Once Upon a Halloween...

As part of the WEP Blogfest, I'm sharing a Halloween-themed short story today. This story features Zane, Kev and Elise from MY ZOMBIE DOG in an all new tale:

Once Upon a Halloween

I lean in, the torch illuminating my solemn expression. Outside the wind howls and our tent rustles. It’s the perfect backdrop for my Halloween story. 'Once upon a time—'

   Elise exhales a dramatic sigh and makes a show of dropping her shoulders.

   'Something wrong Elise?'

   'S-boring Zane. Don like 'pon time stories.'

   'Yeahsh,' Kev agrees through cheekfulls of marshmallow. 

   My turn to sigh. 'Fine. A long time ago, in a faraway town—'

  'Uhhhghhh.' They complain in unison. A marshmallow bounces off my forehead.

   I point the torch at my little sister. 'Do you want to tell the story?'

   Elise shrugs. 'Spose to be scary.'

   Kev scrambles up from his sleeping bag. 'Zanie boy here doesn’t like scary stories—do you Zane?'

   Elise giggles.

   'He gets so scared he needs to leave all the lights in the house on when he sleeps.'

   This is totally unfair of my so-called buddy. It was one sleepless night, I’m really not that easily scared. The torch light dims and we are thrust into a moment of darkness. I shake the torch until finally the light flickers back on. Phew.

   'Wan a story with a sseep.'

   'A scary story with a sheep?' I ask.

   'Yeah, and a turtle.' Thanks Kev.

   'How is a sheep and a turtle scary?'

   'Zaaane.' Elise’s bottom lip pokes out.

   'Okay… One dark and stormy night a sheep and a turtle set out to cross through forbidden tunnel—'

   'Why would a sheep and turtle want to go through a tunnel?' Kev asks.

   'Because… they were meeting with a duck at the fountain in town. So anyway, they set toward the forbidden tunnel and the turtle says—'

   'Why’s it forbidden?'

   'Because there were rumours that a scary monster lived under it.' Pretty proud of that one, made it up on the spot.

   'Eh, that’s alright, but it’d be better if one year ago to the day a horrible, horrible murder took place right in the middle of that very tunnel.' Kev snatches the light and flashes it on his face. His ginger eyebrows are casting fuzzy shadows on his forehead and it’s creeping me out.

   I cough and nod my head toward Elise.

   'Wan’ scary hobbible murder story!' She squeals. 

   Great. She’ll probably have nightmares.

   'Ohh, I don’t know Elise,' Kev says, 'Zane might get too scared!' 

   Elise giggles.

   'Will not! I’m fine!'

  'You sure Dude? Remember what happened last time we went camping?'

   'That was ages ago, and besides, I told you, I just had too much orange juice.'

   'All right then… so the sheep and turtle approach the tunnel and the turtle’s saying how it was exactly midnight that the last animals were slaughtered in this very tunnel one year ago. The sheep looks at his watch—'

   'Hey!' I protest, but Elise shushes me and turns attentively back to Kev’s illuminated face. I try not to look at his dancing eyebrows. 

   'The sheep looks at his watch and says, Hey it’s almost midnight now. Well sheep are pretty stupid because they continue on into the tunnel, which is very, very dark. Halfway through they stop and the sheep asks: did you hear that? They listen and there’s a scraping noise along the wall. It sounds just like a sharp knife being dragged along the stones. Scrape… scraaaape… scraaaape…'

   I grab Elise’s arm. You know, just to make sure she’s okay. We both lean in close.

   'They try to run to reach the exit of the tunnel where they can see a slither of moonlight, but ahead of them comes that same scraaaape…. scraaaape… and they see…' Kev’s voice trails off into a whisper.

   I bite my lip and lean in closer.

   'What? What do they see?'

   Kev leans in too, so we’re all really close and he whispers, 'They see a shadow, it becomes clearer in the moonlight … and that’s when they notice its face…'

   Friday the 13^th stabbing music blasts from Kev’s phone.

   'Eeeek!' I squeal, I mean, I think it was Elise who squealed.

   'Zane scared!' Elise giggles.

   Kev speaks into the phone, 'Yep … no probs … I’ll ask.'

