Drabble Wednesday: Shifting Reality

Today on Drabble Wednesday, what you see may not be as real as you think...

Seeing Things

“I swear things were there, and then they weren’t. One minute a big ass SUV was parked in my neighbour’s driveway, and the next, poof, it was a just a regular old car. And then the house turned pink. Pink, man! What kind of weird ass shit turns a house pink? It’s crazy.”

The police detective sighed. “You take any drugs tonight?”

“No way! I ain’t on nothing! I swear! I wish I was, man!”

“Wait here.” The detective leaves. His boss waits outside the interview room.

“Another parallel universe incident?”

“Yes, sir. I’ll send him for a memory wipe.”

~*~

Too Close

Edges slipping, the universal cracks widening, parallel atomic fault lines crashing. Rubbing together without sound or substance, still sliding open. Insignificant and yet infinite, waiting like a spider web. Or a trap.

I got too close.

I fell between.

Between worlds, between universes, co-existing and not. A human Schrödinger’s Cat. Alive and dead, one and two. One world breathing, the other bleeding. Straddling the line, pulled apart, put together, repeatedly.

Stuck in one moment on dual worlds for an eternity. And only for a second.

I close my eyes.

On one world I die.

On the other I wake up.

~*~

Walking off the World

They call it walking off the world. It’s when a space station worker loses his shit so bad he, or she, starts seeing things and hearing voices. Sometimes they crack up so hard they jettison themselves out an airlock.

Hence the nickname.

Hazards of the job the bosses tell everyone, sometimes the isolation cause metal instability.

But it isn’t true. Nobody on the station ever went crazy.

What they’re seeing, what they’re hearing, it is real. The station’s dead don’t leave. They stick around in whispers and visions.

I know.

I died, and I’m still here.

Care to join me?

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

Book Spotlight: Tompkin's School (For The Extraordinarily Talented Book 1)

Today, I shine the spotlight on the paranormal novel, Tompkin's School, book one in the dark urban fantasy series, For The Extraordinarily Talented.  Enjoy.

Tompkin's School (For The Extraordinarily Talented Book 1) by Tabi Slick

Izara Torvik thought her life was over the moment that her father sent her and her twin brother to a boarding school in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma. She soon discovers that the school is not as ordinary as she thought and finds herself thrown into a battle against her inner demons that only have one desire...the desire to kill.

You can find Tompkin's School on:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads

And its Facebook Page

Book Trailer

An Excerpt From Tompkin's School:

Once my body stopped trembling, I picked myself up. It felt strange, my feet seemed to fall much lighter on the ground than normal. My head also felt a bit fuzzy. I turned and froze as I caught myself in the reflection of a full-length mirror. I glided forward to get a closer look. My eyelids had sunken into my skull and my eyes were red! I reached up to touch my pallid skin only to gawk at my hands. My fingernails had been replaced with dark, black claws.
“I’m a monster,” I hissed.
My eyes flashed up to meet my reflection once again and soon my clawed hands were the least of my worries. Two black, very large things were moving ever so slightly, blocking the reflection of the rest of the room. I looked over my shoulder to find large, black feathered, wings…

Author Bio:

Tabi Slick was born in Chanute, Kansas, and grew up in the country where she was homeschooled for the greater part of her childhood. In middle school, her family moved to Davis Oklahoma where she attended public school for several years. Here she began her writing adventure and soon the world of Tompkin's Academy came to life. After graduating from high school in 2008, she spent a few years in Puerto Rico and wound up in Texas where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from the University of Texas at Arlington. She was born with an immense appreciation for literature and continues to dedicate her time to her passion of writing.

For more check out the Author's Website

Book Spotlight: The Dreamer

Today, I have a spotlight on the horror novel, The Dreamer by Travis McBee. Enjoy.

The Dreamer by Travis McBee

Oak Grove, Georgia.
It’s a tiny mountain town where nothing ever seemed to happen. Until dreams began to come true. Dreams that could more aptly be called nightmares. Monsters, wild animals, nefarious traps, anything is possible. No one is safe. The only thing they have in common is a teenage girl, Natalie Mullin, who dreams about each new horror as they happen. But why does she dream of them? And can she stop them before she dreams of everyone she loves? For when she lays her head to rest, it’s your life that’s put to the test.


