Scott Rochester

@scottrochester

London author and eccentric Retired teacher Dominated by horses and ships, 400 years in the future looks a lot like 200 years in the past. No oil, no cars and no internet. And pirates!

218 Folgt259 Follower142 Posts

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Scott Rochester@scottrochester· 24d

#WIPsnips 19 Jul 'divine' NutJob is doing dinner tonight! #scifi #SlenderWolf #SideProject #SummerBall #romance #writing #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #Lancaster

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 5
Fact Versus Fiction

Even before learning about the missile project, KristalClear was feeling a little anxious. She’s supposed to be having dinner at the Wood household tonight. What she wants, is to agree an early finish today so that she’ll have enough time to get home, shower and change, do her hair, fix her make up, and still not be late for dinner. This is going to be a first, having dinner with Nutjob and his parents. And NutJob is doing the cooking! He prepared the Bolognese mix at lunch time and left it in the simmering oven. All he needs to do later is cook some spaghetti, and try to be the pinnacle of courtesy, an irresistibly divine, graceful host!

“If it’s OK with Barmy,” says KristalClear, “we should finish earlier today, you said we’re eating at 18:00 didn’t you?”

“We can all wrap up early today,” says BarmyWaffle, “Max asked me already. He has to get to Tops before 17:00 to fix up suit hire for Friday. And HayWire said he wanted to go with him.”

KristalClear - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has beautiful long straight deep brown hair and her eyes are chestnut coloured. Her face has a gentle expression with a hint of a smile. She is wearing a plain white T shirt. She is demi-psychic, but struggles with reading the minds of humans.

NutJob - A watercolour picture of a charming young man aged 17. He has neat well groomed brown hair, his eyes are bright blue, and his face has an a simple, polite smile although it looks as if he's concentrating. He's wearing a plain white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· 25d

#WIPsnips 18 Jul 'next' The mismatched couple have just done the tour of the alternative arts venue. They are having one of their highs (and they have many lows). #scifi #SlenderWolf #Art #romance #writing #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #Lancaster

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 1
WetPaint

OddSox locks the door.

“You should both come next Sunday.”

AngryBard looks interested.

“You should meet AngelFace too,” he continues, “she has mobility issues, our studio is right behind ForkHandles. More hospitable than this old place.”

Kayt looks radiant, “I’d love to meet her.”

“AngelFace would enjoy the company. These days she paints mostly portraits of local dignitaries and wealthy folk. It would do her good to spend an hour or two talking to normal people.”

He smiles knowingly, “like you two.”

AngryBard glances at Kayt.

Kayt glances back.

Neither answers immediately.

Somehow the invitation felt larger than merely having a chat with an artist. It hinted at another afternoon. Another walk beside the river. Another conversation that might begin with paintings and end somewhere neither of them could yet predict.

OddSox notices the ardent looks on their faces, but wisely pretends he hasn’t.

“Besides,” he says, slipping the key back into his pocket, “we don’t have any problems with tea!”
That finally broke the spell.

AngryBard laughs.

Kayt joins in.

Kayt (Manx, pronounced Cat, meaning kitty) - A watercolour painting of an attractive 17 year old girl. She has gorgeous long dark golden blonde hair and her eyes are dark hazel brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a lurid lime green crop top dance outfit over a shapely body.

AngryBard - A watercolour painting of a slim, attractive 14 year old boy - he has neat dark brown hair, trimmed nicely with a gentle wave on the crown. His eyes are a beautiful deep blue. His face has a thoughtful expression with a hint of a smile. He’s wearing a plain white T shirt. AngryBard is rarely angry unless you interfere with his book reading habit.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· 25d

#WIPsnips 17 Jul 'acquire' “Barbie’s normally fine,” says AuntSylvie, “she’s a conscientious worker, I didn’t know she was harbouring a smouldering lust for HayWire. #scifi #SlenderWolf #PartyTime #food #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #AmDram #Lancaster

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 11
Laissez Faire

Satisfied with her controlled, predatory approach, her spine now rigid, her lips colourless and impassive, she tersely greets HayWire then Conning, with a doleful tone like that of a frustrated school teacher.

“Hello HayWire, hello Conning.”

Sheepishly, HayWire’s head dips as he appears to acquire a great interest in his own shoes. He says nothing.

“Oh Hello,” says Conning, “we’ve not met have we? But I’ve seen you here before?”

BarbieQ raises herself to her full height. Fractionally taller than both Conning and HayWire, at about 1 metre 75, she is using every resource she can muster up to reinforce her displeasure.

“I’m BarbieQ,” she says superciliously, “I’m one of the receptionists here, and I live in the apartment opposite HayWire. I saw both of you this morning, and I know what you’re doing!”

