June 2022 Group Read with Guest Author Mike Duke

[Alan]

Mike wrote: "@Kasia Wow! You have made my day and it's just starting! Such a huge compliment! ☺️ Thank you so much! I need gif options here i can send you a virtual hug! 😎👊 And is there a way to discuss things ..."

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[Mike]

Char wrote: "I have to agree regarding how lean ASHLEY'S TALE is. I've long thought that the novella is the perfect size for a horror story. Every word has to be carefully chosen.
Also, I often have problems v..."

I'm so glad you could really envision the action as it unfolded. I really pride myself on writing action / combat scenes and i can't tell you how many people have told me (about most of my books) that they're like a movie playing in their head. That they can picture everything so well. It's tough balance trying to clearly describe action / combat sequences enough that people can see it in their head but without so much detail that it bogs down the action. There's a crazy scene in The Initiation with so many people involved it could have been a chaotic mess. I spent over twenty hours on that one scene just continually paring it down and tweaking phrasing to keep it clear but fast moving. In the end, it turned out great and I'm super proud of it. And fyi, I mix a lot of action in with most of my horror books. :)

[Mike]

Sally wrote: "A little over halfway through [spoilers removed]

Also, Mike the instructions for using spoiler tags are under the (some html is ok) tab above the comment box."

Thanks for the tip. I decided to come look at it on the website instead of the app. The app doesn't have any options compared to the website itself.

(view spoiler)[Watching people respond to Jake's character over the last several years has been interesting all in itself. There's a wide variety, from hate him and everything he's doing, to love him and think he's doing a good thing, or anywhere along a spectrum in between. A lot of people have liked his ideas but not his methods. I find it fascinating the variety of responses to him and what he does. (hide spoiler)]

[Mike]

Kimberly wrote: "The warning had me a little nervous, but after reading these comments, I'm ready to purchase my copy now!!"

Awesome! Look forward to hearing what you think. And yes, just push through the rough beginning and you'll be good.

[Mike]

Sally wrote: "A little over halfway through [spoilers removed]

Also, Mike the instructions for using spoiler tags are under the (some html is ok) tab above the comment box."

(view spoiler)[Sally, Some people who are highly proficient in a skill or sport etc. truly do live for a challenge worthy of their abilities. It's often common with big game hunter types who go after predators that could possibly get them first. I think one aspect of Jake's character could be classified in that area. He lives for a challenge with that presents a genuine threat of injury. (hide spoiler)]

[Sally]

Wow Mike, may I just say that you are the most delightful author we've had in here! Thank you for all of your in depth comments man, makes reading so enjoyable!

[Mike]

Mike wrote: "Sally wrote: "A little over halfway through [spoilers removed]

Also, Mike the instructions for using spoiler tags are under the (some html is ok) tab above the comment box."

[spoilers removed]"

Aw shucks! ;) lol. You're too kind Sally, but I very much appreciate it! I love hearing feedback and discussing aspects of the story with readers. I try to make readers feel strong emotions and connections to characters, or make them think and i love to hear when i've successfully impacted a reader and how it effected them. That's my main motivation in writing so I'm down for any discussions. :) Thanks so much again. Y'all are making my day.

[Kimberly]

Char wrote: "Sally wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "The warning had me a little nervous, but after reading these comments, I'm ready to purchase my copy now!!"

Same Kimberly, but the hard parts start to make sense as ..."

That's EXACTLY what I was thinking. I'm more into the "atmospheric" horror now, but this sounds like it's going to be a good one.

[Sally]

Finished! I really liked it Mike, and it was not the book I expected when I started. (view spoiler)[ The growth Ashley goes through, is forced to go through I guess, was phenomenal. I really enjoyed her becoming a little bad ass! I also loved the action sequences, really well done on those! And how unique to have a villain like Jake? His methods are questionable to be sure, but in the long run he completely transformed her (and others apparently) into basically an anti-victim. Such a fascinating character! (hide spoiler)]

I've already bought the other 2 books so I'll be getting into them soon. Looking forward to seeing what makes Jake tick.

[Mike]

Kimberly wrote: "Char wrote: "Sally wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "The warning had me a little nervous, but after reading these comments, I'm ready to purchase my copy now!!"

Same Kimberly, but the hard parts start to m..."

Hi Kimberly, I'm so glad you're jumping into it. I think you'll be pleased. This series has gotten more praise overall than any of my other works. Just get past the rough beginning and it's a helluva ride. Look forward to hearing what you think. :)

[Mike]

Sally wrote: "Finished! I really liked it Mike, and it was not the book I expected when I started. [spoilers removed]

I've already bought the other 2 books so I'll be getting into them soon. Looking forward to ..."

