Suzanne G. Rogers's Blog, page 52
August 15, 2012
Author E.H. James on The Fifth Floor
[Today I welcome author E.H. James to my blog! She's talking about her new paranormal short, The Fifth Floor. Who doesn't enjoy a scary thrill from time to time? Enjoy. ~ S.G. Rogers] 
When I write short stories they always tend to be about something paranormal or horror, and they can range from the unusual to quite gory, if I feel the story requires it. I’m not sure why I keep going there when I think short story, although I did write one about time travel. My first love of writing is horror/paranormal, an influence of Stephen King. So this short story is about something paranormal.
In The Fifth Floor, you have Jeremy Brogan, a man in his early twenties newly hired to be night watchman at St. Michael’s Hospital. His job is to patrol the empty upper floors every hour of his shift. He assumes this will be easy money, even boring after a while. But a die-hard skeptic of anything paranormal, is something he will not be by the time the night is through. You see, he knows St. Michaels reputation for being the most haunted hospital in the country, but he never gave any of that a serious thought. Maybe he’ll think twice next time someone tells him to watch his back…that is if he makes it through this night. ~ E.H. James
Blurb:
Jeremy Brogan thought being a night watchman at a hospital would be easy, wandering long, dark, empty halls late at night. It might even get kind of boring after a while…except Jeremy is working at St. Michael’s, the most haunted hospital in the country.
It’s a good thing Jeremy doesn’t believe in ghosts. Everything he sees and hears must have some kind of an explanation, right?
That he had to patrol the fifth floor was bad enough, but never in his wildest dreams did Jeremy think he would wind up in the basement. Now all he wants is out…only the hospital and its inhabitants may have other plans.
Excerpt:
“Is this your first night?” the old man asked, standing up from the desk. Where he had been sitting, his head just barely could see—or be seen—over a counter that the desk sat behind. He walked round the counter toward Jeremy.
“Yes, it is.” Jeremy fidgeted with the buttons on his jacket. “I suppose it’s obvious. Isn’t it?” He tried to smile, pressing his lips into a grin. “Actually, I’ve never done anything like this before. I guess I’m a little nervous.”
The old man watched Jeremy for a moment, and then patted him on the shoulder. “You’ll be just fine.” The old man walked back behind the counter to retrieve his metal lunch pail from the desk.
“By the way, my name is Jeremy Brogan.” Jeremy reached over the counter offering his hand.
“Jake.” The old man grasped hold of Jeremy’s hand and gave it a firm shake. “Jake Edwards.”
“Say, do you mind me asking how long you’ve been working here?”
“It’ll be…forty-two years next month.”
Jeremy’s brows moved up on his forehead. “Forty-two years?”
“Yep.” Jake nodded, his gaze wandering. “And not once did I miss a day of work.”
Jeremy leaned his back against the counter. “That’s incredible.”
“Yeah, I guess it is.” Jake shrugged. “Never really thought about it.” He slid his hand over the smooth worn surface of the counter, as he walked back around to the front. “I can honestly say I’m going to miss it.”
“Miss it?”
“I’m retiring next week.” He paused as though thinking on what he just said. “I’ll tell ya, I’ve been looking forward to this day my whole life. Waiting and dreaming about what I’d do when that day came. But now that it’s here…it’s going to feel strange not coming in here every night.”
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15782825-the-fifth-floor
The Fifth Floor – Buy Links:
Musa Publishing: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=355
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Fifth-Floor-ebook/dp/B008VO1V32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344635427&sr=8-1
Amazon Italy: http://www.amazon.it/The-Fifth-Floor-ebook/dp/B008VO1V32/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344636852&sr=8-3-fkmr2
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/213497
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-fifth-floor
Omni Lit: https://www.omnilit.com/product-thefifthfloor-907760-241.html
Author Bio:
E. H. James is an author writing novels and short stories in the science fiction, horror, thriller and fantasy genres. Laura, The Visitor’s Room, and The Fifth Floor are paranormal short stories released through Musa, with The Visitor’s Room winning book of the month, for April, in the Mystery category, at Long and Short Reviews.
Contact Links for E. H. James
Blog: http://ehjames.blogspot.com/
Web Page: http://ehjames1.wix.com/ehjames#!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/EHJames1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEHJames?ref=ts
August 8, 2012
Magical Creatures – The Peacock
Although I frequently invent imaginary creatures in my fantasy stories, for pure magic it’s hard to top the real, live peacock. The deep jewel-tone colors of the male peafowl are breathtaking, but the snowy white albino peacock is absolutely stunning too.