The Dreamer is available on Amazon

Book Trailer

Author Bio: 

Travis McBee was born and raised just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. He is the younger of two children and enjoys backpacking, playing rugby, and watching football. Apart from his many short stories, he is the author of several novels including, Bridgeworld; Bridgeworld: Encounter at Atlantis; The Dreamer; and Triton: Rise of Empire. He is also the author of a children's series: The Chronicles of a Second Grade Genius. He currently resides with an assortment of very fluffy animals in Georgia.

For more on the author check out these sites:

YouTube

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

The Heartbeat Thief, A Victorian Birthday, And Mementos Mori

Today I bring you some morbid morsels from Victorian history with a guest post by Ash Krafton, and another look at her delightfully dark novel, The Heartbeat Thief (penned under A. J. Krafton). Enjoy my minions...

A Victorian Birthday and Mementos Mori

The Victorian Era is steeped in traditions. Anything that flew in the face of tradition was shunned, cursed, and outcast. Tradition provided vital foundation, the legs upon which society stood. 

Traditions embellished every moment in life. One such tradition was the celebration of birthdays. Considering this month marks the book birthday for THE HEARTBEAT THIEF, you might expect a post on birthdays. Right? Anecdotes about parties and pastries and pretty ribbons and…

…no. Just—no.

On one hand, THE HEARTBEAT THIEF *is* pretty on the outside, like a birthday party. Beautiful and beribboned and sweet as strawberries and cream. But what is a birthday if not all about victory over death? And, deep within, that is what Senza Fyne’s tale is all about.

She is, after all, the Forever Girl. Death’s Estranged. Endless. She stopped celebrating birthdays when she learned how to steal immortality. Eventually, there was only one day she marked each year: her Unbirthing Day.

So just think about all the lovely traditions she missed out on when it came to her death. The Victorians were morbidly fascinated with death and went to great lengths to mark the occasion.

Senza could not die. She denied her loved ones so many opportunities…

No one would stop the clocks or draw all the curtains, to dwell in sad, shadowy silence.

No one would post elegantly written funeral notes of invitation.

No one would stand watch over her body, every moment from death to interment (which could take three to four days to allow family to arrive).

No one would arrange flowers around her body to mask the signs of decay.

No final death portraits, with falsely life-like poses, cosmetically-created rosy cheeks, or painted pupils in propped-open eyes.

No hair trinkets. No one would trim her winter-fire red locks and weave the tresses into rings or bracelets or brooches to wear as mourning jewelry.

No one would wear mourning for her, deep black crinoline with heavy veils and dark jet jewels. Instead, those would be her own disguise, hiding the eternal freshness of her beautiful cheeks from her aging loved ones and she sneaked like a thief through the pages of time.

No drapes upon the mirrors to prevent them from enticing her soul to enter, only to become trapped for all of wretched eternity.

No black crape hung around the doorknobs to announce the tragedy of her passing, reminding callers to avoid ringing.

No elaborate funeral procession, aristocratic and stately, with plumes and pallbearers, a hearse trimmed in white to lament the passing of one so young.

No strings tied to her finger, connecting her to coffin bells above her grave. No dead-ringers, graveyard shifts, or being saved by the bell.

See what I meant when I said the Victorians were just a little on the morbid side? Bereavement, you see, was generally the order of the day, even when there was no one to bury, because life was fragile and brief and all too often lost in the blink of an eye.

Senza Fyne would not die. Mr. Knell had worked his dark spell on her and removed her from the march of time, placing her far beyond the decayed grasp of Death. Although the Ferryman would not come for her, she was forced to watch each and everyone around her succumb to the ravages of life’s bittersweet ending.

Shadows cluttered her heart, each and every day that she went forth, beautiful and young and free of what frightened her most. She could not die.

But in that, she very nearly forgot how to live.

You can read Senza Fyne’s dark tale and take that long walk with her. See what she sees, experience what she felt as she stood still, a statue in a fast-growing, fast-wilting, ever-changing garden.

This week until June 26^th, THE HEARTBEAT THIEF ebook will be $0.99!

Find it at any of these retailers:

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 

Amazon FR | Amazon DE

Kobo Apple Smashwords  Barnes and Noble

About the author: Ash Krafton

Ash Krafton writes New Adult speculative fiction under the pen name AJ Krafton. In addition to THE HEARTBEAT THIEF, Ash is also the author of a growing list of poetry, short stories, and urban fantasy novels.

