C.A. Milson's Blog, page 10
May 15, 2025
Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers
A FREE ebook that introduces neurodiverse writers (and
neurotypical) to plot structures beyond the commonly used hero’s Journey. These
plots are emotionally accessible, highly creative, and more
“traditional” than you’d expect.
Nontraditional Plot
Structures for Neurodiverse Writers
by Margie Pignataro
Genre: Nonfiction Literary Theory, Writer’s Guide
Born from a rejected dissertation proposal and reworked over
the course of 15 years into a compelling exploration of narrative, Nontraditional
Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers challenges conventional
storytelling norms. This free ebook delves into how nontraditional plot
structures resonate with neurodiverse writers, offering creative frameworks
that align with their artistic and intellectual strengths—traits often mislabeled
as obstacles.
Through engaging diagrams and dozens of links to free resources, this book
examines storytelling across diverse mediums, from Oedipus the King to Squid
Game, spanning novels, poetry, visual arts, television, film, theater, and
even commercials. The Mona Lisa and Little Red Riding Hood provide illustrated
and textual examples of each plot structure. Whether you’re a writer seeking
fresh approaches or an artist questioning traditional narratives, this guide
provides valuable insights into storytelling beyond the expected.
This ebook lays the groundwork for a forthcoming second edition, arriving next
year, which will expand upon these ideas with deeper textual analyses,
practical exercises, and hands-on guidance to help you craft your own unique
narratives.
**Get it completely FREE!!**
at SeizeTheCow.com
or HERE
I have been writing with serious intent for thirty years.
I’ve been published and produced multiple times. My education has focused on
literary theory, theater history and criticism, as well as creative writing. I
also sell my collage art in a Redbubble store.
I have been published as a playwright. I had articles about
Shakespeare published, as well as blog pieces. I’ve self-published several
novels and one book of poetry under the name Lady Ristretto. I have also
worked as a freelance erotica writer with individual clients.
Website * Threads * Instagram * Bluesky * Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special
content and Enter to win a
$10 Amazon giftcard
OR
ebook duo of Building Your
Play & Ladders to Fire
– 1 winner each!
Building Your
Play: Theory and Practice for the Beginning Playwright, David Rush.
Written by my late, great playwriting professor,
this is essential reading for anyone who wants to write traditional fiction.
Everything in this book I covered in two of my graduate seminars with
David. Learn the rules of traditional writing so you can learn how to break
them.
Ladders to
Fire, Anaïs Nin
Anaïs Nin wrote novels which are pure nontraditional
texts, to the point that they are difficult to consume for readers
expecting conventional actions. Lacking goals, climaxes, and any kind of a
Journey plot, her novels are psychological analyses of women characters
and their relationships. In my ebook, I explore an excerpt of Ladders to Fire
as having a Portrait plot structure.
David would loathe Nin’s work and Nin would chide David
for his rigid devotion to structures. Reading them together gives a fantastic
view of the differences of traditional and nontraditional writing.
May 13, 2025
PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers
When PJ and his team of Paranormal Pursuers unearth the
sinister secrets of the Scottish village of Pittenweem’s witch-hunting past,
they must confront the malevolent spirit of a young boy to save the villagers
from chaos and terror.
The Phantoms of
Pittenweem
PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers Book 2
by Jacqui Dempster
Genre: YA, Teen Paranormal Adventure
After moving from New York to Edinburgh to live with his
aunt, PJ very quickly discovered the parallel worlds of the living and the dead
when he was forced to battle the evil Mackenzie Poltergeist at Greyfriars
Kirkyard.
Now, PJ and his fellow ghost-hunting friends are invited to
stay in the picturesque fishing village of Pittenweem in Fife, a place which,
unbeknown to them, has haunting echoes of its witch-hunting past.
However, their holiday promises to be anything but peaceful,
as witchcraft and superstition threatens to bring terror and chaos to the
villagers and the Paranormal Pursuers must face off with the malevolent spirit
of a young boy, Patrick Morton. Can they find a way to prevent him from
reviving the dark and sinister past of Pittenweem before it’s too late?
