Tag Archives: witch

Release Day~ 13 Authors / 13 Horror Short Stories – #Fridaythe13th #99Cents #Blog

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Spit on a grave by Tamrie Foxtail

Fun Fact:

When I was in high school there was a cemetery across the street. It may sound odd, but it was a quiet place to study and walk. And there was that one mysterious headstone…off by itself…broken….

About Spit on a Grave:

No one likes a bully and Kiera’s tormented by four of them. But Kiera knows something they don’t. She knows how to turn the tormentors into the tormented.

Snippet:

“Audrey’s right,” Makayla said. “This is spooky. Why can’t we just say we went?”

“Because we have to post a picture,” Jenna said. “With the time.” She pointed to her right. “Kiera said the grave is over there in the corner, under the oak tree.”

They walked two abreast, dead leaves crunching beneath their feet and the full moon playing hide-and-seek through bare branches.

“There,” Alissa said, pointing at the lonely stone. She motioned for the other three to follow.

“Do we just take a picture standing in front of the grave?” Audrey asked.

“We’re supposed to spit on it,” Makayla said.

“That so disrespectful,” Jenna said.

Alissa shrugged. “Who cares? She was a child killer.” Alissa turned on her camera and aimed it at the stone. “Here we are in front of the grave of Barbara Dawn Callan,” she said in a spooky voice. “So scary. Not.” She made certain she was in the video, turned and spit on the grave. “There you go Barbara Dawn. Come and get me.”

Makayla followed. “Waiting for you, Barbara Dawn,” she taunted.

About the author:

Tamrie Foxtail followed her husband from the Sunshine State to the Sooner State thirty years ago. She loves carousels, reading, her family, and her fur babies.

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Soulless by Alicia Dean

 Fun Fact:

When I write, I like to pay homage to things I love or that are personal to me. In Soulless, there are several scattered throughout:

  • The name of the town is Pleasence, after Donald Pleasence who played Dr. Loomis in the Halloween movie franchise.
  • A nearby town is called Boone Springs, which is the name of the town in my grim reaper romance, Soul Seducer.
  • My sheriff is Rosalyn (Roz) Grimes, and Rick Grimes is my favorite character in Walking Dead, and Roz is from one of my favorite sitcoms, Frasier.
  • Of course, I mention Elvis, though briefly.
  • And, I mention MLB, although at the time I wrote it, I didn’t realize that no post season game would be happening on Friday, although in the story I say there is.
  • And, lastly (I think), my bad guy’s name, Dearil, means ‘call of death.’

About Soulless:

When Sheriff Rosalyn Grimes shoots and kills the serial killer who is holding her daughter captive, she thinks the ordeal is over and her town is safe. But a rash of new murders plunges them right back into the nightmare—is there a copycat on the loose or, even more terrifying, has the same murderer come back to life?

Snippet:

He was only ten feet away, and she was suddenly afraid to go any closer. He gave off a bad vibe…as if just his being naked in the middle of the road wasn’t a bad vibe enough. No, there was something about this guy she wanted no part of. Screw it, she’d definitely call the police. And grab her gun while she waited for them.

She backed away, keeping her eye on him, but still, he didn’t move. She turned and hurried to her porch. She was twisting the knob when a smell like death assailed her nostrils. Fear choked her, and she whirled to see the man looming behind her. How had he gotten here so quickly?

She fumbled for the door and managed to get it open, then hurried inside. When she went to slam the door shut, he shoved it open from the other side and sent her tumbling to the floor.

He stalked over to her. “Let me in, little piggy.” His harsh voice rumbled out of him like a death rattle.

Shivers raced over her skin. “What do you want?” she managed to get past the lump of fear in her throat. “My husband’s upstairs, and he’s got a gun.”

 His grotesque mouth lifted in the parody of a smile. “Don’t lie to me, Bethy. Your husband’s out of town. I need his clothes.”

The moon outside the window passed from behind the clouds, illuminating his features, and she gasped with recognition.

About the Author:

Oklahoma author, Alicia Dean, has an unhealthy fascination with murder and all things creepy and disturbing. On a lighter note, she’s a lifelong Elvis fan, loves the NFL and MLB, and hardly ever makes her darkly disturbing fascinations a reality.

https://linktr.ee/AliciaDean1835

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The Widower by Krysta Scott

Fun Fact:

Some friends and I attended a forensic class at a Skeleton Museum. We were given a skull and instructions on how to determine the cause of death. It was interesting to go through the steps anthropologists and forensic scientists go through to determine age, sex and physical trauma. Skeletons really can tell a story of a person’s life.

About The Widower:

Lucy Cable has an inexplicable talent for reading bones—she can look at a skull and see the person’s face. While touring a local bone museum, she notices a skeleton on display and is horrified to identify it as her missing friend. When another murder takes place, Lucy realizes a maniac is in their midst. Can she figure out how to stop him before her snooping around puts her next on his list?

Snippet:

“I didn’t think the museum would have this effect on you. Seriously, I just thought it would be a fun party.”

“I’m fine,” Lucy said. “I just need to sit down for a bit.”

“Ok, if you don’t mind, I’m going to find Cora.”

“Knock yourself out.” Lucy headed for an empty bench across the room. She was almost there when a sight stopped her short. She couldn’t have seen what she thought she had. It couldn’t be. Slowly, she pivoted on her heels. She had to be imagining things. She walked toward the single skeleton in the far corner of the room.

She put her hands on the glass and stared at the figure allowing the flesh to layer in her mind. There was no mistaking it. The same pert nose. The high cheekbones. The perfectly shaped rosebud lips. Add the blue eyes and long blonde hair. It was Maeve. Her mind spun with the implications. She’d seen her last night and now her skeleton was on display. “Oh, Maeve.”

“Now, what do you think of my museum?” Professor Porter beamed down at her. Lucy looked into the eyes of a killer.

About the Author:

Krysta Scott is the author of the novel, Shadow Dancer. Since publishing her first book through the Wild Rose Press, she has since published two novellas in the Martini Club 4 series and three novellas in the Friday the Thirteenth series. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, daughter and dog.

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 The Boy in the Bubble by Stephen B. King

 Fun Fact:

This story was inspired by meeting someone who spent his childhood as a true boy in the bubble due to severe allergies that would kill him if he left it. Later in life, when he gained some immunities, though he still has to lead a sheltered life, he suffered a hernia and the operations went wrong. We can all be grateful that he didn’t have the telekinetic power Timothy does in the story……

About The Boy in the Bubble:

Timothy has spent his life in a bubble which protects him from fatal allergies. But nature always compensates and Timothy has developed incredible telekinetic powers. When a simple hernia operation goes wrong causing him unbearable, non-stop agony, Timothy strikes back the only way he knows how by reigning death and destruction.

 Snippet

Much later, when Joseph recalled the incident, he realized their attacker suddenly resembled a marionette operated by a manic puppeteer. As the man reeled backward away from the cab, his hand, which held the switchblade, trembled as it turned toward his own stomach. The man seemed to be fighting with an invisible bodyguard, and he grasped his right wrist with his left hand to try to stop the knife from stabbing into his own body. But he was fighting a losing battle, and the blade disappeared into his stomach as he screamed a blood-curdling yell which ended with an even louder shriek.

“No,” Joseph shouted frantically, “Timothy, stop.”

The man jerked the knife out, and a squirt of blood arced toward the open door, some hitting Miriam’s skirt. “Arggghhhhhh,” the mugger exclaimed and looked directly into Joseph’s eyes as the knife re-entered an inch higher, then again, and again, repeatedly until he fell to the sidewalk, shaking and kicking his legs in pain before passing into unconsciousness.

 About the Author:

I am thrilled, and deeply humbled to have published 17 books. Though my first love is psychological thrillers featuring the worst serial killers imaginable, I have also written romantic thrillers, horror stories and even a time-travel romantic thriller where the protagonist comes back in time to save the world, and falls in love. Find me on FB: @stephenbkingauthor

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A Wicked Fate Mark Edward Jones

 Fun Fact

I like to pluck quotes from Shakespeare’s different works and in Hamlet I found ‘Our wills and fates do so contrary run.’ I wanted to show a bit of the killers’ perspectives in this story. Can the young female antagonist, Miomir, resist her destiny, or will her uncle force her to accept her fate?

