Monthly Archives: March 2023
ALL WE LEAVE BEHIND: TRANSITS OF THREE
All We Leave Behind: Transits of Three
by Benjamin X. Wretlind
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GENRE: Science Fiction
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BLURB:
Following the exodus from rising floodwaters, the surviving descendants of those who came to create a society on a planet far from Earth have struggled to rebuild within the remains of an ancient temple. Now, as disease and an unfamiliar environment threaten to destroy them yet again, everyone seems to have an opinion about what to do next.
Miriam and Tobias Page, newly married, believe there may be a possible home beyond a distant canyon. Their journey with a quarter of the population doesn’t start well and soon nature and their own humanity will conspire to end it all. Meanwhile, Miriam’s two cousins, Joel and Micah, have different ideas. Joel is convinced the best course of action is to return to the mountains they left to mine for the ore that would make a great return to Earth possible. Micah hopes to stay, learn all he can about the temple’s previous occupants, and prove both of them wrong. But soon, he and his new partner Patience realize that no option is truly safe.
As the transits of three different groups get underway, new dangers and surprises emerge from within the rainforests, mountains, and deserts of the planet…and one of those may have followed them from Earth. While a final home is a dream away, present nightmares must be dealt with first if any of them are going to survive.
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EXCERPT
“How many?” Moran asked.
“Four. Just up ahead.” Tobias tightened his grip on his weapon.
“Bethany is waiting for us.”
Moran stopped and watched as the caravan slowly edged toward the right, away from immediate danger. “Wish we had more to spare.”
“So do I.” Tobias took in a calming breath and let it out slowly. The nervousness in his stomach eased up. Miriam had taught him several techniques for dealing with fear, for calming his anxiety and sharpening his mind. He would forever be grateful to be married to a counselor, a therapist, a wise wizard of the brain’s complications.
“Ready?” Moran asked.
They both walked slowly toward Bethany’s position, their eyes locked on the trees where Tobias saw the four animals.
“Eight,” Bethany whispered as they approached. “Four more in a cluster of trees to the right of the others.”
“Typical pack. Haven’t heard the growl, yet,” Moran said. “Maybe they didn’t see us.”
“Oh, they did.” Tobias pointed to the tree with the first rychat he spotted. “I swear I saw that one lick its lips.”
“Well, we’ll have to take care of that.”
Moran raised his crossbow and took aim at the one Tobias pointed out. In tandem, both Tobias and Bethany raised their own weapons.
“One on the trunk,” Tobias whispered.
Bethany responded. “The big one to the right.”
The three were silent as they steadied themselves.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Benjamin, a speculative fiction author, ran with scissors when he was five. He now writes, paints, uses sharp woodworking tools and plays with glue. Sometimes he does these things at the same time.
Benjamin lives with his wife Jesse in Colorado.
https://www.bxwretlind.com/
Twitter: @bxwretlind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bxwretlind
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bxwretlind/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2900267.Benjamin_X_Wretlind
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/benjamin-x-wretlind-73b7dde4-3fc4-4b7c-a57f-97db25374b10
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Benjamin X. Wretlind will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Q & A With Benjamin X. Wretlind
Tell us about you as a person.
Aside from being creative with whatever I can find (paper, paint, wood), I’m also a relentless learner. I can probably blame my father for that, as his goal in life was to get more letters before and after his name than in it. He managed to do so, and while I don’t have the same goal, I will keep learning whatever I can. I don’t ever want to break my Trivial Pursuit winning streak.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
If I could hang out with one famous person for one day, it would have to be Matthew McConaughey. I have a man-crush on his voice, and I can’t tell you the number of characters I’ve written who are fashioned after this man. I’d of course try to sell him on any number of screenplays I have written or ideas I have about other screenplays, with the sole purpose to get him to play a leading role. I would hope he would be receptive of the ideas, of course.
What’s the story behind your latest book?
All We Leave Behind: Transits of Three is the third book in my nine-part Transit series. It’s set only a few months after the events of the second book and is intended to “break up” the colony into three or more different factions. Since the series is anthropological science fiction, my goal is to show the growth of society from very humble beginnings and see if we would, as humans, make the same mistakes. The impetus for writing the series stemmed from a question that has nagged me for years: what if I could start over? While I am content with the way my life has turned out, there are still things I wish could have been different. This led me to ponder what would happen if we, as a society, could start over. Our behavior is shaped by our experiences and beliefs, but if we want to change society’s behavior, we must change those beliefs by providing new experiences through different actions.
What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their latest book?
