Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Free Borrowing on Amazon

All of my books are now available as a free read in the Kindle Unlimited program. Lots of avid readers are buying into this subscription service for $9.99/month. Borrow as many ebooks as you want and, if the book has an audio version, you can get that as well. I think there is a limit on the number of books you can have "checked out" in a month, but when you return a book, you can immediately get another to replace it.

Another way to borrow a book is if you're a Prime Account user. Again, a monthly fee, but it covers a lot of territory. Movies, music, free shipping, and a free book each month to own forever. AND Prime permits the ability to borrow many books on Amazon. The eligible books are those in the Kindle Select program. That just means the author is giving Amazon 90 days (or more if they want to renew the relationship) to sell their ebooks exclusively through Amazon. The authors get some promotional opportunities (like #free days and #countdown deals).

When I run any of the Kindle promos like #free  or #countdown, I'll post it here and other places like Twitter. That's about all I'll do for promotion.

So, that's it. My entire book collection is now on auto-pilot at Amazon. Reviews are always appreciated, of course. Retail prices are listed, but Kindle Unlimited is always free to subscribers. Amazon Prime users can borrow them from the Kindle Owners Lending Library, and the Matchbook prices are always less than the retail. Bonus deal: If you gain possession of certain books, you can also buy the audio book for a cheap $1.99 or listen free if you're on the Kindle Unlimited program.

Witches of Galdorheim Series (3-Volume Book) $6.99
   Bad Spelling $2.99 (Buy the ebook, get the audio book for $1.99)
   Midnight Oil $2.99 (Buy the ebook, get the audio book for $1.99)
   Scotch Broom $2.99 (Buy the ebook, get the audio book for $1.99)
   Spellslinger $0.99 (This short story is in audio format to listen free on SoundCloud)


The Tales of Abu Nuwas
Setara's Genie $2.99







Science Fiction
Ultimate Duty $2.99
First Duty $1.99







Oregon Set Mystery/Adventure
Missing, Assumed Dead $1.99 (Buy the ebook, get the audio book for $1.99)
Eagle Quest $1.99





Collections and Short Stories
Tales of a Texas Boy $2.99 (Buy the ebook, get the audio book for $1.99)
Mixed Bag Short Story Collection $0.99
Fish Story: A Three Story Sampler $0.99


Eagle Quest $1.99

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Review of the Week (3/27/2016)

RoseheadRosehead by Ksenia Anske
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
On Amazon

What if Alice wasn't a naive girl who happened to fall down a rabbit hole? What if, instead, she was the ADD/ADH 12-year-old Lilith who presumes herself to be Sherlock Holmes investigating a dangerous and dark mystery? What if she also had a talking whippet named Panther whose depth of sarcastic commentary makes him a better Watson to Lilith's Holmes.

Flesh-eating garden, insane grandfather, and a lot of people who thinks Lilith needs more meds. Eventually, with the help of Panther and a mute boy named Ed, Lilith will reveal the dark family secret.

Nitpick: There's quite a bit of repetition. Yes, we know Opa is evil! You don't need to tell us 20 times. Like the rose bushes in the story, some trimming is required. But even that doesn't detract from a really great book.

View all my reviews

BONUS REVIEW FOR KSENIA

The Afterlife (Siren Suicides)The Afterlife by Ksenia Anske
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up The Afterlife on a 99 cent deal after reading and very much enjoying Ksenia Anske's "Rosehead."

I also bought the other two books in the series. Unfortunately, I started reading this third book, rather than the first of the series. But it worked out fine because I was not confused in the slightest about the plot and previous events. This means that the author handled the transition so well, I didn't need to read books 1 and 2. I will, of course, since I want to know more about Ailan's life. I have the big picture, now I can go back to enjoy the details.

Ms. Anske's writing is superb. What can I say except that I felt I wanted to highlight many passages for the sheer poetry of the writing. I neglected the actual highlighting on my Kindle, now I'm sorry that I didn't share great passages with others.

My recommendation is to start with the first book, then give yourself time to savor the writing. It's worth it.

I do not hand out five stars lightly. I am giving this book the full number because it deserves it. I hope many others will enjoy Ksenia Anske's skilled turn of phrase and emotional depth surpassing most of the Young Adult fantasy offerings today. Ailan is no vapid teen panting after a supernatural being. She is the supernatural being. I would dearly love to beat her father's head in on an anvil with a really big hammer. That's how much I care.

