A.F. Stewart's Blog, page 63

Drabble Wednesday: Monsters

Today on Drabble Wednesday, I pull back the veil to show the horrors. Today we walk with monsters…


Oh, The Web We Weave
Such things you can hide behind a smile.Contempt, distaste, arrogance, hatred.A flash of teeth is all it takes, perhaps a warm handshake, a chuckle.And no one knows.People want to believe. They want to trust.A cheery smile is the best mask. The best way to hide.A great smile can keep everyone at bay, keep them calm.But you keep your secrets, those dark things behind the smile, with lies.Carefully crafted, intricate, but an effortless deception.So no one suspects. So no one questions you.So no one sees the hunger.Until they are dead.
~*~


No Mirrors
I watch them from the shadows.The people that come to the wellspring’s pool. They laugh and chatter, collecting the water in clay jugs, idling staring at their reflection in the water.I hate them. I envy them.I don’t look at my reflection anymore.I am lonely.They don’t know I am here. I wonder if they even know of my cave. Most don’t.But some have come. Some have stayed.That is my consolation. My stone warriors. My beautiful collection of death.Those fools that came to kill me.That dared to looked upon the face of Medusa.
~*~


Sea Shanty
I sing, my voice calling from the sea.I sing, of the dark water, and its cold, cold depths. Of the waves on the rocks, and the sweet salt breeze. Of the freedom tossed, upon the brine, and the safe harbour lost, a life less entwined.Come sailor, I’m calling. Come sailor, I await.Sail the strong wind, sail the swift wave. Come listen, come listen to me.I sing the mermaid’s tune.I sing the oldest song.It is my lasting lullaby, my sweet gift to you.As you die in my arms, and I feast on your bones.



© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Author Devorah Fox

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/


Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today I have a great interview with fantasy author Devorah Fox.


Interview with Devorah Fox

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. I must write in my sleep. That would explain how I can stumble upon nine chapters of a novel-in-progress that I don’t remember writing. Novels, manuals, smartphone apps, blog posts, newspaper and magazine columns—whatever I’m writing, I strive to entertain, to inform, and to inspire. Born in Brooklyn, New York, I now live on the Texas Gulf Coast. On the rare occasions that I’m not writing, I herd cats (I have two rescued tabbies) and try to keep my dragon, Inky, from setting things on fire.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
“The Redoubt” is Book Four in The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam epic fantasy series. Having bested beast, man, and even his own failings, King Bewilliam has regained his throne, reunited with his sons, and restored his embattled kingdom, yet something is lacking. When a crippling famine threatens the Chalklands’ very survival, his vassals propose a risky plan to seek aid from a distant ruler. King Bewilliam strikes off on a perilous journey to the island empire of Sea Gate accompanied by a cadre of loyal knights and nobles who are unaware that the plan will reunite the king with a spurned lover.

Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?
“The Redoubt” is Book Four in The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam epic fantasy series. By the time I finished Book Three, “The King’s Redress,” several of the secondary characters were clamoring for their own book. The series is told from the single character viewpoint of King Bewilliam so it was difficult for the other characters’ voices to be heard. Yet I didn’t want to change viewpoints in the middle of the series. I came up with a device in “The Redoubt” that gives the supporting characters a chance to speak.

What did you find most challenging about writing your book?
The research. It’s fascinating, but it’s time consuming. When I began The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam epic fantasy series I intended to do no research at all. I was just going to make things up. It’s a fantasy, right? But I got curious about what life actually was like in the Middle Ages. Before I knew it, I couldn’t write a sentence without first researching it. Did they eat that? Did they wear that? Did they say that ...?

How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
I’ve been writing my entire professional life, which translates to decades. My first published book was a 500-page textbook on operating 18-wheelers; it’s still in print. I began writing novels in the mid-1990s. I now have 12 published titles to my name—6 non-fiction, 6 fiction—and 7 smartphone apps.

Of all the books you've written, do you have a favourite?
I have a lot of affection for “Naked Came the Sharks,” a contemporary Texas Coastal Bend thriller that I co-authored with three friends. We had so much fun writing it. Two of the authors have since passed away so I cherish the experience of working with them on a creative project all the more.

What is the hardest part of writing fantasy fiction?
My readers might be surprised that I find it a challenge to be as imaginative as the genre allows. I really am quite literal and linear. I’ve taken up watching superhero movies and action films which inspire me to stretch, go larger-than life, go over the top.

You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?
Mystery/Thriller is my favorite because that’s what I enjoy reading and have since I was a child. My mother was a fan of detective stories and I would read the books that she brought home from the library.

What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
I never seem to have enough time to write. Running a business, managing a home, and volunteering often leave me drained. It’s become my practice to participate in writing marathons like November’s National Novel Writing Month. To meet the challenge of writing 50,000 words in 30 days, I make writing the Number One priority for the day. Then, with about 60% of a first draft written, completing the novel in the ensuing months is doable.

I do like doing crafts. I’ve crocheted, I’ve etched and painted glass, I’ve worked mosaics. Lately I’ve participated in our local arts center’s “Whine, Wine, and Design.” Fueled by snacks and vino, for three hours on a Sunday night we work to complete an acrylic painting under the direction of one of the Center’s artists. Considering we’re all painting the same image and using the same colors, I’m always amazed at how unique the finished works are.

What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
I hope to release two books in 2016, both contemporary detective stories. “The Zen Detective” was my National Novel Writing Month 2015 project and I began “Deadline” during National Novel Writing Month 2014. The seeds for both were planted in the mid-1990s but I still like the stories and want to see them finished.