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The Mackenzie
Poltergeist
PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers Book 1
After his mom dies, PJ reluctantly leaves his New York home
and everyone he loves, to live with his Aunt Katie in Edinburgh. A series of
strange events begin when his aunt’s elderly neighbour and her cat Azrael
convince him that his mom, weirdly, is still very much with him.
At a bereavement counselling group, PJ makes a new group of
friends, all of whom have lost loved ones. Drawn together by their shared
experiences, they soon discover they have something else in common; an interest
in the supernatural. Freya is the daughter of a white witch, Sunny has a
scientific and enquiring mind and Shuggie, a superfan of ghost hunting
programmes. Led by PJ, they try to prove that there is life after death and
that their loved ones are still with them. The team receives strange messages leading
them to investigate Greyfriars Kirkyard where they experience terrifying
paranormal activity and PJ is drawn into the clutches of the evil Mackenzie
Poltergeist after reciting a famous rhyme that invites the restless spirit to
draw back the bolt of his scary mausoleum to allow him entry. There, he finds
himself in a fight of good against evil with the ghost of Sir George Mackenzie.
“If you are, or know someone who is a teenager with a newfound interest in the
supernatural and paranormal, this is the book for you.”
The Courier and Advertiser (Fife Edition)
“PJ and his friends make a great group of characters, and there’s lots of
laughter to be had as well as scares, while ‘auld reekie’ provides the perfect
backdrop for these ghostly goings-on.” LoveReading4Kids & LoveReading4Schools
“This is a terrific story for teen readers to devour on a spooky autumn
evening.”
The School Librarian
(TSL)
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Jacqui Dempster
qualified as a solicitor in 1999 but now works as a malpractice investigator
for an education and qualifications organisation. She lives in Dunfermline,
Fife, with partner, Andrew, and various ‘borrowed’ doggies who visit regularly.
Jacqui loves dogs, especially Jack Russell Terriers and thinks if they ruled
the world, it would be a better place! The doggy motifs on the cover of her
books represent Dug and Buddy who belong to the characters, Shuggie and PJ. Dug
is based on Jacqui’s own beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Smudge, and her
grandpup, Gus, both of whom have sadly passed over the Rainbow Bridge.
Jacqui loves
theatre and ran performing arts schools for young people in Fife. She produced
and directed various shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. When not either working or
writing, she loves to paint and crochet, and of course, read books.
Her first
children’s book in this series, PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers– The Mackenzie
Poltergeist, was published by The Book Guild in 2021.
Jacqui explains:
“The supernatural has featured in my life since I was young, with a grandfather
who saw ghosts regularly and other members of the family, on my Welsh side,
having strange experiences and even dabbling in magic! I studied on the
Edinburgh University Koestler Parapsychology course to learn about the science
of the Paranormal. I have also been on a few ghost investigations with mixed
results.
I live in Fife
nowadays and often visit the beautiful towns and villages within the county.
Fife was one of the famous areas where ‘witches’ were persecuted, and the story
of the Pitteweem Witches is particularly well known. In my book, the story is
told for a younger reader involving a contemporary allegory about one of the
young characters, Freya, who is a Wiccan. The subject of Scotland’s witches
came up in 2022, when an apology was issued by the then First Minister of
Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon to those persecuted, tortured and executed, and MSPs
were invited to consider legislation to pardon them.
I enjoy writing
about various places we’ve visited, and especially about any with spooky
stories attached on my Medium Daily Digest blog.”
Jacqui loves
history and enjoys embracing fact with fiction in her books which she hopes
encourages not only a love of reading in young people but also the desire to
learn about events of the past which often influence the present and the
future.
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May 12, 2025
When Sparks Fly
Romance is in the air with this amazing new series by
best-selling author Libby Kay.
Pinegrove has it all, sexy firemen, town busybodies, and tons of charm!
When
these sparks fly, a happily ever after is in the cards!
When Sparks Fly
A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 1
by Libby Kay
Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Romance
Two broken hearts,
one charming small town, and a few sparks may be the recipe for love…
Whitney Kerr is at a crossroads—literally. After jumping
behind the wheel to flee Savannah, and a bad breakup, this Southern Belle is in
search of a fresh start. Stopping in a charming smalltown seems like the
perfect place to catch her breath and find herself. It’s too bad a certain
fireman with a crooked grin and kind eyes could have her plans of
self-discovery going up in a puff of smoke.
