Robin Renee Ray's Blog, page 8

Little Teaser from Broken Headstones...A short read in Vol.1 of Twisted Tales

I thought I would share a little teaser of my all time favorite Cemetery horror story, that I wrote. It is one of many in my Twisted Tales series Vol.1...We will be putting out Vol.1 this year....this is the cover my daughter, Kysha McBee, created and it is perfect!!! I sure hope she is up for making Vol. 2 and 3..LOL


Hellfire Publishing


Broken Headstones:
Teaser....


        The creaking of the rusty old iron gate caused a river of chills to flow over every inch of her body each time the wind slashed through its wrought iron ribs that were supposed to keep the living out. 


Stories she had been told for more years than she would like to remember at the time flashed into her mind.  The stories claimed that those who dared go in and break the headstones in the old Burkett Cemetery would suffer the curse of the dead that roamed the graveyard at night.  Tamra stood shaking her head and smiled at the thought, first laughing out loud just a little, remembering her grandpa grabbing her and making a goofy face when he told the story. 


“Billy!  You guys better hurry,” she called out, honking the horn.


They had gone there mainly because Billy’s new girlfriend wanted to see the place after hearing the story back at the lake, and Tamra was stuck, because she rode with them.  Mark and Bob were two of Billy’s friends that jumped in the car when they heard them talking about coming out here, and all four were now somewhere so deep in the enormous cemetery that she had no idea when they would come back. 


“I’m gonna kill them… hum, wrong thing to say,” Tamra said, looking over at the iron gate that swung open as soon as she said the word ‘kill’.  She opened the car door and jumped in, slamming the lock down as she rolled the window up.  She opened the cell phone, knowing it wasn’t going to have any reception, then screamed as something smashed into the driver’s door window.


Terrified and leaning over with her face covered, she heard Billy’s girlfriend screaming.  Tamra was frozen, barely able to force her fingers apart enough to peek out. When she didn’t see a rotting corpse pressed firmly against the window, she sat up a little straighter.   Her second thought was they were playing a very bad joke on her, causing her fear to feel more like anger and her courage grew just enough to crack the window.


“I swear, I’m gonna kick butt if you guy’s don’t stop messing around.”  She waited for a response, but all she got was another scream from Billy’s girlfriend, this time closer.


“Mindy!” Tamra hollered out the window rolling it down just a little more. 


The scream became more frantic the closer it got, until Mindy came sliding around the side of the gate.  


“Oh my God,” Tamra whispered, and pulled the door handle.  She reached back to unlock it, then climbed out and ran around the car to help Mindy, but Mindy wasn’t there.  “Mindy.  Please, this isn’t funny.” 


“Tamra!” Mindy screamed, and scrambled backward out of the gate on her hands and heels.


“What’s going on?” Tamra yelled in a state of panic, pulling her to her feet.


Shock fell over Tamra when she saw the fear that plagued Mindy’s face, not to mention the blood that coated her shirt. 


        “We have to go… we have to go now,” Mindy stuttered, grabbing Tamra by the forearm.


“Where are Billy and the others?”


“Run, we have to run!” she yelled and tried to take off, being stopped by Tamra’s grip. 


Tamra slapped her and demanded, “Where is my brother?”


“I don’t know,” she cried, pulling Tamra toward the car. “I got lost when they came after us.”


“Who Mindy? Who came after you?”


“I wanna go.  Please…” she begged, yanking, trying to get free from Tamra‘s grip.


“I have to find my brother.  You have to show me where you were.”


“NO!”  She yanked free and ran off.


        “Mindy, wait… get in the car!” Tamra yelled running after her, but she was fast, and Tamra was more interested in finding her brother than pursuing his girlfriend.


She went back to the car and started honking the horn non-stop, screaming Billy’s name as loud as she could.  When her voice started to give out, she let up off the horn and closed the door.  She was going to do it, she was going through that damn iron gate and bring her brother out.  Something happened in there and it scared the hell out of Mindy, but Billy was her baby brother and there was no way she was going to let anything happen to him, scared to death or not.  She was halfway to the gate when she turned and ran back to the car.  She flung open the door and took out her purse, pulling out a black knife that she flipped open, closed and stuck in her back pocket.