View all my reviews

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Revealed - Freaky Friday Freebie for March 25th

If you'd been quicker on the draw, you could be reading this book right now. It was free yesterday, March 25th. Come back every Friday for a new Freaky Friday deal until I run out of books to give away. I've already give away several of these book on Freaky Friday. I have yet to receive any reviews of them from people who got their free copy. I hope you'll read your freebie soon and leave a review on Amazon for it. A small price to pay, you'd think.

TALES OF A TEXAS BOY (Only $2.99 on Amazon, $8.00 for Large Print Paperback)

How do you handle a crazy jackass? Eddie knows. If you ask Eddie, he'll tell you pigs can fly and show you where to find real mammoth bones. Take his word for it when he tells you always to bet on the bear. These are things he learned while dreaming of becoming a cowboy in West Texas during the Depression. Through Eddie, the hero of "Tales of a Texas Boy," we find that growing up is less about maturity and more about roping your dreams. Hold on tight. It's a bumpy ride. A wonderful read for anyone who enjoys books like "Little House on the Prairie" or "Tom Sawyer." A great bit of nostalgia for seniors, too.

NOTE: The large print edition of this book is an excellent gift for seniors with vision impairment. When I wrote my father's stories, he was blind from macular degeneration. I purposely decided to go with Large Print in the paperback edition because I want to serve those who will find a bit of their own lives in his tales.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Freaky Friday Freebie - March 25th

FREE eBOOK AVAILABLE MARCH 25TH - MIDNIGHT TO 11:59 PM
IF YOU LIKE THE BOOK, PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW ON AMAZON.

I decided to try out a giveaway every Friday. Click on the covers below to get your free book of the day for March 25th. The only hint you get is the free book is one of those pictured in the graphic. A different book every Friday, so come back every week for another.

Freaky Friday

All of the books are Kindle ebooks on Amazon. Go ahead! Click up a gift for yourself.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

2nd Review of the Week (3/22/2016)

Gypsy CrystalGypsy Crystal by Lorrie Unites-Struiff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Buy on Amazon
Rita is a cop. However, she's also of Romany blood and has a crystal that helps her find the bad guys. Using it, she can see the face of the last person the corpse saw before death. This works pretty well until...the last face isn't right. Rita thinks that her crystal's not working right, so she consults mom.

Problem is, the crystal is working fine, but the killer is...not so easy to find.

From that beginning, Gypsy Blood leads you into the realm of gypsies and a dark family secret. A major hunk, Matt, shows up to work the case. Rita is attracted, but tries to keep her distance. However, Matt knows things about the serial killer stalking the streets that Rita does not know. Together, they must find a horrible beast from the past who's killing prostitutes, but only because the taking is easy and the beast needs blood.

Ms. Unites-Struiff carries the story into the realm of the supernatural, along with some hot scenes between Rita and Matt, to take the reader along on a wild, supernatural ride. Great read.

View all my reviews

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Review of the Week Feature

Seems like all I talk about here is my books. Just to add something new and cool, I'm featuring a Review of the Week column. It's on the right over there >>>>> Of course, you'll have to be looking at my entire blog to see it.

To kick it off, I'll post the review right here in the mainstream, then leave it on my blog sidebar for a week (or so, this isn't a precise science). I'll shoot for Sunday posting of new reviews. Since I have reviewed nearly 400 books on Goodreads, I probably won't run out of material.

Where do I get these reviews? Whenever I review a book, I post to Goodreads (as well as Amazon). Goodreads has a handy feature supplying the HTML code you can use on your blog or website. This is what it looks like, and this is the first review I'm posting to the main page AND to the sidebar. Want my review of your book given the Featurette treatment? If I reviewed your book on Goodreads, I'll be happy to make it a Review of the Week Feature.

The Call on the Dead ClubThe Call on the Dead Club by Lorrie Unites-Struiff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Winnie, Winnie, Winnie. As clueless as you are about all things technological and culturally with it, you still manage to bumble through and do the job you so hate: Speaker for the dead. The five stories in this volume (plus a bonus story, "Splat") follow Winnie Krapski from her discovery (via lightning strike) of an ability to speak to the dead. When recruited by the Call on the Dead Club, she finds herself with a normal job. If you can call any job normal which involves granting last wishes to the just-departed.

It's all funny and cleverly put together by Winnie's alter ego, Lorrie Struiff. The great thing is that Winnie can go on for many more entertaining stories of how she finds strange and mysterious ways to grant the last wishes of the dead.

Quite entertaining. (Cool cover, too)

View all my reviews

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Revealed - Friday Freebie for March 18th

If you'd been quicker on the draw, you could be reading this book right now. It was free yesterday, March 18th. Come back every Friday for a new Freaky Friday deal until I run out of books to give away.

