S.L. Pierce's Blog, page 2
August 14, 2012
Treasure Hunt 99 cents till September
Maren and I have decided to leave Treasure Hunt at 99 cents for the entire month of August. In September the price will go to 2.99 so get your copy now!!
July 31, 2012
Treasure Hunt is On Sale!
Treasure Hunt is now on sale. And for the first two weeks of August we will be selling it for 0.99 cents! So get your copy now. You can try a sample on Amazon, or just read the first two Chapters below. We have also enrolled Treasure Hunt in Prime so you can borrow for free if you are a prime member.
July 6, 2012
Another excerpt of Treasure Hunt
Here is Chapter 1 of our soon to be released new book Treasure Hunt! If you missed the preview of the prologue click here.
Chapter 1
What is that? Do you hear that?”“It's a cell phone.”“Well I know that, but where is it coming from?” The two women sat quietly for a second, listening."I think it's coming from the planter behind us.” Beth carefully leaned in and lifted the giant rubber tree leaf. There, in amongst the orange colored wood chips was a cell phone. And it showed no sign it was ever going to stop ringing.A half hour earlier, Beth and Samantha had decided to grab some lunch at the food court but Sam insisted they sit somewhere less crowded, like China. They got lucky when a family vacated a lone bench sitting in front of the Lang Street Mall’s version of a tropical jungle. Samantha sashayed past two teenagers, beating them by seconds.“Don’t you think that was a little rude,” Beth murmured under her breath as the teens walked off shooting them dirty looks. “I think they were waiting.”“So what,” she sighed flopping herself down, relieved to finally be off her feet. “They’re young and healthy. They can stand. Besides, we’re the ones who actually spend money in this place.”Beth shook her head. Sam could justify anything, she thought.They had just finished eating when the ringing started. Beth stared at the phone and wondered why whoever was calling didn’t give up and just leave a message."Answer it," Samantha said."Why?" She wasn’t sure she even wanted to touch it.“So we can return it.”“Suddenly you’re a good Samaritan?” Beth questioned with a raised eyebrow.Samantha crossed her arms in defiance. “I don't know about you, but my whole life is on my phone. I can't just leave it here. And whoever is calling, it must be important. The phone hasn't stopped ringing since we heard the first call.”Beth couldn’t argue with that logic. She reached into the planter and pulled out the phone.
Chapter 1
What is that? Do you hear that?”“It's a cell phone.”“Well I know that, but where is it coming from?” The two women sat quietly for a second, listening."I think it's coming from the planter behind us.” Beth carefully leaned in and lifted the giant rubber tree leaf. There, in amongst the orange colored wood chips was a cell phone. And it showed no sign it was ever going to stop ringing.A half hour earlier, Beth and Samantha had decided to grab some lunch at the food court but Sam insisted they sit somewhere less crowded, like China. They got lucky when a family vacated a lone bench sitting in front of the Lang Street Mall’s version of a tropical jungle. Samantha sashayed past two teenagers, beating them by seconds.“Don’t you think that was a little rude,” Beth murmured under her breath as the teens walked off shooting them dirty looks. “I think they were waiting.”“So what,” she sighed flopping herself down, relieved to finally be off her feet. “They’re young and healthy. They can stand. Besides, we’re the ones who actually spend money in this place.”Beth shook her head. Sam could justify anything, she thought.They had just finished eating when the ringing started. Beth stared at the phone and wondered why whoever was calling didn’t give up and just leave a message."Answer it," Samantha said."Why?" She wasn’t sure she even wanted to touch it.“So we can return it.”“Suddenly you’re a good Samaritan?” Beth questioned with a raised eyebrow.Samantha crossed her arms in defiance. “I don't know about you, but my whole life is on my phone. I can't just leave it here. And whoever is calling, it must be important. The phone hasn't stopped ringing since we heard the first call.”Beth couldn’t argue with that logic. She reached into the planter and pulled out the phone.
June 13, 2012
Sneak Peek of Treasure Hunt - Coming Soon!