* * *


The sound of the gate pulled a blanket of chills across her body, as she moved it far enough to slip inside of its not so humble offerings.  Two steps in and Tamra heard the blood curdling sounds of Mindy’s scream that came to an abrupt stop, cutting off in the middle as if the sound had been yanked clean from the young woman’s body.  Tamra didn’t call out Mindy’s name this time.  Instead, she looked at her surroundings with her back hunched over, afraid to stand in fear of being seen by something other than her brother and his friends.  She quickly moved off of the small dirt road, which led into the dark of night with nothing but row after row of headstones reaching out, as if to touch the very thing that brought them to their final resting place.


Some of the headstones stood as tall as she did and others lay flat on the ground, barely noticeable to those seeking out their lost loved ones.  The mortuary was the one thing that she remembered her brother telling Mindy about the most, and was more than likely the one place he would have taken her to.  It was a one story building that stood in the middle of the graveyard, surrounded by willow trees that had been there since the time that the mortuary was built in the eighteen-hundreds.  It was also the place that was said to be where those that roamed in the protection of the dead, came to life when they were needed.


Tamra was making her way to the mortuary when she saw a movement that was much more solid than that of a mere swinging of a branch.  Its sway told her it was nothing like that of a strong healthy young man and her nerves gave her legs a new life to run.  She sprinted, weaving behind the taller headstones, dropping to the ground, hoping that the grass hid her when she heard the horrific moan of what she could only imagine as a creature from her nightmares.  Tears coated her face and tiny bits of sound escaped her mouth as the sounds came closer.  The anticipation of being gripped by the hands of the unknown gave new strength to her will to survive and she bolted, only to trip over a headstone that bent as she fell to the ground for the second time.


Tamra grabbed her knee where it had slammed into something solid as she landed behind the soft stone that had tripped her up.  She looked back and froze at what now stared back at her.  It was Mark.  His head had been ripped backward, hanging on by flesh alone, and twisted, his gaping mouth screaming a silent scream in her direction.  His head hung upside down, swinging slightly from a torso with no arms.  He had become the headstone that lay next to him on the ground, a replacement for the one he had broken – just like the stories said.


Her head began shaking as her lungs found the air they needed to expel a scream of terror.  Another sliding sound came from her left and she looked up in time to see a deformed being that was once a living man, reaching down for her and she ran.  Tamra saw the mortuary, and sprinted, jumping over every headstone in her path, hoping that she would find her brother hiding inside.  She reached the doors and started banging on them, calling out Billy’s name with pure panic in her voice.  The doors still had the chains securely in place on the outside of the handles, and there were no windows where she ran to the side to look.  She placed her back against the side wall and began to cry, thinking she was already too late.


Both of her shoulders were taken by two strong hands and she was lifted into the air, kicking and screaming the whole way.  She fought with her hands, slapping and clawing as she tried to get away and back off of the top of the one story death chamber.  


      “It’s me, Billy!  Tamra, it’s me!”  Billy worked hard to convince Tamra that it was really he and Bob that were holding her, and not some zombie that was going to rip her apart to utilize her remains for a broken headstone.  She flung herself into his arms and lost all composure. 


“Why didn’t you answer me when I called for you?” she asked in a loud voice.


“Be quiet… I couldn’t, or they’ll know where we are.  They killed Mark and may have even gotten Mindy,” he explained in a low whisper.


“I saw Mark… what did you do, Billy?”


“Nothing, I swear.  It was Mindy and Mark.  It all started when we came in and they started pushing on the stones trying to knock them over.”

Happy Anniversary Author Savannah Rayne and 'Oh,Deer'

One Year Ago!!!
Oh, Deer took its first breath in the literary world and Author Savannah Rayne became a member of the writing family at 'Hellfire Publishing'


You can go to her blog and enter to win copies of Oh' Deer and a very lucky winner will get both....Oh, Deer and When it Leaves. http://www.savannahrayne.blogspot.com/


Jacob Ellis and his wife Donna live in the north woods of Wisconsin. Like most young couples, they have hobbies they enjoy. Jacob likes the outdoors, choosing four-wheeling and hunting as his forms of relaxation. Donna loves cooking, but her true passion is working in her flower garden. That is until her labor of love becomes nothing more than a colorful, tasty treat for the white-tailed deer, who share their surroundings. One night the pair experience more than the typical four legged visitor to their yard. The evening sets the path for Jacob’s decision to go against nature. After hearing a legend passed down through generations of the Chippewa Indian’s, Jacob must now decide if it’s just a myth or a lesson in the balance of law and justice—between people and nature.


