Bullets and Dandelion by Gail Koger – Spotlight and Giveaway

January 30, 2025 By 6 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Gail Koger will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

My name is Tess Reynolds, and I’ll admit few people would think I’m a badass Army sniper called the Scorpion. Afterall, women snipers were unheard of in 1990. People look at me and see a petite blonde who is cute as a button. My father calls it my natural camouflage.

My time in the Middle East has been full of unforeseen complications. I have a rogue CIA agent trying to kill me and I caught the attention of a Force Recon Marine by the name of Alexander Stone. Wowzer! He’s hot but he’s also the biggest jackass I have ever met. To make things even more interesting, I need the Jackass’s help to stay alive.

Enjoy an Excerpt

My jaw dropped. Three naked men were floating in the shallow water. They all had dog tags and looked to be American, probably the Force Recon team. My gaze locked on the biggest guy. Yowzer! He made my heart go pitty-pat. Too bad a thick, black beard covered his face. His body was utter perfection. He had to be at least six-feet-seven, with a massive chest, bulging biceps and heavily muscled thighs.

My gaze froze on his groin, and I suddenly knew what Sally meant when she said a guy was hung like a stallion. Would that thing even fit? Since Pops never allowed me to date, I had zero experience with men. Never been kissed and the one kid that tried ended up with a busted jaw: courtesy of my father.

C’mon handsome, roll over and show me your butt.

A coyote howled.

I frowned. There weren’t any coyotes in the Koh-i-Baba Mountain range or were there? I quickly surveyed the area. Nothing moved and there was no sign of any critters. I turned my attention back to the lake and my stomach knotted. It was empty. Somehow, they knew I was here. One of their scouts must have spotted my footprints.

Damn, I wasn’t in any shape to go up against a Force Recon team. I could always ask them for help, but since I was the Army’s secret weapon, that might get me booted.

About the Author: I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Glendale Police Department and to keep from going totally bonkers – I mean people have no idea what a real emergency is. Take this for example: I answered, “9-1-1 emergency, what’s your emergency?” And this hysterical woman yelled, “My bird is in a tree.” Sometimes I really couldn’t help myself, so I said, “Birds have a tendency to do that, ma’am.” The woman screeched, “No! You don’t understand. My pet parakeet is in the tree. I’ve just got to get him down.” Like I said, not a clue. “I’m sorry ma’am but we don’t get birds out of trees.” The woman then cried, “But… What about my husband? He’s up there, too.” See what I had to deal with? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone I took up writing.

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If I’d never heard of me, would I read my books? by

January 29, 2025 By 1 Comment

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a digital copy of A Lilli By Any Other Name to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

“If I’d never heard of me, would I read my books?”
Absolutely, and without hesitation! I’ve always been drawn to stories that sweep me away into new worlds, where romance and adventure go hand in hand, and characters leap off the page. That’s exactly what I strive to create in every book I write. Whether it’s historical romance, western romance, paranormal romance, or erotic romance, each of my stories is designed to ignite the imagination, stir the emotions, and offer a deeply satisfying escape.

Historical romance has a timeless allure. There’s something magical about stepping into another era, whether it’s a glittering ballroom, a windswept castle, or the bustling streets of a bygone city. My historical romances are steeped in rich details that bring the past to life, but it’s the love stories at their core that truly shine. They are tales of resilience, hope, and passion, set against a backdrop of societal constraints and challenges that test my characters in unforgettable ways.

In my western romances, I explore the rugged beauty and raw grit of the Old West, a time and place where survival demanded strength, courage, and determination. My heroes and heroines are tough yet vulnerable, battling the harsh realities of frontier life while finding love that softens their edges and makes them whole. These stories are full of adventure, danger, and tender moments that show how love can thrive in even the toughest of circumstances.
For readers who crave the extraordinary, my paranormal romances are filled with magic, mystery, and a touch of the unknown. These stories invite readers into worlds where the impossible becomes real, where supernatural forces collide with human desires, and where love transcends the boundaries of the ordinary. They’re perfect for anyone who dreams of being swept away by the fantastical while staying grounded in deeply human emotions.

And for those who appreciate stories that push boundaries and embrace the complexities of desire, my erotic romances explore intimacy, vulnerability, and passion with honesty and depth. These are tales that delve into the multifaceted nature of relationships, offering a blend of sensuality and heartfelt emotion that lingers long after the last page.

Ultimately, I write the books I would love to read. Stories that balance heart-pounding romance with well-developed characters and immersive settings. I believe in creating journeys that not only entertain but also touch the soul, whether through the bravery of my characters, the intensity of their connections, or the sheer beauty of their love stories.

If I came across one of my books without knowing the author, I’d be drawn to it immediately. The promise of love, adventure, and emotional depth is something I cherish as a reader, and it’s the same promise I strive to deliver in every story I write. My books are for anyone who wants to escape into a world where love conquers all and where every journey is as unforgettable as the characters themselves.

Bartered to Viscount Hudson Becker by her father, Lady Lavinia Holbrook escapes her arranged marriage and travels to her Godmother, the Duchess of Chauncy to seek asylum. Determined to put men and marriage behind her, she is unprepared for the duke’s interest or his heated kisses. The Duke of Chauncy believes love is a weakness and refuses to take a bride despite his mother’s scheming. When the duchess makes a wager he will marry by Christmas, he considers the matter a lark. Until Lavinia gets under his skin, and he rethinks his position on love and happy ever afters.

