my short stories into one book entitled, Discovery.  Strangely, all the stories fit that title because the characters in each tale discover something they didn't know.  I invite you to take a peek.  These short works make excellent reading while waiting for appointments, killing time, or just finding extra minutes to enjoy a story that makes you happy.

Here's the cover and blurb, plus a little comment from an author I admire very much:  Heather Haven.

Seven stories in one novel; each one with it's own plot and lead character: a stewardess who discovers her judgement may be a little flawed, an older divorcee who finds something far more interesting than sandals at a shoe clearance, a bride-to-be thinking she has a valid reason to call off her wedding, a pudgy ex-wife with a fear that a medical apparatus will make her look like Jacques Cousteau, a newcomer to Florida expecting fair weather and experiencing her first hurricane, but not alone or scared, a daughter in mourning, pursuing the meaning of three tarnished bars held together by a black ribbon, and a doctor who discovers something totally unrelated to medicine that heals a heart problem. 

"Throughout these stories, facets of each person's character are revealed, layer by layer, often with a punch of the Ginger Simpson sense of humor. Delicious! I can think of no better way to spend an evening or lazy afternoon than wrapped in the comfort of her words." ~ H. Haven

You can find Discover at http://amzn.com/B00IP06KFG  I do hope you'll order a copy.  Remember, it takes a long time to write a book, but only a short time to make it fizzle.  :(  If you're patient and cheap (lol), this book will be featured free in May.  I'll post the dates on FB when it's time.

Now, hop on over to my pals and see what exciting blogs they share this week:


http://connievines.blogspot.com (Connie Vines)

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron) 

 http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)

Sunday Snippets with Ginger Simpson #sundaysnips

This week, I'm sharing a little from my book,Discovery.  I for one love short stories....something to read during an appointment waiting period or right before I fall to sleep.  I absolutely hate waiting to find out what happens, so shorts fill my need.  Each of the stories in this book were published individually by another publisher.  I've combined them into one book for your reading entertainment.  This is a portion from Joy's Revelation:

Joy didn’t mean for the door to slam when she walked into the front foyer.  Her mother, clad in her apron and flour on her hands, appeared in the kitchen doorway.  “Oh, you’re back so soon?  Did you forget something?”

With a big inhalation, Joy steadied herself.  “We need to talk, Mom, and right now.”

Her mother’s eyes grew wide beneath arched brows.  “All right, but you’re scaring me with such a serious look on your face and the tone of your voice.  Did something happen?”

“Please, can we just sit?  I need to ask you something very important…and you need to tell me the truth.”

Her mother’s mouth drew into a thin line.  She stared at her hands, back at Joy, and then released a loud breath that showed her frustration.  “I suppose supper can wait. Let me clean up and I’ll be right back.” 

Joy tossed her purse aside and sat on the edge of the sofa, sorting through her options.  Was she doing the right thing in confronting her mother alone?  Should she wait for her father…even include Scott in the conversation?  Nerves churned her insides into knots.  She clasped her hands in her lap and waited.  Sand in the Sahara couldn’t be any drier than her mouth.  She wanted answers and she wanted them now.

“Okay, okay, here I am.”  Mom appeared, running her just-washed hands down the front of her apron.  “Now, what’s got you in such a dither?”  She sat in her rocker and stared across at Joy.

Joy fluttered her lips with an exhalation.  “I don’t know where to start.  I’m so upset.  I think I’m gonna throw up.”  She rubbed her hand across the furrows in her brow.

“What is it, dear?”  Her mother cocked her head.  “You’ve never had a problem talking to me.  We’ve always been able to discuss everything.”

“Have we really?”  Joy leveled an icy stare at her.

“Well, I thought we had a pretty open line of communication between us.”

“I thought so, too, until I found the secret you’ve been keeping from me in your cedar chest.”

Her mother leaned forward, confusion clouding her eyes.  “Whatever are you talking about?”

Joy steeled herself.  “Who is Joey Andrew Garrett?”

A gasp sliced the silence.  Her mother’s mouth gaped.

“Well?” 

Tears welled in her mom’s eyes and her throat wobbled with a hard swallow.  “I-I can’t discuss this right now.”  She bolted to her feet and raced upstairs.  The slamming of her bedroom door wobbled the glass panes in the front window.

