Interview - Co-Vid 2020 by Mike Scantlebury #CrimeFiction #MysteryThriller

Hi, Mike. Please tell us your one line pitch or teaser for this new book. How are you trying to grab a reader’s attention with one line?

The line is: “It’s the biggest buried treasure in the North of England. Who wants it?”

That tells you a lot. It tells you the location, (Northern England), and it tells you the challenge: everyone is trying to find a ‘Buried Treasure’. That tells you the story is - at the very least - Action Adventure, with maybe some Crime Fiction, and maybe it’s a Thriller or maybe it’s a Mystery as well. It also sets a conundrum: why on Earth is the book called ‘Co-vid 2020’? How could a worldwide pandemic fit into such a Treasure Hunt? (Even stranger, where did Co-Vid19 go? Has it been superseded?)

Please tell readers a little about your main character or characters.

This is Book 21 in a series called ‘Amelia Hartliss Mysteries’. Amelia, or Melia to her friends, is also nick-named ‘Heartless’ - to friends and foes alike. She is a feisty young woman, tall, attractive, with long, auburn hair and a nice line in leather jacket and boots, tight sweaters and a confident manner. She is (mostly) single, but has an on-off relationship with a big man called Mickey, (who has his own series of adventure novels). Sometimes they work together, sometimes they are apart. For instance, in this new book ‘Co-Vid2020’ Mickey is away and Melia has met a startlingly handsome young man called John while on holiday in Spain, and that is one of the most important strands in this story, starting with him asking her to do him a seemingly innocent favour when she gets back home to Britain.

Melia works for British Security, but is based in the North West of England, far away from the capital, London, which gives her a surprising amount of free rein, especially as she has a reliable team around her, from her boss, Captain Gibson, right down to the computer technician, Terry. (These are some of the regular characters in the novels.) She is based in the North West Regional Office, but that provides its own problems, as they have a spiky relationship with Head Office in London. At the start of ‘Co-vid2020’ London has forced Captain Gibson to retire and has sent in a hopeless younger man, who fails at his very first anti-terrorist operation, causing derision from the regular team. Melia wasn’t there to see it, but it puts her on her guard - will the new boss back her up when things start getting hot, as Captain Gibson reliably did?

Also, as well as the ‘regulars’, I like to re-visit old characters from previous adventures. In ‘Co-Vid2020’, the novel opens with Jan Branch, a grandmother from the 2013 ‘Amelia Hartliss Mystery’ novel ‘The Golden Chip’, which involved a bank heist by local gangster family, the Batters. Members of that family re-appear in this novel. In fact, it is Jimmy Batter’s ‘Treasure’ that everyone is looking for.

Right, Mike. Please tell us where you like to write? Do you have an office or writing nook?

I work from home, so you might expect me to have a nook or den. In fact, since all my books are plot heavy, I spend most of my creative time sitting at the kitchen table, shuffling around small pieces of paper, notes, character studies and locations. Once I have them in a workable order, I can pick up my laptop and start typing - anywhere, including the bedroom, bed, outside in the back garden, or even the shed. The most important part of ‘writing’ for me is actually not the typing - it’s finding plot ideas, conflicts, incidents and cliff-hangers, that come to me anytime and anywhere. Until recently, I had a lively dog, and dog walking sparked off lots of ideas. Since Lock-downs started in 2020, I find it less easy to get out and enjoy the fresh air, but riding buses and trains was always a sure way for me to find plot points. If you’d seen me on a bus, or in a pavement cafe, or simply walking, you’d have noticed me staring off into space. No, not daydreaming, but starting off the whole ‘writing’ process.

What is one of your best marketing tips for other authors? 

I have many short videos on YouTube filled with advice for authors, and one of the best is called, ‘The Answer is Yes’. My point is that aspiring writers keep asking me questions like ‘Do I need a website? A blog? A presence on Social Media?’ and I think the answer to all of those questions is always ‘Yes’. Sure, you need to be everywhere on the internet - just so people can find you.

However, the next video in the training programme is called ‘Curb the social media’. Just because it helps if you’re there on Twitter and Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, I think the suggestion that you need to feed these monsters every day is simply absurd. Just put a Post out there when you have something to say - a new book, a cover, a question. Think of it from the readers’ point of view. They ask you, ‘You’re an author? Are you on Social Media?’ and I think the answer needs to be ‘Yes’, but not ‘Of course. I’m tweeting four times a day.’ They might justifiably ask: ‘So much tweeting. When do you get time to write?’

My tip is this: ‘Marketing is what you do when you’re not writing. Writing is more important.’

Any more advice for aspiring writers?

I recently saw a fitness video on YouTube called ‘Keep the Position’, and I realised that this applies to writing too. The fitness regime involved stretching muscles such as arms and neck, shoulders and legs, stretching, stretching, until it’s uncomfortable (but not painful). Then, the next step is to relax. But before you start doing that, remember the injunction: ‘Keep the position’. Most people start from a slumped position, shoulders rounded and chest caved in, then they stretch their arms and when the instructor says, ‘Relax’, they actually collapse again. No. Keep the position and simply relax the stretched muscles. It’s brilliant. You’re sending a message to your brain that says you can relax in any position, even standing up straight, or with arms out. Then you build ‘muscle memory’, so your body learns how to be bigger and wider, but not uncomfortably.

Now, let’s apply that to writing. I have an example. In a book I wrote some time ago called ‘The Curse of the Bone Key’, I wanted Mickey to meet up with his old friend, the industrialist Charlie Corsh amid the Roman ruins in the middle of Castlefield in downtown Manchester. My vision was that Charlie would then climb into his company’s helicopter, it would take off, then falter, and crash into the River Irwell, killing all on board.

