The world of the Black Hood was inspired by writing prompts from Sacha Black’s #writespiration 52 word challenge and Rachael Ritchey’s Blog Battle. These two flash-length pieces provided a launch point for a noir-fantasy novella currently in revision.
You can still sample the early explorations of the Black Hood universe below.
Fairy-lit street lamps light the way for rapier-toting private detective Samantha Stagwood and empath Valerie Lang as they unravel mysteries in the city of Newsea.
From Beneath the Black Hood
The robe slipped down his back. His scars startled me, three ripples stretching from shoulder to waist. Sliced, lashed, or perhaps scratched by some three-fingered beast.
Respect didn’t sway my mission. My lips pursed and blew.
Falling, his hand raised to the sting in his neck.
I bowed silently into the shadows.
For Sacha Black’s #writespiration 52 word challenge: The Girl That Wore the Black Hood
Original penciled art by Carl Bystrom
A Quiet Beat
“Why do I always look so squinty in these things?” I stared at my calling card. One side of my face was scrunched up. I looked like a scurvy scallywag.
“You’re always squinty.” Paolo, my go-to communications wizard, replied. Right there with support.
“Special request,” I leaned over the cluttered counter and lowered my voice, although, currently, I was the only patron in the dusty little shop. ”Can you hook me up with a sensate spell or two?”
“Those are only for the cops, Stag.” (more…)