December 10, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Another weekend, another 8-10 sentences. Thank you for joining me and the other Weekend Writing Warriors! I have another snippet from Never Say Die. Cassy is preparing herself to put an stop to the infection that will destroy the world she knows.


Behind the store, I open the packaging for the scissors and begin sawing through my hair. If this works, I’ll be able to get it straightened. If not, I won’t care what my hair looks like anyway. I do look wistfully at the locks on the pavement. Already my head feels lighter and clearer. Feeling better prepared, I return to the Evans’ house.
There’s no signage for a burglar alarm, but I’m betting they have one. I could probably disarm it, but it’s safer to evade it. I wait in the backyard, peering into the kitchen. Mrs. Evans is moving around and when her back is turned, I slip in the back door and hide behind the coat rack.

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:  AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

November 26, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

How is your weekend? I'm spending mine with the Weekend Writing Warriors, contributing 8-10 sentences from one of my publications (others include works in progress). I'm continuing Never Say Die. Cassy is planning to eliminate the doctor that created the virus that destroyed her world. He finds him, and his son.


Why didn’t I consider he might have a family? Why did I assume he was alone? I’m so wrapped up in consideration for those bystanders that I almost miss him pulling into his driveway. He isn’t wearing the lab coat that he has on in every picture I’ve seen, but I recognize his slicked back brown hair and plastic rimmed glasses.
“Peter Evans,” I murmur, before restarting the engine and pulling away.
I find a nearby convenience store and pick up a pair of scissors. This hair will only get tangled as I try to sneak into the house. It would be nice to have some other clothes, but most of the actual shops have already closed for the night. Instead, I dig around the back of the van in Dad’s bag and find one of his shirts — dark green. It’ll do, better than my white skin.

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:  AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

November 19, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Enjoying your weekend? How about an 8-10 sentence snippet? I have one as do all the Weekend Writing Warriors. Cassy is on her way to remove the doctor that created the infection turning most people into zombies.

The sun is just setting when I hit Albuquerque’s limits. I get lost twice trying to find the doctor’s house. A little boy, probably four, is playing on the front lawn. He still has rings of baby fat on his arms and legs and his cheeks are full. His blonde hair is sparse, like it’s still growing in, and sticks up at odd angles. His mother comes to stand on the front step and call him into the house.
Four. Few younger than six will survive. This boy will probably be eaten by the mother that feeds him.


You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:  AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

November 12, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Weekend Writing Warriors is a fantastic group of writers who share 8-10 sentences every Sunday. Cassy just reminded us how Dr. Evan's became to be a curse word by starting the plague that decimated the human race. She relates a little more of the end times she lived through on her way to deal with the source of the problem.

None of that tells me where he lives or what hours he works. I pull my Mom’s phone out of the glove box and start searching online. God, how nice is it to have internet? Now that I know where he lives, I can just wait for him to come home.
Flying through my hometown gives me a twinge of home sickness and regret. It will burn down in a few weeks. Adults living alone will leave things turned on when the virus claims them and the firemen that would normally help will be busy eating one another. If they head to fires, it’ll be with a taste for cooked meat. Oddly enough, it will be a blessing. Those of us who still have brains will be able to group while the meat sacks flee or burn.

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:  AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

November 5, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Here's a few more curses based on Dr. Evans. Cassy is on her way to "take care" of him. Like the other participants, I have 8 (to 10) sentences from this recently published work. You can find and enjoy all the Weekend Writing Warriors on their website.

We began using his name as a curse word.
“For Evans sake!”
“Pulling an Evans, are you?”
“Peter C. Evans!”
Peter C. Evans, Dr. Evans. I know little more than his name and his place at the beginning of the end of existence.
He worked for Manson, in their lab in Albuquerque, as a bioengineer. Designing fighter viruses and bacteria, his breakthrough came breeding a bug to kill the bad bugs. Sounded good in theory, but instead of attacking enemy cells, it attacks the brain, leaving an animal that knows only one thing: hunger.


You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:  AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

October 29, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Hello Weekend Writing Warriors (and reading warriors)! I hope you enjoy another 10 sentence snippet from Never Say Die.


I laugh at that thought; I wouldn’t accept death, and I’m not dead! How funny is that? Pouring on a little more speed, I start to get into the flow of traffic, weaving through it. It’s familiar even though I haven’t experienced in a long time.
Can I kill Evans without getting caught? I could use a blade, maybe one from his own house. They might be able to trace it to me, but nothing connects me to him. I wouldn’t even know his name except that we began using it as a curse word, “For Evans sake!”

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:  AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

October 15, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Hello again! I've been absent from Weekend Writing Warriors for a couple of weeks. That happens when you're sick and the next weekend is a holiday, but I'm back now! To catch you up, Cassy is on her way to deal with the doctor that created the virus responsible for turning all adults into zombies.