Trevor Mays is at a crossroads—figuratively. Still grieving
the loss of his father, he was unceremoniously dumped by his fiancée, who
quickly rebounded with his work rival. Just as he thinks things can’t get
worse, he loses the captain’s promotion—to the man who stole his ex. He’s about
to give up on ever smiling again when a curly-haired beauty with curves for
days stumbles into his hometown.
With some help from the residents of Pinegrove, this pair
will discover that much like the perfect fireworks show, love only needs a
spark.
Fans of Sherryl Woods’ Sweet Magnolias series
and Sarah Adams’s When in Rome series will fall in love with
Libby Kay’s sweet fireman romance. Ms. Kay’s engaging stories fill your heart
and head with possibilities and will quickly become your new favorite!
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads
Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with
her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any
kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or
Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!
When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in
her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband,
traveling as far as their bank account will allow.
Libby cohosts the Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli
where they recommend romance books and interview authors, influencers, and
publishers. Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!
May 11, 2025
The Karma Series
A chilling tale of
loss, tragedy, psychic warfare, and eternal love.
Tough Karma: A Race
Against Time
The Karma Series Book 1
by Laura Simmons
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
“Tough Karma – A Race Against Time took my preconceived
idea and previous experience of Paranormal Romance, rolled it into a tight
little ball and slam dunked it in the bin of old experiences.” The
International Review of Books
A chilling tale of loss, tragedy,
psychic warfare, and eternal love.
Amber Macklin’s world is cruelly shattered when she loses her baby girl three
months after her husband’s sudden death. Her cousin, Bryce, comes to her
rescue, moving her into his home for fear she will kill herself from the grief.
He provides solace and a shoulder to cry on, and he has loved her as more than
a cousin for a long time. Amber and Bryce soon discover they are not blood
relatives, which opens the door for romance as he pulls her through her darkest
hours. When Mike, a college friend of Bryce’s, stops by to visit, Amber senses
a deadly secret behind his nice guy persona. She has a frightening dream that
Mike is trying to kill her and recurring sleepwalking episodes where she draws
detailed pictures of him torturing her. Deeply troubled, Bryce uses his ability
to astral travel to investigate Mike and uncover his terrifying past. Mike has
had his eye on Amber for some time, and when he learns that Bryce and Amber
have become lovers, he is furious. Mike abducts Amber and takes her to his
rural Georgia hideaway, and Bryce must rely on his astral abilities to track
her down. But will he be too late?
Tough Karma is a stand alone novel. The astral adventures continue
in Dark Karma: Sword of Vengeance.
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Dark Karma: Sword of
Vengeance
The Karma Series Book 2
“Dark Karma is a fascinating
story that would surely be loved by any fan of fantasy and romance. Simmons
proved herself a competent author in writing a tale of angst, magic, and
determination.” Reader Views
What would you do if you woke up one
morning and your world was inexplicably changed in the worst way imaginable?
Banished by his enemy into a hellish alternate dimension, Luke Decker fights to
understand why his world has suddenly changed, and why is he on trial for the
murder of his beloved Nina? What he doesn’t know is she’s not dead. Nina
watches him vanish into thin air and is completely bereft, struggling to find
out how and why he disappeared. Using all of her psychic talents and traversing
the astral realm, she frantically searches for him to no avail. She owns a
secret item which holds the key to his salvation, but will she figure it out
before he’s condemned to live the rest of his life in a realm of darkness?
This remarkable tale of vengeance, time travel, and dark magic is even more
enjoyable if you read Tough Karma: A Race Against Time first.
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Karma: The Resolution
The Karma Series Book 3
This
story picks up where Dark Karma left off. Enjoy the next
thrilling adventure into alternate dimensions!
“From the first time I saw you back in the 14th century to the day I
was imprisoned in the dark realm, you have lived in my dreams and my heart,”
David said to Maddie. He knows that she is the reincarnation of his beloved
Cara. Can he convince her that they shared a past life? Will she still want him
once she learns the truth? And what about the evil immortal who wants her dead?
“If I can pull a cat from a dream, I can rescue Mori from where she’s being
held prisoner,” thought Noah Colton. Each night Mori comes to him on the astral
plane, begging for him to save her and vanishing before he can follow.