   'Dude,' he nods to me, 'it’s your mum, she wants to know if we want hot chocolate?'

   I look out the flap of the tent and see mum waving from the kitchen window. Sure. Hot chocolate would be good, may as well have it inside, no point in making her bring it all the way out here. I very calmly agree and slowly make my way up to the house.

   'Hey!' Kev calls after me, 'You don’t need to run!'

Find more spooky stories, or join the blogfest at:

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Join the Spooky Blogfest for Halloween!

Denise Covey is hosting a fun Halloween blogfest. We might not be big on the actual trick or treating here in Australia, but we do like our spooky stories!

Want to write something spooky for Halloween? Pop on over to Denise's site: 

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com.au/

 to join up.  You could write a story... or a haiku!

On my new site for kids and teens, I show how to write a spooky haiku - you can check it out at:

iTeenWrite

I'll be sharing a story here on October 30, and I look forward to reading a few spooky tales!

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Why You Need a Writing Hero

Lately I've been reading a lot of guides on business success. One thing I've noticed every good marketing, sales, or business success book includes is this key piece of advice:

Find a mentor, someone who already does what you want to do. Model your actions and attitude on that successful example.

In other words, have a hero.

I have several heroes for various aspects of my life, but today I'll stick with writing. I admire many, but my hero would be:

 Ray Bradbury

... because he gets it done.

This blog hop is hosted by Joy Campbell and celebrates the release of Saving Sam. Check it out on Amazon today!

Who is your hero?

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Yolanda Renée's New Murderous Novel - and, sharing intimate words with her lead sleuth...

Today, as a celebration for Yolanda Renée's new release, Memories of Murder, I sit down and get all cosy with the charismatic sleuth, Detective Quaid, and leave with a bit of a crush...

An Interview with Hawk

Emma, the housekeeper, ushered me into the great room and wow, what an understatement, more like a magnificent room. A huge stone fireplace warmed the space, and the huge windows provided amazing views of the valley to Anchorage. The furnishings were obviously antiques, but the room was comfortable and the amount of art was breathtaking. 

Emma poured me a cup of coffee, and offered me a plate of cookies. I waved them off because Detective Quaid joined us. He shook my hand, and sat down opposite me in a wingback chair near the fire.

Quaid: I'm sorry, but I only have a few minutes, please proceed. 

He did not settle back but sat up straight, his hands on his knees. I sensed he was sizing me up. He looked so serious, not tense, but rushed, almost worried. I considered the bad press he'd had recently and understood his reluctance to talk.

Charmaine: Thank you for agreeing to see me, I understand you're a wealthy man, why did you choose to be a detective?

He seemed surprised by the question. 

Quaid: Money has nothing to do with it. I owe society my best skills, we all do. I believe that a job any job, well done, is a service to the spirit. 

Then he shrugged.

Quaid: I find the work challenging, and rewarding.

Charmaine: I understand the Raven is an important symbol of the Tlingit tribe and that you're from the Eagle Clan, but your nickname is Hawk. How did that happen?

He almost smiled.

Quaid: A nickname by coworkers, it holds no bearing on the spirit or my place in Tlingit Culture.

Charmaine: Can you share a secret with us that wasn't revealed in the book?

Quaid: I have no secrets. Secrets are destructive in the wrong hands.

A fluster of activity interrupts our session, as Sarah arrives and is immediately at Steven's side. 

Sarah: "I'm sorry, John was running late, forgive me. His arm went around her waist. He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. He whispered something in her ear. 

She smiled, and kissed his cheek.

He grinned. How handsome he was when he smiled. Not that he wasn't before, but wow, to have a man look at me like that, swooning would come back into vogue. 

She finally acknowledged me.

Sarah: I don't mean to interrupt. 

I stepped forward to shake her hand, but those two only had eyes for the other.

Charmaine: It's lovely to meet you. Why don't you join us?

Sarah: Oh, no. I'm really running behind, please excuse me. I am sorry for the interruption.

Steven walked her to the staircase, and watched as she ascended. I saw a changed man when he sat down. More relaxed, he couldn't wipe the smile from his face. I understood his earlier distraction.

Charmaine: What do you notice about a person first?

