Immortal Works Is Having A Sale...You'd Better Hurry, Though

 Attention Readers: There's a sale!

Five years ago a little independent publishing house took a chance on my little book. Hopefully, they don't regret their decision. I know it's something I'm proud I did. And who knows...maybe they'll take another chance on me if I ever got my butt in gear and delivered those stories I'm sure they're sick of hearing about.

If you click: HERE, you can see all the books (paperback only...) that are on sale between now and Monday, 3/20/23. If you keep scrolling, you'll see a humble little book about a boy, his dog, and an interstellar adventure, or you can just click: HERE for a shortcut.

Back when Immortal Works first started I tried reading every book they published. Then, they just kept cranking them out. I finally gave up--there's so many books. And they're all on sale for a few more days.

Like any request to buy books, purchasing is wonderful, reading is the purpose of the book in the first place, and leaving a review is icing on the cake. If you're a reader, check out the list, order one (or several...), read it and review it. There's an entire library for you to explore and enjoy. Give the stories and adventures Immortal Works a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Books Delivered...Let's Get Conferencing!

 It's been a while since a box full of books has been delivered to our front door. It used to be more of a regular occurrence back when I attending writing conferences and conventions. Back then, my main goal was to try and sell as many copies of my works as possible.

Then life happened.

Of course, there was the shutting down of almost all public gatherings. That'll put a crimp in your plans...and it did. But even before that, at one of the biggest conventions in my state I had stopped trying to sell any books or get on any panels that leads to book sales. I turned my attention and energy toward being part of the programming team. When I did that something had to give, and what gave was selling books.

Then, I moved north. There's fewer people up here. Many times fewer people translate to fewer opportunities for people to gather. At least, that's what I thought. I've seen a dozen or more chances to set up a table and try and introduce my neighbors to my stories. The problem was, I had very little inventory to sell, so I haven't done much of anything.

Maybe it's because it's a new year...maybe it's because I had some money leftover from my Halloween gig--whatever it was, I placed an order for a couple of dozen books. They arrived today.

Opening a box of books that you wrote is still an incredible feeling, even though the book is over five years old. I need to order some other books, anthologies that have my short stories to where I feel like I have enough product to give people some options. I need to kick-start my writing life.

A box of new books to sell is a great way to do that.

Looking For A Good Read? It's Easy...Check Out Immortal Works' Amazon Page

 Years ago a few of my writing friends announced they were starting a small press publishing company. I wished them nothing but success. I have experience with a small indie press. They believed in me so much they published three of my short stories. I can't adequately express how grateful I am to that company. Because of those shorts getting published, it opened the door to so many other things, panels at conventions, writing opportunities, and getting to know many many incredible people.

But, I was also a little leery. Most of the small indie presses I've known don't stick around very long. There's a good news/bad news aspect to this. The bad news when a small press goes under is that...well, it no longer exists. But the upside are that the stories, books--sometimes many books--get published. They exist and that can't be taken away.

The press my friends started is called Immortal Works. I've mentioned them many times on this blog because they published my first novel. I also worked with them as an acquisition editor for a time and I chose a story that's now part of their library. Today, the owner and founder of the company sent us a link to the publisher's Amazon page. You can access the site by clicking: HERE (my novel's on Page 3...). Not all of the books they've released are included yet on the Amazon site. This makes the accomplishment of the small press even more impressive. 

I scrolled through the books on the Amazon site, so many stories, so many dreams of new and established writers came true because someone took a chance on their talents and worked with them to create art.

Immortal Works...a small indie press. Still cranking out the books, still believing in the dream.

Remembering The Small Things...

 We were only there a few minutes, but man...it felt good to be back. Immortal Works, a publisher to whom I owe so much, sponsored a homeschool conference this week. I was scheduled to sign books tonight (Friday...) but we had sod coming this afternoon so I was re-scheduled to sign on Thursday afternoon.

Haven't had the chance to do that in over a year.

Since 2013 I've attended at least a couple of conventions a year and been able to sign books at those events. Part of the fun of attending is hanging out with fellow authors, swapping stories, and just having a good time. Sometimes, it got boring--I'm not going to lie, and sometimes you tried and tried for hours on end to sell a book and it didn't happen, but there's a feeling you get when you pick up a pen and a book that you wrote and sign your name.

Those are the some of the small things you remember, and things you miss as an author, at least, they are for me.