I don’t know where I heard it, but someone once said that you should never miss an opportunity to share about your book or your website. You’ve done an incredible thing–written a book. Why not let the world know in as many ways as possible? Put your website on business cards, make bookmarks with a QR code or coupon and stick them wherever you can, put it on your email signature. Being afraid to market, to spread the word, will not do you any favors. So my advice to get the word out about their latest book is to never go a day without mentioning it to someone, somewhere. In a sense, it’s guerilla marketing, but if you don’t do it, who will?
List 5 things on your bucket list.
- Visit an abandoned psychiatric hospital (like the kind seen in horror movies)
- Spend a week on the island of Anafi, Greece
- Get a television show produced and see my name prominently displayed at the beginning of every episode
- Buy a house with at least ten acres and raise a llama (or two)
- Visit the Louvre
Any final thoughts?
For the writers out there, remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a breath. I started my first book when I was in high school. Twenty some years later, I finally finished it…after having written another book that took seven years and starting a third. Life will get in the way, and unless you compartmentalize your writing, you may have problems finding the time to do what you dream. It’s okay to write a book a month, a book a year, or a book a decade. You’re not competing against those who can write a book a week. But like any marathon, you must practice every day.
THE LEGEND OF THE MICK
THE LEGEND OF THE MICK
by Jonathan Weeks
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GENRE: Sports Biography
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BLURB:
In the 1950s, America entered the television age. And Mickey Mantle, a country boy from Commerce, Oklahoma, was made for the moment. Signed by the New York Yankees as a teenager, he made his major league debut in 1951 as a right fielder alongside Joe DiMaggio. When DiMaggio retired at the end of the season, Mantle inherited not only Joltin’ Joe’s position in centerfield but also his stature as the face of the franchise. His boyish good looks, breathtaking power from both sides of the plate, and blazing speed on the basepaths made him an instant superstar. He won league MVP three times, came in second three times, was a 16-time All-Star, a Triple Crown winner in 1956, and a seven-time World Series champion.
Mickey Mantle’s career was the stuff of legend and in this book, Jonathan Weeks tells us why. Mantle’s extraordinary (and at times incredible) tales carry readers on an enthralling journey through the life of one of the most celebrated sports figures of the twentieth century.
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EXCERPT
THE SPOOK LIGHT
For more than a century, residents of the Tri-State Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas area have talked about a paranormal phenomenon known as the “Spook Light.” The light has been described by witnesses as an orb of fire about the size of a baseball or basketball. It flickers, dances, and spins—typically in an east to west pattern—while hovering above the treetops. When observers attempt to walk or drive toward it, it disappears.
According to popular legend, the “Spook Light” was first observed by Native Americans along the infamous “Trail of Tears” in 1836. Since then, a number of ghostly stories have circulated regarding its origin. One of the oldest tales centers around a Quapaw Indian maiden and her lover, who leaped to their deaths after the girl’s father forbade them from marrying. Another oft-told yarn involves the spirit of an Osage tribal chief who lost his head in battle and continues to search for it by lantern-light.
The “Spook Light” is commonly seen along a desolate stretch of road near the town of Quapaw, which is located just six miles from Mantle’s hometown of Commerce. The Yankee slugger grew up with these campfire tales and, like many teenagers of the era, enjoyed the associated benefits. By the time he was in high school, the deserted route known as Spooklight Road (or “The Devil’s Promenade” to some) had become a popular make-out spot. In his 1985 autobiography, Mantle remarked, “If you happened to be waiting at the Spook Light and you happened to have a girl with you, it was a pretty good place for necking.” Mantle’s first social outing with his future wife, Merlyn, was a triple date to Spooklight Road. The youngsters piled into Mantle’s 1947 Fleetline Chevy, which he had purchased with his Yankee signing bonus. Though Mantle was paired with another girl that night, he ended up asking Merlyn out on a date after he “struck out” with her friend.
The “Spook Light” continues to be an enduring legend despite scientific research conducted during Mantle’s teen years. In 1945, it was proposed that the phenomenon was caused by the refraction of vehicle headlights over a range of western hills. The following year, an Army Major named Thomas Sheard stationed a vehicle in the region he believed the so-called “Spook Light” was emanating from. He instructed the driver to flash the vehicle’s headlights at a designated time after dark. Observers in the vicinity of Spook Light Road were able to see the flashes. In 1965, Popular Mechanics magazine recruited professors from the University of Arkansas to investigate even further. They confirmed that distant headlights on Route 66 were being distorted by waves of heat, producing the phenomenon.
