Weekend Writing Warriors #SundaySnippet - 'Dancing With Fate' - "...I may not need to act the helpless female but I have a few tricks..."

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post  and another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last week Terpsichore, Greek muse of Dance has been instructed by Apollo to go to 5th Century  Wales, but she has to temporarily lose her immortality and special powers. "...if you have a problem, I may not be able to help you."

SNIPPET:  (Some creative punctuation from published version, to comply with 10  sentence rule.)

Oh wonderful -- although my being allowed some freedom might not be a bad thing. She gave him a knowing smile, "I suppose I'll manage, I may need to act the helpless female, but in reality I have a few tricks that may serve me well."

Apollo frowned again,"take care not to get careless and reveal who you really are, the men of Cymru may not be as awestruck by a goddess as they once were. It could be risky, you would not want to be branded as a witch or an enchantress."

"You think I may be in danger?"

Apollo's frown deepened and his face registered concern. "No, sweet Terpsichore, I would not send you if I thought you might come to harm." He paused, "but you will need a name to be known by." He thought for a moment, "Cora -- you will go by the name of Cora, a name like enough to those of the common people."

Terpsichore nodded, she liked the sound of it, and it carried enough of her true name not to sound alien to her. 

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

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Weekend Writing Warriors #SundaySnippet - 'Dancing With Fate' - ""...I may not be able to help you"

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post  and another snippet from my fantasy novella. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link below this post, there's something for all tastes.

(And my fellow author and Brit Rosemary Gemmell's post can be found HERE

I'm currently sharing snippets from my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate'.

Last week:

Terpsichore, muse of the dance, has been summoned by Apollo to return t 5th Century Wales to renew the Celts' spirits and love of music and dance. His next words fill her with dismay.

"It is well; you will need to use subtlety, though. Times have changed since you were last there, it would be better for you to take the form of a mortal."

SNIPPET:  (Some creative punctuation to comply with 10  sentence rule.)

"What—give up my immortality?"

"No, not give it up, I doubt Zeus would allow that, nor would you want it from the expression on your face. Zeus and I have discussed the matter and feel you should pretend to be mortal for a while. Mingle with the people, bestow on them the enthusiasm to dance again." He paused, "of course you will not be able to use any of your powers..." She drew in her breath, unable to hide her dismay. That could present a problem, she was not used to being without her magick.

Apollo seemed to read her thoughts. "At least," he went on, "not before mortals, or in a way it could be discerned, you must not allow your inner psyche to glow when you are among them. Know also, that your powers may wane and you may not be able to get inside their minds or use the gift of foretelling." He looked even more serious, "if you have a problem, I may not be able to help you." 

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Snippet Sunday - 'Dancing With Fate' "What -give up my immortality?"

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to another snippet from my fantasy novella and thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday
Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

(graphic courtesy of Carter Novels Promotion)

DANCING WITH FATE

Terpsichore, the muse of dance thought her work in the land of mortals, more particularly in Wales, was done. But it seems Apollo has another task for her - and things are about to get worse. You can read last week's snippet HERE

 (Some punctuation rearrangements from the published version to comply with the 10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

"My lord, have I not already done my duty - did I not travel to every corner of the world and inspire men and women to dance and rejoice? Have I not made the journey whenever a mortal has been in need of my gift of inspiration, and gladdened the hearts of mankind? Can I be blamed if some prefer to fight and wage war and then forget the joys of living?"

Apollo's countenance grew even grimmer. "So many questions, no, 'tis not your doing—but would you refuse the task?"

Terpsichore sighed and shook her head,  "of  course not, you know well that neither I nor my sister muses may deny our vocation, the need to inspire cannot be ignored."

Apollo curved his lips in a smile once more, and light radiated from his face, illuminating the shadows around him. "It is well; you will need to use subtlety, though. Times have changed since you were last there, it would be better for you to take the form of a mortal."

"What—give up my immortality?"

BLURB

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

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If you'd like to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link by clicking on the logo above, to see who else is posting. You can also sign up at this link on Monday. It's a great community to be a part of! Be sure to visit the amazing writers in this group and leave them a comment if you can

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Snippet Sunday - Dancing With Fate: Even if he was the magnificent Apollo, she would not be patronised.

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the amazing writers in this group and leave them a comment if you can - they're listed below:

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday
Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

If you'd like to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 

Hi   fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to another snippet from my fantasy novella and don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above.