Our new book, tentatively titled Treasure Hunt, is going to beta readers today! Just for fun I have decided to post the Prologue. Keep checking this site as I will add more chapters as we get closer to releasing! Thanks everyone and enjoy!
Just a side note: Please read the prologue below and the first Chapter posted here. This book is not exactly what it seems from the prologue. In fact, Maren and I are having a little trouble placing it in a category. It is an adventure/mystery/chick lit style book.
Rahim dropped his cigarette into the small metal toilet and pushed the button. Technically, flight attendants weren’t allowed to smoke, but since this private jet was filled with chain-smoking British officials, he knew no one would notice. Besides, he needed something to help calm his nerves. This was the most dangerous job yet.One week earlier, Cadi had given him the instructions. Rahim had laughed in his face. “Cadi, I think you are trying to get rid of me.” But Cadi’s face was unchanged. He explained how Rahim was the only man alive that he trusted. And that the British diplomat, who had been so generous with his country’s weapons, was almost certainly double crossing them. “Who knows what he’s already revealed,” Cadi had said. “None of us are safe.” Rahim was never interested in politics or any of the crazy ideas Cadi was always ranting about. But he could never say no to Cadi, his boyhood friend. They were closer than brothers.This is a nasty little concoction, he thought as he checked the spring-loaded syringe he had tucked up the sleeve of his stolen uniform. It was a potent dosage, not like the weaker version he used last time to blackmail the head of a rival organization. This one was for keeps.“Failed biotech drugs are all the rage these days,” Cadi had said when he saw the confused look from Rahim as he handed him the syringe.“Failed drugs?”“Yes, my friend. You see, they’re untraceable because they’re not out on the open market. No one knows about them. And with all the competition to be the first out with a new drug, the security at a bio-pharmaceutical is as tight as it gets. You’ve gotta love capitalism,” he chortled, not bothering to hide the disdain on his face. Rahim checked his watch. It was almost time. He left the tiny restroom and positioned himself at his designated post organizing trays in the galley, and waited for the signal.“Gentlemen,” Cadi’s voice boomed over the speakers causing Rahim to jump slightly. “Please take your seats and buckle yourselves in as we prepare for landing.”From the corner of his eye, Rahim could see his target down a cocktail and pull away from the table where he had been enjoying a lively conversation with several other colleagues. Two of the four security guards moved ahead toward the passenger seating area, the other two waiting to follow. As the target stood, Rahim casually walked toward him. As he walked, he pushed a button on a small device taped to the side of his thigh, signaling to Cadi that it was time for action. I’ve practiced this a hundred times, he told himself as he worked to maintain a placid expression. When he was just inches from the diplomat, the plane suddenly shook violently and dropped a hundred feet. Rahim grabbed the man’s shoulder as if to help steady him. But with more violent jerking from the plane, both men tumbled to the floor.In one quick move, the syringe fell from his sleeve and he administered the drug into the man’s thigh as he reached down to help him. The plane continued to gyrate for another thirty seconds before leveling off.“Are you all right?” he asked discretely dropping the empty syringe into his front pocket. “Here, let’s take it slowly.” “I’m very sorry for the turbulence, gentlemen,” Cadi boomed over the loudspeaker. “All flight attendants please attend to the passengers.”“I’m fine,” the diplomat said after righting himself. He rubbed his hip where the drug had been injected. “I think I might have pulled a muscle, though.”“Let’s get you to your seat and I’ll bring you an ice pack,” he offered in a nurturing tone. The man smiled and thanked him but insisted he was fine, just fine.Rahim smiled warmly and said, “I’m so grateful to hear that.”
Three days later
“British barrister and foreign diplomat, Ethan Toulson, has died from prostate cancer at the age of 53. The diagnosis came as a shock to his family and friends. According to his wife, Amelia Toulson, he had no symptoms and was a staunch believer in regular medical exams. The cancer spread so quickly, he had only a few hours to get his affairs in order before he passed away.