Even though we didn't stay as long as we expected (because other vendors began shutting down for the day not long after we arrived...), the short time we were there...was great.

Changes Happen...Those Two Will Be Missed At Immortal Works

 

Immortal Works is an amazing and wonderful organization. I've been involved with them in one form or another almost since its inception. I knew the people who created the publication company before they decided to start the business. Then, they decided to publish my first novel, Chaser...one of their first books.

But, things change...

Not the organization, per se, but in some of the people who run the show, who I've worked with, who I admire. Two people are leaving their jobs with the company. I know they'll be replaced and the new people will most likely do an incredible job, but the two that are leaving did such a great job, it's going to be a little strange.

Working for a small start-up is tough. You're a small fish in an ocean, and you have to fight for each sale, each contact, each impression. You're definitely paddling against the tide. But, looking back at the amount of work these two did, it puts into perspective just how hard those jobs are.

In the time they worked for the company, the numbers of books sold, of social media reaches, and the reputation of the company as a whole has greatly increased. Also, the quality of the stories, the diversity of the genres, the talents of the authors improved as well. It's staggering to see where this little publishing company was before these two employees started and where it is now.

I can't be alone thinking they won't be missed. I know each wants to focus on other things--writing projects, family. These are noble pursuits. But so is the work they did with the company. I wish them well, and I thank them for all that hard work they've done.

The End...Two Simple Words That When Put Together Are Huge

 Last week I typed "the words." Those two simple words that when put together, are huge. 

And two words that don't necessarily mean what you think they mean.

This makes three novels under my belt. The first one will most likely never see the light of day, the second was published, and this is number three. Each ending was different, and by that I mean, my reaction to each ending was different.

Novel #1

Years ago two filmmakers and I worked on a screenplay project. We finished the project and I asked if I could write the novel to the story we created. Since they were filmmakers, they didn't care so I wrote it. If the screenplay ever becomes a film, I promise to dust off the story, or even re-write the whole thing. I'll keep you posted, but as of now, I don't believe it's going to get made. Too bad...I liked those characters. The novel, however, was a mess. Thin structure and massive P.O.V. issues. I can't remember the feeling I had when it was finished. Maybe I never typed "The End." Maybe it's not even finished.

Novel #2

If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you are probably sick of hearing about novel #2, Chaser. I wrote it to see if I could complete the NaNoWriMo writing competition that takes place each November. 50k words in one month. Turns out, I could complete the challenge. The book was accepted and published by Immortal Works on January 16th, 2018. I remember finished the first draft of that book. It had problems, yes, but knowing I had completed NaNoWriMo was a great feeling.

Novel #3

Of the three, this one took the longest to write. I began it in 2013 and because of several severe cases of writer's block it took years to finish. I wonder if closing a manuscript and not opening it for almost a decade counts as writer's block. I could not for the life of me figure out the ending, or how I would get to the ending. Once I figured that out, the end came rather quickly and I finished the last 20k words in a few weeks. Because of my previous experience with short stories and novels, I know there's so much more to do. 

I don't have a publisher in mind--it's a unique story. It will most likely be self-published, and I'm okay with that. Another reason I'm excited for this one is it's the first of a trilogy. Now, I just need to begin thinking about structuring the second story, which has its own challenges.

"The End" never really means the end. Just as the characters in a story continue even though we don't know the continuation, the story continues. The script evolves, hopefully it improves, the point-of-view tightens and the story packs more of a punch. Writing "The End" ushers in an exciting time...a tough time, but an exciting one, none the less.

Cori Stories Spotlights...Get To Know Some Authors

 A few months ago, a fellow author contacted me to see if I wanted to participate in a book give-away she was hosting. 

Of course, I said.

One way to help market your own works is to team up with other authors for an event. That way, those involved with let their family, friends, and fans know about the event and it grows from there. The author, Cori Cooper, is also a middle-grade writer also published through Immortal Works. The give-away came and went. A girl from Canada won a copy of my little book about a dog and a spaceship.

After the give-away, Cori asked if I wanted to be spotlighted with other authors on her blog.

Of course, I said.

I was included with nine other authors. On Cori's spotlight page, when you click on my mug (picture, not a drinking glass...), you see a bio and a link to my Amazon author page. To access the author spotlight page, click: HERE. To reach Cori's blog, click: HERE. 