A watercolour painting of an 18 year old girl with long blonde hair and light amber eyes, wearing a pale lilac blouse and small gold stud earrings. Her expression is calm, but slightly tense, giving a subtle, sinister undertone as if auditioning for one of Cinderella’s wicked step sisters. The image is labelled BarbieQ.

Conning - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has gorgeous long medium ash brown hair and her eyes are dark chestnut brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a powerful yellow crop top dance outfit over a curvaceous body. (Manx, pronounced KonYing, meaning bunny).

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· 25d

#JulyWorldBuilders 17 Jul 'Food for the feast' Chocolate Chip Cookies Because! Reasons! Yours affectionately FullyCharged #scifi #SlenderWolf #PartyTime #food #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #Lancaster #CookieMonster

composite image - small boy and empty plate

A watercolour painting of orphan FullyCharged, a hyperactive 8 year old boy, he has plenty of golden brown hair on top, which at the sides is neatly under control. His eyes are a deep chestnut colour - uncharacteristically calm in this pose he has a neutral expression with a hint of a smile - he is wearing a white T shirt. The image is labelled FullyCharged

FullyCharged copyright © Scott Rochester 2025

plate etc, source WikiCommons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chocolate-chip-cookie-crumbs-on-plate.png

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· 26d

#WIPsnips 16 Jul 'rush' It's been months since they were last in #Ulverston, staying at the Police House with Constable Burgess. This is the second visit to The Dandy Highwayman Café. #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 15
Mixed Messages

“Do you remember back in February when we first came in here?”

“I’ll never forget it,” says NutJob, “Bob Burgess gave me the man to man talk. I’ve never met anybody like Constable Burgess before.”

“I don’t think there is anyone else like Bob Burgess,” says KristalClear, “he’s one of a kind.”

“He was incredibly sophisticated, slipping fatherly advice into the conversation with subtle grace, he made it look easy. You were in the ladies’ room.”

KristalClear knows exactly where this conversation is going.

“I didn’t even suggest anything. I’ve not even had a chance to have that chat with dad yet. Mum drops hints though. Bob told me not to rush things. To wait. That you’d let me know when you were ready.”

“It’s not all about me you big softie!”

“And he said I wasn’t allowed to tell you that we’d even had that conversation.”

“I don’t believe it!”

“It’s true darling, the way he did all of it was very clever and incredibly kind.”

KristalClear has a different angle on this. “No! I mean I don’t believe it. EarlyBird was in ladies’ room with me, telling me exactly what Burgess was doing … telling me exactly what you’ve just told me, using those exact same words.”

KristalClear - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has beautiful long straight deep brown hair and her eyes are chestnut coloured. Her face has a gentle expression with a hint of a smile. She is wearing a plain white T shirt. She is demi-psychic, but struggles with reading the minds of humans.

NutJob - A watercolour picture of a charming young man aged 17. He has neat well groomed brown hair, his eyes are bright blue, and his face has an a simple, polite smile although it looks as if he's concentrating. He's wearing a plain white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· 29d

#WIPsnips 14 Jul 'phase' We have "phase" in only one place in Book 2, right at the start in the Prependix, describing the main characters. #scifi #SlenderWolf #Garrison #MainCharacter #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #stem #Lancaster

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Prependix
MaxChaos

MaxChaos is a reformed misfit. Less of a rebel and more of a maverick. In spite of leaving school when he was thirteen and drifting through a hippy phase for a few years, he’s popular and has many friends. His archery and cricket skills have been tremendous assets, and he becomes a key, upstanding member of society.

With no qualifications, his prospects had looked forlorn. The dogged efforts of his closest companions, and his personal commitment to finding his proper station in life, have led to closer and closer ties with the Garrison. His drive and willpower see him through a difficult period where, as a young adult, he finally masters literacy and numeracy. At least to the extent that he fits in a lot better than he used to. Nowadays his friends seem come from across the scientific community, the cricket club … and the Garrison.

A watercolour painting of a pleasant looking 21 year old man with short, straight chestnut hair with hints of bronze. His cheekbones are well defined, almost sharp and defiant, leading towards a softer jawline which has an intriguing and yet unsettling, tiny dimple. His blue eyes have a childish quality, and if he wasn’t so rugged, he could be mistaken for a doctor. He's wearing a plain white T shirt and looks like a marine. By book 2 MaxChaos has a girlfriend, and was persuaded to get a haircut and get rid of the beard!

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· 29d

#WIPsnips 13 Jul 'almost' HayWire has decided. He is going to do a Diplôme Supérieur. He is going to be Doctor Sam Clark!” #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #stem #Lancaster #autism

WIP extract book 1 of 6

SlenderWolf Conflicts and Alliances

Chapter 19
It’s Just Not Cricket

Conning suggests, “what about the multi dimensional clockwork engine?”