 About A Wicked Fate:

Miomir ìl Kurić desires money, power, and to be feared, while unburdened by her past. Her Uncle Karanosz insists she remains a part of their unique family, one which harbors special skills … and connections to evil.

 Snippet:

The ancient granite structure no longer offered Christian worshipers a place for gathering in southern Vienna. The Catholic Church abandoned then sold St. Ezekiel—some said because the hauntings had never ceased. A half-century earlier, the Jews of Vienna had been herded like cattle into the old church before transport to Mauthausen or one of its surrounding camps. The church sat empty for decades, an outcast building with broken stained glass, dusty pews and altars, and fading memories of the long-ago tragedy.

Two people had claimed a portion of the former church. A man with a fedora in his lap leaned back into a cushioned love seat, his head tilted upward with eyes shut. A young woman paced the living area, clenching an unlit cigarette between her lips.

Miomir stared and yanked the cigarette from her mouth. “Comfortable?” she asked, staring at her resting uncle. “Two dead, and now we are the hunted again.”

Tasev sighed and sat forward. “Dear Miomir, I cannot believe you let it happen.” He shook his head. “There will be many questions about the condition of the body. If someone knows your … abilities, they will identify you.”

About the Author:

Mark retired from higher education finance in 2017. He is working on his third detective mystery, has written three paranormal short stories, and has completed the first chapter of a proposed sci-fi mystery.

https://linktr.ee/mejbooksllc

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SHARE by Anna Kittrell

 Fun Fact

One morning, during the writing process of SHARE my grandson and I went on a bicycle ride through town. On our way home, our path led us beside an abandoned building with an entire wall missing. We could see something inside and climbed onto the crumbling foundation to get a better look. There, standing alone, was one single piece of furniture–a baby cradle complete with bedding. In contrast to the surroundings, the cradle was in perfect condition. The scene absolutely took my breath away, because of the similarities to my existing book cover–so much so, I snapped this picture with my phone.

About SHARE:

Expectant mother, Autumn, offers to lend her body through “lend and borrow” technology to her childless boss and mentor, Sadie, who longs to experience the movement of a child within her before she dies. However, Autumn is horrified to learn that her good intentions have warranted certain death for her unborn child. Sadie doesn’t like to share.

Snippet:

“Wow,” Autumn breathed, stopping in her tracks. “Look at that.” She pointed to a large painting of a crying infant whose colorful—was it a soul?—descended from the sky, entering the child, filling its small body with light. A Not For Sale sign was attached to the ornate frame.

Sadie approached, touching Autumn’s arm. “How far along are you?”

She turned slowly toward her. “Almost five months. But most people are surprised when I tell them. How did you know?”

“I just knew.”

“Do you have children?”

“Actually, no. I’ve had three miscarriages, each at around twelve weeks gestation. Shortly after the last one, our house burned down, and my husband died in the fire. No children, no husband. It’s just me and my shop. Loss is so painful.”

“That is heartbreaking.” Autumn wrapped an arm around Sadie. “Your husband is waiting in heaven for you. Your babies are there, too.”

“I wish that were true. But my children never drew their first breath, therefore they never received a soul.” She looked up at the painting. “The soul is granted by God when a newborn child takes its very first breath. The soul is precious. Reserved for children who thrive outside the womb, not those who merely exist inside it.”

“You said yourself it was painful to lose your children,” Marlene piped in, her words bristling with irritation.

“Extremely painful. But even more painful was the acknowledgement that each of those small, lifeless bodies lacked a soul.”

The breath whooshed from Autumn’s lungs. She steadied herself against a sturdy-looking bookcase as Marlene put an arm around her and glared at Sadie. “Seriously, lady? What you said goes way beyond polite conversation.”

“I’m sorry—”

 About the Author:

Anna is a screenwriter, freelance writer, and fiction writer with twelve books in publication and over a dozen articles/stories featured in Writers’ Digest, Southern Writers, and Woman’s World magazine. She was named “Oklahoma’s Best Author of 2021” by Oklahoma Living Magazine.

https://www.facebook.com/AKittrell

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Blanks by Christopher Farris

 Fun Fact

In “Blanks,” my favorite character, Josiah Poopart, better known as Beaver, rides again. I liked him so much in “Stripes” that I couldn’t resist writing a sequel. I’ve known him in various forms my entire life: canoeing buddies, fellow soldiers, family members. Men with a simple yet somehow poetic view of life. None as homicidal as Beaver, of course, but they speak of the world much as he does. He is very true to my experience and very close to home. He is not sophisticated, but he is creative, and he’s never met a story he was afraid to embellish. He’s so fun to write. My hope is to write at least five stories documenting the misadventures of my lethal, bucktoothed friend. I’d like to eventually publish them as a single work. (Title suggestions are welcome. 😊) We’ll see.

I did a lot of research for this story (LSD, Spavinaw history, etc.) I always do. My favorite scene, however, wasn’t due to any research or innate creativity on my part. I really wish it was. The Tale of the Depressed Duck was given to me whole cloth by my buddy Colin. He had just had a nearly identical conversation with his wife and was wondering how he should respond. I had no advice for him but, I roared when I heard the story and had to find a way to make it Beaver’s. Fortunately, Colin was willing. I’m hoping you enjoy my retelling of The Depressed Duck. If not, that’s on me. The original version was hysterical.

 About Blanks:

Beaver Poopart has graduated both the VA psych ward and the police academy. Now he’s gone to Oklahoma in search of a wayward woman. Lots of people are going to wish he hadn’t.

 Snippet:

“Anyway,” I said, “thirteen weeks I spent getting my head unscrewed and re-screwed. No booze. No women. Nothing but cigarettes and all the sleep and VA chow you could eat.”

“Food bad?”

“Hell, no. I ate better than I ever did. Free, too. They had this carrot Jell-O that I got to liking a lot. Little blob of whip cream on top. Real darn good. Sometimes I think I ought to head back over there for dinner or lunch some time. In fact, we could—” I stopped myself. Shooter might meet one of my docs. He might not understand about that dead orderly, Raymond.

Nothing to do with me, of course. People break their necks falling down the stairs all the time. They don’t often die on the fire escape outside my room, but that ain’t my fault. Truth is, nobody knows what he was even doing out there. I reckoned him for a peeping Tom, and I told them so. I told them I was suing for sexual harassment. I pointed out that he kept trying to give me weed, which everybody knows is a gateway drug to sexual slavery. Turns out they had their own suspicions.

About the Author:

Christopher Farris lives in a very old, very small house in a very old, very small town nestled deep in a valley of the Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. His novels, The Fountain, and Intersection: A Trucker’s Christmas Carol are available at Amazon.com, as are his Friday the 13th short stories, including the first Beaver story, “Stripes.”

http://www.facebook.com/cfarrisauthor

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The Devil’s Dregs by Robert Herold

 Fun Fact

The climax to the story takes place in the old Rainier Brewery in south Seattle. The huge building is next to the freeway with an iconic “R” sitting on top. Millions of people have driven past the place, but few have entered it. I decided the bowels of the building would be an ideal setting.

About The Devil’s Dregs:

 A witch has stolen Steven Metcalf’s newborn son and intends to sacrifice the child to her dark lord. Steven and his two friends scour Seattle to rescue the infant, but the city has become infested with witches and their allies. Can Steven and company save the innocent before it’s too late?

Snippet:

We were about fifty yards down the hill, stumbling through the ferns and salal bushes when a bright flashlight illuminated us. A woman shouted, “This is the police! Stop where you are!”

We ignored her and increased our pace, careening down the hillside by taking flying leaps through the wet fall foliage. Gunshots rang out. I could hear the whizzing sound of bullets flying past us and into the leaves of bushes. Bark flew off a nearby tree. This caused us to leap even faster until we entered a copse of evergreens with low-hanging branches, shielding us at least from view. We crouched on the ground and gathered together as bullets continued to wiz over our heads.

“What now?” asked Hu. While normally cool as a cuke, her voice betrayed her desperation.