“Here with us now is Dr. Westin Black, a specialist with the Prostate Cancer Research Center. Dr. Black, isn’t prostate cancer usually a slow process? What can you tell us about this particular case?”
“The tests for screening prostate cancer are almost always accurate, but I’m afraid not one hundred percent. Rarely, as in this case, the tests can show a false negative— ”Rahim turned off the TV. Then he slept like a baby.
Just a side note: Please read the prologue below and the first Chapter posted here. This book is not exactly what it seems from the prologue. In fact, Maren and I are having a little trouble placing it in a category. It is an adventure/mystery/chick lit style book.
Rahim dropped his cigarette into the small metal toilet and pushed the button. Technically, flight attendants weren’t allowed to smoke, but since this private jet was filled with chain-smoking British officials, he knew no one would notice. Besides, he needed something to help calm his nerves. This was the most dangerous job yet.One week earlier, Cadi had given him the instructions. Rahim had laughed in his face. “Cadi, I think you are trying to get rid of me.” But Cadi’s face was unchanged. He explained how Rahim was the only man alive that he trusted. And that the British diplomat, who had been so generous with his country’s weapons, was almost certainly double crossing them. “Who knows what he’s already revealed,” Cadi had said. “None of us are safe.” Rahim was never interested in politics or any of the crazy ideas Cadi was always ranting about. But he could never say no to Cadi, his boyhood friend. They were closer than brothers.This is a nasty little concoction, he thought as he checked the spring-loaded syringe he had tucked up the sleeve of his stolen uniform. It was a potent dosage, not like the weaker version he used last time to blackmail the head of a rival organization. This one was for keeps.“Failed biotech drugs are all the rage these days,” Cadi had said when he saw the confused look from Rahim as he handed him the syringe.“Failed drugs?”“Yes, my friend. You see, they’re untraceable because they’re not out on the open market. No one knows about them. And with all the competition to be the first out with a new drug, the security at a bio-pharmaceutical is as tight as it gets. You’ve gotta love capitalism,” he chortled, not bothering to hide the disdain on his face. Rahim checked his watch. It was almost time. He left the tiny restroom and positioned himself at his designated post organizing trays in the galley, and waited for the signal.“Gentlemen,” Cadi’s voice boomed over the speakers causing Rahim to jump slightly. “Please take your seats and buckle yourselves in as we prepare for landing.”From the corner of his eye, Rahim could see his target down a cocktail and pull away from the table where he had been enjoying a lively conversation with several other colleagues. Two of the four security guards moved ahead toward the passenger seating area, the other two waiting to follow. As the target stood, Rahim casually walked toward him. As he walked, he pushed a button on a small device taped to the side of his thigh, signaling to Cadi that it was time for action. I’ve practiced this a hundred times, he told himself as he worked to maintain a placid expression. When he was just inches from the diplomat, the plane suddenly shook violently and dropped a hundred feet. Rahim grabbed the man’s shoulder as if to help steady him. But with more violent jerking from the plane, both men tumbled to the floor.In one quick move, the syringe fell from his sleeve and he administered the drug into the man’s thigh as he reached down to help him. The plane continued to gyrate for another thirty seconds before leveling off.“Are you all right?” he asked discretely dropping the empty syringe into his front pocket. “Here, let’s take it slowly.” “I’m very sorry for the turbulence, gentlemen,” Cadi boomed over the loudspeaker. “All flight attendants please attend to the passengers.”“I’m fine,” the diplomat said after righting himself. He rubbed his hip where the drug had been injected. “I think I might have pulled a muscle, though.”“Let’s get you to your seat and I’ll bring you an ice pack,” he offered in a nurturing tone. The man smiled and thanked him but insisted he was fine, just fine.Rahim smiled warmly and said, “I’m so grateful to hear that.”
Three days later
“British barrister and foreign diplomat, Ethan Toulson, has died from prostate cancer at the age of 53. The diagnosis came as a shock to his family and friends. According to his wife, Amelia Toulson, he had no symptoms and was a staunch believer in regular medical exams. The cancer spread so quickly, he had only a few hours to get his affairs in order before he passed away.