FAIZAH'S DESTINY (Tales of Abu Nuwas 2)
The gods are at war and only a farmer’s daughter can save the world from Armageddon.

The village magician has gone missing.  His four pupils think he has left a clue to his whereabouts in the Magicalis Bestialis--the book of magical creatures.  They must seek the help of the elusive Simurgh, the mythical birds who know all the secrets of the universe.

However, this is not an easy camping trip into the mountains.  Spirits, gods, and demons confront the four friends, who are not aware they’re being set up by otherworldly forces for a much larger task.

A farmer’s daughter, Faizah is chosen to lead the humans in the battle. She must persuade a slave, an orphan, and a rich merchant’s son to join in the battle on the side of good. Although divided by Dev, the evil god of war, the teens must band together to find the Simurgh, rescue their teacher, and stave off Armageddon.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Freaky Friday Freebie - March 18th

FREE eBOOK AVAILABLE MARCH 18TH - MIDNIGHT TO 11:59 PM

I decided to try out a giveaway every Friday. Click on the covers below to get your free book of the day for March 18th. The only hint you get is the free book is one of those pictured in the graphic. A different book every Friday, so come back every week for another.

Freaky Friday

All of the books are Kindle ebooks on Amazon. Go ahead! Click up a gift for yourself.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Happy St. Pádraig's Day!

A red-haired young woman of Irish persuasion told me in a video this is not St. Patty's Day. Well, I knew that already, Miss Celtic-Irish speaker. But, it is legitimately St. Paddy's Day. However, St. P. ripped off the pagan celebrations of Spring. I have a better idea.


Sunday, March 13, 2016

Oddballs in Texas - Cage McNatt

No, I'm not talking about the folks running for political office although they're just about as oddball as they come. And proud of it to boot. Tales of a Texas Boy has plenty of weirdos who amuse, baffle, and set Eddie to wondering. One of those weirdos is a man named Cage McNatt. See, even his name is kind of oddball. But it's his actions that take the prize, 'cause his prize sow sure didn't one year at the County Fair. Texas Boy comes in a Large Print paperback, ebook, and audio. Buy the ebook for $2.99 and get the audio book for only $1.99. Or buy the paperback, and get the ebook for only $0.99.

Excerpt from Tales of a Texas Boy 
Cage McNatt and His Prize Sow

Each evening, when the fair was over, Dad would untie Sophie from her post and let her sit closer to the fire. One night, after things calmed down, Dad Boles and I were sittin’ by the fire with Sophie right next to us. Dad Boles was in the middle of a story about trappin’ when we heard something crashin’ around inside the fairgrounds. Dad decided to go check what was goin’ on, and I followed along since he didn’t say to stay put. We went into the fairgrounds to see what was up. The moon was full so we could see well enough.

A man was goin’ toward the fairgrounds’ front gate and it looked like he was pullin’ a big dog along behind him. When I heard the squeal, though, I realized it wasn’t a dog, but a pig. I could also see the pig was white, so I knew right off it was the Luck’s sow. The trouble was that the man was Cage McNatt and not one of the Luck brothers.

Well, you might already have guessed what was goin’ on. Cage McNatt was stealin’ Whitey, or at least, he was tryin’ to. The problem was Whitey was bigger than Mr. McNatt and she wasn’t of a mind to go along quiet. She was doin’ her best to pull away from the rope. She was shakin’ her head back and forth and kept up squealin’ the whole time. That was about the unhappiest pig I ever saw.

Then, she spotted the open gate. She quit squealin’, snorted a couple of times, and all of a sudden she was doin’ the pullin’ and Cage McNatt was runnin’ behind her tryin’ to keep up. She was makin’ a beeline for the gate where we just happened to be standin’. I figured we’d better just step out of the way. Bein’ run down by three hundred fifty pounds of hog flesh was not an idea I cottoned to.

What I didn’t realize, and Whitey didn’t either, was Sophie followed us through the gate. She, meanin’ Whitey, got about twenty feet from us when she looked up and saw a bear standin’ in the way of her freedom. She stopped short and Cage McNatt ran right by her as he had such a head of steam goin’. When he reached the end of the rope, it came right out of his hand. I could see her sittin’ down on her haunches and starin’ at Sophie like she was wonderin’ exactly what it was she was seein’. All she knew is it was a big, hairy critter and probably smelled pretty bad, too.

