Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Eight : Present Day

Despite her better judgment, Annabelle sped towards Kelli.  Just as she stopped beside the girl, something heavy swung down from the broken ceiling and kicked her through a wall.  Pain lashed her back as plaster and brick tore her pale skin.

An eight-foot tall gorilla-like man in a tattered suit and top hat swung in front of her.  The large man had a gold D embroidered on his lapel, the symbol of his rank as Dominic’s chief enforcer and one of the Seven Tyrant Lords.  He smelled of alcohol and cheap cigars.  Mister Hyde dropped to his oversized feet and leaped towards her with a large leer plastered across his shaggy squat face.  “I jus’ don’t understand how you remain alive when you fall for the oldest trick in th’ book.”

She moved out of his path, sped behind him and ripped at his left ear.  His foul, tainted blood gushed as he let out a painful howl.  She knew he’d heal when he reverted back to Jekyll, but it was worth it.

Her skin had already healed from the earlier blow, but her clothing was torn in several places.  He was four times her size, and deadly.  She swallowed her fear.

Annabelle taunted him while speeding around his bulk.  “And I don’t understand why you still go around with that ridiculous hat.”  She dodged his massive trunk-like arms.  “It’s the twenty-first century.  You’re so out-dated.”

“I’m younger than you, brat!”  He bent down and ripped up three floorboards.  They cracked at his strength.  “If you were a proper vampire like the Master, you wouldn’t get caught like this.” 

He swung them at her, smashing the wood into a wall.  Splinters flew everywhere.  She dodged the impact but wood chips gave her new cuts.

“Oh but Edward, I am a proper vampire.”  She focused inwardly, just like Grandmother Laila taught her, and allowed her body to soften into a thick crimson mist. 

“Never call me that!”  He threw wood and brick through her form but nothing connected.  She focused on her true shape, mentally pulling her wispy body back together as the objects tried to dissipate her form.

He shouted obscenities at her with his thick, cockney accent.  “The name Hyde is feared around the world, brat.  Use it with respect.”

She laughed at him.  “I’ll call you by your first name, Edward, because bullies deserve no respect.” 

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For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

Picture Sharing Time

Time for more Halloween pictures! If you know the artist, please let me know.

 Who is on the Wolf Man's shoulder?

By j0sh 3000 (This one inspires my inner writer)

by John Ostrander. (This one really inspires my writing!)

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Sybil

SYBIL

Here is a cool pic from online. No clue what it is or who did it. If anyone knows, please tell me so I can give credit. There is no picture at this time of Sybil or the rest of the Falabranwyn. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin
English for "wise old woman".

Physical characteristics:

Sybil shares characteristics of the other Falabranwyn. She has long silky black hair and black eyes that seem to go deep into a person's soul. She has a pale completion and thin body. She stands about five and a half feet tall. She wears a cloak that seems to be made of black feathers. When in bird form she appears as a crow or raven, depending on her mood. Either way she becomes a black bird with eyes that seem almost human.

Personality:
Sybil is quiet, responsible and sad. She seems to possess unknown knowledge of future events but refuses to share. She exhibits leadership qualities to other members of her shape-shifting race.

Abilities:

All Falabranwyn can shape-shift to appear as ravens or the larger crows. They have prophetic abilities as well, often receiving visions of future events. They don't all get the visions or dreams at once and some like Sybil get more. The Falabranwyn can blend into the shadows and not be seen when they wish. They cannot be heard, seen, smelled if they want to disappear. They have no scent at all. This is a protection against vampires discovering them. As a senior member of their race, Sybil is well trained in all theses abilities.

History:

Not much is known about the enigmatic Sybil. Close to King Alar, the first leader of the Falabranwyn, Sybil always believed the 'Prophesy of the Younglings' that Alar gave on his deathbed after the Exodus War. Sybil was very young during the war and still remembers the Farnalla Exodus. She was tasked with watching one of evil Lord Domi's wives, Eliza Pratchet. Sybil became a friend to Eliza and warned her of many things. After the Foresight family arrived in the New World, Sybil watched the children close. She and several Falabranwyn warriors flew to Annabelle and Roland's defense on multiple occasions. Annabelle and Roland spotted Sybil leaving Eliza's cabin right before they rescued Blandia Blackburn from the Salem Trials and before the first Battle of Jorgantown. She has begin training Aisling, a fledgling Falabranwyn.