“Here with us now is Dr. Westin Black, a specialist with the Prostate Cancer Research Center. Dr. Black, isn’t prostate cancer usually a slow process? What can you tell us about this particular case?”
“The tests for screening prostate cancer are almost always accurate, but I’m afraid not one hundred percent. Rarely, as in this case, the tests can show a false negative— ”Rahim turned off the TV. Then he slept like a baby.
Our new book, tentatively titled Treasure Hunt,...
Our new book, tentatively titled Treasure Hunt, is going to beta readers today! Just for fun I have decided to post the Prologue. Keep checking this site as I will add more chapters as we get closer to releasing! Thanks everyone and enjoy!
Rahim dropped his cigarette into the small metal toilet and pushed the button. Technically, flight attendants weren’t allowed to smoke, but since this private jet was filled with chain-smoking British officials, he knew no one would notice. Besides, he needed something to help calm his nerves. This was the most dangerous job yet.One week earlier, Cadi had given him the instructions. Rahim had laughed in his face. “Cadi, I think you are trying to get rid of me.” But Cadi’s face was unchanged. He explained how Rahim was the only man alive that he trusted. And that the British diplomat, who had been so generous with his country’s weapons, was almost certainly double crossing them. “Who knows what he’s already revealed,” Cadi had said. “None of us are safe.” Rahim was never interested in politics or any of the crazy ideas Cadi was always ranting about. But he could never say no to Cadi, his boyhood friend. They were closer than brothers.This is a nasty little concoction, he thought as he checked the spring-loaded syringe he had tucked up the sleeve of his stolen uniform. It was a potent dosage, not like the weaker version he used last time to blackmail the head of a rival organization. This one was for keeps.“Failed biotech drugs are all the rage these days,” Cadi had said when he saw the confused look from Rahim as he handed him the syringe.“Failed drugs?”“Yes, my friend. You see, they’re untraceable because they’re not out on the open market. No one knows about them. And with all the competition to be the first out with a new drug, the security at a bio-pharmaceutical is as tight as it gets. You’ve gotta love capitalism,” he chortled, not bothering to hide the disdain on his face. Rahim checked his watch. It was almost time. He left the tiny restroom and positioned himself at his designated post organizing trays in the galley, and waited for the signal.“Gentlemen,” Cadi’s voice boomed over the speakers causing Rahim to jump slightly. “Please take your seats and buckle yourselves in as we prepare for landing.”From the corner of his eye, Rahim could see his target down a cocktail and pull away from the table where he had been enjoying a lively conversation with several other colleagues. Two of the four security guards moved ahead toward the passenger seating area, the other two waiting to follow. As the target stood, Rahim casually walked toward him. As he walked, he pushed a button on a small device taped to the side of his thigh, signaling to Cadi that it was time for action. I’ve practiced this a hundred times, he told himself as he worked to maintain a placid expression. When he was just inches from the diplomat, the plane suddenly shook violently and dropped a hundred feet. Rahim grabbed the man’s shoulder as if to help steady him. But with more violent jerking from the plane, both men tumbled to the floor.In one quick move, the syringe fell from his sleeve and he administered the drug into the man’s thigh as he reached down to help him. The plane continued to gyrate for another thirty seconds before leveling off.“Are you all right?” he asked discretely dropping the empty syringe into his front pocket. “Here, let’s take it slowly.” “I’m very sorry for the turbulence, gentlemen,” Cadi boomed over the loudspeaker. “All flight attendants please attend to the passengers.”“I’m fine,” the diplomat said after righting himself. He rubbed his hip where the drug had been injected. “I think I might have pulled a muscle, though.”“Let’s get you to your seat and I’ll bring you an ice pack,” he offered in a nurturing tone. The man smiled and thanked him but insisted he was fine, just fine.Rahim smiled warmly and said, “I’m so grateful to hear that.”