This was a real stretch for me. I’d written a few ‘action’ sequences in my time, but nothing so detailed, or catastrophic. I had to reach for new words, new emotions, new revelations. I built myself up to it, and then - first draft unimpressive - had to ditch it and move on to a series of further attempts to try to make the incident come alive. But then, having stretched, I found that when I relaxed, the new achievement became part of my repertoire. I could do it again, (and I did). There have been many set-pieces since then - and even many helicopters!

So that’s my advice. New writers, keep reaching for the words or descriptions that might flex your muscles. Right now they might seem out of reach, but if you get there, then ‘Keep the Position’, because the next time you need to rise to heights, your ‘writing muscles’ will remember how you got there the time before, and it will be easier. It might seem hard to believe right now, but, believe me, the effort will be worth it. The sense of satisfaction is very rewarding.

Co-Vid 2020

Amelia Hartliss Mysteries

Book Twenty One

Mike Scantlebury

Genre:  Crime Fiction mystery thriller
Publisher: Draft2Digital.com
Date of Publication:  27th August 2020
ISBN:  9781393529453
ASIN:  B08SVPGY8K
Number of pages:  88
Word Count:   26588
Cover Artist:  Mike Ather

Tagline:  “It’s the biggest buried treasure in North West England. Who wants it?”

Book Description:  

Melia is facing yet another change of boss. Somehow the government doesn't seem happy unless they're shaking up British Security Services and making the agents uncomfortable and insecure. Captain Gibson isn't around. Some say he has been sent for 're-education'. Meanwhile, a jumped-up little idiot from London has been sent up north to Salford to show the natives how to do stuff. So far, according to all reports, he has been a miserable failure.

Meanwhile, an older woman from Melia's past, Jan Branch, re-appears after many years away. Jan's mother has died and she is there to clear her old house and tidy up loose ends.

Unfortunately, she is not the same person she was when she left town. Where she lives now, in the East Indies, they call her the 'Gun-running Granny', for that is her new profession. She hadn't planned on staying long back in England, but two things delay her departure. One, there is an Arms Fair in the city and she sees an opportunity to do some deals and make some money. Second, she hears that a successful property developer, Jimmy Batter, has amassed a fortune which he intends to divide amongst his ungrateful family. Unluckily for them, the 'Treasure' is hidden, and although various relatives are falling over themselves to find the money, Jan thinks she has a much better chance than most. After all, she used to be a film-maker, and captured Old Jim on video, back in the day. Those films, made by the group known as 'Co-operative Videographers', maybe provide all the clues necessary to unearth the fortune.

Melia might care, but she has other things to do. After the trauma of the last few months, a holiday in Spain led to a liaison with a young man who wants to save an unfairly imprisoned journalist. Melia is eager to help, and for one reason only - she is in love. She doesn't want anyone to know, but John Lewis has stolen her heart. She would do anything for him, and before long, we find out exactly what that is.

Amazon

Excerpt

Jan Branch stared at this greasy little man. Him? Him? Surely he wasn't capable of murder! Bim Turkay?

"Me," Bim said, just so there was no misunderstanding. "I was offered the job, and I took it. I was handed a pre-prepared file, photos and everything. I am now an assassin. It fits in well. I’m here in Manchester for the Arms Fair, so it’s like killing two birds with one stone."

Jan Branch was dumbfounded. She liked Melia. She couldn't imagine anyone would want her dead. And yet this little weasel had promised to do it –

Then Bim Turkay said something even stranger, confounding her completely.

He said: "I'm sure you're good for ten grand, Jan. You want to chip in to the pot? I'm sure you hate Ms Hartliss as much as the rest of them."

Why? Jan demanded. What on earth would make you think that?

"Well, she did kill your husband."

Jan blanched. That was never proved! she wanted to say.

Of course, she knew nothing for certain. She'd packed her bags and left the country before it happened. She heard - from old neighbours, keeping in touch - that Mark had been accused of murdering someone at the Irwell Arts Centre, down on Salford Quays, opposite the BBC complex. There had been several unexplained deaths, she was told, and Melia had been around at the time, looking into some other mystery.

Completely coincidentally, she had been with him that dark night, up on the roof of the Arts Centre, when he went over the edge and plunged to his death. But, so what - what happened? Was Bim saying he might have been pushed? By Melia?
That sounded completely unbelievable!

Bim went on: "Well, I can't speak for you, of course, but I've been assured that his first wife hates Melia too. Oh, and her God-daughter. They don't have the money to join the Consortium and pay for this job, but they've been told about the plan, and offered their approval, apparently."

Jan couldn't think what to say.

His first wife? She never discussed that bitch!

As for 'hating' Melia - No, she might resent her a little. Melia had been a bit standoffish, over the years. They weren't really 'close friends', but -
Bim had only one more thing to say.

"Look, Jan, I've been honest with you. So, tell me, now you know what my contract is asking me to do, you want to stop me? Do you want to pay me to NOT do it?"
Jan Branch was floundering.

She supposed that if she'd known about this little 'plan' earlier, she might have had a chance to develop some sort of point of view about it, maybe some opinion. But, having it all sprung on her like this - she wasn't really sure what she thought.
The only thing she was certain about was that this latest news only made her despise Bim Turkay more than before.

No, she wouldn't be contributing to the consortium’s fund, purely because of that. She didn't like the man, and wanted distance from him.
But he couldn't let it alone.

"After all," he said, "we both know we've done similar things in the recent past."

She gasped. He was going to bring that up?

He was untrustworthy!

Sure, the Arms business was no ice-cream stall. There had been plenty of threats, rivalries and outright promises of retribution. Sometimes Jan Branch had been forced to act before someone acted against her. But she hadn't killed anyone!

