I am eighty-one now and still learning! As I look back over the years, I
wonder what ten-year-old Kathryn (me) would think if she could see our life
in advance. Kathryn, I think you would have been pleased and I am going to
enjoy my conversation with you every step of the way. I want to share my
learnings, musings, and stories with you. Kathryn, let me bring you up to
date. It is hard to believe seventy-one years have gone by since I was your
age.
Kathryn, I don’t mean to imply that life is perfect now or that I no
longer have upsets. Being able to ask myself, “Who do I want to be in
this situation?” and having some learnings to turn to have been
powerful for me. And so at 81 years of age it is important to me to
share those learnings hoping they will be found helpful to those between
your(my) age at 10 and my age today.
About the Author
Kathryn Cameron spent over thirty years as a teacher and educational
professional. She accepted a challenge from her son to share her wisdom in
81 and Still Learning. Her motivation for the project came from a deep
desire for her grandchildren, especially, to know her, her values, and her
story in this unique way. Kathryn enjoys duplicate bridge with her friends
and online. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Jim, and their rescue
cat, Simon.
While young doctor Adam Morrow resigns himself to an uninformed existence, world-weary assassin Ian Abbott struggles with a life he never asked for. When the two strangers meet by chance, the attraction is immediate. And deadly, as Adam walks in on Ian in the middle of a hit.
The situation spirals out of control once Ian discovers he and Adam share a connection far more profound than either imagined. Shocked by the discovery, Ian makes the hasty decision to kidnap him.
Overnight Adam is torn from his promising career and a family who believes him dead. Things go from bad to worse when he finds himself reunited with a mother he never knew who is now head of a covert and shadowy group of killers for hire. Forced into joining their ranks, with Ian as his reluctant trainer and handler, Adam is given a series of impossible tasks to complete.
Three months have passed, and Ian and Adam are both struggling with the memory of that fateful night. Consumed with guilt, Ian carries on with his day-to-day existence with little success, while Adam adjusts to his new life as a cold-blooded killer.
But both men face a new challenge when Adam’s latest target, a crime boss’s beautiful daughter, enters the picture. It’s a dangerous assignment that forces hidden jealousies and not so buried desires to the surface.
Yet as Adam and Ian’s desperate situation escalates, they find their chaotic world dealt another heartbreaking blow when tragedy strikes a member of their group. The devastating event compels Ian and Adam to confront their feelings for one other. Yet with sinister forces at work against them as well as the dark story of their families’ joined and tangled past, will Ian and Adam fight to build something real together? Or will they find themselves torn apart once more?
NOTE: This story contains scenes depicting a suicide attempt and/or suicidal ideation as well as substance abuse/recreational drug use. This is book 2 in a series and ends on a cliffhanger.
After Katherine foils Ian and Adam’s plans, Ian self-destructs, drowning himself in alcohol and murder while Adam fights to stay sane under Katherine’s watchful eye, biding his time as he plots his revenge. Determined to keep them apart for good, Katherine takes her evil schemes one step further, leaving Ian and Adam unable to separate reality from fiction, friend from foe.
Still seeking answers to who betrayed them, Ian’s quest for vengeance puts him on a brutal path of destruction, setting off a devastating chain of events that changes everything for the group and leaving him more alone than ever. Broken and losing hope, Adam deals with a vengeful face from the past, one who will stop at nothing to claim Ian for himself. Locked in a battle for survival, Adam must do everything in his power to stay alive.
Anne makes her home in Connecticut with her wonderful and ever-so-patient partner.
A lifelong reader, writer, and curious student. Anne hopes to create exciting, multi-dimensional characters and worlds with a queer sensibility. Her third novel, The Dead Don’t Dream, the third book of the Dead Generations series, was recently published through JMS Books. For more information, visit her website at annerusso.com and on Twitter @annerussobooks.
The cruel hand of fate has struck down someone Octavia Hollows cares for… yet again. Not one to give up without a fight, the snarky necromancer is ready to stomp death into submission.
With her undead pig, Bacon, by her side, Octavia finds herself mixed up in the politics of the local werewolf pack. Surrounded by a looming darkness, the wolves are being targeted in deadly traps. Following the few clues she can uncover leads to more questions than answers.
Broken alliances.
Voodoo magic.
A long-dead serial killer.
Each element is a token in a madman’s game. Can Octavia unravel the mystery without triggering another trap? Or are the Jaws of Death something no one can escape?
Deep-cutting spiritual poems addressing the deepest human feelings.
About the Author
Lee Woodard II began his commercial fishing career at the tender age of
fourteen. Now, in spite of no formal education past the ninth grade, he has
accomplished over forty years in the industry. Lee is not a poet, nor an
author, but he is a writer. These poems represent his honest feelings
spilled on the page, which he regards as the best accomplishment in his
entire life. –This text refers to the paperback edition.
Genre: Traditional Western and Western Horror Fiction
Byrd’s Luck & Other Western Stories
by Jeffrey J. Mariotte
Genre: Traditional Western and Western Horror Fiction
The crack of a rifle, the thunder of hooves, the silence of the desert at dawn . . . Mariotte takes you there
Western stories by Jeffrey J. Mariotte have appeared in collections alongside those of legendary Western writers like Louis L’Amour, William Johnstone, Elmer Kelton, and Loren Estleman. Now, BYRD’S LUCK & OTHER WESTERN STORIES collects ten of his own riveting tales of the wild West.
Brand-new stories include “Byrd’s Law”—a sequel to the Spur Award and Peacemaker Award finalist “Byrd’s Luck,” costarring Cody Cavanaugh—the hero of his own action-packed novel trilogy—and the first-ever prose story featuring characters from Mariotte’s bestselling, award-winning horror-Western comics series Desperadoes. A mix of traditional and weird Western tales, this book has something for every fan of Western adventure.
Click the Buy Now button and be immediately transported back to the Wild West!
Praise for Jeffrey J. Mariotte
“Jeffrey J. Mariotte . . . can tell a good story in any genre.” – Johnny D. Boggs
One of the best storytellers in the business.” – Brian Keene
“Jeff is a very creative guy.” – Clive Barker
“This taut, superbly-written elegy also has a cinematic quality, and I thought of a Sam Peckinpah-directed end-of-the-west movie with a script by Elmore Leonard.” – Andrew McBride, on “The Fox and the Snake” (included in Byrd’s Luck & Other Western Stories).
“Mariotte can flat-out write.” – Don Winslow (on River Runs Red)
“…several jaw-dropping plot twists and one of the best action sequences I’ve read in a long time.” – David Morrell (on River Runs Red)
“Mariotte’s one hell of a writer.” – Christopher Golden (on River Runs Red)
“I was pulled in from the start on this one and it never let up. I highly recommend it.” – Michael Connelly (on Empty Rooms)
“Keenly observed and deftly written, it’s something you’ll want on your shelf as long as you have one.” – T. Jefferson Parker (on Empty Rooms)
Jeffrey J. Mariotte has written more than sixty books, including the police-procedural mystery series Major Crimes Squad: Phoenix, historical Western epic Blood and Gold: The Legend of Joaquin Murrieta (with Peter Murrieta), the Cody Cavanaugh traditional Western series, supernatural thrillers River Runs Red, Missing White Girl, and Cold Black Hearts, horror epic The Slab, and the teen horror quartet Year of the Wicked. Other works include the acclaimed thrillers Empty Rooms and The Devil’s Bait, and—with his wife and writing partner Marsheila (Marcy) Rockwell—the science fiction thriller 7 SYKOS and Mafia III: Plain of Jars, the authorized prequel to the hit video game, as well as shorter works. He has also written novels set in the worlds of Tarzan, Deadlands, Star Trek, CSI, NCIS, Narcos, 30 Days of Night, Spider-Man, Conan, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and more. He is also the author of many comic books and graphic novels, including the original Western series Desperadoes, the horror series Fade to Black, action-adventure series Garrison, and the original graphic novel Zombie Cop.
Three of his novels have won Scribe Awards for Best Original Novel, presented by the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers. He’s also won the Inkpot Award from the San Diego Comic-Con, is a co-winner of the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America, and has been a finalist for the Spur Award from the Western Writers of America, the Peacemaker Award from the Western Fictioneers, the Bram Stoker Award from the Horror Writers Association, the International Horror Guild Award, and for his comics writing, the Harvey Award and the Glyph Award.
He has worked in virtually every aspect of the book business, as a bookstore manager and owner, VP of Marketing for Image Comics/WildStorm, Senior Editor for DC Comics/WildStorm, and Editor-in-Chief for IDW Publishing and a publishing consultant for various companies. When he’s not writing, reading, or editing something, he’s probably out enjoying the desert landscape around the Arizona home he shares with his family and dog and cats. Find him online at www.jeffmariotte.com, www.facebook.com/JeffreyJMariotte, and @JeffMariotte.
When Elcon is heard reciting a cantrip in the magic-averse village of
Walsz, he is put through a trial by ordeal. Plunged into the Nom River, he
barely survives the swim. Leaving behind the angry mob on the shore, he then
runs away from home. Out on his own for the first time in his young life, he
meets a stranger who gifts him with a stone that has mystical powers.
Accompanied by the mage, Dras, the young apprentice goes on a quest to save
the world from the return of the Shadowlord.
A classic epic fantasy adventure with swords, sorcery, orcs, elves, and
outcasts. The first book of the Orb of Zorn Trilogy. Grab a cloak and join
the quest.
About the Author
Still a rogue at heart, John has spent most of his life making stuff up,
mainly to fill in the gaps of an otherwise untidy CV. He’s taught
tennis, sold wine, hustled a few chess games, and babysat for numerous scaly
and furry creatures. His stories, essays, and articles have appeared in over
50 journals worldwide. He’s the author of the humorous fantasy books
The Acolyte And The Amulet and Beyond The Vicious Vortex (Nebilon Series).
He lives with his wife and daughter.
Welcome to a world filled with magic…and smog. But mostly smog. That is a
big problem and it won’t be left by the wayside if the witches have anything
to say about it. A magical world it may be, but with some real-life problems
that are all too familiar to anyone who inhabits planet Earth.
About the Author
This is exciting. And…slightly awkward. You don’t know me. I
don’t know you. We’re here, staring at each other. What does one
say in this situation?
Unless you do know me, in which case, “Hey girl! Let’s twerk
later, shall we?”
We’ll start with “hi”! My name is Asya. I’m a
writer. Isn’t that sexy? I like to write. I like to talk. I love to
spread information. But only if it’s controversial. Otherwise, it
wouldn’t be fun.
You can find me on Substack and I would like to dedicate it to diet
culture. You f*cking c*nt. You, diet culture, who took away so much of my
life and takes away so many others. I’m not the first to write on this
topic, but damn it if I don’t share my piece!
The word needs to be spread, and by golly, I’m here to spread
it.
Interested in learning more? Cool. I plan on sending newsletters maybe once
or twice a week, to be decided.
When you ask a god for favors, be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.
From the bloody steel mill strikes of Pennsylvania rose a true man of steel, a steelworker transformed into something more by the power of the old gods. Josef Magarac was a brave man, a strong man, a hard-working immigrant who only wanted a better life for his family. Then he was murdered, and an ancient Slavic god brought him back to life, gave him new abilities, and a mission to protect those who can’t protect themselves.
Now he’s Joe Mack, and together with his allies, Secret Service agent Jack West and heiress Sarah Grace McAllen Harringworth, he handles the hard cases the regular feds won’t touch like magic-wielding mobsters, Lovecraftian monsters, and secret supernatural societies.
The Joe Mack Adventures: Volume One is a non-stop thrill ride full of paranormal action, found family, dark magic, and loyal friends.
This is a collection of four books in the Joe Mack Shadow Council Files by award-winning author team Gail Z. & Larry N. Martin, authors of the Spells, Salt, & Steel and the Wasteland Marshals series. The Shadow Council Case Files are historical fantasy novellas set in the world of Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter, that tell the true stories behind the tall tales surrounding some of the world’s most famous (and infamous) folk heroes.
This collection includes Cauldron, Black Sun, Chicagoland, and Spellbound.
Gail Z. Martindiscovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wrote at age five was about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer. She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites.
Larry N. Martin is the author of the new sci-fi adventure novel Salvage Rat. He is the co-author (with Gail Z. Martin) of the Spells, Salt, and Steel/New Templars series; the Steampunk series Iron & Blood; and a collection of short stories and novellas: The Storm & Fury Adventures set in the Iron & Blood universe. He is also the co-author of the upcoming Wasteland Marshals series and the Joe Mack Cauldron/Secret Council series. The Martins have three children, a Maltese, and a Golden Retriever.
(A letter I will never send, to a mother who would never read it
anyway)
Non-fiction / Memoir
Date Published: 06-01-2023
None of us were raised by perfect mothers, nor can we ourselves be perfect
parents. But some mothers sure do know how to ruin a life, well, almost. I
say almost because, although my mother’s parenting left severe damage in its
path and, regrettably, and inevitably, shaped some of the decisions I made,
I am grateful to have realized the issues I was facing. So, I now have the
opportunity to properly address those issues, to minimize their impact
on my life.
This book holds the words I would express to my mother if I thought she
cared to acknowledge my feelings at all.
Many others have been “raised” by narcissistic mothers and have
been deeply affected. But it is still possible to live happy lives, free of
Mom’s burden. Writing has helped me immensely in this regard.
Excerpt
It didn’t appear that you gave any thought to my happiness at all. At
too early an age, I had to learn to take care of myself. At times, you
seemed genuinely confused about why I was asking you anything. It’s
not like I ever asked you to get some coconut oil and massage the heels of
my feet, do my homework for me, or write a letter to my boyfriend and
deliver it to his house. Quite frankly, the things I asked you for were what
was owed to me as your child that you chose to bring into the world.
Most times I just wanted you to sit and talk to me. And not just talk, I
wanted you to listen to my expressions. But you didn’t seem to think
that was your responsibility. I feel like I was such a burden on you. And
for many years, I projected that feeling onto others. I began to feel like I
was a burden on friends, coworkers, everyone, even random strangers,
customer service agents, you name it! I didn’t feel like anyone would
want to do anything for me.
Eventually, I realized that your actions or lack of action planted those
feelings in me. But it became my problem to figure out how to overcome them.
I am grateful to have figured things out. But the reality still is still
that you left me to fend for myself and that is completely unfair.
About the Author
Eva Tillman published her first work in 2023. However, she has enjoyed
writing since she was a teenager.
She lived in several regions of the United States before she finally
settled in the West with its palm trees and almost constant sunshine. She
loves to read, eat, and help others feel good about themselves.
Many people, including Eva, have faced trauma of different types.
Unfortunately, the hands of time cannot be turned back. But it is possible
to live happy and successful lives, contentedly coping with the slowly
dissipating effects of the trauma.
In her most personal work, “Dear Mom”, Eva does her best to
express herself as she would if she were writing to Mother herself. Perhaps
one day Eva will deliver the book to its rightful recipient. For now, she
enjoys the liberation of having poured out her true feelings.
What’s a woman to do when she’s faced with the impossible
decision to give an old flame a second chance?
Shore up her defenses to ward off his charms, of course.
Once upon a time, Merrick Jovanovitch was my everything. I fell fast and
hard and forever. Then, I pushed him away. The end.
He’s suddenly back in my life, the newest addition to my fresh-start
city’s football team. When I’m blackmailed by a vicious wife of
one of Merrick’s teammates to help the team land a reality TV series,
I don’t have the option to run from my problems this time. The secret
I’ve been keeping from Merrick for three long years needs to stay
where it belongs—in the past. With pressure mounting on my unsteady
shoulders, I need a release valve to keep juggling all these very fragile
plates.
Enter jagoff42. Yeah. That’s…an online handle from a
language-learning app.
I know it sounds bananas but hear me out. My internet pen pal is the only
man for this job because he’s a third-party bystander with no skin in
the game. I don’t have to worry about him getting hurt or spilling my
deepest, darkest secrets to anyone. Because we’ve never actually
met.
No, I don’t know his real name.
No, I don’t know if he’s a creepy old dude.
No, I don’t know if he lives in his mother’s basement.
He’s only ever told me that he’s close. So, yeah. He’s
probably creepy.
The only problem with all these brilliant plans? To land the new reality
series for the team, Merrick and I have to rekindle our relationship.
For the cameras. That’s fine. As long as I remember all of our kisses
are for show, I can get through this.
Even though he lights my body up like a five-alarm fire.
Even though more and more of our kisses are in private instead of in
public.
Even though I swore to myself that I’d never give my heart away
again.
Merrick can’t be my happily ever after. I walked away the first time
for a reason. Right?
Kata Čuić holds degrees in Linguistics and Religious Studies from the
University of Pittsburgh. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband,
three children, and dog. She spends most of her time playing professional
pretend with fictional characters. When she’s not writing her own stories,
she’s binge-reading someone else’s.
