A.F. Stewart's Blog, page 87
October 15, 2014
Drabble Wednesday
I'm starting a new feature today, where I showcase my adventures in micro fiction or drabbles, stories that are 100 words or less (or in the case of drabbles exactly 100 words). First to be showcased is one of my micro fiction serials, a little something I like to call...
The Virtual Adventures of Frankie and Joni
Hand Me the Freaking Pail
Noah had it freaking good compared to me. He only got forty days and forty nights with his flood. We’re up to day of despair number 1,039 and still counting. It’s gone way past treading water and into full-blown man-the-boat evacuation. I’m freaking sick of bobbing waves and bailing the leaky vessel. I may throw somebody overboard—namely my idiot friend Frankie who got me into this mess.At least Frankie says it’ll stop in seven more days, on a Thursday. That’s when this glitch of a virtual reality program ends and we can get off this holo-grid.
Name Glitch
Frankie and I are on vacation.The company gave us a free trip to their new virtual site (and a coffeemaker) to compensate for the last adventure that got “rained out”. So here we are, basking in the sunshine at idyllic Sunnybrook Farm. Today, we get to meet the famous Rebecca.I nudged Frankie. “Here she comes.”“She looks different than the brochure. Isn't she supposed to be a girl?”A rather striking lady dressed in early 1930’s style approached us.“Hello, do either of you know how to get to Manderley?”Oh shoot, the idiots added the wrong Rebecca.
Cyber Terror!
“Oh the horror! Save the women and children and the Twix! She’s goin’ ta blow, Captain!”I listened to Frankie’s predictive, and strange, shouts with despair and gloom, staring at the now malfunctioning, smoking, and slowly self-destructing computer. The horrible sight gave me the urge to run from the building screaming, flee into the hills, and become a hermit.“I told ya we shoulda mollycoddled the wee thing, Captain. And now—oh, it’s lost!” The computer blew with a loud pop.“Shoot. The program’s toast. I wonder what happened?”“Maybe we shouldn't have programmed that virtual ghost into the machine?”
The Dimension That Ate Thursday
I blame it all on Frankie. I just did what he said, and pushed the shiny red button. Okay, maybe I was thinking more about the holographic rock concert I wanted to see, and didn't pay attention when Frankie told me not to hold down the button for more than a second or two. But he shouldn't have hooked up the virtual interface to an interdimensional energy source.How was I to know that a pocket wormhole would open and swallow Thursday? Nobody remembers what happened or where we went exactly, but everyone keeps having weird flashes of flying monkeys.
Frankie and Dr. Seuss
“Tardy we may be, but we’ll party hearty, you’ll see!” Frankie grinned at me over the computer generated snack table.I gave him an exasperated look. “What are you doing?”“It’s a Dr. Seuss party. I’m rhyming.” He grinned and tilted his Cat in the Hat chapeau at me.“It’s bad enough we’re wearing these ridiculous outfits,” I glanced down at my Whoville get-up. “Remember we’re working, scoping out any program glitches. There will be no “party hearty”, smartie.”“There’s a rhyme, just take the time.”I sighed and stuffed a virtual muffin in his mouth to keep him quiet.
The Virtual Adventures of Frankie and Joni
Hand Me the Freaking Pail
Noah had it freaking good compared to me. He only got forty days and forty nights with his flood. We’re up to day of despair number 1,039 and still counting. It’s gone way past treading water and into full-blown man-the-boat evacuation. I’m freaking sick of bobbing waves and bailing the leaky vessel. I may throw somebody overboard—namely my idiot friend Frankie who got me into this mess.At least Frankie says it’ll stop in seven more days, on a Thursday. That’s when this glitch of a virtual reality program ends and we can get off this holo-grid.
Name Glitch
Frankie and I are on vacation.The company gave us a free trip to their new virtual site (and a coffeemaker) to compensate for the last adventure that got “rained out”. So here we are, basking in the sunshine at idyllic Sunnybrook Farm. Today, we get to meet the famous Rebecca.I nudged Frankie. “Here she comes.”“She looks different than the brochure. Isn't she supposed to be a girl?”A rather striking lady dressed in early 1930’s style approached us.“Hello, do either of you know how to get to Manderley?”Oh shoot, the idiots added the wrong Rebecca.
Cyber Terror!
“Oh the horror! Save the women and children and the Twix! She’s goin’ ta blow, Captain!”I listened to Frankie’s predictive, and strange, shouts with despair and gloom, staring at the now malfunctioning, smoking, and slowly self-destructing computer. The horrible sight gave me the urge to run from the building screaming, flee into the hills, and become a hermit.“I told ya we shoulda mollycoddled the wee thing, Captain. And now—oh, it’s lost!” The computer blew with a loud pop.“Shoot. The program’s toast. I wonder what happened?”“Maybe we shouldn't have programmed that virtual ghost into the machine?”
The Dimension That Ate Thursday
I blame it all on Frankie. I just did what he said, and pushed the shiny red button. Okay, maybe I was thinking more about the holographic rock concert I wanted to see, and didn't pay attention when Frankie told me not to hold down the button for more than a second or two. But he shouldn't have hooked up the virtual interface to an interdimensional energy source.How was I to know that a pocket wormhole would open and swallow Thursday? Nobody remembers what happened or where we went exactly, but everyone keeps having weird flashes of flying monkeys.