Those who still cling to paranormal explanations maintain that the “Spook Light” was seen long before the invention of automobiles and is, therefore, an unrelated phenomenon. The first verified written account of the eerie spectacle didn’t appear until 1935. Multiple sources have claimed that a booklet on the topic was released in the 1880s, but concrete evidence of it has not been uncovered. Detailed information about the ethereal orb—complete with driving directions to Spook Light Road—appear on the Joplin, Missouri official website.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Jonathan Weeks spent most of his life in the Capital District region of New York State. He earned a degree in psychology from SUNY Albany and currently works in the mental health field. He has written several sports biographies and two novels, one of which was a posthumous collaboration with his father.
BLOG: www.jonathanweeks.blogspot.com
GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/5862273.Jonathan_Weeks
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jonathan-Weeks/author/B00DXL3JM4
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Mick-Mickey-Mantle-Stories/dp/1493070177/ref=sr_1_1
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
The author will be giving away a $25 Amazon/BN Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner.
Enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Q &A With Jonathan Weeks
Tell us about you as a person.
I guess one of the first things to know about me is that I’ve never really been comfortable talking about myself. I’ve made a habit of dodging the spotlight for most of my life. Growing up in the Capital District Region of New York State, my father was a popular radio personality. I always admired the way he was so fluid around people. Whenever his listeners greeted him in public (which was pretty often), he was always gracious and accommodating. I’ve never felt completely comfortable around people I don’t know. I’m kind of shy at first. I avoided public speaking in high school and college. Maybe that’s why I turned to writing to find my voice.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
Last year, I published a Babe Ruth biography. It was the first installment of a New York Yankee trilogy that I’m still working on. Having researched the lives of Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Joe DiMaggio, I think it would be most enjoyable to hang out with the Babe if I had a choice among the three. He really was a down to earth, fun-loving sort of guy. He was more or less abandoned as a child and always felt he owed something to his fans. He could be crude and boisterous, but he was very generous with his time and money. I completely understand why people loved him so much and still do.
What’s the story behind your latest book?
The Legend of the Mick is the second installment in my Yankee trilogy. If I had to pick a favorite player from the 1950s and ‘60s, it would definitely be Mantle. He lived such a fascinating life. And there was a dichotomy to him. He could be approachable and genial at times, but downright rude when he wasn’t in the mood to socialize with fans or reporters. He came to the majors with very high expectations. There was tremendous pressure on him to perform. When he fell into slumps, fans sometimes booed him. He even got occasional death threats. On the surface, Mantle exuded confidence, but deep down he was insecure. He was a complex guy.
What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their latest book?
Well, I’m no marketing expert, but I’m a big proponent of virtual book tours. They help you reach a lot more potential readers than any book signing at a brick-and-mortar store. Not that book signings aren’t a good way to connect with readers… I’ve done them myself. You just get a lot more exposure by creating an online presence. Social media is the way to go.
List 5 things on your bucket list.
Ooh, I love this question!
–Attend a World Series game at Yankee Stadium
–Attend a Stanley Cup Finals game in Boston
–Visit Europe (particularly London and Rome)
–Write another novel
–Live long enough to see both of my daughters graduate from college and have children of their own
Any final thoughts?
I guess I should probably plug my books again. I’d love it if people would pick up a copy of The Legend of the Mick. If you enjoy reading about the all-time Yankee greats, you should grab a copy of The Lore of the Bambino while you’re at it. All the popular legends and myths are covered along with tons of lesser-known anecdotes. Be on the lookout for the third book in my trilogy: Tales of the Yankee Clipper, which explores the life and times of Joe DiMaggio.
ICARUS OVER COLLINS
Icarus Over Collins
by Hector Duarte, Jr.
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GENRE: Contemporary Fiction (Bilingual Spanish/English)
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BLURB:
After her friend Sandy Mangual tragically falls to his death, Bailey Cohen discovers images of his grisly corpse have been uploaded and shared through social media, by someone very close to her.
Fed up, in a stagnant relationship with an emotionally-abusive boyfriend, Bailey enlists the help of quiet, unnoticed, underappreciated Bernardo Castillo, who works the luxury Miami Beach high rise in which she stays.
Bernardo will have to dredge up the shady past he’s long worked to tamp down in order to set off on a journey of vengeance that will reshape and morph each person engulfed along its way.
Icarus Over Collins is a short, punchy revenge story as cracked and slivered as hot Miami pavement.
Tras la trágica caída accidental de su amigo, Bailey Cohen descubre que imágenes del cadáver han sido clandestinamente descargadas a redes sociales. Por alguien muy cercana.