Stunned, Joy stared at the floor.  So much for open communication, but this wasn’t over.  Someone was going to offer up some answers, and if it had to be her father, then so be it.

Her familiar ringtone sliced the silence.  She reached for her pocketbook and retrieved her cellphone.  “Hello.”

“Hi, Sweetie.  Rough day?  You sound down.”

“You might say that.  Can you stop by on your way home from work?”

“I suppose so, but what’s going on?”  His voice held a nervous tone.

“I wish I knew.  I guess we’ll find out together when you and my father get here.”

You can find all my books on Amazon.  After you check out my short story collection,  then hop over to my friends and check out their posts today.  See you next week.

http://connievines.blogspot.com (Connie Vines)

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron)

http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)

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Friday Freebits with Ginger #Frifreebits #blogshare

Hooray...its Friday.  Friday Freebits is something I have to look forward to since all other days seeem to blur into one since I've retired.  I'm happy that I decided to do a short-story collection entitled, Discovery, and today I'm sharing six paragraphs from the last story in the book.  Next week, we'll move on to something else.  Just an interesting tidbit...this was one of the best sellers when they were printed individually.

Paging Dr. Jones

With curled fists, [Dr. Jones] he rubbed the tiredness from his eyes and turned to leave, but Catherine stirred.  "Is someone there?"  Her question came out in a choked whisper, but still audible.

He brushed past the curtain and walked closer to her bed.  "Yes, Ms. McGuire.  It's me, Dr. Jones, remember?"

"Am I going to die?"  Her voice trembled.

Unprepared for that question, he curled his fingers back into a fist, sending his nails biting into his palm.  Damn her ex for putting him in this position.  "Ah...Of course not. You're going to be fine.  You might need a few minor surgical procedures, but we have to wait and see how your healing progresses.  By my estimate, you'll make a complete recovery."

He hoped what he told he wasn't a lie.

He patted her hand.  Now, you need to rest you voice and trust me and the hospital staff.  I have another patient to look in on before my shift ends, but I'll be back in the morning.  By then, you'll most likely have been moved to a regular room so someone can keep a closer eye on you.  You're in good hands, here."

So, Catherine has been beaten by her ex-husband and is in the hospital.  How will Dr. Jones figure into her recovery, and is there is Discovery Catherine will make that will change her life?

If you want to find out, you'll have to get your own copy of Discovery on my amazon page.

Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #frifreebits

Welcome to Friday Freebits and six paragraphs from my short story collection, Discovery.  I love short stories, and although warned they don't sell well, I remember subscribing to the Condensed Reader's Digest books and loving the opportunity to enjoy a short read.  I hope you'll be enticed to want to read more.  This is the second to the last story in this book, so after next week, I'll begin another book.  Until then, enjoy today's six:

Set up:  Sarah and Melinda are their mother's room after the woman's funeral.  Melinda is sitting on the edge of the bed and Sarah in her mother's favorite chair.

The Forget-Me-Nots

Sarah stood and walked to the ornate wooden box on the dresser.  She turned, her hand on the top.  "Would you mind if I went through Mom's jewelry and picked out a special keepsake?"

"Of course not.  Take whatever you want.  We're not going to be like some families who develop claws and fangs over a loved-one's personal belongings."

Melinda peered up at Sarah.  "When did you get so tall?  Seems like just yesterday you were ten and now your twenty and in college.  Where has time gone?"

Sarah shook her head.  "I don't know.  At times, I long to be a kid again, then Mom could spoil me rotten.  I always like being the baby of the family."

The doorbell rang.  Mel stood, patted Sarah's arm and meandered out toward the living room.  Sarah picked up the small mahogany chest that matched the other furniture pieces in the room and walked back to the rocking chair and sat.  Tears stung the back of her eyes.

She fingered the scalloped edges around the top and the gold plate being the initials "CP."   When she opened the box, her mother's favorite scent wafted out, stirring a wealth of memories.  Sarah doubted she could ever smell lavender again and not think of Mom.  The contents sparkled in the lamplight.

