Friday, February 6, 2015

The Short Version of Things

By M. Limoges

In theory, one might think a short story or novella would be much, much easier to craft than a full length novel. Personally speaking, it’s not.
In fact, constructing a somewhat decent short story in a small span of time is rather difficult to accomplish. All stories must have a moving plot, the right amount of pacing, a certain amount of backstory, and character depth. Managing those feats is complicated enough in an 80,000-120,000-word novel, but try condensing all that and packing it into a 15,000-25,000-word short story or novella. Phew, can you see the sweat bead on my forehead now?
Claiming his Mate was the first short story I’ve ever written. And I have to say, once I found the right pacing and flow, I really enjoyed writing this story. Now, I think I find it easier to write short stories and novellas than I do full length. Go figure. J

Blurb:
Member of the Black Hills Pack in Los Lobos, South Dakota, Jace Matthews is sent to check out the new owner of a piece of land adjoining his packs. Once he steps into her small bookstore in Collins, he’s taken by surprise by the small, prim woman behind the counter. At once, he recognizes his mate. While the wolf inside urges him to complete the bond, Jace knows he must take his time with his human mate. But when danger arises, threatening Michelle’s life, Jace is done waiting. It’s time to claim his mate.
   After she inherits her aunt’s property, Michelle Sanders moves to Collins, South Dakota, to escape the monotony of her routine life. Unfortunately, the only person she manages to befriend is not only the hottest guy on the planet, but also gay. However, she never expects a favor for her sexy new friend to result in a series of weird events that will change her life forever.

Excerpt:
Jace Matthews’ eyes followed the rhythmic sway of his mate’s heart-shaped ass as she walked up the aisle to the sales counter. Damn, he couldn’t wait to strip her bare and sink his teeth into that tender flesh. Suddenly, those tempting globes stopped. He blinked and his gaze shot up to find Michelle frowning over her shoulder at him.
Shit.
Embarrassed she’d caught him staring, he snatched the closest book on the shelf beside him, waving it in the air like a kid who’d won a life-sized stuffed animal at the county fair. “Got it. Thought it might be out of stock.”
Real smooth, jackass.
She arched a delicate brow over the rim of her glasses. “Are you ready to check out, Jace?”
“Yep, I think this’ll do it.” He soaked up the sound of her sweet voice and followed her to the register.
Two months ago, when he’d come to check out the new owner of a large parcel of land adjoining his pack’s hunting territory, he damn sure hadn’t expected to find Michelle Sanders. Once he’d stepped inside the small, quaint bookstore she’d owned in Collins, he’d caught a scent that had eluded him for thirty-two years.
     His mate. 

Author Bio: Melissa Limoges lives along the Gulf Coast with her OCD cat, Mr. Tibbs. Tax assessor by day, romance writer by night, she enjoys anything coffee related, traveling, and reading happily ever afters.



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