 

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

 

 

10/31/12 UPDATE: To find out the winner of the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop  click here.

 

 

 

Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! This is a hop created by I am a reader not a writer.

It involves over four hundred blogs! Click here to see her blog and the main page with a list of all the participating blogs and the prizes she has to offer!

As for my part in all this:

Post a comment, become a follower of this blog and one lucky soul will win a copy of my short story, NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK THREATS!

That's right, you can win a great story featuring Mister Hyde, the Invisible Man, witches, Nazi werewolves, vampires, zombies and my two favorite children of the night, Annabelle and Roland!

Just comment below, follow this blog and the winner will be announced on the 31st. I can only ship to Canada and the US.
What are you waiting for?

How did the last book signing go?

It was on October 12th and it was fair. I was at Starry Night Book's booth at the Benson Grist Mill Pumpkin Walk. Trouble is it rained heavily and the crowds just wasn't there. There was a couple sales over the weekend though.

Here's to next time!

Bite of Story Thursday

Here is a preview of something I'm currently working on, Book Two in the Annabelle series. It's called DARK CHANGES (formally called Dark Trials).

Remember, this is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Anyway, sit back and enjoy...

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Night Children: Dark Changes
Chapter Seventeen: Chester

Annabelle realized two things at that moment.  She realized she and Thomas had it wrong.  There wasn’t just one vampire in town, or even one group.  There must’ve been more.  Some of them were children, just like her.  Before she could reflect on this her acute senses noticed the other thing.

Another vampire was in the alley now.  The shadows started to shift, revealing the creature.  Annabelle couldn’t tell if it was the same shadow creature as before or a different one.

Chester the ghoul apparently didn’t serve this particular vampire because he screamed, “No!  The Destitute!” 

“Chester, don’t leave.  I still have questions.”  She didn’t follow as he stumbled through the darkness and into the street where the alley let out.  She let him go.  Time to get answers from this creature once and for all.

“All right.  Tell me, who you are.  Chester called you the Destitute.  Is that your name?  Are there more of you?”

If any humans walked into the alley, Annabelle figured they’d be treated to an interesting sight; a little girl in curls, facing a formless creature of nightmares without appearing the least bit scared.  The truth was Annabelle could feel her legs tremor with fear.  She couldn’t let the Destitute realize it.  There was too much at stake.

It just regarded her.  No answers were forthcoming.

“Fine.  Then lead me to your home.  I want to learn about you.”  The creature still remained motionless.

“I’ve come to London to find my brother.  He looks thirteen and he’s a vampire like me.  He’s with a man named Reginald Worthing.  Another vampire.  Have you heard of him?  Have you seen them?”  Still no answer.

“You’ve got to answer me.  Say something.  Anything,” she began to plead, “Please.  Have you seen or heard of them?  Are there more of you?”

As if in answer to her last question, other shadows formed to become another creature.  She knew it was a vampire, but that was all.  It looked exactly the same as the other.

“There are more of you.  Now answer my other question.  Have you seen my brother?”

The Destitute looked at each other, then started to shift back towards the shadows.  Annabelle moved with superhuman speed towards the creatures but in a blink of an eye they were gone, melted away.  She tried to listen for the creatures’ escape but they made no sound.

She yelled to the empty air, “No!” 

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Isaac

ISAAC

I have no idea who did this pic. It's a standard werewolf pic from the web. No picture of Isaac exists at this time. Hopefully that will change someday. If anyone knows who did this picture, please let me know. This comes closest to Isaac, except the tongue is too long.

Physical characteristics:
Isaac can turn into half man half wolf shape as well as full wolf shape. In his half form he is seven feet tall, muscular and big. He has a snout and extended jaw as well at the pointed ears of a wolf. His legs are shaped similar to wolves and his feet are large paws while his hands are human shape with sharp claws. He has a red 'D' shape scar on his left breast. His fur is black and very shaggy. He has black hair and eyes in his human form and amber eyes in werewolf form. After the human boy called Thomas shot him, he is missing a shoulder.

Personality:
He is a bully. He treats his younger brother Cam badly. He always fights the werewolf Clancy for control of Dominic's personal werewolf pack. Angry and resentful after Thomas wounded him. Thirsts for revenge.

