Fevered Fuse * Serialised * One

January 12, 2026 by Roland Clarke

In my 7^th January IWSG post, I discussed what I was considering doing with ‘Fevered Fuse’, the first of my Snowdon Shadows novels, featuring Sparkle Anwyl. Having pulled back from the traditional publishing route after a few reactions/comments to the first rejection, I began looking at serialising it on Substack, but I only have four followers. Here I have 980, even if the number drops for most posts.

Therefore, I have decided to post ‘Fevered Fuse’ on Writing Wings in serial form, starting today with Chapter One. However, as soon as I realise fewer people are interested than the numbers reading Freedom Flights, then I’ll no longer bore you. The next episode of Freedom Flights has been delayed due to personal issues.

Comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.

FEVERED FUSE

A Snowdon Shadows Mystery

Roland Clarke

(Police Procedural Fiction)

Chapter One

Shadow Assailant

Friday 25th March 2016

Was the text a trick?

‘Urgnt meet @ SA. Plz. CU1900. C’

My tattoos tingle, so I tap on a random rivet fastening my leather wristband. My mind imagines the initial letters of clues to get a anagram. One tap for each letter. My Cryptograph habit is as constant as my wrist bracer.

T for Text and Talsarnau. C for Cadell or Carys?

Neither come inside the Ship Aground. Not Cadell the manic offender, nor Carys the disarming importer. Both need me sometimes. Why here in Talsarnau?

But nobody approaches me as I remain drinking and watching. Listening to Welsh gossip. Reading lips slurring our language.

Do people know what I am?

Tattoos tingle and fingers tap out letter clues on my black biker bracer.

N for No-show. M for Mystery. O for Offender and I for Importer.

Are these clues I should pursue?

S for Ship and Secrets. A for Aground and Absent. C for Cadell and Carys. R for Reason and Ruse.

I leave.

Nobody follows as I trudge to my motorbike in the shadow of a tree. Moonlight glints on metallic black, and I mount, easing on my helmet.

NARCOTICS.

C for Cryptology – my Cryptograph. Are my weird acronym mind-games misleading me? But the childhood quirk has kept me ahead and alive – and some say indispensable.

Who sent the text?

Cadell, who bullied and stole, but never touched drugs.

Carys, whose brother dealt in replica art. She has a way with everyone – especially us girls.

ROMANTICS

My phone rings.

I answer on my earpiece. ‘Sparkle Anwyl.’

A moving shadow makes me duck. But the blow smashes me off the bike.

Darkness engulfs me as the words lime-green is not cool swamp my throbbing brain.

295 Words

#IWSG – Inspired Creations

July 5, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for the latest news updates:

Welcome WINDSONG BLONDELLE PHOENIX better known as Blondie, our new Companion fur baby. She will never replace my unique Quetzal, who remains irreplaceable and I’m still mourning her. Blondie is full of energy and tries so hard to play with Treeky. But the old man only wants to bark and bark. As for this old man, I’d love our new fur baby to share my bed – without stepping on my catheter – but the three times she’s been on the bed, her visits have been brief. She prefers getting Juanita’s attention by chewing her shoes. Luckily new toys are on order.

2. One minor problem is chewing through my computer cable, which left me unable to check my emails, write this post until Tuesday, or keep up to date on Ukraine. So, I’m being briefer than usual.

3. Health continues to plague me. I’m meant to be going on respite at the end of the month so Juanita and the dogs can go camping. Should be interesting… if I can take my laptop to write.

For now, Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. The next episode is due around August 16th to 18th 2023.

Slava Ukrayini

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html

Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

July 5 question – 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?

Remember, the question is optional!

I must be brief this month, but I can start by saying as a teenager and in my twenties, dreams were often my inspiration.

But that gradually changed to echoing real-life events as with my two current projects. My Snowdon Shadows police procedural series reflects Welsh issues with touches of the history and folklore. Likewise, my Ukraine Night Witches historical shorts are fiction set against ongoing events… not forgetting the initial short echoing the Firebird legend.

I’ve even used Norse mythology for some WEP/IWSG flash shorts.

The awesome co-hosts for this July 5 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, Gwen Gardner, Pat Garcia, and Natalie Aguirre!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

Quetzal Tribute

June 25, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Our beautiful Cavachon fur-baby Quetzal was born on February 13^th, 2014, in Garndolbenmaen, North Wales, U.K.

