suspense

RELAUNCH: Horizon by William Lloyd

RELAUNCH: Horizon by William Lloyd

Horizon is a book on our must-read list, especially now that it has been relaunched by author William Lloyd. Not only does his sci-fi book have a new cover, it has an extended ending! This debut novel is very personal for William; he merged his own experiences and darkest times with science fiction to develop a strong first book (according to his ratings!) as well as a thirst to write more. Keep your eyes out for this up-and-coming star.

~~~

Is this your first book? How long did it take you to plan it before you began writing it?

Horizon is the first book that I published back in May 2014. I’m actually looking to relaunch it with an extended ending and new cover design.

I was jotting down ideas for Horizon back in 2008, but I never really started writing it until 2010. Then it took me about four years to actually put together the book and have it ready for publishing. During that time frame, I was actually an Assistant Produce Manager for a grocery chain so I kind of had my hands full at the time.

Is this a commentary on the sentient/intelligent technology being forced into our everyday lives and our military?

The story as a whole goes into enemies within the government. For the most part though, you don’t see this until later on. Right now, it’s more of a story about a man trying to discover what happened to his Navy father. Think of it as military men being claimed dead, but actually are still alive because the government doesn’t want any relatives interacting with them.

The main character, Aaron Lambright, is someone who has some common issues: alcoholism and unemployment. Was part of the point of this novel to speak to people with the same issues and deliver the message that even with their problems, they can be heroes in some respect?

Aaron Lambright was me when I was about 19 or 20 years old. I had a failed relationship that continued to just eat at me every single day. I ended up crawling into one of the darkest realms of my own consciousness and didn’t want to come back out ever again. My life was filled with poor decisions when I was younger and what happens with Aaron is the symbolism of my life during that time period.

My message when writing this novel was exactly that. It’s better to meet your calling halfway and pursue it than to constantly feel dead inside because unfavorable events brought you to that dark place.

What kinds of changes have you made for the relaunch of Horizon? Will people who already read it find anything new in the re-release?

Well, there will be an extended ending for all those that felt the ending didn’t live up to their expectations. I have to admit, the cliffhanger was a bit too out of this world for a first novel, but it was a gamble with good and bad effects. Also, there will be a new cover.

Judging by your Amazon reviews, your readers would love to know when the next book in the series is coming out. Do you have an approximate date for them to look forward to?

Currently, I am still piecing together Eversoul. I’m about halfway done with it, and I’d like to have it out by March 2016

Do you mostly write science fiction or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?Horizon

I am currently playing with an epic fantasy called The Temperament Scepter. It’s a trilogy, but I also have spinoff trilogies that will be released after the final novel Resurrection has been released.

I also have been working on a horror/suspense called Afterlife: What Happens Next.

What do you think makes your work stand apart from other works in your genre?

The one comment I hear a lot from my reader is my description. I guess the way I portray my stories through each chapter is almost like a movie. I do my very best to have all the senses present in each scene. Also, I tend to tell the story of the villains throughout the novel to have some kind of relatability for my readers.

What is the significance of the cover picture?

The cover of Horizon had to do with politics, corruption, and love. The glass of whiskey on the cover was a representation of the clouded judgement of the government, while the red lace panties were a sense of deception in Aaron’s life with his relationship. The letter was more of a metaphor for the lost soldiers that don’t always make it home and how the deception, corruption, and judgement can lead to the loss of good and brave men.

Is there anything in your life that inspired you to write Horizon, or was this purely from your imagination?

The first half of the novel was about my pathetic life when I started the book. Ha-ha! The ending was more of my imagination with all the different worlds and aliens out there in the universe.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people you know or have seen/talked to in real life?

In the beginning, it all had to do with my relationship with a girl. I eventually found myself writing about my perception of what was going on in politics and how it could affect us 100 years later. I tried to write about some experiences I had with people in my own life like the sentimental talks Aaron has with his Uncle Ron because that was the relationship I had with my uncle at the time. And still do.

I think as far as Aaron’s family goes, I wanted to portray the feeling I had with my own family. I’d say sometimes we feel distant from our parents once we leave home and our relationship drifts apart. Although Aaron’s father was a bit of a drunk as well, I never experienced that with my father. I only used the distance I felt with him at that particular time. I wrote a few scenes about Aaron’s mother more about teaching and pain. This served the point that I have a close bond to my mom, but sometimes we do have our arguments.

Aaron’s brother Lance was added later on because there was a separation between my sister and me. I felt like we didn’t know each other well and it was hard to connect to her as a brother. I created Lance as a way to show the adventurous life that my sister may not know she is actually living right now metaphorically.

Now, as far as Abigail, she is the relationship I have with my current fiancé, which is much better than the relationship I had with the girl I was with back then. Now, I use symbolism with the Chanda II to create the effect of the hell I was living through with my ex.

What inspires you to write? Music? Other books? Real life events? Just an incredible imagination?

Just an incredible imagination. Ha-ha! When I wrote music, I did it because it made me feel good. I enjoyed touching the strings on the guitar and feeling the warm tones leave my throat when I sang. Most of the lyrics I wrote were real life events. As far as books, my life is implanted in every page.

Are you part of any writers’ groups? If so, what do you like about them? How do they help you or inspire you? If not, why not?

Currently, I’m with a group of writers called the #Awethors. I really do enjoy this group because they help each other out in this kind of work. There are never any dull moments with these guys especially because all of us are going through the same experience with writing.

I think they’ve inspired me to not think so much about my own writing but to expand my reading to other genres. These guys have really created an environment where we can all listen and act like adults, especially with certain topics.

Do you plan your writing out with outlines, character development exercises, and other pre-writing activities? Or do you just write as it comes to you?

When I write fantasy, I actually draw maps and outline all of my characters. Then I create about a ten page timeline of each event that happens in each book. I actually describe my outlining procedure on my blog. Now, when it comes to horror/suspense, I normally let whatever is on my mind find its way on paper. I don’t outline those because I think raw ideas bring out crazier ideas.

Did you do any research for Horizon?

The only research I did was about Australia and Alaska. I also sat down and watched politics not work for almost four years.

Do you read the kinds of books you like to write? Do you watch movies similar to or the same genre as your writing?

I read different kinds of books to get an idea of how to write those genres. I read a lot of “Walking Dead” comic books because I’m just a huge fan of Robert Kirkman. I also read Stephen King and Steve Alten with their horror stories. I guess as far as horror I read books.

Anything fantasy, I watch The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and any dystopian movie that’s out right now. Also, video games have been a huge motivator to write because the storylines are amazing in some of the science fiction and fantasy games.

If you could write anywhere in the world – in a fictional or nonfiction place – where would you write?

I would write underneath a glass dome beneath the Pacific Ocean. I have always loved being underwater and going to aquariums. If I could write at the bottom of the ocean, I think it could bring about many ideas that I didn’t even know I had.