Abilities:
Isaac has the standard werewolf abilities. He can transform into a half-wolf half-human form or all wolf form. In both forms he's stronger, faster and has better agility and enhanced senses. He can access his enhanced abilities and sharp nails and teeth even in human form. As an Alpha Wolf, he's immortal. He seems to age slowly, perhaps a year per one-hundred human years.

Known History:
Little is known of Isaac and Cam's life before they became werewolves. The werewolf Clancy bit both of them and brought the brothers to Dominic, the vampire lord.  Isaac turned jealous of Clancy's status as pack leader of Dominic's personal guard and got into many a scuffle over control. In the latter part of the 1600's, the pack was sent to capture vampire children Annabelle and Roland Foresight. Their mortal friend Thomas wounded Isaac with silver shot, blasting away the werewolf's shoulder. Isaac would have died but Cam rescued him. Isaac saw it as a sign of weakness and punished Cam for decades after. Isaac resented Cam for the rest of his life afterward and abused his brother even more fiercely. Isaac made it his personal vendetta to kill Thomas for his injury. We know from other stores that Isaac met an early death that his younger brother blames Roland for. This is a story yet to be told.

Picture Sharing Time

More Holloween pictures! If you reconize who did these pictures, please let my know.

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Birth

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Big Bad Wolves

 

 

Thunk!

Something big hit the carriage from the left and it whined in protest.  The wheels temporarily lifted off the ground, causing everyone inside to crash against the right wall.  A screech escaped Annabelle as she watched two large hairy man-monsters smash into the right side of the carriage.  Like a ship fighting the ocean waves, the carriage rocked to the left.  The horses bucked and neighed in panic as the four werewolves attacked.  She flinched as their sharp claws scratched down the sides of the carriage.

The slobbering snout-like face of one of their attackers glared in the window.  Covered in thick black fur with a red D shaped scar cut into his left breast, the strange beast-man snapped at Annabelle.  In a blur of white, Eliza was at the window.  She punched the werewolf with enough power to smash a piano.  The beast fell to the earth and immediately sprung back to its elongated clawed feet. 

Annabelle couldn’t resist the temptation to watch out the window.  She marveled at the incredible speed the creature had on two legs as it ran beside the carriage.  It appeared to be seven-feet tall.  Another attacker began to pull itself along the carriage.  Built similarly to the black one, it was covered in brown fur.  The monster growled as Annabelle pulled back the quilt. 

She scrunched her nose as the beast’s musky smell assaulted her.  Long pointed claws reached through the window.  Any minute the werewolf would pull itself inside and begin its campaign of murder. 

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For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.

Dark Birth is featured on Author Andrea Pearson's blog!

Dark Birth is featured on Author Andrea Pearson's blog!

Come check it out. I even answer questions!

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Blandia Blackburn

BLANDIA BLACKBURN

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin
Blackburn is Old English, meaning "black stream."

Physical characteristics:
Blandia appears in her mid thirties and likes to wear elegant clothes. She loves jewelry and enjoyed wearing lots of it. She applies her make up a bit thick. To Blandia, she appears beautiful but to her fellow magic user, Guarin, she seems to be trying too hard. She has to wear the dark green hood and cloak with a green and blue robe. These clothes represent her membership in the Order of White Warlocks. She doesn't want to wear them because she feels the style clashes and doesn't go with her shoes or make up.

Personality:
Blandia is selfish at times, obsessed with her looks and attracting men. She is not beyond using her magic to "win" a guy over. She looked up to the leader of the Order of White Warlocks, Dagda. She has no problem with his successor, Guarin except she thinks he takes things to seriously. Blandia seems a bit flighty and not very level headed to others.

History: 
Blandia practiced white magic under the teachings of the immortal warlock Dagda. While not as quick a study as Guarin, Blandia did learn to take care of herself. Along with Dagda and Guarin, Blandia created the magical barrier that protected Eliza Pratchet, Annabelle and Roland Foresight, the small English colonial settlement of Jorgantown and the Mohegan Indian village.