I’d seen a few peacocks when I was a child, and I’d always found them fascinating. The creatures made the greatest impact on me, however, when I visited the Los Angeles Country Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia, California. I’d never seen so many peafowl in one place before, and in such lovely surroundings. As I walked through the 127 acre Arboretum grounds, I passed scenery straight out of a storybook.
And to all this natural beauty, add dozens and dozens of peacocks strutting around in full display. I’ve never forgotten that day, and as a result I sneak peacocks into my books from time to time. In my full-length novel, Tournament of Chance (coming September 28th from Musa Publishing), the young heroine visits a castle with her father and is enchanted by the peacocks she sees there. When she’s grown up, she wears the tip of a peacock feather in her lapel for luck during archery competitions.
Have you ever seen a creature so magical you never forgot it?
~ S.G. Rogers
July 31, 2012
Magical Places – Formal Gardens
Formal gardens make frequent appearances in my stories. Perhaps it’s the riot of colors, or the topiary, or the symmetry of a formal garden that stirs my imagination. I’d like nothing better than to meander down the pathways, admiring the flowers and the pleasing arrangement of manicured hedges. To me, a formal garden is one of the living embodiments of magic… but I wouldn’t want to trim the shrubbery.
What locations do you consider magical?
~ S.G. Rogers
Excerpt from The Last Great Wizard of Yden:
Clusters of sculptures decorated the pathways and grassy lawns. Some were of magical creatures, but there were a great many sculptures of people.
“I can’t get over the number of lifelike statues,” Jon said.
“Well, at least we now know where the party is,” Fred said. When he poked a fisherman with his finger, it left a fading blue imprint in the stone. “Hey, look, it’s a mood ring statue!”
“Thermochromism,” Casey said.
Fred gaped. “What?”
“The rock is heat‑sensitive,” Casey explained.
Jon circled a statue of an old woman. “The level of detail is amazing.”
The central pathway through the garden featured a carving of a man on his knees. His arm was flung over his head, as if to ward off some unseen danger. Another man was prostrate on the ground. Brett frowned. “They look afraid.”
Jon exchanged an apprehensive glance with Kira. She drew her sword.
“Let’s head back to the beach,” Jon said.
“Sissies!” Fred said. He leaped over the prone statue. “Scared of a bunch of lawn decorations.”
Kira scanned the garden. “Perhaps it would be wise to fear their maker.”
The Last Great Wizard of Yden, a full length fantasy novel. Buy the e-book NOW through Astraea Press, Amazon, BN.com and other fine outlets ($2.99 MSRP) FINAL DAY SALE $0.99 and then enter to win the paperback through my Goodreads giveaway HERE.
Watch the book trailer HERE!
July 28, 2012
Sunday Smidgen – Cypher by S.G. Rogers
Excerpt from Cypher:
Big Red stared at his daughter. “Pink did ye say?”
Liesl shook her head. “Oh, Cypher.”
The three McCalls had just sat down to a late supper. Big Red was raw-boned and tall, with a shock of wiry auburn hair. Liesl was built in a similar fashion, with wispy tresses the color of wheat. Cypher’s willowy figure, dark hair, and delicate bone structure could not have been more dissimilar.
“I know I shouldn’t have done it, but Will Babcock called me a freak. He’s always mean to everybody, and I finally lost my temper.”
“You can’t afford to lose your temper, not with Cauldians in town,” Liesl said.
“That prince came into the tavern for a drink with a handful of soldiers,” Big Red said. “It was all I could do to be polite.”
Worry was etched on Liesl’s kind face. “If they arrest you because of your gift, Cypher, there’s no telling if we’ll ever see you again.”
“I promised the headmaster I wouldn’t misbehave from now on.”
The dark circles under his daughter’s eyes did not escape Big Red’s notice.
“Yer having the nightmares again?”
She shrugged. “N-not so much.”
“Which one was it this time?” Liesl asked.
“I can’t remember very much, but it started out happy.” Cypher’s eyes filled with tears. “When I woke up this morning, my throat hurt like I’d been screaming.”
Big Red and Liesl exchanged a glance. He patted Cypher’s hand. “Ye had been.”
Although she has no memories before the quake that destroyed the kingdom of Augury, Cypher McCall holds a steadfast hatred of the repressive Cauldian regime now ruling the country. Because her magical gifts are deemed subversive, she does her best to avoid detection. Unfortunately for Cypher, however, she’s too beautiful to ignore. After a Cauldian contingent arrives in her hometown, a chance encounter leaves her repulsed by the arrogant Prince Ewan and attracted to his distant cousin, Lord Joss.