You can find more information on Savannah's blog and catch some great reviews that have been received from Fans.


Be sure to stop by and wish Savannah a Happy Anniversary and get in the drawing to WIN one of her books!


http://www.savannahrayne.blogspot.com


Have a great day~


Big Hugs~<3

New Cover New Company...Same Wonderful Werewolf Fun!

Arrival of the Prophecy is being re-released with Hellfire Publishing... Soon!!!


Cover art by: Dara England


Edited by: Jen Hart


Dark Fantasy/ Werewolf/ Romance/ Suspense


Full Length~


5 Star Review


  A Fantastic Read!  May 29, 2012By Lynn WortonFormat:Kindle EditionReview 6 out of 5

This story is unlike any other werewolf story I have read before! Anthony Michelle is the King of the werewolves, but if it wasn't for a twist of fate, he may never have met Sky Delaney.
Anthony is a complex character. He is a fair King and respects his people, who in turn respect him. I could easily fall in love with him myself!
Sky is a woman who is not comfortable in social settings, and prefers to stay at home with her cats. I can relate to her, as I have a similar temperament! However, after meeting Anthony, something begins to change, and she becomes more self-assured.
As the story unfolded, I became engrossed in not only a love story, but a story of a prophecy.
There are some other fascinating characters that round up this wonderful tale. There is Darren and his brother Peter, and their over-bearing mother (that's one nasty lady I tell you!), plus a few others.
Robin Renee Ray has written a fantastic story that kept me hooked from the first page! I highly recommend this book. However, this book is not for the faint-hearted, as it does contain some pretty gruesome scenes! Your imagination could have a field day - mine certainly did! The imagery and detail that goes in to every scene is meticulous! I would certainly read more of Robin's books in the future.
Look for new blurb and excerpt: 


Old but good Blurb: 


Anthony Michelle had no idea that he would find the other half of his werewolf soul in the body of a woman who was afraid of her own shadow, not the qualities a King searched for when looking for his Queen. Then again, there was only one woman in the world that would not fall to the allure of the Wolf King, she just so happen to come in the form of a small, delicate, human female. 


Sky Lashay Delaney also had no clue that she carried something that would change her life in more ways than she could even contemplate. Her bashful demeanor would soon be put to the test and everything that she knew to be normal would be placed on the shelf of complete disbelief. On a chance meeting outside The Blue Howler, a club owned by a member of the werewolf clan, the two unknowingly find their very unconventional destiny.


http://www.hellfirepublishing.com
http://www.facebook.com/robinreneeray


https://twitter.com/#!/RobinReneeRay

WooHoo! It is here. The Tale of Two Toodlegnomes

I am so proud to let every one know that our children's book has been released...WOOHOO!!!


You can get it on Amazon Kindle as well as other ereaders or Free for Prime Kindle Members right now. 


Blurb:


The Toodlegnomes lived in peace without worry of the outside world and the many dangers that came with it for many years. That is until the dreaded Bumble Bee Dragons were ordered by their evil Queen to sneak in and steal the Crystals that gave life to the Toodlegnome village. All felt their way of life was lost…all but the bravest of the small forest dwellers. Maggie Galestone and her best friend Maxine Thornbread were ordered to leave the village, because all feared their overly brave ways would cause all to pay with a war they felt could not be won.

The two little Toodlegnomes begin an adventure that takes them into uncharted territory filled with dangers of forbidden forest, they come upon creatures, which are happy to help them in their quest and some who would like to cause them harm. Few give much hope that either will ever be seen again...


This is Hellfire Publishing's very first children's book. A.L. McBee is one of the youngest authors out there and my grand baby and co-author. She came up with the story, all the characters and grandma just helped type it all up..LOL


Hope you all enjoy!!!


Big Hugs~

Two New Releases...WooHoo!!!!

I love knowing I have a NEW RELEASE coming out. ; )

Bren Woodard's:  Hatred With a Passion is being released with Injected Ink Production in just a few days.




The Tale of Two Toodlegnomes: is being released with Hellfire Publishing June 1st!!!




I will be posting more on both of these books very soon...


Have a great day!


