Erica Graham's Blog, page 3
November 21, 2018
MIAMI BOOK FAIR AUTHOR FEATURE: Kelsey Rae Barthel
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Feature 9: Kelsey Rae Barthel
-----------------------------
Kelsey Rae Barthel grew up in the quiet town of Hay Lakes in Alberta, a sleepy place of only 500 people. Living in such a calm setting gave her a lot of spare time to imagine grand adventures of magic and danger, inspired by the comic books and anime she enjoyed. Upon graduating high school, Kelsey moved to Edmonton and eventually began working in the business of airline cargo, but she never stopped imagining those adventures. Beyond the Code is her first novel.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
To the common world, Aurora Falon is merely the pampered daughter of a rich and influential family. But to the secret world of The Order, she is Luna, the powerful and formidable warrior knight, under the rule of her master, Cole Iver. Together, they strive to bring down Damon Lexus, a wicked master who uses her knights in cowardly and dishonorable ways for her own selfish desires. But when they obtain evidence that may bring Damon Lexus under the judgement of The Order's ruling power, The Hand Council, Damon makes a rash decision and orders the assassination of Cole Iver.
By pure coincidence, Luna catches Damon’s knight in the act but is too late to save her master and kills the assassin in a moment of grief stricken rage. Luna knows the one with her master’s blood on her hands is not the one she killed, she seeks the assassin's master. But after a failed attempt at revenge, Luna is pulled from the depths of her dark anger and put on a better path by the Hunter who was ordered to kill her. Together, they will work to break away from being mere tools for the powerful and become heroes.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
“Picked up this book late at night and thought I would read a chapter or two, 3 hours later I could barely put it down. Great page turner. Characters you really get to know. Exciting and fast paced. Only wish the second one was ready.�
“Knights, Ladies, Kingdoms � and mysterious plots and incidents color this very impressive debut novel, presented by a lady who seems to be ready to join the forces of escapist adventures.�
“Barthel weaves an intriguing and poetic net that caught me from the very first sentence. ‘Someone once told me that the true enemy of truth is time.� �
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Beyond the Code is about a group of warriors with extraordinary abilities breaking away from being mere tools of battle and becoming heroes. They must find the courage and drive to face off against the full force of The Order they once followed to right the wrongs against them and change their world for the better. They will face cruel masters, heartbreaking betrayal, and the truth behind an ancient shroud of secrecy that will shatter the very perception of their purpose
This story combines a covert shadow war, high-paced action, deep-seated conspiracies, and remarkable superpowers. So if you want to immerse yourself in the death-defying mission of Aurora and her comrades give Beyond the Code a look over and tell me what you think.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Feature 9: Kelsey Rae Barthel
-----------------------------
Kelsey Rae Barthel grew up in the quiet town of Hay Lakes in Alberta, a sleepy place of only 500 people. Living in such a calm setting gave her a lot of spare time to imagine grand adventures of magic and danger, inspired by the comic books and anime she enjoyed. Upon graduating high school, Kelsey moved to Edmonton and eventually began working in the business of airline cargo, but she never stopped imagining those adventures. Beyond the Code is her first novel.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
To the common world, Aurora Falon is merely the pampered daughter of a rich and influential family. But to the secret world of The Order, she is Luna, the powerful and formidable warrior knight, under the rule of her master, Cole Iver. Together, they strive to bring down Damon Lexus, a wicked master who uses her knights in cowardly and dishonorable ways for her own selfish desires. But when they obtain evidence that may bring Damon Lexus under the judgement of The Order's ruling power, The Hand Council, Damon makes a rash decision and orders the assassination of Cole Iver.
By pure coincidence, Luna catches Damon’s knight in the act but is too late to save her master and kills the assassin in a moment of grief stricken rage. Luna knows the one with her master’s blood on her hands is not the one she killed, she seeks the assassin's master. But after a failed attempt at revenge, Luna is pulled from the depths of her dark anger and put on a better path by the Hunter who was ordered to kill her. Together, they will work to break away from being mere tools for the powerful and become heroes.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
“Picked up this book late at night and thought I would read a chapter or two, 3 hours later I could barely put it down. Great page turner. Characters you really get to know. Exciting and fast paced. Only wish the second one was ready.�
“Knights, Ladies, Kingdoms � and mysterious plots and incidents color this very impressive debut novel, presented by a lady who seems to be ready to join the forces of escapist adventures.�
“Barthel weaves an intriguing and poetic net that caught me from the very first sentence. ‘Someone once told me that the true enemy of truth is time.� �
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Beyond the Code is about a group of warriors with extraordinary abilities breaking away from being mere tools of battle and becoming heroes. They must find the courage and drive to face off against the full force of The Order they once followed to right the wrongs against them and change their world for the better. They will face cruel masters, heartbreaking betrayal, and the truth behind an ancient shroud of secrecy that will shatter the very perception of their purpose
This story combines a covert shadow war, high-paced action, deep-seated conspiracies, and remarkable superpowers. So if you want to immerse yourself in the death-defying mission of Aurora and her comrades give Beyond the Code a look over and tell me what you think.
Published on November 21, 2018 09:29
November 20, 2018
MIAMI BOOK FAIR AUTHOR FEATURE: Margaret Standafer
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Feature 8: Margaret Standafer
-----------------------------
Margaret Standafer, author of the Misty Lake series, lives and writes in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN with the support of her husband and children, and in spite of the lack of support from her ever-demanding Golden Retriever. When she is not writing, she is working as a substitute teacher in middle school and high school, gardening, hiking, walking her dog, traveling, or reading. Actually, she is always reading and has found ways to incorporate it into most of the aforementioned activities! It is her sincere hope that you enjoy her writing.
To learn more about the author, please visit Margaret at:
Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Samantha Taylor has lost all those dearest to her…her parents, her brother, and now the grandfather who raised her. When his will is read and some of his secrets come to light, Sam finds herself back in Misty Lake, Minnesota, a place that holds countless happy memories but, as she quickly discovers, just as many questions.
Jake McCabe, Misty Lake’s sheriff, is as curious as anyone about the town’s newest resident but it isn’t until Sam becomes the victim of a particularly cruel vandal that he meets her and gets a look at the house that has everyone in town talking.
As Jake races to keep Sam safe from the escalating attacks, he also works to break down the wall she has built around herself and to convince her that a life without love isn’t a life at all.