 About the Author:

Robert Herold is the author of the award-winning Eidola Project novels, which follows a team of 19th-century ghost hunters, and The Seattle Coven Tales, declared by N. N. Light Book Heaven as the “must-read paranormal series of the year.” Find out more at: http://robertheroldauthor.com

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Feast or Famine by Jon Minton

 Fun Fact

The story contains a scene at the Teatro della Pergola, an opera house in Florence, Italy. It opened in 1656 and still hosts shows today. In the scene, the main character is watching Robert le Diable, a Meyerbeer opera about the medieval legend who discovers he is the son of Satan. Released in 1831 it is known for the provocative Nun’s Ballet.

About Feast or Famine:

Theresa Salomé is cursed and blessed. Every Friday the 13th, she must kill and cannibalize her victim, extending her life. She’s collected knowledge, amassed wealth, and watched empires come and go. But as centuries pass, the cycle and isolation threaten to tear her mind apart. Is she a monster, a preview of humanity’s future, or just another pawn for gods and devils.

Snippet:

Tess’s strength and extended life came from the brain and heart, the meat and potatoes of the meal. She threw the heart to Marco, who tore into the tough muscle like butter. Despite popular opinion, the brain isn’t something you can hold. Tess scooped out gelatinous fat, slurping it from her hand like an oyster.

Everything that came after the brain and heart, just like the spinal fluid hors d’oeuvres, could be skipped. Tess reminded herself that there was a technical need. If nothing else, body disposal. On a cursed day, she tore flesh and consumed it with the same efficiency as her companion, and together, they would devour it down to the bone in a single day.

 About the Author:

Jon Minton is an American speculative fiction writer based in Oklahoma City. He is a software developer but has always been passionate about a great story.

https://www.jonmintonbooks.com

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VIOLET by CONNOR TREADWAY

Fun Fact:

The natural springs and caverns that are part of this story were once popular spa destinations in Florida for travelers in the laste 1800s and early 1900s.

About Violet:

Ivy Powers, now Ivy Ligon, is happily married, renovations to convert the Victorian home she inherited from a distant relative into a bed-and-breakfast are almost complete, and she just discovered she’s expecting. Life is perfect except for troubling dreams and the heartbreaking wail of a child that keeps waking Ivy in the middle of the night. While one lost soul may be seeking solace, another intends to keep its secrets buried…forever. Ivy will be forced to pay a price in her quest to right a wrong…but will it be worth the cost?

Snippet:

“Did you hear about the skeleton they found at the sinkhole on Aaron Rebisz’s farm?”

Ivy was sitting cross-legged next to a box of ledgers from the 1900s the town librarian had dropped off for the new museum. Across the room, Truby Santella was methodically sorting four generations of war medallions donated by Pete Wilson, a retired Navy captain who came from a long line of patriotic men and women who’d served in the Armed Forces.

“Passaway is slow to reveal her secrets, but nothing stays buried forever.”

Ivy flinched at Truby’s choice of words. Although she’d slept a few more hours, undisturbed by eerie cries, the thought of a small child dying in an underground cavern unsettled her. She’d confessed her feelings to Mike who frowned sympathetically but cautioned her about jumping to conclusions.

“We don’t know what happened,” he’d said, smoothing a strand of hair out of her face. “A family could have been picnicking out in the field on top of another sinkhole and the child fell in and was trapped under the dirt and rocks. Jackie mentioned something about a health spa where people came to swim in the natural springs. Could be the child accidentally drowned or was swept away by the waters. Whatever it was, I suspect it happened a long time ago, given there are no stories about children who unexpectedly went missing in the area.”

Her husband was right. The child’s death was most likely an unfortunate mishap.

No, it wasn’t.

Ivy’d had a series of baffling and inexplicable events when she first arrived in Passaway. Premonitions, visions and dreams that seemed to be those of another woman, ghostly encounters, roses with supernatural abilities—all related to Rosemary Storm’s murder. She’d learned to trust her intuition and believe in the unbelievable.

There was a dark secret connected to the child’s skeleton spit out by the earth yesterday. What would it take for the truth to be revealed?

“You’re familiar with the town’s unofficial history.” Ivy tried to sound curious, not like she was digging. “Have you ever heard of a young boy or girl getting lost in the caverns around here?”

“That’s not something I know,” Truby drawled. “Each generation has its own secrets.”

About the Author:

Connor Treadway is the pen name for the writing team behind Gothic thrillers and mysteries. The duo lives and writes in northeastern Florida.

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 Karma’s a Bitch by TL Schaefer

Fun Fact:

This was one of those stories that just appeared in my head as I drove back from a lunch meeting with my writer friends! Driving time is the best time for conjuring ideas.

 About Karma’s a Bitch:

Millie is determined to prove the existence of the paranormal in Bountiful, Oklahoma. But the people of Bountiful don’t care much for strangers asking questions…

Snippet

A monster emerged soundlessly from the depths of lake into the eerie silence, the last rays of sunlight putting her on display.

She was small, no bigger than Millie, but pure presence and power surrounded her like a nimbus, making her seem larger than the men arrayed before her combined. Her naked body was mottled gray and green and brown, long knotted ropes of what looked like moss shrouding her face. She was grotesque and stunning at the same time, and her terrible, terrifying beauty made the breath clog in Millie’s lungs.

The water streaming off of the monster was clear, and all around her water lilies formed and bloomed, a riot of green and white and pink against cool, crisp water that had looked black and clouded just a moment before.

A kind of wonder tinged with terror swept through Millie, leaving chill bumps on her arms as she looked and tried to comprehend. Failed. She’d never seen anything like this. Had a feeling no one had, except the men who’d summoned the creature.

 About the Author:

TL Schaefer writes mysteries/police procedurals that also have a romance twined throughout. And likely some stuff that goes bump in the night.

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Knockers by Mary Coley

 Fun Fact

The KNOCKERS story came together after visiting the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO this summer.

 About Knockers:

Trina Ellsbury needs a break. Then she checks into the StayLonger Inn. The desk clerk neglects to tell her about Knockers that linger on the fifth floor, or the history of Room 511.

 Snippet:

“Front Desk. How may I help you?” A woman asked.

“Trina Ellsbury in 511. I need maintenance. The water in my bathtub is brown.”

“511? That can’t be right. What room, Ms. Ellsbury?”

“511. I checked in last night and have been here all day.”

The woman cleared her throat. “I have no one in 511. We don’t rent that room. Please check the number again. I’ll be happy to send someone up.”

“Trip has been here several times today.”

“Trip? We don’t have an employee by that name.”

“Then ask Lou. He delivered food and picked up something for the cleaners. I assure you I’m here and in room 511.”

“Lou? We have no one on staff named Lou. I’ve been at the desk all day.”

“Mr. Jenkins has helped me each time I’ve called. Get him, please. Mr. Jenkins, the manager.”

“There is no Mr. Jenkins. I’m Sandra Lawson, the night manager.”

Someone knocked on the door. Knock…knock, knock, knock, knock. Five times. In my head, the two answering knocks sounded.

“Maintenance, Ms. Ellsbury.” Trip called. He knocked five times.

Through the peephole, I recognized Trip’s blazing smile. I knocked twice in response, loudly, and let him in.

 About the Author:

Mary Coley thinks in mysteries. Her favorite question is WHY? A traveler, nature and dog lover, her next story is just around the corner. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and Trixie, their current rescued hound.

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 Spine Chilling by Michelle Godard-Richer

 Fun Fact

I put up a post in The Booklounge For Readers and Authors to ask men which classic books were their favorites to decide which book Peter McFadden would possess.

About Spine Chilling:

Peter McFadden’s life is ending, but he isn’t ready to leave this world and his killing ways behind. His spirit lingers inside his favorite vintage book, tethering him to this world, while he waits for his next victim.

 Snippet:

Esme kneeled beside her sister and angled the flashlight on her phone into the dark space beneath the box spring. The beam illuminated two boxes. A black metal case and a big shoe box.

Lucy pulled them out. “If he had anything valuable in this room it would be inside these.” She tugged the metal box towards her and lifted the latches. “Yep, this is his old Colt. We’ll take this with us. What’s in that one?”

