Weekend Writing Warriors July 3

Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly blog hop where participants post eight to ten sentences of their writing. You can find out more about it by clicking on the image below.

Shayla has tracked a mysterious madman, Randall, to a makeshift bar in a forestry work camp. The patrons have been plying him with drink in anticipation of some entertainment.

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“Hey, Randall,” someone jeered from the back of the room. “Tell us a story.”

For the first time, Randall seemed to react to another person. His eyes swiveled in the direction of the cry, then lost their focus again. “Hellfire,” he roared.

People cheered and clapped.

“Fire from the sky!”

More cheers. This is what the crowd had come to see.

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A reminder, the SIA Free & Bargain Books event is still on until the end of July 4. Lots of free or discounted e-books to pick up from the event website.

Yes, the SIA Free and Bargain Books event is on!

See all the details on the event website.

Among the large number of bargain books on offer, Ghosts of Innocence and Tiamat's Nest are down to $0.99.

Alone with a good book

I’m getting to the age when I’m more and more often thinking ahead to the prospect of retirement. The last decade has zipped by and I’m sure the next will go just as fast, so best be ready for it.

It’s not something that worries me. As a profound introvert I’ve always liked my own company and always feel I have way more that I want to accomplish outside of work than I ever have time for, so endless days of free time should be a blessing, right?

Well, I’ve got the chance to put that to the test this week. Ali has taken the kids over to the UK for her father’s 80th so I’m holding the fort and caring for the animals. As we are unlikely to be taking a camping trip this summer I decided it was a great chance to take a bit of vacation and have some serious alone time.

Things I’ve learned:

The freedom is great. Being able to do what I want, when I want, without having to constantly factor in other people’s plans. Being able to plan a menu and pick up groceries based on my tastes, without worrying about whether anyone else will like it. Recalling the simple pleasure of roaming the house naked, which we used to do before the kids grew up too much.

I do miss having the family around. Not to the point of loneliness, but I will be glad when they’re back. Meanwhile, thank goodness for Skype!

But the biggest thing I’ve discovered, which I suspected might be the case, is that I don’t have half the energy to do stuff as I need. You’d think with a whole day ahead I’d be able to write thousands of words. Not so. Writing is darned hard work at times. And having concentrated blocks of time doesn’t help so much when you need to mull over things in the subconscious to get past a blockage. I don’t think I’d cut it as a full time writer. I need other things to do to break up the day. Luckily I started the week with a long list of odd jobs to deal with.

And there’s always reading. Chewing my way through a good book helps recharge the batteries.

And a reminder - tomorrow is July 1, the start of the weekend-long “Free and Bargain Books” event. The list of books on offer will be posted to the SIA website here at midnight tonight.

Escape the News with some free and bargain books

I saw the results of the Brexit vote last week, and a part of me wanted to cheer and say “At last!” (and not just because something finally gained more headlines than the US presidential race!) while a part of me looks to the future with some anxiety.

Living in Britain through the formation of the Common Market, its evolution into the European Union and the birth of the Euro, the whole EU thing often left me feeling more frustrated than anything.

Yes, being in the Union gave people the freedom to live and work where they pleased. The single currency presumably gave people and businesses in member states a lot easier time of managing their money. But I would say that Britain’s heart was never really in it. I think the writing’s been on the wall for years now since Britain chose to stay out of the Euro.

Any plus sides to the arrangement were probably felt more by politicians, big business, and the City than by ordinary folk in Britain. On the downsides, new stories popped up regularly of the latest bureaucratic nonsense to emerge from Brussels. We were drowning in floods of news rules of breathtaking absurdity from regulating the permitted curvature of bananas to the recycling of teabags. And bureaucrats were being paid outlandish salaries on an obscene gravy train to come up with this nonsense.

And while the British instinctively believe in “playing fair” some countries always seemed happy to flout the rules while grabbing as much as they could from the Union. Dang it all, that’s just not cricket old chap, what?

I honestly don’t know if, given the choice, I’d have voted Remain or Leave. The frustration was clearly boiling over, but the effects of the vote will be far-reaching. Trouble is, there’s a lot of noise and speculation out there but precious little useful information.

I’m not going to make any predictions. Leaving the EU may be good for Britain, it may be disastrous. The UK may stay whole, it may fragment. The same goes for the EU. The knock-on effects around the world are incalculable.

All we can do is hang on for the ride.

And what better way to distract yourself than with a good book? The Goodreads group Support for Indie Authors is holding another “Free and Bargain Books” event this weekend, from July 1 through to July 4. Lots of authors and e-books of all genres to enjoy, either for free or priced at 99 cents.

I’ve already discounted Ghosts of Innocence and Tiamat’s Nest to 99 cents ahead of the event to give time for the reduced price to filter its way to all the outlets.

Weekend Writing Warriors June 26

Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly blog hop where participants post eight to ten sentences of their writing. You can find out more about it by clicking on the image below.