Enjoy an Excerpt

The door to her chamber opened with a rush of warm air. A hearty fire crackled on the hearth as she strolled inside and sank onto the bed. Her tight bodice would be too uncomfortable to sleep in and she sat up with a groan to work the lacing of her gown. She must mention to the duchess she would require a lady’s maid since she abandoned Margret in Waterdown with her veil and wedding slippers. Her mood lightened at the thought, and her bodice came off with a tug. Her petticoats followed, and Lavinia removed her slippers and stockings with a loud yawn. Her stays followed, and then, with a shrug, she removed her garter and slipped into bed in her chemise and pantalets.

The crisp, clean sheets were magic against her tired flesh, and with another lusty yawn, she closed her eyes and received the fright of her life.

“I am, of course, delighted with your unexpected presence in my chamber, and although you cannot stay, you may offer my gratitude to my mother for sending you.”

Lavinia froze and turned her head toward the deep voice coming from the direction of the hearth. Panic surged through her as she grappled with the realization that a man occupied her chamber.

“What?” Her eyes widened as they settled on the imposing figure of the Duke of Chauncy reclining in a brocade chair clad in nothing but a pair of form-fitting black trousers.

Oh God, what had she done?

About the Author: Virginia Barlow has been a dreamer her whole life. She loves reading, traveling, and roses. She will dive headfirst into any romance she can get her hands on in any genre. Although her first love is Regency Romance and always will be. Something about the era calls to her soul like a siren’s song rising from the depths.

She loves to write steamy romances whether fantasy, historical, or contemporary, all are liberally spiced with adventure and sensual, seductive heroes. Her heroines are just as compelling with equal parts intelligence, sass, and backbone. They give as good as they get whether saving their man’s life or responding to his heated kisses, they’re all in.

The most important thing in Virginia’s life is her family, and spending time with them. When she is not bouncing a grandbaby in her arms or handing out popsicles, she is writing and dreaming up her next love story. Virginia has published fifteen romance novels with another two on the way and has half a dozen more circling around inside her head eager to make their debut.

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The Mark of the Unseen God by Benjamin Patterson – Guest Blog and Giveaway

January 28, 2025 By 2 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Benjamin Patterson will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Hi, my name is Benjamin Patterson, a medieval fantasy author from Queensland, Australia. I write low-order, clean fantasy. Here are my five musts, every fantasy story should include.

1. Adventure – Adventure defines the genre in my opinion. Characters should be discovering new worlds, encountering foreign creatures and having their minds blown every other chapter. Whether those new worlds and creatures force themselves upon the protagonist’s doorstep, or the protagonist embarks on an epic quest in strange lands, it does not really matter. As long the adventure is there in some shape or form.

2. Impossible Odds – The greatest fantasy novels feature near undefeatable enemies. Readers are get halfway through the story and wonder how the goodies will survive, let alone win.

3. Suffering – Nobody wants to read a story where everything goes right. Fantasy must be hard on its characters. The anguish they endure must be horrific, their suffering unbearable. It makes their eventual victory so much sweeter when they’ve paid the ultimate price.

4. Romance – Now remember, I’m a clean fantasy author. That does not mean romance should be ignored. Great fantasy includes a compelling love story. The inclusion of a love interest elevates the stakes and tugs on the heart strings. It imbues the story with extra context. Fantasy thrives on the extra story threads.

5. Sword-fighting – I might be alone on this one, but to me, sword-fighting is a must. As a youngster, I fell in love with Zorro, The Princess Bride and The Scarlett Pimpernel. These are all great swordsmen. There’s nothing better than a duel to the death, and you’ll never convince me otherwise.

So there it is. That’s my list. You might be screaming at the page right now, saying “but where’s the magic? The fae? The elves?” If that’s the case, please include your musts in the comments. I’d love to know what else I’ve missed.

Look to the hills with dread: Salmmonaksa has arrived. His armies swarm like a plague of locusts. As the emperor prepares for his final assault, the Home City trembles. Overrun by desperate refugees, the monarchs have gathered to plot their defence. High King Eldilin is back at the helm, but there’s no food and no answers.

Princess Kathryn has not given up hope. Lying on a cot in her room is the man destined to save the realm. They desperately need him, and for the prophecies to prove themselves true, but he will not wake no matter how much she prays. Even if he did, he cannot do it alone. Many more will die, that is certain.

The Mark of the Unseen God is the final instalment of the Markulian Prophecies, a refreshingly original tale set in a breathtaking medieval world. To rid realm of evil, everything will be required. There is no peace without sacrifice, and no love without loss. May who they are and what they have be enough.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Footsteps. The prisoner must have heard them because he looked up and squinted. Oh, what a wretched expression on his face. Somebody was out there in the darkness, but he could not see them. She was safe back here, out of his sight. Out of his reach.

Secure in her anonymity, she revelled in his pathetic appearance, his arms stretched out and clasped in irons, his legs chained to a bolt hole in the floor. The remnants of his meagre ration stained the front of his tattered shirt. The way the moonlight whispered down from the grate above and circled about him, one could have been mistaken to think he was a showman, a figure of fame, the centre of a play or musical. Alas, he was wrecked, thin, a character pitiable above all men. Once respectable, now despised … and rightly so.

About the Author: Benjamin Patterson lives in North Queensland, Australia with his wife and four children. When not writing, arguing with pilots or volunteering, he’s battling a life-controlling addiction to sport, an addiction his poor wife has discovered is easily passed from father to sons.

The Mark of the Unseen God completes his first fantasy trilogy. He hopes you enjoyed reading it as much as he enjoyed writing it. Writing is not easy. Without the encouragement of friends and family, the series would never have made it to print.