With an unexplainable sense of unease lifting the hair on the back of her neck, Esme pulled the shoe box towards her and flipped it open. “This is weird.” She picked up a bundle of cards, with a woman’s driver’s license on top, held together by an elastic band. She tugged the elastic off and spread what turned out to be a bunch of driver’s licenses across the carpet. They all belonged to young women. “What the hell, Luce? Why would he have these?”

“I don’t know. I’ll google the names.” Lucy’s fingers flew across her iPhone as she glanced at the driver’s licenses. Her skin turned clammy, and her hands shook.

“What’s wrong, Luce?”

“Ohmigod. I’ve searched three of the names so far, and they were all murdered by the Colorado Strangler. And the police still haven’t caught him. But that still doesn’t explain why Dad has these.” Lucy picked up a small jewelry box, the only other thing left in the shoe box. “I wonder what’s in here.”

Esme’s stomach twisted into a tight knot as her brain worked through the shock of their discovery and arrived at a horrific conclusion. “I wouldn’t touch that if I were you.”

“Why not?” Lucy opened the box, then dropped it, and covered her mouth.

The box landed on its side and a mound of gleaming white teeth spilled out all over the carpet. Almost as if their father had polished each tooth individually after…he yanked them out of someone’s mouth.

 About the Author:

Michelle Godard-Richer is the award-winning author of The Fatal Series. She writes edge-of-your-seat suspenseful stories with strong protagonists and diabolical villains. linktr.ee/mgodardricher

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Author Interview with Everlyn C Thompson ~ New Release: A Flock of Vampires #ParanormalRomance

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Everlyn C Thompson…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from?

I was born and raised in Alberta. I love to spend time outdoors, but when it’s cold out you can find me inside writing, knitting, baking and talking to my houseplants.

This is where I do my best thinking

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

I write paranormal romance and urban fantasy because thats what I love to read. I want to give my readers the same feeling I get when I read books by my favorite authors.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

I wrote this book during the covid lockdown because I maxed out all of the digital downloads on all three of my library cards for the month and I had nothing to read.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

Finding time. Life keeps getting in the way.

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

It was my first attempt at writing, so I wasn’t sure if I could do it – and once it was finished, I wasn’t sure if it was any good.

What do you love that most people don’t like and wouldn’t understand why you do?

Mustard on everything. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Do you collect anything?

Rubber ducks. It started as a small hobby when I was 16, and somehow snowballed into hundreds of ducks taking over my basement.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

Responsibilities. If I didn’t have to bother with all the tasks that come with being a human being, then I’d have so much more time to write. Showering, brushing my hair, getting dressed, eating, sweeping the floors—it all takes so much time that would be better spent writing.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read A Flock of Vampires?

The overwhelming need to leave a positive review. Seriously, the more stars the better.

What is your favorite quote?

Anna: Okay, can I just say something crazy? Hans: I love crazy!

If you could be a character in any of your books, who would you be?

Keltti (from A Flock of Vampires) or Theo (from my Grave Reaper Series) because they both end up finding happily ever after.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

My characters are 100% fictional. If I was lucky enough to know any super hot vampires or fae, I wouldn’t be sitting at my laptop writing about them because I’d be too busy hanging out with them.

Blurb:

As an elite Vampire Warrior, Stu’s only goal is helping his race survive the war-until a Witch stumbles into the crosshairs, and he realizes he’s found his true mate.

Excerpt:

The Vampire looked down at her. His eyes glinted harshly in the moonlight, a warning that he was even more dangerous than the Vampire’s that had attacked them. And didn’t that just make her want to…

Yeah, she wanted to kiss him. Not a friendly kiss, but a passionate one, full of the life that she was grateful for. Would he meet her halfway? Judging by his feral expression, he was more interested in killing something with his bare hands than humoring a lonely Witch.

Buy link(s):

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.ca/Flock-Vampires-Everlyn-Thompson-ebook/dp/B0BTKPWYCH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29PUGNOP3W0ZW&keywords=a+flock+of+vampires&qid=1675372694&sprefix=a+flock+of+vampires%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-flock-of-vampires-everlyn-c-thompson/1143006322?ean=9781739630973

About Everlyn:

Born and raised on the beautiful Canadian prairies, Everlyn prefers to spend her time outdoors with her family kayaking, skating, fishing, and hunting. She loves reading and writing about vampires, witches, fae and zombies that get to find their own version of happily ever after.

https://everlyncthompson.com/

https://www.instagram.com/everlyncthompsonauthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24009324.Everlyn_C_Thompson?ref=nav_profile_l

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087506825434

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Avenging Angel by Michelle Godard-Richer ~ A Friday the 13th Story Series ~ #Fridaythe13th #Blog #Fri13thStories

Happy 2023! It’s almost release day for a series of horror short stories revolving around Friday the 13th. I will be sharing each story on my post, one per day. Today, I’m pleased to welcome Michelle Godard-Richer with her story,  Avenging Angel…

Fun Fact:

A car boot on white background

For this story, I researched the inner workings of the car trunk, including how spacious they are.

*** Pre-Order the Friday the 13th stories for only 99 cents!!! 

Michelle

A Friday the 13th Short Story: 13 authors ~ 13 suspenseful stories. Murder and mayhem on Friday the 13th…Find each story in the series on Amazon.

On Friday the 13th, sweet college student and barista, Maya Pendleton, leaves Rowena’s Coffee to walk home alone. The streets of Gideon’s Hollow are empty. The locals believe the spirits of the witches from nearby Salem roam on this cursed night, seeking revenge on the descendants of those who burnt them at the stake.

Maya’s lonely footsteps echo through the empty street in a steady rhythm until they’re interrupted by another pair. They belong to Rand Roosevelt¾an evil man with murder on his mind. But he picks the wrong night, the wrong victim, and he messes with the wrong witch.

Excerpt:

Maya’s eyes fluttered open to reveal darkness. The floor moved beneath her as a waft of exhaust fumes turned her stomach.

Where am I?

She shifted her head and the world tilted as a sharp pain shot through her head from the base of her skull, jogging her memory.

The creep from the coffee shop. What an ass!

Maya moved to reach around the back of her head to assess the damage. Her elbow hit something hard. Her funny bone tingled, then her heart pounded in her ears as the smallness of the space suffocated her.

The urge to panic was almost impossible to resist, but she needed to resist to have any chance of escaping this horrible predicament.

She rolled onto her back. A handle glowed above her head in the darkness. She stuck her hands out and moved them along a hard surface, and the horrid reality of her situation became clear.

Metal. He stuck me in the trunk of a car!

Her breathing accelerated. Her thoughts scrambled like a puddle of eggs, and she gasped for air. She forced deep breaths into her lungs and her brain cleared.

Maya reached around the back of her head, careful not to smack her elbow again, and ran her hand over a large bump below her ponytail. Her hair wasn’t sticky, so thankfully, she had no open wound to contend with. But considering she’d lost consciousness and the lingering dizziness; she must be concussed.

Once more, her gaze shifted to the glowing handle over her head once more.

A trunk release!

She tugged on the handle, and nothing happened. With the handle in her grasp, she pushed on the trunk with her feet at the same time. Nothing.

Her captor must have anticipated that means of escape and disconnected the handle. Not escaping, giving up, and dying at age twenty wasn’t an option. Her mother must already be losing her mind with worry and Maya was all she had.

Now what?

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Bio:

Michelle Godard-Richer is a Criminology graduate with a passion for crime, human behavior, and the written word. She is also a thriller and romance author living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. She writes edge-of-your-seat, suspenseful stories with strong protagonists and diabolical villains.