Misty Lake is the first stand-alone book in the clean, romantic suspense series called “entertaining and engaging.� If you like small towns, big families, and happy endings, you’ll love getting to know the McCabes of Misty Lake, Minnesota.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
“A great mix of mystery, intrigue and romance.�
~Amazon Review
“The writing was well-crafted and the dialogue had a natural flow to it. Jake's investigation and dealings with people added authenticity to his role. The description of this small Minnesota lake town was beautiful and charming, a town you'd want to live in. It was a sweet and thrilling read that kept me turning pages to find out just who it was so determined to run Sam out of town. The characters are an interesting and fun cast, each adding their own little sliver to the story.�
~Charlie Anderson, Blogger at Girl of 1000 Wonders
“Loved this book! So nice to find an author that can grab and hold your attention without the need for profanity or sex. Looking forward to the next book!�
~Amazon Review
“What a great cast of characters in a quaint town. The story was very interesting and I especially liked the details about woodworking and how the main character used her love for woodworking to reach out and help struggling teens.�
~Amazon Review
“This was an excellent read. The author has a smooth and engaging writing style. The characters come alive on the page. The setting was well done I could almost feel the fog on my skin.�
~Amazon Review
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Misty Lake is the first stand-alone book in the clean, romantic suspense series called “entertaining and engaging.� If you like small towns, big families, and happy endings, you’ll love getting to know the McCabes of Misty Lake, Minnesota. Buy now:
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Feature 8: Margaret Standafer
-----------------------------
Margaret Standafer, author of the Misty Lake series, lives and writes in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN with the support of her husband and children, and in spite of the lack of support from her ever-demanding Golden Retriever. When she is not writing, she is working as a substitute teacher in middle school and high school, gardening, hiking, walking her dog, traveling, or reading. Actually, she is always reading and has found ways to incorporate it into most of the aforementioned activities! It is her sincere hope that you enjoy her writing.
To learn more about the author, please visit Margaret at:
Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Samantha Taylor has lost all those dearest to her…her parents, her brother, and now the grandfather who raised her. When his will is read and some of his secrets come to light, Sam finds herself back in Misty Lake, Minnesota, a place that holds countless happy memories but, as she quickly discovers, just as many questions.
Jake McCabe, Misty Lake’s sheriff, is as curious as anyone about the town’s newest resident but it isn’t until Sam becomes the victim of a particularly cruel vandal that he meets her and gets a look at the house that has everyone in town talking.
As Jake races to keep Sam safe from the escalating attacks, he also works to break down the wall she has built around herself and to convince her that a life without love isn’t a life at all.
Misty Lake is the first stand-alone book in the clean, romantic suspense series called “entertaining and engaging.� If you like small towns, big families, and happy endings, you’ll love getting to know the McCabes of Misty Lake, Minnesota.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
“A great mix of mystery, intrigue and romance.�
~Amazon Review
“The writing was well-crafted and the dialogue had a natural flow to it. Jake's investigation and dealings with people added authenticity to his role. The description of this small Minnesota lake town was beautiful and charming, a town you'd want to live in. It was a sweet and thrilling read that kept me turning pages to find out just who it was so determined to run Sam out of town. The characters are an interesting and fun cast, each adding their own little sliver to the story.�
~Charlie Anderson, Blogger at Girl of 1000 Wonders
“Loved this book! So nice to find an author that can grab and hold your attention without the need for profanity or sex. Looking forward to the next book!�
~Amazon Review
“What a great cast of characters in a quaint town. The story was very interesting and I especially liked the details about woodworking and how the main character used her love for woodworking to reach out and help struggling teens.�
~Amazon Review
“This was an excellent read. The author has a smooth and engaging writing style. The characters come alive on the page. The setting was well done I could almost feel the fog on my skin.�
~Amazon Review
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Misty Lake is the first stand-alone book in the clean, romantic suspense series called “entertaining and engaging.� If you like small towns, big families, and happy endings, you’ll love getting to know the McCabes of Misty Lake, Minnesota. Buy now:
Published on November 20, 2018 07:41
November 19, 2018
MIAMI BOOK FAIR AUTHOR FEATURE: R.L. Jackson
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Day 7: RL Jackson
-----------------------------
R.L Jackson is an independent filmmaker, magazine editor and screenwriter who writes romance and romantic suspense with an aim for readers to, "Get Lost In Intense Passion and Diverse Worlds." She lives in south Florida enjoys binge-watching Netflix, uses her treadmill as an over-sized coat hanger, but loves to dance to the Fitness Marshall videos on Youtube.
To learn more about the author, please visit her at:
Join my newsletter! Sign Up Here:
Keep In Touch!
Web:
Facebook:
Twitter: @bingeReadRLnow

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Absolutely loved the twists, turns, and suspense from beginning to end...well written with amazing characters..." ★★★★�
Getting dumped at the altar nearly broke Lana McKenzie beyond repair.
A year later, she was working to rebuild her life. Until a face from her past forces her to seek an escape.
Tucked away in a beautiful, secluded mountain estate, Lana finally finds her solace. That is until she comes face to face with her new roommate.
Kayden Capshaw is a sexy out of control party boy whose grief has pushed him to a much-needed getaway in the house on the mountain. But Lana was the last person he expected to find there.
❤She's feisty, stubborn, and undeniably gorgeous.
❤He's arrogant, flashy, and hotter than the sun.
❤She'll do anything to stay away. He'll do anything to get close.
Forced to ride out a winter storm together, a second-chance romance blossoms, but unwelcomed guests threaten to interrupt the delicate fabric of their new relationship. Will their fiery passion continue to burn bright or will outside forces put out the flames for good?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
“Talk about a whirlwind of a read. There is loads to keep you invested and also the chance to watch the characters grow stronger. This is the authors debut series and she has in my opinion done it well. She didn’t allow the story to become stagnant and provided enough information where it wasn’t overly done but balanced well. An exciting read that will leave you wanting more from her in the future.� Teri, -SJ's Book Blog
“Florida author R.L Jackson’s series THE CRASHING SERIES of which CRASHING INTO ME is Book One shows promise of a very well skilled romance writer � a ringmaster of a dark circus of players whose identities may be a bit difficult to isolate at times but whose interaction produces a fast-paced ride guaranteed to keep your attention and your adrenaline high.� Grady Harp, San Francisco Review of Books
“At the end of the day, when the kids are all tucked in bed I love to sneak away and have a few quiet minutes to myself. Most recently I could be found reading “Crashing Into Me� by R. L. Jackson.The author has created a contemporary romance with interesting characters that are defined by their unique life experiences. I love that neither character is perfect. They are flawed just like the rest of us. They both carry emotional baggage that developed from painful experiences in their pasts. The story shows us how your personal experiences make you into the person you are today. We see how these feelings shape whom you become and the decisions and actions you make through the lives of each character.�
“Ms. Jackson will transport you to a small town, nestled in the mountains through her very descriptive storytelling. She will make you feel a full range of emotions from contempt to empathy. She shares the characters memories and experiences to the point where you feel like you are really there, sharing in the moment.� Elizabeth, PennyMinding Mom
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Day 7: RL Jackson
-----------------------------
R.L Jackson is an independent filmmaker, magazine editor and screenwriter who writes romance and romantic suspense with an aim for readers to, "Get Lost In Intense Passion and Diverse Worlds." She lives in south Florida enjoys binge-watching Netflix, uses her treadmill as an over-sized coat hanger, but loves to dance to the Fitness Marshall videos on Youtube.
To learn more about the author, please visit her at:
Join my newsletter! Sign Up Here:
Keep In Touch!
Web:
Facebook:
Twitter: @bingeReadRLnow

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Absolutely loved the twists, turns, and suspense from beginning to end...well written with amazing characters..." ★★★★�
Getting dumped at the altar nearly broke Lana McKenzie beyond repair.
A year later, she was working to rebuild her life. Until a face from her past forces her to seek an escape.