Not directly. Not with her own hands.

"When are you planning - " she started.

"Oh, not immediately," Bim assured her. "I have another 'Mission'. Something personal. A private little obsession of my own to take care of."
Jan noticed, for the first time, that he was holding a plastic carrier bag, down by his side. He lifted it now, and let her peek inside.

It was half-full of hand grenades.

"I need to get down to Irlam," he said. "Time is wasting, and I need to get started."

Jan Branch nodded, no longer surprised by anything the man said.

Except - that would make it 'three birds', she was thinking.

About the Author:

What can you say about Mike Scantlebury -that isn't taught in schools already

Well, he says he was born in absentia (the small town on the Bay of Biscay), beside the dock of the bay, but moved to England when  young, and not yet able to navigate astutely. His family settled in the West Country of England, near a cross cultural crossroads called Temple Cheney, where his father became a map maker and mushroom farmer.

When the borders were changed in the 1980s, and old maps became outdated and invalid, Mike packed a service record and moved to an apartment in the nearby city of Bristol. This is where he first got involved in folking, flaking and faking. Later, he became disenchanted and moved to the other extreme, the North West of England, where he encountered education.

One of the books he read was by Raymond Chandler. It started him off in an exploration of Private Eye fiction, (which he doesn’t do), Police Procedural and cosy mysteries, (which he can’t write), and romances set in exotic parts of the world like Los Angeles. When Mike met the lost angels of Manchester he decide to set his novels around that area, using their stories as a bedrock. His action adventures have never strayed far from the North West of England, but then, what happens there today, happens elsewhere tomorrow, as they have always said.

Website:  http://www.Salford.me

Twitter:  https://Twitter.com/MikeScantlebury

Facebook:  https://www.Facebook.com/mikescantlebury99/

Blog:  http://www.mikescantlebury.blogspot.com/

GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5404567.Mike_Scantlebury

YouTube:

 https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UChNCqTPL_K8u7wGBTGNw-0A/playlists

Grab a Free Copy of Co-Vid 2020 at BookFunnel

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/c3w2ugt8kx

 

Author Interview - Black Moon Rising by Mila Nicks #PNR #ParanormalRomance #AuthorInterview

What’s your one line pitch or teaser for the book? Grab a reader’s attention with one line.

There’s a spooky creature prowling the Mhoon Hotel at night. Can witch Selene and her paranormal investigator boyfriend Aiden solve the case before nightmares become reality?

Tell readers a little about your main character or characters?

Selene Blackstone is my female protagonist. She’s a lunar witch who was once cursed to remain in a small town called Brimrock. Another part of the curse was that she would never find love or happiness. Book two opens with the curse broken and Selene able to travel for the first real time in her life. She and her boyfriend, a paranormal investigator named Aiden O’Hare, are sightseeing before their first case begins. Selene loves books and snacking. She’s a very friendly and engaging person, though she can be a bit shy. She’s still coming into her own in terms of her witchy powers, because her mother (also a witch) raised her to be afraid of them. In book two she slowly starts coming into her own.

Aiden O’Hare is my male protagonist. He’s a sarcastic, practical and prickly paranormal investigator. He met his witch girlfriend Selene when he was in town in Brimrock investigating her grandma. Book two opens with him traveling with Selene and soaking up the time off before their next case begins. Aiden is a huge book lover and tends to lead with his logic, meaning he doesn’t usually believe in the paranormal. He’s not really a people person, though he can be funny using his wit and sarcasm. He tends to be emotionally detached thanks to a cold upbringing, but he’s slowly changing thanks to his relationship with Selene.

Where do you like to write? Do you have an office or writing nook?

I get most of my writing done at home. I have my little writing nook set up in the corner with my desk, laptop, candles, some reference books, comfy chair, and everything else I need in the moment. Sometimes I do get some writing done on the go on my mobile Scrivener app. I’ll be at lunch or out and about and get the urge to jot down a few lines in my phone. 

What is one of your best marketing tips for other authors? 

I would say word of mouth on social media and blogs/youtube/other websites. I’ve discovered it’s important to have a presence on at least one social media platform and promote your work there. If you can generate buzz for your book, it’ll continue to spread and garner attention.

What websites or tools have you found that offer the best results?

I’m a big advocate for bookstagram as well as Netgalley. 

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Whatever you do, keep writing and never give up! Just write writewrite. Even if you don’t think it’s the best thing you’ve ever come up with. There’s always editing. What’s most important is to get something down. You can make it pretty later. Also, this is cliché, but tread lightly reading reviews! They can definitely wreck your spirit. Just remind yourself even the most acclaimed writers receive bad reviews sometimes. Focus on what’s in your control. :)

Black Moon Rising

Paranormal Hunters 

Book Two

Mila Nicks

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Date of Publication: 23 April 2021

ISBN: 

ASIN: B08L8W4YCF

Cover Artist: Red Leaf Book Design

Tagline: Dreams aren’t always so sweet

Book Description:

Philadelphia. Boston. New York City. 

Selene Blackstone is finally getting the chance to explore like she’s always dreamed. Once stuck in her hometown Brimrock, with the curse broken, she’s a free witch. Together in their trusty caravan Ghost, she and her paranormal investigator boyfriend Aiden O’Hare are traveling cross-country filming for their show, Paranormal Hunters. 

Their first case brings them to the colonial town Maresburg, Virginia, where the Mhoon Hotel is said to be one of the most haunted in the country. At the century-old hotel, guests experience nightmares so frightening they’re heart-stopping—literally. Selene and Aiden only have a couple of weeks to figure out if this case is a scammer at work, or if there’s some truth to what they say: dreams do come true. And so do nightmares. 