Terrified that she will soon be killed, he travels to another dimension to
rescue her and bring her to his home. But what will happen when her captors
track her down?
Two, out-of-this-world romantic fantasy stories unfold as David and Noah battle
dark forces to save the women they love. Find out what happens when the
unexpected intervenes and changes everything in these interconnected stories.
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Little Bits of Karma
The
Karma Series Prequel
A
captivating reincarnation romance of redemption and forgiveness.
Even though Holly O’Rourke is having problems with her longtime
significant other, James, she has never entertained thoughts of infidelity…that
is, until the day she has a chance encounter with Charlie, a handsome coworker.
James promises he will change and work on their relationship, but Holly’s
feelings for Charlie just won’t go away. Distressed by her mixed emotions,
Holly schedules an appointment for a reading with a psychic medium, where she
discovers her adulterous past lives and their tragic consequences. Holly learns
to do her own past life regression through self-hypnosis and uncovers not only
lives that she shared with James and Charlie, but how the other people in her
present life have been with her in the past—the threads of their lives
interwoven for centuries. Holly is stunned by recurring themes and the issues
of karmic justice that need to be addressed. Where will her karmic path
ultimately lead? Find out in Little Bits of Karma, an entertaining new book
about spiritual cause and effect.
**Only
.99cents!!**
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Laura Simmons grew up in
northern Virginia and spent most of her career working for various Department
of Defense contractors in the Washington, DC area. She has a fascination with
all things metaphysical and mysterious. She enjoys adult coloring books, writing,
jigsaw puzzles, arts and crafts, and vacationing at the beach.
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!
May 8, 2025
The Cassidy Newbold Clairvoyant Series
Cassie uses her clairvoyant powers to help her detective
brother solve crime…
but will she find the answers in time?
The Killer on the
Heath
The Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Book 1
by Karen J. Mossman
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
A woman is dead, and another is missing. The only person who
can save her is Cassie.
With no clues and time running out, her brother, Detective
Newbold, desperately needs her help. He is counting on Cassie’s clairvoyant and
empathic abilities to locate Chantelle.
When Chantelle’s brother, Pedro, seeks out a psychic for
help, he meets and falls for Cassie. Though he wants answers, neither Cassie
nor Detective Newbold can give any, which complicates their relationship. To
make matters worse, his overbearing mother adds further damage with her
meddling.
Meanwhile, the killer has been caught, but he refuses to
talk. Now, it’s up to Cassie to read the signs and rescue her lover’s sister.
Will she find the answers in time?
** Get it for Only $1.00! **
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The Sound of Evil
The Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Book 2
When two best friends vanish without a trace, Cassie Newbold
joins forces with her brother Detective Inspector Seb Newbold, to track them
down. A risky move almost ends in disaster, leaving Cassie shaken and acutely
aware of her near-fatal mistake. Luckily, it also leads to the arrest of Ronnie
Gunner.
With the suspected kidnapper in custody, his chilling laughter still echoes in
Cassie’s mind. As she takes Ronnie Gunner’s hand, a vision reveals every
depraved thing he had done. Will she ever be able to escape the haunting images
now seared into her memory? Ultimately, will it bring her any closer to where
the teenagers are being held?
With a terrifying paranormal encounter to deal with first, can Cassie lead her
brother to the right location and solve the case?
** Get it for Only $1.00! **
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The Ghost on the
Stairs
The Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Book 3
When a man-mountain of a guy walks into a café and asks for
you by name, you sit up and take notice. Cassie instantly feels attracted to
the charming Damien Mathers.
He wants her help to banish a ghost from the home of his brother Daniel. Even
as Cassie explains, she is a clairvoyant, not an exorcist. Damien is very
persuasive!
Their relationship blossoms despite the scepticism of the brothers. When
Daniel’s wife Rachel refuses to move in, her fear is palpable as she points at
the shadowy figure lingering on the stairs.
Cassie must intervene and find out why the apparition is reliving the day of
her death. She soon finds another ghost lurking in the attic, one that and does
not appreciate Cassie’s interference.
As things turn bizarre, with spectral figures making their presence felt.
Cassie fights for control as the two worlds collide in a horrifying and chaotic
way.