I wanted to thank Cori for including me in her give-away and spotlight. She didn't have to do it. Pushing your own stuff takes a lot of time. It was nice of her to think of others. If you're looking for some new authors to follow and stories to reach, check out Cori Stories. I'm sure you'll find something you love.

Happy Birthday...To A Fun Little Story

 I don't think I'll ever forget January 16th. It's my dear friend's birthday, and also the birthday of my little novel. It's been on the market for three years.

A lot has happened in those three years. The world has gone crazy and all that entails. I've met many authors, and tried to further my craft. Writing is insane sometimes--well, most times. Because I'm not writing stories every day, they basically don't get written. They're still swirling in the brain, sometimes they swirl faster, and sometimes slower, but always in motion.

You would think that with the stories in motion as they are, getting them recorded would be easier. And, I suppose, for some, it is. For me, it takes longer. Many set goals for the new year. I have dusted off a story I'm about 1/2 to 2/3 done. Right now, it's in editing phase for basically two reasons. 1-to clean up my writings from back in 2013, and 2-to remember the story.

If I dig deep (and find an ending I like...), I should have the story done in a few months, that is, if I work on it every day. That's a very doable goal. Yes, my initial novel came out three years ago today. Since then I've had a few short stories published in anthologies. I've been very fortunate. Now, I just need to produce things for people to read.

Time to work on the swirls.

The Perfect Christmas/Halloween Gift..."Haunted Yuletide"

 

It's never too early to find that perfect Christmas present. OR, if you failed to get your loved ones that all-important Halloween gift, on December 1 you'll have a chance to do both--

That's when Haunted Yuletide is available!

I am excited, not only for all those lucky people who will receive this amazing book as a Christmas or post-Halloween gift, but because I was fortunate enough to have a story chosen for the Immortal Works anthology. It's called, All Through the House and I can't wait for people to read it.

Another reason I'm excited for this book's release is because I have so many friends with stories in the book as well. One thing I've learned about the writing community--it is a family.

Remember, for all those hard-to-buy-for people on your list, there's nothing better than giving the gift of spooky Christmas stories. You can pre-order the book by clicking: HERE. 

Haunted Yuletide...something for everyone!

Announcing Eight Internships At Immortal Works...Learn About The Publishing World

 When I first got into this world of writing and publishing, I attended several writing conventions and symposiums. Whenever a person "in the industry" opened it up for questions, almost inevitably someone asked the same question that raged in my heart.

"How do I get published?"

It's like, once you have a physical copy of a book that you wrote in your hands, a whole new world opens wide and you're escorted in to a secret club, a club of "the published author" and all your writing troubles float away in the ether. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. But, when you're on the outside looking it, it feels that way. I've been associated with Immortal Works publishing almost since its inception. It's a wonderful organization with amazing people all wanting to enrich the world with fantastic stories. This past week Immortal Works announced an opening for interns. If you're interested, PLEASE click: HERE to learn more.

You may be thinking, "But, interns aren't paid." That's fair, but also fair is you can do a ton of work writing a book and not get a lot of money from it, too. 

I'm not going to say that working as an intern for a publishing company will guarantee you a book deal or literary success, but I will say is that learning how the publishing world works, can help you in so many ways. Because if you know how the business works, you can make decisions at every step of the way to help you get noticed, improve your story, and hopefully, sign a contract.

Again, if you're interested in learning about the industry, check out the link above. See if there's a category you'd be good at or like to be good at and go for it. 

So, if I ever go to a literary convention again and have the opportunity to be asked, "How do I get published?" I'll say, "Take advantage of every chance to learn you can." Well this is one of those chances.

When A Small-Press Book Gets A Great Review...Ruth Mitchell's "Deleted"

I've been fortunate enough to be associated with Immortal Works Press since almost its inception. They were kind enough to publish my first novel, Chaser.  Also, I've tried to help them as an Acquisitions Editor. I'm not the most productive editor--my bad--but I want to help the company succeed, because I believe there needs to be a place for good, wholesome literary art for people to enjoy and that can actually change lives.

Today, I found out one of the books published through Immortal Works, Ruth Mitchell's Deleted, received some high praise on the website, Indies Today. You can access the review by clicking: HERE. You can also check out other reviews of other books on the site.

As an author I've been told to not read the reviews because if you believe too much in the good ones, you'll have to accept the bad ones, too. Still, I reveled in a good review. Here's what Indies Today said about the book:

Imagine a world where everybody is attached to their electronic devices… oh wait, that is our current reality! But in Deleted, technology has advanced to a greater degree. A clever hacker, Nick, has found a way to not only see people’s memories, but to erase them. Nick has created a niche market for himself erasing undesirable memories for those that can afford his services. His lucrative career is jeopardized when his path crosses with the indomitable Lucy, a quirky young woman with strong opinions and stronger ethics. When Lucy’s memories prove to be just out of reach, Nick determines that he will stop at nothing to protect his secrets.

Ruth Mitchell knows how to tell a compelling story! Between the suspense and action, Mitchell has also managed to work in a charming love story. The technological aspects feel totally believable, adding another layer of intrigue to an already page-turning novel. Of all the dynamic characters, Marco is my favorite! His awkward charm and humility make him somebody I want to know. And for those looking for a clean read, this book absolutely hits all the marks! Deleted is a one-of-a-kind young adult novel that has just the right mix of excitement and heart.

Ruth Mitchell has penned an exceptionally well plotted and perfectly paced tale. You won’t want to miss a single word of Deleted!

Yes, high praise, indeed!

If you'd like to order Deleted, just click: HERE to reach the book's Amazon page, or: HERE to reach the publisher's page. I love seeing others find great books from someone other than the big boys.

Pitching Sessions--First Time Wearing A Collared Shirt In Months...

Last week I got dressed up, of sorts. I needed to attend a meeting and I wanted things to be a little different than when I participated in other on-line meetings. This time, I was representing something other than myself.

And, I didn't know the people I would be meeting.

I haven't done too many on-line meetings, a few here and there, a couple a week. I know many who are holding a couple meetings every day. Not me. When I normally log into a zoom meeting, the main concern I've had is to be outside of earshot of the dog barking. The best place for that in our house is our unfinished basement. No, this time I wanted to make a good impression, so I went to our local library and used their conference room.

On Friday I was representing Immortal Works Press and I was acting in the official capacity of Acquisitions Editor. The meeting was for pitches of new authors to see if the publisher would be interested in their stories.

I don't have a lot of experience with pitch sessions. In fact, this was the first time listening to others as they pitched to us their stories. I've only pitched a story of my own one time. That happened almost a decade ago.

I've got to be honest--I enjoyed better being on the side that makes decisions than the side that's hoping they like my story. That's only natural.

I heard three pitches, three completely different story ideas, different genres for different audiences. Who knows...I may have heard the storyline for a bestseller. I know both the publisher and the author would love for that to happen.

Friday was fun. I realized, after coming home and changing, that it was the first time since maybe the beginning of March that I wore a shirt with a collar. All those shirts have just sat in our little closet. The way things are going, I may never have to wear any of them again.

Time will tell.

Jay Barson's "Blood Creek Phantom"...Available Today

There are some things going on that--for the slightest of moments--make you believe life is operating as normal. No, it's not being able to do many of the things we used to do without thinking of the ramifications. But, when a new book is launched into the world, well...that's something that used to happen and still happens now.

With today's release of Blood Creek Phantom, Jay Barnson has added to his Blood Creek Series, all published through Immortal Works. Since it's the third in the series, and I believe there will be at least one more volume. However, you never know what plans the muse has. Here's a short description of each book so far:

Blood Creek Witch, Blood Creek Series Vol. 1

Deep in the Appalachian Mountains, a monstrous evil rises, and the only one who can stand against it is a teen-aged witch who doesn’t believe in magic.

Grieving and lost after the death of her parents, Jenny Morgan is sent to West Virginia to live with an aunt she’s never met. It’s there that Jenny is confronted with an unbelievable family heritage of witchcraft and magic – something she immediately dismisses as old-fashioned superstitions. However, once her new home is threatened by deadly horrors straight out of myth and folklore, her aunt’s stories become impossible to ignore.

Now Jenny and her three new friends – friends with dark secrets all their own - are the only ones who stand a chance of stopping the growing evil, but only if Jenny can embrace her arcane heritage. But little does Jenny know, becoming a witch will attract the attention of an even greater evil - the same un-killable creature her parents died to protect her from.