Though the series has sold well, Benjamin remains about one million book sales short of his goal. You can help him fulfill his goal, and encourage him to finish his next writing project, by writing rave reviews in every forum available and catching up with him on his social media sites.

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Hijinks, Hitchhikers and Mayhem by Gail Koger – Spotlight and Giveaway

January 27, 2025 By 13 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Gail Koger will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

All Casey wanted was to have hot, mind-blowing sex with Hothar, her soul mate. That little fantasy went up in smoke when she’s stuck babysitting a cowardly witch who is the galaxy’s only hope of survival.

Enjoy an Excerpt

My gaze fixed on a tall, brawny warrior dressed in a spiffy black uniform striding across the landing pad. God, why did he seem so familiar? I eyed his short hair and beard. He didn’t look Coletti. Maybe he was one of Zarek’s mercenaries. I mentally scanned him, and my jaw dropped. “Oh, my God. Hothar?”

The warrior stopped and turned to face me.

My affectionate companion had turned into a cold-eyed stranger. My stomach tied in knots; I walked over to him. “What happened to your warrior’s braids?

“I cut them off.”

Color me confused. Braids were an important part of a Coletti warrior’s identity. “Why?”

“I went undercover as an Avicii mercenary.”

Which explained his brown eyes. “And the beard?”

“It hides my Coletti features.” Hothar’s gaze roamed over me. “You have not been eating properly.”

“Gee, I wonder why?”

“I must go. Zarek awaits me.”

Talk about a slap in the face. Was he that eager to get away from me? “Who do you think told me where you were? Should I call you War Commander now or will Hot Lips still do?”

The muscles in Hothar’s jaw bunched. “I do not answer to Hot Lips.”

“Don’t I get a hug, Hot Lips?”

Hothar’s hands fisted. “I gave my word to Zarek that I would not touch you.”

“Well, I didn’t.” I wrapped my arms around him. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“And I you.”

Pain squeezed my heart at his cool, impersonal tone. He didn’t sound like he had missed me at all. His body remained stiff and unyielding. My God, he hadn’t even smiled at me. I took a step back and smacked his chest. “You’ve changed your mind about us. That’s why you never wrote or called or linked with me.”

About the Author: I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Glendale Police Department and to keep from going totally bonkers – I mean people have no idea what a real emergency is. Take this for example: I answered, “9-1-1 emergency, what’s your emergency?” And this hysterical woman yelled, “My bird is in a tree.” Sometimes I really couldn’t help myself, so I said, “Birds have a tendency to do that, ma’am.” The woman screeched, “No! You don’t understand. My pet parakeet is in the tree. I’ve just got to get him down.” Like I said, not a clue. “I’m sorry ma’am but we don’t get birds out of trees.” The woman then cried, “But… What about my husband? He’s up there, too.” See what I had to deal with? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone I took up writing.

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Coming Up with Titles by L.T. Getty – Guest Post and Giveaway

January 24, 2025 By 5 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. L.T. Getty will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Coming Up With Titles

Coming up with Fantasy Titles is easy! Just pick a format:

1) A _______ of _________ ; if you’re feeling dangerous making it a little longer:
2) A ________ of ________ & _________
Or go with Good Old Classic
3) ___________ of the ___________

Switch around “of” to “and” as needed or like a good boomer add a “The”, then pick from the following list:

Moon
Sword
Throne
Ash
Fire
Wolf
Prince
Sea
Crown
Midnight

I’m kidding. These are popular formats. Famous examples include:

1) The Wheel of Time; Tower of Obsidian; The Sword of Truth
2) A Court of Thorns and Roses; A Song of Ice and Fire; A Ballad of Snakes and Songbirds
3) The Lord of the Rings; Gardens of the Moon; Faith of the Fallen

Again kidding – Tower of Obsidian isn’t famous.

Whether we’re talking about an individual book or are coming up with a series name, you usually need something relatively short and punchy, unique and memorable. Why short? Because it will get a nickname otherwise and, while I have no problem using ACoTaR and TLotR, those are famous, if you’re not careful it’ll be that book with the dragons and it had red. Also, it may be listed with the series title, and again, these are famous, but A Song of Ice and Fire: A Dance with Dragons or The Wheel of Time: Fires from Heaven; but it’s more common for books for young readers, such as Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone or Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief. I don’t know how much you care about covers but, I’d like the title not to be completely crammed in there.

The first thing I would consider if this is going to be a standalone or a series and figure out if you want a running theme. For instance, I have another series called Rogue Healer, and the format follows Person’s Something: Witchslayer’s Scion, Magus Gambit, Titan’s Ascent, and the working title for the next in the sequence is Hawk’s Flight, but that might change. I like having meaning about what’s going on in the story, so it’s not uncommon for me to be drafting and come up with a title midway or even after I have a working draft.

I had several considerations when naming A Fable of Wood and String. My father pointed out The Puppet Master was already taken and not at all original, but that was always my intended name for the duology as a whole and never each book. Several contenders included Songs Foxes Sing, Of Shepherds and Foxes, and my first solid one I came up with was A Ballad of Wood and String – music plays an integral part of the story – but The Hunger Games launched a new book/movie in 2023 (The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), so I decided that would sound too much like piggy-backing, so I changed Ballad to Fable. I wouldn’t begrudge anyone else if they chose not to do this, but my niece also is not a fan of The Hunger Games, so I wanted to distance myself between the two.

