Friday, February 25, 2022

Running With Cannibals by Robert W. Smith



This post is part of a virtual book tor organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Robert W. Smith will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

Historical fiction. In my youth I read everything I could get my hands on that about history, from The Civil War through WWII, the Old West, virtually anything in historical fiction and intelligent, thoughtful thrillers. By senior year of high school, I’d focused primarily on writers like Graham Green and Len Deighton.

Some years into my law career I started to write my first book about something I understood. John Grisham was the hottest thing in print then and what the hell did he know about defending murderers? That was my business. So I wrote about crime and corruption in Chicago, had two legal thrillers published, but the genre bored me.

Then I tried my hand at historical fiction based on true stories or real events. I wrote “The Sakhalin Collection,” a fictionalized account of “The Sakhalin Koreans,” thousands of Koreans citizens kidnapped from their homes by the Japanese during WWII and sent to work and rot in the mines of Sakhalin Island. After the War, the island became a Soviet possession and the Soviets left the poor souls to rot, all with knowledge and tacit approval of the U.S. and its Western allies. Many of the Koreans were still on Sakhalin when I served in the Air Force during The Cold War as a Russian Linguist for the NSA. I heard the story as a young airman in Wakkanai, Japan, only twenty miles from the Soviet island. I met a beautiful young Korean girl working as a bartender in the Airmen’s Club and was curious about how she came to be living in such a remote corner of Japan, a notoriously homogenous society. She told me the story. Hers was one of hundreds of families to have escaped in fishing boats and such. The tale haunted me for years and I finally wrote it. New Leaf Books published it in hardcover in 2007. That’s how I found my genre.

What research is required?

Even when I was writing legal thrillers, my head was always in the clouds somewhere with Len Deighton’s two heroes of “Goodbye Mickey Mouse,” flying wing to wing, brothers in all but blood, one mortally wounded and both waiting for the moment the sea would take him. Two simple salutes and an exchange of smiles across P-51 cockpits told a tale I could never forget, brought it to life without a single word and made me cry, bringing me closer to an understanding of brotherhood than could any expertly crafted pages of conversation or narrated reflections.

That’s when I recognized my mission, bringing my commentary and observations to life in compelling stories of memorable characters and events from history. Deighton and Graham Greene, Solzhenitsyn, even the early Twentieth Century author, Joseph Conrad, had all along been writing consistently with a theme, some exploration of humanity, inhumanity, brotherhood, colonialism, war, ant-war. It was always there and it’s what drew me to them in the first place. Besides, I love the process of recreating a time and place; the customs, fashions, buildings, even the restaurants. You have to dig into all of it, even the way they spoke. It’s all there on the internet, even a pathway to official records. I mean, novelists aren’t historians, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look back and recreate the past. I want to make that world recognizable to someone who experienced it, even want to live there myself. I realize it’s impossible to completely avoid the evolution of social anthropology into the Twenty-First Century, but research helps and it’s at your fingertips.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

I think that question is best answered by a quote from the book, a reflection from my protagonist, Ethan Cooper, wrestling with the moral dilemma of his friend’s lover. Does she really love him or is she using him to gain information? “Maybe she really loves him or maybe it’s all true at the same time, he thought. If he’d learned anything in the Philippines, it’s that good and evil can coexist in the same place, even in the same person. Besides, it was going to end badly for Marty anyway. Let the man be.”

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Not sure if you’d call it a quirk, but I can only write in my own space, with all my “stuff” around me. I think if we move in the future, I could carve out another “space,” but I’m not one to write on a plane or in a hotel or on a recliner in the family room.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Oh, my goodness, I don’t know what a “panster” is. Is that a guy who writes in his underwear? Heavens, no. My wife wouldn’t allow that. We live in a condo. The neighbors could look right in if they walk by the window. That might cause a scandal. As for a “plotter,” you got me there. I still try to plot the whole book when I’m ready, but it never works out. First, I choose my historical time and place, generally selected because of some specific historical event or characters. I will have a general theme already in mind, like brotherhood, loss, old-age, redemption, duty, sacrifice. You get the drill. Next, I work with ideas until I can come up with a one-sentence (usually a long one) description of the book. Then I define and court my characters. At that point, I try to do a chapter-by-chapter outline. I follow the outline, usually for three or four chapters before my characters take a detour. I know them better by then and they always seem to hijack my story. The result is I have to go back and rewrite the opening chapters because they suck. Eventually I have a book. So I guess I’m not a plotter either.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A picture of my beautiful daughter with my two-year-old grandson. Some of my most valuable “stuff.” You phil me?

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Glad you asked. I’m shopping a historical fiction. A young Irishman arrives in Chicago in 1903 to visit his brother, but finds himself on a quest to peel away secrets and rediscover a dead sibling he idolized but never really knew, hoping in the process to learn the true meaning of brotherhood--but the secrets may kill him first. His quest reveals an Irish Republican plot to assassinate a visiting British Royal and into an alliance with two women, a mesmerizing Jewish widow and a struggling young Irishwoman, his brother’s former mistress. The women will teach him existential truths of life and love, guiding him along his path, each in her own way. But the brother he finds may not be the brother he remembers. A Long Way from Clare is a candid story of immigrants and one man’s struggle with the relationship between bigotry and justice in an unforgiving city where your mistakes can kill you if your good deeds don't kill you first. This story was inspired by the life and alleged suicide (1914) of my wife's grandfather, Andrew J. Murphy, a Chicago Policeman, Irish immigrant and bar room Irish Republican. The family believes this version. Personally, I think he was drunk on duty and fell into the Chicago River.

Do you have a question for our readers?

Yes. What the heck in a “panster?”

On the run from a hangman’s noose, a young man joins the army in search of anonymity, but lands in the Philippines in the closing phase of the war (1901), where his life intersects with a beguiling and mysterious young Filipina, a disillusioned Catholic priest and an American “Negro” deserter. They join forces, each in his or her own way, to hold back the tide of greed and colonial barbarity from a ravenous Eagle. At great cost, the young soldier will find his place, his people and himself. But to end his running, he must endure the last battle and the dark jungle beyond that holds the key to his fate and future.

One will die in the fight. One will learn that truth wears no flag and must be pursued and safeguarded, no matter the price. The other two will live forever, legends in the minds and hearts of the Filipino people.

Read an Excerpt

“Good evening, Marty,” he said, resting his (behind) on the scratchy log beside his friend, careful to avoid the parallel ditch underneath and just behind.