Blood Creek Beast, Blood Creek Series Vol 2

For years, Jack Parsons dreamed of escaping the tiny community of Maple Bend, West Virginia. Now he is trapped in another world entirely. Seeking help to protect the crossroads from the immortal “man in the white suit” and his Coven, Jack ventures into the world ‘Round the Bend, a mirror-image of West Virginia more wondrous, and more dangerous, than he had ever imagined.

On the other side of the crossroads, the Coven pursues Jessabelle Rose with plans to use her shape-shifting powers for their own dark ends. Jessabelle must choose between flight or fight; to escape the Coven forever, or risk everything to protect her family.

What began with mysterious deaths deep in the Appalachian Mountains now threatens to engulf two worlds. Witchcraft and creatures of folklore mix with shadowy high-tech organizations and political intrigue in this thrilling tale of magic and adventure.

Blood Creek Phantom, Blood Creek Series Vol 3

An army of the living and an army of the dead converge on the Crossroads, and the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance.

Sean Williams can see the ghosts of the dead rising in Maple Bend. They can see him, too—including the vengeful spirit of a serial murderer hunting him. To save Maple Bend from the plans of the Man in the White Suit, Sean must put the dead to rest—but doing so may cost him the girl who haunts his dreams.

Beyond the Crossroads, a powerful army approaches, led by the evil daughter of the Man in the White Suit. Jenny Morgan, an inexperienced witch self-exiled to this magical parallel version of West Virginia, stands with the defenders to halt a vastly superior force. But is she truly part of the last line of defense against the darkness, or is she the key to its victory?

You can order the book today from Amazon: HERE. 

Writing any book is an incredible feat. Writing three--expanding the universe--compounds the difficulty with each volume. I'm so impressed with friends who have the creativity, the self-discipline to complete the project, and through it all, remaining sane.

The writer's triple threat.

Congrats to Jay! Well done on Book 3!

On to the next!

Rachel Huffmire's "Spinning Briar"...Available Now!

When you hear about a cool new story idea, that cool new story idea sticks with you and you know the pitch worked. I don't remember the pitch word-for-word, but I remember what Rachel Huffmire's first book was about...

Fairytales and time traveling.

I finished her book, Shattered Snow and it was fantastic. I kept being blown away by the fact that, yes--I'm reading a story about fairytales, but it's also super technical, like a futuristic adventure, but in the past. 

Now, the next chapter in the Mirror Chronicles is available, as of yesterday. Rachel's Spinning Briar can be yours. Here's an overview from the book's Amazon site:

Being an International Time Travel Agent requires absolute obedience. The smallest change in history could completely destroy the present.

When Charul Shazad loses the trail of the Mirror, a time-traveling vigilante, both history and his career are put on the line. Unwilling to lose everything, Charul takes on the dangerous renegade alone and finds himself marooned in a forgotten forest. But Charul isn’t one to give up. Could the vine covered castle in the distance hold the secret to capturing the Mirror once and for all?

Dorothea Wild is the Mirror's newest right-hand programmer. After spending forty years in a high-security ITTA prison cell, accepting the renegade's job offer was an easy decision. But, saving people in the past isn't all she wants. A big enough mission could undermine the authority of ITTA, allowing her sweet retribution on the company that ruined her life.

Fleur de Doue was never meant to exist, at least that's what the Mirror's assistants tell her. To avoid being erased from history, she helps the Mirror surround her castle in wires and brambles. But, just because the Mirror enabled her birth doesn't mean he has the right to control her fate. Could it be that he made a mistake and Fleur doesn't belong in the past?

If this sounds like something you'd like, you can order the book from Amazon: HERE, or you can go to Immortal Work's site: HERE. I haven't read the new edition yet--it's on my list, but Book 2 is anything like Book 1, I'm sure I'll love it. Check it out yourself--what a wonderful world in which to escape.

Books, Books, And More Books...Now On Sale!

The other day I posted about my little book, Chaser a book about a boy, his dog, and a grand adventure. Looks like my book is included in a book bundle.

And it couldn't come at a better time.

The sale goes until March 26th.

You can click on the Amazon link: HERE, or Immortal Works's website: HERE for the sale. My novel Chaser is included as is an anthology where I have a short story, Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel. Got to love it when your works are included in with so many great ones.