~~~

1939913_10151920798247477_463323191_nWilliam Lloyd has a home in Atlanta, Georgia, where he enjoys spending his days playing music and watching football. His specialty genres are horror and suspense as well as science fiction/fantasy. He released his first novel Horizon in May 2014 and is currently working on a new novella called Afterlife: What Happens Next. He loves playing golf, video games on PlayStation 3, and reading horror novels in the evenings. He attended college at the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he studied Audio and Video Production.

Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/willlloyd15

Blog: www.williamlloydjr.wordpress.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Horizon-William-Lloyd-ebook/dp/B00MD4U3YE/

Matt Harrill’s HELLBEAST Release

Talk about an epic cover! Happily, the writing in Matt Harrill’s Hellbeast follows suit. Matt sent us an excerpt of the book – the part during which the cover actually happens – and it delivers the action and excitement promised by the cover design. And did we mention it’s epic? We’re talking demons, a sword called the Well of Souls, a six-pointed star, and the name Exerrocks. What more temptation do you need to buy this book? If that doesn’t do it for you, have a read of the blurbs below.

~~~

Bannerpromo

Book Blurb: 

The fate of the world is balanced on a knife-edge. Despite everything Madden and Eva have been through to prevent it, the ARC Council is in disarray, demons roam the Earth. The Apocalypse is closer than ever. The solution couldn’t be further from her grasp.

Enter the final chapter of The ARC Chronicles, where Eva throws off the yolk of personal tragedy and follows her destiny to the one place she doesn’t want to go, the one place she cannot hope to avoid.

Hellbeast: Heroes don’t always walk in the light.Hellbeast final

Second Blurb:

Her baby is gone, the only means of following her destroyed. Eva is left on Earth with Madden and her friends, and a gaping hole in her heart.

There is no time to take stock. The ARC Council is shattered, several members dead or disappeared. Decisions need to be made. This is far from the end. As demons start to find their way onto earth in ever increasing numbers, Eva is given an ultimatum: sacrifice herself, or sacrifice her daughter Nina.

With Madden, Gila, Swanson and numerous allies, Eva must find a way to reach her daughter before it is too late…

Author Bio:

0204434Born and raised in Bristol, England, Matthew W Harrill is an international award-winning horror author. His series, ‘The ARC Chronicles’ consists of Hellbounce (which has received acclaim at the Halloween Book Festival, the London Book Festival and most recently the 2015 International Book Awards), Hellborne and the final book of the series, Hellbeast is imminent.

In addition to his mentor David Farland (The Runelords, The Courtship of Princess Leia [as Dave Wolverton]), Matt is always thankful to know the British author Juliet E McKenna, who has helped him countless times. He is a fan of fantasy, loving Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. He also has a lot of time for the truly bizarre horror of H P Lovecraft, citing this as an influence on his work. He also cites the fictional author ‘Hank Moody’ as an influence.

Matthew has worked as a labourer, a barman, a cleaner, a joiners mate. In addition he has dabbled in commercial insurance and has for the past 12 years implemented share plans for Xerox.

When not working, Matthew enjoys tennis with his son, watching movies and television series such as Supernatural and Grimm, blogging and cookery.

Social Media

Amazon.com author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00M0D7UWQ

Goodreads.com author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8288084.Matthew_W_Harrill

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.W.Harrill.Author?fref=ts

Official Website: www.matthewharrill.com

websitebanner-1148x315

Relaunch: Karen J Mossman’s STAR STRUCK

Relaunch: Karen J Mossman’s STAR STRUCK

Welcome to the launch week for Karen J Mossman’s novel Star Struck! Today all the way through September 20th, Karen will be visiting a variety of blogs on her tour. Keep your eyes open on Twitter and Facebook for announcements. And now, without further ado, let’s dive into Star Struck. Congratulations, Karen!

~~~
Author:
Karen J Mossman
Genre: Romance/Suspense

Bio

Karen J Mossman’s parents were foster casers, with four siblings and five foster children, and so she spent her early days telling them stories.