Tucked away in a beautiful, secluded mountain estate, Lana finally finds her solace. That is until she comes face to face with her new roommate.
Kayden Capshaw is a sexy out of control party boy whose grief has pushed him to a much-needed getaway in the house on the mountain. But Lana was the last person he expected to find there.
❤She's feisty, stubborn, and undeniably gorgeous.
❤He's arrogant, flashy, and hotter than the sun.
❤She'll do anything to stay away. He'll do anything to get close.
Forced to ride out a winter storm together, a second-chance romance blossoms, but unwelcomed guests threaten to interrupt the delicate fabric of their new relationship. Will their fiery passion continue to burn bright or will outside forces put out the flames for good?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
“Talk about a whirlwind of a read. There is loads to keep you invested and also the chance to watch the characters grow stronger. This is the authors debut series and she has in my opinion done it well. She didn’t allow the story to become stagnant and provided enough information where it wasn’t overly done but balanced well. An exciting read that will leave you wanting more from her in the future.� Teri, -SJ's Book Blog
“Florida author R.L Jackson’s series THE CRASHING SERIES of which CRASHING INTO ME is Book One shows promise of a very well skilled romance writer � a ringmaster of a dark circus of players whose identities may be a bit difficult to isolate at times but whose interaction produces a fast-paced ride guaranteed to keep your attention and your adrenaline high.� Grady Harp, San Francisco Review of Books
“At the end of the day, when the kids are all tucked in bed I love to sneak away and have a few quiet minutes to myself. Most recently I could be found reading “Crashing Into Me� by R. L. Jackson.The author has created a contemporary romance with interesting characters that are defined by their unique life experiences. I love that neither character is perfect. They are flawed just like the rest of us. They both carry emotional baggage that developed from painful experiences in their pasts. The story shows us how your personal experiences make you into the person you are today. We see how these feelings shape whom you become and the decisions and actions you make through the lives of each character.�
“Ms. Jackson will transport you to a small town, nestled in the mountains through her very descriptive storytelling. She will make you feel a full range of emotions from contempt to empathy. She shares the characters memories and experiences to the point where you feel like you are really there, sharing in the moment.� Elizabeth, PennyMinding Mom
Published on November 19, 2018 07:00
November 17, 2018
MIAMI BOOK FAIR AUTHOR FEATURE: Brit Lunden
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Day 6: Brit Lunden
-----------------------------
Brit Lunden is also known as prolific children's author, Carole P. Roman. She has published over fifty books.
Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts two blog radio programs and is one of the founders of a new magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored a self-help book, Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing.
Bulwark is her first book of adult fiction.
For more information, please see the following:
Website link/blog
Twitter
Facebook

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Clay Finnes is the sheriff of a small town in Georgia called Bulwark. Recently separated from his wife, all he can think about is what went wrong, and will Jenna ever come back to him. He's troubled by a bothersome reporter trying to build a story from what he thinks is a normal day in his life. Clay has to admit that the fantastical stories, told by an accident victim as well as unusual sightings of wolves, things are getting a bit strange. A visit to the ominous Gingerbread House makes him realize that his life as he knows it will never be the same.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
Chapter 1 - Primordial Soup
“It’s like a primordial soup,� Clay Finnes muttered his hands on his hips.
“A primordial what?� Owen Bishop raised his hangdog face to look at the town sheriff.
“Primordial, ancient, prehistoric…� Clay looked at the deputy’s blank face and finished with, “old...really, really old.�
“Oh,� Owen shook his craggy head. His bulbous eyes looked like two hard boiled eggs; his hair was matted as if was glued to the top of his round head. Owen never passed any of the tests allowing him to advance on the force. He was a deputy when Clay first got a job in Bulwark right out of the army. As the promotions started coming, Clay eventually became his boss. He wondered if it bothered the older man taking direction from someone who trained under him.
“You mean like dinosaurs?� Owen scratched his head.
“Dino... no... forget it, Owen. What else did the couple say?� He listened to Owen drone on about the car that was now sitting in the middle of the greenish pond.
“Appears they were coming from the other side.� Owen pointed vaguely in the other direction.
“How could they? There’s nothing there. That road has been closed off for years.�
Something was missing. He wasn’t sure what, but a feeling of unease enveloped Clay until his body fairly vibrated with it.
Clay looked up, his deep brown eyes scanning the thicket of trees surrounding the strange body of water that seemed to appear overnight. He crinkled his nose; it smelled pretty bad too. It was a greenish color, like a dirty army fatigue. It seemed shallow. He resisted the urge to stick the toe of his boot in the water. It was still, the surface like polished glass. The Ford Fusion was trapped in the what appeared to be the deepest part of the puddle as if they had tried to speed through it. The brackish water about two feet deep.
“If they had skirted the edges they would have made it through. He shoulda used the choke, probably got an entire engine full of water.� Once Owen started talking he could go on about something forever.
“Where the hell were they coming from?� Clay muttered to himself. He moved away as if to see through the gloom. “It’s a road that leads to nowhere.�
He took off his hat, wiping his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand. It was hotter than usual. No breeze ruffled the leafy trees or relieved the stifling humidity that made his shirt stick to his back.
There was nothing, no sound, not the humming of bees, or mosquitoes. Not a bird in sight or the croaking music of frogs in the late afternoon. When he got home, he’d mention it to Jenna...his wandering thoughts came to an abrupt halt. There would be no conversation. Jenna wasn’t there anymore. His family’s old farm house only had one occupant now. His wife had up and left him. He felt his chest tighten, his throat closing up. His entire life changed and would never be the same. Losing Claire was just the beginning of the end. After that had happened, it was as though they were stuck in some nightmare and couldn’t get out.
“Well,� Owen continued, oblivious to his boss’s distracted air. “The car hit the...um...water, at a high rate of speed, I think. It must’ve started to sink.�
“It’s not deep enough to sink,� Clay observed his deputy scratch his bald head, then turned to look at the enormous puddle. It covered the road from one end to the other. He chewed the inside of his cheek. He had to admit, it appeared larger than when he got here, but it couldn’t be that deep, could it?� Clay forced his attention back to Owen. It helped him stop thinking of his own life. “Where are they?�
“Over at JB’s house. The wives pretty freaked out.�
“JB?� Clay liked the old football pro, had shared quite a few stories with the old vet.
“Over what. The puddle?� The interruption was from Dayna Dalton, a reporter from the Bulwark Advance. She was walking toward them, a camera hung around her exposed neck, a spiral notebook clasped in the other. “Think somebody dropped a load of waste here.�
Clay looked at her, his cheek twitched. Her buttons strained to the point that she looked like her clothes had been painted on her body. She shook her mane of red hair like an angry mare. He turned his gaze away, knowing it annoyed her. No matter how much she pranced around in her tight jeans, he wasn't interested. She didn’t do anything for him in high school, and she didn’t do anything for him now. Somehow, it never stopped her from trying to get him to notice her. Clay was tired of it. He sighed gustily.
She came around the back of the car, moving into his personal space. For a minute, Clay thought about backing up, but damn it all, he was the sheriff. He stood his ground, daydreaming of Dayna’s reaction when he threw her into the stinky, green lake that had developed overnight.