Currently, she’s working on a new series, THE DEMON WHISPERER. First book, CHARM CITY, can be found on Wattpad.com where you can read it free. Find it here: CHARM CITY on Wattpad.com

Find more to love at www.ashkrafton.com

Follow Ash at:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Goodreads

Pinterest 

Drabble Wednesday: Take to the Air

Today, on Drabble Wednesday, I take flight in words...

Aftermath

The airship drifted over the battlefield, wisps of smoke from charred remains rising to greet it. The ground below reflected death: scorched and trampled grass, gouged dirt and mud, and the tattered corpses of soldiers rotting in the sun.

The ship wandered aimlessly, the sputtering groan of its engine the only sound, save the hiss of wind. Below, silence swallowed the world, the once deafening boom of artillery quiet, guns rusting and useless. The ship flew over lifeless terrain, the fight done with no victory.

Still it flew on, its crew now dead, waiting for the fuel to run out.

~*~

Soar

I’m standing on the precipice, the sun at my back. Behind me are a scattering of my instructors and fellow students, waiting in anticipation. I simply have to step off the edge.

I’m afraid.

Such a deed hasn’t been attempted in decades, not since my particular mutation ceased manifesting itself. I was quite the surprise.

I’m the first one in eighty years.

They’ve done their best to prepare me, but they can only guess what will happen. If something goes wrong...

Failure means death. Still...

I stretch my wings to their full glory and step off the cliff.

I fly.

~*~

Last Night

“Has the sun set? It seems dark.”

“Yes, the sun has set for you, David.”

“Who’s there? I can’t see well. It’s so dark.”

“I’m an old friend, you have yet to meet. But don’t be afraid. You will come to me quietly, in your own time.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You will soon. We will ascend the universe together, David. To the celestial light and the comforting wonder of creation.”

David’s answer came with the exhalation of his last breath.

With a sigh, the Angel of Death wrapped David’s soul in his arms.

They flew to the stars beyond heaven.

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

Drabble Wednesday: Alternate Worlds

Today in Drabble Wednesday something a bit different. I bring you three stories, three settings, one person in three alternate world circumstances…

Anticipation

For the moment she is alone.

She looks in the mirror. The bright sun streams in the window, casting sparkles over her beaming reflection. She smiles. Everything is perfect. Just as she imagined. Outside the door she can hear the commotion of the day, the voices, the chatter.

Soon it will begin. She leave this room, this temporary respite from what was to come, these last few moments of simply her.

A knock echoes on her rumination. It is time. She picks up her bouquet, and opens the door. Her father stands there, waiting.

The wedding march begins to play.

~*~

Apprentice

For the moment she is alone.

She looks in the mirror. The fading sun streams in the small window, illuminating the faint scar on her cheek. She examines her appearance. Everything is perfect. Not a button out of place on her regalia. This day will happen just as she imagined.

Outside the door there is silence. All her fellow students and teachers will be assembled on the training grounds for the ceremony. Soon it will begin.

A knock sounds, and she opens the door.

An officer of the Royal Guard awaits her, ready to escort her to her induction ceremony.

~*~

Annihilation

For the moment she is alone.

She looks in the dusty mirror. The sun streams past the cracked window, casting shadows on her pale reflection. She wants to cry. Everything is ruined. Nothing has gone as she imagined.

Outside the door she hears commotion, roaring voices, the sound of shooting, screams. Here, in her temporary refuge, she wonders how it came to this. To war. To genocide.

She picks up her gun and stares at the cold metal. One bullet left.

As ferocious pounding slams against the door, she knows it’s too late. They’ve found her.

A gunshot rings out.

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

Drabble Wednesday: Shadows

Today on Drabble Wednesday, we settle into the shadows…

Shades of Time

Beyond the ken of reality, I wait. Watching history pass, each moment a raindrop in infinity. I have seen the fall of Rome, a myriad of lovers kiss, the rise of empires, and the death of those whose names are unrecorded, save by me.

My fingers have touched rose petals and dust, my steps have walked through stars and mud. I have reveled in laughter, sorrowed in tears, and listened to my silence echo through centuries. I have lived surrounded by humanity, alone.

Pariah and observer. Recorder of history, never to be part of time.

That has been my punishment.

~*~

Lurking

Tonight, my friend, we talk of creatures, monsters hiding in the night. Things dismissed as stuff and nonsense, no? Perhaps they are more real than imagined.