Frankie and Dr. Seuss
“Tardy we may be, but we’ll party hearty, you’ll see!” Frankie grinned at me over the computer generated snack table.I gave him an exasperated look. “What are you doing?”“It’s a Dr. Seuss party. I’m rhyming.” He grinned and tilted his Cat in the Hat chapeau at me.“It’s bad enough we’re wearing these ridiculous outfits,” I glanced down at my Whoville get-up. “Remember we’re working, scoping out any program glitches. There will be no “party hearty”, smartie.”“There’s a rhyme, just take the time.”I sighed and stuffed a virtual muffin in his mouth to keep him quiet.
October 14, 2014
Killers and Demons II: They Return Contest Winners
The Killers and Demons II Blog tour is officially over, and I'd like to thank all the hosts for their great work, and the readers who viewed and commented. It was great fun for me, and I hope everyone else enjoyed it as well. I also hope you'll join me here on my blog from the 24th-31st for more horror fun when I participate in Coffin Hop.
Okay, now on to the contest. I have popped over to Rafflecopter and randomly chosen the winners of the three ebooks. And they are:
Ash Krafton
Irina Dimitric
Julianne Snow
Congratulations ladies, I've sent you all an email with the Smashwords coupon code for your free books.
So I leave you now, with a little quote from the book...
“I told you. I've been watching.” She twirled, her arms outstretched. “Watching, watching, watching.”
October 5, 2014
The Killers and Demons II Blog Tour Begins Today
The week long blog tour for Killers and Demons II: They Return starts today, October 5th and runs until October 13th. I'm visiting some great blogs, and I have some wonderful guest posts, interviews, and book excerpts and spotlights lines up, so please stop by and enjoy. Plus there's a contest to win copies of the book.
Come one, come all, to a festival of murder and mayhem. We have killers, demons, witches and more, with bloody exploits galore.
Evil is back, with a greater appetite for death.
Sample what is offered, but be careful. What you nibble on may turn out to be somebody’s fingers…
Here are a list of the stops for my Killers and Demons II blog tour.
October 5:The Cult of Me - Guest Post: Splatter and Gore vs. Psychological Horror
October 6:The FlipSide of Julianne - Guest Post: Historic Settings for Horror Sheila Deeth's Blog - Guest Post: Nightmares
Dandilyon Fluff - Book Spotlight and Excerpt
October 7:Clarissa Johal Author of Paranormal, Gothic Horror & Fantasy - Book Spotlight and Excerpt
October 8:Ben Ireland's Blog - Interview
October 9:Spreading the Writer's Word - Book Spotlight
October 10:Joylene Nowell Butler, author - Guest Post: How to Write a Good Villain
October 11:The Road to Nowhere... - Guest Post: Exploring the Appeal of Horror
October 12:The J. Aurel Guay Archive - InterviewPagan Spirits Book Blog - Guest Post: My Love Affair with Villains
October 13:The Manicheans - Guest Post: Turning the Sweet, Sour
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Come one, come all, to a festival of murder and mayhem. We have killers, demons, witches and more, with bloody exploits galore.
Evil is back, with a greater appetite for death.
Sample what is offered, but be careful. What you nibble on may turn out to be somebody’s fingers…
Here are a list of the stops for my Killers and Demons II blog tour.
October 5:The Cult of Me - Guest Post: Splatter and Gore vs. Psychological Horror
October 6:The FlipSide of Julianne - Guest Post: Historic Settings for Horror Sheila Deeth's Blog - Guest Post: Nightmares
Dandilyon Fluff - Book Spotlight and Excerpt
October 7:Clarissa Johal Author of Paranormal, Gothic Horror & Fantasy - Book Spotlight and Excerpt
October 8:Ben Ireland's Blog - Interview
October 9:Spreading the Writer's Word - Book Spotlight
October 10:Joylene Nowell Butler, author - Guest Post: How to Write a Good Villain
October 11:The Road to Nowhere... - Guest Post: Exploring the Appeal of Horror
October 12:The J. Aurel Guay Archive - InterviewPagan Spirits Book Blog - Guest Post: My Love Affair with Villains
October 13:The Manicheans - Guest Post: Turning the Sweet, Sour
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 4, 2014
The Release of Killers and Demons II: They Return
Today's the Big Day!
Killers and Demons II: They Return is officially released!
Evil is back, with a greater appetite for death.
Killers.Demons.
They lurk forever in the shadows, smile at you in the morning, and haunt your dreams at night. You can’t hide, you can’t run, and there’s no escape. You can only scream when they come for you.
Killers and Demons II: They Return is a collection of thirteen tales, blending short stories and flash fiction, tales where the blood lingers on your tongue or spurts quickly from the swift cut.
The Villainous Roster:
Wade, every parent’s nightmareHannah and Mr. Greeley. Who is the victim and who is the villain?Simon and Zoe, a married couple who are dying to be single again.Norman and his "cookie" of a wife, Mabel.Millicent and Jane, a delightful duo you shouldn’t invite to your Regency tea partyAmanda, who literally has a skeleton in her closetBalthazar, the demon bounty hunter on the hunt once more.Sarah, a young woman going through some changes and craving new tastesEmmeline, burned as a witch, now back from the dead for revengeGabrielle, a woman haunted by shadowsThe Dollmaker, she showers death, and an umbrella won’t helpNightmare Demons, bent on driving a town insane
And then there’s Alice, a little girl locked in the basement by her Daddy…
Together they form a spine-chilling cadre of predators.
Available at:
GoodreadsSmashwordsAmazon.comAmazon.caBarnes and NobleiTunes
And join the celebration on Facebook this afternoon at 2 PM EST: https://www.facebook.com/events/555619914538616/
And as part of the launch event, here's some trivia about the book:
Killers and Demons II: They Return Trivia:
The book is a sequel to Killers and Demons, and the character of Balthazar appears in stories featured in both books.Eleven of the villainous characters are female, or demons with a female appearance.Five different time periods are represented in the book: Medieval, Regency, Colonial, Victorian, and today's Modern Era.Two of the stories, Up From the Ground and Shadows, were inspired by pictures.Relationships play a large part in the book. There are three stories about couples, one about a paid relationship, two with relationships that ended badly, and a strange tale of possession. Plus, there are some dysfunctional family matters peppered throughout the book. And of course, they all have a body count.The original title for my story, "The Dollmaker", was "The Rain Child".