I considered A Jig of Wood and String but it didn’t sound right. To me, etymology is important, and a Fable is usually a short morality tale often featuring talking animals. It has other definitions though:

fable
noun
1. a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters; apologue: Aesop’s fables.
the fable of the tortoise and the hare;
Aesop’s fables.
2. a story not founded on fact:
This biography is largely a self-laudatory fable.
3. a story about supernatural or extraordinary persons or incidents; legend:
the fables of gods and heroes.
4. legends or myths collectively:
the heroes of Greek fable.
5. an untruth; falsehood:
This boast of a cure is a medical fable.
6. the plot of an epic, a dramatic poem, or a play.
7. idle talk:
old wives’ fables.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fable

Most of these work, so one could argue which one I meant. It’s a work of fiction (2), but that’s using it in the vaguest way possible. I’d argue foremostly it’s also the plot of an epic (6) and about supernatural events (3), so the fact that the foxes talk are a bonus.

Wood & String has several meanings. The first and most obvious is that marionettes are traditionally made of wood (and plaster, glass, etc) and are controlled by string. The second is the mandolin Lily plays and uses is again made of wood and strings. Finally, there’s the dynamic between the fox and the jorogumo. The jorogumo spins a web of lies and deceit and catches her victims. In this case she turns them into marionettes and controls them via strings. The fox on the other hand’s normal domain is the woods. This implies a game between two supernatural creatures with human beings in the balance.

So how does one start coming up with names? This is the case whether you’re trying to come up with a business name or even for chapters. Practice. Take a book or show you love and come up with something else that would work in a pinch. It’s not as easy as it first appears, but if you practice, I promise it’ll get easier. Look up words similar to the ones that the author/creator has already used and see if you can evoke a similar mood or theme or, consider if you wanted to go for a complete rebrand. How would you do it differently?

How are you at coming up with titles? Any trends you love, others you wish would go away? Comment below.


Would it hurt you to just do as you’re told?

The O’Connell siblings live in the shadow of their parent’s past, held back by obligation to keep the people of Stagmil safe when their father has to lead the non-hunters of their village to drive off a wyvern.

Lily doesn’t trust the stranger who calls herself Madeline when she staggers into the pastoral lands. The puppeteer seems to take an interest in Lily’s talent with the family mandoline, and she teaches Lily new music. Lily’s had songs stuck in her head before, but nothing like this.

Twins Seth and Tiffany however can’t wait for their father to return so they can get on with the shearing. Seth should at least be helping hunt the wyvern, and Tiffany wants to take her best friend Molly and head to the nearest city and see the world.

The twins and several other villagers are lured by song into the woods and transformed into marionettes: Seth breaking free before he can be strung, and Lily tainted in a way she doesn’t understand. They have the skills to track the woman down, but to restore Seth to his body, and rescue Tiffany and the others?

Tracking the woman takes them far from the familiar woodlands they know, across the sea to an enchanted castle, where in an effort to rescue their sister they’ll learn something much more sinister than turning folk into puppets is going on. They’ll get help, of course, but not from who they expected.

After all, last Seth checked, foxes are only supposed to have the one tail.

Enjoy an Excerpt

The figure in black started to play something else, and the other’s eyes widened. Tiffany shouted something, and they all reached for the soft wax of the candle but didn’t know what they were doing. In the haste of grabbing the candle, it was knocked to the ground.

Seth ignored his companions and nocked his bow. “Stop what you’re doing or I’ll shoot!”

The figure seemed undeterred. Seth knew he was about to commit murder, but he didn’t care and he wouldn’t leave Louis or any of them to whatever that doppelganger was, and this thing was obviously part of this plot. He loosed the arrow, and the figure only stopped playing to bat it away with the sword hidden under the cloak. Impossible, Seth thought, nocking another with a second between his fingers for quick redraw. He might not be the finest archer—but at this range he didn’t have to be, and no one could deflect arrows in succession for long.

Someone screamed. It looked like Rebecca was caught in a web when she tried to bolt from the glen between two trees. Seth unsheathed his long knife and went to help her, but the figure of Not-Lily appeared, taking off her face and standing near Rebecca. The face was completely blank underneath; Seth let out a surprised gasp before she replaced that face with something with six red eyes, two in the normal place with another four running up her forehead.

Then he saw it—her—grow. The lower half of her body swelled and became massive, bulbous, like the back half of a centaur; her body remained about the same size, but rather than fur and four legs, shimmering black hair and eight legs protruded from the torso, longer at the bend than Dale was tall. She towered over Rebecca. A giant spider . . . woman? There was something eerily feminine about it, a sort of terrible beauty that froze him when his instincts told him to move. She stepped over Rebecca, barrelling down on Seth. He loosed another arrow at her head, but she dodged and shot out webbing from her hands that knocked him backwards, pinning him to the grass. More spider silk flew and pinned his arm to the grass.

Seth tried to wriggle free the monster chased after Dale, and to Seth’s horror, caught him with long strands at his wrists, and wrangled him like a marionette. Dale wriggled against the webbing and she dragged him back, and it seemed that he was transforming in the shadow, shrinking and becoming . . . something else. Seth unbuttoned his over shirt to try to free himself.

Dale was reduced to the size of a doll, and the spider had shifted him to a web in the canopy before going after Tiffany. Brigid flailed between two trees, seemingly stuck in a giant web.

Louis cut Seth free and thrust the bow into Seth’s hand. He shouted something and Seth realized that if he got her attention, there wouldn’t be another time. Louis released his sling in the dark. Seth couldn’t see the rock’s trajectory but the spider reeled, leaving Tiffany and moved with intent on the pair of them. They darted in opposite directions, and by luck the creature honed in on Louis, giving Seth enough time to fire. The arrow bounced off the creature’s bulbous body.

Out of the corner of his eye, Seth thought he saw a fox or coyote dart from the bush and bound through the grass. It ran behind the mandolin-playing creature and bit it in the butt. Suddenly there were two people, but Seth couldn’t watch them.