Death has become such a regular part of my life that the fact Evans isn’t a meat sack yet doesn’t deter me one bit. He’s the source of the virus, therefore, he must be stopped before he creates it. Easiest way? Remove him, just like I’ve been removing meat sacks for months.
Easiest way, how should I kill him? For the first time, I realize that I could be arrested, I could go to jail. There were no authorities where I came from. There was us and death, pretty simple choice. Rather, no choice. I wouldn’t accept death.

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:  AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

October 1, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Welcome to another week of Weekend Writing Warriors! I have another 8-10 sentences to share today, as do each of the other participants. Cassy just nabbed her Dad's keys and is racing away to stop the doctor that created the hell she lived in until something brought her back into her own past.

Getting on the interstate, I try to remember how far I have to go. Home is so much closer to ground zero, Albuquerque. We live in Gallup, just a quick drive away. It will take hours to get there from here, Monterey, California. I’ll probably pull in around eight or nine. Should I stop at the house? Is there anything there I need?
Not really. Heph, but he can’t help me right now. It doesn’t take two of us to kill one man.

Yep, she's going for the final solution. You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback: AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

September 17, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Starting this Sunday where the last left off. If you aren't familiar, Weekend Writing Warriors each share 8-10 sentences once a week, and I have been posting snippets from the first chapter of Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story. Cassy has figured out that she is in her own past and has a chance to stop the zombie infection before it starts.

My mother’s shout is lost behind me as my hair falls out of its knot. My legs tangle in my skirt and I yank it higher, hoping there’s a knife or scissors in the glove box. I need to lose this hair and then I need to kill a very bad doctor, hopefully before he breeds the end of mankind.
Jumping behind the wheel of the Caravan, my eye catches the bundle of threads dangling from the rear-view mirror with a silver fifteen attached.
“Trippy.” I touch the blue and green gingerly. It’s almost as trippy as my hair and this dress. I haven’t worn anything like this in ages. Most of us wear some version of army fatigues. I turn the ignition and pull away.

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:

September 10, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

So Cassy has figured out that she's in her own past. We wrapped last week with her mother telling her that her high school graduation tassel is hanging in the car. I join the Weekend Writing Warriors in giving you another 8-10 sentences. What is she going to do with this knowledge?


“We still have the old Ford!” I remember how important a vehicle that was simple to fix became. The Taurus isn’t here, we came in the Caravan, but it’s waiting at home. “I can do something! Maybe I can stop the whole damn thing.” I give each of my parents another hug, digging in Dad’s pocket for his keys. “Call a cab. I’m taking the car. Trust me. Bye!”
“Cassy? Cassy!”

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:

September 3, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Time for more Weekend Writing Warriors. We each share 8-10 sentences on Sunday for your enjoyment. This is another taste from the first chapter of Never Say Die. I re-used the last two paragraphs to lead in. Cassy has just discovered that she's in her own past and her parents are confirming that.

"Manson is still in business? There haven’t been any...accidents?” I ask, trying to lead them.
“No, honey, Manson? Since when are you interested in drug companies?” I can tell he thinks I’m on the drugs.
“Just since they bred a super virus,” I mumble. “It’s really July tenth and I really just graduated a couple weeks ago?”
“Yes, Cassy. Your tassel is still hanging from the mirror of the car.”

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:

August 27, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors where authors post 8-10 sentences from a published piece, work in progress or upcoming release. I've been sharing from the first chapter of Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story. Cassy is having a strange discussion with her parents.

“You were just walking into the surf and then sat on the shore. You were so happy a moment ago.” Dad rubs my shoulder. He’s a full seven inches taller than me and his strength is always reassuring. Of course, at his words I don’t need reassurance, I need to be grounded -- it can’t be true, can it?

“Shut up.” My mouth sags a little. “It’s really July tenth? Manson is still in business? There haven’t been any...accidents?”


You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

August 20, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Another Sunday, another chance to read fantastic snippets from the Weekend Writing Warriors. If you've been enjoying Never Say Die, I'd like to point you at Creatures, a paranormal boxed set. It includes my newest release, Darkness of Light, as well as 20 other stories for only 99 cents!
Now, back to Cassy. Picking up with the last line of the last snippet:

“Yeah, well, it’s a pain in the ass when you don’t have reliable water and it gets caught in everything.” Absolutely true. After pulling most of a bush out of it the first night running from my rabid parents, I tamed it back. Then I got thrown into a pool of blood and wasn’t able to wash for two days. “That’s why I cut it off six months ago.”
“Six months ago you were asking Julie to braid your hair,” My mother’s brow is knit in confusion and I’m starting to feel the same.
“Yeah, if this really was July of ‘fifteen.” 2015, the year everything ended. 2016, the year those of us left tried to make a beginning.
“But…it is.” The sun gleams off the top of my father’s head and I wonder why heaven wouldn’t give him back his hair.