Looking up and framed by the dim light, Marty said, “Good evening, Ethan. Beautiful night. In a week or so, the bark will be worn down. It won’t be so damned scratchy. People will flock here at night just for the view.”

“You never stop, Marty.”

So they sat there, side by side, beneath a canopy of stars. “What are you doing here, Ethan? Marty asked pensively. “I mean why the army? I know you don’t want to be here.”

Marty was his best friend, his only friend if you didn’t count Jonesy, but a confession now couldn’t help either of them and might even put Marty in jeopardy. As long as Marty was in the dark, nobody could credibly accuse him of concealing a fugitive. So, he told his friend a small part of the truth. “My old man was with the 62d Pennsylvania in The War. It kind of defined him. You know?”

“Yeah, I get it. I wanna be like my father. That’s one of the outfits in the fancy French uniforms. Lifelong glory and respect. Well, Ethan, you missed your war. No glory here, but you already know that.”

The nocturnal jungle behind them offered only silence, save the clatter of crickets. There they sat for a fair spell, two bare behinds under a crescent moon on the edge of the jungle at the end of the world. For a long while, neither man felt the need to break the silence. Then, just as Ethan had decided to tell his friend about Tala Espinosa, Marty announced quietly, “I’m a priest, Ethan.”

“What?”

“A Roman (XXXXXX) Catholic priest.”

About the Author:
Bob was raised in Chicago, enlisting in the Air Force at age eighteen during the Vietnam War. Following a year of intensive language training at Syracuse University, he served three years as a Russian Linguist in Security Service Command, a branch of the NSA. Upon return to civilian live, he attended DePaul University and The John Marshall Law School in Chicago on the G.I. Bill while working as a Chicago Transit Authority Police Officer. Thirty-odd years as a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago ensued. His first book was Immoral Authority (Echelon Press, 2002) followed by Catch a Falling Lawyer (New Leaf Books, 2005) and The Sakhalin Collection (New Leaf Books, 2007, hardcover)

Website: http://www.robersmithbooks.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/smith_author
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/robertsmith857
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21018640.Robert_W_Smith
rsmith9184@aol.com Amazon: Amazon
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/robertsmithbooks

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

I Can't Think Straight by Isabel Scheck


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Isabel Scheck will be awarding 1 of 2 autographed books to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A collection of 35 poems in which a poet thinks about women a little too much... (Sapphic poetry)

















Read an Excerpt


Poem no. 7: Scary, Isn’t It?

I often think about how scary it is;
one minute you’re fine and the next
you’re yearning for a girl you’ve only just met. And the mere thought of her is enough to give you violent butterflies.

The more you get to know her
the more she becomes everything you think about.

The more you know her the funnier and prettier she becomes until the butterflies aren’t
only reserved for when she’s near;
they’re there forevermore.

I often think about how scary it is;
How is it that a singular person has that much of an effect on you?

It’s scary because you know that you’re giving her the power to break your heart if she so chooses.

About the Author: Isabel is a self-published author and artist who comes from England, but lives in Switzerland. She works with children, which she adores, but she also loves to write; especially in the genres of fantasy, poetry and romance. She uses experiences and images as inspiration to create words. Isabel also loves to express herself by drawing.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Honor by January Bain



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. January Bain will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Never run from a wolf!

Isadora Champagne is a witch on a dangerous mission to take down Lucius Luceres. That bad boy Alpha billionaire doesn’t deserve to have it all his way. Thinks he can dump her baby sister after a one-night stand and get away with it! But now that she’s met the shifter, keeping her heart safe from him is going to cost more than a curse to stop him, it just might cost her a pack with the devil himself.

Lucius of the House of Luceres is an alpha werewolf, secure in his bad-to-the-bone reputation. But when confronted by the beautiful Isadora one fateful night, even he can’t help but notice the extreme attraction that instantly ignites between them. But what he hadn’t counted on was how useful her magic gifts can be to the House of Luceres when one of their own goes missing. Will he be able to set aside the centuries of mistrust that has existed between witches and shifters and allow her special brand of courage and caring heal even the most jaded heart?

Read an Excerpt

“I’m on my way.” I snapped my phone off and strode toward the bank of elevators on the main floor of the casino.

Idiots. One more damn thing that needed my attention. Some of our human employees acted more like children during a full moon, even though our wolves had a far more ancient right to howl. Fighting over a female. Again. Damn it.

The final night of the Lupercalia festival and my wolf was craving some no-holds-barred sex. Or I’d be a candidate for moon sickness, like my pussy-whipped twin had had the audacity to suggest earlier tonight. He finds his Forever Mate and suddenly he’s the expert. A twinge of jealousy I couldn’t quite ignore made me even more pissed off.

Cristaldo marking his one-year anniversary of his marriage to Everly was making him far too smug. Yeah, right, like I couldn’t control my urges. I’m the enforcer for our pack. No need for a mate. Love ’em and leave ’em had worked so far and allowed me all the time necessary to do my job to the very best of my ability.

Pack safety was my number one priority, no matter that I secretly envied my brother his gorgeous mate. Something I’d not be sharing with anyone was that my nights had become lonelier since I’d watched that pair walk around like lovesick puppies, forever fawning over the other. When was their damn honeymoon going to end anyway? Surely a year of sweet nothings was sufficient to bond them forever?

Stepping onto the first available elevator, I caught an amazing scent in the small space. My nose wrinkled with keen interest. Neither entirely human nor wolf, but totally intoxicating with a powerful range of uplifting notes combined with an earthy lust that held my full attention. What is this? I narrowed my eyes at the lone occupant. A female stunning even by Vegas standards leaned against the gold railing opposite me, watching me intently. A goddess standing near six feet tall, just a few inches shorter than myself and impossible to ignore, with her siren-red dress barely covering the essentials.

And what essentials. Long bare legs that went on for miles, curvy hips that nipped into a tiny waist, and full breasts that led up to a Madonna-like face surrounded by loose waves of shiny light auburn hair, a shade richer than strawberry blond. My wolf fired to full alert, mirroring my rapidly hardening cock. She’s mine. I had never heard him so certain.

About the Author:
January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination.

If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with her furry baby, Ling Ling. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.