Over the years Blandia helped her fellow members of Order of the White Warlocks, North American division. She was placed in Salem, Massachusetts to spy on the town during their infamous which hunts. Dagda knew it was dangerous and offered her the chance to not accept but she agreed reluctantly. Others close to her felt she really did it because she secretly cares for others. Dagda felt that outside forces in the form of the vampire lord Domi and his evil witch servant, Penelope, had a part in the paranoia. He was right but too late to help her. After Dagda's assassination by Domi's forces, Penelope framed Blandia and soon Blandia found herself in the Salem jail. Her best friend, the vampire Eliza, rescued Blandia from the hangman's noose with the help of vampire children Annabelle and Roland Foresight. Blandia fought in the first Battle of Jorgantown after the barrier fell.

Despite the fact that the Coven have always acted as police to the magic world, most white warlocks and witches remain in hiding. Hunted by Domi (or Dominic’s) forces for centuries, they operate in super secret covens across the globe. No more than three in each group and always on the move.

Blandia has a history of moving into a community, practicing her spells and potions and flirting with the local men. This has gotten her in a great deal of trouble over the years. Guarin helped Blandia take the Right of Ascendance, which if successfully completed, grants a warlock or witch immortality. It wasn't easy. After the Right of Ascendance, the witch or warlock is unconscious in a coma state for fifty years. 

 

Picture Sharing Time!

I love Halloween! I love the feel it gives me. Being spooky, playing the part of sinister characters and the thrill of so many scary themed stories.

It's my second favorite holiday and to celebrate I'm going to post pictures from my vast picture collection. I have no clue about who most of the artists are so if you recognise them, please let me know so I can give credit.

Lon Chaney Jr. and Glen Strange entertaining the ladies. Maybe on the set of "Abbot of Costello Meet Frankenstein"?

 

From a set of Marvel Comics covers sometime ago.

Monsters from the '50s by Dusty Abell.

 

This last one was from Cracked.com obviously.

 

 



Another book signing at the Benson Grist Mill

I can't wait for the Pumpkin Walk at the Benson Grist Mill this coming Friday and Saturday! Starry Night Books will have a booth and on Friday from 5-8 I'll get to do another signing! Hope to see everyone there!

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Four : 1899 How To Catch An Invisible Man

The shed was small and contained various gardening supplies and a stack of old bricks.  She could smell his perspiration coming from the back wall.  His heart thundered.

As if these things weren’t enough to give him away, the hovering shovel that threatened her safety moved dangerously close to her chest.  Its metal could pierce her skin, allowing the long wooden handle to act like a stake to her heart.  She needed to calm him down quickly.

Mesmerization was not an option thanks to the man’s lack of eyes.  Annabelle wasn’t as skilled as Roxanna or Fenroth.  She couldn’t transfix someone she couldn’t see.  She spoke very calmly, “Please Doctor Griffin.  Listen to me.  You must be a reasonable man.  It’s obvious you’re a brilliant scientist.  You mastered the art of invisibility.  No one else can do that.”

The shovel shook slightly, revealing how cold the man must’ve been.  It lowered an inch.  “They’re all fools.  They know nothing of the potential I’ve discovered.”

“Of course.  They were wrong to hunt you.  They don’t understand the miracles you have wrought.”

The shovel lowered, its sharp tip touched the floor.  “Exactly.  Those superstitious buffoons, they’d rather run brilliant men out of town than embrace science and all its wonder.”  The shovel now leaned against the back wall.

A long pause followed.  The kind of silence that would make a normal person wonder if he still stood there.  Annabelle could tell by his heartbeat that Griffin began to calm.

Finally he spoke again, “I must admit it’s comforting to hear a familiar accent.  I take it you’re from London?”

“Spent the first ten years of my life there and moved back for a while years later.  Some nights I miss it.”

“Years later?  You don’t look very old.”  He sounded surprised. 

After so many years of the same reaction, Annabelle was used to it.  “As you know looks can be deceiving.  Come with me Doctor Griffin.  I can take you someplace private.  Someplace warm, where you won’t have to hide.”

His invisible feet shuffled as he stepped closer.  “That would be nice.  I just want to be left alone.  I’ve been on the run for so long.  I can’t imagine what solitude would be like.  Time to study and plan.”

“Plan?”

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For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

Today on Author Andrea Pearson's Halloween Indie Author Promotion...

Night Children: Dark Threats is featured on Author Andrea Pearson's blog! Check it out here!

Thanks Andrea!