It's all about hair. No, it really isn't, but you'd get that impression from this snippet! You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

August 15, 2017

Available Today! Creatures #boxedset #paranormal #shifter #99cents

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USA Today Bestselling Author Bianca D'Arc
USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Marie Adkins
Boone BruxMorgan WylieFelicia BeasleyKyoko MJules BarnardMonica La PortaAoife Marie SheridanAlex OwensJuliana HaygertE. M. MooreSkye KnizleyShelique LizeLydia SherrerWendy OwensS.M. BloodingStephanie Marks
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AMAZON    NOOK         KOBO        IBOOKS

Don’t miss these thrilling tales of magic and shifters, angels and demons, star-crossed lovers and damnation.
If you love the paranormal mixed with fantasy, romance, a little bit of blood, and a whole lot of epic heroes, you will love this set!
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August 13, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Welcome to WeWriWa! Continuing from my last post, a couple of weeks back, here's the next 10 sentences. When you've read mine, be sure to hop on to all the others. Cassy had just found that her free flowing hair was getting into her eyes and mouth.


“You love your hair, honey. You’ve been growing it out since you were four.” My mother tugs on a lock. She’s right. It was my pride and joy, the way the light bounced off it giving highlights and redness. It has a gentle wave that is neither too curly nor stick straight. It gives it volume off the top of my head, looking full and luxurious. My friends always told me I should model in shampoo commercials. However…
“Yeah, well, it’s a pain in the ass when you don’t have reliable water and it gets caught in everything.”

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

July 30, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Welcome to the Weekend and the Warriors that Write! Yeah, that's WeWriWa. I have gotten so many great speculations about Cassy and her parents. I also see I've made a mistake and posted the last two snippets out of order. To review: Read this and then this or scroll past this week's snippet.

“Cassy, wait!” My mom chases after me, her brown curls bouncing more than mine - shorter, the way my hair used to be. “Talk to us. Tell us what happened.”
“You both died, okay? You were infected and turned into . . . them.” My voice cracks, and I stomp even harder. My stupid hair will not stay out of my mouth. “Bleh, and why give me back this?” I fight my hair into a knot.

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

And as promised, the whole segment together.

“Mom?” I ask, choking on the word. “Dad?” I run to them and hug my mother tightly. Maybe I am in heaven.
“Cassy? What’s wrong, honey? Weren’t you having fun?” she asks, smoothing my hair.
“Fun?” I ask, incredulous. “Yeah, lots of fun. It’s great watching monsters tear apart everyone you love.” The tears that started at the sight of my parents multiply and roll down my cheeks. “Really riotous.”
“Cassy?” my father asks in a serious tone. His blue eyes are as solid as his voice. “Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not okay. I’m obviously dead.”
My parents look at each other and I can see the questions they’re asking without speaking. What has gotten into her?
“I’m not insane,” I argue, pulling away from them. “This place stinks.” I storm off wondering why, if this is heaven, they are acting so oddly?
“Cassy, wait!” My mom chases after me, her brown curls bouncing more than mine. They’re shorter, the way my hair used to be. “Talk to us. Tell us what happened.”
“You both died, okay? You were infected and turned into . . . them.” My voice cracks, and I stomp even harder. My stupid hair will not stay out of my mouth. “Bleh, and why give me back this?” I fight my hair into a knot.


July 16, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Happy Sunday! Picking up where I left off, Cassy has spied her parents. But they're dead? Here are 8-10 sentences, as you can find from all the other Weekend Writing Warriors.


“Mom?” I ask, choking on the word. “Dad?” I run to them and hug my mother tightly. Maybe I am in heaven.
“Cassy, what’s wrong, honey? Weren’t you having fun?” she asks, smoothing my hair.
“Fun?” I ask, incredulous. “Yeah, lots of fun. It’s great watching monsters tear apart everyone you love.” The tears that started at the sight of my parents multiply and roll down my cheeks. “Really riotous.”

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

July 9, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

How is your Sunday? I'm enjoying a round of Weekend Writing Warriors. So many great stories! I'll be continuing from the first chapter of Never Say Die. We each have 8-10 sentences for you. Last week, Cassy found her parents, no longer dead.


“Cassy?” my father asks in a serious tone, blue eyes as solid as his voice. “Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not okay. I’m obviously dead.”
My parents look at each other and I can see the questions they’re asking without speaking. What has gotten into her?
“I’m not insane,” I argue, pulling away from them. “This place stinks.” I storm off wondering why, if this is heaven, they are acting so oddly?