So, what will Sarah "discover" in the jewelry box?  Want to know more....yep, you guessed it.  I'm a tease and you'll have to find your own copy on my amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/author/gingersimpson.

If you wonder why there are no links, I've decided to keep this as a permanent feature for my own use.  I hope you'll continue to follow me each Friday.

Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #frifreebits #blogshare

It's Friday and time for another six paragraphs from Discovery, my short story collection.  There's nothing like a short story to fill the time in the doctor or dentist's office, and you can quite often finish and feel satisfied that you can move on to the next when you have a chance.  I love short stories, and I hope you enjoy the offering today.

Hurricane Warning

"Who in the world would be out in this weather?" Linda mumbled.  On her way to find out, she stubbed her toe on the leg of the coffee table and groaned.  The pain intense,she stumbled on into the foyer.

She turned the doorknob and the wind's force caught the door and heaved it inward. The blast blew her off balance, but she steadied herself and used her weight to keep the oak portal partially closed to the blowing rain.  Someone in a yellow parka huddled on her doorstep.

"May I help you?"  she asked, whisking a wayward hair away from her mouth, her tone unwelcoming.

A face materialized from beneath the slicker.  Masculine eyes, dark as onyx peered at her.  "I was wondering the same."

He swept back his hood, allowing his ebony hair to dance in the blustery current.  His square jaw and tanned face softened with a smile.  "I'm your neighbor from down the street.  I thought perhaps I might be of assistance  My sister, Marcie, tells me you live alone.  If this storm notches itself up a bit, we're in for a turbulent night."

Against warning bells about strangers, she sought escape from the elements.  She knew his sister...maybe, the name rang vaguely familiar.  "Please,come in."  Linda gestured but kept a tight grip on the door to keep it from slamming into the wall.  Her heart thudded.  Would her murder top the evening news? She could see the headline now, "Stupid woman opens door to stranger during storm."

So...will the handsome strange murder her, or has he really come to help?  Linda didn't expect a Hurricane in her new home, but she didn't expect a caller in the midst of a storm, either.  Want more?   Discovery is available on my amazon page.

I know you're thirsting for more great reads, so hop on over to the links below and see what grabs your attention.  Don't forget to leave a comment.  We love when we know you've visited.

Tricia McGill
Juliet Waldron
Taryn Raye
Kathy Fischer-Brown
Rhobin Lee Courtright
Margaret Tanner

Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #frifreebits #blogshare

Its Friday and time for six paragraphs from Discovery, my short story collection.  I hope you enjoy the ones I've chosen to share with you:

Masked Love

"You want me to what?"  Olivia Wilson stared at Doctor Ray.  The paper on the examining table crinkled with her shocked movement.

"A  lot of people wear one and eventually get used to it."

"But what if I don't want to?"  She eyed the contraption he dangled in the air that looked like something he'd snatched from a scuba diver.

"If you'll recall, when you agreed to the overnight study, we discussed sleep apnea which I suspected caused your constant fatigue, and the tests prove me right.  People who suffer from the disorder often stop breathing for ten seconds or longer during sleep.  The problem can be mild to severe, based on the number of times each hour you fail to take a breath or how often your lungs don't get enough air  This may happen from five to fifty times an hour and can be fatal.  Your results fall within these parameters."

"You mean I could die?  She swallowed hard.

"Possibly, unless you use the CPAP machine and wear this mask.  He extended his arm.  "Here, try it on"

So....what will be the outcome of this opening scene?  Will Olivia wear the mask?  Why is she so worried?  If you want to know, you can find Discovery on my amazon page.

Now, link with my friends and see what they have to share today.

Tricia McGill
Juliet Waldron
Taryn Raye
Kathy Fischer-Brown
Rhobin Lee Courtright
Margaret Tanner

Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #frifreebits #blogshare

It's time again for sharing six paragraph from Discovery.  Welcome to Friday Freebits and I hope you enjoy a little teaser from another of my short stories from this collection.

Just The Right Fit

She came full awake. "Mike. What a surprise."

"I've fought with myself all day about whether or not to call you.  I would really like to invite you out, but I've been so afraid you wouldn't be interested."

"You're kidding?"  She'd gone to such lengths to get his attention.  This must be a dream.  

"Why would you think that?  Unless of course you aren't interested?"