If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook. Oh, and she loves to talk books…

Blog Address - http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca/
Twitter Name – https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/january.bain
Any other social media - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain

Buy: Honor (Sin City Wolf Book 3) - Kindle edition by Bain, January. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Honor-Sin-City-Wolf-Book-ebook/dp/B09N3VX9M6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Honor%3A+Sin+city+Wolf+by+January+bain&qid=1639400584&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

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Tuesday, February 22, 2022

The Order of Time Series by Scott P. Southall



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Can you describe your dream home?

Since I moved to Australia twenty years ago, I discovered that I love living near the water. I’ve been lucky to live in beautiful places in Sydney. All of the places are either on the harbour or at the beach. My dream house would have a waterfront location with private beach. A generous outdoor entertaining area and an infinity edge pool. There would be plenty of extra bedrooms for friends and family to stay. I’d also have a jetty with a boathouse. My office for writing and drawing would be on the top floor of the boathouse. I’d put my desk in front of a tall arched window overlooking the water. If you are going to dream you should dream big.

If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?

A: My wife and I eat very simply. We usually eat some sort of protein like fish, beef or chicken accompanied by a fresh salad. A perfect example would be salmon fillets rubbed with olive oil, salt and pepper. They are cooked slowly on the barbecue over medium/low heat. The fish would be served with a salad of baby spinach leaves topped with pear, avocado, pine nuts, and shaved parmesan. Simple, healthy and delicious.

Tell us about the absolute BEST fan letter you have received.

My best fan letter was actually an email from the mother of a ten-year old reader. She told me that her daughter loved The Order of Time so much that she had decided she wanted to be an author. When I started writing I hoped that kids would be entertained. That they would laugh and learn a bit about history from my stories. It really floored me to learn that my writing could have that kind of impact on a young person. I’m sure she probably decided she wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer ten minutes after her mother sent the email but it was still pretty cool.

Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

I already have a couple of ideas for the next few books in the series locked in; however, the one place I want to go to explore and research is South America. There were so many incredible civilizations in South America like the Incas and the Chachapoyans. I would love to go to Peru and have the chance to see the remains of the Chachapoyan’s remote mountain top fortresses and learn more about them. They were called the “Warriors of the Clouds” which I think sounds very cool.

Who designed the book cover for the book you are touring?

A: The fantastic team at elementi studios worked with me to customize and capture exactly what I was looking for in each book cover. They were fantastic because I had very specific concepts and imagery that I wanted to include in both books. Getting it right was really important to me and they brought the ideas to life. The covers actually exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend them.

About the Series

Picture two twelve-year-old fraternal twins who are like night and day. She is a smart and highly organised MMA fighter. He’s not a fighter, he’s a lover of history, art and Star Wars. Despite their differences they are one formidable team. Together Anastasia and Edward Upston travel through time and navigate ancient civilisations, angry gods and mythical monsters in their quest to protect the integrity of human history.

About The Order of Time

Anastasia and Edward Upston are eleven year old twins who are different in almost every way. Despite this they are inseparable and he best of friends. They tackle the highs and lows of sixth grade together whether they are fending off bullies at the elite Blake Academy or examining rare antiquities at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Then: life gets complicated.

They discover that their friend and mentor, Dr. Gregorian, is part of a secret society called the Order of Time. It turns out that time is not fixed, it’s a fluid continuum where changes to the past can create ripples all the way through to the present. It unwittingly falls to the twins to travel back through time to ancient Egypt where they must overcome deadly assassins, evil high priests and vengeful gods in order to prevent disaster. Together Anastasia and Edward must navigate all obstacles to preserve the past and find their way back home.

About The Order of Time and Odin’s Door

The orange light bathed the snow-covered fields as the fiery globe began to dip below the horizon. It was strange that something so beautiful could signal the arrival of something so evil. One thing twelve-year-old twins Anastasia and Edward Upston knew for sure was that when mortals were caught between two bickering gods nothing good would come of it. Surviving the Viking Age may be the hardest thing they ever do, if they can…


Read an Excerpt from The Order of Time and Odin’s Door

“Um, Anastasia, can I talk to you for a minute? Alone?” Edward asked as he grabbed his formerly sane sister by the elbow and led her away from Erik. “What in the heck are you thinking? Help them kill the dragon?”

“I said we’d help Erik try to convince Soren to leave first. We’ll only help them kill the dragon if Soren won’t listen,” his twin explained, as if it should all make sense now.

“Have you lost your mind?” Edward snapped.

“It’s a really simple plan. Don’t overthink it,” Anastasia said, looking at him like he was the one who was crazy.

“Ahem,” they heard Erik interrupt from behind them.

“I’m sorry, but we’re a little busy here at the moment,” Edward called over his shoulder at the red-haired Viking with the big sword.

“While you’re talking to the slow one, I am going to find the Jarl. He’s also fixated on getting killed by Nidhogg. Perhaps you’ll have better luck talking some sense into her,” Erik said, shaking his head dismissively.

Edward watched the big Viking follow Soren’s footprints until he disappeared into the underbrush before turning back to Anastasia. “We’re supposed to be in Strasbourg earning our entrance into the academy. We don’t even know why we’re here and you’re talking about killing dragons,” Edward whispered harshly just in case Erik was still in earshot.

“I know we’re not supposed to be here but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t help someone who needs our help,” his twin whispered back, her posture stiffening.

“You know we can’t risk changing what happens here. How many times has Dr. G told us that the ripples from any change in the past can completely change the future? That red-haired dude is Erik the Red, the man who colonizes Greenland. His son Leif Erikson was the first European to sight North America: five hundred years before Christopher Columbus. Assuming we could help kill this dragon, just imagine what changing the past related to that guy might do. Dollar bills could say In Odin we trust and we might not even exist!” Edward was no longer whispering as he threw his hands in the air in exasperation.

About the Author:
Scott is an American author and banking executive who lives in Sydney, Australia. He grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C. and attended Georgetown University. While he loves his job as a global banker, his true passion is making up stories with his children. His debut novel, The Order of Time, reached #1 in its category on Amazon and was the 2021 Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Children’s – Mythology/Fairy Tale genre.

https://www.scottpsouthall.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-southall-6bab5a4/
https://www.instagram.com/scottsouthallauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/scott.southallauthor
https://twitter.com/SSouthallAuthor

The book is on sale for $0.99 during the tour.

https://www.amazon.com/Order-Time-Scott-P-Southall-ebook/dp/B07Z3XWJQ9
https://bookawards.com/book-award/the-order-of-time
https://readersfavorite.com/2021-award-contest-winners.htm#the-order-of-time

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The Most Eligible Bride in London by Ella Quinn



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be giving away a $20 Amazon/BN Card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Love conquers even the most unlikely lord in USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s delightful Lords of London series, as a reformed rogue endeavors to prove himself worthy of his chosen bride . . .