"What if?" Those two words all too easily send Devorah Fox spinning into flights of fancy. Best-selling author of The Lost King, The King’s Ransom, The King’s Redress and The Redoubt in The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam epic fantasy series she also co-authored the contemporary thriller, Naked Came the Sharks, with Jed Donellie and the Masters of Time: a SciFi/Fantasy Time Travel Anthology. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she now lives in The Barefoot Palace in Port Aransas on the Texas Gulf Coast with rescued tabby cats ... and a dragon named Inky. Visit the “Dee-Scoveries” blog at http://devorahfox.com.
You can also find Devorah at these sites:
Twitter: @devorah_fox   http://twitter.com/devorah_foxFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DevorahFoxAuthorGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/+DevorahFoxYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/devorahfoxAmazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B006L9BJAOSmashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mbapub

I'd like to thank Devorah Fox for stopping by today, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Author Adan Ramie

Yes, I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature (and haven't they been wonderful so far). Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th. 
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/

Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today I have a terrific interview with suspense and horror author Adan Ramie. 

Interview With Adan Ramie



Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
Anyone who knows me well can tell you this simple truth about me: I have a big mouth. I got started reading and writing early in life, and both have served as escapes – and funnels for my need to constantly communicate - for as long as I can remember.


You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?
The first stories that caught my attention were horror stories, and I still write a lot of those now, but I’ve also branched out into a dozen other genres, including more speculative fiction types, dark comedy, and even romance. People have asked if I will ever narrow my focus, and I always say the same thing: I write what churns inside my head. If that ever narrows, my writing will follow suit. (But I doubt it.)

What do you enjoy most about writing in the horror genre?
Horror gives me a place to exorcise all my demons. If there is anything I’m worried about or afraid of, you can guarantee it will end up in a creepy tale in one way or another. Likewise, if I’m angry with someone or something, they’re likely to appear as an unlikable character who ends up maimed – or worse.

Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
My writing process changes all the time. I wish I could say I had one perfect, tried-and-true method for getting a story out every time I put my fingers on the keys, but I’ve had no such luck. Sometimes I start from a prompt, as in the case of a lot of the short fiction I post on my website, and I kind of work my way through it with blinders on. Other times, as in the case of the book I’ll be releasing in March, I expand an idea into an outline that I use as the skeleton of the story. I do have a writing routine, though, that I use 4 to 5 days a week. I start with my journal, then get straight to work on whatever my current project is from there. I won’t do anything else until I’ve worked on that for at least an hour. It helps keep the long projects from getting too stagnant, and also guarantees new words every week.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
I love reading, and I am usually reading at least one (and up to three) books at any given time. When I’m not doing that, I’m usually binge-watching true crime, classic movies, and television shows that have been off the air for a while. I also love food, so I spend a lot of time searching out new recipes and springing them on my unsuspecting family.

Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?
The three authors who inspired me the most as a young child and teen were R.L. Stine, Stephen King, and Jane Austen. I know, that’s a kind of a weird combination, but I guess I was a pretty unusual kid. I read so fast, and so much, that I was finished with my school library long before I got out of fourth grade; to supplement my reading, I spent some time in the adult section reading everything I could get my hands on. My mother’s romance novels left a bad taste in my mouth, so the true romance of Jane Austen was a welcome relief. And, once I was done with everything R.L. Stine had released (Goosebumps was my favorite series), it was an easy skip ahead to Stephen King. IT scarred me for life – and turned me into a bona fide horror fanatic.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
My first novel, Maladaptation, is the first in my Deviant Behaviors series. It’s a thriller that’s been called “gritty” and “dark” by reviewers, and it focuses on the lives of three women as they are drawn together by the twisted forces around and inside them. They have all three felt the sting of abuse in ways that forged the very unique paths of their lives, but created a bond that will lead them all down the same road pursued by – or in pursuit of – a sadistic killer.

Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?
It’s funny, but it’s hard to say what really inspired Maladaptation. It started with a poster of the folk-pop band Tegan and Sara that got me thinking about abuse, and the different ways that it can affect a person and change their life for better or for worse. From there, it progressed into a storyline that I ultimately had to turn on its head. That first draft (and its six follow-up drafts) only gave about 25% to the story that was published; the remaining 75% was based on feedback from beta readers who saw through the mess and helped me bring out the story that really needed to be told.

What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
Right now, I’m finishing up the sequel to Maladaptation, Cluster B. It follows two characters from Maladaptation after the final showdown as they try to rebuild their lives and move on from the traumas they endured. One fun thing that I’m doing as I gear up for the release of Cluster B is offering a short story that forms the link between Maladaptation and Cluster B. It’s one of the prizes I’ll be giving away to ten of my newsletter subscribers before Cluster B is released in March.


Adan Ramie is the genre-stomping author of hundreds of published stories and even more that have yet to be released. She lives with her amazing, supportive, crazy family in a small town in Texas that is not unlike Andy Griffith's Mayberry. You can find her online at AdanRamie.com, where she posts fiction, book reviews, and anything else that strikes her fancy.
Her book, Maladaptation, can be found on Amazon


I'd like to thank Adan Ramie for stopping by today, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

Drabble Wednesday: Fairy Tales

Today on Drabble Wednesday I bring you twisted tales of childhood, grim and dark…



The Big Bad Wolf
Who’s afraid?We are all afraid. It is not safe to roam these woods. Blood soaks into the trails and earth. They have killed our children, our elders. Left behind mutilated corpses.Many of our tribe migrated from the forest. Of those that stayed, many hide, too frightened to forage for food. We send our strongest to hunt for our meat, but even they don’t always come back.Sometimes I stare at the great moon in the sky, and wonder. What did we do to them?Why does this Red Riding Hood and her huntsmen kill wolves for our pelts?
~*~



Hansel and Gretel
Gretel looked up from her scrubbing, afraid, as her father opened the door. Hansel scurried into a corner. But their father did not greet them with blows or shouts.“Come children. We’re leaving.”Ever obedient, the brother and sister rose and followed. He led them deep into the forest, where an old lady awaited. She tossed him a leather purse.“Here’s your gold.”He laughed, and pushed the children forward. The old woman reached out and grabbed their hands. Their father turned and departed.The old lady smiled at them. “Don’t worry, children. Granny will take good care of you.”
~*~



Sleeping Beauty
One hundred years she slept, behind walls of stone, walls of thorn, imprisoned within a fairy’s curse. Over the years, the blood of valiant heroes fed the thorns, and their bleached bones stood as warning to others.Save one brave soul. He who won the path to her side.Her prince.He stared, enchanted by her timeless beauty, compelled to kiss her soft, ruby red lips. Her eyelids fluttered, and she awoke. The prince helped her to sit, held her in his arms, and she smiled.With a mouth full of razor sharp fangs.Moments later she ate her prince.