“I used to make up fantastic stories, throwing my arms up to emphasise things as their eyes grew wider and wider! Although I wasn’t inspired to ever write for children.”

As a teenager, it was a means of escape. Karen wrote stories to take her away from the madhouse of her home.

Years passed and Karen wrote for pleasure, advancing from notebook, to typewriter, and eventually to computer.

“Writing straight on the screen and being able to backspace, delete and add text was a revelation to me.”

In 2013 after being made redundant she decided to write full time. Over the years she wrote many short stories and decided to self-publish in anthologies with a theme. The first was The Missing, as Karen was fascinated as to why people vanish. Behind the Music followed because she was intrigued about the real people behind stardom. Finally Heroes came along, as she loved a good romance with a twist.

Star Struck is her first full-length novel.

Blurb

When life throws you a curveball, who will there be to catch it?

A story of love, loss, betrayal, friendship and kinship set in 1980s Manchester, with music Star Struck Coverand music of the day.

Joanna Nelson is escaping a broken romance and there is nowhere better than with her sister in London. On the train she meets a mysterious stranger, then in London, a wide-boy cockney, and eventually arrives home with an even more complicated life.

She is also haunted by her childhood, and when her mother turns up, it brings back awful memories. All have consequences that she still carries with her. Thank goodness for her sister and friends to support her. The trouble is, it can get complicated when her best friend is a ‘he’.

Just as Joanna gets her life back on track, everything is turned upside down. Who of her friends will be there for her? Or will she find herself alone?

Review

I found the book to be full of complexity. Joanna is presented with a keen depth of character. Karen J. Mossman brought the layers in this book alive with excellent detail.

Without losing the main story Mossman brought several other smaller storylines into play in a lovely and engaging manner.

This is a story of love gained, love lost, friendships forged and familial connections. Emotional and personal growth occurs amid personal friendships and human interactions.

Mossman, in my opinion, writes fluidly, creatively and delivers a poignant story to the reader.

Jennifer Deese, author of The Orchid Keeper

Excerpt

Unconsciously, the sisters had dressed similarly. Joanna was wearing a short pink skirt and Sandie was in a short yellow one. Their tops were similar too, in contrasting colours and with wide shoulders. Sandie had back-combed her long hair till it was full around her face and she wore a scarf as a hair band. Joanna had moved her ponytail to the side of her head, wrapped it in a pink tie-dye, and let it fall in a long loose drape, to move with her hair.

Joanna knew that being with each other made them both feel good; they felt strong because they were a unit that fitted together. They didn’t need to say things because they understood each other so well. Quite often they would say one thing, but each knew they meant something else entirely.

~~~

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Goodreads

Website

Global Amazon link: http://geni.us/b83

Brain to Books: Linda Rawlins

Fast Facts

Author: Linda Rawlins
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Religion/Christian/Catholic fiction
Books: The Bench, Fatal Breach, Sacred Gold from the The Rocky Meadow Mystery Series

Bio

Linda-Rawlins-200x300As a child, I loved to read, whenever and whatever I could get my hands on. I started to write my own “Nancy Drew” type mystery in fifth grade. As a student, I studied Biology in Vermont, Sciences and Literature in college and eventually became a physician. I enjoy writing mysteries that contain medical and light spiritual content. Either way, a good murder mystery is always fun.

My first book, The Bench, is set in the fictional town of Rocky Meadow, VT. The Rocky Meadow Mystery series then continues with Fatal Breach and Sacred Gold, although each book can be read as a stand-alone, just like your favorite episodes of a mystery show. Dr. Amy Daniels is a trauma surgeon who moves to Rocky Meadow, VT to escape family tragedy. There she meets, Father Michael Lauretta, the psychologist pastor of St. Francis church and Rocky Meadow Retreat Center. Together, they solve a mystery and search for a killer with the help of Katie, the church cook, Willow, a teenage millionaire, Father Victor, visiting priest from Chicago and Tony Noce, owner of Hasco’s Bar and Grill. In Fatal Breach, the characters become involved with cybercrime and a murder at a local soup kitchen. Sacred Gold is about gold treasure buried in the catacombs of the church. There is murder as well as a race to see who finds it first.

While solving crimes, the main characters deal with life, loss, starting over and developing an appreciation for the friends and loved ones in their lives.

Linda Rawlins lives in New Jersey with her family. When she is not working in medicine, she is writing.

rocky-Meadow-series-300x225

Come visit at www.lindarawlins.com – sign up for my newsletter.

You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lindarawlinsauthorwww.goodreads.com/LindaRawlins, my Amazon author page https://www.amazon.com/author/lindara… and www.Twitter.com/@LRL8

Healthy Blessed Reading!

Author Accomplishments

In my real life, I work as a physician in hospice.

The Bench Blurb

Medical Murder Mystery – Rocky Meadow, Vermont, seemed to be a quiet little town until The-Benchpeople started dying or showing up in the emergency room under mysterious circumstances. Dr. Amy Daniels is a trauma surgeon, who recently moved to Rocky Meadow after a family tragedy. There she meets Father Michael Lauretta, a psychologist priest who counsels troubled clergy and pastor of the famous Rocky Meadow Retreat House. Together, they save lives and souls and try to solve a mystery before they become the next target of a greedy killer. Will they be able to put a stop to this deadly rampage? The unexpected conclusion awaits in The Bench.

Review

A great novel By bookcollecter on June 22, 2014
I loved this book for many reasons. The story was solid, believable, engaging, uncluttered and written with authority. The characters were well developed, from the major characters – doctor and priest, to the supporting cast, such as the young girl, who is left a sizable inheritance and has to deal with a destructive, self-serving father.
I found myself reading this without pause for hours on the day I picked it up. I guess this was because I was immersed in the story. I finished reading it with a lasting impression and for this reason will be buying Ms Rawlins next offering. She is a talented writer who manages to bring plot characters and story to live with ease.

Fatal Breach Blurb

Acting medical examiner, Dr. Amy Daniels and Father Michael Lauretta become entangledFatal-188x300 in murder at the local soup kitchen in Burlington, Vermont. As their intricate relationship develops, they are drawn into a sinister plot as FBI Special Agent Marcus Cain pursues a deadly internet activist group, known as Shepherd Force. They soon learn, the cybercrime organization will stop at nothing to retrieve an illegal flash drive worth millions of dollars.

Sacred Gold Blurb

An old journal, revealing hidden treasure at St. Francis Church, falls into the hands of acting medical examiner, Dr. Amy Daniels, and tests her faith in life, love, and trust. With the help of the church pastor, Father Michael Lauretta, they try to solve the century-old mystery. Before long, the two find themselves in the company of a trained Italian curator, Sacred-Gold-Cover-198x300desperate to ward off her greedy, possessive boss, who follows her to Vermont and intends to steal the treasure.

Against the backdrop of snowy Rocky Meadow, Vermont, bustling during the Christmas holidays, the remainder of the St. Francis family try to secure a new soup kitchen, only to find charity cannot escape tragedy. When arson and murder lead to a dark, dangerous chase in the catacombs of the church, they all join together to follow age-old clues and find Sacred Gold, before the treasure and more lives are lost forever.

Connect with Linda

Brain to Books: Benjamin Westbrook

Just the Facts

Author: Benjamin Westbrook
Genre: Mystery/suspense/thriller with a Christian perspective.
Book: “Infringement”. The sequel to Infringement, titled “A Haunt for Jackals” will be released in early 2016.

Bio

I’ve been a writer and constant reader since about the age of 12 when I read S.E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders” on Christmas Day after getting all of her books as a gift. As I grew up, I worked as a cook, a photographer and finally went to law school, but always held tight to my desire to write novels. Strangely, it was actually graduating from law school (seeing the culmination of three years of hard work) which gave me the push and confidence to finally complete my first novel (which is now being reworked).

I began writing “Infringement” after reading about James Holmes and the Aurora theater shooting. My goal was to write a story about finding and keeping faith in the darkest of circumstances. As I was writing “Infringement”, my now 4-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, and began treatment. That experience changed my family’s life drastically, as well as my own faith, and I found myself experiencing exactly what I was trying to write about: faith in the darkest of circumstances. The forthcoming sequel, “A Haunt for Jackals”, continues that theme.

Author Accomplishments

My son is now in remission and is doing wonderfully and our experience with cancer has prompted my wife and I to get more involved in the fight against cancer. I serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Gateway Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in St. Louis. We’ve both appeared on the radio discussing our experience, cancer research and fundraisers. I will be riding 37.5 miles in September in Pedal The Cause, which raises money for cancer research and treatment at the St. Louis Childrens’ Hospital. So far, I’ve raised roughly $1,600 towards my goal of at least $2,500.

Blurb

Still grappling with his loss of faith and anger towards God following the death of his Infringement-188x300father while a young boy, second-generation FBI Agent Declan Parker is called to investigate a simple complaint. Quickly discovering a dark undercurrent, Declan is unexpectedly drawn into the world of David Stanton, a man in the final stages of planning the bloodiest mass shooting in history. The lines between “the good guys and the bad guys” become irreconcilably blurred when, during the course of his investigation, Declan stumbles into the midst of a broad, sinister agenda, the aftermath of which will forever change not only his own life, but the lives of all Americans.

Reviews

5 Stars
Great Story!
By David Carlyle on May 21, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
The story is engrossing, but bloody for a Christian book. Mr. Westbrook would have to change the story to have less killing in it, and it’s hard to think how to change it without damage to it. The book definitely keeps the reader wanting to see what happens next, and it’s a top quality book. David Carlyle, “Billy Thomas: Forever Fearless.”
5 Stars
Excellent
By Michelle Dry on February 8, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Could not put it down. Can’t wait for the continuation of the as story. No telling what will happen next.
5 Stars
Loved the book
By Ziply on January 31, 2015
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Loved the book. Easy to read. Could not put it down once I started. Can’t wait for the sequel. Al Matey
5 Stars
Infringement is an intriguing and fast paced book that reads…
By Lisa on January 20, 2015
Format: Paperback
Infringement is an intriguing and fast paced book that reads very quickly! I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next one!
5 Stars
Engrossing, built on today’s domestic and international headlines. Jim and Joan Costello
By Mary J. Costello on January 15, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
A crisply written adventure based on today’s news and old fashioned faith. Written in the
fast based styles of Baldacci, Vince Flynn, and Dan Silva.
5 Stars
A suspenseful, thought-provoking book!
By S. Middendorf on January 15, 2015
Format: Paperback
I thoroughly enjoyed Benjamin Westbrook’s book Infringement. It was a great combination of a suspenseful FBI story (like the TV drama “24”), an analysis of current events (unrest in the Middle East correlating to Biblical prophesy), and thought-provoking dialogue (honest questions about faith in God). As a Christian, I appreciated the author walking us through the main character’s journey to try to see God during the hardships of life.
I really appreciate that this book entertained me (several exciting scenes had me on the edge of my seat!) and made me think about the current state of the world. I look forward to reading Westbrook’s next book!
5 Stars
A Suspenseful Page-Turner!
By Kimberly Mitchell on January 15, 2015
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
A fantastic page turner- I couldn’t put it down! In the midst of catastrophic events whether personal or global, this book addresses how we grapple with our faith when bad things happen. The main character, Declan is questioning his own faith after the death of his father at a young age but begins to believe that God is real and present in the midst of the horrible things happening in the world everyday. I love how Westbrook combined suspense with love and family and wove biblical references throughout the novel. I definitely learned a thing or two about the bible that I didn’t know before! If you like the Da Vinci code and the show 24, you will love this book! I can’t wait for Westbrook’s next novel!
4 Stars
Fast Paced Thriller
By E. McCarthy on January 10, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This novel is a psychological thriller and discusses historical events. The main character, Declan, plays a deadly cat and mouse game with a terrorist named Stanton in part one. Part two explores civil unrest because of governmental infringement of constitutional rights.
The ambitious approach of part two left me a bit confused over different characters’ relationships. I think this could be solved by moving some scenes around to part one in order to keep the characters’ lives juggled more evenly.
I liked the fast paced nature of the book. I would have liked to see more descriptions of the people however, and this would have made me empathize even more with them. I always loved how Charles Dickens described characters.
The action is exciting and kept me interested. I continued reading to find out what happened because I cared about the characters, especially Declan.
I loved the scary scenes inside the mind of a terrorist which were handled very well with a touch of explanation of why he was the way he was. I think this was the best part of the book and I liked the parallel between Stanton and Declan.
The writer has a lot of promise. I would recommend a few ideas: lose the few swear words (or use dashes), just say they went for a drink as some people don’t like alcohol references (and why turn off readers), let any physical intimacy be in the minds of the reader (although the scene wasn’t graphic), and cut any scenes of assaults on women entirely as they turn off female readers (it might be mentioned in passing or referred to in conversation. I was able to skim over the very few scenes).
The religious discussion fit the characters. I liked that the characters stayed true to their convictions. Declan’s journey to self-discovery was an interesting part of the novel.
I feel the writer has a talent for tender scenes especially between mother and son and Evan and Jessica who were lesser characters. I would have loved to see more scenes like these.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a fast paced and entertaining Christian novel and I enjoyed reading it.
5 Stars
I highly recommend this book
By margaret Moellenberg on December 24, 2014
Format: Paperback
 From beginning to end, “Infringement” keeps the reader engaged and enthralled. It is a fast-paced thriller that I could not put down. Benjamin Westbrook’s debut novel is a real page-turner and one you will want to read over and over again. It hooks you from the first chapter, scares you into thinking someone is always watching and makes you realize nothing is as it seems. I highly recommend this book.
Links

Excerpt

Chapter 1

December 15th

He worked deliberately and meticulously atop the short ladder in the dark, quietly screwing into place the last of the four bright red “Exit” signs to be replaced. As far back as he could remember, he’d been a night person. He enjoyed working in the darkness, amid the silence and solitude one typically found during the late night hours when most were asleep. There were fewer distractions at night, no people to get in his way or take up his time with their generally meaningless chatter.

He turned the last screw firmly into place, quietly, one rotation after another until the metal screw squeaked against the metal bracket and it could go no further. After he’d finished, he scanned the sign to be certain it was perfectly even, gave each of the four screws another quick turn to verify they were tight, and gently nudged the “Exit” sign from each side to be absolutely sure it was securely in place. Satisfied with his work, he then turned the power switch to “On” and removed his night vision goggles to see the four red letters glowing in the darkness above the doorway. He stepped slowly and quietly down from the ladder, careful not to misstep, and walked to the center of the semi-circular sanctuary where he had a clear view of each of the four “Exit” signs he’d installed. As he’d planned, the new signs looked, in all respects, exactly like the four he’d replaced, except for the tiny HD video camera in each. The camera, located just to the right of the “T”, was totally indiscernible from a distance, unless someone knew to look for it.

Eager to test the new signs, he made his way toward the last row of pews nearest the main entrance of the sanctuary, where he’d left his laptop. He opened the laptop and deftly pulled up the admin page of his website, which was still under construction and hadn’t gone live yet. He clicked on the “Live Webcams” link, which took him to another page split into four window panes, one for each video camera in the “Exit” signs he’d installed. Three of the panes were completely dark, which was expected given the darkness of the sanctuary. The fourth pane, which showed the video feed from the camera in the sign above the main entrance, featured the dim light of his laptop. He couldn’t test the camera views completely until he could return during the day, but he knew, together, they should stream a full 360 degree live view of the sanctuary to his website.

Unable to wait until morning, he decided a small test was in order, so he took his iPad out of his backpack and pulled up his website there as well. Once he’d again accessed the page showing the live webcam feeds from the four “Exit” signs, he walked slowly to the center of the sanctuary, holding his iPad close to his face in order to illuminate it slightly. As he walked toward the main pulpit area, he watched each of the camera views on his iPad, to see when each camera picked up the dim light and his faint silhouette. Although not ideal, it was a sufficient test for the time being, and just seeing his dim silhouette from the cameras’ views gave him a distinct and very pleasing sense of excitement.

Once he arrived at the pulpit area in the center front of the sanctuary, he stepped up the few small marble steps to the main stage, and saw each camera feed had picked up the light from his iPad. From anywhere on the pulpit, he’d be perfectly visible to all four cameras in full light.

He shut down his iPad, leaving the sanctuary pitch black again but for the red light from the “Exit” signs, and slid his night vision goggles back on over his eyes. The pews fanned out in a semi-circle from the large stage, thirty rows deep. He stood in the center of the pulpit, where the preacher typically gave his sermon and prepared communion, and enjoyed an unobstructed view of the entire sanctuary. With his goggles on, he carefully scanned each section of the empty and otherwise dark pews, beginning with those on his left side, until he’d gone through them all one by one. Then, he again removed the goggles and closed his eyes, letting the perfect darkness clear his mind.

He stood facing the pews directly in front of him with his eyes closed tightly, his breath slow and measured. His mind began to focus, his imagination came alive, and one by one the pews were populated with faces. Soon, the faces, some familiar and others not, filled every corner of the almost bursting sanctuary. From the pulpit, he watched them talking to one another, greeting and hugging each other. He heard them chattering back and forth before services began, joking with one another, and laughing. He sensed their warmth, their excitement, their joy. His eyes still closed, he turned slowly and deliberately from his left to his right, watching them intently and letting their faces burn into his memory. He wanted to remember them, to know the joy on their faces down to the very smallest detail, so that when he finally raised his rifle and began spilling their blood onto the glittering marble sanctuary floor, he’d be able to recognize the precise instant when the careless joy in each face turned to horror and fear.

Author Chat: Susan Mills Wilson

There’s something very gripping about a book that depicts frightening real-life situations that are relevant right now. Susan Mills Wilson’s Meltdown shows two sides of the U.S. soldier coin, sides that should always be at the front of our attention. It’s even more wonderful when this kind of book can fit in a character you’re happy to reunite with from a previous book, in this case, Her Lying Eyes.

Without further ado, we’ll let Susan tell you all the research and inspiration that went into her awesome suspense novel.