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.


June 25, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

How is your Sunday? Hope you are enjoying a trip to all the Weekend Writing Warriors! I'm continuing Never Say Die. If you recall, Cassy was bitten and then mysteriously found herself on a beach.

Opening my eyes, I prepare for the worst.
Wait a minute. I’ve been here before, months ago, before the incident, before the virus turned most of us into monsters. Why am I here?
I start to get up and realize I’m wearing the same dress I wore a lifetime ago, and my dark hair is long, hanging in waves over my shoulder. I’m also wearing my contact lenses. How long since I had a pair of those? This is some dream. Heading back down the path that had brought me here so long ago, I find my parents — my dead parents.
“Mom?” I ask, choking on the word, “Dad?”

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

June 18, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors. We each post 8-10 (I really wanted to go for 12, but I restrained myself) sentences. If you recall, Cassy was taking on a whole hoard of zombies.

My cockiness is my demise. I see something red in the distance as a monster bites into the side of my neck and I scream in pain and rage. My glasses are knocked from my head and I fall to my knees, everything going dark. I can’t die, there are too many people counting on me, too much to do. I don’t even know if Heph got the kids out.
***
My legs are wet. Why are my legs wet? I smell salt, and feel a breeze. Are there breezes in hell? I suppose I could be in heaven, but I doubt they’d take me.


You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

June 11, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

For today, as one of the Weekend Writing Warriors, I'm offering another snippet (8-10 sentences) from my Zombie Time Loop novel, Never Say Die. In the last, we learned Cassy is waiting, trying to lure the enemy in close for hand-to-hand, but what she really wants is for her friend and partner to get the hell out of the building so they can go home.


Crunch
I whirl to meet my opponent, blade raised.
The brainless meat sack is fast and ugly as sin, slathered in crap and dirt, but he’ll be much prettier without that head. His black-red blood stains the snow, not mine, and I turn for his friend, adding another kill to my tally. Heph will be pissed when I pass him again.
Heph saved me, literally. I was a crying, scared, running wreck when he took me under his wing, taught me to fight, to shoot, to hot wire a car, break into a building. His total kills topped mine for a long time, but I’ve learned and I’m faster than he is. My score grew with experience, slowly matching and overtaking his death toll. I was in the lead when we left Freetown, but he got to count all the bodies he mowed down in the truck, hardly fair. This mob should be enough to push me over again.


You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
AmazonNookKoboiBookspaper.

June 4, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

Welcome to another Sunday with the Weekend Writing Warriors! It's that time when we each share 8-10 sentences for a piece, published or in progress, to lure you in. I'm continuing from the first chapter of Never Say Die. In the previous/first excerpt Cassy is baring her back to the zombies in an effort to lure them closer when they attack. Not the brightest move, but as she said in the last line last week: Sometimes we really are just a bunch of stupid kids.

Why didn’t we bring more ammunition? I’m definitely finding reloads before we head back. This city is hardly stripped at all. We aren’t here for supplies but people.
The graffiti on the wall is fresh, “We are inside.” Smart kids; the meat sacks don’t have enough sense to read, and even if they do make out the words, they don’t understand. Other kids, like Heph and me, we can read just fine.
I shiver slightly in the cold, but the tension I have coiled in muscles, ready to pounce, is keeping me warm. The icy wind ruffles my short spiky hair, and I add hats and scarves to the shopping list when we have the kids and can raid the town. What is taking Heph so long, anyway?

You can purchase Never Say Die on most platforms or in paperback:
Amazon, Nook, Kobo, iBooks, paper.

May 30, 2017

Available Today! Cargon: Sovereignty #postapocalyptic renaissance #romance #specfic #scifi #fantasy

Today is the day we've spent 4 years waiting for, the completion of the Cargon trilogy! I'm so happy to share this story with you and hope all those who have cursed me at the end of each of the first two books, will forgive me as I wrap up those dropped threads. It still isn't a "happily ever after" because that's not really realistic, but I think it does leave everyone in a happier place than they started.
And if you still want to curse me, you're welcome to do so.

Grab a copy on Kindle, Nook, Kobo or iBooks. Paperbacks can be purchase in the US, but we are still waiting for other distributors to add it to their catalogs.

And here is a tease from the opening of Sovereignty.