Mistakes happen, to be sure. Rarely are those mistakes as unfortunate as the one made by Nathanael, Viscount Fotherby, when he abducted the now Lady Merton to save his friend from marriage. Nate has been trying to make amends ever since, leaving behind his self-centered ways to fulfill his duties—and that includes finding a wife of his own. One woman sparks his interest above all others—a lady he helped when she was rescuing a child. Alas, there is a devilish complication . . .

Miss Henrietta Stern, Lady Merton’s younger sister, is intrigued by the stranger who comes to her aid—until she learns his identity. Nate’s stunt could have ruined her sister’s reputation, and her family may never forgive him. With beauty, connections, and a sizeable dowry, Henrietta has plenty of admirers. Yet no other suitor quickens her pulse quite like Nate does. Her heart insists that the gentleman has changed for the better. But can a renowned scoundrel possibly prove himself to be the perfect husband?


Read an Excerpt

“Miss, what should we do?” the messenger, a young boy named Toby they had hired for messages and odd jobs, asked Miss Henrietta Stern.

“Where is Mrs. Perriman?” She and her sister, Dotty, Marchioness of Merton, had assisted in the rescue of many children and infants during the time Henrietta had been in Town for her first Season. However, due to her sister’s pregnancy, they had asked Mrs. Perriman, the widow and daughter of army officers, who ran their charity, the Phoenix House, to perform the rescues. Normally Henrietta would not have hesitated, but she had never gone alone before.

“She’s out on another call, and I don’t know when she’ll be back.” The lad bounced from one foot to the other, clearly distraught. “The boy who brought the message said the baby’s mam died and the babe was poorly.”

There was only one thing to do. “I shall go.” Henrietta had read the short, barely literate note stating the sender had a baby they were willing to sell. “We’ll need to have a wet nurse brought here.”

“Miss Henrietta.” Parkin, her brother-in-law’s butler’s eyes rounded. “Neither her ladyship nor his lordship would approve.”

“It’s not as if I am going to St Giles or worse. It is still light and will be for the next hour. If we do not rescue this child now, it may die.” The butler’s stern countenance did not change. “I’ll take Cullen with me.” He was the largest of all Merton’s tall footmen. Henrietta suspected the man had been a soldier at one time, as many of the footmen were. “I shall be perfectly safe.” She would also take the Manton pistol that had been made for her.

“You will need a groom as well,” the butler said.

Henrietta stifled a sigh of relief. Parkin was not happy about this, but he would not stop her. “Yes, of course. Thank you.”

By the time she had changed into a sturdy, dark-blue wool serge gown she’d had made by the modiste at home, donned a plain bonnet, tucked her pistol in the pocket she’d had sewn into her mantle, and taken the coins needed from the strongbox kept for the purpose, the unmarked town coach was waiting in the street. “The address is just down from the Whitechapel workhouse. We must hurry. I do wish to be there and gone before it is dark.”

“Yes, miss.” The footman, now dressed in regular clothing, closed the coach door behind her, and the coach dipped as he climbed on the back.

The journey would take about a half hour, and the sun was already lower in the sky than she would have liked. Still, the chance to save another child was worth the risk, and she had three servants with her. Granted, two would remain with the coach. Still, Cullen would be enough to keep her safe.

A large traveling coach almost blocked the street, but they slid past the vehicle and pulled up on the other side of the road. It was still light enough, but the sun was sinking by the minute. The narrow street and tall buildings did not help.

The coachman opened the hatch in the roof. “The street we want is just ahead on the left.”

The footman opened the door and helped her out. “I’ll stay a bit behind you just in case they’re up to no good.”

About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side (political science professor and lawyer). Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

She is married to her wonderful husband of almost fourty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, a Great Dane named Lilibet, and a cat named Winnie. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement. She expects to be back on the boat in 2022.

Ella loves when readers connect with her.

Author Contact and Social Media:

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Monday, February 21, 2022

It Takes Two by Nicole Sallack Anderson



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Nicole Sallak Anderson will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Twenty years ago, Willow Dwyer nearly died in a school shooting that stole the life of her true love, James. Now she’s forty, infertile, newly divorced from a man who refuses to leave her alone, and on the brink of a breakdown.

Even after all this time, she still finds herself unable to move forward from the dream of a life and family she lost that day of the shooting. At the suggestion of her therapist, Willow takes up the tango, the dance she’d mastered with James before his death. It seems an innocent enough plan, until Willow dances with Merrick Montagne.

Merrick is a strikingly handsome, twenty-year-old college student with an uncanny ability for the tango. He makes her heart race for the first time in she can’t remember how long, and the strangest thing is, he claims he’s been searching for her his entire life. Willow doesn’t know if she believes him, or if she can handle the scrutiny she’s sure to get for dating someone so much younger than her. Yet no matter how hard she tries, she just can’t seem to walk away. When revelations begin to connect Merrick even further to her past, Willow must decide how much she’s willing to risk for a love that should be impossible, a love she’s not sure she could survive losing again.

Read an Excerpt

“Dance again?”

Willow wanted nothing more. Within moments, she was again near his chest and breathing in his scent, lost in the beauty of this younger man. Triplet after triplet, he refused to let her go. Soon he was leading her in a familiar sequence of steps, reminding her of the last dance she’d choreographed with James.

The room grew smaller, her desire changing into the short breaths she knew signaled a panic attack.

Stop, she said to herself, recalling her therapist’s word for this—transference. He reminds you of James because he’s young, has blue eyes, and is a god on the dance floor.

Yet the moves were too familiar, sequences she’d practiced over and over with James in college. The tango had been their favorite form of foreplay, but they’d also performed in college, and both she and James had been competitive in their own way.

Stop. James is dead.

She was losing the battle with her mind. The young man in her arms embraced her even closer, his fingers entwined with hers in her right hand, his own right hand cupping lower on her back, drawing her closer to his chest.

“Willow, it’s so good to see you again,” he said into her neck.

Chills ran up and down her body as she considered her options. It was a crazy thought—she’d been at the milonga only a few hours and hadn’t had a one-night stand in a long time. But damn, she might have a chance here. She was in need on so many levels, and Merrick fit the bill.

“You have anywhere you need to be tonight, young man?” she asked.

He leaned into her face, his lips millimeters from hers. His breath was hot on her cheek, and she swallowed back her desire.