“No, there’s not enough innovation in that to support a five year thesis. We’re talking about hydrogen fuel cells or weaponry, both require compressed gas.”

Conning looks at the the tiny kitchenette in the apartment, “I hope you won’t be doing any of that in here?”

“That’s exactly what my GuildMaster said! But, do you know what BarmyWaffle said?”

“Nuh uh.”

“He said when can we start? And the he said we start by asking the question is there any danger?”

“He’s going to be focussed on safety, and documentation isn’t he?”

Haywire smiles, “and methodology, and the application of any new technology. It’s proper academic study, supervised by a proper academic, and potentially, this could lead to more effective tools for the Garrison.”

The happiness in Conning’s eyes could almost illuminate the entire room, “and it’ll lead to a new improved version of HayWire! You’re going to be Doctor Sam Clark!”

Conning - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has gorgeous long medium ash brown hair and her eyes are dark chestnut brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a powerful yellow crop top dance outfit over a curvaceous body. (Manx, pronounced KonYing, meaning bunny).

HayWire - A watercolour painting of an 19 year old young man - he has fly away golden blonde hair and blue eyes - in this relaxed pose he has a thoughtful and neutral expression - he is wearing a white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 12

#WIPsnips 12 Jul 'extra' Their first morning together, after their first night together. There is no food in HayWire's apartment. Hence there's an extra guest in the dining room. #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #LoveStory #Lancaster #autism

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 9
Conning’s Soliloquy

Weekend mornings at the Noble Coliseum are a relaxed affair. Breakfast times are one hour later than the rest of the week, so the orphans should be in and out of the dining room by 09:00. However, as Conning and HayWire soon discover, there is plenty of flexibility, and neither the orphans nor the retirees, nor the staff (and their guests) are denied breakfast for simply turning up in the wrong time slot. They arrive at about 09:30 just as a couple of little old ladies in their dressing gowns depart, leaving the dining room totally empty.

From beyond the hatch BackUp’s voice is cheerful and clear “Poached egg on toast twice HayWire? What’s up with you today? Extra hungry?”

“Extra guest!”

BackUp also lives in Baden Powell House, just along the corridor from HayWire, she bends down to peer through the gap, smiles at HayWire and Conning, and says nothing, but registers, “on two plates! He could have made that clearer!”

Conning chooses a table to one side of the room, away from the servery and away from the chubby, young girl called BackUp.

“We can eat here,” says Conning, “and then take our tea next door.” As she sits down she says, “and I’m sorry about yesterday.”

Conning - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has gorgeous long medium ash brown hair and her eyes are dark chestnut brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a powerful yellow crop top dance outfit over a curvaceous body. (Manx, pronounced KonYing, meaning bunny).

HayWire - A watercolour painting of an 19 year old young man - he has fly away golden blonde hair and blue eyes - in this relaxed pose he has a thoughtful and neutral expression - he is wearing a white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 11

#WIPsnips 11 Jul 'attack' NutJob has been attacked by a vicious cuddly toy. #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #Ulverston

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 17
ChatterBox

The receptionist has rushed forward from the front desk, principally to help NutJob off the floor, but she’s distracted by the body language, the eye contact, and what seems like an intense conversation between Coconut and the female guest.

NutJob rises to his feet, and addresses Coconut, “I see you didn’t push her to the floor, did you!”

Turning to the receptionist, he says, “I’m fine … I just can’t remember ever having been attacked by a vicious cuddly toy before!”

“This is Coconut,” says Poppy, “she’s our Meeter & Greeter, and she can be a little excitable, especially with complete newcomers. It’s Mr Wood isn’t it?” She then looks at KristalClear, “and …?”

“Everybody calls me NutJob, except for,” gesturing, “Kristal. She calls me all sorts of things!”

NutJob - A watercolour picture of a charming young man aged 17. He has neat well groomed brown hair, his eyes are bright blue, and his face has an a simple, polite smile although it looks as if he's concentrating. He's wearing a plain white T shirt.

Coconut - A watercolour painting of three year old Maltese puppy, a small silky, pure-white lap dog, with deep black eyes, a cute black nose, and hanging ears. She has an expressive face which appears to be saying Please Love Me, though that belies her reputation for being too bouncy, and too much of a ChatterBox. She can chat endlessly on the wavelength with KristalClear, and constantly demands doggie chocs!

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 10

#WIPsnips 10 Jul 'substitute' no "substitute" > using "replace" HayWire has to prepare a best man's speech. Conning is helping him. Naturally! Plot twist - it is not for who you're thinking! #scifi #SlenderWolf #wedding #BestMan #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #autism

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 48
The Best Man’s Speech

“I can pretend I’m demi-psychic, and that my haywire brain keeps getting things wrong!”