Links: http://www.michellegodardricherauthor.com

Twitter: @MGodardRicher

Facebook: Michelle Godard-Richer Author

Instagram: michellegodardricherauthor

TikTok: @mgodardricher

Find all 13 stories at this link: A Friday the 13th Story #3

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Witch Ever Way You Go by Robert Herold ~ A Friday the 13th Story Series ~ #Fridaythe13th

Please help me welcome Robert Herold with the next story in the Friday the 13th Series,  Witch Ever Way You Go

Fun Fact

Witch Ever Way You Go is set in the Seattle area where I live. There is a bit of rivalry between Seattle proper and the suburban areas. Playing with this idea, I envisioned two rival covens, one in Seattle, the other in the wealthy suburb of Baalberith. (Baalberith is the name for a powerful demon who tempts people to engage in blasphemy and murder. Heck, there is a Diablo Dam and Diablo Lake in Washington State. Diablo means devil, so I didn’t think it was much of a stretch to call a Seattle suburb Baalberith!)

I used many other actual locations for the story: the University of Washington, the 520 Bridge (which was under construction in 2015, when the book is set) and neighborhoods on Capitol Hill. One of my favorite places was a decrepit but awesome Victorian house. Here’s a picture of it:

I have a wonderfully grisly scene in that place! I had planned to do an Instagram reel in front of the house to promote my story. Unfortunately, I just discovered it has turned into something really scary:

Bonus fun fact:

As a boy, Robert Herold wanted nothing more than to grow up to be a werewolf. (Is there any wonder why he writes horror?)

Blurb

When an ill-fated graduate student and his girlfriend are lured into a terrifying world of witchcraft and murder, they become targets for human sacrifice. Is there a chance they can escape a bloodthirsty coven of witches and certain death until the curse is lifted? A spellbinding story of modern horror.

Snippet: 

The crowd in the room became more animated, their voices rising until they were shouting. The man standing over the woman turned one way then the other, presenting the dagger. As the crowd continued the deafening chant, he raised the blade as high as possible, then thrust it down, just below the woman’s left breast. He yanked the knife free, and a fountain of blood sprayed over the man’s robe and white tuxedo. The crowd erupted in ecstasy.

My stomach turned in revulsion. We had been flirting just a few minutes earlier, and now she was dead. “Holy fuck.”

About the Author: 

The supernatural always had the allure of forbidden fruit, ever since my mother refused to allow me, as a boy, to watch creature features on late night TV. She caved in. (Well, not literally.)

As a child, fresh snow provided me with the opportunity to walk out onto neighbors’ lawns halfway and then make paw prints with my fingers as far as I could stretch. I would retrace the paw and boot prints, then fetch the neighbor kids and point out that someone turned into a werewolf on their front lawn. (They were skeptical.)

I have pursued many interests over the years (among them being a history teacher and a musician), but the supernatural always called to me. You could say I was haunted. Finally, following the siren’s call as an adult, I began writing horror.

Ultimately, I hope my books give you the creeps, and I mean that in the best way possible.

https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-Go-ebook/dp/B09V714SSF

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60624641-witch-ever-way-you-go

https://www.bookbub.com/books/witch-ever-way-you-go-a-friday-the-13th-story-by-robert-herold

https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Herold/e/B07YW82TLR/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Contact info and social media links:

email@robertheroldauthor.com

https://www.robertheroldauthor.com

https://www.instagram.com/robertheroldauthor666/

https://www.facebook.com/bob.herold.31/

https://twitter.com/RobertHerold666

https://www.facebook.com/Fri13thShortStories/

 

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#HobbyCareerPassion: “Bear With Me” ~ Author Marilyn Barr ~ #Strawberryshifters

Welcome to my weekly feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.

I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Marilyn Barr…

Dear Readers,

It has been a difficult few months on the job but I have finally found my bearings at Bergan Pharma.  Despite my multiple FDA filings for innovative drug products and tireless hours working for pennies, nothing prepared me for the unique (dare I say supernatural) challenges as their Director of Regulatory Affairs.  My new coworkers have worked their magic to take the world stage as the leader in biologics despite choosing to have their headquarters in the middle of nowhere: Strawberry, Kentucky.  I have three new biologic drug products to bring to market in the coming months and if we work around the clock, the company will make more money then we can spend in a lifetime.  It is these leadership qualities they wanted when they hired me.  No one can drive a pharma company like me.

It was a hard sell to my wife and son, but eventually, they saw the benefits of living over an hour’s drive from the nearest school or town center.  I am so excited they are moving into our new home tomorrow.  I can hardly stay away even though I relocated to Strawberry Kentucky alone months ago.  Gifting my wife a giant plantation home with acres of gardens was a stroke of genius on my part.  No more sensory overload from her job at the garden center.  She can manage her sensory processing disorder in isolation.  I assume it is what she wants but our truce right now is shaky at best.  It is my hope that a new town and a fresh start will bring us back from the brink of divorce.

Perhaps she will be happier with no more meetings with the principal about our son’s disciplinary problems.  He will be homeschooled by her.  I am grateful to Brad and the Board of Directors of Bergan Pharma for their generous signing bonus, so I could make this happen, including my new BMW.  They simply made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.  If only I had known the unwritten job duties and how they would turn my world upside-down, when I signed on.  How did I score such a deal?  I explain it on my drive home through the hills of Kentucky in Strawberry Shifters Book 1: Bear with Me:

“It had been an early Christmas present when the head-hunter called me about Bergan Pharma. They needed someone to get their products approved by the FDA, which is my specialty. You could say I possess a certain set of skills coveted by the industry, but less James Bond and more Bob Cratchit. Up until that call, I hopped from one slave driver to the next. Every company promised innovations but really, they were all the same.

First, a trust-fund kid parties through undergrad who uses a nerdy “friend” to barely slide through with a degree in something dumb like underwater basket weaving. Next, they build a start-up pharma company and the nerdy friend drives a group of employees into the ground for the success of “their” invention. Finally, the partners have a happily ever after of saving a little slice of the world while making the big bucks.

They marry and have kids to start the cycle over. It’s my job to make all the bar napkins, lab books, scrap paper musings, and alcohol-fueled business models into a cohesive professional package. Sometimes I am assigned a minion to help me, like a blue-haired neighbor or barely legal “friend” of the boss to manage the dozen boulder-sized binders.

I have over forty New Drug Applications— miracle-working piles of binders otherwise known as NDAs—somewhere in the FDA pipeline. They have been filed with five different companies. My name is all over their site as a name for inquiries only, never profit share. My bosses have always obliged with a signature for that part.”

My wife asked that I learn to listen to her in our months apart.  When she arrives in Strawberry tomorrow, she will see I’m a changed man.  No more struggling to get by, no more putting work before her, and no more tuning her out.  I have it all: the dream job, the flashy car, the plantation home, and a fresh start for my family.  What could possibly go wrong?  Follow my family on their adventure in the wilds of rural Kentucky in Strawberry Shifters Book 1: Bear with Me.

Best regards,

Grant Luther

Amazon Buy Link:    Amazon

Author Bio:

Marilyn Barr currently resides in the wilds of Kentucky with her husband, son, and rescue cats. When engaging with the real world, she is collecting characters, empty coffee cups, and unused homeschool curricula.

She has a diverse background containing experiences as a child prodigy turned medical school reject, biodefense microbiologist, high school science teacher, homeschool mother of a savant, and advocate for the autistic community.

She would love to hear from readers via her website: http://www.marilynbarr.com.

Author Social Media Links:

website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Amazon author profile

Goodreads

BookBub Author Profile

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A Demon’s Witch by Tena Stetler #TWRP

Fellow AHA Author Tena Stetler is sharing about her Paranormal Romance, A Demon’s Witch

 

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Best selling author, Tena Stetler, uses her over-active imagination to spin tales of paranormal romance/suspense and cozy mysteries. Her spicy romances spin the adventures of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. From demons to faeries and witches to vampires her intriguing characters take roads less traveled to draw you into exciting tales that  engage the imagination and warm the heart.

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Tena’s Inspiration for A Demon’s Witch:

A Demon’s Witch was my debut novel and has remained close to my heart. A Demon’s Witch hit the market and garnered best seller status. It earned The Romantic Reviews Readers Choice 2016 Nominee in the paranormal romance category.   I love talking about this story.

The ideas begin to percolate as I sat in a beauty salon listening to the chatter from other customers. One woman swore she’d been approached by a vampire want-to-be.