Continuing with my current WIP, The Ashes of Home, we last saw Shayla Carver see off some work camp bullies. She is under cover, tracking down a mysterious wild man of the mountains and her information has led her to a makeshift bar in another camp. The man she is seeking has entered the bar, as described some weeks ago here.

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He sat. A drink appeared in front of him. The server backed away, unacknowledged.

He scarcely seemed to notice the glass as he picked it up and tossed it back. His eyes flicked back and forth, following imaginary or remembered events in his own head.

Another drink appeared.

Out the corner of her eye, Shayla noticed the group at the next table flag down a server. Coins clinked. This seemed to be part of the scheduled entertainment.

More drinks flowed, with no perceptible effect on the giant in the corner, but the mood in the bar grew tense with anticipation.

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Do you like free and bargain books? Next weekend is a major holiday weekend in North America, with Canada Day on Friday and American Independence on Monday. To celebrate, Support Indie Authors is holding a 4-day event with 50 authors offering nearly 100 e-books either free or 99 cents.

Free and bargain books

The Support Indie Authors group is at it again, hosting 40 authors offering over 60 free and bargain e-books.

The offer is on all day April 1, but it's no joke! There are books to be grabbed either free or discounted to $0.99. Visit the SIA site for details.

Book blast starts at midnight

The page at http://www.freebookblast.com/ is now live. Books should be available free from midnight to midnight on Saturday, though exact times may vary depending on Amazon.

Check it out and pick up some free e-books. I counted 67 titles available!

Support Indie Authors - free book blast

It's the season of giving, and the good folks over at Support Indie Authors, a Goodreads group I joined this year, are hosting a free book event.

On Saturday, the 19th of December, forty authors will be offering more than fifty books in a wide variety of genres absolutely free! What better way to de-stress, decompress, and take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays than to curl up with a good book? All of the free books will be listed on the official Book Blast website:

www.freebookblast.com

As is our tradition, each of the authors participating in the book blast has told us a little about themselves. Each name links to the author’s Goodreads profile, so feel free to give them a follow if you like what you see. Below are interviews for ten of the forty participating authors. At the end of this post are links to three other blogs with the additional thirty authors. Please be sure to visit each and thank you for continuing to #SupportIndieAuthors

Now for the first ten authors:

Name: V.M. Sawh
What genre or genres do you write in?
Historical, Western
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Only a Sith thinks in absolutes.
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
CINDERS is the classic tale of Cinderella given a murderous Gothic twist. HONTAS is an ass kicking, bounty-hunting Wild West Pocahontas. Both are part of my Good Tales For Bad Dreams series of re-imagined fairy tales.
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
I actually like the combination of gingersnaps and coffee crisp hot chocolate. Apple Cider is also quite nummy.
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
I would like to highlight the SPCA, as I feel animals are often the forgotten victims when hard times hit. The SPCA is there not only to provide education, insight and help for owners of our four-legged friends, but also helps save lives through adoption. I strongly urge you to consider adoption if you're looking for a pet companion. You could be saving a life. https://www.aspca.org
Where can readers find out more and connect with you?
Website: www.supportindieauthors.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VMS_author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vmsawh/
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/VMsawh/

Name: Eugene Linn
What genre or genres do you write in?
Science Fiction
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Nice
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
An ET spacecraft headed for Earth and mysterious red dots that baffle even world-renowned scientists provoke violent outbreaks around the globe—will humans destroy themselves before the aliens even arrive? Red Dot is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller complete with a remarkable cast of characters and an intriguing portrayal of alien life. Expect the unexpected and you’ll still be surprised.
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
Cranberry salad
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
Red Cross. I'm in the Philippines, and the Red Cross has been a big help for victims of Typhoon Haiyan. http://www.redcross.org
Where can readers find out more and connect with you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Dot/1028047867229514

Name: Miss D
What genre or genres do you write in?
Urban Fiction based on true story WITH profanity AND sexual content
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Naughty
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
Corrupt: Rise To Power was inspired by the Tavon White Baltimore City Detention Center scandal of 2013. I am a Corrections Officer in Maryland and used 1st hand info which makes the events in the book very authentic. It is my 1st urban novel and very graphic.
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
My favorite underrated holiday treat is a new pair of flannel christmas pajamas and fuzzy slippers. Great for late night writing sessions.
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
My favorite charitable organization is the Salvation Army. They are always lending a hand to families in crisis situations. http://www.salvationarmyusa.org

Name: Patricia Loofbourrow
What genre or genres do you write in?
Science Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, steampunk neo-noir
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Only a Sith thinks in absolutes.
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
My novel is about a female private eye in a neo-Victorian domed city split between four crime families. She runs her business in secret because she's married to one of the mob bosses and the Family frowns on this sort of thing. In this first book of the series, she's trying to find a missing child, the little brother of her best friend (who was murdered in front of her ten years before).
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
Canned whole berry cranberry sauce
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for people who don't have one. https://www.habitat.org
Where can readers find out more and connect with you?
Website: http://www.jacqofspades.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jacq_Of_Spades
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJacqOfSpades
Other: http://red-dog-conspiracy.tumblr.com/