During the sale, ALL Immortal Works titles are on sale. What I love about being included in this is I know many of the authors personally, and have read many of these stories. Immortal Works is a small press. They're only a couple of years old and they're trying to do something wonderful. They're giving writers an opportunity to have their stories available to the public.

If you're looking for something to read, there's something for every taste, books and stories in almost every genre--PG-13 or tamer, that is.

It seems like--even in this insane time we're in--everyone's coming at you from all sides, look here, buy this, don't do this and/or that. I suppose I'm adding my voice to all the others. But, it you want an adventure to take you away from the insanity, check out the Immortal Works titles. Come for the sales--stay for the stories.

It's Always A Good Time To Read A Book...So Give Chaser A Chance

We are living in interesting times. Interesting times call for something interesting to read. And, as luck would have it, I know of just the interesting thing to read, a little book called Chaser.

Back in 2018 my debut novel was released. It didn't change the world, but it changed me. Having something out there that people can pick up, flip through the pages, read, and enjoy brought with it so much personal satisfaction. It took a lot of hard work, but I found an acquisitions agent who liked it and bought it. Thanks to her and a wonderful editor, the finish product was born, a book, a story, an adventure.

Like millions of people now changing the way they work, play, interact with others, my family is home and thinking about the future. I know I'm not alone thinking a great way to spend time at home is to pick up a good book and let it engulf you, surround you, and yes, change you.

My book's been out for a while, but it's still something I'm proud of, something I still try and push whenever I can. If you want, you can go to Immortal Works website: HERE or the Amazon website: HERE and order the paperback physical copy, the digital copy, or you can check out Audible: HERE for the audiobook. I love the audiobook version. But, then again, I love them all.

Maybe it's because I'm friends with many authors and they are doing what I'm doing here--pushing their stuff. I'm glad they are. The world is a better place when we read. If you check out mine, or any book right now, thank you! I hope it makes this interesting time even more so.

 

Letting You Babies Go...Submitting A Story

Being involved in the writing community for the past couple of years, you get to know a lot of authors. Some are machines, writing and submitting stories--it seems--every week. Then, there's others, like me, that write, but we're not so prolific. 

Tonight, I hit "Send" and I said good-bye to one of my babies. It was time to let go.

The fact that the deadline for submissions is the end of February means I'm running out of time. Still, I needed to get it in. It's a short story, around 3k words. I didn't spend a lot of time writing and editing it (a HUGE thanks to my writing group for their help...), but still, there's that moment, before I send anything in, I pause. Is it good enough? Should I have put in more work? Is it what they're looking for?

Time, of course, will tell.

Even though I haven't submitted many stories, it does get easier the more I do it. And it helps that those receiving the story--the editors are people I consider good friends. We've known each other for years, having both begun our literary journey at the same time. If my story's not good enough for the collection, they'll be honest with me if I ask them why. That kind of honesty is so important when you're so vulnerable after putting your heart on the line with your words.

Now, the waiting. I hope they received a ton of submissions, so many that only the cream of the crop will make it in the anthology. The book is set to be released at the end of the year, in time for Christmas, so even if it is chosen, I won't be able to hold the collection in my hands for several months.

It felt good to hit "Send." It's been too long. I need to do more of that.

Immortal Work's "A Mighty Fortress"...And Then There Were Four

In the end, it took four volumes to contain the stories, and truth be told, I'll bet they could publish a few more when it's all said and done. The call went out years ago for stories containing two things: Steampunk and Mormonism.

They were pleasantly surprised.

Now, the fourth in the collection is available tomorrow. A Mighty Fortress can now be yours after 2/18/20. Just click: HERE to preorder now or wait until tomorrow. Either way, it'll be a great way to complete your collection. And if you haven't got them all, just follow the links on the Amazon page. You can also go to the publisher's page, Immortal Works. You can access that site: HERE for these and other amazing books.

In A Mighty Fortress, I know many of the authors personally, one I met while living in Denmark in the mid-1980s. Crazy world! I have a story in Book #2, Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel. I recommend that book, after you order and read A Mighty Fortress, of course.

And, if you'd like to know more about several of the stories, check out this YouTube video preview. You can get there by clicking: HERE.

A Mighty Fortress available 2/18/20. The perfect thing to get you through those winter blues, or summer blues if that's where you are.

Please check out these other Mormon Steampunk anthologies!