I'm in the Local Paper part 2

And as promised, here is the article! Thanks to Jamison for scanning it and thanks to Brandon at Starry Night for setting it up!
Thanks guys!

Quick Update

The Store and Author Bio pages have been updated! Go see!

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Charlie

CHARLIE

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Physical characteristics:
Charlie has sandy blond hair which is always a mess. He's scrawny and always has a wicked grin unless he's in trouble by his brothers or caught by members of the Order of the Righteous Vampires.

Personality:
He followed the lead of his brothers Beufus and Cletus while they were alive or undead. They get into mischief. Scared of his older brother because of the many beatings inflicted upon him by Beufus. Often makes mistakes or says things that annoy Beufus. Always tries to be his brother Beufus' favorite when the brothers were alive or undead. After their deaths, Charlie would do the same for Dominic. He spies on others and tattles as a way of earning favoritism. He has an awkward laugh and always gives off a creepy vibe. He is stuck as a teenager for a few hundred years. If he can survive vampire hunters and pissed off vampires, he could advance to adulthood eventually. Knowing Charlie's tendency to annoy others, that would be an incredible feat.

Abilities:
Charlie has the basic vampiric abilities; strength, speed, stamina, sharp nails that are used like claws, enhanced senses and the ability to heal from most small injuries. Like all vampires, he can't handle sunlight, wooden stakes to the heart or beheading. Each of these turn him to ash. Like all evil vampires, religious artifacts harm him as well. He has not learned how to transform or fly. He can maneuver perfectly. He has learned to dodge and escape others clutches, missing danger by inches. He learned that skill as a means to stay alive. He can hide extremely well and perfected his spying technique.

Known History:
Charlie and his brothers lived in Jorgantown all their lives. They were satisfied with scratching out a small living doing dock work and hiring themselves out for farm work or cabin building. Their evenings were spent drinking at the pub and occasionally causing a ruckus in the town.

The night they finally met Eliza Pratchet, the supposed town witch, was their last night alive. They teased her, only to have the recently arrived Foresight family try to defend her. Something in Eliza's eyes made the brothers forget what they were doing and instead they found a quiet spot to sleep off their drink.

The vampire Fenroth happened across them and seeing the stocky built of Charlie's older brothers, Beufus and Cletus, turned the two of them. He ignored Charlie because the boy was too scrawny and beneath his notice. Once a human has been bitten three times he or she begins to change. The transformation to vampirizim isn't always over night. The older the human, the longer it can take.

After the white warlock Dagda set up a magical barrier around Jorgantown and the surrounding woods as a means to protect Eliza and the vampire younglings Annabelle and Roland Foresight.  The barrier would prevent any dark creatures from entering. The vampire lord Dominic Pratchet  knew he would need inside agents to enact his revenge on his estranged wife, Eliza Pratchet, and the two children Eliza betrayed Dominic for. Realizing Fenroth's newest subjects were still in the incubation stage and therefore not dark creatures yet, Dominic commanded Fenroth to leave almost vampires Beufus and Cletus and their non-vampire brother Charlie where he found them, within the town. The barrier passed them by and once the full transformation was in effect, Dominic had three agents, (two vampire and one human) to use.

At first the men thought it was Dominic who turned them, since he was the vampire who summoned them once they woke up in their new lives. He sent them to retrieve Annabelle and Roland. They were to kill Eliza on sight. They failed and Cletus was killed by Eliza. Later Beufus was killed by Dominic, leaving Charlie alone.

Despite the deaths of his brothers, Charlie continued to spy for Dominic and successfully kidnapped the Foresight's friend, Henry. Charlie served his dark masters well and was awarded by becoming a vampire. He continued to serve Dominic for years. His fate is unknown at this time.

Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration

Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration

The feeling that sweels up in me when I watch this video is the reason I must write Night Children: Dark Revolution. I will show my pride and respect for these men and what they did through my writing. I always have felt passion for our nation's birth. I want to one day share that passion.

In need of repairs

Some of the things on my blog could use some repairs. My Store page is terribly out of date. You can but my books both as eBooks and paperback. Also they are local at Starry Night Books.

I'm planning on fixing that page and others soon so watch for updates!