I see you disagree. You reject them as fanciful tales conjured to scare the unenlightened. But are they? Or is that what we tell ourselves for untroubled slumber?

Such an indulgent smile you have. You believe me a mad, old man. Your incredulity changes nothing. The shadows of the night are alive.

What a deep laugh you have. You do not believe. Ah well, I tried. Still, my friend, do be careful walking home.

~*~

Accidental Encounters

How did I get here?

I’m stumbling in the dark. I can hear people around me, but I can’t see anyone.

I don’t understand.

What happened to me?

It’s hard to think, to remember…

I was driving, wasn’t I? At night. I recall headlights. Another car.

Wait. Is that light?

I run.

I can see the road. And flashing lights, with people.

And my car.

No. My poor car. The front end is smashed, the windshield shattered.

My vision clears. The flashing lights are police vehicles.

I shout. No one seems to hear.

I don’t understand?

What happened to me?

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

Interview With Author Tina Amiri

Today I have for you a great interview with psychological thriller author and fellow Canadian, Tina Amiri, where she talks writing and about her book, Whatever The Impulse. Enjoy!

Interview with Tina Amiri

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.

Luckily, since I’m inclined to write and edit, for fun I enjoy quiet time, nice views, good coffee, like any real writer ought to. I also love my cats, and I’m a passionate supporter of animal rights and environmental causes, but I’m also extremely “ying-yang”. For almost every trait I possess, there seems to be a balance to that quality. I like my hair long and always wear a dress but everyone laughs when they see the person behind the art (that I create). My favourite activity for years was watching, reading and practicing martial arts. When people first meet me, they don’t expect me to be the one to shake up the room, but I do tend to either amuse or offend. Being a “green personality”, I also analyze everything I see and hear, so opinions expressed by me may not always be well received by those around me. And yet, despite all that, I am nice. Immediately after a driver incites the deepest road-rage to come out of me and I disparage all humanity, I will still let the next guy in on a by street; I will be the person in the movie theatre who cares about whether the person behind me has a good view of the film.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing before I learned how to spell--probably at five-years-old. I would sound out the words and write them however seemed logical to me. I started with these one-line-per-page stories called "Donkey & Teddy"--basically stories about my stuffed donkey and my sister's stuffed teddy bear--in which Donkey always won the day. They should have been called "Donkey vs Teddy". LOL These "books" consisted of two pages stapled together in the middle and each page had pictures too!

I wrote a single-spaced notebook-length book at age 8. I wrote my first 200 page, typed novel when I was 10 and spent a few years re-writing it. I started writing novels, which i never finished all through high school but I always abandoned these stories when I made a jump on the writing learning curve because I knew I could do better.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Whatever The Impulse is a psychological thriller about a young man, named Night, who spent his first nineteen years forced, by his father, to play the role of a deaf-mute in order to isolate himself from others—all, apparently, for a good reason. Finally, Night learns the truth and is immediately thrust into a completely opposite life where he is always in the public eye, but in a world he does not understand, without a totally intact moral compass.

Why did you decide to write in the psychological thriller genre?

I think the hardest part of writing a psychological thriller—and probably any form of fiction—is to come up with a story that doesn’t sound familiar. Nowadays, there are countless TV shows that are based entirely on abnormal human psychology. Of course the writers of these shows are all trying to come up with a new twist every week, so it makes the author’s job that much harder…trying to surprise a reader and keep them hooked for 300+ pages. I’ve always been fascinated by the human condition. The genre also interests me because of the tragic murder of my mother and her date at the hands of an old boyfriend who was believed to have a borderline dissociative identity disorder. He killed himself at the scene and I think that the subconscious effects of discovering all of them in our home when I was 18 certainly have played a role in my interest in this genre.

Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?

Sure, one thing that surprised me was how I could not plan my plot-points and stick to the plan. My characters and the story itself acquired a life of its own and guided me to the end…although there were several rewrites that resulted in major changes every time.

Who is your intended readership?

This book was geared for older young adults- 16+ but it’s finding a home with older adults (40-70) as well as those in the gay community because of a few scenes and homo-erotic undertones throughout the book. I’m getting incredibly positive feedback from both male and female and that could be because of the attractive sympathetic main character.

Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?

Ideas just come to me. Sometimes I think I've come up with a great idea but then I get stumped on how to flesh out an entire novel based on my idea. My writing routine is: write whenever you aren't at your day job, you're okay to not be at the gym or go for a run, and nobody else asked you to do something with them. I do enjoy inspiring settings for writing, like charming urban Inns, hotels etc or when in nature. A room with a view really helps. I am not unique when it comes to this!