Amazon

Black Moon Rising Excerpt 1:

“We’re here. Time to get up,” Aiden said, but Selene didn’t budge. He draped her arm over his shoulder and lifted her into his arms, carrying her down the passage leading into the hotel.

The foyer lights were already off except for the desk lamp at the reception counter. He staggered up the stairs, keeping his balance while holding a dozing Selene. He had no clue where her key card was and didn’t have the energy to stop and search. Instead, he fumbled for his own, sliding it into the slot on his door handle. The lock clicked and the door swung open. He delivered Selene to his bed, figuring she would wake up once she realized they were no longer driving.

But she didn’t. Aiden spent the next half hour showering and shaving. He emerged in his glasses, T-shirt, and pajama bottoms and discovered Selene was still deeply asleep. A frown curled itself onto his lips as he debated if he should try waking her again. He lowered himself at her side on the bed and gave her a gentle shake.

“Selene,” he said. His insides knotted with a strange premonition. “Wake up. We’re back at the hotel.”

Selene was the lightest sleeper he knew. It was what made her insomnia that much worse; the slightest noise normally woke her. She needed a perfect temperature and often even the bed itself kept her up if not comfortable enough. She wasn’t someone who fell into a deep hibernation type of sleep.

Her only answer to him was another sleepy moan. She rolled onto her side and snuggled one of the bed pillows. She really was knocked out.

“I didn’t realize she was this tired,” he said, sighing. He unzipped her boots, tugging them off, and then pulled the bed comforter over her.

He dimmed the lights and picked up his book for some bedtime reading. Before he made it to the armchair on the other side of the room, he stopped short. Outside the door there was an unmistakable whispery sound, like the soughing wind.

It only grew louder as he stood still and listened. The low whispering noise transformed into something rougher—something borderline ragged—and then it dawned on him. The sound wasn’t the wind but one of lungs, intaking a breath. Who those lungs belonged to, he hadn’t the faintest clue.

Aiden’s heart started racing and he straightened his shoulders. The sound was going nowhere, hovering outside the door. He had to check it out, investigate what was going on. In two of his long-legged strides, he crossed the room and pressed his eye to the peephole.

The hall was blanketed in darkness. Staring into the peephole was like staring at the inside of your lids. Yet, as Aiden held his eye against the hole, another strange premonition panged in his stomach. Whatever was on the other side of this door was staring back at him. It was peering into the same hole.

Gooseflesh pricked Aiden’s skin and he backed away. The ragged breathing carried on for another few seconds, an ugly sound to Aiden’s ears, before it faded. Farther and farther away it drifted until the sound died out and silence weighed in.

Aiden hurried over to his desk, grabbing the spirit box, the flashlight, and his copy of War and Peace. The spirit box and flashlight were to detect any unusual activity in the area. The thousand-plus page book was to use as a weapon if necessary. He threw a glance over his shoulder at the bed. Selene was still fast asleep, buried under the covers looking cozy and comfortable. He marched to the door and pulled it open.

Shadows ruled the hallway. Aiden stepped over the threshold, shuddering at the arctic cold in the air. He flicked on both the flashlight and spirit box, which crackled to life. Shining the flashlight down the hall, the shadows scuttled away. Nothing was out of the ordinary. The hallway looked as it always did, a stretch of oil portraits on the walls and doily-like area rugs sprinkled throughout.

The spirit box continued to crackle, its green lights weakly blinking. Aiden scanned the hall some more, his brow furrowed. If there wasn’t anything amiss, then was he imagining the sound? Maybe he was more exhausted than he realized…

He was a second away from turning back and heading into the room. The lights on the spirit box flashed bright and the crackling noise intensified. His eyes snapped to what it had picked up on and his gooseflesh only spread across his skin in a cold wave.

Black ink dribbled from the vent in the hall. It trickled down the striped wallpaper in a slow descent. He walked over and shone his flashlight onto the vent. Selene had been right all along. Whatever it was they were dealing with wasn’t human.

 

About the Author:

Mila Nicks is on a mission to pen heartfelt and entertaining love stories featuring women of color. 

When she isn’t writing diverse love stories, you can find her globetrotting, sampling new cuisines, and spending quality time with her spunky pet Chihuahua, Zayden. 

For more on Mila, including news on upcoming releases and story freebies, check out her website and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.milanickswrites.com/

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Author Interview - Trial of a Tyrant by R. L. McIntyre #NADF #DarkFantasy #NewAdult #AuthorInterview

What’s your one line pitch or teaser for the book? Grab a reader’s attention with one line.

To dethrone a tyrant every word is a weapon, and some secrets can never be forgotten.

Tell readers a little about your main character or characters?

My main character is Serena Nightshade, an Acreage Assassin orphaned during the conquering of Acreage by the Templarians. Serena excels at being an assassin. She’s the best assassin in all of Acreage known as the Death Sparrow. However,she’s stuck between the world she’s always known and the new one offered to her. One where she can choose who she wants to be, but to do gain it she’ll have to face her own secrets and help dethrone the King. Her biggest secret, that magic runs in her veins can change everything. 

My other two main characters are Daryl Merriweather, Heir Prince to the combined throne of Templaria and Acreage, and Wesley Trylo, Captain of the Royal Guards, and son of the King’s General. These two have been best friends since they were young, and both suffered through similar childhoods devoid of mothers and with tyrannical fathers. Daryl is a timid Prince hiding from his father’s wrath but to save both lands he must find the strength to not only dethrone his father but execute him and take the throne. Wesley is a tragic protector. He has spent his life protecting Daryl from harm both within the palace and without. This has left him to suffer much and trust little, but Serena’s presence changes his perception. The lies he’s told himself, the self-doubt that plagues him, and the guilt he harbors for actions he did to survive threaten to crush him. Especially, if he can’t reveal his own secret before others find out. He isn’t the hero he pretends to be.