When she learns Prince Ewan plans to tear down the ruins of nearby Castle Augur, Cypher vows to stop him. Although handsome Lord Joss tries to protect her from his vindictive cousin, Cypher can’t bring herself to trust the enemy. At the same time, nightmares and dreams nudge her toward reclaiming childhood memories. She stumbles on a silver key that she hopes will unlock her past, but first she must confront a long repressed horror at the Castle Augur ruins.
Can Cypher evade Prince Ewan long enough to recover her memories? Is Lord Joss all that he seems or is his charm a ruse to ensnare the unwary? Finally, will the knowledge of her true identity tear Cypher apart or empower her to restore everything she ever loved?
Buy this magical novella at Amazon (Kindle format) and MuseItUp Publishing (all e-formats).
July 27, 2012
Saturday Snippet – Clash of Wills by S.G. Rogers
Excerpt from Clash of Wills:
Suddenly Samantha spotted a mud demon skating toward her through the 
bulrushes. Unlike her father, she usually reveled in magical creatures. Demons, however, were an entirely different matter. One tiny scratch from a mud demon would ruin her day, and a bite would send her into a bout of depression for weeks. She reached for the sling in her pocket, and loaded a handy acorn into the cradle. With an expert flick of her wrist, Samantha struck the mud demon with the impromptu missile. The creature went flying to the center of the creek, where the fast current carried it off. It shook its little brown fist at her, but it could do nothing except float downstream.
Samantha coiled the sling and returned it to her pocket. The sling had
been a gift from her older brother, a long time ago. David had taught her how to use it. She’d always had such uncanny aim, she’d often wondered whether or not the sling was magical. If only Father hadn’t sent David away, how different things would be now, she mused. Perhaps Mother wouldn’t lapse into tears when she thought no one was around. Maybe Father’s hair wouldn’t have turned white so quickly. And she wouldn’t have to wonder why David had left that curious compass-like device under her pillow, with a cryptic message that read, “If you ever need to find me.”
Buy this magical novelette at: Amazon (Kindle format), BN.com (Nook Format), and The Wild Rose Press (all e-formats)
Can Princess Samantha battle desperate highwaymen, evil snow demons and a handsome wayward prince to bring her brother home?
Princess Samantha’s magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication–especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.
To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha’s scheme, he vows to protect her…until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance. Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust? And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?
July 24, 2012
Fun Facts About Norse Mythology – 1960s Horror Movie?
A story appears in the Ynglinga saga by Snorri Sturluson, worthy of a 1960s horror flick.
Way back when the Æsir and Vanir were at war, the time finally came for a truce. Both sides exchanged hostages. The Vanir sent Njörðr the Rich, his son Freyr, and the very wise Kvasir to Asgard. As for the Æsir , they sent the photogenic Hœnir. Hœnir took as his secret advisor the jötunn, Mimir.
With Mimir’s assistance, Hœnir looked and played the part of a chieftain well. When Mimir was absent, however, Hœnir had nothing intelligent to add to the conversation. Nobody likes to be made a fool, and the Vanir were no exception. They quickly surmised Hœnir to be Mimir’s sock puppet. After they lopped off Mimir’s head, they sent it back to Asgard in a fit of pique.
Odin preserved Mimir’s head, magically reanimated it, and was thereby able to learn Mimir’s many secrets. When asked for his feelings on his grim demise, Mimir replied, “I don’t know, I just roll with it.”
~ S.G. Rogers
Happy Wodensday!
July 22, 2012
Sunday Snippet – Cypher by S.G. Rogers
The tunnel up ahead was caved in and impassable. Cypher’s shoulders slumped.
“I-I don’t know any other way around.”
“We passed a lot of other passageways,” Joss said.
“I don’t know where they lead. I always stayed in the main tunnel so I wouldn’t get lost. Joss, perhaps we should go back.”
“Shh.”
“What?”
“I hear something.”
“What do you hear?”
“A ringing.”
“The air isn’t that good, Joss. I imagine your ears are ringing.”
“No, it’s like a bell.”
Cypher cocked her head to listen. Moments later her eyes grew wide. “I hear it too! Do you
think there could be somebody else down here?”
“I don’t know, but it’s getting closer.”
Joss put his arm around Cypher and held her tight. Someone or something was approaching,and they were trapped in a dead end.
Cypher, a romantic fantasy novella by S.G. Rogers
Although she has no memories before the quake that destroyed the kingdom of Augury, Cypher McCall holds a steadfast hatred of the repressive Cauldian regime now ruling the country. Because her magical gifts are deemed subversive, she does her best to avoid detection. Unfortunately for Cypher, however, she’s too beautiful to ignore. After a Cauldian contingent arrives in her hometown, a chance encounter leaves her repulsed by the arrogant Prince Ewan and attracted to his distant cousin, Lord Joss.