How do you research your book?

While some content is just from imagination, much is a combination of inspiration and research. I bought books, I took books out from libraries, and I looked stuff up on the internet. I even reached out, by e-mail, to someone in the countermeasures industry once. I did not know who I was e-mailing and eventually that person, after screening me in a number of ways, divulged their interesting history involved in covert government operations. I did get the information I was looking for. This came about when I ran into obstacles trying to find out about spy equipment in the early 80's. Yes, just a line in the book might have taken me days of research and then years of editing to come out as it did. A lot of the details I initially put into the book where edited out over time. For example, I took out three giant books on guns, from a local library, and did i ever get some strange looks in the line-up at check-out!

What is your greatest challenge as a writer?

Greatest challenge is finding time in such a hectic world. Writing inherently removes contact with others, so it is difficult to find time when the only time you can "spend time with friends or family" is when you’re not at work and running around managing other everyday business.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?

I like to do distance running, gardening, going to see live theatre (I'm a Stratford Festival member). I also am a huge supporter of animal causes, environmental causes and naturopathic medicine. To contrast that, I also have a weakness for dresses and aesthetic services!

For more on the author and her writing check out her website, and Facebook page

You can find Whatever The Impulse on 

Goodreads

Amazon Canada

Amazon US

Interview With Author Chantal Gadoury

Today I'm part of a blog tour for author Chantal Gadoury, and her latest book Allerleirauh. I have for you a lovely interview with Chantal, and a peek at her delightful novel that includes an excerpt and the book trailer. Plus, there's a giveaway. Enjoy!

Interview With Chantal Gadoury

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.

I’d love to! My name is Chantal Gadoury. I’m twenty seven years old, and I love to write! I love to paint (mostly acrylics), drink coffee (iced or hot, I’m not picky!), watch historical romances and Disney movies! I love to spend time with my Mom, sister and furry Yorkie-brother Taran. Sadly, my Dad passed away in August 2015 and have since, missed him more than I can describe. 

I am a 2011 college graduate from Susquehanna University with a degree in Creative Writing, and have since, published two novels: “Seven Seeds of Summer” with Waldorf Publishing and “Allerleirauh ”as my first self-published manuscript. 

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

I sure can! “Allerleirauh” is a retelling of the beautiful Grimm Brother’s Fairy Tale (entitled the same thing.) It’s a story about a King who promises his dying wife that he will only remarry a woman with the same golden hair. He searches the land for a new wife, only to be unsuccessful. It is only as he glances in the direction of his maturing daughter that he realizes his search can come to an end – his daughter, Aurelia has the same golden hair and the same features of his late wife. Aurelia makes a plan to try to deceive the King and buy herself time to escape the castle by asking for dresses made of impossible things: sunbeams, moonbeams and star dust and a coat of a thousand furs. When the King succeeds, Aurelia is forced to leave and disguises herself in the coat. She runs to a neighboring Kingdom where the Prince and his men find her in the forest. 

Aurelia tries to remain hidden under her new false identity, fearful of being found by the Mad King. Unexpected love is found between Aurelia and the Prince, and is challenged with an approaching arranged marriage between the Kingdom and a neighboring ruler. With the possibility of discovery hanging in the air, Aurelia must face the difficulties of her past with her father in her journey of self-discovery before the Prince and his entire Kingdom learns the truth of her real identity, and she looses him forever! (Thrilling right?) 

How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?

I’ve been writing since I was in the second grade. My first book ever, made by the hands of my teacher was called “My Trip to New Jersey” and my second, “Lyle Lyle is a Star for a While.” You know, home-made books are the best! In the sense of real publishing, my first novel was called “Seven Seeds of Summer,” based on the Greek Myth of Hades and Persephone. “Allerleirauh” is my second.

Of all the books you've written, do you have a favorite?

So far, I’d say “Allerleirauh” is my favorite. It’s come to mean a lot to me. A friend of mine inspired the motivation to write it, as the fairy tale has always been in the back of my mind since I was a child. It’s been the kind of fairy tale I’ve always wanted to write, and at times now – I really miss the writing process with Aurelia and the Prince!

Why did you decide to write in the fantasy genre?