"I'd love to go out with you, but...."

"The woman...the one I saw you with in the store.  From the looks of things, she isn't just a regular customer."

If you want to find out more about the strange woman and whether or not a date takes place, you'll have to read Discovery and find out.  You can find it on my amazon page.

Now, click on the links below and visit my friends and see what they have in store for you today.

Jamie Hill
Tricia McGill
Juliet Waldron
Taryn Raye
Kathy Fischer-Brown
Rhobin Lee Courtright
Margaret Tanner

Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #frifreebits #blogshare

Howdy.  It's Friday and time for another six from Discovery.  Remember, that's my collection of short stories in which every character discovers something they didn't know before?  This week, I'm sharing from

Joy's Revelation

The scenery whizzed by as Joy sped toward the bridal shop.  She kept her eyes on the road while driving, but her mind drifted to unpleasant places.  How could she marry Scott now?  Her knuckles whitened on the steering wheel.  Didn't he deserve to know everything about the person he was about to wed? How would she tell him, and worse, how would he react?

Hard to believe that for twenty-four years her parents had kept such an important secret from her.  More so, why?  She'd heard about babies born with the genitalia of both genders...hermaphrodites, she thought they were called, but...her?

Tears blurred her eyes.  She steered the car to the side of the road and stopped.  With the gearshift in park, she dipped her chin and massaged the tension headache growing between her eyes.  How could this be?  She'd always felt like a girl, and in her memory, had always been a girl.  In fact, people always commented on how feminine and delicate she was as a child. Evidently the doctor didn't see it that way when they filled out her birth certificate.

Lost in a sea of emotion, she wondered what to do.  Starting marriage with a lie...especially one this big, was not her choice.  She'd rather lose Scott than dishonor him.  Fishing in her purse for her cellphone, she found it and dialed the number for the bridal shop.

"Yes, this is Joy Garett.  I have an appointment with you today,but I'm not going to be able to keep it.  I'm sorry."

"Would you like to reschedule," a voice on the other end of the line asked?

So...does she reschedule...is she right?  Guess you'll have to read the rest of the story to find out.  Discovery is available on my amazon page.

Now, it's time to visit my fellow bloggers and see what exciting things they're sharing:

Jamie Hill
Tricia McGill
Juliet Waldron
Taryn Raye
Kathy Fischer-Brown
Rhobin Lee Courtright
Margaret Tanner

Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #frifreebits #blogshare

Today, I'm going to start a new batch of shares.  I've recently released a collection of short stories that were once all published individually with another house.  I was always a fan of the condensed stories from Reader's Digest, and I love having something I can finish in one setting and feel satisfied.  I hope you enjoy six paragraphs from my first story in Discovery:

A Wing and a Prayer:

Set up:  Callie Corwin is a newbie airline attendant on her first flight.  Her discovery is what happens when you judge someone by their looks:

When she reached aisle nine, D seat was empty.  She tapped her toe and waited for the dark-haired man to return.  In less than a minute, he appeared from the bathroom, rubbing his hands as though they might still be damp from washing.  His stony expression didn't waiver when they exchanged glances.  Callie backed away to give him room to seat himself, and in the flurry of movement, his jacket parted enough to reveal what looked like a gun.  Her breath seized.

Remain calm. The number one safety motto drilled into her head.  But how had he gotten a weapon on board?  Though her hands trembled, she managed to finish serving the trays on her cart and returned to the galley.  Margo poured drinks in the corner.  Callie sidled up to her.  "I...I believe one of our passengers has a gun."

Margo's head bobbed up.  Her eyes widened.  "What makes you think that?"

Callie swallowed hard.  "The man in 9D--"

Margo sidestepped behind Callie and leaned around the corner.  Callie yanked her back.  "Don't look!  We don't want to make him suspicious."

Her friend's brow arched.  "Which man?"

If you want to find out more, you can get your copy of Discovery via my amazon page.  Next week, I'll

share six from the next short story.

Now it's time to visit my fellow bloggers and see what exciting things they are sharing today:

Jamie Hill
Tricia McGill
Juliet Waldron
Taryn Raye
Kathy Fischer-Brown
Rhobin Lee Courtright
Margaret Tanner