Also, for the month of October, I'm offering the first book in the series, Killers and Demons for free on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/59000
Killers and Demons II: They Return is officially released!
Evil is back, with a greater appetite for death.
Killers.Demons.
They lurk forever in the shadows, smile at you in the morning, and haunt your dreams at night. You can’t hide, you can’t run, and there’s no escape. You can only scream when they come for you.
Killers and Demons II: They Return is a collection of thirteen tales, blending short stories and flash fiction, tales where the blood lingers on your tongue or spurts quickly from the swift cut.
The Villainous Roster:
Wade, every parent’s nightmareHannah and Mr. Greeley. Who is the victim and who is the villain?Simon and Zoe, a married couple who are dying to be single again.Norman and his "cookie" of a wife, Mabel.Millicent and Jane, a delightful duo you shouldn’t invite to your Regency tea partyAmanda, who literally has a skeleton in her closetBalthazar, the demon bounty hunter on the hunt once more.Sarah, a young woman going through some changes and craving new tastesEmmeline, burned as a witch, now back from the dead for revengeGabrielle, a woman haunted by shadowsThe Dollmaker, she showers death, and an umbrella won’t helpNightmare Demons, bent on driving a town insane
And then there’s Alice, a little girl locked in the basement by her Daddy…
Together they form a spine-chilling cadre of predators.
Available at:
GoodreadsSmashwordsAmazon.comAmazon.caBarnes and NobleiTunes
And join the celebration on Facebook this afternoon at 2 PM EST: https://www.facebook.com/events/555619914538616/
And as part of the launch event, here's some trivia about the book:
Killers and Demons II: They Return Trivia:
The book is a sequel to Killers and Demons, and the character of Balthazar appears in stories featured in both books.Eleven of the villainous characters are female, or demons with a female appearance.Five different time periods are represented in the book: Medieval, Regency, Colonial, Victorian, and today's Modern Era.Two of the stories, Up From the Ground and Shadows, were inspired by pictures.Relationships play a large part in the book. There are three stories about couples, one about a paid relationship, two with relationships that ended badly, and a strange tale of possession. Plus, there are some dysfunctional family matters peppered throughout the book. And of course, they all have a body count.The original title for my story, "The Dollmaker", was "The Rain Child".
Also, for the month of October, I'm offering the first book in the series, Killers and Demons for free on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/59000
October 3, 2014
Excerpt from Killers and Demons II: They Return
My latest horror story collection, Killers and Demons II: They Return, launches tomorrow, and here's an sneak peek at what to expect...
Sarah sat in a coffee shop, staring out a window. She didn't want to think about what happened with Jason, about why she was single again, or why he was gone. Sarah thought she found her home with him, that they belonged together, but it fell apart so badly. She wanted to act as if it were just another breakup, except this time things were different.“God, I acted like a crazy freak. I bet Jason thought so too before…” Sarah closed her eyes, blocking the memory of that night.That’s why she sat here drinking a latte instead of going home. She didn't have to face her troubles here, just stare out the window and pretend. In her apartment, the reminders lingered.“I know I’m going crazy.” She whispered her fears into her half-empty coffee cup. “I’m turning out like Mom.”Sarah could still hear that phrase in her head.The strong don’t break; they snap.That’s how her mother’s problem was explained to a five-year-old Sarah by her Aunt Rachel.And here I am at twenty, wondering if I've snapped too.She didn't know how else to explain the things she wanted, the thoughts in her brain, her behaviour for the last few weeks. She drained the last of her coffee and sighed.Hiding isn't going to help me though. I need to find answers. I just wish I knew where. I wish I had someone to talk to. I wish I didn't feel so alone.She certainly couldn't count on her mess of a family. Her father moved out of the city last year, but even before, they had never been close, never connected after her mother went away. And her Aunt Rachel drifted out of her life after high school. She was on her own, the same old pattern.Sarah sighed again. She knew she couldn't put it off anymore. She trashed her disposable coffee cup, left the shop, and drove home.Inside her apartment, Sarah gazed over the stylish space that used to be her sanctuary, her refuge. She walked across the tile to the kitchen, trying not to look at the pale, scrubbed spot with its still-visible bloodstain. She opened the refrigerator and took out some of the raw meat that used to be her boyfriend Jason. She preheated a frying pan, added a little olive oil and seasoning, and fried part of his arm for supper. After that, she watched some TV and went to bed, dreading the next day.