Where do you like to write? Do you have an office or writing nook?

I can write almost anywhere. It seems inspiration can come at the most random times but regardless of where I write music is a must. I’m a fan of cinematic music, heavy bass, soft ballads etc. that fit the mood of the scene. I’m one of those writers who needs lyrics. One such song that comes to mind for this bookisHeart of Darkness by Sam Tinnesz. For the first book it would have probably been Man or a Monster by Sam Tinnesz ft. Zayde Wolf. However, I write the most either at my desk or snuggled up with my cats and a blanket.

What is one of your best marketing tips for other authors? 

Marketing is hard. I want to acknowledge that it’s a long process of trial and error and tons of research. One of my best tips is to build a newsletter. There are several reasons for this. The first is a newsletter is free marketing. It’s a group of people who like your work and are likely to buy your work. However, it is also important to recognize that the general rule of thumb with social media and or newsletters is 80% of the content should be other things like book reviews, release updates for other authors (which is a great way to network)etc., and the remaining 20% is self-promo. Especially for new authors newsletters is a free way to gain followers who are interested in your work and can translate to sales.

What websites or tools have you found that offer the best results?

There are a lot of free websites and tools as well as some that cost a bit of money depending on the plan. I like to make mockup covers of what I envision a cover should be and I use Canva for a lot of it. The free plan offers tons of templates and options to make covers, social media posts, posters, etc. It’s a great place to start. Another great place to go to learn tips and tricks of publishing is Facebook groups. I’m a member of several and especially if you’re thinking of self-publishing, I highly suggest 20booksto50k it has a wealth of information to help you work through the process. 

There are also a lot of websites that offer free services. If you’re thinking of building a newsletter most automated email services like MailChimp will offer it for free up to a certain number of subscribers. I’ve also really liked the site Story Origin. They’re moving out of beta and will have a free plan as well as a paid service like many of these sites. However, this site I really like because it helps collaborations between authors. You can do newsletters swaps (another great marketing tool), group promotions, create a landing page for others to download ARC copies and free books you might have while gaining an email address to add to your newsletter. 

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Don’t stop writing. We all suffer from imposter syndrome as writers. Don’t let the voice inside your head stop you.You will make mistakes. It’s a learning process. The first book you publish might not be the slam dunk you were hoping for but don’t stop. There will always be people who love your work, and you will learn from your mistakes. Writing is something that is never done. Nothing is ever perfect and that’s okay. Whether you decide to publish traditionally or become a self-published author both make you a writer and an author. My final words of advice are create a writing routine. Some people write every day, some people schedule a writing time, some people have a specific song and or drink every time they write. Find out what works for you and don’t be afraid to change it up. Having a routine will help get those creative juices going but honestly, just have fun writing.

The Trial of a Tyrant

The Assassin of Acreage 

Book Two

R. L. McIntyre

Genre: New Adult Dark Fantasy

Publisher: Indie publishing on KDP

Date of Publication: 4/24/2021

ISBN: 978-1-7365182-3-6

ASIN: B08WX7TYJ1

Number of pages: 370

Word Count: ~ 90,0000

Cover Artist: Getcovers

Tagline: Nothing cuts deeper than the truth.

Book Description:

Putting a tyrant on trial could cost everything.

Serena, the great Death Sparrow, saw the sacrifices made at Bathon. She knows to dethrone the Tyrant King would require more than even she is willing to give. The only advantage Serena has left is her magic. As she begins to explore this part of herself, the ever-watchful gaze of the General follows her. He knows that his son Wesley, and her are involved, and relishes in this new game of cat and mouse. It isn’t just Serena who is ready to do anything for her friends. Wesley will risk the same to see his father stays far away from Serena, but he cannot stop the King alone. Together they must keep nine lords alive during the trial or risk the gallows ending everything.

Serena vows to do the unthinkable at every turn. Bow before the Tyrant and his General, play the role of a court Lady and use her magic in secret to give them a fighting chance. However, in this game of secrets, it isn’t only the King’s that are under scrutiny.

The Shadow Heir is coming, and he knows everything about the Death Sparrow and her friends, including her magic. 

Amazon

Excerpt

Serena scowled as she worked on Wesley’s tattered back. The General’s hand, his father’s hand, was crueler than even she realized. He was in considerable pain but hissed through his breaths with controlled ease. Her anger rattled her breaths as she grabbed the nearby bandages.

“Sit up,” she ordered.

Wesley sat up on the bed turning to face her. He removed the remains of his shirt leaving her face to face with his naked chest. Several white scars decorated it, but her eyes rested on the well-formed mountains he had for muscles. His abs were perfect. His whole body reminded her of a warrior God. A blush grew on her cheeks as she remembered feeling his muscles through his shirt, but now she could see them without interference. She sucked in a breath, trying to focus on the task while her eyes wandered every inch of him.

A smirk crossed Wesley’s face. He gently grabbed her hand, pulling her closer.

“Do you like what you see?” He held her hand against his chest. She could feel his muscles shift with his every breath. It ignited a warmth in her stomach she tried to control.
Her face flushed, and she pulled back steadying her breaths. “Stop distracting me,” she said, unrolling the bandage and holding it to his chest as she reached around him to wrap his back. He placed his hand over hers. The warmth of the touch drew her eyes to his. The look in them held her still. Without words she could feel his every thought. The blush on her cheeks grew as the fire in her stomached grew even hotter.