Dayna repeated her comment about someone dropping waste. Clay shrugged indifferently, then turned to Owen, ignoring her.
He could feel her bristling but refused to move. He dug his feet in the dark soil, his arms folded over his chest. “JB see anything? Maybe notice something out of place?�
Owen shook his head. “Nope. Nada. I asked. Been quiet. He said this started small. Says he has a few pictures on his laptop he can send us.� Owen paused and then said, “Wait, he mentioned they had a wolf problem lately.�
Clay looked at Owen sharply. “Wolves, there haven’t been...hey!�
He saw Dayna take off, her feet moving quickly toward a thicket of trees.
“Dayna!� Clay called, who was dashing up a small incline toward JB Straton’s small cabin over the ridge.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Day 6: Brit Lunden
-----------------------------
Brit Lunden is also known as prolific children's author, Carole P. Roman. She has published over fifty books.
Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts two blog radio programs and is one of the founders of a new magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored a self-help book, Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing.
Bulwark is her first book of adult fiction.
For more information, please see the following:
Website link/blog

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Clay Finnes is the sheriff of a small town in Georgia called Bulwark. Recently separated from his wife, all he can think about is what went wrong, and will Jenna ever come back to him. He's troubled by a bothersome reporter trying to build a story from what he thinks is a normal day in his life. Clay has to admit that the fantastical stories, told by an accident victim as well as unusual sightings of wolves, things are getting a bit strange. A visit to the ominous Gingerbread House makes him realize that his life as he knows it will never be the same.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
Chapter 1 - Primordial Soup
“It’s like a primordial soup,� Clay Finnes muttered his hands on his hips.
“A primordial what?� Owen Bishop raised his hangdog face to look at the town sheriff.
“Primordial, ancient, prehistoric…� Clay looked at the deputy’s blank face and finished with, “old...really, really old.�
“Oh,� Owen shook his craggy head. His bulbous eyes looked like two hard boiled eggs; his hair was matted as if was glued to the top of his round head. Owen never passed any of the tests allowing him to advance on the force. He was a deputy when Clay first got a job in Bulwark right out of the army. As the promotions started coming, Clay eventually became his boss. He wondered if it bothered the older man taking direction from someone who trained under him.
“You mean like dinosaurs?� Owen scratched his head.
“Dino... no... forget it, Owen. What else did the couple say?� He listened to Owen drone on about the car that was now sitting in the middle of the greenish pond.
“Appears they were coming from the other side.� Owen pointed vaguely in the other direction.
“How could they? There’s nothing there. That road has been closed off for years.�
Something was missing. He wasn’t sure what, but a feeling of unease enveloped Clay until his body fairly vibrated with it.
Clay looked up, his deep brown eyes scanning the thicket of trees surrounding the strange body of water that seemed to appear overnight. He crinkled his nose; it smelled pretty bad too. It was a greenish color, like a dirty army fatigue. It seemed shallow. He resisted the urge to stick the toe of his boot in the water. It was still, the surface like polished glass. The Ford Fusion was trapped in the what appeared to be the deepest part of the puddle as if they had tried to speed through it. The brackish water about two feet deep.
“If they had skirted the edges they would have made it through. He shoulda used the choke, probably got an entire engine full of water.� Once Owen started talking he could go on about something forever.
“Where the hell were they coming from?� Clay muttered to himself. He moved away as if to see through the gloom. “It’s a road that leads to nowhere.�
He took off his hat, wiping his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand. It was hotter than usual. No breeze ruffled the leafy trees or relieved the stifling humidity that made his shirt stick to his back.
There was nothing, no sound, not the humming of bees, or mosquitoes. Not a bird in sight or the croaking music of frogs in the late afternoon. When he got home, he’d mention it to Jenna...his wandering thoughts came to an abrupt halt. There would be no conversation. Jenna wasn’t there anymore. His family’s old farm house only had one occupant now. His wife had up and left him. He felt his chest tighten, his throat closing up. His entire life changed and would never be the same. Losing Claire was just the beginning of the end. After that had happened, it was as though they were stuck in some nightmare and couldn’t get out.
“Well,� Owen continued, oblivious to his boss’s distracted air. “The car hit the...um...water, at a high rate of speed, I think. It must’ve started to sink.�
“It’s not deep enough to sink,� Clay observed his deputy scratch his bald head, then turned to look at the enormous puddle. It covered the road from one end to the other. He chewed the inside of his cheek. He had to admit, it appeared larger than when he got here, but it couldn’t be that deep, could it?� Clay forced his attention back to Owen. It helped him stop thinking of his own life. “Where are they?�
“Over at JB’s house. The wives pretty freaked out.�
“JB?� Clay liked the old football pro, had shared quite a few stories with the old vet.
“Over what. The puddle?� The interruption was from Dayna Dalton, a reporter from the Bulwark Advance. She was walking toward them, a camera hung around her exposed neck, a spiral notebook clasped in the other. “Think somebody dropped a load of waste here.�
Clay looked at her, his cheek twitched. Her buttons strained to the point that she looked like her clothes had been painted on her body. She shook her mane of red hair like an angry mare. He turned his gaze away, knowing it annoyed her. No matter how much she pranced around in her tight jeans, he wasn't interested. She didn’t do anything for him in high school, and she didn’t do anything for him now. Somehow, it never stopped her from trying to get him to notice her. Clay was tired of it. He sighed gustily.
She came around the back of the car, moving into his personal space. For a minute, Clay thought about backing up, but damn it all, he was the sheriff. He stood his ground, daydreaming of Dayna’s reaction when he threw her into the stinky, green lake that had developed overnight.
Dayna repeated her comment about someone dropping waste. Clay shrugged indifferently, then turned to Owen, ignoring her.
He could feel her bristling but refused to move. He dug his feet in the dark soil, his arms folded over his chest. “JB see anything? Maybe notice something out of place?�
Owen shook his head. “Nope. Nada. I asked. Been quiet. He said this started small. Says he has a few pictures on his laptop he can send us.� Owen paused and then said, “Wait, he mentioned they had a wolf problem lately.�
Clay looked at Owen sharply. “Wolves, there haven’t been...hey!�
He saw Dayna take off, her feet moving quickly toward a thicket of trees.
“Dayna!� Clay called, who was dashing up a small incline toward JB Straton’s small cabin over the ridge.
Published on November 17, 2018 11:05
November 16, 2018
MIAMI BOOK FAIR AUTHOR FEATURE: Day 5
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Day 5: Michael Phillip Cash
-----------------------------
Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. His novels are best-sellers on Amazon under their genres � Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense, Ghost, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and Horror.
Michael writes full-time and lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wonderful wife and screaming children.
To learn more about Michael visit him at the following.
Website/blog
Twitter
Facebook

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Winner of 14 awards, Michael Phillip Cash’s novel, Stillwell, enthralls to the last page. This riveting supernatural and psychological thriller, can be purchased at any of the following locations.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
Paul turned from the dark window, twitching the drapes back in place. It was cold in the house; it had the dank feel of being unused. It had only been empty for a week, and yet it held a stale feeling of overripe food and decaying garbage.