Check out Killers and Demons II on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRKCFWM
Sarah sat in a coffee shop, staring out a window. She didn't want to think about what happened with Jason, about why she was single again, or why he was gone. Sarah thought she found her home with him, that they belonged together, but it fell apart so badly. She wanted to act as if it were just another breakup, except this time things were different.“God, I acted like a crazy freak. I bet Jason thought so too before…” Sarah closed her eyes, blocking the memory of that night.That’s why she sat here drinking a latte instead of going home. She didn't have to face her troubles here, just stare out the window and pretend. In her apartment, the reminders lingered.“I know I’m going crazy.” She whispered her fears into her half-empty coffee cup. “I’m turning out like Mom.”Sarah could still hear that phrase in her head.The strong don’t break; they snap.That’s how her mother’s problem was explained to a five-year-old Sarah by her Aunt Rachel.And here I am at twenty, wondering if I've snapped too.She didn't know how else to explain the things she wanted, the thoughts in her brain, her behaviour for the last few weeks. She drained the last of her coffee and sighed.Hiding isn't going to help me though. I need to find answers. I just wish I knew where. I wish I had someone to talk to. I wish I didn't feel so alone.She certainly couldn't count on her mess of a family. Her father moved out of the city last year, but even before, they had never been close, never connected after her mother went away. And her Aunt Rachel drifted out of her life after high school. She was on her own, the same old pattern.Sarah sighed again. She knew she couldn't put it off anymore. She trashed her disposable coffee cup, left the shop, and drove home.Inside her apartment, Sarah gazed over the stylish space that used to be her sanctuary, her refuge. She walked across the tile to the kitchen, trying not to look at the pale, scrubbed spot with its still-visible bloodstain. She opened the refrigerator and took out some of the raw meat that used to be her boyfriend Jason. She preheated a frying pan, added a little olive oil and seasoning, and fried part of his arm for supper. After that, she watched some TV and went to bed, dreading the next day.Check out Killers and Demons II on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRKCFWM
October 1, 2014
Embrace The Horror This October
Okay dear readers, today I'm giving you a rundown of what to expect from me this busy, busy October. I've got book launches, blog tours, and the annual Coffin Hop upcoming this month. I just hope I survive until November...
First up is the launch of my new book, Killers and Demons II: They Return. The official release is October 4th, and I'm kicking it off with a launch party on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/555619914538616/
Everyone is welcome to attend, and bring your friends. I'm giving away free copies of the book (plus the added bonus of the first book in the series), some digital artwork, and a couple of short fiction stories (in PDF format).
After the launch, I move into the Killers and Demons II blog tour, starting October 5th and ending October 13th. There's a great line up of blogs to visit, with a nice selection of posts, interviews and spotlights, and a contest . You can check out the lineup here on my blog: http://afstewartblog.blogspot.ca/p/blog-page_26.html
Also, starting today Oct. 1st, the first book, Killers and Demons is free on Smashwords until Halloween.
After the Killers and Demons II blog tour, I take a small break from horror, but not from my busy schedule. A story of mine, Grail Days, (all about witches, Camelot, immortality and a modern day Grail Quest) appears in the new anthology from Xchyler Publishing, Legends and Lore, which is being released on October 22nd. A blog tour will run from October 14th until the launch date of October 22nd, and I'll be one of the talented authors taking part with an interview. And of course I'll be front and center as one of the authors in the book's Facebook launch party. Xchyler Publishing's parties are always fun, and there are cool prizes up for grabs, including the metallic, Celtic bookmarks I'm offering.
And I'm still not done.
With one day of rest (on the 23rd), I swing into the annual Coffin Hop (Oct 24th-31st) which will take me straight on to Halloween.
This year the theme for my blog is Villains, with a side order of Myth. I'll be spotlighting Killers and Demons II, Legends and Lore, doing my regular poetry corner (plus, I'll be posting poems on the Kintsugi Poets Society, which is also doing the Coffin Hop), and I hope to have some guests stop by this year. As well, there will be another contest, with some great prize packs.
So, that's what to expect this month, I hope you join in the fun.
First up is the launch of my new book, Killers and Demons II: They Return. The official release is October 4th, and I'm kicking it off with a launch party on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/555619914538616/
Everyone is welcome to attend, and bring your friends. I'm giving away free copies of the book (plus the added bonus of the first book in the series), some digital artwork, and a couple of short fiction stories (in PDF format).After the launch, I move into the Killers and Demons II blog tour, starting October 5th and ending October 13th. There's a great line up of blogs to visit, with a nice selection of posts, interviews and spotlights, and a contest . You can check out the lineup here on my blog: http://afstewartblog.blogspot.ca/p/blog-page_26.html
Also, starting today Oct. 1st, the first book, Killers and Demons is free on Smashwords until Halloween.
After the Killers and Demons II blog tour, I take a small break from horror, but not from my busy schedule. A story of mine, Grail Days, (all about witches, Camelot, immortality and a modern day Grail Quest) appears in the new anthology from Xchyler Publishing, Legends and Lore, which is being released on October 22nd. A blog tour will run from October 14th until the launch date of October 22nd, and I'll be one of the talented authors taking part with an interview. And of course I'll be front and center as one of the authors in the book's Facebook launch party. Xchyler Publishing's parties are always fun, and there are cool prizes up for grabs, including the metallic, Celtic bookmarks I'm offering.
And I'm still not done.With one day of rest (on the 23rd), I swing into the annual Coffin Hop (Oct 24th-31st) which will take me straight on to Halloween.
This year the theme for my blog is Villains, with a side order of Myth. I'll be spotlighting Killers and Demons II, Legends and Lore, doing my regular poetry corner (plus, I'll be posting poems on the Kintsugi Poets Society, which is also doing the Coffin Hop), and I hope to have some guests stop by this year. As well, there will be another contest, with some great prize packs.
So, that's what to expect this month, I hope you join in the fun.
September 19, 2014
A Friday Read: Hug Your Dolly?
A bit of flash fiction for today, from my Killer Toys series...
Hug Your Dolly?