Ducat Mark kept his eyes down as he approached the dais. Something urgent brought him here rather than taking time in the baths and meeting her tomorrow. Vanto Nancy had graciously abbreviated her report to give him the floor.
“What brings you home early?” Eve asked.
“I bring a message from Yvonne of Thalla.” He paused and licked his dark brown lips. Nervousness showed in his darting black eyes and the sweat he wiped from his palms.
The High One pursed her lips. She had a suspicion she knew what the message was. “Go on, Highness.”
“We will not conduct trade with a...” He trailed off and ran his hand through his black curls.
“A servant,” Eve finished for him. “I am not ashamed of who I am or where I came from, Highness. If our trade partners cannot accept that, we will do more business with those who will.”
“Yes, High One,” he murmured, bowing his head again. His shame at delivering the message was obvious.
Eve drummed her nails on the wooden arm of the chair. It was the same one Mother used. The plainness wasn't meant to reflect her lowly origins, only be comfortable. She looked to the table on her right where her Second should sit. Louis, however, was not present. He had attended her morning meeting, but they agreed his time was well spent in the lab.
Looking to her left, she found her secretary, Ernst Alexander. “Please make a note, Honored. I will write a letter to Thalla, thanking them for their direct and forward message.”
Ducat Mark looked up, eyes wide.
“Don't worry, Mark, I will not ask you to deliver it. I will have one of the Ernst or common messengers do so. They don't deserve the respect of one of our higher elite.” She pushed up from her chair and walked toward the Ducat. “Come, let me walk you to the baths. You have had a long trip and should rest. If you wish, you needn't come to dinner tonight.”
“I won't miss it, High One,” Mark assured her, opening the door to the humidity of the baths. Eve spied her former roommate and friend, Pearl, among the servants heating water and holding towels for elite as they finished in the tubs. The woman didn't look toward the High One, however, keeping her attention on her task.
With a hand on his shoulder, a sign of good service for those lower than him, Eve turned to go.
Mark looked at her. “High One?” he asked, confused.
She shook her head. Elite rarely touched one another. “I only wanted to thank you for all your hard work. I meant no slight.”
“None taken, High One,” he said with a broader smile. “It is an honor to represent Fontive. I only hope we have another neighbor who would welcome me.”
Eve's smile fell slightly. There likely wasn't. Mark would need a new portfolio, probably dealing with internal matters. She brightened again. “Or perhaps you can help the Second in the lab. He is powering more devices all the time and we need people to explore what is on them.”
“I would like that. Thank you, High One.”
This time, rather than disgrace him with her first response, she used the appropriate reply. She bent her knees slightly and bowed her head. “Thank you.”

May 28, 2017

#WeWriWa Never Say Die: A Zombie Time Loop Story #zombie #paranormal #apocalyptic #groundhogday

What is Groundhog Day had included zombies? I'm thrilled to offer a snippet from Never Say Die, my zombie story that was recently re-released with eBooks for Today's Teen. As all the participants in Weekend Writing Warriors, I'm sharing 8-10 sentences. You can pick up a copy of Never Say Die on all major platforms.

Amazon - Nook - iBooks - Kobo - Goodreads 


I stand ready, my guard up. I know the attack could come from either side, but will most likely come from behind. They love biting into the back of a neck, breaking it if possible, that way the kill stays fresh while they feed. Disgusting creatures. I’m not about to have my blood taint the snow. However, I face the building, watching for my best friend and partner to emerge.
It’s not bright, exposing my neck, but without guns, luring them in close is the only sure way to kill them. They aren’t terribly cautious but can recognize a kid with a rifle or Glock; I have neither -- I did.
Why didn’t we bring more ammunition? I mean really, we knew what we were in for when we got outside the fence. Sometimes we really are just a bunch of stupid kids.

May 14, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Today I have the last sentences from Chapter 1. Thank you Weekend Writing Warriors for sticking with me through it! Next week I'll start another work, possibly Never Say Die, my Zombie story. If you want to join in, it's fun and easy. Just head over to http://wewriwa.com and sign up! Also, head there to read all the great, short snippets.

Adam waited for his mother to close the door to her bedroom before leaving again for the hall. Once there, he picked up another piece. He didn't know who the girl was; he didn't know how she knew how to play, but he did not want her challenged by another. He wanted to be the one to win her, the one to challenge her. He admired her bravery but would admire her intelligence even more if she proved a worthy opponent. The game had begun.

And what a game it would be! You can grab a copy now on Amazon, Nook, Kobo or iBooks.

May 7, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Nearing the end of this first chapter. I hope you enjoy another 8-10 sentences from me and all the other Weekend Writing Warriors.

Adam stepped back from the doors. “I'm sorry, Mother. There was a servant there. I was just wondering what she was doing in the hall so late.”
“Ah, yes. She is bright, that one. I have my eye on her.” She slipped her arm through Adam's and led him to their shared suite.

April 30, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

It's the weekend, that time when I join WeWriWa in sharing 8-10 sentences. Honor & Privilege releases on Tuesday! I'm so excited. Here's a little more from Adam's POV.