The kids would be coming home tomorrow. He had sent them to his sister’s place for the past week. It was too hard to have to worry about their schedules when he was sitting by Allison’s side. The funeral was yesterday, and he asked his sister to keep them one more day. He needed to have some time to collect himself. He’d spent the last twenty-four hours sitting in the dark, staring at nothing, his mind too numb to think
Lisa had taken over with the brisk efficiency of the nurse that she was trained to be. Stella was eating once again and Jesse and his twin, Veronica, were able to sleep at night. His sister’s was the safe house, and while he desperately missed his children, he couldn’t deal with their everyday drama while he stayed with Allison for her final weeks.
He played with the chain around his neck then placed the gold band that hung from it on his lips. He closed his eyes, feeling alone. It was his wife’s wedding band and it had never left her finger from the time he had placed it there almost fifteen years ago.
Everything happened so fast. Too fast. His mind replayed the last six months in a montage of colors flashing like an out-of-control merry-go-round. Only it wasn’t a happy ride. Well, he sighed, he had to admit that he did feel relief. It felt wrong to have this burden taken off his shoulders, but his wife didn’t have to suffer any- more. He admitted to himself that he was weary too. She had gone from bad to worse in such a short time. She had slipped into a coma. He held her skeletal hand for a solid week, watching hope die alongside his wife. His family had brought in food, but he felt no hunger. As he stayed by her side, nothing seemed important. Paul stared at her face, memorizing every curve, her deep dimple, the mole she hated above her upper lip. Every second counted, and he wouldn’t waste a minute on himself. His future yawned ahead in a great vastness of nothing that stretched endlessly before him. Alone, mute, and his thoughts jumbled in his head, he couldn’t find words to say what he needed. Did she know how happy she had made him? Did Allison understand how much she meant to him? Could she know that his heart was so numb, he felt as though he were a corpse? Though he sat caressing her hand, could his wife sense the man next to her was spent, empty? It was that burnt-out feeling like after drinking so much that the liquor loses its taste and cigarettes burn with dying fire.
The irony was that he was the smoker, even though he had stopped when the twins were born, thirteen years ago. Allison wouldn’t have it in the house. He cheated at work, chewing gum to disguise the smell on his breath. It had always been a huge fight, and while she painted all kinds of devastating scenarios if he continued to smoke, they never expected her to be the one to fall victim to cancer.
The twins were a rare handful for them. Married for just over a year, they were unprepared for the incessant work. He was building his reputation as a go-to guy for the McMansions that dotted Long Island’s North Shore. The pull of work and two newborns tested their marriage. Allison breast-fed until utter exhaustion—or as he liked to call it “udder� exhaustion—made her stop. She always laughed at that.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Day 5: Michael Phillip Cash
-----------------------------
Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. His novels are best-sellers on Amazon under their genres � Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense, Ghost, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and Horror.
Michael writes full-time and lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wonderful wife and screaming children.
To learn more about Michael visit him at the following.
Website/blog

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Winner of 14 awards, Michael Phillip Cash’s novel, Stillwell, enthralls to the last page. This riveting supernatural and psychological thriller, can be purchased at any of the following locations.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
Paul turned from the dark window, twitching the drapes back in place. It was cold in the house; it had the dank feel of being unused. It had only been empty for a week, and yet it held a stale feeling of overripe food and decaying garbage.
The kids would be coming home tomorrow. He had sent them to his sister’s place for the past week. It was too hard to have to worry about their schedules when he was sitting by Allison’s side. The funeral was yesterday, and he asked his sister to keep them one more day. He needed to have some time to collect himself. He’d spent the last twenty-four hours sitting in the dark, staring at nothing, his mind too numb to think
Lisa had taken over with the brisk efficiency of the nurse that she was trained to be. Stella was eating once again and Jesse and his twin, Veronica, were able to sleep at night. His sister’s was the safe house, and while he desperately missed his children, he couldn’t deal with their everyday drama while he stayed with Allison for her final weeks.
He played with the chain around his neck then placed the gold band that hung from it on his lips. He closed his eyes, feeling alone. It was his wife’s wedding band and it had never left her finger from the time he had placed it there almost fifteen years ago.
Everything happened so fast. Too fast. His mind replayed the last six months in a montage of colors flashing like an out-of-control merry-go-round. Only it wasn’t a happy ride. Well, he sighed, he had to admit that he did feel relief. It felt wrong to have this burden taken off his shoulders, but his wife didn’t have to suffer any- more. He admitted to himself that he was weary too. She had gone from bad to worse in such a short time. She had slipped into a coma. He held her skeletal hand for a solid week, watching hope die alongside his wife. His family had brought in food, but he felt no hunger. As he stayed by her side, nothing seemed important. Paul stared at her face, memorizing every curve, her deep dimple, the mole she hated above her upper lip. Every second counted, and he wouldn’t waste a minute on himself. His future yawned ahead in a great vastness of nothing that stretched endlessly before him. Alone, mute, and his thoughts jumbled in his head, he couldn’t find words to say what he needed. Did she know how happy she had made him? Did Allison understand how much she meant to him? Could she know that his heart was so numb, he felt as though he were a corpse? Though he sat caressing her hand, could his wife sense the man next to her was spent, empty? It was that burnt-out feeling like after drinking so much that the liquor loses its taste and cigarettes burn with dying fire.
The irony was that he was the smoker, even though he had stopped when the twins were born, thirteen years ago. Allison wouldn’t have it in the house. He cheated at work, chewing gum to disguise the smell on his breath. It had always been a huge fight, and while she painted all kinds of devastating scenarios if he continued to smoke, they never expected her to be the one to fall victim to cancer.
The twins were a rare handful for them. Married for just over a year, they were unprepared for the incessant work. He was building his reputation as a go-to guy for the McMansions that dotted Long Island’s North Shore. The pull of work and two newborns tested their marriage. Allison breast-fed until utter exhaustion—or as he liked to call it “udder� exhaustion—made her stop. She always laughed at that.
Published on November 16, 2018 07:57
November 15, 2018
Miami Book Fair Author Feature: Angela Hausman
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author Feature 4: Angela Hausman
-----------------------------
The Buried Ladies series (Buried Ladies, Scars of the Past, and Azure’s Revenge) are the first fiction written by Angela Hausman since creating a highly acclaimed (by fellow 6th graders, teachers, and family) science fiction series as a teen.
Dr. Angela Hausman was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania and later received undergraduate and MBA degrees from the University of Pittsburgh before completing a Marketing PhD at the University of South Florida. Over her career, she lived in many places and met diverse people, which she filed away to create her plots and characters.
Angela currently lives in Washington, DC, where she works as a marketing consultant and teaches marketing at George Washington and University of The District of Columbia. She writes in her home office, where various dogs and cats block her in until she's finished the day's writing quota.
