L.K. Latham's Blog, page 2

Because Tommy Insists

Tommy insists I talk about him today. He was all set to go to Vegas to help save his friends when I started writing Midnight Wildes. His bags were all packed, and then I decided he should remain in Austin.

To say he’s miffed is an understatement. He’s barely talking to me now, so I said I’d drop in an early scene of him in Vegas. I cut it from the finished story, but you can see how much he likes Vegas.

Cut scene from Midnight Wildes

“Nineteen hours according to maps. That’s how long it would it would take Phin on his bike to get to Vegas if doesn’t stop and did the speed limit.” Frank put his phone back into his belt holster. “He’ll speed, but he has to stop for fuel eight to ten times. We can hope he decides to rest at some point.”

Tommy snorted. “He won’t,” and pulled his sparkling Vegas cap lower over his eyes as their taxi pulled up to the police station.

“I said, we can hope,” replied Frank paying the taxi driver. He nudged Marcus, stretching and yawning to get out of the car. 

“You really think this is a good idea?” Marcus asked pulling the handle of his suitcase up.

“Happy’s a good guy,” said Frank.

“Guys,” shouted Tommy holding the front door of police station open for them. “Sun’s hot.”

Two police officers exited the open door. One looked at Tommy but said nothing. Frank smiled at them and grabbed the door as Tommy slid inside.

“You look like a pimp,” he muttered under his breath. “Try not to arrested on our first day here.”

Tommy pulled the color of his jacket up and slumped in a lobby chair. “There’s a good chance someone in this building will recognize my face.”

Marcus snorted at set their bags next to Tommy. “Doubt anyone here is old enough to remember your face.”

Frank shook his head and showed his badge to the front clerk before returning to Marcus and Tommy. “My guy here will let me know if anything unusual happened last night. We’ve got to be ready before Phin gets here. Do your friends know we’re here?”

He’d asked Tommy, but Marcus answered. “Issy just texted to say she’s sending a car to get us.”

Tommy nudged his wayfarers down and looked at Marcus. “How do you know Issy?”

“I don’t. Max gave me her contact info before we left – just in case.” 

Before Tommy could respond, the door leading to the inner sanctum of station slammed open. “Frank Jarvis! What the hell are you doing in my town.” The man proceeded wrap massive arms around Frank.

Frank hugged him back and stood back. “Not getting any smaller, are you?”

The man laughed so loud it echoed through the hall. “Looks like you’ll be caught up with me soon.”

Frank nodded his head toward Marcus and Tommy. “My nephew, Marcus LeBrere, well, Jasmine’s nephew really. Anyway, we’re here for little R&R. Marcus, this is Lieutenent Happy, an old friend of mine.”

Marcus stood and shook his hand.

Happy looked from Marcus to Tommy, his smile remained on his lips, but not in his eyes.

“Don’t mind Tommy,” Frank said. “Got sick on the place. Can we talk?”

Frank followed Happy through the door as he heard Tommy huff, “I look sick?”

“Well,” said Marcus pulling out his phone. “If you’re not sick,  you’re a pimp.” 

“So” said Frank, “When did you start wearing a tie?”

Happy’s laughed echoed in the hallway. “Lieutenent now. Gotta look the part.”

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. Check out these books for your reads.

What if your only crime involved possessing a god-given power that threatened an empire?

When an FBI agent witnesses magic…

Love Books About Witches, Romance, and Magic? Ben hears voices … alien voices My new neighbor? A sinfully hot alpha werewolf shifter—and my fated mate.

Find my books at your favorite online retailer.

Time to Meet Ari and Arika

Today, let me introduce you to Ari and Arika. They’re twins, they’re smart, and they’re a handful. (What teens aren’t?)  Getting them to the same spot at the same time is essential, if the folks from Austin want to get home, in one piece.

Despite all the trouble the twins cause, they’re good kids. I like them, and I hope you do, too. 

Ari: smart, quiet, a little shy, full of curiosity

Arika: smart, talkative (perhaps obnoxiously so), loving

Ari and Arika are half Goblin and half Witch. This is important to the Peoples of the Wildes, but until recently, the teens didn’t know they were any different from their classmates at St. Gaetano Academy in Las Vegas. They knew their Aunt Akricia (the dreaded Mrs. Smith) was super strict but didn’t know why. They also knew something was off about their tutors, Teaser and Jonesy. 

With only a month until their birthday, things are going very wrong. First, they’re in trouble at school, again, and sure Aunt Akrica won’t let them have their promised party. Next, Aunt Akricia insists on doing this stupid ceremony… but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Let’s just say the gang’s weekend in Las Vegas does not go as planned.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. Check out these good reads.

Find my books at your favorite online retailer.

Not Just Another Book Seller

Summer allergies! They’re trying to keep me down, but I’m fighting on. I hope you’re enjoying your summer—without allergies.

This week, I’m excited to share Direct2Readers with you. This is a new experience for me, and maybe for you, too. They feature independent storytellers (like me) and help you find the storytellers that appeal to your tastes via your personal librarian.

If you get a chance, try them out.

While you’re there, check out this link: Hint, you’ll see me there.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. Can’t find a new read at Direct2Readers, check out these suggestions and book fair.

Time to meet the Reds

Despite their reputations, Goblins can make fit companions especially if you might get into a fight.