“The reason I’m here is to meet you,” he said as he leaned in for a kiss.

At once, Willow felt as if she were both a nebula at the edge of the universe and the specks of dust in the room, and every bit of matter in between, experiencing a timelessness she’d never known before. No one had ever kissed her this way, or had they? What had just happened? One minute, she was dancing the tango to get over her traumatic past; the next, she was kissing the most beautiful creature on earth.

About the Author:Nicole Sallak Anderson is Computer Science graduate from Purdue University, and former CTO for a small Silicon Valley startup, turned novelist, speaker, and blogger. Her essays range from AI and Zen to direct democracy to the loneliness of modern parenting— featured as a top twenty story on Medium. She is the author of The Song of the King’s Heart Trilogy, is a series about the last native Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt and his quest to take back his ancestral kingdom from the Ptolemaic Empire. All three installments, Origins, Blood and Chaos, and Civilization’s End, are available on Amazon. Origins is also available on Audible.

Her recent novel, It Takes Two, is about forty-year-old Willow Dwyer, who takes up the tango and finds herself dancing in the arms of Merrick Montagne, a man half her age who claims he’s been searching for her all his life.

You can keep up with all her latest writing on her website nicolesallakanderson.com or by following @NSallakAnderson on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Medium. Feel free to contact her, she always answers any query or comment!

http://nicolesallakanderson.com
http://www.facebook.com/NSallakAnderson
http://www.twitter.com/NSallakAnderson
http://www.instagram.com/NSallakAnderson
http://www.medium.com/NSallakAnderson

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Takes-Two-Nicole-Sallak-Anderson-ebook/dp/B09R16JT8Q

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Friday, February 18, 2022

Secrets of a River Swimmer by S.S. Turner



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

As an author, what scares me the most


In my experience, being a writer means getting to know yourself well. Regardless of what your story is about, your writing always reflects you at a deeper level. I remember the first time I read my novel Secrets of a River Swimmer as a reader rather than the writer. It was like sitting next to myself at a dinner party for the first time. Each and every word on the page reflected elements of my character back at me. And amidst the story, it wasn’t hard to see what scares me the most as a writer. In fact, it’s a key theme within the novel and builds towards a powerful climax at the end. What I’m most scared of is not doing the best I can with my time, not living a meaningful life, not achieving fulfilment. Translation: being an average writer is a terrifying idea for me.

Maybe that’s why I’m focused on the literary fiction genre where resides the more unique and eccentric writing of the writing world. It’s not like the murder mystery genre which shares a common blueprint. Literary fiction is about seeing the world from unique and different perspectives. It’s about pushing the boat out and seeing where it goes as opposed to knowing where it goes before it leaves. It’s the perfect genre for authors like me who want to push the envelope rather than follow the more trodden writing career footpaths. It’s no surprise I’m loving writing in this genre. And it won’t be a shock to my readers to hear I’ll do my best to write unique novels which readers remember for their uniqueness and their lack of averageness.

As Freddy gazes at the majestic river gushing past him in the depths of a Scottish winter, he's ready to jump in and end his life. But what happens next is not what Freddy expects. From the moment he enters the river, Freddy starts a journey which is more beautiful, funny, and mysterious than he could have imagined. And through this journey Freddy's story becomes interweaved with a cast of unforgettable characters who are equally lost and in search of answers. Eventually they all unite in their quest for an answer to the biggest question of them all: will the river take them where they want to go?

In the tradition of inspirational works of fiction like The Alchemist and Life of Pi, Secrets of a River Swimmer is at once a profound exploration into living with meaning and an affecting story of people on the cusp of change.


Read an Excerpt

My thoughts drift to picture what life as a gillie must be like. I imagine you start the day by carrying all the fishing equipment your fat and wealthy clients will need for a day of luxurious and fully-catered fishing. You carry everything while they take it easy, and you locate the best spot to fish for the largest possible salmon. Your local knowledge about fishing spots has to be extraordinary. You then set up the fishing rod, position your client in the right spot, and talk them through what they need to do to catch that magic fish they’re all searching for. Of course, your clients are always searching for the largest catch of the season, so they can go home and brag to their friends and family about what skilled fishermen they are. It’s obvious to you, if not to them, that the subtext is being able to sing to the world that they have massive willies, bigger than everyone else’s.

Beyond fishing, you’re forced to listen to whatever the hell it is your clients want to talk about for the eight long hours you’re on the river. Your clients are all obscenely wealthy, so it’s more than likely you’ll hear a lot of moaning about all the small things in life they’d like changed. Many of them will complain about local wind farm developments, council plans to develop their neighborhood, and, of course, the big one: immigration. They all believe immigrants are responsible for all the problems in the world. These people are your quintessential NIMBYs, and will always complain about progress if it affects them in any way, no matter how minor. You do whatever you can to bring the conversation back to fishing because it’s an easier conversation for you, and less productive grounds for their complaining. They’re slowly sucking the life out of you with their negativity, so you carefully select your words to bring the conversation onto a more positive pathway. And, of course, your ultimate back-up plan, as it is for many British people, is to pull out the ultimate conversation filler when you’re at rock bottom: the weather. Yes, it’s a desperate move and the equivalent of holding up a white flag, but needs must.

About the Author:
S.S. Turner has been an avid reader, writer, and explorer of the natural world throughout his life which has been spent in England, Scotland and Australia. Just like Freddy in his first novel, Secrets of a River Swimmer, he worked in the global fund management sector for many years but realized it didn't align with his values. In recent years, he's been focused on inspiring positive change through his writing as well as trying not to laugh in unfortunate situations. He now lives in Australia with his wife, daughter, two dogs, two cats, and ten chickens.

https://www.thestoryplant.com/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JWTK3WN/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer-s-s-turner/1139673873
https://books.apple.com/us/book/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer/id1591209788
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer/9781611883213-item.html
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Out of Due Season: First Transit by Benjamin X. Wretlind



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Benjamin X. Wretlind will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What if humanity had a second chance?

On a June afternoon, a body is discovered floating in a remote lake in northwestern Washington. When a recovery team attempts to retrieve it, they make a shocking discovery: 311 other bodies lie under the water, all members of a previously unknown religious cult. However, what appears to be a tragedy of immense proportions is only the beginning.

When a few relatives and friends of the victims discover inconsistencies in the stories, a small group bands together to learn the truth. As government agencies apply pressure for reasons unknown and civil unrest in the country makes communication and movement difficult, this tiny yet determined team unravels what may be the greatest event in recent—if not all—human history.