The sow made up her mind. She whipped around like she was a cuttin’ horse and headed in the opposite direction. I think Sophie was gettin’ curious about this activity, so she went along after the pig. We took out runnin’ as well. Dad Boles didn’t want to risk Sophie harmin’ any livestock, so he was in a big hurry to catch up with her.

I was runnin’ right behind Dad Boles and I heard Cage McNatt’s footsteps right behind me.

The sow headed straight for the Ferris Wheel. I could see one of the cars was at the bottom and it was open. I think you’ve guessed what came next. The pig jumped up into the car and it shuddered like it was hit by a tornado. The gate on the car slammed shut and the pig was jumpin’ around and the car was rockin’ somethin’ furious.

Sophie followed on up the ramp to get to the pig. I don’t think she meant any harm but was just curious. Sophie went to one side of the ramp then to the other lookin’ for an opening to the car. As she stepped to the right, she pushed up against the lever that ran the wheel. The Ferris Wheel started up and the pig was bein’ hoisted up along with it. That seemed to baffle Sophie, so she just stepped off the ramp and walked calm as you please back to Dad Boles.

All three of us stood and watched the car go up with the pig in it squealin’ like she was bein’ introduced to the slaughterhouse.

Dad came to his senses first and ran up the ramp. He hit the lever and the wheel stopped with the pig’s car about halfway up. Now, he wasn’t sure what to do as it seemed the only way to get the pig back down would be to start the wheel back up. I think he felt sorry for the pig as it was cryin’ like a baby and was clearly real scared to be up so high.

By this time, the carnival folks had come out of their trailers to see what was goin’ on. The head man ran over to the wheel and started it back up again. He’d already seen the only way to get the pig down was to run her clear round the circle ‘til the car come to earth again. Unlike Dad Boles, he didn’t mind givin’ the pig the rest of the ride.

The sow made the trip safe enough. When the car reached the bottom, the carnival man opened the gate and she took off like a streak of lightnin’. Dad Boles started laughin’ so hard he could hardly stand up. In between his guffawin’, Dad Boles couldn’t help but say, “Well, I never figured I’d ever really see a pig fly.”

Friday, March 11, 2016

SPECIAL COUNTDOWN DEAL - FINAL DAY

SALE OVER


Every few months, Amazon allows authors to offer their books at bargain prices. Since my books are already bargains, the only one I can run is the three-book boxed set of The Witches of Galdorheim series.

Kindle Countdown for The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set. Three novels in one book. Includes Bad Spelling, Midnight Oil, and Scotch Broom. In addition, the prequel short story Spellslinger will be free. The earlier you buy, the lower the price for the full set.

Promotion Dates: March 7th - March 11th.

Price Points:
                       US           UK
March 7th - COMPLETED
March 8th - COMPLETED
March 9th - COMPLETED
March 10th - COMPLETED
March 11th - $4.99    

* UK prices for 4 days only because of currency differences. UK price includes VAT.
The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set in UK
Spellslinger in UK

Here's a bit about the books in this boxed set:

BAD SPELLING
A klutzy witch, a shaman's curse, a quest to save her family. Can Kat find her magic in time?
Follow the adventures of Katrina and her half-vampire brother, Rune, as they chase down an evil shaman. Dodging the shaman's curses on a dangerous trip across the ice-bound arctic seas, they meet both friends and foes. Kat and Rune must find the shaman and stop him before their beloved island home is destroyed.

MIDNIGHT OIL
Shipwrecked on a legendary island, how can a witch rescue her boyfriend if she can't even phone home?
Traveling with her newly-found grandfather, a raging storm catches them unawares. Kat is tossed into the icy seas, while her brother and grandfather travel on to find help. Kat is rescued by an unlikely creature, and Rune is captured by mutants. Only the magical Midnight Oil can save her brother, but an evil forest elemental is trying to stop her.

SCOTCH BROOM
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Kat is on her way to an exciting trip to a faroff land but is led astray by a jealous rival. Caught in the Otherworld with a has-been goddess trying to kill her, Kat has to defeat the goddess and rescue her brother from the hag's clutches.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

SPECIAL COUNTDOWN DEAL - DAY 4

Every few months, Amazon allows authors to offer their books at bargain prices. Since my books are already bargains, the only one I can run is the three-book boxed set of The Witches of Galdorheim series.

Kindle Countdown for The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set. Three novels in one book. Includes Bad Spelling, Midnight Oil, and Scotch Broom. In addition, the prequel short story Spellslinger will be free. The earlier you buy, the lower the price for the full set.

Promotion Dates: March 7th - March 11th.

Price Points:
                       US           UK
March 7th - COMPLETED
March 8th - COMPLETED
March 9th - COMPLETED
March 10th - $3.99   £3.99
March 11th - $4.99    

* UK prices for 4 days only because of currency differences. UK price includes VAT.
The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set in UK
Spellslinger in UK

Here's a bit about the books in this boxed set:

BAD SPELLING
A klutzy witch, a shaman's curse, a quest to save her family. Can Kat find her magic in time?
Follow the adventures of Katrina and her half-vampire brother, Rune, as they chase down an evil shaman. Dodging the shaman's curses on a dangerous trip across the ice-bound arctic seas, they meet both friends and foes. Kat and Rune must find the shaman and stop him before their beloved island home is destroyed.

MIDNIGHT OIL
Shipwrecked on a legendary island, how can a witch rescue her boyfriend if she can't even phone home?
Traveling with her newly-found grandfather, a raging storm catches them unawares. Kat is tossed into the icy seas, while her brother and grandfather travel on to find help. Kat is rescued by an unlikely creature, and Rune is captured by mutants. Only the magical Midnight Oil can save her brother, but an evil forest elemental is trying to stop her.

SCOTCH BROOM
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Kat is on her way to an exciting trip to a faroff land but is led astray by a jealous rival. Caught in the Otherworld with a has-been goddess trying to kill her, Kat has to defeat the goddess and rescue her brother from the hag's clutches.

Wednesday, March 09, 2016

SPECIAL COUNTDOWN DEAL - DAY 3

Every few months, Amazon allows authors to offer their books at bargain prices. Since my books are already bargains, the only one I can run is the three-book boxed set of The Witches of Galdorheim series.

Kindle Countdown for The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set. Three novels in one book. Includes Bad Spelling, Midnight Oil, and Scotch Broom. In addition, the prequel short story Spellslinger will be free. The earlier you buy, the lower the price for the full set.

Promotion Dates: March 7th - March 11th.

Price Points:
                       US           UK
March 7th - COMPLETED
March 8th - COMPLETED
March 9th - $2.99     £2.99
March 10th - $3.99   £3.99
March 11th - $4.99    

* UK prices for 4 days only because of currency differences. UK price includes VAT.
The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set in UK
Spellslinger in UK

Here's a bit about the books in this boxed set:

BAD SPELLING
A klutzy witch, a shaman's curse, a quest to save her family. Can Kat find her magic in time?
Follow the adventures of Katrina and her half-vampire brother, Rune, as they chase down an evil shaman. Dodging the shaman's curses on a dangerous trip across the ice-bound arctic seas, they meet both friends and foes. Kat and Rune must find the shaman and stop him before their beloved island home is destroyed.

MIDNIGHT OIL
Shipwrecked on a legendary island, how can a witch rescue her boyfriend if she can't even phone home?
Traveling with her newly-found grandfather, a raging storm catches them unawares. Kat is tossed into the icy seas, while her brother and grandfather travel on to find help. Kat is rescued by an unlikely creature, and Rune is captured by mutants. Only the magical Midnight Oil can save her brother, but an evil forest elemental is trying to stop her.

SCOTCH BROOM
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Kat is on her way to an exciting trip to a faroff land, but is led astray by a jealous rival. Caught in the Otherworld with a has-been goddess trying to kill her, Kat has to defeat the goddess and rescue her brother from the hag's clutches.

Tuesday, March 08, 2016

SPECIAL COUNTDOWN DEAL - DAY 2

Every few months, Amazon allows authors to offer their books at bargain prices. Since my books are already bargains, the only one I can run is the three-book boxed set of The Witches of Galdorheim series.

Kindle Countdown for The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set. Three novels in one book. Includes Bad Spelling, Midnight Oil, and Scotch Broom. In addition, the prequel short story Spellslinger will be free. The earlier you buy, the lower the price for the full set.

Promotion Dates: March 7th - March 11th.

Price Points:
                       US           UK
March 7th - COMPLETED
March 8th - $1.99     £1.99
March 9th - $2.99     £2.99
March 10th - $3.99   £3.99
March 11th - $4.99    

* UK prices for 4 days only because of currency differences. UK price includes VAT.
The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set in UK
Spellslinger in UK

Here's a bit about the books in this boxed set:

BAD SPELLING
A klutzy witch, a shaman's curse, a quest to save her family. Can Kat find her magic in time?
Follow the adventures of Katrina and her half-vampire brother, Rune, as they chase down an evil shaman. Dodging the shaman's curses on a dangerous trip across the ice-bound arctic seas, they meet both friends and foes. Kat and Rune must find the shaman and stop him before their beloved island home is destroyed.

MIDNIGHT OIL
Shipwrecked on a legendary island, how can a witch rescue her boyfriend if she can't even phone home?
Traveling with her newly-found grandfather, a raging storm catches them unawares. Kat is tossed into the icy seas, while her brother and grandfather travel on to find help. Kat is rescued by an unlikely creature, and Rune is captured by mutants. Only the magical Midnight Oil can save her brother, but an evil forest elemental is trying to stop her.

SCOTCH BROOM
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Kat is on her way to an exciting trip to a faroff land but is led astray by a jealous rival. Caught in the Otherworld with a has-been goddess trying to kill her, Kat has to defeat the goddess and rescue her brother from the hag's clutches.

Monday, March 07, 2016

Special! Countdown Deal on the Witches of Galdorheim

Every few months, Amazon allows authors to offer their books at bargain prices. Since my books are already bargains, the only one I can run is the three-book boxed set of The Witches of Galdorheim series.

Kindle Countdown for The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set. Three novels in one book. Includes Bad Spelling, Midnight Oil, and Scotch Broom. In addition, the prequel short story Spellslinger will be free. The earlier you buy, the lower the price for the full set.

Promotion Dates: March 7th - March 11th.

Price Points:
                       US           UK
March 7th - $0.99     £0.99
March 8th - $1.99     £1.99
March 9th - $2.99     £2.99
March 10th - $3.99   £3.99
March 11th - $4.99    

* UK prices for 4 days only because of currency differences. UK price includes VAT.
The Witches of Galdorheim Box Set in UK
Spellslinger in UK

Here's a bit about the books in this boxed set:

BAD SPELLING
A klutzy witch, a shaman's curse, a quest to save her family. Can Kat find her magic in time?
Follow the adventures of Katrina and her half-vampire brother, Rune, as they chase down an evil shaman. Dodging the shaman's curses on a dangerous trip across the ice-bound arctic seas, they meet both friends and foes. Kat and Rune must find the shaman and stop him before their beloved island home is destroyed.

MIDNIGHT OIL
Shipwrecked on a legendary island, how can a witch rescue her boyfriend if she can't even phone home?
Traveling with her newly-found grandfather, a raging storm catches them unawares. Kat is tossed into the icy seas, while her brother and grandfather travel on to find help. Kat is rescued by an unlikely creature, and Rune is captured by mutants. Only the magical Midnight Oil can save her brother, but an evil forest elemental is trying to stop her.

SCOTCH BROOM
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Kat is on her way to an exciting trip to a faroff land, but is led astray by a jealous rival. Caught in the Otherworld with a has-been goddess trying to kill her, Kat has to defeat the goddess and rescue her brother from the hag's clutches.

Sunday, March 06, 2016

Watch This Space

Starting March 7th, the complete Witches of Galdorheim series of three novels will be on a countdown deal at Amazon. The price starts at only 99 cents, so jump in on the first day. It goes up a buck (or equivalent monetary unit).

To sweeten the deal, the short story prequel to the series, "Spellslinger" will be free all week long.


Saturday, March 05, 2016

Revealed: The Mystery Book for March 4th

If you'd been quicker on the draw, you could be reading this book right now. It was free yesterday, March 4th. Come back every Friday for a new Freaky Friday deal until I run out of books to give away.


TALES OF ABU NUWAS: SETARA'S GENIE (always #free for Kindle Unlimited and Prime Kindle Owners Lending Library)

A girl, a genie, a few demons. Would could go wrong?

Abu Nuwas sits in the bazaar on his threadbare rug; a cup and sign proclaim him a teller of tales. For one small coin, he bids passers-by to listen. A poor girl, Najda, sells spices from a tray. Would he, she asks, trade a tale for a packet of spice? Abu Nuwas agrees and begins the epic adventures of a girl and her genie.

As did Scheherazade before him, Abu leaves Najda hanging in the middle of each yarn to keep her coming back. Between stories, he questions the girl about her life. He discovers that she’s been promised in marriage to an old man whom she hates, but she must wed him to save her sick mother’s life. The rich bridegroom will pay for the doctors the mother needs. Meanwhile, Najda sells spices in the market to earn enough money to keep her mother alive.

He relates the adventures of the bored daughter of a rich merchant, Setara, and her genie, Basit, as they encounter the creatures of legend and folklore: a lonely cave demon seeking a home; a flying, fire-breathing horse who has lost his mate; a dragon searching for his family; an evil genie hunting for the man who put him in a lamp; and a merboy prince cast out of his undersea kingdom.

COMING NEXT WEEK: A SPECIAL COUNTDOWN DEAL ON THE WITCHES OF GALDORHEIM BOXED SET PLUS SPELLSLINGER FREE ALL WEEK. NEXT FREAKY FRIDAY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 18TH.

Friday, March 04, 2016

Freaky Friday #Freebie (March 4th)

FREE eBOOK AVAILABLE MARCH 4TH - MIDNIGHT TO 11:59 PM

I decided to try out a giveaway every Friday. Click on the covers below to get your free book of the day for March 4th. The only hint you get is the free book is one of those pictured in the graphic. A different book every Friday, so come back every week for another.

Freaky Friday

All of the books are Kindle ebooks on Amazon. Go ahead! Click up a gift for yourself.

NEXT WEEK, THERE WILL BE A SUPER COUNTDOWN DEAL FOR THE WITCHES OF GALDORHEIM SERIES INCLUDING A FREE COPY OF THE PREQUEL STORY, SPELLSLINGER.

Thursday, March 03, 2016

What Time is It? Demon Time 3

The Friendly Demons in The Tales of Abu Nuwas: Setara's Genie

Demons are horrible, ugly, and cruel, right? Minions of Satan (or Shaitan since we’re talking middle-eastern mythology here), their purpose is to create havoc and torture souls. Pitchforks, red skin, fangs, and other nasty features depending on a person’s cultural background. Also, according to Islamic tradition, Shaitan employs jinn to do his dirty deeds. Well, I couldn’t have that since one of the heroic figures of Setara’s Genie happens to be a jinn. I turned that traditional view on its head, so why shouldn’t I also mess with the concept of demons?

Two of Setara’s best friends happen to be demons. Azizah and Kairav are blue demons, which are generally nice beings who go about their business and don’t harm humans. Azizah is a cave demon and spends her time (yes, demons have gender) tending to caves. She keeps the caves neat (in her own manner) and even builds new caverns using her magic with rock. Kairav is a water demon who cares for all types of water—pools, rivers, lakes, and streams.

They don’t usually buddy up with people either, so old tales paint all demons as evil. There are bad demons, true. For example, the blue demons are enemies with the purple demons.

In another of my middle-eastern books, a character points out that blue demons are good and purple demons are bad, so I’ve maintained a consistent view of demons within my tales, even if I’m at odds with the rest of humanity in that regard.

Excerpt:

Setara is traveling with Azizah as they search for a home for the demoness. Along the way, they chance upon a beautiful pool in a forest glade. This excerpt shows the introduction of the two demons, Azizah and Kairav, to each other.

Basit frowned when he heard the voice and then snapped his fingers. “Kairav, is that you?”

The water dropped back to the surface, and an enormous form stood up out of the pool in place of the towering water. Clearly, this was another demon, although a lovely shade of light blue, almost a match for his pool if the sun were shining. The figure rapidly shrank to a more reasonable size, no larger than Basit.

With a booming voice, the figure cried, “Basit, you old dog! What have you been up to?” Then, more subdued, the demon continued, “Why I haven’t seen you since, when was it? Oh, yes, when old Shairan got tricked into the lamp by that Aladdin boy.”

Kairav stepped out of the pond and gave Basit a big hug, lifting him off his feet. Basit laughed and pounded Kairav on the back, which swooshed a wave of water over Setara, Azizah, and Sheik. “Oh, sorry!” Kairav said with a laugh. Sheik shook from head to tail tip, splashing even more water on Setara. Despite the soaking, she couldn’t help but grin at the happy reunion.

Finally, they broke apart, and Basit gestured to his comrades. “This is my mistress, Setara the Fair.” Setara felt her cheeks glow at Basit’s compliment. “Her fine dog, Sheik.” Sheik woofed a greeting when he heard his name mentioned. “And lastly, but certainly not least, the lovely cave demon, Azizah. We’re helping her find a new cave.”

Ah, Azizah, eh? Are you not the mate of Petros? A fine demon, him.”

Azizah sniffled. “Yes, but I’m sad to say he passed on to the great cave in the sky a few seasons back.”

I’m sorry to hear it. He was a good demon. Took care of his cave and never blocked up the streamlets running through it. That’s important to us water demons. Too many thoughtless demons blocking up the waterways. Should be a law against it.”

Pardon my rudeness.” Kairav rubbed his hands together. “Please, take your ease.” With a flip of his hand, the water ran back into the pool, leaving the rocks around it perfectly dry.

Basit looked around the pool with more interest than he’d shown before. “Nice place you’ve got here, Kairav. Can’t say I’ve ever seen a more lovely setting for a demon pool. The waterfall is a nice touch.”

The demon puffed out his chest. “Thank you. I’m rather proud of it.”

Basit rubbed his chin. “Say, Kairav, what’s under the waterfall?”

Nothing. It’s just a rock wall. I diverted quite a few small streams to get the waterfall flowing. I worked for a couple of months on that alone.” Kairav surveyed his little realm with a satisfied look.

The genie and the demon continued to chat about past experiences and common friends. Setara listened closely, fascinated by the accounts of the private lives of magical beings. She noticed Azizah looking glum, so she went to the side of the she-demon and touched her arm. “Are you all right, Azizah? You look a little blue. Oh, I mean, sad. Of course, you look blue.”

Kairav reminded me of how much I miss Petros, that’s all. It’s the past now, so I need to move on, but it still makes me sad to think of him.” The dark blue she-demon smiled bravely, which, if one didn’t know her, could be quite frightening.

Setara noticed something else. Kairav kept glancing in Azizah’s direction. Setara wondered if there were rules about demon relationships. Could a cave demon and a pool demon get along? They were both shades of blue if it mattered.

* * *
The Tales of Abu Nuwas: Setara's Genie


Wednesday, March 02, 2016

What Time is It? Demon Time 2

From Tales of Abu Nuwas 2 - Faizah's Destiny

Encyclopedia Mythica has plenty to say about Persian mythology. The three demons in "Faizah's Destiny" are minions of Dev, the war god.

Aesma is the demon of lust and anger, wrath and revenge. His wrath is mainly directed towards the cow (go figure). He is the symbol of violence, a lover of conflict and war. He's resting on his laurels these days since war just seems to keep going from inertia. 





Buyasta is an ancient Persian demon of laziness who tries to prevent people from working. He's even lazier than usual lately since plenty of people are out of work without his help.
Nanghaithya An archfiend, which is a demonic upgrade. Nanghaithya is busy making people discontented. It seems that this guy has plenty of work in this downturn economy.
My Mashup

Dev (the little devil) wants a war to usher in Armageddon. Why? Because war is his thing and wiping out all humankind is on his to-do list.

To that end, he sends three daevas (demons, if you will) to turn Faizah’s companions on the quest to the dark side (sort of a Darth Vader thing).

Aesma appears to Parvaiz in the form of a bear with a serpent’s tail. Parvaiz was a slave and has a mile-wide chip on his shoulder. Aesma fuels that anger and convinces Parvaiz that the others are his enemies, not his friends. He’s told to wait for Dev to call him into battle. And, of course, keep his mouth shut about the little meeting.

Dev sends Buyasta in the form of a giant spider to Bahaar, who has always dreamt of becoming a warrior. The demon takes advantage of that dream to make Bahaar fall asleep (laziness) and dream of himself as a mighty fighter in a huge battle. The good part: Bahaar is kicking major butt. The bad part: The butts he’s kicking are those of his best friends.

Nanghaithya has a little un-pep talk (he’s a voice-over character) with Harib claiming that his friends all laugh at him and only keep his company because his father is rich. The demon attempts to make Harib discontented with his relationship with the others. Harib, however, is having none of it. He’s the only one of the three boys who stays true to Faizah.

Who's your personal demon? For writers, it seems Buyasta (sloth) and Nanghaithya (insecurity) have alternating work schedules. Hopefully, the seesaw demons don't turn an author to Aesma (anger).
* * *

TALES OF ABU NUWAS 2 - FAIZAH'S DESTINY
The gods are at war and only a farmer’s daughter can save the world from Armageddon.
Buy on Amazon: Faizah's Destiny

The village magician has gone missing.  His four pupils think he has left a clue to his whereabouts in the Magicalis Bestialis--the book of magical creatures.  They must seek the help of the elusive Simurgh, the mythical birds who know all the secrets of the universe.

However, this is not an easy camping trip into the mountains.  Spirits, gods, and demons confront the four friends, who are not aware they’re being set up by otherworldly forces for a much larger task.

A farmer’s daughter, Faizah is chosen to lead the humans in the battle. She must persuade a slave, an orphan, and a rich merchant’s son to join in the battle on the side of good. Although divided by Dev, the evil god of war, the teens must band together to find the Simurgh, rescue their teacher, and stave off Armageddon.