Will Damien believe a sight so shocking, so surreal, it threatens to shatter
his perceptions? Or has Cassie gone a step too far in her expectation of him?
Read this thrilling instalment and judge for yourself.
** Get it for Only $1.00! **
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No Ghosts Here
A Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Short Story
When a young woman kills herself, it is the method that is
most horrifying. Why did she choose to set fire to herself?
Clairvoyant Cassidy Newbold helps bereaved families find closure. It doesn’t
surprise Cassie when Sandra, the mother of a headline suicide case, approaches
her for answers. But what are the questions?
As Cassidy nears the site of the suicide, will she be able to connect with the
victim? Or are no ghosts here to tell their tale?
** Get it for Only $1.00! **
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The Séance
A Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Short Story
Cassidy Newbold is a clairvoyant and empath who refuses to
work on All Hallow Eve, but why?
In this short story, we discover the events that still haunt Cassie. As she
recalls a séance that went wrong, we learn why she refuses to tamper with
ghosts at Halloween.
The truth behind why she refuses work on this day of paranormal activity.
Was it Cassie’s fault? Was it the thinning of the veil between worlds?
** Get it for Only $1.00! **
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Karen J. Mossman is an avid reader, reviewer, book blogger,
and award-winning, multi-genre writer. She became a professional author in
2014, and since then, she has more than 27 published titles to her credit.
These include anthologies, short stories, novellas, novels, and series.
She lives on the small island of Anglesey with her husband
and two dogs.
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and a $20 Amazon giveaway!
May 7, 2025
Rose Island
Uncover the
Secrets. Survive the Island.
Rose Island
A Team Novel #1
by Zander Hatch
Genre: Military
Action Thriller
Uncover the Secrets.
Survive the Island.
In the high-octane realm of military thrillers,Rose Island stands
out with its masterful blend of espionage and covert warfare. Set against the
backdrop of a forgotten Cold War bastion that harbors earth-shattering secrets,
former Marine turned clandestine operator Jake Harper is drawn back into action
when a top-secret rescue mission calls him to an island erased from every map—a
place steeped in mystery and guarded by deadly forces.
Charged with leading a special operations team amidst the threat of a looming
hurricane, Harper and his team, with their unwavering courage and resilience,
must navigate the treacherous mysteries of Rose Island. As they unearth hidden
bunkers and tangled alliances, each revelation plunges them deeper into a
whirlpool of political intrigue and betrayal. The island, a forgotten relic of
Cold War experiments, holds secrets that some will kill to protect.
Their mission escalates in complexity when they cross paths with a renegade
unit of mercenaries with connections to enigmatic international powers. These
well-trained, heavily armed adversaries are resolute in their intent to exploit
the island’s secrets for their own sinister ends.
With time running out, their mission evolves from a covert infiltration to a
desperate fight for survival. Harper’s resolve is tested as past emotional
entanglements with a team member add layers of complexity to his leadership. As
the storm bears down, they face the natural elements and a formidable enemy in
a climactic showdown that promises to blend their fates with the island’s dark
history.
Dive into Rose Island, where survival clashes with the ghosts of
history, crafting a narrative so tense and gripping that it will leave readers
breathless until the last page is turned.
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Zander Hatch, a US Marine veteran, blends his extensive
military experience with a talent for storytelling to create thrilling,
authentic narratives. Drawing from global deployments, Hatch’s writing in Rose
Island offers an immersive experience in tactical expertise and unyielding
suspense. Dive into his books for a gripping journey through the realms of
action and adventure, where courage meets the climax of military strategy.
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!
SURVIVING THE UNITED NATIONS
SURVIVING THE UNITED NATIONS
Robert Bruce Adolph
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: NonFiction
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
This is the astonishing true story of a US Army Special Forces soldier who became a warrior for peace. In his humanitarian and peacekeeping missions for the United Nations he dealt with child-soldiers, blood diamonds, a double hostage-taking, an invasion by brutal guerrillas, an emergency aerial evacuation, a desperate hostage recover mission, tribal gunfights, refugee camp violence, suicide bombings, and institutional corruption. His UN career brought him face to face with the best and worst of human nature and he shares it all here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
The unarmed variety of peacekeeping is a different sort of military mission. UN member states provide officers to serve as military observers. The most common term is UNMO, short for UN Military Observer. The general mission statement is to “observe and report.” UNMOs observe the status of the peace and write reports for the gratification of the UN Security Council that establishes the mandate under which the mission operates. Essentially, unarmed UNMOs are placed on the ground between former belligerents. Their lives are then held hostage to the peace process. Although little-reported, it is not uncommon for military observers to die in the performance of their duties. I found this type of peacekeeping service, in the abstract, to be an honorable endeavor. The reality, though, was sometimes something else entirely. As a matter of historical import, approximately three thousand eight hundred peacekeepers have died in the performance of their duties around the globe.