 Terpsichore, the muse of dance  knows there is something Apollo wants from her when he talks to her about her previous visit to the Celts in the land of Cymru, now known as Wales. You can read last week's snipper HERE

 (Some punctuation rearrangements to comply with 10 sentence rule)

DANCING WITH FATE

Capel Curig, Wales

"I inspired them with music and dancing which they embraced readily. I believe in times to come they will be famed for their love of melody, and the grace with which they express it in their singing and their dance."

A slight crease appeared on Apollo's brow, normally as smooth and clear as the polished black marble of the great throne of Zeus. "Only if you return to impart these skills once more; much has been lost in their skirmishes and fighting to protect their land. A great melancholy has come upon them, I need you to return and inspire them to dance again."

Terpsichore sighed, a little, soft sigh that echoed through the hall like the singing of the breeze in summer leaves. "My lord—Apollo—I had not thought to return to the lands of mortals—not for a few hundred years, anyway. Is it truly necessary?"

Apollo's expression grew severe, a small frown played above his eyes and his face darkened slightly, like the sun going behind a cloud.

"Indeed it is, Terpsichore, as the Muse of Dance, it is your duty."

Terpsichore swallowed the sharp retort that rose in her throat. Duty indeed, how dare he suggest she was neglectful of her duty - even if he was the magnificent Apollo, she would not be patronised. 

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Snippet Sunday - 'Dancing With Fate' "Do you remember a land of mortals..."

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the amazing writers in this group and leave them a comment if you can - they're listed below:

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday
Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

If you'd like to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 

Hi   fellow  Snippeteers and readers.

Last week I introduced Terpsichore, Muse of the Dance. Apollo has commanded her to dance again for him, and has accompanied her on his kithara. However she knows there is something else he wants from her. (Slight rearrangement of punctuation to comply with 10 sentence rule)

DANCING WITH FATE

The remnants of her song faded and lingered for a moment in the crystal air. Terpsichore spread her arms in abeyance, then clasped her fingers in front of her, and stood for a moment in silence. Apollo slowly lowered his instrument and clapped his hands, smiling and indicating she should sit beside him. She bent to retrieve her lyre, before seating herself and gazed at him, trying to hide her curiosity. "You wish something further of me, my brother?"

For a long moment, Apollo seemed deep in thought and did not answer.

"Do you remember a land of mortals—a small country known as Cymru, the brotherhood, erstwhile called Cambria, or Wales as some would have it? You may recall the folk who inhabit it, who call themselves the Keltoi?”

Ah, the Celts. How could she forget them? "I do - they were a fierce and noble race, with much knowledge of magick and the hidden arts. 

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/joinFor insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Snippet Sunday - 'Dancing With Fate' "Terpsichore...a word."

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the amazing writers in this group and leave them a comment if you can - they're listed below:

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday
Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

If you'd to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 

Hi   fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Thank you to everyone who's been following and commenting on my 'Destiny Trilogy' series of books. A change from my beloved Science Fiction romances today - I'm featuring another one from my back list - a romantic fantasy novella, set in 5th Century Wales and Ancient Greece. (A wierd combination, huh?) This book was orginally part of the 'Songs of the Muses' anthology published by the Wild Rose Press, but I re-published it myself having got my rights back.

I don't consider myself in any way a poet - but somehow this particular story seemed to call for one - so this is the very start of the first chapter, set on Mount Olypus in the distant past, although the poem itself refers to Cymru (Kuhm-ree) the Principality of Wales. The Teifi (Tie-vee) is one of the major Welsh rivers.
(This is included in my ten sentences)

DANCING WITH FATE

(Cover by Miss Mae)

In the valley so green, in the sunlight of morn, 

The muse of the dance strays thoughtful and slow: 

The flowers of spring her bright hair adorn

But the wind through the trees sighs, laden with woe. 

She looks o'er the mountains, heart filled with emotion, 

And watches the Teifi to the great ocean flow. 

"Cymru, poor Cymru," are the words softly spoken. 

"Your music's forgotten, you live by the bow." 

CHAPTER 1

The last notes of the choir died away and on ceasing their song, the nine beautiful sisters made the slightest of curtsies to their leader. Apollo smiled in approval and the marble hall, with its gleaming pillars of white and gold, glowed in his radiance. When they turned to leave, he called to the one who played the lyre.

"Terpsichore—I would have a word with you."

BLURB

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join