“Oh my word! Poppet! That’s so clever!”

She races over to him as he’s still sitting on the bed, pushes him down onto the pillows, and kisses him.

That was unexpected. The second her lips part from his HayWire sits up straight. The sudden rush of warmth appears to vanish, replaced by the cool draft of his room. His heart, already suffering from the stress of speech writing, spikes in an entirely new direction.

HayWire laughs, “do that again!”

He slowly extends his arms, tentatively opening his palms upwards, begging her to bridge the gap that he had been too terrified to cross, too many times before. His mindset appearing to have changed gear completely. A new HayWire emerging.

“I made the mistake of thinking you were out of my league, a beautiful singer and dancer. Sorry!”

“And I made the mistake of thing you were a bit nerdy.”

“I am a bit nerdy.”

“I never gave you the chance to be normal,” smiles Conning, “we all need some normality in our lives.”

Conning - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has gorgeous long medium ash brown hair and her eyes are dark chestnut brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a powerful yellow crop top dance outfit over a curvaceous body. (Manx, pronounced KonYing, meaning bunny).

HayWire - A watercolour painting of an 19 year old young man - he has fly away golden blonde hair and blue eyes - in this relaxed pose he has a thoughtful and neutral expression - he is wearing a white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 9

#WIPsnips 9 Jul 'keep' As part of the festival team, AngryBard and Kayt are taking stock of the assets - including a giant outdoor #chess set #scifi #SlenderWolf #chess #Art #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #Lancaster

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 1
WetPaint

They’re tall enough to reach Kayt's waist.

She stops altogether, “oh…”

Not exactly frightened. Merely startled. For a heartbeat they seem strangely alive, standing silently where daylight seldom reaches.

AngryBard notices. “I’ve seen these before,” he says, “Custodum, last year. They were in front of the law courts.”

Kayt keeps watching the silent army.

“They’re much bigger indoors,” he says gently.

“They’re supposed to be,” adds OddSox, “makes the game look important.”

Walking towards one of them, AngryBard says, “there should be two complete sets.”

OddSox nods, “yes, there should be.”

AngryBard grins, “when DoveTail and I had a look at these last year, one side was missing a queen.”

“The mystery continues,” says OddSox, “every year someone says they’ll find her.”

“Perhaps she escaped?”

“Or perhaps,” says OddSox, “she found a kingdom where people remember to put things back where they found them?”

That makes Kayt smile.

Kayt (Manx, pronounced Cat, meaning kitty) - A watercolour painting of an attractive 17 year old girl. She has gorgeous long dark golden blonde hair and her eyes are dark hazel brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a lurid lime green crop top dance outfit over a shapely body.

AngryBard - A watercolour painting of a slim, attractive 14 year old boy - he has neat dark brown hair, trimmed nicely with a gentle wave on the crown. His eyes are a beautiful deep blue. His face has a thoughtful expression with a hint of a smile. He’s wearing a plain white T shirt. AngryBard is rarely angry unless you interfere with his book reading habit.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 7

#JulyWorldBuilders 7 Jul 'Clothes worn for special occasions (rituals, funerals, parties)' it seems that bright crimson bow ties have suddenly come in to fashion for the graduation ball on 30 Jun 2451AD #SlenderWolf #music #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #Lancaster

WIP extract book 1 of 6

SlenderWolf Conflicts and Alliances

Chapter 40
The CounterPlexity Ball

On graduation day Mr Rafone, proudly sporting his new bright crimson bow tie, is buzzing about the stage putting the final touches to the preparations. MissFortune looks very professional in her tailored suit as she stands next to the Provost, who’s wearing a black gown and a red bonnet. Obviously he has a Diplôme Supérieur.

The students are all smartly dressed too, but are waiting for the Graduation Ball this evening before they wear their new finery.

[long section break and omitted description of a superb ball dress]

Combined with minimalist silver earrings and a delicate silver necklace the whole outfit has an ethereal aura that’s as dreamy as it is dramatic. The only thing that tops the dress, is the delightful, beaming smile on KristalClear’s face.

In comparison, NutJob looks quite professional in his sober, space grey suit. He’s really pleased that it’s a perfect fit, but he’s a little unsure about the bright crimson bow tie that KristalClear bought for him two hours ago.

When the Graduation Ceremony ended at about 16:30, she rushed him into town to buy the bow tie before the shops had closed.

She was right about the tie though! Or to be more precise, Kayt was right! It is the latest fashion, and it seems that Tops has been doing a roaring trade in bow ties over the past week. Lots of the men in the room are wearing crimson bow ties, including at least half of the younger ones. The only reason the rest of them aren’t, is that they weren’t able to get into town before 17:00!