Risa Nyman's "Swallowed By A Secret" Is Available...From Immortal Works

January and Immortal Works publishers is a great combination. This month's new book is entitled, Swallowed by a Secret, by Risa Nyman. Again, since it's a brand new book, available today, I have not read this particular story. But, I have read many Immortal Works books and there's not one I haven't enjoyed.

What's Swallowed by a Secret about?

Here's the write-up from the Immortal Works website:

One dead father.

One lying mother.

After twelve-year-old Rocky overhears Mom admit her story about how his dad died is bogus, his trust in his one remaining parent unravels. The For-Sale sign appears on the front lawn right after the funeral, forcing Rocky to leave the house linked to so many memories of his dad.

Consumed by the secret and struggling to adjust to changing schools mid-year, Rocky is startled by a familiar voice. Dashing into a restroom stall to hide, the voice of his father tells him that the only way to learn the truth is to return to his old town.

Can you take advice from a dead person? 

Rocky finds a real partner in a new friend, Olive, who offers to be his assistant sleuth and help him crack the secret and get his life on track. The pair's schemes go bust, but they embolden Rocky to embark on a journey of risks, eavesdropping and snooping to discover the truth about the father he thought he knew.

I think we all experienced tough times growing up. Life, after all, ism't supposed to be necessarily easy. But, when we read about how others cope and what others go through, I think it bonds us to others, it also helps us deal with our own challenges.

If you think this something you'd like to read, you can check out the publisher's site for the book: HERE. You can also go to the Amazon site: HERE. Help support indie booksellers and book publishers. It's such a cool January thing to do.

About Risa Nyman

From her Amazon author page:

Born in Boston with the accent to prove it, Risa lived within ten miles of the city for decades until a recent move to the neighboring Ocean State.

For many years, Risa worked in a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting active participation in our democracy, with a special focus on voting and elections.

Risa's deep dive into creative writing started with a strange event that involved finding three pennies in a neat stack in a completely empty apartment that belonged to her mother. It's a long story.

Writing is a priority and passion. At other times, Risa is reading, exercising or doing therapeutic ironing - unless the grandchildren are around.

Ruth MItchell's "Deleted"...It's Available Today!

It was almost two years ago...on my friend's birthday...my debut novel Chaser became available. It's a surreal experience waiting for the day to arrive, then when the day finally arrives, a few keyboard clicks and there it is--the book you wrote, the words you strung together, sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph, chapter after chapter, until it somehow magically exists.

Like I said, it's a surreal experience.

Today another book came out, a book from the same publisher that chose my book. It's Ruth Mitchell's Deleted and it's available to buy. You can order the book or download it immediately by clicking: HERE. Since it's so new, I haven't read it, obviously, but if you want to know what Deleted is about, here's the synopsis from the Amazon page:

Lucy Campbell is the last person you'd expect to hack minds. The college freshman prefers vintage technology, old books and retro fashion. But when she makes a fool of herself in front of her crush, Marco Han, she wishes she could erase the whole episode from his brilliant mind. She's shocked to learn that her older sister, Mollie, can do just that.

Mollie tells Lucy she's found a way to delete people's memories via Spex, the thought-activated successor to smart phones and Google Glass. Yet, when Mollie breaks into Marco's mind, she decides not to erase any embarrassing moments because he already has a crush on Lucy. Encouraged by her sister's discovery, Lucy stops avoiding Marco. Soon, the two are dating, and Marco, a tech guru in his own right, elevates Mollie's mind hacking from a guilty pleasure to an efficient crime-solving tool.

As the three infiltrate more minds, they realize they're not the only ones who can steal memories. Marco suddenly forgets Lucy; and Mollie forgets that she could ever mind hack. Lucy's mind should be safe because she doesn't wear Spex. But then the mysterious hacker, Nick Lethe, comes after her in person.

Lucy flees to the woods, the only place safe from the surveillance of the ubiquitous Spex. If Nick finds her, he'll erase her memories or worse. If she doesn't find him --and stop him -- no one will know that minds can be hacked and lives rewritten.

We wake up, go to work (most of us...), finish work, come home, go to bed, and do it all over again the next day. If we're lucky, in between the ordinary, something happens that's wonderful, exciting, nerve-wracking, and beautiful. I know how Ruth feels tonight. 

The book sounds amazing. I hope you get a chance to read it. And to Ruth, I hope you have a wonderful sleep after the emotional roller coaster-day you've had.