Seth let loose another arrow, narrowly missing the torso, and shouted at the others to run—he wasn’t sure who it had now, was it Rebecca or Molly? The light was too poor for him to be certain, but whoever the spider held she was shrinking fast.

The creature turned, six red and black eyes focused on Seth, and came down on him with full force. Seth found his limbs caught by two bands of silk and forced above his head, and he was hoisted into the air. He locked eyes with Louis who was looking not only smaller, but . . . wooden. Against his control, Seth raised his hands to his ears and removed the wax, and sound same rushing back.

About the Author L.T. Getty is a Manitoba Paramedic. She received her degree in English in 2006 from the University of Winnipeg, and has gone on to write several novels. Her latest title, Titan’s Ascent, is a sword and sorcery forthcoming from Champagne Books for 2025.

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Climbing A Mountain: How Authors Actually Make Books by Paul G. Wright – Guest Blog and Giveaway

January 20, 2025 By 10 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Paul G. Wright will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Climbing A Mountain: How Authors Actually Make Books

To the average person, writing a book might seem straightforward. The author gets an idea, jots down some notes, locks themselves in a room for a few weeks, and emerges with a manuscript. Then they call in an Editor—basically a “Superwriter”—who marks it up with a red pen, and after a few corrections, the book is ready to send to a publisher.

Simple, right?

Well… not exactly.

The media loves the romanticized image of the inspired author burning the midnight oil and mailing their dream story to a publisher who immediately turns it into a bestseller. It’s a great fairy tale, but the reality of writing is a bit more complex. It’s not magic—it’s work.

Take my latest book, Line of Sight, for example. It started with a cool idea. A spy trying to retrieve an invisibility formula from a master criminal. But the idea was just the beginning. To build a believable world, I needed research. Lots of research. I don’t work for the CIA, so I called friends with relevant experience. A police officer, and a Marine Corps veteran for starters. Their expertise helped me understand law enforcement, military protocols, and the nuances that make a spy story credible.

Next, I tackled the invisibility formula. What would it be? How would it work? I consulted a science-fiction-loving colleague, along with a family friend who’s a scientist and inventor. Through these conversations, I crafted a plausible mechanism for the formula and a world where it could exist.

Then came the characters. The heart of any story. Writers like to talk about “character creation,” but here’s the truth: we draw inspiration from real life. Characters aren’t carbon copies of people we know, but they are influenced by personalities, quirks, and moments we’ve observed. Just as a musician draws inspiration from existing melodies, writers shape their fictional characters from the experiences they’ve had with real people.

But how do you actually write the thing? The answer is, little by little. Writing a book is like tackling a big work project. You research, assemble a team (your characters), and set a schedule. Most writers outline their story, break it into manageable pieces, and commit to showing up every day.

Some days, the words flow effortlessly. Other days, you want to delete everything and escape to a bar. But, just like any big project, you keep going. You pour a fresh cup of coffee, sit down, and keep typing until the manuscript is done.

Yes, there’s imagination involved, and moments where the words seem to come from nowhere. But at its core, writing a book is a project. You take an idea, flesh it out with help from others, populate it with characters inspired by real life, and then you write. Day by day, page by page, until you’ve climbed to the top of the mountain.

And submitting the manuscript? Well, that’s another blog!

It is 1995, and intelligence operative Lora Chandler, a.k.a. Agent Vogel, is tasked with investigating the claim that Professor Simon Blackmarr has cracked the invisibility problem. A mission that leads her back to the half-forgotten beach town of Lancaster, Florida. Home to estranged love interest, and newspaper reporter Richard Davis. Her feelings for him have never really died, and matters become even more complicated when Vogel learns that Blackmarr’s breakthrough is legitimate. A scientific discovery that —in the wrong hands — could alter the balance of global power. The stakes become even higher when the professor is abducted from the university, forcing Vogel back into the shadowy realm of espionage to find out who and why. It will take all the skill and cunning Lora Chandler possesses to stop a threat that could have devastating consequences for her personal life — and the world at large.

Enjoy an Excerpt

The file lay in easy reach, on the conference table. The letters LMAR printed across the front. In another moment she would have it. She reached out.

“I think not.”

Mason. He was like a cat, with more lives.

“You think wrong,” said Vogel.

Mason’s hand slammed down on the folder, inches from hers. Their eyes met—his with that same arrogant smirk she’d seen a hundred times before, his dark hair perfectly in place. As always, he was impeccably dressed, his wine-red tie in a flawless knot. Vogel couldn’t deny it—under different circumstances, she might . . . But no, he was an international criminal and a murderer. And he kissed like a college freshman. The lines were drawn.

Mason looked at her through steely eyes. “Vogel,” he said coolly, “why do we always seem to have this same discussion?”

Vogel smirked. “Because, Mason, you’re terrible at losing.”

Mason nodded. “A character flaw, I’m afraid, that is permanent.”

She snatched the file away as Mason lunged for her. Instinctively, her hand went for her gun, and she pointed the sleek black barrel directly at his head. He froze, a smile playing across his face.

“Now let’s be practical,” Mason said. “There’s no way out.”

“You always say that.”

A door opened and men in dark fatigues entered, holding assault rifles. Mason’s henchmen. She should have known. They stood on either side of him, with their weapons trained on her like spiders. Vogel counted six in all.

Mason eyed her. “Really, Vogel. I mean, what are your options? Why don’t you just hand that over and we can all sit down?”