Quaid: Eyes, smile, ear lobes.

I knew he was thinking of Sarah.

Charmaine: What do people notice first about you?

Quaid: Most likely my race, but I hope the badge. 

I disagreed, the first thing I noticed was his ice blue eyes, his long dark hair, and muscular build, but I kept my observance to myself.

Charmaine: What's the most important thing in your life? What do you value most?

Quaid: Sarah.

Charmaine: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Quaid: Family.

Charmaine: What is your biggest fear? Who have you shared this with? Who would you never tell this to? Why?

Quaid: Losing Sarah.  

His smile disappeared. 

Charmaine: I understand you're engaged. Will it be a formal wedding? He grinned again, and looked upstairs to where Sarah had disappeared.

Quaid: We haven't decided."

Charmaine:  Well, congratulations. Can I ask a more serious question?

He nodded.

Charmaine: What is the one strong memory that has stuck with you since childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?"

His smile disappeared. He stood and walked to the windows. I followed; he turned to look at me. 

Quaid: I was fourteen when I found my uncle. He'd been murdered. It's an unsolved case, and very personal.

Charmaine: I'm sorry for your loss. Are you working the case?

Quaid: Always.

Charmaine: Which living person do you most despise? I was told Scott Chase is a rival.

Steven's entire body tensed. His jaw clenched. He looked at his watch, then me.

Quaid: I'm sorry, it's late. We have a dinner engagement. Thank you for your patience.

He shook my hand and then took the stairs two at a time. He disappeared behind the same door Sarah had.

I was speechless. 

Emma hurried over. She looked at me and shook her head.

Charmaine: What? What did I do, what did I say?

She pretended to zip her lips closed. She wasn't talking.

Charmaine: Off the record. Do you know what I had to do to get this interview, how far I've travelled? Tell me, what just happened?

Emma: Off the record?

I nod.

Emma: You mentioned Chase.

I was stunned. 

Charmaine: He's jealous of an ex-boyfriend?

Emma nodded.

Charmaine: I see. How does Sarah feel about that?

Emma once again sealed her lips. The interview was officially over, and she walked me to the door.

Detective Steven Quaid, is a talented sleuth, but so in love with Sarah that even the mention of Chase's name rises his ire.

What do you think, is jealously a good thing, or a troublesome thing? What traits would you or have you overlooked for love?

***** *** *****

Memories of Murder

Yolanda Renèe

Decades ago, the seeds were planted …

Today, dark, fathomless eyes rake the image before him. One final task and the transformation is complete. Steady fingers screw intricately carved horns on each side of a stiff brow, and a gargoyle suitable for Notre Dame scowls from the smokey mirror in satisfaction. 

A jagged smile rips through his smooth, hairless face, and inked, reptilian scales caress his naked body. 

A laugh of hideous resonance emanates from his gut as the demons of hell welcome Lucifer into their fold.

In a dungeon-like chamber, his Lilith awaits. The kidnapped daughter of a nun, groomed to fit the final piece in the complex puzzle for world domination. Will Lucifer marry his bride, on the summer solstice? 

Only two things stand in his way ...

His greed ...

And ...

Detective Steven Quaid. 

***** *** *****

~ Memories of Murder ~

&

~ Murder, Madness & Love ~

available at 

Amazon ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~

***** *** *****

Yolanda Renée:

An adventurous spirit took Yolanda Renée to Alaska where she hiked the Brooks Range, traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and learned to sleep under the midnight sun.

She claims her vivid imagination as a blessing, a habit, a hobby, a calling and sometimes a curse.

Renée now resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier, Patches.

You can find Renée here: 

~ Defending The Pen ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~

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Paul Collins on writing, Ford Street Publishing and pursuing dreams...

Today I have a guest on dream... write... publish! Paul Collins, from Ford St Publishing has released a new book and shares with us the journey (there's a few good tips for us packed in here too).

First, a little about Paul...

Paul Collins has written over 140 books and 140 short stories. He is best known for The Quentaris Chronicles (The Spell of Undoing is Book #1 in the new series), which he co-edits with Michael Pryor, The Jelindel Chronicles, The Earthborn Wars and The World of Grrym trilogy in collaboration with Danny Willis. Paul’s latest book is The Only Game in the Galaxy, book three in The Maximus Black Files. 