Name: K.B. Goddard
What genre or genres do you write in?
Horror, supernatural
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Nice
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
An homage to the classic ghost story. My book is a collection of six short stories set in the Victorian era. Victorian inspired ghostly goodness.
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
I'm not sure I have one! Possibly rum sauce for the Christmas pudding.
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
Crisis do wonderful work for the homeless especially at Christmas. http://www.crisis.org.uk
Where can readers find out more and connect with you?
Website: https://kbgoddard.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kbgoddard
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kbgoddard
Other: http://kbgoddard.blogspot.co.uk

Name: Susan Stafford
What genre or genres do you write in?
Mystery/Thriller
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Nice
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
Trouble in the Keys is a murder mystery that takes place in Key West. Desperation and curiosity have Liz and Maggie searching the island and making inquiries that don't always end well.
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
fruit cake!!
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
St. Jude's Children Hospital in Memphis https://www.stjude.org

Name: Alp Mortal
What genre or genres do you write in?
LGBTQ
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Only a Sith thinks in absolutes.
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
In Delayed Reaction - Andrew is waylaid by a snow storm; his flight is cancelled and the only hotel in town is full. An old motel on the edge of town looks to be the only choice. He meets Morgan in the hotel's reception; together they drive to the motel - their worst fears are realised but at least it has vacancies.
In A Dog's Life - Orion is an escort at the pinnacle of his career. He meets Stephen who is also an escort during a weekend in Nice. Is it time for them to give up the dog’s life and re-discover the joys of sex without the pay-off?
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
Walking on the beach after lunch
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
Saint Catherine's Centre in Ventnor Isle of Wight. A residential school and respite Centre for children with learning disabilities, funded entirely by donation. http://www.stcatherines.org.uk
Where can readers find out more and connect with you?
Website: http://alpmortal.weebly.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carterseagrove
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecarterseagroveproject
Other: http://www.amazon.com/Alp-Mortal/e/B00BJ5FH7Q

Name: Ian S. Bott
What genre or genres do you write in?
Science Fiction
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Only a Sith thinks in absolutes.
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
Sci-fi action adventure. One book is a far-future tale of planet-wrecking revenge. The other is closer to home, our own civilization stealthily corroded by the technology on which it depends.
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
Good old-fashioned British Christmas pudding, with brandy butter and cream.
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
The local food bank, which is run by the Lions Club.
Where can readers find out more and connect with you?
Website: http://www.iansbott.com/
Other: http://www.thebaldpatch.blogspot.com/

Name: Susan Catalano
What genre or genres do you write in?
Fantasy, Historical
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Nice
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
Merry Chalmers is an accused witch who leaps from the 17th century into modern-day Salem and embarks on a race to save both herself and the man she loves from the disastrous fate history holds for them.
The Timeless Ones is the first of an exciting two-book series. The sequel, A Necessary Darkness, is due out early 2016.
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
Lebkuchen - A german gingerbread dipped in chocolate
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
Blues City Animal Rescue - This organization is filled with some very special people who rescue dogs from high-kill shelters and foster the dogs in their homes before sending them off to their new families. We were fortunate to adopt our amazing, wonderful pup, Finn, who was found at a construction site at approximately 5 months old. We are still in touch with his foster family. https://bluescityanimalrescue.wordpress.com
Where can readers find out more and connect with you?
Website: http://susancatalano.wix.com/susancatalano
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scatu2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimelessOnes
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/knitcat1/the-timeless-ones/

Name: Shari Sakurai
What genre or genres do you write in?
Horror, LGBTQ
Have you been naughty or nice this year?
Nice
Tell us a little about the book(or books) you are offering.
Demon's Blood: Japanese vampire Kokawa Taku and his English lover, Thane Bremen, were forced to flee their home in Tokyo after being discovered by vampire hunters and have resettled in Norfield, England. Ever since Thane has been haunted by the events in Tokyo and suffers from reoccurring nightmares. Yet unknown to Thane there is more to those events than he is aware of, and as a consequence Taku is struggling against something much darker, something that could ultimately destroy him.
What is your favorite underrated holiday treat?
Candy canes! They're really yummy but many of them just get left hanging on the tree as decorations for all of the holiday season!
In the spirit of giving, tell us about your favorite charitable organization.
The Blue Cross is an animal charity that finds homes for unwanted pets and also provides veterinary treatment to pets whose owners are unable to afford to take their pets to private veterinary clinics. https://www.bluecross.org.uk
Where can readers find out more and connect with you?
Website: http://www.sharisakurai.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ShariSakurai
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharisakurai
Other: http://sharisakurai.wordpress.com

And you can read about the other thirty authors giving away books at:

http://www.invertedworlds.com/the-ghost-of-christmas-book-blast/

https://annalsofgentalia.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/the-ghost-of-christmas-book-blast/

http://brkingsolver.com/author-s-blog/item/book-blast-interviews?category_id=3


Happy reading!

Free books!

Coming soon!

40 authors

50+  **free**  e-books

Look out for more details here on Monday