Something epic is about to happen in that remote lake, and as competing sides inch ever closer to the truth, the last pieces of the puzzle are revealed.

The First Transit is for those who follow the rules, while disaster awaits everyone else.


Read an Excerpt

“Anything of interest?” Tyler asked, breaking the silence.

“A lot of nothing,” Virgil said, still peering through the window. “It looks like our campers weren’t keen on material possessions. Either that or they took everything with them.”

The two walked away from the building and over to another as a light rain began to fall. Inside, they found much of the same: a few table settings, beds made of nothing more than rags, and the remnants of a few meals. On a board holding up what may have been part of a door jamb, there was a strange carving, six perpendicular lines like three off-center Xs. Aside from that, there were few clues about the inhabitants of this camp, and that meant there was little they could report back. Every building they examined was different. The tents smelled the worst while the wooden shacks stood precipitously on their weak foundations. Whatever happened to the people, it was not catastrophic, but it was weird.

“Hello?” Tyler called out. Lapping water and the chirps of a few birds replied, but no one else. “Hello?”

They both stood ankle deep in mud for another minute, looking, listening. Finally, Virgil unclipped his radio. “Base, Recovery Two.”

“Recovery Two, Base. Report.”

“There’s nothing here. Seems to be about twenty buildings and a few tents, all run down.”

“Any sign of life?”

About the Author:
Benjamin ran with scissors when he was five. He now writes, paints, uses sharp woodworking tools and plays with glue. Sometimes he does these things at the same time. He is the author of Castles, Sketches from the Spanish Mustang and many other novels.

Benjamin lives with his wife Jesse in Colorado.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09N1VDSJN/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59536721-out-of-due-season
LibraryThing: https://www.librarything.com/work/27421933/book/209524424
Website: https://www.bxwretlind.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bxwretlind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bxwretlind
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bxwretlind/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BXWretlindArt
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Benjamin-X-Wretlind/e/B004X2O624/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

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Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Chandelier by Michael Leon



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Chapter Reveal


This week's blog provides an excerpt from Chapter 16 of Chandelier. Carlotta is concerned about events happening in the Garnier and fears for her protege, Christine that she is being misled by her previous lover, Philippe. So she visits Madame Giraud for guidance on helping Christine and facing her own fears of permanent memory loss.

***


"I wish only to remember again. It's as if my mind refuses to cooperate with my will. I read and hear terrible things about my behaviour. Are they true?"

"I'm not sure. I can say if there is an Opera Ghost, you truly gained his attention. Your fall from grace as Europe's finest diva was a dark period for our opera company. Deaths, deception, revenge all pervaded that time. I have learnt that dark times evoke a force that is a wrathful master. You felt it more keenly than most."

"Will I remember again?" Carlotta implored.

"Memory will always return, but only when the time is right. You are repaying a debt by helping Christine. That will surely go a long way to recalibrating your emotional disturbance."

"She is in distress. I don't know whether to tell her of my experience with Philippe. She still holds on to her love for him."

"Forces in the past have been deadly, but they always seemed to protect the music of love. Stay faithful to that, Carlotta," said Madame Giraud. She was about to say more, but something caught her attention.

She reached out to the seats behind them as if feeling for the strange force she spoke about before swiftly retracting her hand. "I must go now. We will speak again, but for now, cast your gaze to the stage and try to remember your last performance." Madame Giraud brushed Carlotta's hair as if clearing her troubled mind before leaving her alone in Box 5.

Carlotta looked down to the stage, studying the area where she had seen the light float above Viola, then tried to remember back to the time she reigned the opera world. A flash of memory jolted her, giving rise to a single powerful thought. She stood in precisely the same space Viola occupied when she collapsed on stage. That same light had ended her performance. Was it the Opera Ghost? Then a second more disturbing image returned. Another man stood in Philippe's place who had the same expression for Christine that Philippe had for Viola. It was Erik Destler, the man she had desired and perhaps loved. He had deceived her in front of the world, embarrassing her in front of her loving fans. His evil eyes terrified her, not because of what he did but of who he was. She recognised his eyes and realised they belonged to someone she trusted.

CHANDELIER is the genre-bending sci-fi/fantasy-romance novel follow up of Michael Leon’s 2019 fantasy-romance book, PHANTOMS. A century has passed since the fabled Phantom ruled the Garnier Opera House. Technology has advanced, and AI has evolved beyond human knowledge. They reside in a virtual Earth, free from the ravages of an environmentally damaged Earth where humans and post-humans live under AI’s qualified governance. CHANDELIER follows one AI sentient’s journey, Benny, whose loyalty for a famous opera singer, Madame D’Arenberg, sets him on a dangerous course, entangling him in The Phantom of the Opera’s deadly web.

About the Author:
Michael Leon is an explorer, writer and author of the new novel, Sentient. Professionally trained in international trade, Michael has spent the last decade reading and writing SFF novels about new worlds to be explored in the future. His latest work, Sentient, imagines Earth in the year 2120. His next novel, Chandelier, will be released in 2022. Michael has travelled extensively around Europe, walking the paths of his characters, from the famous European opera houses in Phantoms to the mountain tops of Switzerland in Emissary.

Website: https://www.michaelleon.com.au
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelleon0433
Blogger: https://michaelleoncommentspage.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5369984.Michael_Leon
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Leon/e/B01LNQALBW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

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Monday, February 14, 2022

The Crossing by Ashby Jones



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ashby Jones will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Crossing is a powerful and haunting love story of surprising discovery set in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen during Prohibition. Its mission seeks to reconcile love and guilt, grief and promise. Set apart from other stories, it combines history, fact, surrealism, and reality into an ever-recycling boost of the human spirit.

Irish-born Johnny Flynn, a former British soldier, is banished from his homeland and sent to America on a ship so riddled with disease that he realizes the voyage was meant to murder him. When he survives the trip, the captain forces him to walk the plank into the Hudson River. Miraculously, Johnny is rescued by a rumrunning Irish gang, the Swamp Angels, and given a job running whisky in Hell’s Kitchen just as Prohibition makes liquor a hugely profitable, dangerous business.

Fighting for his life and livelihood amid the denizens of the Manhattan piers, Johnny is plagued by the memory of his lost lover, Nora, whose father, the famed Irish revolutionary, James Connolly, met his death through a firing squad that included a reluctant gunman named Johnny Flynn. Nora’s last words to him, when she learned of his betrayal and left him, “I love you, Johnny Flynn”, echo in his heart, leaving him pulsing with guilt, yearning, and the hope that she might yet forgive him.