Another type of peacekeeping involves the use of armed battalions. I had seen this permutation in 1990 while serving with UN Observer Group-Lebanon in the form of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon, and two years later with the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia. My future mission would combine elements of both UNMOs and armed battalions.
The key assumption on the part of the UN Security Council when establishing a peacekeeping mission is that there is a genuine peace to keep. That assumption proved false in several countries.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Robert Bruce Adolph is a retired UN Chief Security Advisor & US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel. He holds master’s degrees in both International Affairs (Middle East Studies) from American University’s School of International Service and National Security Studies and Strategy from the US Army’s Command and General Staff College.
Adolph served nearly 26-years in multiple Special Forces, Counterterrorism, Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs, Foreign Area Officer, and Military Intelligence command and staff assignments in the US and overseas. He also volunteered to serve on UN peacekeeping missions in Egypt, Israel, Cambodia, Iraq and Kuwait.
After he retired from active military service in 1997, he began a second career as a senior UN Security Advisor. Among his positions he served as the Chief of the Middle East and North Africa in the UN Department of Safety and Security.
Website: https://robertbruceadolph.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-bruce-adolph-904597a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.adolph
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Robert Bruce Adolph will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.
Enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN gift card – a Rafflecopte giveaway
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q & A With …
Tell us about you as a person.
I am driven – first as a senior IS Army Special Forces soldier and then later as a UN Chief Security Advisor. Now, as an international speaker, commentator, and author.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
Isaac Newton because he was without question the most impactful human to have ever lived.
What’s the story behind your latest book?
It is a memoir, so the story is mine – As a US Army Special Forces soldier on humanitarian and peacekeeping missions for the United Nations I dealt with child-soldiers, blood diamonds, a double hostage-taking, an invasion by brutal guerrillas, an emergency aerial evacuation, a desperate hostage recover mission, tribal gunfights, refugee camp violence, suicide bombings, and institutional corruption. My UN career brought me face to face with the best and worst of human nature. I share it all in the book.
What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their latest book?
Get published and do a blog tour.
List 5 things on your bucket list.
I have accomplished my bucket list. Now, it is all gravy.
Any final thoughts?
If you seek truth, writing is not for the faint of heart.
GOD AND PETROLEUM
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Roberto Aguilera will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
It’s been many years since God planted in my heart the idea to author this book. To do so I relied on science and engineering, looking deep into the earth a few thousand feet, dreaming of petroleum reservoirs I could not see, and evaluated them using mostly indirect sources of information. Petroleum hydrocarbons in earth are of organic origin (they form from dead plants and animals) and are intimately related with water. I also had to look to a different scale deep into the universe when it was created 13.77 billion years ago to try to understand the origin of hydrogen, the birth of the first hydrogen star (the seed star), its explosion in a supernova, and the repetitive births and explosions of subsequent stars that led eventually to the formation of elements such as carbon and iron and to hydrocarbons in the universe. These are hydrocarbons of inorganic origin.
Then I moved into the micrometer scale of human cells and to top research informing us that we are very close to chimpanzees, and a very persuasive discussion about evolution that I agree with. The book of Genesis tells us that God created man and woman in the sixth day, and that he formed man in the seventh day of the dust of the earth and woman of the rib of man. At first glance all of this seems contradictory, but it is not. This book shows that available science supports Genesis’ seven days very well. They do not contradict each other.
