I am back this week after a brief hiatus brought on by website woes. My longtime WordPress theme, 2012, suddenly lost its pizzazz. By that, I mean a cool font I used for the headlines went POOF, as did the charcoal color of the page and a few other stylistic tweaks. Apparently the long ago contributor was banned for an infraction, and his works went POOF. Luckily the content was intact as far as I could tell. I took it as a message to self, “Time to update your website!” So, after much research, comparisons, cups of coffee, and figurative nail biting, I flipped the switch to theme Twenty Twenty-One. Maybe it fits better with the varied genres I’m writing anyway—not just paranormal fantasy romance, but also historical and cozy mystery. What do you think? Please let me know if you notice anything annoying or clunky.
Anyway, it’s time for Tuesday Tales, with excerpts from authors based on word or picture prompts. This is picture week, and I chose one showing three books being read or perused. The excerpt is from a cozy mystery I need to finish. Visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
While Gage made coffee, I hobbled into the bathroom. The hollow-eyed face staring at me from the mirror gave me a start. At first I thought someone had said Bloody Mary three times when I wasn’t listening. How could I still look so shell shocked after three days of bed rest and doing nothing but dreaming about my car careening through a flash thunderstorm and landslide?
To make matters worse, my hair had apparently decided that frizzy was the hot new trend. I gingerly brushed it, sleeked it back with a scrunchie, and freshened up the rest of me as best I could. I decided to forego any attempt at makeup. Gage would notice and rib me, and besides, he had put up with my gruesome appearance for three days and could lump it.
I grimaced. That dig sounded bad in my head. Honestly, I was thankful for his finding me. Really I was. It’s just that seeing him again and being in close quarters with him, even though I spent most of the time drifting in the twilight zone, had discombobulated me, as Granny used to say. I wanted…coffee! The smell wafted in like manna from heaven, and suddenly things were looking up.
Seeing me limping toward the couch, Gage set down the two mugs he was carrying and hurried to help. “I thought we’d have coffee on the deck this morning.” He led me out toward a cozy chair and peered at me. “Fresh air will be good for you.”
My eyes narrowed. With a grin he went inside for the coffee. I shifted items on the side table, noticing reading glasses and books.
He set down my mug and perched on a stool. His eyes sparkled. “What has you smiling?”
“I see you’re still reading three books at once.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the picture prompt three books. Thanks for stopping by. Check out the other authors at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic for Readers
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2021 Flossie Benton Rogers
Oh, wow. Sorry you had such awful problems with the site. It sounds like a headache for sure, but I’m glad to see you back online and I like the new the theme and the ease of getting around.
I also enjoyed today’s snippet and look forward to the release of your cozy!
Thanks so much, Mae. I’m glad you like the new site theme and the snippet.
Sorry about the word press headaches. As you know, I had an issue with it myself and got locked out of my account. Like you, I was unable to get the background and stuff I had before, but we are resilient! Great scene. Well done.
Yes, we are. I’m glad we made it through!
Wow! Website woes are the worst! Glad you’ve worked things out. Love a man who reads and one who reads three books at once!! Wowza! That’s one hot guy. Looking forward to finding out where this is heading.
I know. Even with backups, there’s always a sinking worry that when you push another button your history of a decade will go POOOF.
Love the way she describes their relationship. I really love how he takes care of her. And websites are the devil! Great job!
You made me laugh, Tricia– websites ARE the devil.
First, I like the new look. It’s simple but speaks volumns. Again, you nailed it with your discriptive scene. Enjoyable snippet.
I’m really pleased that you like the site, Loretta!
Sorry about the site issues. They can be terrible to wade through. The new site looks fab! Wonderful snippet.
Vicki, I’m so glad you think the site looks fab!
I like the new look. Nice and fresh. And you’re right – will go well with many different genres.
Great scene! As usual, I’m captivated with your writing.
Trisha, I’m so glad you like the new look and think it looks fresh.