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

#‎B2BCYCON Book Spotlight on The Dead Game

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/

Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today I have a great book spotlight for The Dead Game by paranormal suspense author Susanne Leist.





The Dead Game by Susanne Leist
In a remote town called Oasis, beneath its blue, green waters and peaceful setting, lies an evil waiting for its next victim. Bodies turn up on the white-sanded beaches. Tourists disappear, never to be heard from again. The young residents are invited to a party at the deserted End House. And that's when the fun & games begin. They must embark on a long and arduous journey to uncover the one controlling the game and everyone in town. It is a fun roller-coaster ride for the lovers of all genres.

The Dead Game is available on:
Amazon Kindle   Nook


Excerpt from The Dead Game
Louise became distracted by a cold wetness. The dampness was coming from her feet: her feet were wet. She looked down. She was horrified to find herself standing in a basement filled with water—water that reached above her ankles and covered most of her leg. She couldn’t understand it; the water had definitely not been there a second ago. A pool of water couldn’t appear on a whim from out of nowhere.Not waiting for the others, Edward charged ahead into the water. He stopped in the middle where the water reached up to his knees and looked up in horror, his whole body tensing.
Louise also gazed upward but couldn’t see anything. In the darkness above, she couldn’t even see a ceiling in the open, endless space. Then she heard a shrill clanging noise originating from somewhere above them, echoing throughout the basement. She couldn’t figure out what or who was making the awful noise; it sounded like a large machine was about to fall on them.Instead, frighteningly huge metal cages—suspended by thick metal chains—came crashing down from above. Sharp metal spokes extended from their bottom corners, to better catch any unsuspecting intruders with their ultra-sharp claws. The cages seemed to be targeting Edward, swaying dangerously close to him. He had to dodge their sharp rods, which were trying to trap him and crush him to death. He dove into the water, eluding them—one after another.Then all was quiet. The empty cages that had missed Edward were lying harmlessly in the pool of black water. Everyone stood stunned and motionless. Edward stood panting on the far side of the water with his legs still submerged.The bleak silence was broken by Tom’s hysterical cry, “Watch out, Edward!” He jumped into the black water. Loud swooshing noises screeched from above...slowly building in tempo. Circular saws were descending to sweep the water between the submerged cages, searching for heads to slice off. Their sharp edges glinted in the dim light of the basement.In his desperation to reach his beloved Edward, Tom tripped and fell face first into the water. A saw was rotating toward his slumped over body. Louise stood frozen in place. There was no way she could help him in time. She was even too far away to see if he was still breathing. The saws were methodically sweeping the basement floor, lined up in rows with only about a foot of space between them. 



Author Bio:
Susanne Leist graduated with an M.B.A. in Finance. Wherever life has led her, through the hectic commodities' markets or the number-crunching field of budgeting, she's continued to read,write and daydream. Unbeknownst to her, she had been pursuing her dream all along, her dream of putting her words down on paper for everyone to enjoy. She lives on Long Island with her husband, two daughters, and Maltese.
Website: https://susanneleist.wordpress.com/


I'd like to thank Susanne Leist for sharing her book with us, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

#‎B2BCYCON Fireside Chat With Shapeshifter Richard Parsons

Today I have the second half of the Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature for Timothy Bateson. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th. 
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/


Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.

Today I have one of our delightful Fireside Chats.
Please welcome, Timothy Bateson's character, the lupine shapeshifer, Richard Parsons.