For more information about Angela, please visit the following:
Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:
ŷ: /angie_hausman

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Some men are just evil. And, when Joan calls 911 to report the murder of her friend, Estella, she starts a manhunt for pure evil, but not in the way she expected. Buried Ladies is the first in the Buried Ladies Series. Buy now at:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Other novels
Scars of the Past
Description: We all love the convenience of connected devices, but what happens when those devices kill? SCARS OF THE PAST explores how hackers use IoT devices as weapons of destruction, even death. Jacob and his team of FBI cyber sleuths must find a serial killer hiding behind aberrant code in connected devices that’s killing Russian diplomats in the US drumming up support for Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. It seems anyone who opposes Ukrainian reunification is in danger—and the killers aren’t shy about leaving a trail of other bodies as collateral damage.
Review excerpts:
“This author knows quite a bit about the subject she writing about. I enjoyed the book. It is exciting and fresh.� Aly
“Likable characters pull you into the story.� Wendy
Azure’s Revenge
Trailer:
Description:
Not since the Dark Ages has the plague been such a serious threat to mankind; able to kill millions and bring down governments. Only this time, the bacteria is being manipulated by a group of domestic terrorists who are organized, well-funded, and determined. Will the FBI be able to thwart their plan before human exposure hits a critical mass that no one can stop?
The Grid (available for pre-order, Release Dec. 21)
Description: No phone, no money, no A/C or heat, right? Sure, but you also lose life-sustaining medical devices, water (towers can't refill without it), food (no money to exchange for it and no energy to grow it) causing a total breakdown of government, social services, and the military (how do you communicate without electricity?). Massive chaos, looting, death.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author Feature 4: Angela Hausman
-----------------------------
The Buried Ladies series (Buried Ladies, Scars of the Past, and Azure’s Revenge) are the first fiction written by Angela Hausman since creating a highly acclaimed (by fellow 6th graders, teachers, and family) science fiction series as a teen.
Dr. Angela Hausman was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania and later received undergraduate and MBA degrees from the University of Pittsburgh before completing a Marketing PhD at the University of South Florida. Over her career, she lived in many places and met diverse people, which she filed away to create her plots and characters.
Angela currently lives in Washington, DC, where she works as a marketing consultant and teaches marketing at George Washington and University of The District of Columbia. She writes in her home office, where various dogs and cats block her in until she's finished the day's writing quota.
For more information about Angela, please visit the following:
Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:
ŷ: /angie_hausman

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Some men are just evil. And, when Joan calls 911 to report the murder of her friend, Estella, she starts a manhunt for pure evil, but not in the way she expected. Buried Ladies is the first in the Buried Ladies Series. Buy now at:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Other novels
Scars of the Past
Description: We all love the convenience of connected devices, but what happens when those devices kill? SCARS OF THE PAST explores how hackers use IoT devices as weapons of destruction, even death. Jacob and his team of FBI cyber sleuths must find a serial killer hiding behind aberrant code in connected devices that’s killing Russian diplomats in the US drumming up support for Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. It seems anyone who opposes Ukrainian reunification is in danger—and the killers aren’t shy about leaving a trail of other bodies as collateral damage.
Review excerpts:
“This author knows quite a bit about the subject she writing about. I enjoyed the book. It is exciting and fresh.� Aly
“Likable characters pull you into the story.� Wendy
Azure’s Revenge
Trailer:
Description:
Not since the Dark Ages has the plague been such a serious threat to mankind; able to kill millions and bring down governments. Only this time, the bacteria is being manipulated by a group of domestic terrorists who are organized, well-funded, and determined. Will the FBI be able to thwart their plan before human exposure hits a critical mass that no one can stop?
The Grid (available for pre-order, Release Dec. 21)
Description: No phone, no money, no A/C or heat, right? Sure, but you also lose life-sustaining medical devices, water (towers can't refill without it), food (no money to exchange for it and no energy to grow it) causing a total breakdown of government, social services, and the military (how do you communicate without electricity?). Massive chaos, looting, death.
Published on November 15, 2018 09:28
November 14, 2018
Miami Book Fair Daily Author Feature: Anita Dickason
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author Feature 3: Anita Dickason
-----------------------------
About the author: Anita Dickason
Anita Dickason is a retired Dallas police officer. She served as a patrol officer, an undercover narcotics detective, advanced accident investigator, and SWAT tactical officer and first female sniper.
Her novels are based on her extensive law enforcement knowledge and experience. She loves reading the folklore of Native Americans, the Irish and Scots. She adds a surreal touch to her characters from those ancient myths and legends.
You can find out more about Anita Dickason at the following links:
Twitter:
Website:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Is a new Texas law a harbinger of death? Based on fact, award-winning author, Anita Dickason’s latest release in her FBI Tracker novels spirals to an explosive conclusion.
When the local investigation into a missing ATF agent stalls, FBI Tracker Adrian Dillard is sent to Texas to find out why. He's not greeted with open arms.
Plagued by resentment from local agents, his uncanny intuition kicks into high gear when every lead ends with a dead body. Who knows more than they are telling? Is the missing agent an unwitting victim, or a deadly mastermind? And who is staying a step ahead of him?
Dyson’s fiancée, Homicide Detective Tracy Harlowe, may have the answers, but she’s not talking. The secrets the impetuous detective is hiding could very well get her killed.
A chilling discovery puts Homeland Security on high alert. Pressure mounts as the President demands answers. When Tracy disappears, Adrian knows he’s running out of time. There’s only one question left. Who dies next?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
He hated undercover assignments. Most could be defined with one word—sleazy. Despite its ominous purpose, this one wasn’t any different. The bar stank. Smoke from the grills hung in the air, adding another layer of grime to the windows filled with flashing beer signs. Grease and dirt, and probably a good bit of blood mixed in, stained the wood floor. A rank odor of sweat rose from the bikers that edged the bar and grouped at the tables. Their attention was riveted on the action that flashed across the large TV screens mounted on the walls. An occasional cheer would resound when a touchdown was scored.
FBI Tracker Adrian Dillard leaned back in his chair, his long legs outstretched under a table tucked in a dark corner of the room. One arm rested on the scarred wood near a long-necked beer bottle. The other was on his leg within easy reach of the gun concealed by a grungy leather jacket.
He took a sip. His gaze wandered around the room, then back to the TV screen. While outwardly relaxed, his every instinct was alert. His neck tingled with a familiar sense of danger. Despite the rough stubble of whiskers and hair that brushed his collar, several of the bruisers in the place had already cast suspicious looks his way.
Would the informant show? He hoped the promise of the hundred-dollar bills in his pocket would be enough. An ATF agent, Stuart Dyson, was missing, and this might be his only shot at finding his whereabouts, or to learn if the agent was alive.
He glanced at the wall clock. Damn! The man should have been here by now. A whisper echoed in the tiny receiver in his ear. “Biker just pulled into the parking lot. He’s wearing a red bandana. May be our guy.�
Fellow Tracker Cat Morgan had the entrance covered from her position in a vehicle parked across the street. As he watched the door, Adrian shifted. His fingers inched closer to the gun.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author Feature 3: Anita Dickason
-----------------------------
About the author: Anita Dickason
Anita Dickason is a retired Dallas police officer. She served as a patrol officer, an undercover narcotics detective, advanced accident investigator, and SWAT tactical officer and first female sniper.
Her novels are based on her extensive law enforcement knowledge and experience. She loves reading the folklore of Native Americans, the Irish and Scots. She adds a surreal touch to her characters from those ancient myths and legends.