It’s always been the preferred genre for me. When I was in college, I really tried to do what my classmates were doing – write realistic fiction. But I didn’t feel as though I could really explore myself and explore my writing while doing that. I used to always say, “If I want to write realistic fiction, I can just turn on a TV and watch it. It’s called Reality TV.” Now, I kind of see how I’m wrong about that, but I still prefer being able to write about Castles and Princesses, or Greek Gods or Mermaids. It’s just a preference. It’s easier for me to do what I want as a writer.

What is the hardest part of writing fantasy fiction?

Being consistent has been a struggle for me, and being able to describe something without “telling.” Sometimes in the Fantasy realm, you as the author make something up and you have to describe it to the reader. It’s also hard to keep things “realistic” in an unrealistic world. Even if it means that paranormal or magical things happen – you still need to make it seem completely necessary and believable that the world has these elements. There always needs to be a reason as to why a place or person is the way it/they are.

What did you find most challenging about writing your book?

The rape scene that happens in “Allerleirauh” was very challenging. You might think I’m weird when I tell you that I listened to “Earn It” – (a cover of it) during the entire time that I wrote the scene. I went back and forth about if I wanted to include a scene like that, or just fade to black. Do I allow the reader to see what happens to Aurelia, or do I just let you think what you want? Eventually, I came to realization that I wanted to write a book that was going to be uncomfortable; to show some realness to things that happen in our world today. Those girls don’t get to “fade to black” and check out – and neither should my readers of “Allerleirauh.” It’s an element to Aurelia’s character, and it’s really important. It was challenging because I hated every minute of it, but I knew I was trying to make a really important message come across to readers.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies? 

I love to paint in my free time. I’ll often look up painting ideas on Pinterest or look up those Paint Nite ideas and try to remake them myself. If I’m not doing that, I love to watch movies. I’m not sure if that’s really a hobby, but I’d say Netflix sure could be one if it really wanted to be. I love to go to the beach and walk around. I love to go on drives on sunny days. Mostly just paint and craft and write. Tumblr is a hobby for me – I love to RP with my online friends! (Nerd Confession: I’m a Huge Disney fan, and I RP as characters from Disney on Tumblr.)

Are you working on another book?

I wouldn’t call it a book yet, but I am working on two projects. At the moment, I’m still just trying to feel them out – which one I feel most passionate about. I have a mermaid story (completely original) that I’d love to write – if not now, someday. And I wanted to dip my toe in some nonfiction – personal essay – kind of writing. Once I figure it out, I’ll be sure to let you know! 

And now for a peek at Allerleirauh.

Allerleirauh by Chantal Gadoury

Once Upon a Time… 

In the Kingdom of Tränen, a King makes a promise to his dying wife to only remarry someone who has her golden hair. With time, the King finds his eyes are turned by his maturing daughter. Realizing her father’s intentions, Princess Aurelia tries to trick her Father by requesting impossible gifts: dresses created by the sun, moon and stars and a coat made of a thousand furs. When Aurelia discovers his success, she knows she must run away from her privileged life and escapes the kingdom disguised by the cloak and under a new name, “Allerleirauh.” 

Aurelia enters the safe haven of the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht, where she is taken under the care of the handsome and gentle Prince Klaus. Hoping to not be discovered by her father’s courtiers, Aurelia tries to remain hidden under her new false identity. Unexpected love is found between Aurelia and Prince Klaus and is challenged with an approaching arranged marriage between the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht and a neighboring ruler. With the possibility of discovery hanging in the air, Aurelia must face the difficulties of her past with her father in her journey of self-discovery before the Prince and his entire Kingdom learns the truth of her real identity, and she loses him forever.

Available at:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Createspace

Book Trailer

Excerpt:

Prologue

“If you ever decide to remarry, you must marry someone who is as beautiful as I and has my golden hair.” The words seemed to echo all around the darkened, red room as my dying mother whispered them. Candles were lit all across the room, creating a gloomy and death-like atmosphere around us as they flickered against the stone walls; the only solace of light were the flames, curling out from the fireplace.  My mother’s hair, like spools of golden thread, lay against her forehead, clinging to her dying, pale skin as she lifted her hand, reaching out to my Father for his answer. My mother, the Queen, was dying in her bed with my weeping father on bended knee, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles and the corner of her lips.

“My wife…” His words were soft and full of a clouded grief I knew I didn’t understand. My father and mother were hardly ever affectionate behind closed doors. I often saw them together in the throne room, together in my father’s den, but never close; never touching. His loss of her was a mystery to me.