A Fireside Chat With Richard Parsons

“Welcome everyone, to another Fireside Chat. I’m Richard Dale, your host. Today, our guest is Richard Parsons, Seattle resident and lupine shapeshifter. Welcome Mr. Parsons.” He holds his hand out to the man sitting opposite to him.
A brief smile crosses his lips as Richard leans forward, taking the offered hand for a light, brief handshake. “Glad to be here.”
Richard Dale smiles. “Why don’t we begin with you telling our audience a bit about yourself.”
Richard settles back into the seat a little, glancing down for a moment as if trying to decide how much to say. “Well, there’s not really that much to say about me personally. I’m an average guy, who happens to be one of the few shapeshifters that’s somehow managed to make it into the public eye. Most of us try to maintain a low profile, but that’s been difficult for me, even going through childhood.”
“I see. Speaking of your childhood, it was less than idyllic, with your father abandoning you, and you losing your mother when you were a young teenager. How do you think those losses have influenced your adult life?”
There is a brief flash of sadness, before Richard reigns in the emotional response to the reminder of his losses. Wringing his hands, he backs a little further into the chair. “It’s definitely been hard, I can’t deny that. There’ve been no parental figures in my life since I was twelve.” He stops, and licks his lips, “No. That’s not fair. There has been one person, and he knows who he is.”Richard reaches for the water glass sitting on a table beside him, and takes a slow sip as he thinks. “I guess in some respects a lot of what I’ve done over the years has been in an attempt to impress, or earn the approval of those I’ve allowed close enough to call friends. It’s just unfortunate that my actions haven’t always resulted in the best outcomes.”
Mr. Dale nods in sympathy. “The best laid plans, as they say.” He exhales slightly, and continues.  “What is your best memory? And your worst memory?”
Richard leans forward a little, that pain returning to his eyes, but there is hint of a smile as well. “I’d have to say the two are very closely linked. I’m a lupine, a wolf-shifter, if you will, so hunting is something that comes naturally to me.” There is a pause for a moment, as he looks down, and then back up, and there is a renewed intensity in his eyes. “My fondest memory, is the first time my mother took me hunting in the wild, and we chased down a brace of hares. Of course, I was too young to understand how special life is, or the responsibilities that come with taking a life. But being a city-born lupine that didn’t know that feeling of freedom, or the rush of fresh air through the senses… It was like a whole new world had opened up.”Then he seems to choke up for a moment, and has to take anther sip of water before composing himself enough to continue. “Unfortunately, I felt many of those same things on the day I lost my mother. A rogue lupine had been hunting the trails, and we’d been told to stay clear while the pack handled the matter. Unfortunately, my mother hadn’t really been herself since my father abandoned us, and had taken to drinking.”Wiping a tear away, Richard continues slowly, “We went out hunting, and I don’t know if it was coincidence that we ran into that group of hunters, or if my mother knew they were out there… But she gave her life to save me, and I couldn’t even bring her body home. I was twelve, and I lost everything that still mattered to me.” Another tear falls, and Richard turns from the camera for a moment to brush them away. When he turns back to the camera, he seems somehow smaller, less sure of himself.
Mr Dale pauses, letting the silence hang and his guest finish composing himself. Then he asks, “What one act in your past are you most ashamed of? What one act are you most proud of?”
There is an anger in Richard’s voice as he answers the first question “You want to know the one thing I’m most ashamed of? After the hunters who killed my mother were caught for illegal hunting, the police gave her body to a museum. They had her stuffed and mounted for display. You see, when one of us dies, our bodies remain in whatever form we were in when we died. My mother was in wolf form on her death, and apparently there’s so little difference between a lupine’s wolf form, and that of a natural wolf, that no-one assumed she was anything different”“The exhibition traveled for a while, with my mother’s corpse on display for all to see. Her display showing the perils of humanity encroaching on the territory of wild animals. I had an opportunity to recover my mother’s body when the display came back to town, and I let someone talk me out of it…”“I remained angry for a long time, following my mother’s death, and I fell in with a lot people who weren’t good for me. But somehow I managed to make friends who encouraged me to finish my education. So if you want, let’s consider actually finishing my schooling as the one thing I’m proudest of, until now”
Mr Dale shifts forward slightly, making direct eye contact. “You led a rather wild and slightly criminal youth. How do you feel about now being on the other side of the law working with the Seattle Police Department’s Supernatural Taskforce?”
“Honestly? I guess it’s okay. It pays the bills, and keeps me from getting into more trouble with the law than I was already in. It’s like a lot of jobs working in law enforcement. You’ve got your usual mix of people you like, and hate. And jerks who’ll never accept you as part of the team, for whatever reasons they might have. At the moment, I’m just a consultant for the taskforce, but when they need my skills, they bring me in to help hunt down particular suspects. Thankfully I’ve not had to go up against any pack members yet. We lupines still prefer to deal with our own kind between ourselves. If I were to join the taskforce as a full team member, I’d have no choice in the assignments, and I’d be the only supernatural actually on their side. As a consultant, I get a certain amount of deniability, and I’m one of several supernaturals working with the STF.”
“Well—Oh, wait. I’m afraid I must hold that thought. I believe it’s time for some refreshment.” They are interrupted by the arrival of a gentleman carrying a tray with shot glasses and a decanter. “I see Jenkins has decided on whiskey for us.” Richard Dale smiles as Jenkins sets the tray down and waits. “Care for a nip? It’s an excellent Irish whiskey. Jameson I believe.”
Richard’s eyes light up as he spots the decanter, and glasses. His grip on the glass of water tightens noticeably, as his eyes follow the whiskey, before he forces himself to look away. The glass in his hand comes up and he takes a long gulp from the glass, before setting it down on his knee.“I’d better not. I’ve got a meeting after this one, and it wouldn’t look good If I arrived smelling of even such a fine whiskey”. His tone might be even and measured, but there is a very strong hint that it’s a practiced response, and he seems very much on edge with the drinks sitting there.
“Ah well, a shame. I’ll have a glass, Jenkins.” The butler nods and pours a whiskey before retreating, leaving the decanter behind. Mr. Dale leans back in his chair, sips his drink, and asks, “As a paranormal being, do you consider yourself an outsider, or are you a part of a community?”
“Um...” His eyes are watching the glass in the interviewer’s hand, and keep darting back to the tray. He blinks before looking up, dragging his eyes away from the amber liquid, and his gaze is off to one side as he answers. “I guess we all feel a little distanced from the mortals, though we try to form friendships and such with them. I mean, the number of supernaturals in the city I small compared to the number of mortals, but yeah, we kind of have our own communities too. Lupines tend to form packs, because of the wolf in us. Vampires are either loners, or part of small groups that build mutual havens for themselves. But we all try and keep a low profile among the mortals. The witch hunts are just one example of what can happen when too many mortals become aware of us.”“So yeah, I guess I’d have to say I’m an outsider, even though I have mortal friends, and work with mortals every day. There are far too few make the attempt to really understand the supernatural world, and how different we are. But then there are even fewer who can accept our similarities too, and keep the secrets that prevent news of our existence getting out, and leading to another Salem.”
“Excellent insight, Mr. Parsons.” Mr. Dale smiles. “Is there anything you would change about yourself?”
“Sure, isn’t there something you’d change about yourself, given the chance?” His eyes glance back over to the decanter on the table, and he sips at his water, hands noticeably shaking as he sets it down on the tray.“Take this for example.” His hand is inches from the decanter at this point, and seems to drift closer as he talks “More than anything, right now, I want to reach out and pour myself a double shot. But if I did, I wouldn’t stop there.” Whatever else is on his mind remains unvoiced, as he pulls himself back under control “Let’s move on, shall we?”
“Of course. What would you consider to be the best quality of human nature?”
“Wow. We’re getting to the tough ones. If by human nature, you mean that which is in all of us, supernaturals and mortals alike, then I’d have to say perseverance. It’s what keeps us getting up every morning, even if we already know the day ahead is going to suck. It’s what pushes us onward, despite whatever boundaries are ahead. But it’s also the one thing that keeps us making the same mistakes over and over again. We keep doing the same things, and insanely expect different outcomes. But it’s also the one thing that actually DOES result in those changes, once we find a way to break the cycle of repetitious behaviors. Perseverance is what keeps the visionaries from giving up on their dreams, no matter the odds against them.”
“One last question. What do you find relaxing? Are you fond of reading, listening to music, or some other leisure activity?”
Richard seems to finally settle back into a more natural tone, and leans forward just a little to answer “Honestly? Despite the wolf in me, I have to say that I love exploring the city. I mean, I grew up here, and the streets were pretty much my home for a long time. But, everything’s always changing, and I find that exciting. I love taking my morning runs through the streets, finding new routes that push my limits; exploring ways that I can shave a little time off my distance runs; seeing the city waking up, and preparing for a new day.  When I can beat my best times, or find something new… It’s like the rush you get when the prey is ahead of you, and you can all but taste the kill. Just be glad I’m not allowed to bite the prey I have to chase though the streets.” There’s a flash in his eyes, and Richard settles back into the chair, smiling as if imagining what would happen if he were allowed to biteMr. Dale shivers a touch, before giving him another smile. “Well thank you Mr. Parsons, for agreeing to this interview. It was an enlightening treat.”