Big Hugs to you all~<3

Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Suzanne Quiroz: suzie@ARVLFC.com

Vampires to Descend Upon the Steamboat Natchez for Author Meet & Greet on Halloween

May 8, 2012 – New Orleans, LA - Anne Rice’s Vampire Lestat Fan Club (ARVLFC) will present "The Crescent Moon Meet & Greet" under the stars aboard the Steamboat Natchez in the riverfront city of New Orleans Halloween weekend 2012. This unique event is designed to give fans a special opportunity to meet and mingle with best-selling supernatural authors aboard the Steamboat Natchez that will be docked along the Historic French Quarter in New Orleans for the entire evening’s events. The Halloween holiday and the unique venue of the Steamboat Natchez also offers a creative backdrop for photos with the authors. The featured guest authors at the evening’s event will be Sherrilyn Kenyon, author of the Dark Hunter novels, Dacre Stoker, great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker and author of Dracula the Undead, Kalila Smith & Alan Gilbreath . The event will also offer musical entertainment by Shane Paul Smith & Damien Youth as well as complimentary appetizers & a cash bar. The Crescent Moon Meet & Greet will be the pre-event to The UnDead Conference & ARVLFC’s 24th Vampire Lestat’s Wolf Gift Ball in New Orleans. Full ARVLFC Halloween weekend schedule of events and discounted ticket packages are available now and can be found at the group’s website.

###

About Anne Rice’s Vampire Lestat Fan Club (ARVLC) ARVLFC was founded over twenty years ago and is the only sanctioned fan club by author Anne Rice. The fan club has always kept the torch going for The Vampire Lestat as well as all the characters of Anne Rice's books. The group continues to pay homage to all things Anne Rice and vampire related with the annual UnDead Con and Vampires Ball; 24 years and going strong!



Prepared By: Liana "Li" Evans, President
Da Li Social li.evans@dalisocial.com 484-876-1818

Going to be having a HUGE Print Book Giveaway!!!

Hi all....

As soon as my Arrival of the Prophecy books come in, I will be having a Vamptasy Publishing Print Book Giveaway Contest with several authors putting in their print books as well. I already have two in from Scotland from Author Nicola Ormerod. I will also be giving away a print copy of my Dark Knight of the Skye.

I am hoping to gather many of their authors for this contest to give out the biggest amount of print books from my blog, yet!!! The more authors that get involved the more winners we will have. There will be games that will get you the book you want...so look for the contest to happen very soon!!!

Have a great day all...

Big Hugs~<3

Thank you all for the Prayers

Just wanted to give a HUGE shout out of thanks to all who spread the word of thoughts and prayers for my grand baby. A.L. McBee, my grand daughter and co-author of 'The Tale of Two Toodlegnomes' had surgery on the 26th and came through it with flying colors and she is doing great!

She will be recovering for two weeks and will be able to go back to school in time to graduate with her class. A. L. is very excited about that being she is the top of her kindergarden class and one of the top readers in the 3rd grade. A.L. is one of the top writers and is the only one in her school to be a published author. She and I have now started book two in the Toodlegnome tale as well as her own little tale called, Cotton Candy Clouds. It is a little story she was telling me about where a little Princess lives on clouds made of cotton candy and in a castle made out of all sorts of candy...that is all threaten by a candy eating monster..LOL That child sure thinks a lot like her grandma. ; )

Look for her release in May with Hellfire Publishing:



Big Hugs and Many Thanks to you all..........

Wishing my best peeps a Happy Birthday

Many Blessing and Happy Birthday to Savannah Rayne and Keira Kroft...I love you both and hope you have the best day ever!!!

There is a really cool party going on over on The Hellfire Herald ...Today we are celebrating Ms. Kroft's special day...stop by and check it out~

4/25/2012

Big Hugs and one HUGE Happy Birthday to you both~<3

Virtual Bartender Contest...GREAT Prizes!!!

That's right....Savannah Rayne is having a HUGE Bartender Contest and everyone is invited to join in. She is giving away two great prizes one of which is a really cool set of glasses. There will also be some very interesting news about a new contest that will be coming up soon where you can send in your favorite photo and if your photo wins as the best...then you get a great prize and a sweet title that will be forever known as the FIRST in the Bartender Contests!!!

How cool is that!!! All are welcome...you can even have your family members vote under your name, just type them in...the rules are simple and you will have loads of great photos to chose from. Hope to see many of you there....I know I will be there. ; )


VIRTUAL Bartender Contest Starts 4/19/2012 and will last several days.

http://www.savannahrayne.blogspot.com