I had already seen photographs of her parents and some siblings but knew my choice. So, when Juanita brought her out to show me, it was ‘love at first cuddle’.

Although the breeder’s son called her ‘Curly Sue’, we chose the name Quetzal after a game which Juanita was playing ‘Quetzal Quest’ about the search for a jewel likeness of the exotic Quetzal bird, whose feathers were prized by the Central American natives.

Likewise, we prized our gorgeous fur-baby, who has left us with a wealth of memories, from dashing around in the rain, to trying to catch squirrels. When she was a puppy, she liked to climb via my lap, onto my desk between the keyboard and my monitor. However, one of our cats loved this spot as well, so, every day became a race for this prime location. Fortunately, my lap was almost as good… and came with a stroking bonus.

Over time, Quetzal outgrew the desk. Plus, she had a new privilege: walking in the forest at the mountain biking centre, where she was treated to a venison burger – yes, dogs were allowed in the cafeteria.

Her other sport was chasing tennis balls… inside… and destroying them. By now, we had our second dog, Treeky. We also replaced tennis balls with rubber ‘kongs’ that fooled both dogs by bouncing erratically.

When we moved to America, Quetzal & Treeky travelled in style on the liner Queen Mary II, with two Kennel Masters for all the dogs, and a Poop Deck for walks with a UK lamppost and US fire hydrant.

Sadly, as my health declined and I became bed-bound, I could no longer walk Quetzal. She could though, use steps to climb onto my bed and snuggle. Most nights she slept cuddled on or beside me.

I won’t forget her squeezing herself between me and my bed-desk to reach me and curl up. Every time I was trying to eat, she would bob and weave behind the desk to get tidbits, or a hopeful face would appear from under the desk.

Last photo of Quetzal sharing love and attention

An adorable face I will never forget, to infinity and beyond.

TO BE CONTINUED – QUETZAL GOES CAMPING

#IWSG – Originality

August 3, 2022 by Roland Clarke

I’m aiming to get ahead by writing this monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post a few days ahead.

Our house is still in chaos, although my wife’s son and his girlfriend move out next week. So, then our office will get set up, and I can stop writing one-fingered on a laptop barely in reach. The flash-drive with my current novel did appear, but revision is postponed until the office makes writing easier.

My health is declining, but we have hopefully found a way to afford care using insurance and a family trust. My brother, who controls the purse strings visiti on Sunday – my 69^th birthday – so I’ll have to behave 😉

However, I must reassure the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh that this announcement is not ‘ffarwel’.

Anyway IWSG. Remember, the question is optional!

August 3 question – When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original, or do you try to give readers what they want?

Initially my stories are original in inspiration, even if there’s a prompt, as with the WEP/IWSG Challenges.

However, there comes a point where the favourable responses mean re-visiting places and characters. That’s why I keep writing my Snowdon Shadows stories set in North Wales and starring Sparkle & Kama.

Do my Ukrainian stories fit this pattern? Originally written to an IWSG Anthology prompt, continued due to the current war, I’m now working on one for the next WEP/IWSG Challenge as readers wanted to know what happens next.

Good question, which real events will decide.

Slava Ukrayini.

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Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the August 3 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery!

#IWSG – Shire Dreams

July 6, 2022 by Roland Clarke

My apologies for this ‘late show’ on the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post.

Our move has proved a nightmare with no disabled features to the house like wide doors or wheelchair ramp, a low toilet I have to be transferred onto by a trained carer, plus weeks without internet. My desktop is still in storage as no office imminent, so I’m writing this one-fingered on a laptop barely in reach.

And the new wheelchair keeps dying on me at inconvenient moments.

The flash-drive with my current novel went AWOL during the move, and other backups are proving elusive.

My health is suffering and paying for carers will cripple us… unless my brother acts out of character.

However, I must reassure the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh that this announcement is not ‘ffarwel’.

Anyway IWSG. Remember, the question is optional!

July 6 question – If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

A few come to mind from Narnia to Earthsea to a galaxy far, far away. But as Tolkien is my early writing inspiration, I choose Middle Earth… well, a safer region, The Shire.

Is that my yearning for rural England on which The Shire was modelled? Home?