For more on Timothy Bateson and his character Richard Parsons check out his website:http://timothybatesonauthor.weebly.com/
And be sure to check out his virtual booth at the convention this April.

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Author Timothy Bateson

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention post, the first in a double author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.

Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/


Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today is the first post in a two part interview feature for urban fantasy and science fiction author Timothy Bateson. This post features an interview with author himself, and tomorrow be sure to come back for a Fireside Chat with his lupine character, Richard Parsons.


Interview with Timothy Bateson

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
Having grown up on the outskirts of London, I consider myself to be very much a city-boy at heart. I’m an avid amateur falconer, with experience in handling raptors from little owls all the way up to the magnificent martial eagle.In 2005, I moved to small-town Alaska to marry my lovely wife, and fellow writer, Sandi, and haven’t looked back. It was here that I had my first encounter with captive wolves and that re-awoke my love of werewolf stories that showed the human aspect as much as the wolf. I broke into the short story market in 2014 with “Under a Hunter’s Moon”, which is now one of three prequel stories to my first attempt at writing a novel.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
“Blackmailed into consulting for the Seattle Police Department's Supernatural Taskforce, Richard Parsons enters a race against time when a mysterious killer starts tearing apart his fellow lupines (werewolves). - Locked room mysteries were not part of the deal that keeps him out of jail”.When I married Sandi, in 2005 she showed me her first draft for a vampire book she’d been working on. I found myself engrossed in the background details, especially the werewolf bar-tender, Art. It became obvious that there was a lot going on in the background of the story that could easily spawn other stories.We sat down and set out a lot of background material, which led me to starting National Novel Writing Month in 2007 or 2008. That was when I first started to write what will become “Of Wolves and Men”, and led to my first published short story “Under a Hunter’s Moon”, as well as two other prequel stories.

How long have you been writing, and how many stories have you published to date?
I started writing back in my college years, but never managed to find time to finish a project. Thanks to my wife, Sandi, I stared writing again in 2007, and took part in that year’s National Novel Writing’s Month with my first attempt at writing a werewolf novel.To date, I’ve had two short stories, and one drabble published in anthologies. My urban fantasy pieces, “Under a Hunter’s Moon” and “Shifting Dreams” appeared in Halloween collections released in October 2014. Then in May 2015, my first science fiction story “Evaline Transcendent” was printed.

Of all the stories you've written, do you have a favourite?
I think “Under a Hunter’s Moon” is probably the one I’m happiest with, because of the length of time it took to get it written at all. Originally sections of this story were flashback scenes that kept cropping up in various attempts to draft a novel, but they kept slowing the plot development down. Once I removed them from the novel, the rest of the story came together very quickly, and I was able to tie down details of a very significant event in the life of my novel’s protagonist.

Why did you decide to write in the urban fantasy & science fiction genre?
I grew up reading books by authors like Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Piers Anthony, Ursula K. LeGuinn, and many more of the fantasy and sci-fi greats. During college, I picked up books by authors like Terry Pratchett, Harry Harrison, and Tom Holt. I realized that it was possible to deliver a story with humor, and an understanding of the human condition.Over the years, I’ve expanded the range of authors and genre’s I read, but fantasy and science fiction are the two I always return to when I want something with depth. Because of that they’re also the two genre’s I’m most comfortable writing, and I decided to primarily focus on urban fantasy because of my love of the city, and all the problems inherent in putting so many people in such a small space.

What is the hardest part of writing urban fantasy fiction
In any setting the reality that the reader enters into has to be internally consistent. If you set up rules for magic, you cannot break those same rules without some very exceptional circumstances, and there must be consequences for doing soIn an urban fantasy series, especially one set in a city your readers will already be familiar with, you have to maintain a certain level of external consistency too. Unless you have very specific reasons for altering the reality they know, you’ll find yourself doing a lot of research on local history, the styles of buildings that can be found in certain parts of town, and even spending hours on Google Maps trying to find the ideal place to hide you secret organization’s headquarters. The same also applies to any book set in an historical setting, but at least most readers are willing to accept minor historical inaccuracies unless they detract from the story. However, if you change aspects of an existing city, people familiar with that city pretty upset.

What do you enjoy most about writing in the urban fantasy genre?
Being a city boy at heart, I think I’ve always been drawn to the stories of the urban jungle. Growing up I heard a lot of the stories of London’s history, and became fascinated with the goings on in the little back alleyways, and side turnings that lay just off the major tourist areas. When I was old enough to explore the city on my own, I would wander those back streets, finding bars, clubs, stores and businesses that most people probably didn’t even know existed.Being able to bring that kind of realism into my stories lets me write about characters who are native to the city, and know where all those short cuts go, what businesses operate in the dark corners, and even dream of the creatures that could be lurking, waiting to surprise the unwary. And that’s where the fun comes into writing urban fantasy - even I can be caught unaware by the twists and turns that occur in those back alleyways of the plot and characters.

You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?
As a published author in both urban fantasy and science fiction, I would love to say that was impartial in terms of my preferences. However, I definitely have a preference for writing urban fantasy; it’s a genre that has grown on me over the years, and continues to do so.When I first started reading fantasy, I always felt that too little time was spent exploring the cities, and the particular problems that arise when large numbers of people are gathered in one place. By focusing on the people and the city environments it lets writers create stories in what is essentially an unnatural environment, and see what ideas shake free. For creatures like vampires, it is a potentially endless food supply. For the werewolves the cities are incursions into the wilderness and their hunting grounds. Add mortals, fae, and other mythological entities, and things become so much more interesting.

Who is your intended readership?
The people who I’d like to see enjoy my stories are those that understand that none of us are perfect, and that we all have flaws. However, even the most flawed of us have redeeming features, even if they are buried deep. My intended reader is the one who can see beyond the surface, and hopefully find that buried inner redemption.

Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
Since I first started writing, I think my writing process has changed a lot. When I first started out, I’d simply start writing a scene, and see where my mind went as I moved forward. But, I found that I often stalled out before the story could be completed, because I had a habit of rambling. So, now I have definitely moved myself clearly into the camp that plots well ahead of typing the first word on screen. My plot outlines usually start with a basic idea of where I want to start, and finish the story. Those become my markers for everything that comes between them. I usually sketch out my ideas on a mindmap, and see where my brain takes me. From there I take notes one what will make up the plot itself, what’s going to end up as background material, and what I’d like to save until later.Sometimes my ideas might be sparked by reading another writer’s work, and wondering what would happen if my characters were placed in the same situations. Other times, I’ll be watching the news, and make mental notes. But I also like to draw on mythology, fairy tales, television, and movies for potential inspiration.I’m still trying to get myself into a good writing routine. Every November I commit to National Novel Writing Month, and a minimum of 1,667 words per day, but then outside that period I seem to find it harder to maintain that kind of pace. So, now I’m trying to get into the habit of writing something every day, even if what I work doesn’t result in progress on my current story project. The good thing about this is that I’ve been able to start putting together a number of author biographies, kept up on my weekly blog posts, and book reviews.

What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
I work in retail, and rarely have the same days off, or even the same hours on the days I work. Being at the mercy of scheduling makes it hard to get into a writing routine. I rely on a consistent writing schedule, especially when I’m trying to get a project finished, or am working to deadline.I find those days when I work a mid-shift are the ones where there is insufficient time to write before work, and I’m too tired to be productive after work. When I work several of those shifts in a week, I have to force myself to be extra productive on my days off.

Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?
In terms of authors who’ve influenced me the most, I think I would have to look to people like Terry Pratchett, Jim Butcher, and Dean Koontz. Each of them has such a unique style of writing and looking at the world, but write about characters that you can’t help but like, no matter what they go through.Terry Pratchett makes the list, because of characters like Samuel Vimes, who face the world head on, with a no-nonsense approach and a grasp of the realities of the world around them, while also showcasing characters who don’t have a clue what’s going on. However, it’s Terry’s own personal struggles, and his outspoken views on the rights of the individual that earned my respect. Right up to his death he publically fought deteriorating health, and still managed to fight for what he believed in.Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series, and Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files books remind us that even the underdogs can win, if they are willing to make sacrifices. They also introduce us to characters with special gifts, each very different in what they can do, but both of them sharing those experiences with the readers at a very personal level. While both writers being us into their world through the eyes and thoughts of their protagonists, they have also created worlds that exist outside those characters, and continue to function even when we’re not looking.

How do you research your books?
I’m an avid reader of mythology from all over the world, so there are a lot of books in my apartment that relate to the various mythologies, cultures and histories. I think it’s important to have an understanding of the history and culture behind the mythologies, because all of those factors shape people and how they approach life.Since I write urban fantasy, I also spend a lot of time reading online articles about the places I write about. When I’m planning to write about a particular location, I spend a lot of time trying to find out about the history, location, and the surrounding environment. That means I spend a lot of time on sites like Google Maps, and Wikipedia, as well as any sites from the place itself. But, I always reserve the right to alter details, especially if I have to create, or alter things to make a location fit the story I want to tell. This happened in “Under a Hunter’s Moon” when I needed a museum, but couldn’t find a museum in Seattle that had the right combination of layout and exhibits, so I created one based on my years of visiting museums in London.

What advice would you give beginning writers?
I think the most important piece of advice to give anyone who wants to write is “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes”. No matter what you write, fiction, non-fiction, or memoir, you are going to have the opportunity to edit that work. The worst assumption you can ever make is that you will be able to produce a piece of work that is perfect in every way. Even the top authors, and publishing houses make mistakes, but they learn from them and move forward.From personal experience, even your editor and proof readers will miss errors. As long as you produce the best work you are capable of, then you can be proud of that work, regardless of any errors.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?
I have a customer at work, who I know follows my writing work, and blog posts. One day they came into the store and reached the checkout lanes during a very busy period. They waited in my line for nearly five minutes when there were other lanes open, and getting through customers faster than I was able to at the time. By the time they reached the front of the line, they were pretty much vibrating with excitement at the news they wanted to share.They informed me that they had been doing a search online and seen my picture on the first page of search results. Then we all laughed when they told me that they had been searching for ‘falconry in Alaska’ instead of for anything related to writing.It’s nice to know that I’m being found in search results for something that I haven’t had many opportunities to take part in recently.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
When I’m not writing, I can often be found reading, or working on any number of online projects. I produce two weekly blog posts, “Midweek Mumbles” and “Someone Else’s Words”. The first is pretty much my forum for anything I want to post, from upcoming book events to information about tools, or life hacks that I’ve found useful. The second is a quote I found inspirational, or interesting, and turned into a graphic. I also produce a book spotlight column that highlights books by authors that I’ve collaborated with online, or met in person.When I get the chance though I try and get some time handling raptors, even though those opportunities are a lot rarer now that I don’t live near a falconry center. Over the years I’ve handled every class of raptor, except condors and vultures. I’ve snuggled face-to-face with barn owls, and been nose to beak with eagles, and there is nothing like the thrill of hearing that the talons that are gripping your arm have the crushing power of two alligator jaws.