Read an Excerpt
Following Monsignor Georges Lemaître’s mathematical demonstration showing that the universe has expanded since the Big Bang, many scientists have produced data from the Hubble telescope corroborating the expansion. The observations by Hubble in 1929, proving galaxies are moving away from the earth at speeds proportional to their distance, has traditionally been known as Hubble law.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) voted in 2018 to recommend amending the name from Hubble law to the Hubble-Lemaître law, and in fact, this is how it is called now by the IAU. This is a recognition of the contributions of both Hubble and Monsignor Lemaître to the development of modern cosmology. The amendment recommendation stemmed from the fact Lemaître was the first to come up with the idea of an expanding universe in 1927, previous to Hubble’s contributions in 1929. Although Lemaître was first, his ideas received little attention at the time.
The galaxies outside of our solar system are moving away from us. One theory indicates that the farthest the galaxies are away from us, the faster they move (Library of Congress, 2019). Another theory based on data collected by the Planck satellite indicates that the cosmos is expanding at a slightly slower rate than was thought, making the universe around 13.82 billion years old rather than the 13.77 billion years formerly given for the age of the universe (Siegel, 2018). For the purpose of this book there is a slight difference.
About the Author: Roberto Aguilera is professor of petroleum engineering at the University of Calgary (Canada) and president of Servipetrol Ltd. He specializes in the evaluation of naturally fractured, tight and shale petroleum reservoirs worldwide. He has authored and co-authored six books dealing with petroleum engineering subjects and over 300 technical papers. He has rendered training and/or consulting services in over 40 countries worldwide. This is his first book linking God, His creation, and the benefits of petroleum to humanity while debunking alarming claims about its use.
Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1779622619
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/475304.Roberto_Aguilera
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May 6, 2025
Persephone’s Pool
New Age Crime Thriller That Will Leave You Breathless From
Shock And Excitement!
‘Sci-fi and mystery readers shouldn’t miss this one!’
– Readers Favorite
Persephone’s Pool
by Marie Montine
Genre: SciFi Crime Thriller
“The settings
and the unusual killings make for compelling, often unexpected material…A
detailed, futuristic detective story that is anything but typical.” – Kirkus
Reviews
“A scrumptious mix of suspense,
mystery, and intrigue makes Persephone’s Pool a delightful treat that sci-fi
and crime lovers will relish.” – Pikasho Deka for Readers’
Favorite
Seven meets Lucy in this New Age Crime Thriller that takes
investigators to different crime scenes on multiple planets on a dangerous,
mythological game of cat and mouse!
A hundred years from now people can visit any planet in the solar system and
take a vacation.
Despite all of the technological advancements, a new craving emerges:
spirituality.
With the Age of Aquarius on the threshold, intergalactic murders involving
mythology begin.
And it’s up to two investigators to find out why.
But the further they get into their investigation, the more dangerous the game
becomes.
‘Author Marie
Montine repeatedly pulls the rug out from under your feet with a plot featuring
multiple twists and turns you never see coming. The reveals are unexpected and
shocking. What impressed me is how Montine provides each character with enough
urgency and distinct personality traits so that the reader is completely
invested in their story arcs. The setting feels believably futuristic, which
makes the story very immersive. You don’t know if your favorite characters will
make it out alive, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Sci-fi and
mystery readers shouldn’t miss this one!’ – Readers Favorite
Marie Montine’s
work includes paranormal horror, supernatural sci-fi, and dark fantasy. But
there’s always one major theme in her stories: the power of love.
Many readers and
reviewers have claimed Marie Montine is an author to watch for.
Red River won an
award for best romantic suspense with ChickLit Cafe.
She recently
finished writing Persephone’s Pool, an intergalactic crime thriller released on
April 8, 2025.
The author is also
a level one student with CAAE and you can find her love of astrology woven into
stories like Midnight on Mars and Persephone’s Pool.
Marie lives and
works in northern Canada with her husband and poet, Alvin J Beck, and their
dogs, Luna and Mya. When she is not working or writing, she enjoys gaming and
getting cozied up with her husband and dogs watching movies or tv series.
Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
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STELLAR HEIR 2
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Scott Killian will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Jael and his crew are on the run, searching for an ancient machine that could save the galaxy, but the syndicate-controlled moon has other plans.
After uncovering an artifact that grants him extraordinary powers, Jael thought he had gained the upper hand in the lawless fringes of space. But news of his newfound abilities has spread throughout the galaxy, and a bounty is placed on his head for crimes he didn’t commit. New enemies emerge to claim the reward and old foes remain relentless in their pursuit of the artifact.
Jael is unwillingly thrust into a high-stakes game that determines control over the moon. The four crime syndicates use this brutal contest to decide who will rule, and now Jael’s fate is entangled with theirs.
Complicating matters further, a mysterious woman with a similar artifact stalks Jael across the moon, sabotaging his quest. With each step, the stakes rise, and every decision could mean life or death. Jael must fight to stay alive, protect his crew, and uncover the second Antiqui lock—before time runs out.
Read an Excerpt:
Sprinting to the edge of the barge, Jael quickly reloaded his pistol with his last three slugs. He aimed and fired at Lorvel. Lorvel swung to the side, barely avoiding Jael’s shot. Jael cursed under his breath and fired again, but Lorvel moved surprisingly fast, evading again. Not wanting to waste his final bullet, Jael holstered the pistol and dashed toward Lorvel. Lorvel had managed to get up onto the side of the barge, and he rolled to avoid Jael’s charge. Jael skidded to a stop, sending loose trash over the side and quickly pivoting and dropping into a fighting stance.
Lorvel fired his own weapon at Jael, but black crystalline armor erupted from Jael’s skin, deflecting the shots. The bullets pinged off the scales, creating sparks. Lorvel’s gun clicked, signaling that his clip was empty. He dove behind a mound of trash, disappearing from sight. Jael rushed to the spot, but when he reached the pile, Lorvel was already gone.
“So what is all that rocky juuk?” Lorvel called out, his voice now coming from the opposite direction of where he had been just moments earlier. “A nanite lattice? Some new tech you stole from Hezion Corp? That why you killed them all, butcher?”
“Sure. Whatever you want to think.” Jael moved around the barge, walking slowly at first and then running to where he thought Lorvel was hiding. “You wouldn’t believe the real story even if I told you.”
“Try me. I’ve been around the galaxy and seen a few things.”
Jael heard the click of Lorvel’s hammer on his gun pull back. Two shots pounded into the back of Jael’s head, and he spun around to see nothing but trash. “Why don’t you come out and fight me face to face?”
Lorvel laughed. “Because I’m not suicidal. You just bodied a half-dozen of Legion’s…” There was a momentary silence before Lorvel spoke again. “Well, I won’t say best, but they were pretty good fighters.”
Merzi zipped overhead, turning and idling. Jael and her made eye contact, and she nodded her head to his right. He slowly and as quietly as he could shift his weight and sprang over a pile of refuse.
“Saihreen warned us you were some kind of warrior monk. Said we should be—” Lorvel didn’t get to finish.
Jael came crashing down on Lorvel. Both the men strained as they wrestled for control. With a quick twist of his wrist, Lorvel managed to bring his gun around and shoved it into Jael’s midsection. Slamming his forearm into Lorvel’s wrist, Jael redirected the shot. The gun discharged, and the bullet hammered into Jael’s side. It hurt, but Jael powered through and struck down Lorvel’s hand, trying to free the gun.
Lorvel snarled and used his free hand to jab at Jael’s ribs, attempting to find an opening. Jael grunted, absorbing the blow and tightening his grip around Lorvel’s arm. He twisted Lorvel’s wrist, forcing the gun into an upward angle.
The next few shots were fired into the air. He brought his knee up into Lorvel’s midsection. Lorvel gasped, the impact knocking the wind out of him, and Jael wrenched the gun from his grasp.
Slamming the butt of the pistol into Lorvel’s face, he flipped it and pulled the trigger.
About the Author: Scott Killian grew up in California where he consumed every bit of sci-fi, fantasy and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, and H. P. Lovecraft, those portals in his mind were opened, and his obsession with reading began. Storytelling, in any form, is his only passion.
Inspired by epic sci-fi space operas, Killian crafts tales of interstellar adventure and space wars, blending thrilling martial arts combat with galactic-scale conflict. His works often feature gritty fight sequences and complex characters caught in the heart of a stellar conflict, creating a unique blend of space opera thriller and sci-fi epic.
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Syndicate-Moon-Thrilling-Sci-fi-Stellar-ebook/dp/B0DG3XZCSH/ref=sr_1_1 FREE TO READ ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
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