You can find out more about Anita Dickason at the following links:
Twitter:
Website:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Is a new Texas law a harbinger of death? Based on fact, award-winning author, Anita Dickason’s latest release in her FBI Tracker novels spirals to an explosive conclusion.
When the local investigation into a missing ATF agent stalls, FBI Tracker Adrian Dillard is sent to Texas to find out why. He's not greeted with open arms.
Plagued by resentment from local agents, his uncanny intuition kicks into high gear when every lead ends with a dead body. Who knows more than they are telling? Is the missing agent an unwitting victim, or a deadly mastermind? And who is staying a step ahead of him?
Dyson’s fiancée, Homicide Detective Tracy Harlowe, may have the answers, but she’s not talking. The secrets the impetuous detective is hiding could very well get her killed.
A chilling discovery puts Homeland Security on high alert. Pressure mounts as the President demands answers. When Tracy disappears, Adrian knows he’s running out of time. There’s only one question left. Who dies next?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
He hated undercover assignments. Most could be defined with one word—sleazy. Despite its ominous purpose, this one wasn’t any different. The bar stank. Smoke from the grills hung in the air, adding another layer of grime to the windows filled with flashing beer signs. Grease and dirt, and probably a good bit of blood mixed in, stained the wood floor. A rank odor of sweat rose from the bikers that edged the bar and grouped at the tables. Their attention was riveted on the action that flashed across the large TV screens mounted on the walls. An occasional cheer would resound when a touchdown was scored.
FBI Tracker Adrian Dillard leaned back in his chair, his long legs outstretched under a table tucked in a dark corner of the room. One arm rested on the scarred wood near a long-necked beer bottle. The other was on his leg within easy reach of the gun concealed by a grungy leather jacket.
He took a sip. His gaze wandered around the room, then back to the TV screen. While outwardly relaxed, his every instinct was alert. His neck tingled with a familiar sense of danger. Despite the rough stubble of whiskers and hair that brushed his collar, several of the bruisers in the place had already cast suspicious looks his way.
Would the informant show? He hoped the promise of the hundred-dollar bills in his pocket would be enough. An ATF agent, Stuart Dyson, was missing, and this might be his only shot at finding his whereabouts, or to learn if the agent was alive.
He glanced at the wall clock. Damn! The man should have been here by now. A whisper echoed in the tiny receiver in his ear. “Biker just pulled into the parking lot. He’s wearing a red bandana. May be our guy.�
Fellow Tracker Cat Morgan had the entrance covered from her position in a vehicle parked across the street. As he watched the door, Adrian shifted. His fingers inched closer to the gun.
Published on November 14, 2018 09:12
November 12, 2018
Miami Book Fair Daily Author Feature: Carmel Hanes
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author feature 2: Carmel Hanes
-----------------------------
About the author: Carmel Hanes
Carmel Hanes is a retired school psychologist who worked in public and correctional schools with students who experienced learning and behavioral challenges. She enjoys hiking through nature, in all its forms, with her husband of 38 years. Her debut novel was inspired by her work with injured souls, and the troubled world she sees around her.
You can find out more about Carmel Hanes at the following links:
Twitter:
ŷ:
Facebook author page:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
This raw and thought-provoking fiction tackles the "why" behind the incomprehensible, as we meet likeable youth who do unlikable things. In a world where not all prison walls are visible, the characters, young and old, struggle to overcome their pasts as they are caught in the turbulence of relationship conflict and a culture torn between punishing and helping.
A suspenseful read to a shocking conclusion, it is sure to spark strong reaction and lively debate. Realistic and believable characters, delicious prose, and a mesmerizing plot will keep you turning the pages. Crooked Grow the Trees can be purchased at: Buy on Amazon:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
Panic increasing at the sound of punched flesh and skull cracking against cement, Sophia pulled harder on any fabric she could grasp and pushed the person wearing it towards the nearest wall, procedure and policy of not touching the youth out the window in her need to get to Aiden. Behind her she could hear the shouts of teachers as they tried to herd the agitated youth back into the classrooms or at least against the walls.
The energy of those continuing to watch amplified. Quinn’s reputation was well known, and his peers knew that his entrance into the battle would be an even more impressive show. Not only was this far more entertaining than school, or daily life on the unit, but it allowed a momentary purge of buried frustration, a long-distance release of futility. It was intoxicating; a dangerous moment, infused with emotional lightning, making one feel energetically alive. Sophia knew better than to attempt to physically control two feuding teenage boys, so she turned her attention to the throng of on-lookers and Aiden.
“Back to class or line up on the wall!� she repeated in the loudest voice she could muster in her anxious state. “You know the procedure! Anyone not complying will face unit sanctions!�
It was a feeble attempt, she knew, but she couldn’t just stand there and do nothing. As she shouted at the crowd, she knelt down next to Aiden to check on the damage.
“Aiden?� she probed, “How are you doing? What hurts and how badly does it hurt?� She gingerly touched his arm while inspecting his bleeding face at closer range.
Aiden opened the eye that was now swelling shut, rousing himself to see who was talking. “Number 301 on ways it would piss me off to die. Having a trained monkey with half my IQ manage to crack my head open so my impressive brain spills out. Just doesn’t seem right, does it, Miss Sophia?� Vague hint of a wry smile moved his lips prior to a grimace of pain.
Slightly reassured that he could still speak and appeared mentally intact enough to conjure an insult, Sophia told Aiden to stay as he was while she turned her attention to the continuing conflict. Standing again, she renewed her attempt to guide students to the walls or classrooms. The first three boys scowled at the directions but complied, taking several steps away from where they had stood, turning to face the wall.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author feature 2: Carmel Hanes
-----------------------------
About the author: Carmel Hanes
Carmel Hanes is a retired school psychologist who worked in public and correctional schools with students who experienced learning and behavioral challenges. She enjoys hiking through nature, in all its forms, with her husband of 38 years. Her debut novel was inspired by her work with injured souls, and the troubled world she sees around her.
You can find out more about Carmel Hanes at the following links:
Twitter:
ŷ:
Facebook author page:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
This raw and thought-provoking fiction tackles the "why" behind the incomprehensible, as we meet likeable youth who do unlikable things. In a world where not all prison walls are visible, the characters, young and old, struggle to overcome their pasts as they are caught in the turbulence of relationship conflict and a culture torn between punishing and helping.
A suspenseful read to a shocking conclusion, it is sure to spark strong reaction and lively debate. Realistic and believable characters, delicious prose, and a mesmerizing plot will keep you turning the pages. Crooked Grow the Trees can be purchased at: Buy on Amazon:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
Panic increasing at the sound of punched flesh and skull cracking against cement, Sophia pulled harder on any fabric she could grasp and pushed the person wearing it towards the nearest wall, procedure and policy of not touching the youth out the window in her need to get to Aiden. Behind her she could hear the shouts of teachers as they tried to herd the agitated youth back into the classrooms or at least against the walls.