How did you become interested in falconry?
When I was in my early teens, my father taught at one of the local schools. One day, he told me that they were going to have a falconry display team come in, and show off some of the birds. I’d always been fascinated by the appearance of owls, and wanted the opportunity to at least see one up close.I was very grateful that my parents were both very supportive of the idea, even though it meant I would have to take a day off from my own school. The time I spent in the school gym, watching as the team demonstrated the abilities of their owls, and then their hawk was a revelation.Among the demonstrations they had several of us lie down shoulder to shoulder, and then flew the barn owl right over the entire group. It took several passes for me to realize that I’d not heard a single sound from the bird the entire time it was overhead. Yet when they flew the other raptors, I was able to hear some of the wingbeats.It wasn’t until they allowed some us a chance to handle a couple of the more ‘kid-friendly’ birds that I was hooked for life. I was able to handle the barn owl, a species I will always have a soft-spot for, as well as their Harris Hawk, and that’s when I decided I was going to take every chance I could to handle these amazing creatures.Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to attend several displays, falconry centers, and gained experience in handling several breeds of raptor, including eagles. And, in spite all the years of experience, I still consider every opportunity to be an honor.

Are you working on another book?
I’ve always got something in the pipeline that I’m working on. I’m currently working on the first draft for my novel, as well as reading through the already completed second book in the series, written by my wife Sandi
What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
Right now, I’m concentrating on getting the first draft of “Of Wolves and Men” completed, but am keeping my eye on postings for short story submissions. I’ve a few ideas of stories I want to try, but won’t dedicate the time to unless I’ll be sending them in for possible publication. At the moment, unless there’s a chance of being paid for it, I want to concentrate on the novels.In terms of secrets, there are a few things that I’ve been keeping close to my chest. However, I can safely say that “Wolves in the Desert” gives a very good indication why Garfield Feldman (who appears in “The Lupine’s Call”) has a dislike for Richard Parsons, the protagonist of the majority of my stories. And in “Of Wolves and Men” we’re going to find out some very interesting things about Nazurl Nagura, Richard’s ex-girlfriend.

For more on Timothy Bateson and his books check out his website: http://timothybatesonauthor.weebly.com/
The story Under a Hunter’s Moon can be found in the anthology Moon Shadows The story Shifting Dreams can be found in the anthology  Spooky Halloween Drabbles 2014

I'd like to thank Timothy Bateson for stopping by today, and be sure to check out his virtual booth at the convention this April. Also, check back tomorrow for the Fireside Chat with his character, Richard Parsons.

#‎B2BCYCON Book Spotlight on Anaerfell

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th. Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here: http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/



Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today I have a great spotlight on the dark fantasy novel Anaerfell by authors Joshua Robertson and J.C. Boyd.




Anaerfell by Joshua Robertson and J.C. Boyd

Drast, cunning but reckless, is on the hunt for admiration. Tyran, calculating but tactless, is in search of affection. Bound by a friendship thicker than blood, the two brothers have been hardened by their father’s ambitions. Drast and Tyran are forced to set aside their own hopes and dreams during their struggle to fulfill their father’s desire for immortality. The two will face skin-switchers and dragons, ultimately leading to a final clash with Wolos, God of the Dead.

Anaerfell is available at:
Amazon Barnes and Noble Smashwords



Author Bios:




Joshua began crafting the world for the dark fantasy saga, Thrice Nine Legends, in 1999. Start the saga with Anaerfell, and then read the first two novels in The Kaelandur Series: Melkorka and Dyndaer. Joshua currently lives in Alaska with his wife and children.















J.C. lives in the Midwest with his wife and two dogs. He has recently earned his MA in English Literature and continues to craft his own dark fantasy world. Before he had completed junior high, J.C. had received his first box set of Dungeons & Dragons and devoured the J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. He has had a passion for the fantasy genre ever since.










I'd like to thank  the authors for sharing their book today, and be sure to check out the book at the convention this April.

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Author Belinda Crawford

Today, I have another wonderful Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th. 
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/

Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.

Today I have a great interview with YA science fiction author Belinda Crawford.


Interview with Belinda Crawford

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
The first thing you should know is that I'm a geek, I get excited about things like Star Wars, computers and Mass Effect 4 (the best sci-fi roleplaying game ever). I'm also completely nuts about horses, which means I also get excited about saddles, bridles and, of course, the equines themselves. I'm not one of those people who always knew they wanted to be an author, in fact when I was a kid, my mum despaired of me ever reading up a book, let alone writing one. Luckily for me, she bought me a bunch of horse magazines. Being the horse-mad kid I was, I gobbled them up, and the rest is history. Now, I live in rural Victoria, surrounded by horses, books, writing implements of various shades of digital and analog, and a small herd of cats.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Hero is a science fiction adventure set far into the future on an alien planet. Humans colonised the planet long ago, only to discover that a native spore was killing them, so they built giant cities that floated above its reach. The story is about a girl called Hero who wants, more than anything, to escape her parents’ overly protective bubble. Her only friend is Fink, a 600kg genetically engineered ruc-pard (a little bit of rat, mixed with a little bit of leopard and a whole lot of alien), who’s her confidant, protector and ice-cream-eating buddy. When Hero finally has a taste of the freedom she craves, she discovers she’s part of centuries-old plan, set in motion by the first colonists, to change the world.

What do you enjoy most about writing in the science fiction genre?
I love science fiction because it lets me explore the future, one that's more hopeful than what you usually find in dystopian fiction. Taking the events and ideas of today and extrapolating them into the future is a lot of fun, for example, there are people today researching how to get trees to grow carbon fibre. Just imagine what it would be like if, at some point in the future, cars were made out of trees, from the carbon fibre framework right down to the tyres. It sounds like something elves would do, except cooler.