~~~

Meltdown is a book with a couple of serious psychological conditions and issues. Did you spend a lot of time researching these conditions? What kind of research did you do? Books, interviews?

I had several casual conversations with a Marine sergeant who was deployed five times to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan as a specialist in Explosive Ordinance Devices. I found it very enlightening to “pick the brain” of someone who has actually been there. I also read several books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the US military’s role in Afghanistan and Iraq. I watched documentaries and movies that not only depicted the war but also addressed the issues of PTSD and traumatic brain injury. To authenticate the personality of the active shooter, Jared Bolten, I tried to learn as much as possible about similar nefarious killers such as Eric Rudolph and Timothy McVeigh. I wanted to know what motivated them to do horrible acts that caused multiple casualties.

What inspired you to write a thriller revolving around two men who served in Afghanistan? Do you personally know anyone who served?

The sergeant I mentioned above is my nephew. I know several veterans who served either in the Middle East or in Vietnam. I have always been interested in how war affected them and others. The novel addresses how the war experience impacted the lives of two very different men. Army sniper, Jared Bolten, comes back uninjured but fueled by anger. On the other hand, Sam Briggs, returns as a disillusioned, severely injured man, both physically and emotionally. Their lives are changed forever. Soldiers are trained to kill the enemy, but unfortunately, some implement that training when sound reasoning goes awry, as in this story.

It was an interesting contrast to have one man who served in Afghanistan and suffered psychological issues from it and one who already had them going into service. Were you making a statement on war, post-war psychological evaluations, or pre-war psychological evaluations?

If I am making a statement, it is this: War changes people. No one comes back from war Meltdown3highthe same person as before they left. In my opinion, it is not so much about the circumstances of someone’s life but more about the way they allow the circumstances to affect their lives. Of course, how a soldier deals with trauma may have a lot to do with his or her life before going to war. In the case of Bolten, he grew up fueled by hate and intolerance. When he thinks he was unfairly treated by his military superiors, he decides to seek revenge on innocent civilians.

Do you think it’s important to include issues relevant to major current events in fiction novels? What do you think it accomplishes?

I think readers like to delve into the middle of real life events to know the human story behind it, even if they are personally unaffected. A story like this gives them an up-close view of a political and military conflict thousands of miles away. It makes it hard for anyone to stay neutral or indifferent once aware of lasting effects, not just to the landscape but to individual lives.

It was great to see that Meltdown still has Homicide Detective Chris Lagoni as a main character. Do you plan on featuring him in future books?

Detective Lagoni was one of readers’ favorite characters in HER LYING EYES. If I get similar feedback from MELTDOWN, I will definitely bring him back in a future project. I enjoy writing about him because he is a complicated man. He is good at his job, but impatient, sarcastic, and quick tempered. The sexual tension heats up whenever he is in the presence of a beautiful, sexy woman like Megan Moore in MELTDOWN. I think men can relate, and women can swoon over this guy.

Did you consult with any law enforcement officers to get a feel for the gripping shooting scene in the beginning of the book?