“I Love You”The faint phrase drifted into Alice’s ear as she turned off the vacuum. For a moment, she believed her daughter walked into the living room and turned around with a grin on her face. Only, she was alone. An involuntary shiver ran through her skin.“I Need a Hug.”Alice pivoted her head toward the toy box, and realization dawned. Her body tension relaxed and she chuckled.“It’s just one of Cindy’s toys.”Alice ambled over and lifted the lid. Her daughter’s talking doll, Suzy Smiles, lay on top. Alice picked it up.“I Need a Hug.” The doll’s eyes blinked. “I LoveYou.”Alice laughed again. “Well, isn't that nice.” The doll blinked. “I hope this mean Cindy’s been playing with you again. Her attention span for toys is abysmal.”Alice found the doll’s switch, and flicked it to off, placing the doll back in the confines of the toy box. She closed the lid, but as she walked away a tiny voice cried out, “I Need a Hug!”Alice gasped, her forward movement halted, her heart thumping. She spun around and stared at the box. She shuddered, shaking her head.“I imagined it. Or… Her pause hung there, a wall between reality and lunacy, as her mind raced for an answer. “Maybe something’s wrong. The switch, maybe. It could be faulty. That’s it. Must be. A bad switch.”“HUG ME!”A deep instinct urged Alice to run, but she stepped forward and thrust open the lid in an act of defiance, a force of will to verify her sanity. She reached down and snatched up the doll.“Hug Me!”Trembling, Alice flipped it over and opened the battery compartment. It was empty. She screamed and dropped the doll, any tangible certainty collapsing.The toy fell on its head, toppling into a lopsided heap. Alice stumbled back, anxious and frightened, but unable to look away. Slowly, it moved, righting its small body into a sitting position, and glared at Alice.“I just want hugs.” The words spilled from the doll, its synthetic, mechanical voice laced with anger. “Cindy hugged me. Then she stopped. Why won’t she hug me anymore? I needhugs.” The doll held out its plastic arms to Alice. “Hug me.”Alice whimpered, and then flinched, lurching backward. The doll lowered its arms.Its painted, molded mouth contorted into a frown. “Why won’t you hug me?”Alice quivered, but didn't say a word.Slowly the doll clambered to its tiny feet. It took a step toward Alice, and then another, its unnatural face sneering.“I Hate You!”
~*~And I leave you with this parting...
Fluffy the Clown says Die!
Hug Your Dolly?
“I Love You”The faint phrase drifted into Alice’s ear as she turned off the vacuum. For a moment, she believed her daughter walked into the living room and turned around with a grin on her face. Only, she was alone. An involuntary shiver ran through her skin.“I Need a Hug.”Alice pivoted her head toward the toy box, and realization dawned. Her body tension relaxed and she chuckled.“It’s just one of Cindy’s toys.”Alice ambled over and lifted the lid. Her daughter’s talking doll, Suzy Smiles, lay on top. Alice picked it up.“I Need a Hug.” The doll’s eyes blinked. “I LoveYou.”Alice laughed again. “Well, isn't that nice.” The doll blinked. “I hope this mean Cindy’s been playing with you again. Her attention span for toys is abysmal.”Alice found the doll’s switch, and flicked it to off, placing the doll back in the confines of the toy box. She closed the lid, but as she walked away a tiny voice cried out, “I Need a Hug!”Alice gasped, her forward movement halted, her heart thumping. She spun around and stared at the box. She shuddered, shaking her head.“I imagined it. Or… Her pause hung there, a wall between reality and lunacy, as her mind raced for an answer. “Maybe something’s wrong. The switch, maybe. It could be faulty. That’s it. Must be. A bad switch.”“HUG ME!”A deep instinct urged Alice to run, but she stepped forward and thrust open the lid in an act of defiance, a force of will to verify her sanity. She reached down and snatched up the doll.“Hug Me!”Trembling, Alice flipped it over and opened the battery compartment. It was empty. She screamed and dropped the doll, any tangible certainty collapsing.The toy fell on its head, toppling into a lopsided heap. Alice stumbled back, anxious and frightened, but unable to look away. Slowly, it moved, righting its small body into a sitting position, and glared at Alice.“I just want hugs.” The words spilled from the doll, its synthetic, mechanical voice laced with anger. “Cindy hugged me. Then she stopped. Why won’t she hug me anymore? I needhugs.” The doll held out its plastic arms to Alice. “Hug me.”Alice whimpered, and then flinched, lurching backward. The doll lowered its arms.Its painted, molded mouth contorted into a frown. “Why won’t you hug me?”Alice quivered, but didn't say a word.Slowly the doll clambered to its tiny feet. It took a step toward Alice, and then another, its unnatural face sneering.“I Hate You!”
~*~And I leave you with this parting...
Fluffy the Clown says Die!
September 5, 2014
Spotlight on Shadow of the Last Men by J. M. Salyards
Today, dear readers, I bring you the dark dystopian future courtesy of J. M. Salyards and his book, Shadow of the Last Men. Xchyler Publishing is relaunching this excellent book with a new cover, and all the deserving pomp and fanfare. So take a look at the book, read the mini-interview with the author, enjoy the excerpt, enter the contest, and check out the fabulous book trailer...
Mini-Interview with J. M. Salyards
1- Welcome Jason, why don’t we start with an introduction.
Thank you for having me. I write as J.M. Salyards, and my current series, The Next Man Saga, is published by Xchyler Publishing. I live in Maryland with my wife and daughter. We're a very literary family of readers and writers. The unique and fascinating thing about authors is that the good ones write from their hearts and do so with passion. The best way to get to know me is by knowing my work.
2- Your book, Shadow of the Last Men, depicts an apocalyptic and dystopian future. That particular fantasy/sci-fi sub-genre is a favourite of mine, what attracted you to write your series in this setting?