A bead of sweat ran down her back. Her shoes were tight, and she hadn’t showered since Wednesday. She felt gross. This was taking longer than expected. They were on the thirtieth floor, standing in front of a series of plate glass windows. Mason was right. There was no way out.

It was then she heard the roar of the helicopter.

About the Author: Paul G. Wright is a native of Atlanta, GA. He has worked as a newspaper journalist, freelance writer, and screenwriter. He studied acting at the Warehouse Actors Theater and earned his degree in filmmaking from Columbia College Hollywood, in Tarzana, CA. He currently resides in the Atlanta area with his wife and their cat Dusty.

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The Poseidon Project by E. William Podojil – Interview and Giveaway

January 16, 2025 By 8 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

If you could apologize to someone in your past, who would it be?

EWP: I’d apologize to someone with whom I was in a relationship. It didn’t end well, but we both ended up better off.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

EWP: Anything that flies; dragon, phoenix, griffin, so my pet could take me places.

How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?

EWP: I try and keep my books about people, all types of people, which is real life. People are the variables that can make a situation good or bad. I try to write about a diverse set of characters, how they are challenged, how they interact, clash, agree.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?

EWP: The best piece of advice: Go for it and try. Worst piece of advice: You can’t do anything until you get an agent.

Are the experiences in this book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

EWP: Many of my own experiences are woven through my stories, but so far, none have been based upon real events or people. I’m working on a project now that attempts to do that, so we’ll see how it goes.

The Poseidon Project is an international suspense thriller and the first book in The Herb Society Mysteries series

Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past. Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom. Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands. But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are. Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future. But not only their futures; the world’s.

Enjoy an Excerpt

The Spectrum’s engines roared, providing thrust to power the plane to takeoff speed as it lurched ahead down the runway. The plane’s power was evident as the acceleration force held them in their seats. This plane was designed to go fast, and the cabin was surprisingly quiet. As they hit takeoff speed, Taylor pulled back, and the nose lifted off the ground, followed shortly by the rest of the plane. The landing gear retracted immediately into the fuselage.

The passengers quietly stared out the large porthole windows as the Goose climbed out of Tucson. It was almost dusk, and Lukas spotted thousands of saguaro cacti dotting the sides of mountains that cast distorted shadows that looked like goblins. The exhilarating views captivated everyone. That is, for everyone except Donna, who sat rigid in her seat, hands clenched and her eyes squeezed shut. Lukas shot her a thumbs up in thanks to Donna—already not a fan of flying, but all in for a fifteen-hour flight halfway around the world just to support her friend. The plane’s angle leveled off, and soon Taylor emerged from the cockpit, curious how well the passengers had settled into their home for the next fifteen hours. Linda and Betty had their eyes shut, as Donna distracted herself with her laptop.

Taylor walked back to the crew stateroom for a few minutes. He and Diego had a brief conversation before Diego walked up to the cockpit. Lukas moved toward the back of the plane to set up his inflight internet connection and workspace. Linda and Betty awoke, startled and disoriented after their brief power nap, while Donna adjusted their seats to face each other, a small table between them. Betty remarked that it reminded her of a train.

“How’re you doing?” Taylor asked Lukas.

“Just trying to get set up here. I’ve got a lot of work to do on the way to Dubai. I need to connect with my team in Croatia to get some data and ideas on how I can get this ransom together. It’s still early morning there, so I’ll wait a few hours.”

“Why don’t you get some sleep until then?” Taylor suggested. I’m gonna try to myself. You mind?” Taylor pointed to the empty seat next to Lukas.

“Of course not.” Lukas stood to let him in. Taylor sat and reclined his seat. “I changed my mind. I’ll let the kids do the first leg, then I’ll replace one of them, and we rotate like that.”

Lukas saw that his mom and her friends were already starting to doze off, no doubt tired from the frenetic day. “Why don’t you sleep with me?” Taylor said, and then caught himself. “I mean not with me but next to me—you know what I mean. You make me all tongue-tied, Dr. Halloran.”

“Sure, I could use a nap. I’m relieved we’re finally on our way.” Lukas reclined his seat to the same angle as Taylor’s. The cabin was mostly dark, except for the LED accent lights that glowed a cool blue.

Taylor reached out and touched Lukas’ hand. “Is this okay?” He then intertwined his fingers with Lukas’. “This is better than okay. Sleep tight.” Lukas raised their joined hands and kissed the back of Taylor’s. Pretty soon, their hands were on each other’s thighs.

Heat rose from Taylor’s athletic legs.

Despite the sadness, stress, and emotion of this week, Lukas appreciated the kind soul sleeping next to him. As he was resting, Lukas suddenly felt a rush of panic. What am I doing? Random memories of Drew raced through his head as he tried to calm himself. He tried to rationalize his thoughts. Yes, I just met this guy. Yes, I promised myself I’d never get hurt again. But he’s such a nice man. What if he’s psycho? He pulled his hand away from Taylor and eventually calmed his mind and drifted off to sleep. When Lukas woke up, he noticed his mother sitting with her eyes open, staring at nothing, either deep in thought or terrified of something. Lukas walked over to her. “Ma, are you doing okay?”

“I think I’m okay. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“I know. This has got to be tough for you…” “Honey, I’m not talking about your father. Of course, I’m concerned about him, but it’s only a matter of time until we can see him, hopefully.”

About the Author

Edited in Prisma app

E. William Podojil has worked as a writer, advisor and international business executive while living in the Netherlands and the United States. He studied screenwriting at UCLA. His first novel, The Tenth Man, was published in 2004, by Haworth Press. His latest novel, The Poseidon Project, will be published by Wild Rose Press in August, 2024 as the first book in the Herb Society Mysteries series.