Bailey contara con la ayuda de Bernardo Castillo, empleado del condominio lujoso en Miami Beach cuya Bailey habita.
En nombre de su amigo fallecido, Bernardo y Bailey tendrán que excavar sus pasados umbríos en camino hacia la venganza. Un viaje que reformara a todos envueltos.
Icarus Over Collins es un cuento de venganza tan caluroso y rajado como las aceras bordeando todo Miami.
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Exclusive Excerpt:
Y aqui estaba la muy puta. . .
Que me había arruinado la vida. Wearing the same tight clothing at the hips, same long hair to just above her ass. But the difference was all over her face. Las rayas esas las conozco muy bien. Marks of guilt, sleepless nights, the haunting of events that can never be taken back. Igualita pero no la misma. Espero que haya sufrido, espero que haya trasnochado, espero que la culpa le haya. . .
“Bernardo, quiero decirte que,” empezo Janaina.
“Ahora no. Ahora si que no. Vinimos a hablar business. Ustedes pueden resolver sus problemas domesticos despues. En este preciso momento, tenemos que encontrar a este hijo de puta y hacerlo arrepentir el dia que se cruzo con nosotros,” dijo Ximena.
“The fuck does she have anything to do with this?” I asked the entire room.
“Whether you want to believe it or not, Mister Castillo, I have not slept since the last time I saw you.”
“No lo creo. Señores Mangual, les agradezco mucho el bail, but I made myself a promise that if I ever saw this woman again, I’d kill her. And because I do not want to spend one more night in an American jail, I need to leave. Now.”
Mitad de camino hacia la puerta, Ximena called out, “You
owe us, Mister Castillo.”
Tomas Manguel lifted another filled glass in the air. The guy was on a mission.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Hector Duarte, Jr. is a writer/educator out of Miami, Fl, where he lives with his wife, son, and cat. His fiction has been published widely online and in print, like the recent anthologies Pa Que Tu Lo Sepas: Stories to Benefit the People of Puerto Rico, and Shotgun Honey Presents Volume 4: Recoil. In September of 2018, Shotgun Honey Books published his full-length short story collection Desperate Times Call. He welcomes you to follow him on Twitter.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63308671-icarus-over-collins
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/icarus-over-collins-hector-duarte/1142641430
https://www.overdrive.com/media/9403116/icarus-over-collins
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Hector Duarte, Jr. will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
ONE HELLUVA GIG
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Rob Jeffers has it all: fame, money, and the life of a rock and roll star. Frank Peters is a regular guy, a newspaper reporter who just happens to have a passing acquaintance with the Great Jeffers. As Jeffers’s career shoots up, Peters’s fortunes follows in his wake.
And when Jeffers passes away at the height of his fame, Peters’s life begins a steady unravelling. Until a chance encounter on a minor story gives him a new outlook on the celebrity lifestyle, and new hope for his own future.
After graduating, I decided to make a stake for my future in California. Naturally, imbued with youthful naïveté (a nice euphemism for stupidity), I submitted my portfolio at the L.A. Times and The San Francisco Examiner. I naturally figured that it would require only a cursory examination for them to see my undeniable genius and hire me on to work on their front pages.
Didn’t work out that way, not at all, and by the time I’d worked my way through the second tier, and then the third tier papers, I finally managed to snag my first professional newspaper job.
In Lodi.
Lodi, for Chrissakes. I mean, that Fogerty guy even wrote a song once about the dumpiness of Lodi. However, by the time they floated the offer, I was so hungry, cold, and desperate that I would have taken anything. Then, once I’d moved my few knapsacks of belongings down there and found a room I could rent by the month, came what seemed like the final indignity.
They put me to work writing obituaries.
Understand, in the early eighties, practically everyone in newspaper work got started in the obits. Even so, it seemed like the drudgiest of drudge work. Six days a week, I sat at my desk, scanning the death notices, calling hospitals and checking with the cops to fulfill my daily quota of morbidity.
About the Author:
A high-school teacher, former college instructor and fiction writer, Kevin R. Doyle is the author of numerous short horror stories. He’s also written three crime thrillers, The Group, When You Have to Go There, and And the Devil Walks Away and one horror novel, The Litter. Recently, he’s begun working on the Sam Quinton private eye series. The first Quinton book, Squatter’s Rights, was nominated for the 2021 Shamus award as Best First PI Novel. The second book, Heel Turn, was released in March of 2021, while the third in the series, Double Frame, came out in March of 2022. The fourth Sam Quinton book, Clean Win, will be released in March of 2023.
C.A. Milson 