In some ways, we live in a dystopian present. That made Shadow of the Last Men somewhat easier to extrapolate. The work ended up as this hybrid creature of so many different genres out of necessity, rather than any desire on my part. There is wild fusion of high technology and old-fashioned human willpower and grit that has always attracted me about an apocalyptic setting, and the availability of so many moral and philosophical contrasts made a dystopian framework a natural fit for the kind of story I wanted to tell. With traditional fantasy there are handcuffs, and an author might be stifled a bit by the hidebound ways of approaching magic or characterization, racial issues, or class conflicts. I wanted a different kind of magic for Shadow of the Last Men, and as Arthur C. Clarke put it: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." I considered that my license to write the story. He also wrote that "... one cannot have superior science and inferior morals. The combination is unstable and self-destroying." That cuts to the heart of the book.
3- Do you have a favourite character from the book, and if so why?
There are four main characters in my first novel, and it's difficult to pick a favorite. They're all so different from one another, with animating, informing archetypes that often come into opposition. I don't like to play favorites. When I read a novel, I want my favorite character to be the one I'm reading about at that moment, because it means that the author has managed to inject the right amount of humanity and sufficient conflict into each mind present in the story. That said, Harrow, Quintain and Alouine all have traits I admire and, in some cases, wish that I had. The same can't be said for their antagonist, Carver Delano. Readers and reviewers have universally come to revile that character, so I consider him a smashing success in his own right.
4- What was the hardest scene in the book to write? And the easiest?
Action scenes are fun to write, and when one writes for fun, it's easy. What ends up being difficult is describing horrible things as they happen to good or innocent people. It was necessary, I think, because in a good vs. evil story, the reader can't know just how desperate the battle is unless there is a taste of darkness. There's genuine good, and genuine evil, in the story. On occasion, the line blurs. While Harrow can be considered a good man, he's better at merely being a man. He's good, but very rarely is he nice. To the contrary, Carver is never nice and doesn't care to be. Scenes of cowardice or bullying are hard to write and especially when a character is smashing or degrading something pure out of spite.
5- As Shadow of the Last Men is the first in a series, can you share any teasing tidbits about upcoming books?
What Shadow of the Last Men began, I hope to continue in Volume 2 of the Next Man Saga, Black Sunrise. We'll see some of the focus shift to some characters that there was no room for in the spotlight of the first novel, while ratcheting up the intensity. With the majority of the world-building complete, I can concentrate even more on a brisk and exciting pace. Story wise, it may remind some of an Empire Strikes Back feel. I'll endeavor to keep the stakes high and everything is in place to have a showdown type of climax. Look for Black Sunrise in the first half of 2015.
And if you enjoyed this interview be certain to check out J. M. Salyards' live author event!
Here's the contest: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow Salyards on the web at:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | Amazon | Goodreads
Mini-Interview with J. M. Salyards
1- Welcome Jason, why don’t we start with an introduction.
Thank you for having me. I write as J.M. Salyards, and my current series, The Next Man Saga, is published by Xchyler Publishing. I live in Maryland with my wife and daughter. We're a very literary family of readers and writers. The unique and fascinating thing about authors is that the good ones write from their hearts and do so with passion. The best way to get to know me is by knowing my work.
2- Your book, Shadow of the Last Men, depicts an apocalyptic and dystopian future. That particular fantasy/sci-fi sub-genre is a favourite of mine, what attracted you to write your series in this setting?
In some ways, we live in a dystopian present. That made Shadow of the Last Men somewhat easier to extrapolate. The work ended up as this hybrid creature of so many different genres out of necessity, rather than any desire on my part. There is wild fusion of high technology and old-fashioned human willpower and grit that has always attracted me about an apocalyptic setting, and the availability of so many moral and philosophical contrasts made a dystopian framework a natural fit for the kind of story I wanted to tell. With traditional fantasy there are handcuffs, and an author might be stifled a bit by the hidebound ways of approaching magic or characterization, racial issues, or class conflicts. I wanted a different kind of magic for Shadow of the Last Men, and as Arthur C. Clarke put it: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." I considered that my license to write the story. He also wrote that "... one cannot have superior science and inferior morals. The combination is unstable and self-destroying." That cuts to the heart of the book.
3- Do you have a favourite character from the book, and if so why?
There are four main characters in my first novel, and it's difficult to pick a favorite. They're all so different from one another, with animating, informing archetypes that often come into opposition. I don't like to play favorites. When I read a novel, I want my favorite character to be the one I'm reading about at that moment, because it means that the author has managed to inject the right amount of humanity and sufficient conflict into each mind present in the story. That said, Harrow, Quintain and Alouine all have traits I admire and, in some cases, wish that I had. The same can't be said for their antagonist, Carver Delano. Readers and reviewers have universally come to revile that character, so I consider him a smashing success in his own right.
4- What was the hardest scene in the book to write? And the easiest?
Action scenes are fun to write, and when one writes for fun, it's easy. What ends up being difficult is describing horrible things as they happen to good or innocent people. It was necessary, I think, because in a good vs. evil story, the reader can't know just how desperate the battle is unless there is a taste of darkness. There's genuine good, and genuine evil, in the story. On occasion, the line blurs. While Harrow can be considered a good man, he's better at merely being a man. He's good, but very rarely is he nice. To the contrary, Carver is never nice and doesn't care to be. Scenes of cowardice or bullying are hard to write and especially when a character is smashing or degrading something pure out of spite.
5- As Shadow of the Last Men is the first in a series, can you share any teasing tidbits about upcoming books?
What Shadow of the Last Men began, I hope to continue in Volume 2 of the Next Man Saga, Black Sunrise. We'll see some of the focus shift to some characters that there was no room for in the spotlight of the first novel, while ratcheting up the intensity. With the majority of the world-building complete, I can concentrate even more on a brisk and exciting pace. Story wise, it may remind some of an Empire Strikes Back feel. I'll endeavor to keep the stakes high and everything is in place to have a showdown type of climax. Look for Black Sunrise in the first half of 2015.