“Stop,” she breathed.

“Are you sure you want me to?”

Serena took a deep breath that filled her nose with myrrh. She nearly whimpered at how it only seemed to make things worse but still she pulled her hand away. She focused on the bandages. The soft, cold bandages. The feel of his naked body against her arms continued to fluster her. His breaths seemed to pull her closer as she tried to finish quickly. Wesley grabbed her waist and pulled her tight. She tripped into him, her momentum almost knocking him onto his back. He chuckled, holding her close as his arms wrapped around her. She glared down at him, while a playful grin covered his face as he looked up at her.

“I fear I am a distraction.” He smirked. Daryl left the room as she bent her head down towards his, so her lips hovered above Wesley’s. There was a hunger in his eyes. She felt it too, but she refused to let him know so easily.

“I may be distracted,” she said, letting her eyes drop to his lips before gently licking her own. He edged up towards her. “but it isn’t enough for me to lose focus.” She pushed him back a smirk gleaming on her lips as she returned to the bandages. Wesley sat stiffly, almost pouting as she finished. His eyes carefully watched her ever move. She began to wash her hands in the basin when he bolted up behind her and snatched her waist. She yelled out, his warmth and presence keeping her assassin instincts at bay as he spun her, pinning her between the pole of his bedframe and him.

“You’re finished now. So, stop teasing and kiss me,”

“Is that an order?”

“We both know I cannot order you to do anything.”

She smirked and leaned up to him. His lips laid on hers. A gentle kiss that filled her with a warmth that chased away the darkness that suffocated her heart. He kissed her harder, igniting the hunger she barely kept at bay. He pulled her waist tight, drawing her even closer to him. She gasped at the sensation, continuing their kiss as she moved her hands to his neck and cheek. She carefully avoided his back as she tried to feel as close to him as possible. Her hands wandered as his possessively held her still.

“Can you please not,” said a voice. She looked at the door, lust heavy in her eyes as she saw Sam. Her stomach dropped as she understood what he just saw.

“Sam-”

“I know you chose him; I’d just not like to see it. Now I was here on business, not pleasure like some people.” He said coldly.

“Sam, that isn’t what-” she started feeling the pain that was in his eyes. It felt like tiny shards of glass piercing her skin.

“Enough, Serena!” he snapped angrily. “I don’t have anything to say to you.” She flinched at those words. The pain quickly turned to anger as she moved past Wesley to Sam. He would not talk to her like that. Of all people he knew better.

She shoved him back into the parlor. He stumbled catching himself before he fell.

“Don’t disrespect your better. You want to keep things all about business. Fine, then remember who is above you, Viper.” She growled. He glared back at her.

“Fine Sparrow, but I wasn’t here to talk to you. So, if you don’t mind.” He growled, turning to Wesley.

“What do you want?” Wesley asked, an edge of annoyance in his voice. She wasn’t sure who he was annoyed at.

Sam looked at Wesley’s bandages and scoffed. “I’ve figured out how I can help. I want you to add me to your guards. Once I’m in, I can get into the King’s personal guard. I’ll earn his trust.”

“Can I trust you to not stab me in the back?”

Sam let out a cynical laugh. Serena felt more on edge with that laugh. Her muscles primed for an attack.

“Trust? Is that how you convinced her? I don’t need you to trust me. I can do this without your help if I want, but we all decided on a plan. I just need you to work with me. I’ll repay the favor.”

“That doesn’t answer the question,”

“You truly do not understand assassins.” He looked at Serena a look of mockery on his face. “We do what we must for our own gains. Why she stands by your side is as perplexing as why the moon shines when the sun is out. It is useless.” Sam stepped closer to Wesley who stood stiffly glaring at him. “Do you see yourself holding onto the things you want without my help? A few months from now summer will be in full swing. It will be the perfect time for an invasion, especially since Acreage won’t be sweltering hot like the Samorians are used to. Can you really refuse me?” His eyebrows raised to match his smirk.

“Viper,” Serena warned. Sam rolled his eyes and looked at her.

“I won’t hurt your toy. I refer to your station as long as you keep it, but the moment you lose it I won’t,” he warned.

She took a deep breath, knowing what he meant. If Gwayne heard of her relationship with Wesley, she’d lose her standing in the assassins. Gwayne would destroy her. If Sam didn’t attack her first. Looking at him, she wasn’t sure if he was still her ally or just a convenient blade hired out of necessity. When the necessity ended, was he willing to turn against her? Seeing the pain and anger in his eyes. She knew the answer was yes. So, she needed to make sure he still needed her regardless or she would suffer the fallout.

“You should remember if you want your name cleared you need me.” she retorted.

“Then perhaps when we no longer need each other, I can sever the heart you’ve so enjoyed stabbing.” She felt the pain in her own heart as if he stabbed hers. She held it back. “I expect to be added to the guard’s tomorrow. Be sure it’s done,”

He left the room falling into silence. Serena stood still a few moments calming herself. She still cared for Sam. They grew up together. He was her first everything. His pain was her pain. For so long pain and love had been the thread connecting them. For their history to stop controlling her future she could have to sever their bond, but not until it was safe.

“I should get back to Helen’s. We all have work to do.”

“I’ll walk with you,” Wesley said, throwing on a new white shirt. She looked over at him and sighed.

“I’m fine. I want to walk alone. I want to think.”

Wesley watched her walk to the door.

“Make sure to rest,” she said as she opened the door. Wesley closed the distance between and pressed the door shut. His body nearly draped over hers as she stood looking at the door.

“Serena,” His hot breath caught in the collar of her shirt sending shivers down her spine.

“I should go.”

“I don’t want you to.”