KristalClear - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 16.

NutJob - A watercolour picture of a charming young man aged 16.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2025

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 7

#WIPsnips 7 Jul 'quarter' It looks like romance is not only in the domain of the teenagers. The tweenage InCrowd, led by Hayley and FullyCharged are not immune to the prevailing bustle. #scifi #SlenderWolf #Art #LoomisMethod #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #Lancaster

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 5

#WIPsnips 5 Jul 'bench' KristalClear and NutJob are in the Innovation Lab in #Ulverston, talking to FlashBang and her team. Does it work? Not really! #scifi #SlenderWolf #sustainabilty #STEM #romance #WritingCommunity #LoveStory

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 17
ChatterBox

“I’d never even seen an electric kettle until yesterday!”

“No, they’re all out on loan,” says FlashBang, “BSC! Who has one of the new fridges on trial? Where can Kristal see one?”

“Nelson’s Meats have one, and Riki Tikki Tavi has one …”

Interrupting, KristalClear responds excitedly, “Riki Tikki Tavi? OK Dash, we’re definitely going there tonight!”

Coconut is feeling a bit neglected. She’s persistently pawing at the lab’s massive French windows and incessantly reminding KristalClear that they are here to go and inspect the Syke.

This is my bench, the one with all the sunflowers.

They’re immature aren’t they? Why do you have a bunch of young sunflowers in an innovation lab?

I’m working on solar power.

“Aha!” says NutJob, “The Shorb 1? Photovoltaic cells?”

“You’ve been talking to BarmyWaffle haven’t you? He did his thesis on the Shorb.”

“And he showed me a real photovoltaic cell on an ancient handheld calculator.”

“I’m inventing something new,” says FlashBang eagerly. “the heliovoltaic cell 2, the sunflower moves with the sun, and these artificial cilia have embedded micro magnets which move freely in tandem with the pant. It’s the same principle as the Shorb, but using a plant as the motive force not Sherringer Multiversal Glass.”

“Does it work?”

“Not really.

KristalClear - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has beautiful long straight deep brown hair and her eyes are chestnut coloured. Her face has a gentle expression with a hint of a smile. She is wearing a plain white T shirt.

A watercolour painting of a 24 year old lady with shoulder-length red hair styled in a shaggy wolf cut with a messy fringe. She has a happy, friendly smile, and is wearing minimal makeup, and small gold stud earrings. Her white lab coat covers a simple blue blouse. The image is labelled FlashBang.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 4

#SummerOfStories #WritingPrompt 4 Jul 'epic scene' I had to go back to Book 1 for this. The day after they graduated, they discover that their school teacher is going out with the lady who runs the orphanage! #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #WritingCommunity #LoveStory

WIP extract book 1 of 6

SlenderWolf Conflicts and Alliances

Chapter 42
Magnum Opus

“You must be Kristal,” says Honey, “and you’re Dave? Mike Rafone mentioned you last time he was in.”

Surprised, NutJob exclaims, “Mr Rafone? He comes here?”

“Yes, he does sometimes, look, there he is, Mike and Sylvie arrived just before you did.”

KristalClear’s unrestrained joy has been overtaken by unrestrained astonishment, “Mr Rafone! And AuntSylvie?”

They all smile and wave.

“I’ve got goosebumps!” says NutJob, “my goosebumps have got goosebumps!”

“This is a proper little love nest here,” declares KristalClear, “we’re going to have to come here regularly. Honey surely knows all the cosy alliances in Lancaster!”

Honey shows them to a quiet table in the far corner. It’s not that far away from the other guests, but it’s the most secluded table in the whole place.

KristalClear - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 16. She has beautiful long straight deep brown hair and her eyes are chestnut coloured. Her face has a gentle expression with a hint of a smile. She is wearing a plain white T shirt. She is demi-psychic, but struggles with reading the minds of humans.

NutJob - A watercolour picture of a charming young man aged 16. He has neat well groomed brown hair, his eyes are bright blue, and his face has an a simple, polite smile although it looks as if he's concentrating. He's wearing a plain white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2025

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 4

#WIPsnips 4 Jul 'round' KristalClear and NutJob travelled from #Lancaster to #Ulverston on The Puffin (ferry) Tonight is their first night in town. She's feeling amorous. He's feeling hungry. #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #FishAndChips

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 15
Mixed Messages

“Dash, I love you so much! You’re the only person who has ever made me feel like this. I promise to be good to you. Shall we go and eat?”

“Yes, and this time we should actually pay attention to what’s on the menu. If this is a cheap, basic hotel, then don’t expect it to be like Magnum Opus!”

“And tomorrow,” says KristalClear, “when their restaurant is open, we should go round and see what that lovely couple are capable of.”

