ellie di julio, writer

Author of the FORGOTTEN RELICS urban fantasy series. Telling lies for fun and profit since 2012. Will eat (almost) anything.

[cryptonature]

I'm not going to tell you what your calling is.

But you really should buy a bulk bag of self-adhesive googly eyes and just, you know... explore.

[elliedijulio]

Bad day?  This’ll fix it.  FLAT HAMSTER TO THE RESCUE!

[elliedijulio]

tfw you realize one of your random posts has over a million reblogs FLAT HAMSTER JOY FOREVER

[wilwheaton]

(via m4k3vgrsnqt61.jpg (529×640))

[tastefullyoffensive]

Relatable.

[tastefullyoffensive]

Just a Grizzly bear casually fixing a fallen safety cone as they walk down the road.

via

[princessesfanarts]

By Astor Alexander

[bouncyirwin]

This is literally the best most badass thing I’ve ever seen omg

[elliedijulio]

Not the only game in town

Not the only game in town 12: Helm No Novel November 2020

“Read ‘em and weep, boys.”

The entire room groaned as Vito fanned out his cards to reveal a full house. He chuckled loudly, sweeping chips, cash, and a couple of watches to his side of the table.

“C’mon, man,” Joey whined. “It ain’t fair you run the game and win every week.”

Saul gave the kid a friendly shove. “Get outta here. You want he should show you his other set of skills?”

Vito…

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[elliedijulio]

Smooth move

Smooth move 11: Vegan No Novel November 2020

“You want to come back to my place for a smoothie?”

A tingle of excitement shoots up my spine and a few other places. Ivan joined our night-running club last month, and although the other women stare as hard at him as I do, I’m the only one he’s stared back at.

I play it cool. “Just a quick one. Gotta get up early tomorrow—board meeting.”

He nods. “Same. We’re on a crunch to finish a…

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[elliedijulio]

More than one way

More than one way Day 10: Slink No Novel November 2020

I saunter by the dumpster where Murray hangs out, making sure he catches my scent as I pass through. I resist the urge to rub against the corner and mark it for myself. That would be going too far. I just want to make him miss me, not follow me home.

Around the corner, I tiptoe across the ledge of the picture window at Wong’s. The diners on the other side notice me eyeballing their…

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[elliedijulio]

It's elemental, my dear

It's elemental, my dear 09: Jittery No Novel November 2020

Hands shaking, Kael drew the sigil as wide as he could, its intricate overlapping patterns turning the cave floor into a glowing tapestry of gold dust in the firelight. It took hours as he checked and rechecked the schematics. Each line had to be perfect or the summoning would fail. Or worse.

By the time he finished, the storm outside had reached its full furor. The afternoon’s far-off rumbles…

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[elliedijulio]

Hominem ex machina

Hominem ex machina 07: Adjust No Novel November 2020

“Just call Ed, will you, Seraph?”

“But Sir….”

“Do you know how to fix it?”

“….”

“Call Ed.”

After a moment that stretches for years, a man in a rumpled, oil-stained jumpsuit strolls in with a toolbox in one hand and a coffee cup in the other.

“Mornin’ Boss. What can I do for ya?”

“It’s on the fritz again, Ed. Care to take a look?”

“My pleasure.”

The handyman quickly…

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[elliedijulio]

A golden opportunity

A golden opportunity 07: Wound No Novel November 2020

The miller’s daughter watched each handful of straw as it shot through the wheel and wound smooth onto the spindle from barnyard trash into brilliant treasure. Tears ran down her cheeks in gratitude and wonder. Even after the third time, it never got old.

When he finished, the creature kissed her hand and murmured something about how she’d never want for anything if she’d come away with him.…

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[elliedijulio]

Chance meeting

Chance meeting Day 06: Coincidence No Novel November 2020

I first notice her behind the bar, darting between bottles on the shelf, her loose hair billowing around narrow shoulders, reflecting the neon light as she moves, unsure but determined in her dancing.

The second time I notice her, it’s at the bathroom sink before I leave, her face aglow with adrenaline. Our eyes meet briefly, then we share a shy smile.

It isn’t until I get home that I…

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[elliedijulio]

A case with teeth

A case with teeth Day 05: Profile No Novel November 2020

I drum my fingers on top of the manila folder in time to the song on the radio. Not my radio. The agent in the next cubicle. If it were up to me, the bullpen would be silent. How can anyone think with all this noise?

I take a deep breath and run a hand across my face. Focus.

The dossier is thin and a bit dusty. It’s been sealed, but only recently; a crisp, white report sticks out of one…

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[elliedijulio]

Sitting ducks

Sitting ducks Day 04: Duck No Novel November 2020

“Look at me, marine! Eyes front!”

I grab Ellis by her shoulder guards and haul her to me so our plexiglass visors contact. Her eyes are huge, almost all pupil, the leftover whites streaked red from stims. Sweat streams down her dark skin. I can feel her shaking through the armor.

She tries to push past me to the ship. “No chance, Sargent!” I lock the powergrip on my glove. “You move,…

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[elliedijulio]

Soaking in memory

Soaking in memory Day 03: Luxuriant No Novel November 2020

She slides down in the tub, letting the steaming water rise over her collarbone, her toes curling as she stretches beneath the surface, muscles lengthening and loosening in the heat. Heady-scented fizz and foam swirl around her throat to the thrum of the rushing water.

She closes her eyes, lids heavy and dull, inhaling deeply as the memories come.

This time, she welcomes them.

They…

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[elliedijulio]

Give 'er the slip

Give 'er the slip No Novel November 2020 Day 02: Traction

Whatever brought him in here ain’t gonna be what sees him out. Between the empties on the bar and the slop under his chair, it’s more like to be an ambulance than a woman.

Fella lifts his head ‘n’ shows me four fingers. Lays down again.

“You sure, mister?” I ain’t never asked that question, but Providence moves me merciful. It ain’t water he’s drinkin’.

But he grunts, and I ain’t one to…

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