Her knees felt weak hearing those words. She inhaled deeply the scent of myrrh reminding her he was behind her. Not that she could forget. His heat was suffocating, and she didn’t care that her lungs refused to work.

She wanted to be lost with him. Lost from the world full of problems she needed to fix.

“Serena-”

“Stop.” She said forcing herself to think and not give in. Her body and heart roared against her mind. They refused to be ignored but staying would make everything more dangerous. The General could find out. That thought alone warned her that this was not the time to forget what must be done.

“Not tonight.” Her voice nearly wavered. “There is work to be done, and if I stay...” She couldn’t finish the sentence. She opened the door and Wesley stepped back letting her walk alone into the halls. Serena focused. There was no time for distractions.

About the Author: 

R. L. McIntyre is a new fantasy YA/NA writer, from the Philadelphia area, who debuted February 27th, 2021. She is a fan of all things medieval which includes her own personal sword collection. She strives to write complex and realistic characters using her knowledge of psychology. When not curled up with a book and her fur babies you’ll likely find her out on an adventure looking for her next big inspiration.

https://rlmcintyreauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/fantasyauthorRLMcIntyre/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/r-l-mcintyre

https://www.instagram.com/rachel.l.mcintyre/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57224227-the-trial-of-a-tyrant

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Author Interview - Darkness Awaits by Jamila A. Stone #UrbanFantasy #LBGTQ #AuthorInterview

What’s your one line pitch or teaser for the book? Grab a reader’s attention with one line.

Evil comes and shakes up the supernatural and human worlds making our main characters, Black queer witches once again jump into battle. 

Tell readers a little about your main character or characters?

Natalie “Nat” King is part of an ancient coven of light magic called the King coven. She was born Dec 7, 2003 making her a Sagittarius. She’s 16 years old in this novel, Darkness Awaits. She’s a Black bisexual witch.Nat tends to see the world in black and white with no gray areas. That is until Alex and her friends help her see the colors of the world. She comes into her own creating her own crewto lead. Nat is passionate, loyal, and a fighter. She loves basketball, cooking, and wants to be a lawyer one day to help make things better for the supernatural world. 

Alexandra “Alex” Aurelius is part of an ancient coven of dark magic She was trained since birth to be powerful, join her family businesses, and command a room. She was born July 2nd, 2002 making her a Cancer. She’s 17 years old then 18 in this novel, Darkness Awaits. She’s a Black gay witch. Alex is headstrong, a born leader, and outgoing. She owns her own casino/hotel called Athens. She loves Greek mythology and plans to take over her family business legal and non-legal. Legally outside of her coven, her family has the most successful law firm in the country and runs Aurelius Inc, an empire that her mother and father built from the ground up. Sometimes Alex let’s her darkness ruin her relationships, but she always tries to hold onto the light.

Where do you like to write? Do you have an office or writing nook?

I do have an office I use for work not much for writing my novels. I normally do that in bed. I write 99% of the time in bed. 

What is one of your best marketing tips for other authors? 

• Create social media accounts and stay active on them

• Offer your books in exchange for an honest review. Make sure the reviewers will review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, google, and social media. Don’t just get reviews on a blog. Must have reviews up the same week or before release of your book to have a strong kick off. Every month do one review push. 

• Create book mockups and banners for your books to share on social media. Imagery helps lure people in to check out your post, and in turn your book

What websites or tools have you found that offer the best results?

I use ProWriting Aid for editing before I send my manuscripts off to professional editors. Reedsy and Fiverr are great websites to find freelancers when you know exactly what you want. Make sure to always look at their reviews and their work examples(samples) before doing a order and make sure the order details everything agreed upon.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

• Don’t rely on friends and family to support your work. 

• Go into writing because it’s a passion. If you want to become a writer only to make money or become famous, you will not succeed. You need to be passionate with anything you do in order to be happy. 

• Write at most 100 words everyday on anything. 

• Read! Read! Read! Fiction or nonfiction, read as much as you can

• And lastly my top advice is to travel. 

Darkness Awaits

Virtus Academy  

Book 2

Jamila A. Stone

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy, LGBTQ

Publisher: Black Glory Publishing House

Date of Publication: April 2021

ISBN: 978-1-7356641-0-1

ASIN: B08LVJ7GXD

Number of pages: 524

Word Count: 141,850

Cover Artist: Michael Corvin

Tagline: Unexpected secrets stand to change two witches’ lives forever...

Book Description: 

Having narrowly survived their last semester, Natalie King and Alexandra Aurelius are prepared to revel in victory...but, while preparing to become Juniors, it soon becomes clear that peace has been dismissed. 

Relationships are tested and new ones formed, as shadowy souls push their way into Natalie and Alexandra’s lives. Now, more than ever, the witches must stick together and protect their loved ones. Unexpected secrets stand to change their lives forever. 

Darkness impends from every direction, and even the fiercest friendships will be tested. What harmony that existed between human and supernatural governments has been shaken to the breaking point. Should it crumble, hellish truths are sure to be exposed.   

Despite impossible odds, Natalie, Alexandra, and their alliances will unite against unprecedented evil. After all, the only exit often is a wall to break through... 

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With her much-anticipated sequel to Strange Things Await, Jamila A. Stone delivers devilish thrills and a dizzying spin on the genre. One thing through the dark is seen: where mystic and mortal subcultures meld, the pages turn themselves. 