This got me to thinking, which is scary in and of itself. What if the hairdresser was an alpha male, Demon Overlord of the Western Hemisphere that owned a multi-species salon in Washington DC? Enter a powerful witch, whose beauty caught the eye of the demon on a rainy day when she rushed into his salon. Now, unbeknownst to him, she is not any ordinary witch, but the little sister of the demon’s enforcer. Now you have a romance with unbelievable complications.

The story became a series, but the other planned books in the series took a strange turn when the majority of readers and reviewers clamored for the enforcer, Tristian’s story to be next in line. I’d never considered writing a book on the witch’s brother, the demon’s enforcer. But after mulling it over for several months and publishing three unrelated books,

I am excited to announce A Warlock’s Secrets (Tristian’s story) is awaiting cover art and will be published spring 2017. So please watch for it!

Tena’s contact links:

Website: http://www.tenastetler.com

Blog: http://www.tenastetler.com/my-blog

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author

Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/TenaStetler

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14187532.Tena_Stetler

The Wild Rose Press: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/1264_tena-stetler

Amazon:  www.amazon.com/author/tenastetler

Newsletter: Sign up on web page www.tenastetler.com

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/tenastetler

 

For a chance to win an amazon $5.00 GC or a e-book of A Witch’s Journey please sign up for my newsletter at  http://www.tenastetler.com and Like my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author.

 

I hope you enjoy my blurb and peek into A Demon’s Witch:

Keeping a lid on all the paranormal beings inhabiting Washington D.C., is a daunting job. Bruce, a six hundred year old demon and the Territory Overlord of the Western Hemisphere, keeps his finger on the pulse of DC’s power players through the activities at his highly successful Wycked Hair Salon. His movie star good looks and body builder physique keeps his dance card full and the rumor mills running.  Within these walls, his anonymity is safe, mostly.

Bruce’s world spins out of control when Angelique, a pint size, gorgeous witch, with an attitude breezes through the doors of his salon. She is the younger sister of Tristian, Bruce’s long time trusted enforcer, whose professional skills are second to none. Tristian is furious at the relationship between Bruce and Angelique, a dangerous situation, but something darker threatens them all. Will undeniable attraction between demon and witch tear their worlds apart?

Excerpt:

At two in the morning he awoke feeling her restlessness, listening he heard her soft sobs. He pulled on his black silk lounge pants and grabbed the robe from the foot of his bed. Padding silently in his bare feet down the hall, he paused at her bedroom door just as her anguished scream filled the room. He was at the side of her bed a second later. Gathering her onto his lap, he held her unyielding body to his until her flailing limbs quieted and her troubled violet eyes opened. Cognizant of where she was now and with whom, she flung her arms around his neck and clung tight as shivers racked her slight frame.

Megan came running from the other wing of the house where the staff lived during the week. “Is everything all right?” She peeked inside Angie’s bedroom door.

“Just a nightmare, nothing to worry about. She’s awake now.

“Oh no my Lord,” Megan said in a low frantic whisper.

“Don’t call me that,” he growled, his amber eyes tinged with orange glowed in the dark room.

“Sorry. There’s something dark and dangerous chasing that one.” She nodded in Angie’s direction. “It’s not of this world.”

He lowered his voice and spoke kindly. “Go back to bed, I’ve got this handled.” He paused for a beat exhaling slowly. “For now.”

 

Buy Link: AMAZON  http://amzn.com/1509203087

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Just in Time for Halloween ~ A Demon’s Witch by Tena Stetler ~ From The Wild Rose Press

Please help me welcome Tena Stetler and her new release from The Wild Rose Press ~ A Demon’s Witch

Tena is offering a free ebook copy of A Demon’s Witch. To enter, sign up for her newsletter. You can find the sign up here: www.tenastetler.com

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Blurb –       Keeping a lid on all the paranormal beings inhabiting Washington D.C., is a daunting job. Bruce, a six hundred year old demon and the Territory Overlord of the Western Hemisphere, keeps his finger on the pulse of DC’s power players through the activities at his highly successful Wycked Hair Salon. His movie star good looks and body builder physique keeps his dance card full and the rumor mills running. Within these walls, his anonymity is safe, mostly. 

Bruce’s world spins out of control when Angelique, a pint size, gorgeous witch, with an attitude breezes through the doors of his salon. She is the younger sister of Tristian, Bruce’s long time trusted enforcer, whose professional skills are second to none. Tristian is furious at the relationship between Bruce and Angelique, a dangerous situation. The undeniable attraction between demon and witch promises to tear apart both their professional and personal worlds.

Excerpt: 

Suddenly, he felt the magic aura shirt and switched his attention to the front door. She breezed in, hair like spun gold flowing to her waist, with a seductive yet regal body and a sway to her hips that should be illegal even in DC. She wore a snug rose and cream colored sweater, cut low enough he could see the swells of her rounded breasts, tailored black slacks that fit her cute ass like a glove and four-inch spike heels. She paused in the center of the salon, wet from the sudden spring storm, and lowered the briefcase she’d used as an umbrella. Her sparkling violet eyes glanced up to the mezzanine where Bruce stood watching. Blatantly her gaze wandered over his well-muscled body, undressing him piece by piece, until he felt naked. He shook his head slightly and smoothed his shirt and slacks with his hand, just to make sure he was still wearing them.

And now, let’s get to know Tena…

Where did you get the idea for  A Demon’s Witch?

My hair dresser, Jen, and I were discussing the strange things that happened in a hair salon.  Then my husband and I were talking about the music industry, we’re both former DJ’s. A 1969 summer hit about a male hairdresser came up in conversation and I mused, “What if the hairdresser was an alpha male, Demon Overlord of the Western Hemisphere that owned a salon in Washington DC?”  That’s how A Demon’s Witch was born.

Why did you choose this genre?

Because I think people read to be entertained and escape the real world for just a little while.  I like creating a world with magic and paranormal creatures that will do and use anything to overcome all obstacles for their happily ever after.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

This book was National Novel Writing Contest project.  The title, A Demon’s Witch, came to me in the middle of the night and when I woke up my husband to tell him I’d finally decided on a title, he was less than impressed.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

Getting the characters to do what I want.  Finally, I’ve learned to just tell their story and all is well.

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

Not necessarily the most difficult, but most frustrating. Keeping Willow from stealing the spotlight. She is the heroine, Angie’s best friend.  For some reason, she was a very strong secondary character.  Maybe she wants her own book. LOL I truly enjoyed writing this book and was sad to see it end.  I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

Cleaning House.  I love a clean house, but I hate doing it. It’s a time sink if you ask me.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself? Outgoing What is one word you think others might use to describe you? Headstrong

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone.  Because it is a tale of anything is possible.  First Harry’s journey from mistreated boy to talented wizard and JK Rowling’s journey from rags to riches both bring home the point anything is possible.

What’s your favorite childhood book?

Trixie Beldon – The Red Trailer Mystery.  I had all the Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon Books growing up.  Loved them all.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read A Demon’s Witch?

A feeling that anything is possible with love, family and friends.

What is your favorite quote?

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, WOW what a ride!”

Your favorite…

Movie – Dirty Dancing

Music – Rock and Roll

Place you’ve visited – Monterey Bay Aquarium

Place you’d like to visit – Northeast in the Fall around Halloween.  I absolutely love Halloween.

TV show from childhood – Dark Shadows

TV show from adulthood – Scorpion

Food – Pizza

Sports team – Denver Broncos

Now, I’d like to ask readers…What are you looking for when you pick up a book to read? What makes you decide to buy a certain book?  How does it effect you, if you really enjoy it?

Thank you for joining me, Tena. I also LOVE Halloween. This is the perfect book to kick off the holiday season. Best of luck!

 

tena

Author Bio – Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance author with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance at the age of eleven, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Tena finds stories in the strangest places, while camping, kayaking, or hiking in the mountains. So far, she’s only found one dead body (imagined not real) during a camping trip, turned it into an exciting paranormal romantic suspense that’s nearly complete.

For many years Tena worked as a paralegal for a criminal law firm. You won’t believe the tales she can tell!

Colorado is her home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.  She loves the adventure of a road trip. Together with her husband and their companion animals, they have logged thousands of miles in their RV visiting over 3/4 of the United States.  The great northwest is still on the bucket list.

Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.

Contact Info

http://www.tenastetler.com

https://www.facebook.com/TenaStetlerAuthor
https://www.pinterest.com/tenastetler/
 https://twitter.com/TenaStetler

Buy links for A Demon’s Witch.

Amazon – http://amzn.com/B014BVSZIC

The Wild Rose Press http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1264

 Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-demon-s-witch

 Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-demons-witch-tena-stetler/1122560853?ean=2940151032469

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Hauntings in the Garden – Halloween Romances PLUS a Wild Rose Press Gift Card Giveaway

A new Halloween Series from The Wild Rose Press – Hauntings in the Garden – Fun Facts, Brief Excerpts from Nine Short Stories and a cool giveaway!

 

Lara Parker, The House, Paranormal 

All is not as it seems… 

Fun Fact:

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday even though I do not enjoy horror movies, strange huh? I love fall and dressing up in costumes and jack o’ lanterns…pretty much everything having to do with Halloween. So the idea for this book came pretty naturally and excited me. 

A Brief Snippet: 

A faint sound reached me. It sounded like wind blowing through treetops. I listened closely and heard an almost imperceptible word. Leave. My heart rate increased, and I started to hyperventilate. I felt tingles in my limbs as my hands shook uncontrollably.

 

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Buy Here:

http://www.amazon.com/House-Hauntings-Garden-Lara-Parker-ebook/dp/B00O0EQ6TG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1414270528&sr=8-6&keywords=hauntings+in+the+garden 

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Stacy Dawn with Love her Like the Devil, a contemporary western romance

Kick up your heels in the local honky tonk for Halloween…but beware the devil in red cowboy boots…

Fun Fact:

The idea for the story actually came to me from an old country/western song by Charlie Pride–“Kiss an Angel Good Morning”….the lyrics being “Kiss an angel good morning and love her like the devil when you get back home.”    My father had taught himself to play the guitar over the last couple years,  and during a camping trip this past summer, he played a lot of older country songs that I remembered from my childhood, which is why the song must have just popped in my head one day.  Once I had the phrase in my head, it all just unfolded like *snap*

Brief Snippet: 

He adjusted his Stetson and sidled up to the bar, tossing a leg over the stool next to the buxom beauty. A heady breeze of cheap perfume plumed around him as she turned and graced him with a perfectly wicked smile. 

Looks like my lucky nigh— 

“I wouldn’t if I were you.” 

Luke glanced over his shoulder to find a pair of deep brown eyes laughing at him beneath a smooth raised brow. 

“You’re the sixth guy she’s hit on since I’ve been sitting here.” 

He frowned and turned back to the blonde he’d had his sights on…except her sights were now on a Captain Jack Sparrow wannabe. 

“Thanks a lot,” he grumbled, swiveling to face the bar. 

“You’re very welcome.”

 

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Buy Here: 

The Wild Rose Press: 

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_141&products_id=5841

Amazon: 

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Like-Devil-Hauntings-Garden-ebook/dp/B00NP305KE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1414270528&sr=8-7&keywords=hauntings+in+the+garden

Find Stacy Dawn here:   www.stacydawn.com   www.stacydawn.blogspot.com

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Eliza March with Witch’s Tattoo, a paranormal romance 

Pride or power, lust or love, life or death.

A young witch must find her soul mate and unite with him in order to defeat the dark forces gathering around her.

Fun Fact: 

While I was attending a workshop with WRP Publisher, Rhonda Penders, she mentioned needing a few Halloween short stories, I came up with Witch’s Tattoo and pitched the concept off the top of my head, growing more enthusiastic as I spoke. Thankfully, she liked the idea, too.

A Brief Snippet: 

The skirt she wore barely covered her sexy ass—like a black leather napkin filled with wicked delights. Damn, the witch looked hot enough to melt ice-forged steel. He tortured himself with the image of her wearing just the pendant and the boots—thigh high, black leather cut in lacy patterns, exposing her creamy skin…

The tips of her long black hair brushed her narrow waist the way it had the night he watched her in the scrying mirror. His fingers twitched with the desire to trace her plunging neckline. A neckline that bared her deep cleavage and the pendant.
Skincare concept: back of beautiful nude woman with soft skin
Buy Here: 

The Wild Rose Press  http://tinyurl.com/m26vzcv

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Tattoo-Hauntings-Garden-Eliza-ebook/dp/B00NQMV4JK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/witchs-tattoo-eliza-march/1120533213?ean=2940150407206
Find Eliza here:

WEBBlogAmazonNookTWRPFacebook • TwitterGoodreads

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Release date: Oct 27 

Cecilia Farrell with Crimson Summer, a Paranormal romance 

Keeping secrets is as dangerous as finding them out. 

Fun Fact: 

In “Crimson Summer”, heroine Ranalt Fitzgerald notes that her name is unusual. While doing research on my own family name of Farrell, I found “Ranalt, daughter of Awley O’Farrell, King of Conmacne, who married Hugh O’Connor, the last king of Connacht.” The 12th century Ranalt and Hugh came to unhappy ends. He was betrayed and murdered; she drowned—accidentally or not—in her bathtub. When I was hunting for an Irish name for my protagonist that was a little different, I remembered “Ranalt”.  Ranalt’s sister Lacey is named after the main character of “Beatrice Lacey” from  one of my favourite novels – Wideacre – by Philippa Gregory. “Colin” is a nod to a favourite actor: Colin Farrell. The only other name of significance is ”Joe”, Ranalt and Lacey’s father. He’s named for one of my brothers because the real Joe thinks paranormal stories and shows are “idiotic”. But he likes those movies about Chucky the homicidal doll so go figure! 

A Brief Snippet: 

“Ranalt, did you not close the front door when you came in?” my mother asked.

“Of course I did.”

She paled and the blood drained out of my face too.

“Junie,” I breathed and ran to the verandah, praying she hadn’t gone far.

She stood on the top step, her back to me. The moonbeams bleached her cornsilk hair and aquamarine nightshirt, giving her a ghostly look.

“Junie, it’s me,” I called softly, not wanting to scare her. Then I saw what held her attention and my heart nearly stopped. It was a big black wolf, sitting on its haunches. In the moonlight the animal looked like a sculpture of antiqued silver.

Juniper glanced over her shoulder at me. “Hi Ranalt. I saw him from the window. That’s the doggie who came to my house last night. Isn’t he beautiful? Do you think he’s hungry?”

 

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Buy Here: 

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Summer-Hauntings-Cecilia-Farrell-ebook/dp/B00O0FVN9S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1413970012&sr=1-1 

The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5862

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Release date October 27th

Dayana Knight with Witch Familiar, Paranormal romance 

Breanna McShae finds more in her newly acquired familiar then extra storage for her recently attained powers. She has discovered an unexpected addition to her very soul–something she will do anything to keep close to her heart.

Fun Fact: 

This book came to be in a dare to myself–to write on demand. I never thought I could do that. I always stayed away from Nano writing and any sort of write-on-demand projects.  This time I figured I am gonna toss the negative to the wind. With three little words in my mind (witch, wolf and raven) this story was born.

A Brief Snippet

“Sooo…” Brea looked everywhere but at Nadyia. She played with a small besom display on the counter. “Who was the guy? I haven’t seen him around before, though you seem to know him well enough, so I figure he must live around here somewhere.” She gave Nadyia a shy half smile. 

Nadyia returned the smile. “That, my dear, is Hunter Colhen. He lives off Dante’s Ridge, north of your place. He’s got a cabin out there—one of those modern rustic places.” She completed packaging Brea’s purchases and totaled the transaction.  “That’s $56.96 today, dearie.” She accepted the cash and grinned a devilish little smile. “If I weren’t so ancient… But, of course, I tease. I think of him as a grandson and somehow think he reciprocates the sentiment. He is a solitary sort, keeps mostly to himself.” 

Brea bent closer and said in a conspiratorial whisper, “Well, the dude is totally hot. So you, my friend, have very good taste in adopted grandchildren.”
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Buy Here:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Hauntings-Garden-Dayana-Knight-ebook/dp/B00O14EMWI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1414272442&sr=8-6&keywords=witch+familiar

Find Dayana Here: 

dayanaknight@blogspot.com

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Linda Carroll-Bradd, with Unlocked Treasure, contemporary romance 

Will a prophecy keep a lonely woman from accepting the promise of adventure?