When she learns Prince Ewan plans to tear down the ruins of nearby Castle Augur, Cypher vows to stop him. Although handsome Lord Joss tries to protect her from his vindictive cousin, Cypher can’t bring herself to trust the enemy. At the same time, nightmares and dreams nudge her toward reclaiming childhood memories. She stumbles on a silver key that she hopes will unlock her past, but first she must confront a long repressed horror at the Castle Augur ruins.
Can Cypher evade Prince Ewan long enough to recover her memories? Is Lord Joss all that he seems or is his charm a ruse to ensnare the unwary? Finally, will the knowledge of her true identity tear Cypher apart or empower her to restore everything she ever loved?
Buy: Amazon (Kindle format), MuseItUp Publishing (all e-formats)
July 20, 2012
Take a Dragon Home for $0.99
They need good homes, folks. $0.99 apiece. Astraea Press is having a blow-out sale on Amazon. Go get ‘em. ~ S.G. Rogers
The Last Great Wizard of Yden
“Okay, buddy,” Jon said. He slipped the cuff onto his left wrist. “Show me your secrets.”
The cuff had felt warm and liquid the night before, but he hadn’t been wearing his ring then. Now, an unexpected tingling sensation emanated from the cuff. A vibration shot up his arm, across his chest, and down to Ophelia. Jon gasped and reached toward the cuff to remove it—too late. A flash of light dazzled his eyes and the sound of distant thunder echoed in his ears, and then he wasn’t in his room anymore.
Minna & The Valentine
“So you admit you’re magical. We’re making progress.”
Minna sputtered with outrage. “I…you…”
The wizard gave her a crooked smile as he reached up and pulled the pencil from the topknot on her head. Her chestnut hair tumbled down over her shoulders. Minna stood frozen in shock as Evan arranged her hair around her face with his fingers.
“I had to see what you look like with your hair down. I bet I’m not the only one who enjoys being stared at,” he said.
His lips were inches away from hers, and the electricity between them mimicked the lightning storm outside. Shaken, Minna took a step back.
“You’re one conceited wizard, Evan Valentine,” she said. “Don’t get struck by lightning on your way out.”
“Something tells me I already have.”
July 17, 2012
Fun Facts About Norse Mythology – Dwarves, the Go-To Guys
If a dwarf in Norse mythology could play any character in modern movies, he would play Q from the James Bond films. Q was responsible for providing Bond with a myriad of marvelous spy technology and wondrous inventions. (Mood music HERE). Similarly, when the gods of the Norse Pantheon wanted some fantastic object custom-made, they knew whom to call.
One of the coolest dwarf-made toys is a ship made by the Sons of Ivaldi for Freyr. Skidbladnir was known as the best of ships and nifty-keen because of its ability to be folded up like a napkin and stored in a pocket. When unfolded, however, it was large enough to hold all the gods complete with their weapons of war. Its sails always found a good wind and therefore Skidbladnir could be navigated anywhere.
Q would have been jealous.
~ S.G. Rogers
July 16, 2012
The Last Great Wizard of Yden Excerpt
Excerpt from The Last Great Wizard of Yden:
He stood in a large, dimly lit cave. Long stalactites streamed down
from the ceiling, and towering stalagmites thrust up from the floor of the
chamber. The walls of rock surrounding him were embedded with
iridescent crystals shining with reflected light. The place struck Jon as
beautiful, but he felt apprehensive. With a sense of foreboding, he searched
for the source of the shimmering light, hidden among the forest of rock and
mineral formations.
As he wound his way past clusters of stalagmites, his foot
dislodged a fist-‐‑sized raw diamond that skittered off into the shadows.
Suddenly Jon spied a column of bluish light in an open space. He darted
toward it but accidentally skidded on a pile of loose crystals. When he fell,
jagged gemstones lacerated the soft skin of his palms. Blood welled up in
the wounds, and as he struggled to his feet, red droplets flowed down his
trembling, throbbing fingers and splashed to the stone floor. Emerging
into the open space at last, Jon saw a man, rigid and immobile, imprisoned
in the column of light. The man’s eyes were closed—as if in death. Jon’s
heart thudded inside his chest and horror spread through his veins as he
stared into the man’s face.
“Dad?”
Jon stretched his blood‑soaked hands into the bluish light and his
wounds began to close. He knew, somehow, his father had healed him.
“Thanks, Dad,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “I’ll find a
way to rescue you.”
Suddenly a feral growling came from the shadows. Startled, Jon shrank back as a huge black wolf leaped from the darkness, its cruel fangs aiming for his throat…
Book Trailer HERE