Adam waited for his mother just outside the hall. She tended the boards, her nightly chore. One day it would be his charge. He'd played only two games of Cargon. Relatively new to his position as Second and heir, those two decisive victories had prevented more challenges.
The doors opened as his mother stepped out. Past her, he saw a servant kneeling by the Cargon board.
“Adam, you didn't have to wait for me.”
“I – Would you excuse me a moment?” he asked, slipping around her and through the still open door to the hall.

Pre-order Honor & Privilege on AmazonBarnes and NobleKobo or through iTunes. I also have a Thunderclap campaign that you can sign up for to spread the word on this release.

April 23, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic


Happy Sunday! I hope you'll join me and the other Weekend Writing Warriors in sharing 8-10 sentences from a piece. This is from the first chapter of the first book in the Cargon series. We get our first glimpse through the eyes of someone other than Eve, the shadowy figure.

The servant had just picked up one of the pieces and held it in her hand. His breath caught. Would she put it back? If she did, he would never mention this – except to her. She must know how dangerous it was for her play with those pieces; she would become the lowest of servants, or worse, exiled if she played and lost. Surely, someone had told her. She didn't put it back in the starting position, but made a legal move, demonstrating her knowledge of the game. Glancing his way, she paused before turning and walking away.

Pre-order Honor & Privilege on AmazonBarnes and NobleKobo or through iTunes.

April 16, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Happy Easter!! Hope the bunny's left chocolaty droppings for you (wow, that image is totally disgusting). This snippet includes the last 3 sentences from last week, but it was the only way to get this whole paragraph together, and I think it deserves that.

Eve took a marble piece in her hand and held it tightly. She could feel every edge, every plane. The corners seemed to bite into her skin. Small, it had little weight and yet felt exceedingly heavy, as though she held the world in her hand instead of a tiny piece. Eve placed it on the board in a new position. The movement was monumental. It wasn't simply the start of a game; it was the start of everything. She had put her world into motion. Turning her back on the three-tiered board, she returned to her dorm. From the corner, she noticed someone else in the shadows, not near the kitchen, the direction she headed, but the grand entrance, where the High One had left. Despite being one of the elite, he didn’t address Eve, and she continued on her way.

As I mentioned last week, you can pre-order Honor & Privilege on AmazonBarnes and NobleKobo or through iTunes. If you are inclines, I also have ThunderClap campaign for each release: Honor&Privilege, Duty&Sacrifice and Sovereignty. There's one for Never Say Die too, which releases this week!

April 9, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Great news! I have a release date for Cargon: Honor and Privilege! You can currently pre-order your copy to arrive May 2nd! And the second and third volumes will also release before June. I hope you'll consider picking up a copy. For now, these are my 8 sentences, the same each of the other Weekend Writing Warriors post for your perusal and enjoyment! In the last, Eve had asked about cleaning the board, but instead, she veers in another direction.

Make the most of what she had been given. She wanted to take her first step on a road to a new life, a new place. But she had been ordered to never touch the pieces. Her mind warred with her instincts. As proven in the past, her mind was stronger.
Eve took a marble piece in her hand and held it tightly. She could feel every edge, every plane. The corners seemed to bite into her skin. Small, it had little weight and yet felt exceedingly heavy, as though she held the world in her hand instead of a tiny piece.

You can order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo or through iTunes.

April 2, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Another weekend come and gone. They go by so quickly sometimes. Here's another snippet for Weekend Writing Warriors. All of us participating share 8-10 sentences to give you a taste of our writing.

"Well, child, I have finished for another night. Continue to make the most of what you have been given."
Was that an answer to the question that plagued her today and every day Prince Louis pressed himself on her? Was Eve to take a great leap that would vault her from one world to the other? As one of the elite, the differences in their positions would narrow, allowing her  to tell him exactly how little she sought his attention.
Eve dropped her knees and held herself low when the High One had left the hall. Alone, she turned to the boards, her jaw set.
Make the most of what she had been given.

March 26, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Apologies for not commenting last week. My family has been hit hard by this cold that just doesn't want to cut us a break. I'm sure I'll do better this week! You can find all the excellent participating authors on Weekend Writing Warriors, and I encourage you to do so. Each excerpt is only a few sentences (8-10).

Here's Eve responding to the High One.

Eve longed to ask, "How am I supposed to straddle between two worlds?" Instead she asked her original question, the one that had plagued her since the first night she watched the High One labor at the boards. "Is there no other who could perform this duty? One who understood the importance and took the proper care?"
"There is. I could ask you to do it." The High One chuckled wryly. "It has been done, but the High One who forgets to respect Cargon is destined to soon fall." Eve knew this to be the case, reading several histories about the most drastic changes resulting from the outcome of a single match. "This is the most ... manual of my responsibilities. I find I enjoy it." Her lips curled in a small smile.