Except my heart is in North Wales, where my Sparkle stories are set. Can I live there, please?

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Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the July 6 posting of the IWSG are J Lenni Dorner, Janet Alcorn, PJ Colando, Jenni Enzor, and Diane Burton!

#WEP/IWSG December Challenge – Narcissus

December 10, 2021 by Roland Clarke

I feared my entry for this month’s WEP/IWSG Challenge would be too late, but then as I wrote this short piece, I realised I had to post today. The reason might become relevant on reading the last scene. As for the theme, I found a Welsh element to tie elements together for Sparkle and Kama.

This 2021 Year of the Art theme has provoked some interesting thoughts – and trips down rabbit holes.

Although this year’s posts are not another ongoing case for Sparkle Anwyl and Kama Pillai of the North Wales Police, I’ve attempted something else involving them. So, once more I’m going down the stand-alone path with my dynamic Welsh duo.

But this time, I’ve tried a change of genre – well, perhaps. Also, this is a response to my editor pointing out an oversight in my Fevered Fuse novel – the lack of personal growth.

As always, apologies if I’m slow to respond or slow to visit your posts.

Plus, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com

BLURB:

Uplifted by daffodils, two women affirm their love and pledge to fight for human rights.

MIRRORED PRIDE

2016

Saturday, 10th December

I stare at the unfamiliar reflection and wince. Pain comes with the job,but I can’t go out like this – not to celebrate.

Stupid. Some guys never give up easily – even cuffed.

Does it matter how I look? I purse my lips. Perhaps. I’m not vain, but tonight is special.

I reach for the makeup bag. Should I use some yellow concealer to hide my black eye? The icepack helped, but it’s still obvious. People might jump to the wrong conclusion. Abusive partner.

My fingers touch the slash on my cheek. Is a scar a turn off or a mark of courage?

Will Kama care? My whisper echoes round our bedroom.

“Of course not, cariad.” Kama replies in the doorway. I swivel and smile as she walks over, then kisses me softly. “You’re beautiful whatever happens.”

Then she sits down beside me at the vanity table.She traces the cut, then my nose. “At least, he didn’t break your mischievous feature.” She continues caressing my face.

The perfect excuse for my own daring exploration for hidden pleasure.

“Leave something for later. We need to get dressed up not down. After dinner antics are best.”

“Haven’t we always eaten first.” I slow my teasing hands, then add, “We never break the rules.”

“Except speeding on our bikes. That’s an unbroken addiction.”

Motorbikes brought us together nearly five years earlier – as did crime and our first case together.

I let our lips meet, and I enjoy the taste of minty cardamom. Long and lingering, and then I ask, “Do you ever regret the life we lead?”

“Never. I’m proud to be your partner. Both as a wife and a cop. You have doubts?”

“No longer, chellam. I admit my heart has wavered – doubt can be a mischievous trickster – was once. But we’ve proved ourselves as women, as lovers, and as crime busters.”

Kama clasps my hands. “Now we can be open with our pride, despite the risks.”

“Risk is our adrenaline and will be forever. And there are tests ahead, but we have each other. Still, I’m covering up these blemishes before we go out.”

“The table is booked for eight so I can pamper myself too. And then I’ve a present for us downstairs. Seasonal light for the cottage.”

***

https://www.dutchgrown.com/blogs/planting-tips/christmas-paperwhites-amaryllis

A floral feast fills our front room. Dozens of displays of daffodils, not yellow but white blooms.

Kama beams with the flowers. “It may be eleven weeks until St David’s Day on March 1st, but why wait until our Welsh National Holiday?”

“Paperwhites – I love these daffodils. Perfect Christmas light bringers.”

“And I bought some bulbs to plant for the Spring as well. Plus, I added some which might flower on New Year’s Day. Those bring good fortune according to Chinese legend.”

“A bonus – even if having each other is our valuable destiny already.”

“I’ll echo that sentiment, cariad.”

***

We arrive on time at the Italian trattoria to celebrate and ‘Stand up for someone’s rights’ on a day when we are lucky to be in Wales.

When our cocktails arrive, I toast all those who fight for justice. “Not just on Human Rights Day but at every moment, chellam.”

“And together, we can take a stand for more humanity.”

On the wall behind, the face of Caravaggio’s Narcissus looks down through his pool of water at us and the vase of paperwhites on our table.