“Promise me,” she hissed at him, her breathing was growing faint as she shifted and grunted, trying to look at him more closely. Perhaps it was her only solace that her husband, my father, would never truly love anyone after her. Perhaps she hoped a new wife would only be a constant reminder of his first.

I stood in the background, watching the scene between my mother and father, clinging to the thick red bed drapes, my own golden curls tied back with a black ribbon. I had been pulled from my tutoring lesson with Mousier Rayner, learning French from the brittle books of my father’s library and had dressed for the occasion of my mother’s death in a simple black dress. I hadn’t known how to feel as the black silk brushed against my skin. I felt almost as if we were being paraded into her room to watch her die like an animal. Was this how life truly was?

 We were born, lived the life God granted us, and then, just as quickly, our flame dulls until it becomes a wisp of smoke in a darkened room and we’re gone. As the servants and house-hold hands guided me into the room, I stood frozen in the back. It was often said by the Courtiers I looked much like my mother; I had the same golden hair and the same blue eyes. I wondered now how true it really was. Did I truly?

I felt fear as her last breath slipped between her lips, her hand slowly falling from my father’s shoulder. Everyone in the Kingdom knew the King did not have a male heir, and in turn, would need one to carry on the Royal Line. Who would be next? I could see eyes staring at me; I was my Mother’s reflection: my Mother’s legacy. I felt a cold shiver run up my spine as I heard my father reply, “I promise.”

About the Author:

Chantal Gadoury is a young author who is originally from Muncy, PA. Chantal enjoys to paint in her spare time, drink a good cup of coffee when she can and appreciates watching her favorite Disney classics with loved ones. When she’s not busy crafting or reading, Chantal is dedicated to her family at home: her mom, sister and a furry-puppy-brother (and her Dad, who has now lives in heaven.) As a 2011 college graduate from Susquehanna University, with a degree in Creative Writing, writing novels has become a dream come true!

Where you can find Chantal:

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Interview With Author S. M. Randle

Today I have a delightful interview with horror author S. M. Randle as she talks writing and her latest book, Night of the Shadows: Murder and Mayhem the sequel to Night of the Shadows: The Beginning. Enjoy!

Interview with S. M. Randle

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself?

As a young child writing music and poetry, I knew that I wanted to write a book someday.  I have always been a mystery and horror buff, so in 2012, I decided to follow my dream to write my first book – Night of the Shadows: The Beginning. I just finished my second book in this two-part horror series called Night of the Shadows: Murder and Mayhem.

I currently live in Maryland.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

In the summer of 2013, in Miami Florida, a series of brutal, unspeakable, seemingly random murders captured headlines across America. Bobbie Jean Pratt and her lover lured their victims to their horrible deaths with such ease; they were able to carry out these murders for months. In this gripping new edition of a mystery masterpiece, author S. M. Randle recounts the intriguing life and murders of Bobbie Jean Pratt. This story picks up where the Night of the Shadows: The Beginning left off.
Night of the Shadows: Murder and Mayhem weaves a spellbinding tale of murder, love, deceit, and revenge.

How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?

I have been writing since 2012.  I have three books published to date.

Of all the books you've written, do you have a favourite?

The one that I just finished - Night of the Shadows: Murder and Mayhem is my favorite.  It finishes that horror series and lets my readers really understand the MC Bobbie Jean Pratt.

Why did you decide to write in the horror genre? 

I have always been a horror buff since I was a kid.  I loved to be scared.

Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?

I love the writings of Stephen King, Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

What advice would you give beginning writers?

To be focused and be dedicated to your craft.  Do not get discourage with the journey.  Embrace it.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?

I like to cook, especially baking.

Are you working on another book?

Yes, I am working on another book.  It is more of a mystery book this time.

Author Bio:

As a young child writing music and poetry, S. M. Randle knew that she wanted to write a book someday. She had always been a mystery and horror buff, so in 2012, she decided to follow her dream to write a book – Night of the Shadows: The Beginning. This was S. M. Randle’s first book and the first one in the two part Horror Series. She just finished working on her final book in the Horror Series, Night of the Shadows: Murder and Mayhem which came out in May 2016.

She lives in Maryland.

For more on S. M. Randle check out her website

You can find Night of the Shadows: Murder and Mayhem on Amazon and Lulu.com