March 19, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Being addressed by the High One?! This is a big deal for Eve! Like meeting the president. Be sure to read all the snippets from the Weekend Writing Warriors


"You return." Despite the fact that she spoke to Eve, the servant did not answer. She hadn’t asked a question, after all. "Your studies progress well; I have been apprised." Eve felt her face flush. Bestowing the honor of instruction on her overwhelmed and now she continued to have an interest. "You have a question? Ask." the High One commanded.

March 12, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Sunday is a great day for sharing. You can grab a snippet of so many stories and authors by visiting the Weekend Writing Warriors. Each of us has 8-10 sentences from a work, in progress or published. Mine is from Cargon: Honor and Privilege, the first in a trilogy. I am hoping to release the second edition soon.

Cargon came with powerful consequences. The winner, deemed highly intelligent, took the place of the loser. If the loser came from lower status, he was further shamed and deemed less competent. Likewise, a winner of higher status was further honored and more likely to test those above him. What surprised and frightened Eve was the tendency of spouses to shift with the results as though their status, unchanged, kept them with the elite of that position. The practice, although well documented, made no sense to Eve. For all her intelligence, she would never claim to ‘think’ like the elite.
After dinner, she lingered, watching the High One tend the board. It was strange to Eve that the highest among them would assume such a menial task, but she did the same every night. Eve was gobsmacked when, for the second time, the High One addressed her.

--note: the first was just before Eve started attending classes intended for the Elite.

Unrelated, I have another title re-releasing soon.

What if Ground Hog Day included zombies?
Cassandra survived the zombie apocalypse. She and other young survivors band together to search the desolate city for food, lodging, weapons, and hopefully, more survivors.
On one such rescue mission, the zombies get lucky and Cassandra is their victim. Instead of dying, though, Cassandra wakes up in her own past, days before the outbreak of the virus that turned all the adults to mindless monsters.
She has one chance to stop it all. Well, maybe more than one.
Amazon  
Nook
iBooks
Kobo

March 5, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Thanks for coming back for another Sunday! I have eight sentences for you from my post-apocalyptic renaissance, Cargon. Now we know the reason for the title, the game! There are many authors with fantastic snippets for you at Weekend Writing Warriors so be sure to visit them all.

As she did every time she entered the dining hall, she stopped to regard the Cargon board. It’s three-tiered surfaces and thirteen pieces made up the game elite used to rank themselves, to prove their fitness for their roles. Her keen interest in the game, and proven understanding of its rules, had directly led to her assignment in the classes of the elite.
On Eve’s first night in the dining hall, the High One had ordered her to never touch the pieces. She would never forget that night. At the time, she couldn’t have imagined being noticed by someone so important, but the High One had spied her, gauged her interest, and tested her knowledge.
Every few weeks, one of the elite would challenge another at the end of dinner. It seemed tonight would not be one of those.

February 26, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

From the library to her every day/evening. Here's Eve in her element. Thanks for coming around for another week. Don't miss all the great snippets (8-10 sentences) by visiting Weekend Writing Warriors.

She flipped on, stopping at a page on power relics. These were mythical stories about the power of light. Before the fall, more than three hundred years ago, nearly anything could be done with the power and everything required it. No one had managed to recreate the power, and almost all the knowledge of that time had been lost.
Looking at the strange diagrams and trying to intuit their purpose distracted her completely from her fury. When the gong rang, announcing dinner in an hour, Eve carried the book to the sorting table, knowing her duty and happy to do it.
Although the elite would gather in an hour, she had half that to change her uniform and have her hair arranged. The same servants that tended Eve and her fellow servants’ hair, would go into the elite wings to do the same for them.
In the dining room, she was given matching pitchers of red and white wine. While she kept cups full, others would dart in and out to serve full plates and clear away empty ones.

I have a different title releasing soon and wanted to share it with you as well.
What if Ground Hog Day included zombies?
Cassandra survived the zombie apocalypse. She and other young survivors band together to search the desolate city for food, lodging, weapons, and hopefully, more survivors.
On one such rescue mission, the zombies get lucky and Cassandra is their victim. Instead of dying, though, Cassandra wakes up in her own past, days before the outbreak of the virus that turned all the adults to mindless monsters.
She has one chance to stop it all. Well, maybe more than one.
Amazon  
Nook
iBooks
Kobo


February 19, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

It's Sunday again, and that means sharing 8-10 sentences with a group of fantastic authors. Hop over to Weekend Writing Warriors to read them all. Pick up here, Eve is in the Library trying to recover from her confrontation with Louis.