Podojil currently resides in Northeast Ohio with his husband and three sons. He travels extensively and writes about his experiences on his website.

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Sensible Shoes by Cindy Causey – Spotlight and Giveaway

January 14, 2025 By 4 Comments


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Cindy Causey will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

At her fiftieth birthday party, Tess Thomason, a plain-Jane, divorced mother and decidedly unprepared women’s newspaper columnist, is blindsided by her well-meaning family with a stack of gift cards she interprets as meaning she’s fat, frumpy, and wrinkled. Facing a lonely future and failing career, Tess embarks on a journey of self-discovery, taking her readers along for the ride. But her resolve is nearly derailed by a hilarious season of family chaos that includes a surprise pregnancy, rushed wedding, and unexpected houseguests. In the midst of it all, Tess is drawn into a confusing new relationship with a man who is impossibly perfect for her. But if she can keep herself, her family, and her willpower firmly seated on the crazy roller coaster of her life, maybe Tess will find her own self-worth and a new love in the bargain.

Read an Excerpt

“Tess, Tess, I’m not expecting you to write like Sylvia. I’m not even expecting you to write about fashion. What I have in mind is a column to women, for women, about women. Real women. Like one of those influencers on the Internet. You know…funny, wise, poignant, and… relevant.”

The creeping dread, now fully formed, tossed a grenade into my stomach. She might as well have asked me to write like Shakespeare. “You want me to be funny, wise, poignant, and…relevant? Are you insane?”

Okay, I may have stepped over the line with that last bit, because Ruth’s face twisted a little in the ominous way I had seen so often just before she pounded her fist on the desk. “Just write the damn thing, Tess. I don’t care if you’re funny, wise, poignant, or what was the other thing?”

“Relevant,” I murmured.

“Relevant, for God’s sake. Just do it. I need a column for the women’s page starting next week, and you’re it. Write about what you know. Family. Food. The laundry. You’ve got family. You’ve got laundry. It’ll be a cinch.”

“But—”

“No buts. Just do it. It’ll be good for you. You need to get out of your rut.” She turned her attention to her computer screen.

As if in a trance, I rose from the chair and turned to leave. “Oh, Tess?” she said without looking at me.

“Yes?” Maybe she’s changed her mind; she saw my outfit, and she changed her mind.

“Happy birthday.”

About the Author: Cindy Causey taught herself to type in the 8th grade because she couldn’t write in her diary fast enough in longhand. A degree and career in advertising were the result. A fifteen-year stint as a copy chief at JCPenney Catalog led to the position of Internet Marketing Manager for JCPenney.com.

After 20 years at JCPenney, Cindy retired in December, 2007, and began working full time with her husband Scott in their multi-media production company, Dallas Media Center. They specialized in audio/video production and editing, vintage media transfer to DVD and CD, as well as website design and hosting. Cindy shuttered the company in 2021, three years after Scott passed away.

After her first book, a non-fiction work called Cherish the Gift: a Congregational Guide to Earth Stewardship, was published, Cindy began writing fiction. She found her voice in romance, the stories of the struggles two people endure on the road to happily ever-after. Her debut novel, A Different Drum was published in May 2009 by The Wild Rose Press, followed by A Hot Time in Texas that same year.

In early 2025, her latest novel, Sensible Shoes, a humorous look at a woman struggling with life after 50, was published by The Wild Rose Press. It will be followed in late 2025 by a romantic suspense novel entitled Saving Samantha.

Cindy makes her home in Dallas, Texas. In addition to writing, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her 5 grown children and 4 grandchildren. She would like to see the edges of the entire world from the deck of a cruise ship.

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Domestic Violence the Unseen Impact and the Urgent Conversations We Must Have by Jo Cooling – Guest Blog and Giveaway

January 13, 2025 By 11 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Domestic Violence the Unseen Impact and the Urgent Conversations We Must Have

Introduction

I was on duty when a case came in that needed investigating. I opened the report, read the current concerns, and then read the history. There were fifteen previous reports, all relating to domestic violence. Another worker and I attended the home, and I decided to change my usual approach. I read through each report, explaining the actions Child Protection had taken in the past— Child Protection had referred the parents to counselling on numerous occasions— including parenting classes, anger management counselling, relationship counselling, and family counselling. Furthermore, removing the father from the home, moving the mother and children into safe accommodation and placing the children into foster care all on numerous occasions.

Realization and Response

After reading these reports aloud, I asked the mother, “What do you think Child Protection can do for you because from what I have read, we have tried everything.” The mother’s response was, “It sounds bad when you read the reports out like that. No one has ever done it like that before.” This moment highlighted the breakdown in their relationship and the ineffectiveness of repeated interventions. I recommended more in-depth, long-term counselling and warned that any further violence could result in removing the children for a lengthier period. This approach was aimed at emphasizing their toxic, codependent relationship and the need for a real change.

Sometimes, giving someone an answer isn’t helping them resolve the problem.

The types of Domestic / Family Violence

• Physical & Sexual
• Emotional
• Financial
• Verbal
• Abuse by proxy
• Familial Homicide

Cycle of Violence:

• Tension Building
• The Incident
• Honeymoon Period
• The Calm

The Facts

• Brain Development: Exposure to violence between ages birth and 3 years can cause permanent brain damage.
• Impact on Children: Affects behaviour, cognitive development, mental and physical well-being, and is a leading cause of homelessness.
• Prevalence: 1 in 6 women and 1 in 9 men experience physical or sexual abuse before age 15.
• Pandemic Effect: Domestic violence cases increased by 22 to 33% globally during the pandemic.