Black Glory Publishing House 

Amazon      BN

Excerpt

It’s the last week of January and the new school semester since Christmas break starts tomorrow at Virtus Academy. Nat and all her friends, except Alex, have already moved back to their dormitories. Nat is brushing her teeth, getting ready for bed when she suddenly feels like she’s falling. A moment later, her surroundings change, and she finds herself in a dark alleyway. Nothing makes sense, and she jolts around with labored breathing, trying to understand what is going on. When she turns around to her other side, she spots Alex and momentarily forgets her anxiety. Running over to a hunched Alex, she hugs her and is so distracted that she doesn’t notice the four guys in the alley with them.

“What are you doing here?” Alex winces in pain, struggling to straighten up.

Using her toothbrush, Nat taps the ring she’s gifted Alex. “Someone must have missed me a whole lot to get me here,” she jokes.

The good news is that the protection spell she had Sheila help her put on the ring works. If Alex ever needs her badly enough, she’ll appear.

“Crap, it worked! So that means…” Nat looks around further and finally takes in the situation. “I guess you’re still having trouble making friends.” Throwing down her toothbrush, she gets in front of Alex, who’s badly bleeding from cuts on her face, and the arm she holds that seems disjointed.

“Nice outfit, girl.” One of the guys speaks sarcastically.

“This is your backup?” Another speaks, pointing at Nat before they all laugh.

“Remind me to take you shopping.” Alex picks up her fallen blade, and it elongates into a sword as it recognizes its owner.

“What!? This is comfortable and my pajamas. I was going to bed.” Nat keeps her eyes on the guys who are starting to approach. She cannot believe Alex is choosing right now to insult her.

“What do you need to be comfortable?” Alex turns fully toward Nat with her face scrunched up. “Did you sprout something since we were kids?”

“No! Can you focus before we die, you asshole? Boxers can be unisex.” She tries to defend herself, but Alex just scoffs.

Nat, annoyed, blasts Alex to the furthest point of the alley and decides to take on the men herself. It looks as if Alex softened them up enough for her to handle alone anyway.

Two of the men reach her before the others. One throws a punch at her face while the other tries to punch her abdomen. Nat is light on her feet and spins away from the one aiming for her face and shoves him into the other male before she uses her magic at the remaining attackers.

“Instead of attacking young women to stroke your egos, maybe you all should go to the gym.” She blasts one with a scar on his cheek into a wall knocking them out before she is blasted herself. In complete shock, she did not keep her guard up, she grumbles as she slowly gets back up to her feet. Nat blocks another blast of magic as she parts her feet for better balance. Nat sends a few blasts back, but her adversary blocks them all. Nat should have known these men were not mere humans if they were able to beat up Alex.

Nat is so preoccupied with the witch that she fails to deflect the attacker on her left properly, who charges her with his clawed hand in the air, ready to come down on her hard. There was little for her to do, so she stopped shielding herself from the witch’s attack, so the attack would knock her away from the attack that would be the deadliest.

The impact of the witch’s attack does the trick and sends Nat backward. The claws of the man from her right give her a nasty gash, nowhere near the damage which would have been inflicted if she did not think quick on her feet and use the witch’s attack to save her own life.

“Alright, playtime is over.” Nat lifts her hands and moves them hastily in front of her creating a linkage of pentagrams all while beads of her blood float into the amber symbols. She sees the shock on the witch’s face, and it makes her grin before she locks her fingers over each other, bends her arms inward, then thrusts her arms out, causing the spell to wrap around the first body, and the man explodes.

Nat moves her arms until everyone is dead. One black eye and a gash on her arm later, Nat walks over to Alex, who is hunched over.

“I should leave you here. I can’t believe you got back without telling me. How long have you been back in town? Tomorrow is the first day of school back from break.” Nat places her hands on her hips, letting Alex suffer for a bit more before she attempts to heal her.

Alex stands straighter, leans her head back against the wall behind her, and closes her eyes. “I forgot how much you love to bitch and moan.”

Nat is opening her mouth to respond, but promptly stops when she spots a smile creeping on Alex’s face.

“I missed it.” Alex turns her head and smiles so charmingly even with her face all beat up, Nat’s walls break.

“Ugh, I can’t stand you.” Nat shakes her head and starts to heal Alex’s easy wounds, then wraps Alex’s good arm over her shoulder and helps her to stand off the wall. “We’re too far from the dorm or my house for me to teleport us both.”

“And here I thought an overachiever such as yourself would have become a pro by now.” Alex coughs then halts her steps taking time to take deep, ragged breaths.

“Hey, that month was our break. I can get us near the school gates, but it might knock us out if I use all of our energy combined. Or worse.” Nat struggles to keep Alex upright.

Alex struggles to stand on her own feet as she pulls her good arm away from Nat so she can grab her cellphone out of her pocket. Nat watches as Alex makes a call, trying to keep her upright by the waist. “Julian, are you on campus? Good, sneak out with Olivia and come find me by the gate…just do as I asked, Olivia, will be able to track us. Yes, us, bye.”

Nat arches a brow at Alex before focusing her mind on the school gates. Once she has that clear in mind, she works on syncing her magic with Alex.

“What’s taking so long?” Alex grumbles.

“You, that’s what. I’m trying to find your source, but you’re too weak.”

“You’re a weirdo.” Alex sighs exaggeratedly.

Nat finally syncs successfully and teleports them. They land hard a few yards away from the school gates. 

About the Author:

Jamila A Stone lives in Washington, D.C with her two dogs. Jamila is driven to tell stories without censorship and for the continued creativity in the world of literature. As an African American woman, she understands the lack of opportunity persons of color have to let their artistic creativity be seen on equal platforms, so she created her own publishing company called Black Glory Publishing House. She thinks not just of herself but of the current and future of literature namely increasing the diversity and inclusion within the literary community.

https://jamilastone.com/

https://twitter.com/AuthorJStone

https://www.facebook.com/JamilaAshaStone

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