Paul has been short-listed for many awards and won the Aurealis, William Atheling and the inaugural Peter McNamara awards. He recently received the A Bertram Chandler Award for lifetime achievement in Australian science fiction. He has had two Notable Books in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards.

He has black belts in both ju jitsu and taekwondo – this experience can be seen in The Jelindel Chronicles and The Maximus Black Files.

Visit Paul’s websites: 

www.fordstreetpublishing.com

www.paulcollins.com.au

www.quentaris.com

The Beckoning...

The Beckoning is Paul’s first adult novel. Check out the trailer:

Here Paul tells us something of the background behind his latest books, both out this month.

Matt Brannigan is a lawyer living on the edge. His daughter Briony is psychic and trouble shadows his family wherever they go.

Cult guru Brother Desmond knows that the power within Briony is the remaining key he needs to enter the next dimension. Once he controls this, he will have access to all that is presently denied him.

When Briony is indoctrinated into the Zarathustrans, Matt and psychic Clarissa Pike enter the cult’s headquarters under the cover of night to rescue her. 

So begins Armageddon . . .

When I give workshops or talks in schools I inevitably get asked by students (and a few teachers) for tips on writing. My best tip is persistence. I’ve heard of authors who get a few rejections and place their manuscripts in a bottom drawer or even throw them in the rubbish. Remember, numerous famous books received rejections before they were finally published. I’ll always remember Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. He committed suicide because everyone rejected it. His mother persisted with the book, and when it was finally published, it won a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Following my own advice I persevered for over thirty years with a book called The Beckoning. Initially it was Wind Chill, then Evil Intent, and no matter how many name changes and revisions, it failed to sell. It was typed on a counter in a St Kilda second-hand bookshop in the early 80s. Over the years it’s been digitalised, stored on 3.5 floppies/discs, CDs, zip drives, USB sticks and no doubt a few storage devices I’ve long since forgotten. 

Damnation Books recently opened up for submissions. I thought, what the heck. I sent them three chapters as per the guidelines. Within two days they asked for the rest. Within two weeks they’d accepted it. Within five months it was published. My, how times have changed. It used to take up to 18 months to get a book into print.

So now it’s available in both ebook and print at Amazon.

The Only Game in the Galaxy... 

In a galaxy of cutthroat companies, shadowy clans and a million agendas, spy agency RIM barely wields enough control to keep order. Maximus Black is RIM’s star cadet.

But he has a problem. One of RIM’s best agents, Anneke Longshadow, knows there’s a mole in the organisation. And Maximus has a lot to hide.

As luck would have it, another book of mine came out this month, too. The Only Game in the Galaxy is the third book in The Maximus Black Files trilogy. This is another tale of persistence. The first drafts were written many years ago. Ford Street published the first book, Mole Hunt, in 2011. It was a success, especially for a small press. Dyson’s Drop followed in 2012. So now The Only Game in the Galaxy is available at Amazon and at “any good bookshop” but also at Ford St Publishing (with PayPal): http://tinyurl.com/ojxxjz8.

I love anti-heroes – think Modesty Blaise and Artemus Fowl. They’re bad, really, in as much they’re up to illegal activities. But I always feel as though they’re Robin Hood characters in that they steal from the rich and give to the poor. Maximus Black is pure evil. He’s all out for himself and woe betide anyone who gets in his way.

However, here’s the odd thing. So many people have told me they were rooting for Maximus! The reason I believe major publishers rejected The Maximus Black Files is because the lead character has no redeeming features. But in a survey ran by ROR, questioning readers whether characters needed redeeming features, not one respondent thought they did. This flies in the face of everything publishers/gatekeepers believe.

Maximus does have a nemesis in Anneke Longshadow, but all the fan mail is directed at Max. Ah well. So much for my creating a unique character who everyone will loathe . . .

Wow. Thanks Paul for the insider's view of the publishing world!

I think the best lesson members of the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG) can take from Paul's post is to NEVER give up. Every manuscript has a different journey to travel and some may take longer than others to reach readers. Stay positive and keep writing!

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