I met with two police officers on a SWAT team who are trained snipers. They answered my questions related to the sniper rifle and the technical logistics of shooting from a tower from a 300-yard range. As a graduate of three police citizens academies, I have learned many aspects of law enforcement. The training of officers is never ending. We owe these men and women our gratitude since they put their lives at risk every single day. That is why I dedicated my novel to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty whether as a soldier or as a law enforcement officer.

~~~

Check out Susan’s website!
Join Susan on Facebook
Tweet with Susan
Find Susan on Goodreads
Follow Susan on Amazon

If you’re in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, come have some pizza with Susan July 27!

Awethors Event: Interview with Cortina Jackson

Our tenth awesome author in the countdown until the Get Down With The Awethors Facebook event on April 12 is Cortina Jackson. Cortina has a really original prize that will give you insight into her book as well as her inspiration. Read on to find out what it is!

~~~

1. What will you be sharing with the group on April 12 at the Get Down With The Awethors event? Free book giveaway, sneak peek, merchandise, holding a competition, discussion?

I will have a free book giveaway; I will also give away my introduction to my book with background sounds from Hell on CD. I am getting a few more prizes to give away as well. I do plan on also doing a discussion, as my fiction thriller On Earth As It Is In Hell definitely sparks conversation.

2. What is your latest book or work, and where can we find it?

My book is entitled On Earth As It Is In Hell it can be found on my website at on earth as it is in hell_cortinajacksonhttp://www.cortinajackson.com/. It is also available at Amazon.com,

https://www.amazon.com/author/cortinajackson, Barnes and Noble.com, and Apple iBookstore.

3. What drives you to write? Music, an interest in the human mind, is it cathartic for you?

Writing is therapeutic for me. Everything that I want to express, whether it is sadness, joy, disappointment, or excitement, I am able to put my thoughts on paper and truly make the reader feel what I feel. I also want them to see it through my eyes, so I am able to paint a vivid picture.

4. What’s your favorite book in the world? One you couldn’t imagine having lived your life without reading.

I really enjoyed reading a book by Mary K. Baxter titled A Devine Revelation of Hell; it was the first book that I read from cover to cover. It opened my eyes and intrigued me. I sought to write a book that would intrigue people without insulting them or forcing them to believe in anything. This is definitely that book, and it has been compared to Constantine and Devil’s Advocate, both starring Keanu Reeves.

5. When will you be at the Awethors event on April 12? All day or at a certain time?

I plan to be there all day!! I truly cannot wait to meet so many amazing people! Meet you there!

~~~

Author Bio

Cortina Jackson is the doting mother of two sons. She received her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and has over 15 years of law enforcement experience. With Cortina’s experience and knowledge in law enforcement, she has seen firsthand that oftentimes, life is scarier than fiction. This has given her a basis for the material in her writing that often seems too detailed to be true. Cortina currently resides in McKinney, TX where she is working on her second Master’s degree and her next novel. She is enthusiastic about sharing her passion for writing with you.

For questions, scheduling, and ordering please visit her website at www.cortinajackson.com or email her directly at cortina.jackson@yahoo.com.

Connect with Cortina

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinathewriter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10211550
LinkedIn
YouTube book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VFHK-Mvt90

Your Holiday Gift Shortlist: Books Worth Giving

Books are the gifts that keep on giving after the holiday season is over, and what better present can you give than to support indie authors (that’s a gift to them!) and introduce your friends and family to brand new writers? Plus, you can feel good that you contributed to a writer’s dream.

Before you turn to the major publishing houses, pick out some books from these self-published authors, who are just as excellent as mainstream authors.

By genre:

Action/Thriller

Against The Clock by Charlie Moore
The Phoenix Project by DM Cain

Autobiography/Inspiration

White Bees by Amy Wilde

Erotic Romance

Bound Series by Hanna Peach *The Romance Reviews and Night Owl Reviews top pick*

Fantasy

Activation Series by Joseph Murphy
Dark Angel Series
by Hanna Peach *#1 Amazon Fantasy Bestseller*
Finding Me by Dawn Brazil
Secret of the Last Born by TC Michael
Sword of Kassandra Series
by Joseph Murphy

Literary

Crazy, Mixed-Up World by Kevin Zdrill
Just Like a Musical by Milena Veen
Parasite Girls by Tory Gates
Quiver of the Pure Heart by Burnita Bluitt

Mystery/Suspense

Her Lying Eyes by Susan Wilson

Paranormal

The New Mrs. Collins by Quanie Miller
Shifty Magic Series by Judy Teel

Romance

Fate Accompli by MM Jaye
Clean version
Spicy version

Romantic Comedy

Cinderella Heiresses Series by Judy Teel
Kindle Edition
Paperback Edition
It Ain’t Easy Being Jazzy
by Quanie Miller
The Between Boyfriends Series by Sarka-Jonae Miller *Best Books of 2014 on Amazon*

Women’s Fiction

Indiscretion by Dahlia Savage
Graduation Day by Dahlia Savage

Meet Author Susan Mills Wilson

Here at Proof Positive, we’re huge fans of books that have something for everyone. Susan Mills Wilson’s latest book, Her Lying Eyes, has it all: suspense, romance, mystery, murder, politics, and lies – lots of them. If you’re looking for a book you can convince all your friends to read before you get together for lunch, you’ve found “the one”. Something tells me a lot of book clubs will be starting up once you discover this book. Be sure to check it out, but first read on to find out more about Wilson herself and how she develops characters and storylines that will have you reading far past your bedtime.

~~~

How long did it take you to plan Her Lying Eyes before you began writing it?

I worked out the plot in my head about two months before I began writing a single word. I knew which direction I wanted to take it and who would be the main characters to carry the plot. Crazy as it sounds, I feel it’s important for me to develop a relationship with my imaginary characters so I will know how they will interact with each other and how they will react to situations, good or bad.