Thank you so much! So glad you loved it! And yeah, Jake is a complex character. When I first wrote Ashley's Tale, i did it to try and get something out there to start growing a fanbase while i was shopping my novel LOW to some different publishers. It amazed me at the reception it received. (view spoiler)[I hadn't planned on a sequel at the time, though i left it open for one obviously. But (hide spoiler)] numerous people started telling me they wanted to know more about Jake. So i wrote Making Jake to meet that request and while doing so got my idea for The Initiation and went to work on that. I'm so happy to have this group reading this little trilogy of works. They're probably the ones I'm most proud of. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on Making Jake!

[Char]

I'm only a little way into Making Jake but I like it already!

[Mike]

Char wrote: "I'm only a little way into Making Jake but I like it already!"

Oooooh Yeaaaah! (in my best Randy Savage imitation lol)

[Kasia]

Just bought Making Jake and off to read, hope I'm ready haha.

[Sally]

Starting Making Jake now too! Let's see what makes this dude tick!

[Mike]

Kasia wrote: "Just bought Making Jake and off to read, hope I'm ready haha."

Before: "You can do it!"
After: "She wasn't ready!"
lololol

[Mike]

Sally wrote: "Starting Making Jake now too! Let's see what makes this dude tick!"

Oh man. I'm interested in what you will think about his inner workings and motivations. :)

[Char]

Jake is not the nicest of guys, though he means well. (view spoiler)[ But he is killing people left and right at this point. (hide spoiler)]

It was impressive that you made me care for him. At least a little bit!

[Kimberly]

I'm ready to start book one tonight!

[Mike]

Kimberly wrote: "I'm ready to start book one tonight!"

Awesome! Can't wait to hear what you think!

[Sally]

Almost 1/2 done with the 2nd book. Jake's backstory is amazing to me! Really digging this one Mike!

[Mike]

Char wrote: "Jake is not the nicest of guys, though he means well. [spoilers removed]

It was impressive that you made me care for him. At least a little bit!"
YES!!! I made you care for him. I'm happy even if it is only a little bit. Hold on, things are gonna get pretty crazy in book three. :)

[Mike]

Sally wrote: "Almost 1/2 done with the 2nd book. Jake's backstory is amazing to me! Really digging this one Mike!"

Man, this is what it's all about. Knowing that I'm connecting and striking a chord with people, whether it results in fascination, emotion, or critical thinking. I love it all. Thanks so much for taking part in the reading. Your excitement for the story is a wonderful thing. Can't wait to see what you think at the end!

[Char]

I bought the third one yesterday and hope to start tonight or over the weekend. I'm on vacation next week, so I'll have more time for reading than usual. I'm really looking forward to it.

I must say, Mike, that you are an extremely likeable guy! I love YOUR enthusiasm and I can see why Alan was excited to invite you. ;)

I do wish a few more people were participating here. This time of year, though, reading is competing with summertime, and sometimes participation dwindles here as a result.

[Mike]

Char wrote: "I bought the third one yesterday and hope to start tonight or over the weekend. I'm on vacation next week, so I'll more time for reading than usual. I'm really looking forward to it.

I must say, M..."

Well thank you! I really appreciate it. And despite the reader numbers being down, I am thankful that those of you who are reading it are really enjoying it. So, i know that others will see that and hopefully pick them up later to read. It's all good. Can't wait to see your reaction to the finale!

[Sally]

Here's some fun irony, I was laughing yesterday while reading because Jake met Duane in a Food Lion parking lot. Our Food Lion parking lot is also a meeting place for illicit shit at night.

Currently sitting in the Food Lion parking lot with a dead battery, no worries, wife is on the way to save me.

[Alan]

I never go near Food Lion at night. I even keep away in daytime if at all possible.

[Sally]

I know Alan! But the beer is cheaper there and it's Friday! Made it home safe before the shady stuff started going down!

[Kasia]

Looks like all Sally scored was Beer!

[Sally]

And pizza, the only drugs I care about!

[Sally]

Ok, in other news, Making Jake is excellent. Really Mike, I was very impressed! (view spoiler)[ So the beginning was so clear about the start of Jake's very messed up journey. I feel like he clearly had some issues even before this, inherent qualities if you will, but experiencing what he did with his Mom...yeah, that kid's gonna be fucked up. It's like he's a sociopath that tries to do the right thing. Weird combo man!

Not gonna lie, I STRUGGLED with the pig scenes. Ugh, I get their purpose but they were hard to get through! Clearly well written because I could envision and hear that shit in my head.

And how the hell do you have me pretty much cheering for this guy? Like, that's talent man! He put on a mask and then quoted Nietzsche! That's bananas! But it worked. (hide spoiler)]

Well done man, really. I'll be starting the 3rd book in about a week, see you soon!

[Kimberly]

Okay, I HAVE to chime in here. I read ASHLEY'S TALE last night, and honestly hated it in the beginning.
Then, something clicked in my mind, and I COULDN'T STOP!
This book was a solid 5 stars in my opinion--how you started, and showed the massive change my mind went through. I can't say enough! I will be continuing this journey with book 2.