And if you enjoyed this interview be certain to check out J. M. Salyards' live author event!
Here's the contest: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow Salyards on the web at:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | Amazon | Goodreads
September 2, 2014
My Newest Book: Killers and Demons II: They Return
Here's a preview of my newest book, Killers and Demons II: They Return (the sequel to Killers and Demons). The book officially launches on October 4th, but it is available for pre-order now if anyone wants a copy.
Killers and Demons II: They Return
by A. F. Stewart
Evil is back, with a greater appetite for death.
Killers.
Demons.
They lurk forever in the shadows, smile at you in the morning, and haunt your dreams at night. You can’t hide, you can’t run, and there’s no escape. You can only scream when they come for you.
Killers and Demons II: They Return is a collection of thirteen tales, blending short stories and flash fiction, tales where the blood lingers on your tongue or spurts quickly from the swift cut.
The Villainous Roster:
Wade, every parent’s nightmare.
Hannah and Mr. Greeley. Who is the victim and who is the villain?
Simon and Zoe, a married couple who are dying to be single again.
Norman and his "cookie" of a wife, Mabel.
Millicent and Jane, a delightful duo you shouldn't invite to your Regency tea party.
Amanda, who literally has a skeleton in her closet.
Balthazar, the demon bounty hunter on the hunt once more.
Sarah, a young woman going through some changes and craving new tastes.
Emmeline, burned as a witch, now back from the dead for revenge.
Gabrielle, a woman haunted by shadows.
The Dollmaker, she showers death, and an umbrella won’t help.
Nightmare Demons, bent on driving a town insane.
And then there’s Alice, a little girl locked in the basement by her Daddy…
Together they form a spine-chilling cadre of predators.
And here's a little excerpt from the story Runner:
The thief smiled as he ducked in the back alley off a London street. He opened his hand and stared at the gold watch and fob he nicked.
“You’ll be worth some money. Enough to buy my mates a few beers.”
He shoved the watch into his pocket and glanced out into the lane. As the gas light cast shadows over the cobblestones, he saw no sign of the bobbies. Still, he decided to wait a few more minutes, leaning back against the brick of the alley wall. He shifted uncomfortably and wiped sweat from his brow. The air had turned warm and muggy.
“Hello.”
A tall, lanky gentleman stepped out of the gloom, and a wave of searing heat washed over the thief. He collapsed, wheezing, his lungs burning from the air he breathed. His clothing smouldered and his skin blistered, flesh peeling off his body in crisp, black patches and he smelled the acrid odor of his own roasting flesh. The thief screamed before his vocal chords cooked as his body slowly sizzled.
The gentleman smiled as he watched the thief’s pain. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Balthazar, one of Hell’s demons. I believe you stole my watch.”
You can check out the Smashwords page here:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/466078
Or, check out these pages to pre-order the book before the October launch:
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Barnes and Noble iTunes
Killers and Demons II: They Return
by A. F. Stewart
Evil is back, with a greater appetite for death.
Killers.
Demons.
They lurk forever in the shadows, smile at you in the morning, and haunt your dreams at night. You can’t hide, you can’t run, and there’s no escape. You can only scream when they come for you.
Killers and Demons II: They Return is a collection of thirteen tales, blending short stories and flash fiction, tales where the blood lingers on your tongue or spurts quickly from the swift cut.
The Villainous Roster:
Wade, every parent’s nightmare.
Hannah and Mr. Greeley. Who is the victim and who is the villain?
Simon and Zoe, a married couple who are dying to be single again.
Norman and his "cookie" of a wife, Mabel.
Millicent and Jane, a delightful duo you shouldn't invite to your Regency tea party.
Amanda, who literally has a skeleton in her closet.
Balthazar, the demon bounty hunter on the hunt once more.
Sarah, a young woman going through some changes and craving new tastes.
Emmeline, burned as a witch, now back from the dead for revenge.
Gabrielle, a woman haunted by shadows.
The Dollmaker, she showers death, and an umbrella won’t help.
Nightmare Demons, bent on driving a town insane.
And then there’s Alice, a little girl locked in the basement by her Daddy…
Together they form a spine-chilling cadre of predators.
And here's a little excerpt from the story Runner:
The thief smiled as he ducked in the back alley off a London street. He opened his hand and stared at the gold watch and fob he nicked.
“You’ll be worth some money. Enough to buy my mates a few beers.”
He shoved the watch into his pocket and glanced out into the lane. As the gas light cast shadows over the cobblestones, he saw no sign of the bobbies. Still, he decided to wait a few more minutes, leaning back against the brick of the alley wall. He shifted uncomfortably and wiped sweat from his brow. The air had turned warm and muggy.
“Hello.”
A tall, lanky gentleman stepped out of the gloom, and a wave of searing heat washed over the thief. He collapsed, wheezing, his lungs burning from the air he breathed. His clothing smouldered and his skin blistered, flesh peeling off his body in crisp, black patches and he smelled the acrid odor of his own roasting flesh. The thief screamed before his vocal chords cooked as his body slowly sizzled.
The gentleman smiled as he watched the thief’s pain. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Balthazar, one of Hell’s demons. I believe you stole my watch.”
You can check out the Smashwords page here:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/466078
Or, check out these pages to pre-order the book before the October launch:
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Barnes and Noble iTunes
August 27, 2014
The Traveller
Here's the start of a story idea that came to me the other day. Not sure what it will turn into to, but I like the premise...