The energy of those continuing to watch amplified. Quinn’s reputation was well known, and his peers knew that his entrance into the battle would be an even more impressive show. Not only was this far more entertaining than school, or daily life on the unit, but it allowed a momentary purge of buried frustration, a long-distance release of futility. It was intoxicating; a dangerous moment, infused with emotional lightning, making one feel energetically alive. Sophia knew better than to attempt to physically control two feuding teenage boys, so she turned her attention to the throng of on-lookers and Aiden.
“Back to class or line up on the wall!� she repeated in the loudest voice she could muster in her anxious state. “You know the procedure! Anyone not complying will face unit sanctions!�
It was a feeble attempt, she knew, but she couldn’t just stand there and do nothing. As she shouted at the crowd, she knelt down next to Aiden to check on the damage.
“Aiden?� she probed, “How are you doing? What hurts and how badly does it hurt?� She gingerly touched his arm while inspecting his bleeding face at closer range.
Aiden opened the eye that was now swelling shut, rousing himself to see who was talking. “Number 301 on ways it would piss me off to die. Having a trained monkey with half my IQ manage to crack my head open so my impressive brain spills out. Just doesn’t seem right, does it, Miss Sophia?� Vague hint of a wry smile moved his lips prior to a grimace of pain.
Slightly reassured that he could still speak and appeared mentally intact enough to conjure an insult, Sophia told Aiden to stay as he was while she turned her attention to the continuing conflict. Standing again, she renewed her attempt to guide students to the walls or classrooms. The first three boys scowled at the directions but complied, taking several steps away from where they had stood, turning to face the wall.
Published on November 12, 2018 14:18
November 11, 2018
Miami Book Fair Daily Author Feature: Alex R Carver
I am excited to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. There are many other talented authors being featured as well. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a different author from this event daily.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
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Day 1: ALEX R CARVER
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About the author: Alex R Carver
After working in the clerical, warehouse and retail industries over the years, without gaining much satisfaction, Alex quit to follow his dream and become a full-time writer. Where There's A Will is the first book in the Inspector Stone Mysteries series, with more books in the series to come, as well as titles in other genres in the pipeline.
His dream is to one day earn enough to travel, with a return to Egypt to visit the parts he missed before, and Macchu Picchu, top of his wish list of destinations.
When not writing, he is either playing a game or being distracted by Molly the Yorkie, who is greedy for both attention and whatever food is to be found.
You can find out more about Alex R Carver at the following links:

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Excerpt
Jennifer entered the room on Nathan’s heels, though she had to stop almost immediately as Nathan halted, forcing her to lean around him so she could see the room. Her eyes were drawn to the bed and what it held but she immediately spun away, her stomach heaving as she fought the urge to throw up.
It wasn’t that she could see much, except for the handle of the knife and a small red stain, but the knowledge of what she wasn’t quite seeing was enough to make her nauseous.
“Is he…is he dead?� she asked in a hesitant voice, afraid that the mere act of talking would be enough to make her lose control.
Nathan could guess at the answer, based on what he could see, nonetheless he moved forward and shifted the pillow out of the way, so he could press his fingers to Jean Martin’s throat. A single touch was enough to confirm what his eyes had already told him; the chef had been dead for some time, hours, he could only guess at how many, but even being covered up hadn’t helped to keep his body warm. He was as cold as only a dead person could be.
“He’s dead,� he said with a sad nod as he looked down at the deceased man. He realised that it was irrational, but he couldn’t help feeling that the murder was his fault; if he had been cleverer and quicker he would have linked the tenderiser to Martin yesterday, and by doing so he could perhaps have prevented him being killed. “Damn,� he swore briefly, venting his emotions before turning to Jennifer. “When you feel up to it, would you mind finding Constable Havers and bringing him here?�
Jennifer nodded weakly and left the room. She was glad to be away from the body of the man she had known for the past two years, but she didn’t think she would be able to forget the look on his face that had been revealed when the pillow was taken away. She stumbled down the passage towards the stairs, and as she did so she wondered how life could have changed so dramatically for her in such a short time.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Day 1: ALEX R CARVER
-----------------------------
About the author: Alex R Carver
After working in the clerical, warehouse and retail industries over the years, without gaining much satisfaction, Alex quit to follow his dream and become a full-time writer. Where There's A Will is the first book in the Inspector Stone Mysteries series, with more books in the series to come, as well as titles in other genres in the pipeline.
His dream is to one day earn enough to travel, with a return to Egypt to visit the parts he missed before, and Macchu Picchu, top of his wish list of destinations.
When not writing, he is either playing a game or being distracted by Molly the Yorkie, who is greedy for both attention and whatever food is to be found.
You can find out more about Alex R Carver at the following links:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
Jennifer entered the room on Nathan’s heels, though she had to stop almost immediately as Nathan halted, forcing her to lean around him so she could see the room. Her eyes were drawn to the bed and what it held but she immediately spun away, her stomach heaving as she fought the urge to throw up.
It wasn’t that she could see much, except for the handle of the knife and a small red stain, but the knowledge of what she wasn’t quite seeing was enough to make her nauseous.
“Is he…is he dead?� she asked in a hesitant voice, afraid that the mere act of talking would be enough to make her lose control.
Nathan could guess at the answer, based on what he could see, nonetheless he moved forward and shifted the pillow out of the way, so he could press his fingers to Jean Martin’s throat. A single touch was enough to confirm what his eyes had already told him; the chef had been dead for some time, hours, he could only guess at how many, but even being covered up hadn’t helped to keep his body warm. He was as cold as only a dead person could be.
“He’s dead,� he said with a sad nod as he looked down at the deceased man. He realised that it was irrational, but he couldn’t help feeling that the murder was his fault; if he had been cleverer and quicker he would have linked the tenderiser to Martin yesterday, and by doing so he could perhaps have prevented him being killed. “Damn,� he swore briefly, venting his emotions before turning to Jennifer. “When you feel up to it, would you mind finding Constable Havers and bringing him here?�
Jennifer nodded weakly and left the room. She was glad to be away from the body of the man she had known for the past two years, but she didn’t think she would be able to forget the look on his face that had been revealed when the pillow was taken away. She stumbled down the passage towards the stairs, and as she did so she wondered how life could have changed so dramatically for her in such a short time.
Published on November 11, 2018 20:21
June 30, 2018
The Talking Tales books are 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Award winners!
I am excited to announce that the Talking Tales books are 2018 Purple Dragonfly Award winners! The submitted books were judged by industry experts on originality, creativity, and innovation in content and design.
Talking Tales: Catch that Chinchilla received an award for honorable mention in the Educational category.
Talking Tales Puppy's Bubble received an award for honorable mention in the Ages 5 and Younger Picture Book category.
Talking Tales received and award for honorable mention in the Book Series category.
Congratulations as well to authors Judy Martialay and Carole P. Roman who also received 2018 Purple Dragonfly Awards!
Talking Tales: Catch that Chinchilla received an award for honorable mention in the Educational category.
Talking Tales Puppy's Bubble received an award for honorable mention in the Ages 5 and Younger Picture Book category.
Talking Tales received and award for honorable mention in the Book Series category.
Congratulations as well to authors Judy Martialay and Carole P. Roman who also received 2018 Purple Dragonfly Awards!
Published on June 30, 2018 16:56