[Sally]

I felt the same Kimberly! After the first rough bit it got amazing and I really liked it! Book 2 is equally great, you're gonna love it!

[Kimberly]

Sally wrote: "I felt the same Kimberly! After the first rough bit it got amazing and I really liked it! Book 2 is equally great, you're gonna love it!"

I just purchased it!! :)

[Sally]

Just a bit of warning there is some rough reading around page 37 to 40 I think. Skim if needed, a bit of animal harm. Worth it but tough to read! Happy reading!

[Mike]

Sally wrote: "Ok, in other news, Making Jake is excellent. Really Mike, I was very impressed! So the beginning was so clear about the start of Jake's very messed up journey. I feel like he clearly had some issu..."

First, I'm glad you got home safely from Food Lion.

Second, holy crap, yes! That's exactly the kind of stuff i live for. I tried so damn hard to make him complex enough to screw with your moral compass and find yourself seeing things from his pov at times and actually understanding to some degree his motivations. He's like a philosophical and psychological Gordian knot of sorts. lol. A definite man of contradictions. There's some interesting aspects to my inspiration for his character. At the end, we can discuss it a little. (view spoiler)[And yeah, i understand the difficulty with the pigs, but i appreciate your understanding of how they play a significant and necessary role in what he's doing. (hide spoiler)]

So, WOOOOHOOOO!! I'm a happy camper. Hoping book three really blows your mind and punches you in the gut at the same time. ;)

[Mike]

Kimberly wrote: "Okay, I HAVE to chime in here. I read ASHLEY'S TALE last night, and honestly hated it in the beginning.
Then, something clicked in my mind, and I COULDN'T STOP!
This book was a solid 5 stars in my ..."

Saw your review! Awesome! I am so happy you pushed through that beginning and loved it once the true story revealed itself. Thank you for hanging in there and I look forward to hearing what you think of the rest of the trilogy. :)

[Kimberly]

Mike wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Okay, I HAVE to chime in here. I read ASHLEY'S TALE last night, and honestly hated it in the beginning.
Then, something clicked in my mind, and I COULDN'T STOP!
This book was a sol..."

You can count on it! :)

[Kasia]

Just finished Making Jake, whoa, in some parts of the story he reminds me of the new Reacher show, the main character, this shark like focus. Great job Mike, I will need to take a breather, get a cold drink and then I can start processing book 3, wahoo.

[Char]

I'm 60%-ish into The Initiation: Ashley's Tale Book 3 and I'm hooked. I don't trust this FNG at all. Why did she look so angry when Ashley saw her messaging on her phone?

[Mike]

Kasia wrote: "Just finished Making Jake, whoa, in some parts of the story he reminds me of the new Reacher show, the main character, this shark like focus. Great job Mike, I will need to take a breather, get a c..."

Sweet! So glad you loved it! And you might need that breather and cold drink before book three. ;)

[Mike]

Char wrote: "I'm 60%-ish into The Initiation: Ashley's Tale Book 3 and I'm hooked. I don't trust this FNG at all. Why did she look so angry when Ashley saw her messaging on her phone?"

Hell yeah! Fish on the line!!! (Reeling in!)

[Char]

I finished The Initiation last night. Very satisfying!
Then we discovered a leak from our hot water heater. I haven’t had much time to comment here, but I’m ready to chat when everyone else finishes. 🙂

[Kimberly]

Char wrote: "I finished The Initiation last night. Very satisfying!
Then we discovered a leak from our hot water heater. I haven’t had much time to comment here, but I’m ready to chat when everyone else finish..."

I'm reading Jake after I finish my current read. :)

[Mike]

Char wrote: "I finished The Initiation last night. Very satisfying!
Then we discovered a leak from our hot water heater. I haven’t had much time to comment here, but I’m ready to chat when everyone else finish..."

Woohoo!!! Was that finale crazy or what? :)

[Mike]

Kimberly wrote: "Char wrote: "I finished The Initiation last night. Very satisfying!
Then we discovered a leak from our hot water heater. I haven’t had much time to comment here, but I’m ready to chat when everyon..."

Awesome! Thanks for taking part and I hope you enjoy it. ;)

[Alison]

Mike 😍 this is so cool! I love seeing everyone reading and planning on reading your work. You’ve got such a unique way of telling things. I’m super stoked for Ashley’s Tale, as you know 🙃

[Char]

I enjoyed The Initiation: Ashley's Tale Book 3.

I liked how everything came together and I felt like it ended the only way it could have ended, considering the histories of each character. Sometimes authors don't have the guts to stay true to the story, but you did, Mike!

I liked how Ashley wasn't just taking everyone's word about things, she was independent enough to form her own opinions. Oddly, it was probably Jake that helped make her that way.

I enjoyed the hell out of this and I'm so happy that you joined us this month, Mike.

[Kimberly]

Starting MAKING JAKE!!!

[Sally]

Kimberly wrote: "Starting MAKING JAKE!!!"

Enjoy! It's really great!