Do you mostly write in this particular genre or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?

I also like to write romantic short stories. They’re always feel-good reads where the boy gets the girl or vice versa. Also, every Christmas, I write a holiday short story that I send to family and friends just for the fun of it. I write a weekly blog on my website that satisfies the nonfiction writer in me.

What do you think makes your work stand apart from other works in your genre?

Many romantic suspense books are cozy, but I like to write gritty. However, some topics are off limits for me. I don’t write about torture, child abuse, diabolical killers or erotica. What really makes my work stand apart is the complex relationships of characters where they are torn between decisions that could have dire consequences. Everyone, including my main characters, have flaws that sometimes take them over the edge. For example, Kirkus Review said this about my debut novel, GOOD GONE BAD: Like the best noir, this story puts its characters through an emotional wringer and makes the reader feel their desperation, too.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people you know or have seen/talked to in real life?

None of the characters are based on real people; however, they are a composite of certain traits I have seen in others. A minor character, newspaper editor Stu Blackmon, talks nonstop, and I feel we all know someone like that. In this novel, the head of the Reynolds empire is a rich, powerful person who abuses his wealth and influence, similar to real people we all read about in the news. Main character Jamison Jackson is an investigative reporter, a career I always wanted to have. I guess I’m living out that dream through her.

What inspires you to write? Music? Other books? Real life events? Just an incredible imagination?

My first novel (not yet published) was inspired by a Toby Keith song, “That’s My House.” Most of my inspiration comes from real life events that readers can identify with. My next novel, MELTDOWN, was inspired because I was at a concert in a park and saw a church tower across the street. I thought, “Wouldn’t that be a great place for a sniper to take shots at a crowd?” What can I say? Suspense writers are twisted.

Are you part of any writers’ groups? If so, what do you like about them? How do they help you or inspire you? If not, why not?

One of the most important things I have done, which I recommend to other writers, is to get involved in a critique group. I am coordinator of The Mystery Critique Group in my town. Their advice has been invaluable to me. I listened to what they said and accordingly made changes in writing HER LYING EYES.

Do you plan your writing out with outlines, character development exercises, and other pre-writing activities? Or do you just write as it comes to you?

The outline for my story is in my head. Sometimes I will mark up a calendar to get a timeline of when the action is to be played out. I write mock interviews with characters so I can get inside their heads and write from their point of view. I also write a personal profile of all main characters that includes their weaknesses, strength, goals, habits, how they dress, and even what their favorite drink is.

Did you do any research for this book?

The subplot of this book involves a toxic spill of chemicals, either accidental or intentional. I had to read a lot of articles and documentation to get it right. Also, I have attended three police citizens academies so that I have a clear understanding of police procedures and investigations. If there are mistakes with that part of the story, it’s on me and not the officers I consulted with.

Do you read the kinds of books you like to write? Do you watch movies similar to or the same genre as your writing?

Yes, I read mostly suspenseful books, but not necessarily romantic suspense. I like a book that is a good page-turner. I enjoy movies that keep you on the edge of your seat. I sometimes visualize certain actors in the roles of my characters.

If you could write anywhere in the world – in a fictional or nonfictional place – where would you write?

If I could write anywhere, it would be somewhere on the coast. I love the Carolina coast because it’s close to home and I know it well. Of course, laying low in a bungalow on a Caribbean island doesn’t sound like a bad gig either.

~~~

Connect with Susan Mills Wilson:
Twitter
Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook

Check out Her Lying Eyes:
Amazon

Her Lying Eyes Cover

Our Website Got a Redesign!

We're thrilled to reveal our fully refreshed website, designed by Konn Lavery! Our site is now easier to navigate,...

How to Choose Comp Titles: Mix and Match Multiple Aspects of Your Novel

Sell your book without giving readers the wrong idea. by Margaret Pinard, historical fiction & fantasy author...

Book Launch: Dark and Twisted Dystopian Science Fiction Anthology

Four short stories from the desolate and tempestuous imagination of Jessica Halsey. Originally published on Kindle...

Book Launch: Danger lurks in every corner of space when hocking crappy merchandise

Saving an alien planet is nothing compared to meeting your sales quota. Untrained tag-along, Marcus Aimond, aboard...

Book Launch: When espionage exposes a hidden world, war threatens its safety

A hidden people not so hidden anymore. The Hidden Realm of Angolin has existed in peaceful isolation for centuries,...

Book Launch: The king of medieval TV is dead, and the game is afoot

“A pitch-perfect combination of action, mystery, and humor.” ―Anthony Award-winning author Gigi Pandian for Jove Brand...

Book Launch: Is Daphne crazy, or is the Brotherhood of the Raven real?

Beware the Brotherhood of the Raven When two boys vanish from her hometown, Daphne Gauge notices uncanny parallels to...

Book Launch: She’s risking her dream of joining the FBI for four gorgeous criminals

Stalker ex? ✔ Four hot roommates? ✔ An illegal secret? ✔✔✔✔✔ I, Clara McElroy, always have a handle on things. List it...

Book Launch: Coming home 11 years later was the worst thing she ever did

When I ran out of Poca eleven years ago, I never planned on seeing the confines of this small town again. Now, it’s...

Book Launch: Can reality TV turn pretend lovers into true love?

Nothing’s real on reality TV―or is it? Everyone knows Kell Simmons manages the Matthews brothers, the three hottest...