Fun Fact:

The heroine has started the genealogy of the maternal side of her heritage because family stories hinted toward witches and special abilities. Genealogy turns out to be a shared interest with the hero whose study of his ancestors has proved a link to a pirate who grew up on nearby Block Island, which was a pirate stronghold in the late 1690s and early 1700s. In the Newport-Providence area, caches of pirate booty have been discovered throughout the years.

Brief Snippet:

“Aleen—hey, that’s pretty, like the direction alee.”

Her own smile dimmed. Like I’ve never heard that before. “Thanks.” This guy was not charming his way around the rules. “Sorry, but you’ll need to come back when the gardens are open for visitors. That’s Wednesdays through—”

“Yeah, I read the sign.” He gave a dismissive wave then turned to gaze back at the main house. “But I just needed five minutes to check out some dimensions and the lot layout.”

“So, you woke up this morning and just decided to start out your week by trespassing?”

 

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Buy Here: 

The Wild Rose Press

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_143&products_id=5855

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Unlocked-Treasure-Hauntings-Garden-Carroll-Bradd-ebook/dp/B00O0EQ754/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1413922816&sr=1-1&keywords=unlocked+treasure 

Barnes & Noble  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unlocked-treasure-linda-carroll-bradd/1120577500?ean=2940150749191

Find Linda Here: 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Carroll-Bradd-author/440814942635289

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/lcarrollbradd

Blog: http://blog.lindacarroll-bradd.com

Website: www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1806413.Linda_Carroll_Bradd

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Anne Knol, with ShriekWeek, a cozy mystery

It’s hard to fit in when you’re suspected of murder. It’s even harder to lay past ghosts to rest.

Fun Fact: 

The Isle of Wight is said to be one of the most haunted counties in England. Ghost stories and ghost walks lie around every corner. So it is a tailor-made Halloween setting for the fictional Creektown and its characters. The heroine of the novella, Maggie Ballater, takes her surname from a town situated near Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. 

The original plot idea came from the report of a car accident in the local paper which stuck in my head far longer than it should have and would not go away. I applied the magic “what if” formula, and the story gradually emerged. 

The characters added themselves and their relationships developed in unexpected ways. They all have stories to tell in the future novellas which will make up the Creektown Chronicles. 

I’ve wanted to be an author for as long as I can remember. It’s taken fifty years to get there so I’m not giving up now. Follow your dream. I recommend it.

A Brief Snippet 

She felt rather than saw someone watching her.

Breath caught in her throat, but there was nothing to be frightened of. Bram leant propped on the door jamb, his right ankle crossed slackly over the left.

“Sorry I’m late finishing.” She hated how teenage she sounded. “Are you waiting to set up class in here?”

“Just came to see you.” He wandered in, picked up worksheets and laid them down again, stopped at the dominoes and started matching the words to the pictures.

She had to apologize. She had rehearsed what she was going to say often enough. She cleared her throat, suddenly thick with nerves. “I wanted to say sorry about last night. I didn’t mean—”

He waved a hand dismissively. “No worries. Forgotten.” But his eyes when she looked were shuttered and told a different story.

 

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Buy Here:

TWRP

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5848 

Amazon. com

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/188-8389611-4373629?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Shriekweek

Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ShriekWeek-Hauntings-Garden-Anne-Knol-ebook/dp/B00NU7GW9S/ref=sr_1_1/276-2681324-8371863?ie=UTF8&qid=1413925069&sr=8-1&keywords=ShriekWeek 

B&N

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shriekweek-anne-knol/1120533323?ean=2940150407213

Find Anne Here: 

Twitter @AnneKnol1 

FB https://www.facebook.com/anne.duguid1 

blog

http:www.slowandsteadywriters.blogspot.com 

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Veronica Lynch with Caper Magic, a paranormal romance

This attraction: Complete madness or—sheer magic?

Fun Fact:

Interesting tidbit about the heroine Annunciata [Nunie] Doyle: Known as the Black Mamba because of the 4 [four] men she married, then buried shortly after the “I-do’s”, was raised in one of the Magdalene laundries [made infamous by the movie, starring Dame Judi Dench, based on a true story, “Philomena”].  

After her parents were murdered in an IRA bombing of a Belfast pub which served Catholic patrons, Nunie was sent to a convent school in Tuam Ireland. This same place recently made the news after the remains of more than 100 young women and infants and small children were discovered in a common grave. The causes of death varied, some of which likely occurred during childbirth as the pain and torture of labor and delivery was considered the girls’ penance for lifting their skirts outside the banns of marriage. Never occurred to some of those demons in black that some of the girls might have been raped or abused by family members. Must be incest does not occur inside the Emerald Isle. Must be no one ever read Angela’s Ashes. 

Nunie, as well as the real life Philomena, have forgiven the sisters for their abusive treatment and neglect. As a [lapsed] Catholic woman of a certain age, I find their generosity completely amazing.  

But, as we say in the game, what goes around comes around. Those penguins will get theirs eventually. 

 

A Brief Snippet:

         Five years had evoked more than a few changes in Annunciata Doyle. Much thinner, he noted, but as far as he was concerned she’d always been a bit on the hippy side. Back then her weight was something she’d thrown around with ease—or when the mood suited. When it came to cops, it suited her often. The hair was another matter. Who knew when she freed the ruthlessly tight bun she’d always sported, her hair would fall past her waist in a curtain of black velvet curls?

          In the costume of a Witchy Poo—and wasn’t that appropriate considering what she’d done to several of his fellow officers—her current manner of dress was looser, certainly more feminine than the severe straight-jacket type suits she wore back when reporters hung on her every word and judges clamored for her to speak as an expert during the sentencing portion of criminal trials. Counselors and advocates proclaimed her the  patron saint of victims and survivors. 

          Which, in his opinion, was complete bullshit. 

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Buy Here:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Caper-Magic-Hauntings-Garden-Veronica-ebook/dp/B00O0FVUDC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1414274930&sr=8-8&keywords=hauntings+in+the+garden

Find Veronica Here:

VLynchAuthor@yahoo.com

blog: www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com

 

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Alicia Dean with Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost, a paranormal romance 

He just thought nothing was more frightening than marriage 

Fun Fact: 

I’ve written a few paranormal stories, but this was my first ghost story. My original idea was that the hero’s mother would come back to haunt the heroine and try to drive them apart. That idea didn’t seem to come together very well, so it occurred to me that maybe the heroine’s husband should come back from the dead, with the intention of stopping her from hooking up with another guy, but inadvertently pushing her and the hero together. Thus, Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost was born. 

A Brief Snippet: 

“Emily!” Pennywise the psycho clown—aka Bob Ferrell—rushed up to her. “Have you seen Megan? She’s not here and now, Destiny is saying she’ll be Michael’s victim instead of mine. I need a victim, asap.”

Emily rolled her eyes. No doubt the curvy, young blonde would love to trade out horror monsters—Michael aka Caster had it all over Pennywise aka Bob. “Destiny will be your victim, just like we rehearsed, if she wants to be a part of this at all.” Destiny was a switchboard operator at the hospital who was bucking for a promotion, so she’d likely do whatever the administrative assistant asked of her. “I’ll call Megan, and if she doesn’t show—”

“Then maybe you can be my victim?”

Emily turned at the sound of Caster’s voice. He wore the Michael Myers jumpsuit, but was holding the creepy mask beneath his arm, making it look even creepier.

 

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Buy Here: 

Kindle: 

http://www.amazon.com/Casters-Unfriendly-Ghost-Hauntings-Garden-ebook/dp/B00NQMV4NQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412516933&sr=8-1&keywords=caster%27s+unfriendly+ghost

Nook: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casters-unfriendly-ghost-alicia-dean/1120455662?ean=2940150463943

Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_177_139&products_id=5840

Find out how to Enter to Win a $25.00 Wild Rose Press Gift Certificate by clicking this link:

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Eliza March

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