Sneak Peak & Updates
Envisioning the plot of a sequel is no easy task. Audiences are quick to get jaded, as the expression goes, so anything that attempts to follow up an original is harshly scrutinized. I understand this well enough having been a fan of multiple franchises with both stellar and less-than exciting sequels. But I have to try. I have at least this second novel in the series within me, perhaps more if my inspiration holds. That’s a goal worth striving to meet.
I hit a milestone last night when I completed the prologue of the untitled sequel to The Shadow Over Lone Oak. Having written a middle chapter earlier last week, I consider the book at approximately 10% completion. That may not seem like much right now, but it’s further along than I thought I’d be less than a month after publishing my debut novel.
What can I say about the sequel without spoiling it? Not much, I’m afraid. Instead, how about I show you what’s in store?
Here’s a quick look to whet your appetite:
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At the bottom, Grayson threw his arm in front of Ortiz and Cranston. He thought he’d heard a strange noise. Growling. Some kind of animal. It sounded hungry.
“What gives, Captain? I ain’t your baby mama.”
He disregarded Cranston’s remark. He’d heard the noise again. He still couldn’t decipher the nature of the animal. He’d grown up on a farm in the boonies so he knew what sounds a predator like a cougar or a wolf made. It was neither.
The creature, whatever it was, drew closer by the second. A shape began to form in the void. It was bipedal with a slight hunch. Humanoid, in fact.
“Hello?” Ortiz squeaked.
Grayson wanted to slap him. Years in combat taught him that if an opposing force didn’t immediately identify itself as a friend it was best to assume foe. He wished he’d brought his service pistol, a SIG P229.
It made wet plopping noises as it shuffled toward them. Were its feet slicked with mucus or slime? That would explain the squelching.
More of its features became clear as it emerged from the black into their view. Its body was a gray-green color and the skin leathery like an elephant’s hide. Its arms were disgustingly thin and stringy, devoid of bone or structure. The legs jointed at the knee like a human’s but the slippery feet were lined with suction cups. Like an octopus.
The face could’ve been a man’s except for the mouth. Instead of lips, its gaping orifice funneled outward into a gaping, bulbous mass. Definitely not human. The way it lurched, he was reminded of an ailing plant.
Something like an alligator hiss crossed with the howl of a jackal erupted from the freak’s cavernous hole. Ortiz and Cranston screamed and sprinted up the steps. Cowards. Grayson stood his ground.
Of course, this is still a first draft. Some aspects and language may change during the course of revision. But I hope you enjoyed a taste of what’s to come in the sequel.
The ebook edition of The Shadow Over Lone Oak is still only 99 cents. If you haven’t taken advantage of this LIMITED TIME OFFER (do all caps make you want it less or more? I have no idea), there’s still time. Remember that the offer ends on January 18 @ midnight Central Standard Time.
You may have noticed a minor change to the layout of this site’s home page. Namely, the blog itself is now front and center. While I did like the original structure and image, I figured it was best to make the blog the most direct access point of the site. I’m sure you’ve also noticed the new badge to the left of my blog posts (Kboards Featured Me) as well as the RSS feed links. These are only the beginning stages of what I hope to revamp to make this site more in line with what readers expect of a professional author’s webpage.
Now, I can’t leave you guys this post without a Bible passage. It helps me keep on the right track mentally and spiritually and I hope it does so for you as well.
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 HCSB)