“Yes, let’s do that. Tonight I’m happy with cheap and basic though, maybe fish and chips or something like that.”

KristalClear - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has beautiful long straight deep brown hair and her eyes are chestnut coloured. Her face has a gentle expression with a hint of a smile. She is wearing a plain white T shirt. She is demi-psychic, but struggles with reading the minds of humans.

NutJob - A watercolour picture of a charming young man aged 17. He has neat well groomed brown hair, his eyes are bright blue, and his face has an a simple, polite smile although it looks as if he's concentrating. He's wearing a plain white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 3

#WIPsnips 3 Jul 'out' Conning and HayWire are beginning to figure out more about each other. #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #Lancaster #autism

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 4
A Long Overdue Explanation

“I prefer it this way, it’s not about privacy, it’s about light. This is plenty. I have this peculiar thing with my senses, sight, sound, and touch … too much light or too much noise infuriates me, irrational I know, certain types of touch annoy me too but less so.

“And taste, and smell?” she asks

“No problem, completely normal, maybe the other way round, Max’s BO never troubled me!”

“That probably helps, no wonder you’re his best friend! Have you seen him recently? I’m told he had a haircut, and he shaved off his beard?

“I saw him yesterday. No beard! I realised it was Max straight away … crazy thing is though, I didn’t notice the short hair. I couldn’t figure it out at first. My cognitive skills aren’t always on the right level, I just knew he was different.”

“You’re different,” she says, “you’re talking so naturally, clearly and openly. So friendly.”

“When I know what I’m doing my brain operates at 100%. Sometimes, when I’m faced with new challenges it slows down to 50%. That’s the way I look at it.”

“And look at this … your own little studio flat, I’ve never seen a studio flat before,” Conning looks at the double bed and wonders if she should even mention a bed, “everything you need, all in one place, even a double bed? I didn’t know there were apartments in the Coliseum.”

Conning - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has gorgeous long medium ash brown hair and her eyes are dark chestnut brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a powerful yellow crop top dance outfit over a curvaceous body. (Manx, pronounced KonYing, meaning bunny).

HayWire - A watercolour painting of an 19 year old young man - he has fly away golden blonde hair and blue eyes - in this relaxed pose he has a thoughtful and neutral expression - he is wearing a white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 2

#WIPsnips 2 Jul 'knock' Conning desperately want to check on HayWire and see if he's OK. #scifi #SlenderWolf #DomesticViolence #romance #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #Lancaster #autism

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

A Long Overdue Explanation

There’s a knock at the door. From beyond the door of his compact studio flat HayWire can hear a voice.

“HayWire, it’s Cathy! You have a visitor!”

It’s in his nature to be nervous, so HayWire hesitates and rapidly runs through a list of who it might be and why. “It’s certainly not anybody else from the senior management team. If it was either Peter or Mike or Sylvie they would have announced themselves. Why is NurseCathy involved? It’s unlikely to be any of the junior staff either, as they wouldn’t have asked NurseCathy to accompany them. So it has to be one of his friends, but who? Nobody has yet come to see him in his new home. “It has to be MaxChaos,” he thinks, “I mean, who else would make the effort to come and visit?”

Cautiously he opens the door to see NurseCathy standing in the corridor, with Conning!

Calmly, NurseCathy smiles, one her typical, warm and pleasant NurseCathy smiles, and Conning draws in a sharp breath. The air feeling cold in her throat. She feels a massive void in her stomach as she stands there with her mouth agape, her eyes wide open and her eyebrows high. HayWire looks at her with equal surprise, experiencing a deeply troubling, uncomfortable feeling. For different reasons they are both sharing a particularly acute level of anxiety. His contorted face conspicuously reveals faded bruising below his left eye, clear evidence of a past injury that has not yet completely vanished.

Conning - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has gorgeous long medium ash brown hair and her eyes are dark chestnut brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a powerful yellow crop top dance outfit over a curvaceous body. (Manx, pronounced KonYing, meaning bunny).

HayWire - A watercolour painting of an 19 year old young man - he has fly away golden blonde hair and blue eyes

© Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jul 2

#JulyWorldBuilders 2 Jul 'How has fashion changed over time?' There is no plastic, nor synthetics. Your shoes are made of natural fibres. The soft, comfortable, casual shoes are espadrilles, made from hessian and canvas #scifi #SlenderWolf #GlobalWarming #WritingCommunity #sustainability #bookSky

a pair of beige slip on espadrille shoes with textured mesh uppers and woven jute soles.

stock image from Next (retailer)

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jun 9

#JuneWorldBuilders 9 Jun 'What famous works of literature exist in world?' Shakespeare, Chaucer and Dickens are stocked in all the libraries. Non fiction like Plato, Darwin, Descartes, Russel, and Bacon are well respected too. #scifi #SlenderWolf #libraries #UKeduChat #writingCommunity #literacy

extract book 1 of 6

SlenderWolf Conflicts and Alliances

Chapter 36
Sympathy and Patience

“And you also love reading?” asks KristalClear, “who’s your favourite author?”