Three days later
“British barrister and foreign diplomat, Ethan Toulson, has died from prostate cancer at the age of 53. The diagnosis came as a shock to his family and friends. According to his wife, Amelia Toulson, he had no symptoms and was a staunch believer in regular medical exams. The cancer spread so quickly, he had only a few hours to get his affairs in order before he passed away.“Here with us now is Dr. Westin Black, a specialist with the Prostate Cancer Research Center. Dr. Black, isn’t prostate cancer usually a slow process? What can you tell us about this particular case?”“The tests for screening prostate cancer are almost always accurate, but I’m afraid not one hundred percent. Rarely, as in this case, the tests can show a false negative— ”Rahim turned off the TV. Then he slept like a baby.
Rahim dropped his cigarette into the small metal toilet and pushed the button. Technically, flight attendants weren’t allowed to smoke, but since this private jet was filled with chain-smoking British officials, he knew no one would notice. Besides, he needed something to help calm his nerves. This was the most dangerous job yet.One week earlier, Cadi had given him the instructions. Rahim had laughed in his face. “Cadi, I think you are trying to get rid of me.” But Cadi’s face was unchanged. He explained how Rahim was the only man alive that he trusted. And that the British diplomat, who had been so generous with his country’s weapons, was almost certainly double crossing them. “Who knows what he’s already revealed,” Cadi had said. “None of us are safe.” Rahim was never interested in politics or any of the crazy ideas Cadi was always ranting about. But he could never say no to Cadi, his boyhood friend. They were closer than brothers.This is a nasty little concoction, he thought as he checked the spring-loaded syringe he had tucked up the sleeve of his stolen uniform. It was a potent dosage, not like the weaker version he used last time to blackmail the head of a rival organization. This one was for keeps.“Failed biotech drugs are all the rage these days,” Cadi had said when he saw the confused look from Rahim as he handed him the syringe.“Failed drugs?”“Yes, my friend. You see, they’re untraceable because they’re not out on the open market. No one knows about them. And with all the competition to be the first out with a new drug, the security at a bio-pharmaceutical is as tight as it gets. You’ve gotta love capitalism,” he chortled, not bothering to hide the disdain on his face. Rahim checked his watch. It was almost time. He left the tiny restroom and positioned himself at his designated post organizing trays in the galley, and waited for the signal.“Gentlemen,” Cadi’s voice boomed over the speakers causing Rahim to jump slightly. “Please take your seats and buckle yourselves in as we prepare for landing.”From the corner of his eye, Rahim could see his target down a cocktail and pull away from the table where he had been enjoying a lively conversation with several other colleagues. Two of the four security guards moved ahead toward the passenger seating area, the other two waiting to follow. As the target stood, Rahim casually walked toward him. As he walked, he pushed a button on a small device taped to the side of his thigh, signaling to Cadi that it was time for action. I’ve practiced this a hundred times, he told himself as he worked to maintain a placid expression. When he was just inches from the diplomat, the plane suddenly shook violently and dropped a hundred feet. Rahim grabbed the man’s shoulder as if to help steady him. But with more violent jerking from the plane, both men tumbled to the floor.In one quick move, the syringe fell from his sleeve and he administered the drug into the man’s thigh as he reached down to help him. The plane continued to gyrate for another thirty seconds before leveling off.“Are you all right?” he asked discretely dropping the empty syringe into his front pocket. “Here, let’s take it slowly.” “I’m very sorry for the turbulence, gentlemen,” Cadi boomed over the loudspeaker. “All flight attendants please attend to the passengers.”“I’m fine,” the diplomat said after righting himself. He rubbed his hip where the drug had been injected. “I think I might have pulled a muscle, though.”“Let’s get you to your seat and I’ll bring you an ice pack,” he offered in a nurturing tone. The man smiled and thanked him but insisted he was fine, just fine.Rahim smiled warmly and said, “I’m so grateful to hear that.”