Johnny drinks hard. One night, drunk on the floor of Hailey’s speakeasy, he encounters a seeming apparition on stage, the ghostly Esme, an Irish singer who suffered unspeakable horrors at the hands of the British Black and Tans. Johnny is dazzled by her. She is not only a singer but a healer, teaching poor and afflicted children to sing and gather hope at an old theater called The Woebegone. From Esme Johnny learns how to overcome the desire for revenge, only to discover that she, too, clings to her own dark dream of retribution.

Hell’s Kitchen, Johnny discovers, is thronged with people whose damaged hearts ache for revenge, repentance and love. As he grapples with taking responsibility to help others resolve this overwhelming dilemma, he learns that Nora is coming to New York to advocate for Irish independence. As he confronts her and soon thereafter receives a piercing love letter from Esme, the story comes to a turbulent climax.


Read an Excerpt

My God, let’s get this sack off you,” one said. “Two stones inside? They threw you off, did they?

“Thank you,” Johnny rasped, barely able to move and unwilling to answer. “God, thank you.”

A man with a scared face leaned closer. “You sound Irish. Well then, God may have had something to do with saving you, mate.” The man pointed to Liberty. “After all, how could something that large have made it across the Pond without His help?”

“Where … where are …” Johnny couldn’t finish.

“We’re headed to Hell’s Kitchen,” the voice answered. “They call it Satan’s playground, though some say God’s been seen there having a drink or two. We’re the Swamp Angels, rum-runners, who keep Him supplied.”

Johnny could not feel his lips move as he attempted to smile. He looked up at the sky, bound for America at last. The boat inherited the flow of the water and so too did he.

He struggled to remove a small cross from his pocket. It was made of the finger bones of the baby twins whose skeletons he’d pried from their mother’s ossified grasp. As if memories were flowing through the bones, they were warm to the touch. Before following Bile’s order to throw the skeletons away, when he was searched before boarding the ship, he’d slipped the tiny bones into his shirt pocket and later knotted them with a bootlace. The tiny fingers clasped each other in the shape of a cross. He’d sworn to keep it with him always, as a reminder that forgiveness for killing another, regardless of the side one was on, stood forever apart from the seeker. And for those who had served on a firing squad, though justifications could be had, not even with love as powerful as he and Nora had shared, could forgiveness be found.

“My name’s Seth, mate, and the young insect by me we call Locust. What’s yours?”

“Johnny,” he whispered.

“And your last name?”

“Johnny,” he replied and closed his eyes. If he had no full name, maybe he would not be pursued in this new world. Maybe he could find a new beginning, a purpose which could not be taken from him, neither by his guilt nor his longing for Nora.

About the Author:
Ashby Jones has been writing historical novels for 50 years. With degrees in Literature and Clinical Psychology; Creative Writing at UCLA under the guidance of Leonardo Bercovici. Jones previously published: The Angel’s Lamp in 2017 which was well received and reviewed by the Irish Times. Jones’s passion is writing literary fiction that attempts to understand mankind’s never-ending battles with irony, tragedy, blatant contradiction, and the anomalies of love. Such is the focus of 'The Crossing', a stand-alone sequel to 'The Angel’s Lamp', his first novel. He studied under such notables as William Hoffman, a best-selling author, and years later at U.C.L.A. under Leonardo Bercovici, a highly regarded screenwriter.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashby_jones
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Ashby-Jones/e/B01N2YR769/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14394032.Ashby_Jones

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592110894/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

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Thursday, February 10, 2022

Burn This City to the Ground by N. Daniel



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. N. Daniel will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Based On the Author's Life


When it comes to writing memoir, you have to ask yourself two questions. One: Is writing about sensitive topics going to get me into trouble? And two: Are my thoughts and feelings going to make the people around me upset? These constraints limit what you want and should say when writing memoir.

My new book “Burn This City to the Ground” had to tread this line very carefully as the story became unauthorized by my paralyzed client late in production and I was detailing intimate details of our shared lives. Many aspects of the narrative needed to be altered or completely changed because the story included vulnerable peoples. As was true with my first book “Corners Untouched by Madness” my stories can be described as collision courses with the truth. No secret is taboo. Everything is left out bare for readers to either accept or deny. I try not to write any characters as heroes or villains. I believe in the quote, “We are all the villain in some one's story.” The real crux of any narrative I write is rawness, grit and passion, not necessarily right or wrong. Of course all of the vulnerable, insecure areas of my life have to be included in that.

I was told memoir is not necessarily strict autobiography but what “feels genuine” to the writer. That being said I do my best to be fair and as accurate as possible. However, the truth is that life rarely happens in a cohesive, organized way. For me the hardest thing to keep consistent is the timeline. Rearranging the order of events is the best way to structure the flow of the book, to make the climaxes hit a little bit harder, to make the themes come to fruition at the correct times. These shared themes are also altered so that the reader can learn the lessons faster and more efficiently than the writer or the characters in the book. Specifically, there is one scene in the book where Samantha, my disabled client, and I are having a conversation in a hospital room about George Floyd. Everything in that scene happened at one time or another but bringing all of these true elements and creating one scene is more coherent than trying to cram serval scenes into the book, making it too complicated. Characters are either combined or eliminated to simplify the plot. Plot threads are cut short or altered to eliminate distraction. Life is much too chaotic to include everything and writing a disjointed, convoluted story is not going to attract readers. These are just a few lessons I learned from being a memoir author.

When you write a memoir you have to be ethical. It shouldn't be used to attack or call people out but it also shouldn't necessarily protect people from wrongdoing either. The important thing is to be completely honest, not just about your characters but with yourself as well. Write about the things you did wrong. Be brutally honest. Don't use the medium to point out the flaws in others. Memoir can be a powerful tool for growth, self introspection and at the end of the day you will find yourself saying, “I never understood why that happened. Now I get it. I get why I thought that. I get why I did that.” Don't underestimate re-exploring your personal experiences. The truth is you will probably learn more about yourself than your readers will.