“Oh, I prefer non fiction,” says Mrs Barr, “knowledge is power.”

AngryBard quickly adds, “Francis Bacon!”

“France is bacon?” responds a confused KristalClear.

“No!” says AngryBard, “Francis Bacon! He’s an author.”

Speaking in clumsy Latin, AngryBard continues “ipsa scientia potestas est, knowledge is power, knowledge is the basis for reputation, influence, and success.”

“Well remembered darling,” says Mrs Barr, before addressing her guests and saying, “I’m now reading Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, it’s a challenging book, the power of a definite purpose, the power of thought, that sort of thing.”

KristalClear tells NutJob, “we need to read that.”

“There’s bound to be more than one copy in the library,” says Mrs Barr.

AngryBard interjects, “Mum, why aren’t we rich then?”

“There’s more to life than money, sweetie.”

A watercolour painting of of a pretty lady aged 34. She has light natural brown hair styled in a messy updo with a few tendrils. She has a calm, pleasant expression, with a hint of a smile. She is wearing a plain pale blue top, no jewellery, not even earrings and she has minimalist cosmetics. The image is labelled TrishaBarr.

A watercolour painting of of a clean shaven man aged 33. He has short red auburn hair and fair skin, and dark green eyes. He’s wearing a light blue denim shirt. He has a neutral, thoughtful expression and is looking slightly to the side. The image is labelled BillyBarr.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2025

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jun 8

#JuneWorldBuilders 8 Jun 'What famous paintings exist in your world?' In 2450AD there is no photography. The well known portraits are of the founders of Wolfland. And there are other portraits. #scifi #SlenderWolf #portraiture #romance #writingCommunity #survival #LoveStory #Lancaster #Ulverston

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 11
Laissez Faire

Peering through the windows at the front of the Town Hall, it’s possible to see the portraits of the Penrith Nobles, the founders of Wolfland, notable amongst them Brigadier Archibald “Archie” Hetherington and Lady Amanda Farsight.

“Allegedly,” says HayWire, “they were lovers, but that’s not detailed in The Penrith Chronicles. You have to read between the lines!”

“You can read between the lines?” asks Conning.

“Not in the true sense,” says Haywire, “but I can listen to history teachers, it was the only non science subject which gripped my imagination at school. I was genuinely interested in the origins of Wolfland, and how we developed into the type of equitable, harmonious society we have. It’s thanks to BrigadierHetherington and LadyAmanda.”

Feeling perfectly at ease with Conning, Haywire leads her through a little more discussion of the cultural idiosyncrasies in Wolfland.

“There are portraits of Doctors of Engineering spread all over the Harrison Research Institute you know, and I’m told there are several more in the Wolfie Windy Water Research Institute in Ulverston.”

“Would you like to do a Diplôme?” asks Conning, “I’m sure you have the ability!”

Lady Amanda Farsight - A framed oil painting of an attractive noble lady with lovely long brown hair. She is aged about 30 and is wearing a low cut sumptuous ball gown in black and silver. She has a warm, sensual smile. Her right arm is resting on her hip. The picture is in an ornate gold frame.

A framed oil painting of one of the fictitious founders of modern day Wolfland, Brigadier Archibald (Archie) Hetherington, wearing his number 1 parade uniform. A tall majestic gentleman with a neat military hairstyle and a contemporary moustache (Brigadier is a UK rank, whereas other armies say Brigadier General). Archie is now retired, a benevolent land owner and farmer.

© Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jun 8

#WIPsnips 8 Jun 'smell' KristalClear (the demi psychic) and NutJob have arranged a trip to The Warren (the farm) where the fourth wolf, Copernicus, is a recent arrival. SharkBait used to be a fisherman. #scifi #SlenderWolf #wolves #romance #writingCommunity #ClimateChange #bookSky #Ulverston

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 19
It’s Just Not Cricket

“We’re going to connect with all of the wolves today. They will connect with us, I’m sure. You’ll have to stay calm and follow my advice. They do a lot of non verbal comms. The first thing they’ll want to do is smell us. Even through the fence, they will get as close to me as they can to pick up my scent. You have to do exactly the same thing as me. When I kneel down on one knee, I’m showing them that I know my place in the hierarchy, a low ranking outsider. Copy me Dash, trust me. I’m not going into the compound unless all the signs are right.”

“You’re going inside?”

“If the signs are right.”

“I’m not going in!”

“That’s OK, I think SharkBait has worked out how to do it properly.”