Three days later
“British barrister and foreign diplomat, Ethan Toulson, has died from prostate cancer at the age of 53. The diagnosis came as a shock to his family and friends. According to his wife, Amelia Toulson, he had no symptoms and was a staunch believer in regular medical exams. The cancer spread so quickly, he had only a few hours to get his affairs in order before he passed away.“Here with us now is Dr. Westin Black, a specialist with the Prostate Cancer Research Center. Dr. Black, isn’t prostate cancer usually a slow process? What can you tell us about this particular case?”“The tests for screening prostate cancer are almost always accurate, but I’m afraid not one hundred percent. Rarely, as in this case, the tests can show a false negative— ”Rahim turned off the TV. Then he slept like a baby.
May 30, 2012
DEVIL'S GAME FREE THIS WEEKEND
The Devil's Game has joined KDP Select on Amazon and will be free this Saturday thru Monday!! Please pick up a copy and tell all your friends!!!
May 28, 2012
I have published a book of my short stories/flash fiction...
I have published a book of my short stories/flash fiction from this blog. I have also enrolled it in the KDP Select program and will be offering it for free - hopefully by next weekend. I hope everyone will go get a copy, and spread the word!
I have decided to put together a book of my short stories...
I have decided to put together a book of my short stories/flash fiction from this blog. It should go live by Wednesday! I have also enrolled it in the KDP Select program and will be offering it for free - hopefully by next weekend. I hope everyone will go get a copy, and spread the word!
May 21, 2012
The Devil's Game joining KDP Select
My co-writer, Maren Kaye, and I have finally decided to give Amazon's KDP Select a try. It was not an easy decision as a third of our sales come from non-Amazon sites. Plus, I am a Nook user myself so I feel a little disloyal. However, we feel strongly that KDP Select will allow us to get The Devil's Game to many more readers by having a few free days and allowing Prime users to borrow! We expect to be added in the next week and I will post here and on twitter what days will be free!!
February 23, 2012
Starved - Flash Fiction
Thanks for the scraps, assholes! Astor thought. Don't they know who I am? Of course they do. Why else would I be here?Astor finished the bland chicken and rice, licking the glass plate clean, before throwing it on the floor."Push the plate through the slot or there will be no more food!" said a voice through the speaker. "You know the rules.""You call that food?" Astor mumbled while doing as she was told. How long had she been here? Two days? Three? There was no real way to mark time, except through meals. There was a TV but it only broadcast old movies, one after another. No live news. No live anything. She didn't even know what day it was. They brought her here Monday. To this locked windowless room. Since then she'd been mostly just sleeping. What else was there to do, except read. Yeah, right! Every time she tried right back to sleep she went. Probably a result of a lack of food. What they gave her didn't feel like enough to stay alive. But of course, it was. They didn't want her dead. Dead didn't get them anything.How long? Thursday? Friday? Oh God...what if it was only Wednesday? She couldn't take this anymore."Let me out! I don't want to be here! Please!""You can go when we say.""No, please!""You know what to do, if you want us to let you go.""No!" she cried, staring at the entrance to the room next to hers. "I won't do it". "Suit yourself. Just remember, you did this to yourself."Astor flopped onto the bed, knowing it was true. She had done this to herself. Stupid, stupid, she thought as she cried herself to sleep.
Two weeks later:
"Astor, Astor, look over here!""Smile for us," said a voice as the cameras flashed."Wow, you look amazing? How did you do it? Rumor was you were having trouble losing the weight from your last movie.""Exaggerations, obviously. I've always believed in eating right and exercise," Astor smiled."Yeah, right," her agent whispered.She turned and glared at him, still flashing her million dollar smile for the paparazzi, "What do you care?""You could have been out of there a week sooner if you had just done a little exercise. Do you know how many promotions we missed?"Astor shuddered thinking of the exercise room she never even entered. "You know I can't stand sweating.""Obviously. You could have saved twenty five grand if you had any self control!""It was worth every penny so shut up. It's not like it was your money anyway. The studio always pays."He just shrugged, knowing it wasn't the last time she would use the extreme Kidnapped program to lose weight.