Final thoughts. Respect the characters in your book. Make them into real people. Share their thoughts, aspirations and why their shortcomings exist in a humble way. Respect yourself. Don't build yourself up or knock yourself down. Be honest about who you are. Finally, respect the reader enough to place the setting of your book in reality. Show all sides. Original sin is a thing and we were all born innocent. Be sympathetic to your characters. Be sympathetic to yourself but also don't be afraid to give them all a good crack once in awhile. As always I am here to help. You can contact me at here: author@ndaniel.us

Give me a shout out.

Love always,
N. Daniel

As Daniel recovers from a psychotic episode and months long mental health civil commitment, he befriends a youthful quadriplegic named Samantha who is dealing with life-threatening health problems. When cohabitation becomes necessary for Sam, caregiver and client both move to downtown Minneapolis to begin a new life together. Before they can get settled in, Daniel is diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and must undergo multiple surgeries. The two navigate the American healthcare system and work towards Samantha's eventual independence, however, their relationship becomes toxic when a global pandemic shakes the nation and George Floyd is murdered by Minneapolis police officers. Based on the author's life, this endearing platonic love story is the gooey center of a turbulent world set aflame. Through the laughter and the tears, Samantha and Daniel play off each other like a tragic comedy duo that's hell bent on finding humor within the most savage aspects of their everyday lives.


Read an Excerpt

“Janet,” I poked her. “Guess what I am listening to?”

“What?” she smiled.

“Sade!”

“Damn man, you are always listening to Sade down here. Sweetest Taboo, Cherish the Day, Lord those were my glory years. Amen.”

I did the sign of the cross and got into the serving line. I dished out chicken tenders and waffles with some very thin soupy maple syrup that tasted a lot better than its consistency suggested. I glanced over at Janet who had her back turned to me. A weary, toothless woman approached the buffet. I made her plate and handed it to her.

“Son, I need more chicken than this to get through the day. Why don't you give me a few more pieces? Even just one more would be good.”

Janet's ears perked up. She turned to address the woman.

“Hey, hey! Listen. If we be giving you extra chicken, we will need to be giving EVERYBODY extra chicken. You just move along, lady. Don't hold up the line. If there is extra, we will hand it out but for now everybody has got to eat.”

The woman mumbled something to herself and moved on, slowly down the line. I saw Floyd remove a lot of disgruntled customers through the months but that only happened when they threw up a fuss. Janet kept it orderly, disciplined. Floyd took care of the troublemakers. That's just how things worked at the Salvation Army shelter.

About the Author:
N. Daniel works as a medical caregiver in the greater Minneapolis/Saint Paul Metropolitan area in the Winter and as a landscape laborer for his father in Winona, MN in the Summer. His debut writing effort, “Corners Untouched by Madness: A Personal Journey of Overcoming Mental Illness,” has enjoyed modest success in certain writing circles. The Author lives with his wife and two dogs just outside of downtown Minneapolis."

Website: http://www.ndaniel.us
E-Mail: author@ndaniel.us
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MyUnsafePlace
Instagram: http://instagram.com/MyUnsafePlace
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NdanielAuthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-This-City-Ground-Daniel-ebook/dp/B09MBPV4K7/

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Ya Gotta Laugh by Barbara Alldritt



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Barbara Alldritt will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

In "YA GOTTA LAUGH", Barbara Alldritt presents a series of short stories based on her own experiences, and those of others, about living life with joy & happiness, in spite of life's challenges.

While pursuing an academic career, Barbara was hit hard by a debilitating disease. She quickly determined she needed a new direction in life. Always interested in writing, she turned to creating stories about this new path.

These are stories that show that even in trying circumstances, there are still ways to find humour.

Read an Exclusive Excerpt

I’m sure there’s a country and western song based on the old saying “misery loves company.” That was how I felt when I learned I had a debilitating and, according to my doctors, incurable chronic illness. I thought meeting others who were facing similar challenges would help me deal with my new reality. Finding company was easy. This is the rationale behind the proliferation of self-help groups for people facing everything from unwelcome new facts about health to changes in marital or work status. I soon found, though, that I needed a certain kind of company, otherwise it just created more misery.

Since my health problems had been labelled multiple sclerosis, I called the organization that specialized in working with this illness. I spoke with a counsellor named Sandra who told me that a group for the newly diagnosed would probably be the most suitable for me. Although I didn’t expect to find someone who shared my interests there, it turned out that Sandra had a personal interest in what is now called alternative medicine, as I did. In part to meet Sandra, I decided to go to the next meeting, even though it was a half-hour drive from where I lived.

Entering the newly diagnosed self-help group meeting room, I joined a half dozen people sitting in a circle. Unfortunately, though, I found more misery than company. The first woman to speak described the horror she’d felt with her recent first experience of bowel incontinence. How does one respond to a story like that? I wondered. I had no ideas, and frankly would rather not have heard about the ordeal. It seemed others felt the same way as an awkward silence ensued. Sandra smiled stiffly and asked if anyone else wanted to share. An intense, drawn-faced man in his thirties spoke of a new drug study he’d heard was about to start in our city. He stated his intention to offer himself as a subject and promised to bring more information to the next meeting for others. I stayed the scheduled two hours of the meeting, sharing my story of numbness and disabling fatigue when asked.

As I drove home from the meeting, I reflected on why it was called a self-help group. I felt worse than when I arrived.

About the Author:
Author Barbara Alldritt was born and raised on a farm in Saskatchewan and although there was always work around the farm she preferred hiding behind the couch reading a book rather than be out in the fields hoeing potatoes or washing dishes in the kitchen. After High school she travelled extensively in Western Canada and then set out on a 2-year adventure around the world and met her husband on that trip in Western Samoa. They returned to Canada settling in Calgary. Barbara then returned to higher education at the University of Calgary and completed her Honours Degree in 1988, and was awarded the Faculty of General Studies Gold Medal and the Lieutenant Governor’s Gold Medal for that year.

They then moved to Vancouver, BC, and Barbara entered a master’s program at UBC. In the throes of completing her MA and preparing to start her PhD, MS hit her hard and put a stop to her academic work.

Needing a new direction and given her interest in both research and writing she looked into many options for maintaining her health from taking up aqua-fitness to nutrition and what she should and should not eat.She also became active in the MS Society and produced their newsletter, in which she wrote stories that looked at the humorous side of living with a disability. Many who read her stories were inspired to contact her to tell their own tales and adventures. She interviewed them and added them to the newsletter, resulting in this compendium of stories.

CONNECT WITH BARBARA ALLDRITT

WEBSITE - https://barbaraalldritt.com/
GOODREADS - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21918420.Barbara_Alldritt

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INDIGO CHAPTERS -
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