The Traveller
Dalia sidled to Imogene and whispered, “See that gent in the cloak at the far table?” Imogene nodded. “He gave me the right shivers when I served him. There’s something wrong with that one. I think we maybe ought to keep an eye out for trouble.”Imogene stared at the gentleman in question, and a small memory of his features needled at the back of her brain. With a flicker, and then a surge, the memory flowed free. She sucked in her breath. For a moment she wanted to shiver.“Leave him to me, Dalia.”Imogene strode across the tavern floor and plopped her girth down on the bench opposite the stranger. “You haven’t changed much.”The stranger gazed at her, his face partially shadowed by his hood, but she trembled under the bore of his intense jade-coloured eyes.“Have we met before?”“No, but you came to my village once when I was a child. Cathburg, up near the northern border. Do you remember it?”“Yes. I remember it very well.”“I thought you might. They didn’t let my cousin go easily.” She smiled, a sad and rueful twinge twisting the edges. “You haven’t aged. Not a day. But your kind don’t, do they?” She tilted her head. “Your eyes are different, though. Still formidable, but a weariness in them now, less fervour.”“The passing years will do that…to my kind.”“I expect so.” She sighed. “Who are you here for?”“I don’t know yet.” He smiled, a disconcerting gesture. “But not you. That much is clear.”Imogene chuckled. “Not much chance of that, not now, not at my age. You most always take `em young, don’t you?”The man nodded. “As a rule, the magic calls early.”“And pity the unfortunate soul that it summons.”“There are worse lots in this existence, than to enter into the service of magic.”“Aye. But not many.” Imogene rose to her feet, a reflective look on her face. “Just letting you know you’ll get no difficulties from me, but try not to bust up the place if there’s resistance.”The man gave a low, horse chortle. “I’ll try.”With a polite nod, she left the man to his business, to find her path blocked by an eager, inquisitive Dalia. “So who is he, is there trouble brewing?”“Yes, but it’s the kind to keep clear of, so stay away and don’t interfere in whatever happens.”Dalia frowned. “I don’t understand. If he’s a good-for-nothing prone to bring problems, why let him stay?” “Leave it be, sometimes you’re too curious for your own good, girl.” At Dalia’s irritated look and refusal to move, Imogene sighed. Dalia was nothing if not persistent.“If you must know, the gentleman in question is a Realm Traveller, from the Wizard Keep.” Imogene felt a twinge of satisfaction as Dalia’s complexion turned pale. “He’s come to collect some poor soul fated to become a practitioner of magic. So steer clear of him lest you find yourself caught up in wizardry.”Dalia nodded vigorously and scurried back to her work serving the tavern’s patrons, taking a wide berth around his table to avoid the Traveller. Imogene wandered behind the bar, and idly stared at the stoic, formidable man.I wonder who he’ll take, which one will walk in this place and have their life changed.
The Traveller
Dalia sidled to Imogene and whispered, “See that gent in the cloak at the far table?” Imogene nodded. “He gave me the right shivers when I served him. There’s something wrong with that one. I think we maybe ought to keep an eye out for trouble.”Imogene stared at the gentleman in question, and a small memory of his features needled at the back of her brain. With a flicker, and then a surge, the memory flowed free. She sucked in her breath. For a moment she wanted to shiver.“Leave him to me, Dalia.”Imogene strode across the tavern floor and plopped her girth down on the bench opposite the stranger. “You haven’t changed much.”The stranger gazed at her, his face partially shadowed by his hood, but she trembled under the bore of his intense jade-coloured eyes.“Have we met before?”“No, but you came to my village once when I was a child. Cathburg, up near the northern border. Do you remember it?”“Yes. I remember it very well.”“I thought you might. They didn’t let my cousin go easily.” She smiled, a sad and rueful twinge twisting the edges. “You haven’t aged. Not a day. But your kind don’t, do they?” She tilted her head. “Your eyes are different, though. Still formidable, but a weariness in them now, less fervour.”“The passing years will do that…to my kind.”“I expect so.” She sighed. “Who are you here for?”“I don’t know yet.” He smiled, a disconcerting gesture. “But not you. That much is clear.”Imogene chuckled. “Not much chance of that, not now, not at my age. You most always take `em young, don’t you?”The man nodded. “As a rule, the magic calls early.”“And pity the unfortunate soul that it summons.”“There are worse lots in this existence, than to enter into the service of magic.”“Aye. But not many.” Imogene rose to her feet, a reflective look on her face. “Just letting you know you’ll get no difficulties from me, but try not to bust up the place if there’s resistance.”The man gave a low, horse chortle. “I’ll try.”With a polite nod, she left the man to his business, to find her path blocked by an eager, inquisitive Dalia. “So who is he, is there trouble brewing?”“Yes, but it’s the kind to keep clear of, so stay away and don’t interfere in whatever happens.”Dalia frowned. “I don’t understand. If he’s a good-for-nothing prone to bring problems, why let him stay?” “Leave it be, sometimes you’re too curious for your own good, girl.” At Dalia’s irritated look and refusal to move, Imogene sighed. Dalia was nothing if not persistent.“If you must know, the gentleman in question is a Realm Traveller, from the Wizard Keep.” Imogene felt a twinge of satisfaction as Dalia’s complexion turned pale. “He’s come to collect some poor soul fated to become a practitioner of magic. So steer clear of him lest you find yourself caught up in wizardry.”Dalia nodded vigorously and scurried back to her work serving the tavern’s patrons, taking a wide berth around his table to avoid the Traveller. Imogene wandered behind the bar, and idly stared at the stoic, formidable man.I wonder who he’ll take, which one will walk in this place and have their life changed.