Side trip today to meet two Goblins: Remie, a.k. a Mr. Vegas, and Carnelian. They’re both Reds, Ringleaders, and each have attitude to spare. Reds are fiercely loyal and the best warriors you’ll ever need, but they’re also sneaky. If you decide to work with them, keep it an eye on your buttons.

Let’s start with Remie. He calls himself Mr. Vegas, but don’t confuse him with Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton. Remie is Newton’s biggest fan—never missed a Wayne Newton performance. Not to state the obvious, but Remie rules the Reds living in Las Vegas. Lived there well over a hundred years, and has no desire to go back to the Wildes.

You might not realize Carnelian and Remi are of the same clan. Each survives in the form best suited to their surroundings. Carnelian lives in the Wildes and has no desire to move to Las Vegas—totally old school. At the same, Carnelian proves to not only be a great bodyguard but also a good friend to the young twins.

I keep wondering what will happen when these two have to work together, but that’s another story.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. Hope you’re enjoying the start of summer. I ran into summer with a great big smile, and then I slammed against a brick wall. Allergies! When you hear someone behind you sneezing and sniffling, that’s probably me. Please be kind and pass the tissues.

P.P.S. Looking for your next read? I’ve got two recommendations for you as well as three free book fairs.

On to the next project

Now that Midnight Wildes is out of my hands, I’m back to filling in the missing pieces for a rather long—novel? series? Not sure. I want to send it into the world in small bites, getting input and massaging the story from readers to make it perfect.

My first thought was to dust off my old Patreon account. I created it years ago and then did nothing with it. I’m following a few authors on Substack. Seems like lots of folks use that these days. Do I want to follow the crowd? And then there’s KickStarter, but doesn’t that suggests this project is closer to done than it is?

Whichever system I choose, I’m ready to get it started. 

My question for you: What do you think of these systems? Do you read/pick up new series to read on any of these?

Appreciate your input.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. Looking for your next read? Here are a few worth browsing.

1 May

How long have I been talking about Midnight Wildes? Way too long. When I sent the gang to Vegas for a quick meeting and a little fun, I had no idea they’d end up fighting a Witch for control of Vegas, rescuing Werewolves, or Eugene and CC being spelled into the Wildes where they’d have to fight to save the magic in all the Seven Worlds. Whew! It was a lot.

Giving myself extra time for formatting and loading, so all I will say now is it will be available in May.

Until then, here’s a sneak peak. Hope you enjoy.

All Eugene wants is a good time. If that means putting up with a few cranky Vampires and Witches, no sweat. But to be attacked by her own kind? Something’s wrong in Vegas.

Now, someone’s spelled her into the Wildes. As if the things couldn’t get worse – someone stole  her tattoos! 

What in the Seven Worlds does a Werewolf have to do to get a break?

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. Find my books at your favorite online retailer.

For more good reading, check out these books.

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Almost Time for GAB Fest

Quick note for everybody in the Austin area. This weekend is GAB Fest: Greater Austin Book Festival presented by the Austin public library. Come celebrate all things books Central Library.

There will be many, many local authors there, including me. If you get the chance, come by and say hi. This is so big, you’re sure to find a book or two to add to that stack next to your bed. (Sorry, no copies of Midnight Wildes will be there.)

Peace,

L.K. Latham

Find my books at most online booksellers:

In the Midnight Wildes Mood

I shared a few images with you over the last months of characters in my soon-to-be-released Midnight Wildes novel. I created these images for fun, just to see if I could.

While none of the characters look the way I imaged them, they’re close enough for inspiration. When I sit down to write a scene with one of them, I look at this mood board.

You may imagine what happens when I don’t get the scene right. Those smiles fade away, and better start the rewrite fast – or else.

Meet Teaser. Meet Teaser when he’s in Vegas.This is Cobalt. He lives in Austin.Remi, Hazel, and Ruby. They love VegasOl’Sassi. She’s a Troll who knows a lot more than she says.Don’t let Jonesy’s smile fool you. He doesn’t like you.He calls himself Mr. Vegas, and he’s never missed a Wayne Newton concert.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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First Tattoos Going Away

In case you missed it: First Tattoos, a short story about the Eugenes and their experience getting their first tattoos is a free download now, but it’s going away this weekend.

Mums promised to give Eugene and Phineas each a unique tattoo. They’re thrilled, but the moon is full and bright, and someone is following them.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

Find my books at most online booksellers:

First tattoos are special – aren’t they?

I hope you’re enjoying your spring. Is it as lovely where you are as it is here in central Texas? The bluebonnets are out and all the leaves are green. Unfortunately, all this loveliness means I’m sniffing, sneezing, coughing, and itching my way through the days. It’s slowing me down, but I’m not out yet.

The story I’m sharing with you today is a sort of prequel to the events of Midnight Wildes, except the events in this story happen a good twelve years before Midnight Wildes begins.

Eugene is one of my favorite characters: She complains a lot about everything, but she wouldn’t change thing, she’s ready to take on any fight, as long as the cause is true and just, and she’s very proud of her tattoos, which her Mums created. 

In this short story, meet Eugene and her brother, Phineas, as they get their first tattoos while trying to figure out the whole Werewolf thing.

Mums promised to give Eugene and Phineas each a unique tattoo. They’re thrilled, but the moon is full and bright, it’s a cold, and someone is following them.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

Find my books at most online booksellers: