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Welcome to my place in the blogosphere!
feel free to explore the Flight Deck and check out my books and website.
Then fasten your seatbelts, sip a glass of something sparkling and let's chat awhile!
I hope you'll stop by again for guest authors and spotlights from time to time.

Beloved Enemy joined Starquest and Children of the Mist to continue the Destiny Trilogy and I'm thrilled to announce was shortlisted for the R.N.A. RoNA Awards 2017, awarded 2nd Runner up in the RONE Awards 2017 and was the winner in the SF/Fantasy category of the 'Best Banter Contest'.

Sunday, 12 November 2017

#WeWriWar, Snippet Sunday - Children Of The Mist - 'We know of only one person who can help us'


Welcome to Weekend Writing Warrior and 8 Sentence Sunday, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to read and write! We've got a variety of genres and talented writers just waiting for you to come sample their work.

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the other writers - they're listed below:

If you'd to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 



I'm currently sharing excerpts from Children Of The Mist the second book in
The Destiny Trilogy. This is set on Niflheim, a planet close to the heart of Jestine, known as Jess, who features in the first book. The heroine is one of her closest friends, Tamarith.
This is the final excerpt I'll be posting from this book - next week I'll start posting snippets from the third book in the Trilogy 'Beloved Enemy'

 Thanks so much to everyone who has been following this series, and left comments xx



This snippet carries on directly from last week's snippet which you can read 
HERE 
As usual I have used some creative punctuation, not in the published version, in order to comply with the sentence count.

In this snippet Vidarh is about to learn why he and the other telepaths from around the planet have been summoned to Gladsheim, He and the others  have now been summoned to the Rainbow Bridge, to hear what Gullin, the elder of the city and Tamarith's brother, has to tell them:

Gullin cast his gaze over the assembled group. My friends, he began, first, we thank you all for coming here, especially those of you who have travelled great distances to be with us - the catastrophe threatening our world is something never before seen on Niflheim and  normally, of course, if we need to discuss matters of importance, we would hold a meeting of minds. However, because the situation is so serious, it was felt necessary for as many of us as are able, to gather in one place. By combining our physical presence, together with the power of our minds, we need to send a message into space, that is why we in Gladsheim—fortunately one of the areas that seems to have escaped the threat— have asked you to come here and join with us. There is only one planet we know of that would have the technology to help us in this emergency, and one person who would have the means to reach them. Together with everyone on Niflheim who is unaffected, we must unite and transmit a message. 

At a signal from Gullin, a number of people moved to join him on the bridge. Everyone joined hands with the person next to them, and closed their eyes in contemplation. After allowing several moments to elapse, he went on:   there is no guarantee we will reach her, but we must try - we helped her once, perhaps she would be willing to help us in return. We must hope we can reach her, wherever she may be now - many of you may remember her from when she last visited this planet. Her name is Jestine Darnell. 


Thanks to everyone who voted for my cover in the Adb cover contest last week. I'll let you know how I get on in the semi finals!

CHILDREN OF THE MIST: BLURB
Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own.

Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities. Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late?

Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?




THE DESTINY TRILOGY


Purchase all three books (or just one, they stand alone, while sharing some of the same characters)  at https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01MRY3XXT




For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/joinFor insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Saturday, 4 November 2017

#wewriwar-children-of-mist - Vidarh explains his arrival


Welcome to Weekend Writing Warrior and 8 Sentence Sunday, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to read and write! We've got a variety of genres and talented writers just waiting for you to come sample their work.

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the other writers - they're listed below:

If you'd to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 



I'm currently sharing excerpts from Children Of The Mist the second book in
The Destiny Trilogy. This is set on Niflheim, a planet close to the heart of Jess, who features in the first book. The heroine is one of her closest friends, Tamarith.

 Thanks so much to everyone who has been following this series, and left comments xx



This snippet carries on directly from last week's snippet which you can read 
HERE 
As usual I have used some creative punctuation, not in the published version, in order to comply with the sentence count.

The last sentence last week was Tamarith's telepathic query to Vidarh: It's about yesterday...

I thought it might be. Vidarh's lopsided smile looked rather half-hearted, I realize it was not the most dignified way for a guest to arrive, I rather expected to have to explain it to your brother. 

She allowed her own faint smile, it was just as well she had shielded her thoughts of a moment ago, Vidarh was very perceptive. Gullin has a great deal on his mind at the moment and is probably more polite than I am, I'm just curious. Forgive me if it sounds like I'm prying. I mean...teleportation? Levitation is one thing, but not many people can actually teleport.

I didn't know I could, myself, until recently, I used to do short 'hops' as a boy and thought it was something everyone did. It was only when I realized the other children of my age didn't teleport that I began to think there was something wrong with me and stopped doing it. Vidarh paused, looking at her with eyes that did not lose their sparkle, although a shadow crossed his face.



I hate to ask for votes again - and thank you if you voted in the first round. I'm thrilled to say that the cover of Beloved Enemy by WRP cover artist Rae Monet,  is a semi finalist and if you could possibly give it another quick vote I would be hugely  grateful. Thanks so much in advance, I really appreciate all your support!

CHILDREN OF THE MIST: BLURB
Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own.

Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities. Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late?

Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?




THE DESTINY TRILOGY


Purchase all three books (or just one, they stand alone, while sharing some of the same characters)  at https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01MRY3XXT








For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

The Children of Clay Book tour and #Giveaway



The Clay Queen

The Children of Clay Book 1

by Ono Ekeh

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction


With her armies defeated, Queen Nouei’s enemies march north to capture her. The earth god’s only hope is to alter history before they

arrive. To become stronger she must restart her divine journey by reincarnating as Bridget Blade. But what if Bridget doesn’t want to be a god? 

All Bridget wants is a simple life with love and family. But she is confronted by a destiny she doesn’t even understand and burdened by
powers and impulses she struggles to control. Bridget must choose a path that leads her to Nouei or, must force the Queen to settle for Bridget’s modest ambitions. 


Two women, two destinies, one life. Who will prevail?


Clay to Ashes

The Children of Clay

Book 2


Bridget Blade is both a god with an insatiable desire for love and adoration and a human plagued by insecurities, fears, and anxieties. Unaware of her true divinity she longs for the kind of love and a happy family she's never had. Her husband, Jeremy, though, seems more interested in turning her into a research project that he can commercialize.

When Bridget discovers her new abilities she revels in the discovery that she is a god. But her new powers attract unwanted attention and Bridget must fight for her independence and survival.


But when survival means giving up the adoration she craves Bridgett must
confront the desires that drive her. Does she want freedom or does
she want adoration? She can have one or the other, but not both.

Clay to Ashes Excerpt

from Chapter 1
Sister Vesta Kaypore ran down the stone hallway as fast as she could, her footsteps resounding in her ears. The dormitory doors to her right blurred until she arrived at the infirmary at the end of the hallway, where Bridget Blade lay unconscious as she had for the last four months.

“In there, Sister.” Brother Juan, a fellow member of the Order of Ryna, opened the door for her. The room was brightly lit by the midday sun, with a mild breeze carrying moist, earthy scents from the woods behind the monastery.

Sister Kaypore gasped as she moved her fellow Ryneans out of the way. 
A man brandishing a knife stood over Bridget’s bed. With the gleaming blade grasped in a reverse grip, he pointed it downward over her chest, while he pressed his other hand flatly between her breasts.  He’d dragged off her covers and hospital gown, exposing her upper torso, which was honeycombed with black scars from skin graft surgeries she had undergone as the result of radiation burns. 

Sister Kaypore clutched her hands to her heart in compassion for the man. Tear stains traced channels from his unblinking eyes as he scanned the room, staring at each sister and brother present as though daring them to interfere. His eyes brimmed with fresh tears as thick wetness ran from his nostrils. This was a man maddened by grief, probably having lost family in the tragedy months ago during the Miracle of the Sun here at the monastery. Since the radiation discharge and stampede that followed, thousands of mourners had traveled to the monastery to pay their respects to the dead. Many had become disruptive, some even violent. 

Bridget’s part in all the events was a carefully guarded secret. The Order knew. The French, U.S., and Chinese governments all knew enough, as did the Vatican. Many people were present when Bridget was rescued from an electromagnetic field that she likely generated, and also when she appeared to emit ionizing radiation from her body. She was too much of an oddity to keep a secret forever, although most of the people present had been discreet about the information so far—most, but clearly not all.

 The shutters had been ripped off and the window panels shattered. A grappling hook attached to a climbing rope hung from the frame, next to an overturned IV pole. 
The room was quiet and still. It was as though Sister Kaypore had walked in during a natural pause in the activity. 

 “Who are you?” she asked, keeping her voice as calm as she could. 

The man’s hand trembled. “I lost everyone. My father, my mother, my cousin, my sisters.” His eyes watered. “My sister, Zanel, was crushed. Her head was smashed in. My mother just died from her injuries… all because of this stupid religion.”

All six sisters and brothers attending to Bridget had backed off to the edges of the room. Sister Kaypore took a step into the buffer zone between them and the assailant.

“Don’t come any closer. I’ll kill her.” His tears streaked down his face.

“Why her?” Sister Kaypore asked. “Why not me, or Brother Juan here, or Sister Mascomb?” She pointed at Bridget. “Why her?” 

“I have friends. I heard talk. They said there was a witch in here that you’re protecting. She caused all this. Why would you protect her?”

“Does she seem like a witch to you? Look at her! Does she look like a witch?” Sister Kaypore took two more steps.

“I will kill her. I don’t want to harm you.” He raised his hand, holding his palm outward in Sister Kaypore’s direction. “Why is this religion like this?”

“Your family worshiped Ryna? Why not you?” she asked. “Did you leave the Faith?”

“I chose to follow Thysia,” he said with force. “That’s a religion that makes sense. It’s why no one wants to follow your cursed religion any more. Don’t come any closer!”

“I don’t think you came to kill her.” Sister Kaypore walked confidently to the bed and stood across from him. “Put the knife away. If you really wanted to kill her, you would have done so already.”

“I came to kill the witch.”

“No, you came because you want answers.”



Ono Ekeh is a fifth generation android whose initial programming has exceeded its original boundaries resulting in a self-conscious, fully functional, quasi-human life form. He is married to a wonderful human

woman and has four amazing kids. He is interested in religion, politics, science fiction, writing, food, mathematics, and other things.

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!




For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Thursday, 2 November 2017

Exciting news!

I hate to ask for votes again - and thank you if you voted in the first round. I'm thrilled to say that the cover of Beloved Enemy by WRP cover artist Rae Monet,  is a semi finalist and if you could possibly give it another quick vote I would be hugely  grateful. Thanks so much in advance, I really appreciate all your support!

(Voting closes on Sunday 5th November)

There are so many lovely covers in this contest and I'd really love to get an award for my lovely cover artist!





For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Saturday, 28 October 2017

#WeWriWar - Children Of The Mist - Tamarith has something she wants to ask Vidarh


Welcome to Weekend Writing Warrior and 8 Sentence Sunday, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to read and write! We've got a variety of genres and talented writers just waiting for you to come sample their work.

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the other writers - they're listed below:

If you'd to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 


Thank you so much to everyone who voted for the cover of BELOVED ENEMY, the third book in the Destiny series. I really, really appreciate your support.

I'm currently sharing excerpts from Children Of The Mist the second book. For those who aren't familiar with my excerpts, this story is set on Niflheim, a planet close to the heart of Jess, who features in the first book, whose inhabitants are telepathic. The heroine is one of her closest friends, Tamarith.Tamarith is currently nursing a broken heart, but since Vidarh is a guest in her house she can hardly avoid talking to him can she?

This week's snippet takes place on the day following his arrival. Well fed and rested, he goes outside into the morning sunshine and spots Tamarith.

 Thanks to everyone who has been following this series, and left comments xx


You can read  last week's excerpt HERE 


She sensed his mind discreetly touch hers and realized he was staring at her keenly. She turned back to face him, returning his questioning glance and studying him in turn. 

Taller than average, and broad-shouldered, today he wore a sleeveless, belted leather shirt over thick breeches, with long, icecat-wool lined boots. His upper arms were well muscled, his skin tanned as if he were used to working outdoors. His curly, dark auburn hair, kept away from his face with a plain leather band, reached almost to his shoulders, it caught the sun's rays and gleamed like the polished dark red wood of the trees that flanked the feet of the mountains. 
She took in his clear, hazel eyes, with their friendly twinkle, strong jaw line and smiling mouth. He would have been fighting off the local unattached young women if the situation they found themselves in were not so serious. 

Not that she was particularly interested in his looks, or those of any other man, for that matter. No, something else about Vidarh of Ragnak excited her curiosity. 

It's about yesterday... 



I'm no cartographer but here's a map I made for Children Of The Mist. It was a great aid in keeping track of who journeyed where!

BLURB


Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own.

Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities. Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late?

Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?

***
Purchase all three books (or just one, they stand alone, while sharing some of the same characters)  at https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01MRY3XXT












For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/joinFor insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Thursday, 26 October 2017

John Jackson - Heart Of Stone



I'm thrilled to be part of the book tour for HEART OF STONE,  by fellow RNA member, John Jackson. Congratulations on your new release, John.

Heart of Stone

Genre: Historic Fiction
Release Date: 24th October 2017
Publisher: Crooked Cat Books
Dublin, 1730

When young and beautiful Mary Molesworth is forced to marry Robert Rochford, widowed heir to the earldom of Belfield, she finds that her idea of love is not returned. Jealous, cruel and manipulative, Robert ignores her after she has provided him with a male heir, preferring to spend his nights with his mistress. Power-hungry, Robert builds up a reputation that sees him reach for the highest positions in Ireland.

Caught in an unhappy marriage, Mary begins to grow closer to Robert’s younger brother, Arthur. Acknowledging their love for each other, they will risk everything to be together. But Robert’s revenge threatens their lives and tears them apart.

Will Mary and Arthur find a way to escape Robert’s clutches?

Based on real events, Heart of Stone is a tale of power, jealousy, imprisonment, and love, set in 1740s Ireland.
BUY LINKS

ABOUT JOHN JACKSON

Following a lifetime at sea, John Jackson has now retired and lives in York and has now turned his hand to writing fiction.

An avid genealogist, he found a rich vein of ancestors. They included Irish peers, country parsons, and army and navy officers. They opened up Canada and Australia and fought at Waterloo.

John is a keen member of the Romantic Novelists Association and graduated through their New Writers Scheme. He is also a member of the Historic Novel Society and an enthusiastic conference-goer for both.

He describes himself as being "Brought up on Georgette Heyer from an early age, and, like many of my age devoured R L Stevenson, Jane Austen, Edgar Allen Poe and the like."

His modern favorite authors include Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, Lindsey Davis, Liz Fenwick and Kate Mosse.
Twitter: @jjackson42








For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join