Perhaps there was another option. Turning, she made her way down the aisle full of histories. As a servant, she was taught nothing of the world before her birth or outside the palace. When she’d been sent to attend classes with the children of the elite, she’d learned about all the rulers before Bianca, their current High One. She passed those, however, looking for something older. One of the children had told a story that she hadn’t thought about since she tested its veracity.
Flipping through pages, she read about the ruins and relics recovered along with metal, glass and the strange material that gave off noxious fumes when anyone tried to melt it. They’d found no way to adapt that for their use. There were diagrams of skeletal buildings towering over trees.

February 12, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

In today's snippet, Eve is continuing to use the Library as a place to gather her thoughts and plan future actions. Be sure to read all the snippets from the Weekend Writing Warriors

She stopped among those elite, in front of the large windows that looked out onto the manicured gardens. Another servant pulled weeds, adding them to her basket. Hundreds of servants, easily ten times the number of elite, could be found throughout the palace. The majority didn’t tread in these halls, manning laundries, kitchens, and grounds. Today, Eve envied them.
Inhaling, Eve imagined she was in the garden, breathing the fresh air. From there, her imagination took her away from Fontive’s palace. If she reached the wild lands, Louis would never bother her again. However, life there was difficult, coaxing the land to provide enough food for one’s own family as well as the capitals.

February 5, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Hello readers and Warriors! I have another snippet from Cargon: Honor and Privilege and you can read all the other contributions at Weekend Writing Warriors. I also have a request. I'm looking for other blog hops to join in on, particularly those friendly to younger audiences. If you have any suggestions, please share! Now, returning to Eve...

“I do wish our stations were not so distant." He pulled his arms away and turned from her.
Eve fled to the library, her sanctuary. The rules of their society were clear. If she’d been interested and met him under cover of night, a relationship between one of the elite and a servant might be possible, but she’d never heard of one. She had never returned Louis’ affections and he dared to approach her while she was doing as instructed.
Storming up and down the aisles of books, she knew she had to get a hold on her temper. Her attitude was unbecoming, and although the librarians, as fellow servants, might not be offended, the elite accessing the library certainly would.

January 29, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Hello visitors! I'm glad you took the time to pop by blog and the Weekend Writing Warriors. I'm still new to this group, but they are fantastic and I hope you hop to all the other participants.
These are the next few lines from Cargon: Honor and Privilege. Prince Louis is  continuing to press his advantage on the servant, Eve.

He moved to place his hand on her again, and she leaned away to her left, twisting from him. Her skirts brushed his legs. Technically, she wasn’t allowed to touch him, and it was a loss of face for him to touch her. That didn’t stop him.
He continued to pursue her as she backed herself into the corner. He put his hands to either side of her head, trapping her effectively. Finally, unable to find another response, she turned her eyes level to his. In them, she held all of her hatred, her anger, his loss of honor. Would he continue to ignore the impropriety he was inflicting?

January 22, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

It's Sunday again, and I'm participating in another Weekend Writing Warriors blog hop! I want to apologize for some of my short replies last week. I was on my phone and unlike some, I'm not fast typing on it. Here is the next snippet from my post-apocalyptic renaissance. Eve is enjoying the class she has the privilege of attending. Well, she was enjoying it.

Her place was here, at the back, inconspicuous. She had done her duty if no one ever realized she was there.
She wasn’t that lucky.
“Server girl.”
Eve clenched her jaw and tried her best to prepare for what torment the Prince might have for her today.
Prince Louis put his nose to her hair. Inhaling deeply, he sighed. "Would you taste as wonderful as you smell, I wonder?" His hand traced down her side, just off her skin. It brushed the fabric of her skirt, and she stepped to the side.
He sidestepped with her, grinning now. "Skittish. I like that. Where will you jump to next?"

January 15, 2017

#WeWriWa Cargon: Honor and Privilege #fantasy #scifi #postapocalyptic

Hello fellow Weekend Writing Warriors. I'm new to your group and will kick things off with a few sentences from my debut novel, Cargon: Honor and Privilege. The second edition will be available in 2017 and I can't wait to share it.
This is from the opening chapter, opening scene. The setting is several centuries after the fall, in the midst of a second renaissance. Yes, a post-apocalyptic renaissance.

Standing at the back of the room, Eve was thrilled to be in the class even though her status prevented her from actively participating. The young adults in the seats were elite. Born to the wiliest, most intelligent people in Fontive. Eve, by contrast, was born to a cook and stableman. She served in the palace as her parents did, serving wine when the elite joined for dinner every evening. Attending this class was a gift beyond measure.
Although her intelligence matched or rivaled that of those seated, she wouldn’t be able to speak with them or sit among them. Her place was here, at the back, inconspicuous.

Hop around to all the Warriors, but I will remind you to note the abbreviations after each name. There are some Erotic (Er) blogs on the list. If you're under 18, or that's not your thing, you'll want to avoid those.