KristalClear - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has beautiful long straight deep brown hair and her eyes are chestnut coloured. Her face has a gentle expression with a hint of a smile. She is wearing a plain white T shirt. She is demi-psychic, but struggles with reading the minds of humans.

NutJob - A watercolour picture of a charming young man aged 17. He has neat well groomed brown hair, his eyes are bright blue, and his face has an a simple, polite smile although it looks as if he's concentrating. He's wearing a plain white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jun 7

#WIPsnips 7 Jun 'guide' Finally, Conning has managed to persuade HayWire to dance with her! #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #amediting #writingCommunity #IndieAuthor #bookSky #LoveStory #Lancaster #autism

Unpublished working image for book 2 of 6 - SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

An anime style image of two girls on stage performing something like Dancing Queen by Abba.

Abba was the inspiration for these two characters.

Kayt - An attractive 17 year old girl. She has gorgeous long dark golden blonde hair and her eyes are dark hazel brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. Over a curvaceous body she is wearing a lurid lime green crop top dance outfit with tight fitting leggings with a flyaway satin belt. (Manx, Kayt pronounced Cat, meaning kitty)

Conning - An attractive young girl aged 17. She has gorgeous long medium ash brown hair and her eyes are dark chestnut brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. Over a curvaceous body she is wearing a powerful yellow crop top dance outfit with tight fitting leggings with a flyaway satin belt. (Manx, Conning pronounced KonYing, meaning bunny).

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 8
The Garrison Summer Ball

Marcus starts singing, “♪it’s late in the evening♪”

Realising that he might risk destroying everything that’s been building over the past few days, HayWire banishes the snakes from his head, and sheepishly allows Conning to coax him from his chair. He’s troubled by the dichotomy of wanting intimate contact, but not wanting to succumb to all the peer pressure.

He certainly doesn’t want to spoil this chance of firmly establishing his first ever romantic relationship. Barely on the edge of the dance floor Conning guides his hand, placing it in the small of her back. She takes a half step backwards, forcing HayWire to move with her, and he starts mimicking the way that MaxChaos and NutJob are doing their slow dance with their girlfriends.

Conning - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has gorgeous long medium ash brown hair and her eyes are dark chestnut brown. Her face has a picture perfect smile revealing lovely white teeth. She is wearing a powerful yellow crop top dance outfit over a curvaceous body. (Manx, pronounced KonYing, meaning bunny).

HayWire - A watercolour painting of an 19 year old young man - he has fly away golden blonde hair and blue eyes - in this relaxed pose he has a thoughtful and neutral expression - he is wearing a white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· Jun 6

#WIPsnips 6 Jun 'happen' The lead romantics are off to visit the wolves. #scifi #SlenderWolf #romance #GlobalWarming #UKeduChat #writing #writingCommunity #IndieAuthor #ClimateChange #bookSky #LoveStory #Lancaster #Ulverston

WIP extract book 2 of 6

SlenderWolf In With the In Crowd

Chapter 3
Copernicus

“And now, during my first week,” adds NutJob, “Franklin wants me to go to Ulverston as the new junior technician/junior tea maker/junior reporter/junior wolf expert …”

“Senior wolf expert,” interrupts KristalClear, “you and I brought SnapDragon to the farm. We effectively started this. We might be complete novices, but we’re more expert than anybody else!”

“And, Kristal, she wants you to come with me, because you can talk to Copernicus …”

“They’ve named him Copernicus?” asks KristalClear, “I need to know how this all happened!”

“You will! You’re the demi-psychic, you’re the only person who can talk to the wolves and get their side of the story. I can talk to the Techies at Wolfland Wind & Water Power. It will be fantastic for me, my first piece of proper journalism. And it’s a real scoop! Fantastic for both of us. You’ll be in the paper as my expert colleague.”

KristalClear - A watercolour painting of an attractive young girl aged 17. She has beautiful long straight deep brown hair and her eyes are chestnut coloured. Her face has a gentle expression with a hint of a smile. She is wearing a plain white T shirt. She is demi-psychic, but struggles with reading the minds of humans.

NutJob - A watercolour picture of a charming young man aged 17. He has neat well groomed brown hair, his eyes are bright blue, and his face has an a simple, polite smile although it looks as if he's concentrating. He's wearing a plain white T shirt.

copyright © Scott Rochester 2026

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· May 7

tutors and students could be improved!

screenshot of Blackadder - thespians tutoring the Prince Regent on an appropriate stance, all standing in regency costume with their legs wide apart - in the background a bemused Blackadder enters the room

Scott Rochester@scottrochester· May 2

where is the one click, reject all cookies button? It might be worth reading, but I'm not going through the aggravation of trying to get past the cookie tool