What did you enjoy most about writing your book?
Letting my inner brat loose. Hero is smart mouthed, opinionated and sneaky, and writing the her dialogue was a blast. It’s smart, snappy and full of the kind of sass you’d expect from a teenager with a chip on her shoulder.

Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
My ideas come from all over the place–TV, films, books, random articles on the internet, dreams. I suck them into my brain and let them ferment in what Natalie Goldberg, in her book Writing Down the Bones, calls the mental compost heap. Eventually, one idea will nag at me, which is when I know it’s time to turn it into a book. From there, I brainstorm, fleshing out that first idea with others–often from the compost heap themselves–until I have the main character, their inner conflict and the world they live in sketched out. Next, I go through several planning phases, each more detailed than the last as I build upon my mental sketch, and then I’ll start writing. I’ll go through about five or six drafts, starting with an absolutely horrid discovery draft–where the details of the plot are worked out–and ending on a final draft where I’ll go back and foreshadow a subplot I added in draft three, or straighten out character descriptions that became muddled somewhere between drafts two and five.

What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Self-confidence. The voice in the back of your head that tells you that last line/paragraph/chapter sucked, is a killer and it’s danged hard silence. Over the years, I’ve learned to push it aside and keep slugging. In my view, the only way to beat self-doubt is to keep trying, you’ll get there eventually.

Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?
Lately, I’ve been blown away by Brandon Sanderson’s Way of Kings and the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Both of them do a really great job of describing worlds that are very different from ours, by giving you enough information to understand what’s happening in any given scene without any extra fat.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
My family owns a small stud where we breed Arabian horses, so when I’m not writing, reading or playing Guild Wars I can usually be found working with a horse. As well as breeding horses, I'm an endurance rider, which is like going on a really long trail ride over a prearranged course of anywhere between 40 and 80km (25-50 miles) once a month. It means I get to spend a lot of time on a horse, not just at an endurance event, but training as well. It's awesome.

What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
Currently, I’m putting the finishing touches on the second book in The Hero Rebellion, while planning the third and final book in the series. I have big plans for book three, in which I’m going to do a homage to one of my favourite TV series, Farscape (if you could see me right now, I’m doing my Mr Burns ‘Excellent’ impression and resisting the urge to cackle).  As for book two, it takes a dark turn when Hero is forced to face the consequences of the her actions in book one, and at the end of it, she’ll discover that she’s not quite the girl she thought she was. In fact, she’ll discover that the world isn’t what she thought it was and that there are secrets upon secrets keeping her homeworld’s cities afloat.




Author bio:
Belinda is a geek. She loves Star Wars, Dr Who, spaceships and girls who kick butt. When she’s not writing books or playing Guild Wars, she’s on a horse named Wombat or wrangling a small herd of cats.
Currently, Belinda is putting the finishing touches on the second book in The Hero Rebellion, due for release September this year.

Website: http://www.belindacrawford.comTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/belindacrawfordFacebook: http://facebook.com/belindacrawfordwrites


Hero (The Hero Rebellion #1) by Belinda Crawford
Centuries ago, humans colonised Jørn, a lonely planet on the far side of the galaxy. Arriving in five great colony ships, they quickly settled the surface only to discover, after a few short years, that the planet was killing them. The culprit, a native spore, carried on every wind to every corner of the globe.
Genetic engineering, blending DNA from Earth and Jørn species, saved their crops and livestock, but for humans there was no cure. Instead they took to the skies, turning their colony ships into cities that floated above the spore’s reach.
Hero Regan is special, and not in a way she likes. She hears voices, voices in her head that other people can’t. Surrounded by butlers, bodyguards and tutors, insulated from the outside world, her only solace is Fink, a six-hundred-kilogram, genetically engineered ruc-pard. They share lives, thoughts, triple-chocolate marshmallow ice-cream and the burning desire for freedom.
Their chance comes when Hero is allowed to attend school in Cumulus City. Here, along with making unexpected friends, Hero discovers she is an unwitting part of a master plan set into motion by the first colonists, a plan she must either help or foil if she’s ever to attain the freedom she craves.
Hero is available at Amazon Kobo Goodreads

I'd like to thank  Belinda Crawford for stopping by today, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

Drabble Wednesday: Something Wicked Comes This Fae

Today Drabble Wednesday belongs to the Dark Fae…




The Old Path
Shall I tell you a story?Whisper it in your ear?Of the faeries you sought, of fair Oberon and Titania? Shall I sing a song of faerie circles in the woods, and immortal creatures who dance?No. They are all lies.In truth, the Fae are dark and cruel hunters, and you should not have come looking for our kind. But I believe you know that, trussed as you are, and offered up like the fattened pig.What will happen now, you ask?Well, my poor little seeker, you will bleed, and you will die, and we will feast.
~*~



Superstitions
His footsteps crunched the autumn leaves along the trail as he wandered the shadowy forest, and the mist-covered hill country. The sun settled past the horizon, and exchanged kisses with dusk, but his flashlight shone through the gloom.He smiled, remembering the warnings.“The hills aren’t a place you want to go at night.”“That place will play tricks.”“It’s bad luck to go there after dark. The faerie live in those woods.”He chuckled.Such fools, with their cautions.As if he didn’t already know. Hadn’t the faerie, his kin, sent him to choose the mortals they would harvest.
~*~



Faerie Song
In the black depth of night, as the moonlight plays, and the mist it swirls in gentle greys, I’ll sing my song to turn her head, and lure the lass from her warm, soft bed. She’ll yield to my call, and leave kith and kin, she’ll dance in my arms, succumb to my grin. She’ll tread the path blazed in my wake, and give me everything I wish to take.From these mortal worlds we’ll steal away, oh, I’ll lead the girl far and well astray. She’ll end her days in my wicked abode, lost forever down the Unseelie road.



© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved