I have so much to tell you today! Let's start with my new release.
Today my first horror story, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, releases at MuseitUp Publishing! I'm guest blogging with Kay Berrisford today, talking about horror stories, and giving away a copy. Stop by and comment!
Blurb: On a dark and rainy night, a group of travelers takes
refuge at the Black Raven inn, seeking shelter from the storm: Two knights who
are brothers, and who believe in diametrically opposed doctrines. A brother who
questions the path his sister has chosen to take. A mysterious doctor whose
presence gives the innkeeper’s daughter chills. A handsome dwarf, half owner of
a traveling troupe of actors. Will they find more than they bargained for?
What is the mystery
of the locked door?
Excerpt: Lightning
sliced across the night sky like a jagged scar. It briefly illuminated the
countryside, throwing twisted-limbed trees into momentary sharp relief. The
thick ripe foliage of summer was long gone, and the land was left naked in the
barrenness of winter. Several heartbeats later followed the thunder, a dull
drumming in the background of the heavens that steadily increased in volume
with each repetition.
The horse was skittish and pulled against the reins at the sound,
but its rider pressed a reassuring hand against its heaving flank and it grew
still once more; the clop of its hoofs echoed eerily in the momentary peace
between the waves of sound. A second steed stood beside the first; it, too,
pawed the ground in disquiet, its ears flattened against its head, expressive
of its disapproval.
“The storm approaches,” the second rider observed. His flat voice
revealed nothing. “Perhaps we should seek shelter for the night?”
“Perhaps,” the first rider agreed. “But it changes nothing. Simply
delays that which is inevitable, Jintaro.”
A wry smile curled the younger man’s lip. “Nothing is written,
Kaorin, until it is written. Much can yet happen. It is not for us to know
until it does.”
“You are right, nothing is written in stone. You can still change
what will be. Tell them what they wish to know. Give them the names of the
others with whom you conspire, and you will feel their mercy.”
“Do you think so little of me that I would betray my comrades as
well as my ideals?”
“You were always the foolish dreamer, wasting your time with ridiculous
schemes. And what have those dreams gotten you? You have betrayed the queen,
and for that you shall die.”
“At least I dared to dream, elder brother. At least I have had
hopes. What have you? A life given to a faded ideal whose time is long gone. That
is no life at all.”
Kaorin stiffened and turned away as another flash of lightning
illuminated the landscape, the accompanying thunder growing louder. “I too have
had my dreams,” he murmured, but the wind held his words as it swirled between
them, and the horses stamped nervously, anxious to move on, away from the
elements that threatened to engulf them at any moment.
What was that? Kaorin turned his head and in the light of the next
flash, he saw what appeared to be a woman’s pale face, framed by long blonde
locks, floating in the air before him. He blinked and the illusion was
instantly dispelled. He wasn’t entirely
convinced it hadn’t been there, though.
“I know of a place we can stop for the night. Let us go.” He would
not concede it was not his idea, nor give his brother the satisfaction of being
right. He kicked his horse’s flank; the other horse followed automatically,
having no choice, as they were tethered together. Jintaro said nothing, but Kaorin was sure he
heard a soft snort of laughter, which he chose to ignore.
My second bit of new is that Be My Alien, my novella written with co-author M.A. Church has a release date from Dreamspinner - May 8th! We shall be embarking on a whirlwind tour shortly to promote our story, so keep an eye out for that.
My third tidbit is that I have a new publisher! Two of my stories - Dallas in Wonderland and Trapped in Time - have been accepted by eXtasy Books. Dallas will be out May 13th, and I'll report the date for Trapped when I get it.
Very heartening news, yes? A great start for the weekend!
Next time, I want to talk about Hannibal, which premiered last night. Until next time, take care!
♥ Julie
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