Discussion:

Examining critical incidents resulting in death or serious harm reveals that many domestic violence incidents had prior contact with the Child Protection System. The majority of perpetrators of family-domestic violence were once children exposed to violence, substance abuse, and parental mental health issues—issues that the Child Protection system failed to mitigate. This highlights the urgent need for reform.

Reforming Child Protection is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. Until we fix this broken system, we cannot claim to be effectively safeguarding our most vulnerable members of preventing the cycle of violence from continuing.

In the beginning, a tragic event started me on my journey to a destination and my love for helping children of all ages and their families.

However, what I was not prepared for was that the people who assisted me and paved the way for my advancement in my chosen career in Child Protection were the same people who tried to bring me down.

This book will give you insight into what it is like to work in Child Protection. It will show you the difficulties and sometimes dangers workers face on a daily basis. Furthermore, the novel will also highlight the satisfaction you get when you can assist a child and their family through a traumatic event.

My career at Child Protection spanned nearly a decade, and during that time, I was bullied by management. I observed management bully other workers; I was also aware of workers consuming drugs, both outside work hours and during work hours.

This novel is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens at Child Protection when the public is not watching or listening.

Child Protection is not an easy career path, but it can be a good job if you like long hours, have a thick skin, keep your head down, keep your mouth shut, and abide by everything that management wants you to do, even when you know it is wrong or unfair.

about the Author: The life of Jo Cooling is like living in a theme park: one minute, it’s like riding a roller coaster, baking cupcakes, cookies, and slices. With a kitchen covered with chocolate, flour, and cooking utensils. Also trying to develop new tastes and ideas for her growing baking business.

Sometimes, she feels like she travels through life in a Dodge ’em car. All the while, she works to complete two novels while caring for two Cavoodles, who believe their mother was placed on this earth purely to play with them 24 hours a day.

But no matter how out of control her life can be at times, eventually, she ends up sailing around on the Walt Disney teacup ride on top of the world. However, when she relaxes, the Cavoodles see this as an opportunity to snuggle on Mum’s lap.

Jo’s work career has been just as colorful as her current life. She has worked in horse and car racing, sold lingerie, designed websites, been a Personal Assistant, and worked as a Law Clerk.

Jo looks at life like a box of chocolates: each day unwraps a new layer, revealing unexpected flavors and textures.

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Beautiful Evil Winter by Kelly K. Lavender – Spotlight and Giveaway

January 8, 2025 By 5 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $15 Amazo”n/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops.

Can a novel about an American couple’s quest to adopt a Russian baby be called a Multi-Award-Winning Suspense Thriller? Yes.

“…The book is difficult to put down, enticing you to read a few more chapters before bed. In the end, the book leaves the reader satisfied, but the story never fully leaves your mind.” The US Review of Books

In the late 1990s, a time in Moscow reminiscent of the unforgiving gun-slinging days of the frontier west, mild-mannered Ethan and hot-blooded Sophia board a Russian bound plane. Armed only with a homespun plan, the desperate American couple hopes to to adopt a baby boy.

What can go wrong? Maybe, an innocent ill-fated encounter with the Mafia or maybe, being marked as a target for mob revenge. Perhaps, having to rely on a first-time adoption coordinator to complete the process and shelter them from harm. Honestly, what won’t go wrong?

Crippled by circumstances – confined and monitored in a Moscow apartment, no language skills, no cell phone, no clue, no landline, no gun, no nearby family and a baby to protect, they have to find a way to out. Everything and anything can go wrong. How can they prevail?

Enjoy an Excerpt

Will it happen this time? The ban announced last night—will it ruin everything? Dad says Russian law takes effect the moment it’s ratified. I’m so worried, Ethan.” I rub my eyes and lean my head back while the American jet engines roar in the background. My head throbs and my hands sweat as we try to begin our thirteen- hour journey. We’ve been sitting on the tarmac for two hours due to a mechanical problem.

Ethan grabs my hand and squeezes it softly, then leans over to plant a kiss on my forehead. I gaze at his face,; bags frame his red eyes. I look out the window to distract myself. It’s a sunny, cold day, the sky clear of clouds and full of promise for flight.

“One step at a time, Sophia. We’re closer than we’ve ever been. Remember that,” he says soothingly. Turning back to him, my body becomes rigid as anger spills over me like hot molten lava.

“You’re thinking the same thing I am! We should be overjoyed at the prospect of meeting our son! This is a time for celebration, a time for effervescent bottles of uncorked champagne! But this do- it-yourself adoption is a nightmare! How much longer can we handle disappointment after disappointment? The closer we think we are…the farther away we are,” I vent.

The conversation with Natasha on the phone last night burns in my brain.

“Adoption very risky in Russia now. The ban make Mafia watch money very close.”

How could she say that on the eve of our trip?

I play back what Natasha said.

“This trip big gamble for you. I work to keep adoption away from Mafia. If I do not, police arrest you for human trafficking or Mafia take you. Better to go to prison. My name not appear anywhere, only yours. Phone will be disconnected. And I never know you.”

About the Author: Kelly’s fascination with fiction began in middle school when she entered a book-reading contest and won. As an ardent fan of the resonating narrative and the cliffhanger, she decided to dedicate herself to becoming a skilled writer. When college professors spotlighted her writing in the classroom, it anchored her interest in becoming a novelist.

After earning a business degree, she continued to pursue her education at UCLA, via the UCLA Writers’ Extension Program, where her work earned praise from an award-winning author. A rickety project trip to Russia, to adopt a baby boy, provided the inspiration for her debut novel, Beautiful Evil Winter.

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