Sept 28th 2012, A date that shall live forever in awesomeness. Part 2: Book Signing at Starry Night Books

Book Signing at Starry Night Books

It was fantastic! Several people arrived and bought books. I signed each one. A couple came because of my appearance at the Junior High. Some friends came from work as well.

The biggest surprise was that people who I never met before bought my books. I brought four Dark Births and sold five (one as a pre order). That means the novel that started everything is actually in someone elses' home!

The woman who bought a copy of Threats and Birth returned to have them signed. I spoke to children, teens and adults, explaining the story and what makes it special. Afterward they had me sign copies and bought them. I really hope they enjoy them.

Another woman mentioned that her son doesn't like to read due to his learning disability. Despite this, he can't put my book down. When I showed the original proof to my wife Janeen last year, she suggested a better paper shade and font size due to others with reading disabilities being able to see it better. I'm glad she did!

So everything worked out well! I've been invited to do another when Starry Night attends the Benson Grist Mill Pumpkin Walk on October 12th. More information to follow!

Sept 28th 2012, A date that shall live forever in awesomeness. Part 1: Speaking at the Junior High

Yup, I really enjoyed yesterday. Now I do realise the title of this post is somewhat overblown. After all, I forget random dates, too.

But the events from yesterday will be forever etched into memory. Unfortunately memories fade so I better write them down here. It was an excellent day for Annabelle and the whole project of getting her stories out into the world.

Speaking at Tooele Jr High
Love it! Everything went well. After I arrived Mrs. Crooksten helped me set up. I put the two posters (1 of Dominic and 1 of Annabelle, the first artwork of Ann) and the Starry Night Books 2nd ad (seen in an earlier post) on a portable dry eraser board with Mrs. Crookten's help. I set up a display for the books, my notepad, bookmarks and candy. We decided that when kids asked questions they would get a piece of candy or a bookmark.

Then the kids shuffled in. I spoke to the entire combined 1st period Language Arts classes. Both 7th and 8th grades. I spoke about my writing journey, Annabelle's adventures and asked the kids to name off vampire abilities. After talking about Night Children, I moved onto Myths. I spoke about the principle characters and explained about how the six characters in Myths will be stranded in Tooele, going to their school. I asked for advice on where these characters would fit into their school. We closed off with a question and answer period.

It went wonderfully. There were many questions and several suggestions. I scribbled down some creative ideas I'd never thought of. All the teachers had previously passed out worksheets and I'll be getting them back later with more suggestions. When I return to Myths after I finish edits on Dark Changes, there will be a lot to work with. Already my brain is flowing with ideas!

Then 1st period left and I took a tiny break, aware that this massive amount of viewers to my prolonged ramblings of the fiction kind was in fact, very enjoyable and I could do it again. I got my chance three more times that morning as I spoke to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th periods.

The only thing we changes was the format on how questions are asked. Before we found it hard to hear some questions and some got more than one question asked (and more than one candy) while others never got their turn. The teachers had a great idea of having 10 kids queue up in seats set up in front. After they get their questions/suggestions answered and received candy or bookmarks another ten took their place. It worked a lot better.

During plus period and homeroom I traveled home to pick up my wife and get lunch. We rejoined the school and spoke to four more periods. Janeen (my sweet wife) introduced me and picked the questioning kids (there were lots of hands up so someone had to pick 10 of them and then another set and so on. She had a blast. After the last period she got to chuck candy and the crowd erupted!

All in all a very good time. One girl in 1st period dressed like a vampire! My very own cos player! I've always dreamed of the day when people would like my books enough to dress like the characters. One of the teachers downloaded the Kindle version and her daughter was reading it while I spoke! I got a chance to see several friends of the family and my excited son, David. I basically spoke to the entire Junior High in 8 smaller chunks. Everyone enjoyed it and I'm invited back for next year!

Things to improve for next time: Two more posters (1 of Roland, one of the combined Dark Threats/Birth covers). A stuffed crow to represent the Falabranwyn. A camera so my wife can take pictures! Sorry I didn't think of the pics but next time I will!

Amazing times

The article in the Tooele Transcript was really well done. I'm so excited to be in the paper! I'll scan a copy for the sight this weekend.

I stopped by Starry Night Bookstore to show the store owner, Brandon, the article. A woman was there with her son and she bought a copy of Dark Threats and Dark Birth! Someone I don't know actually bought Dark Birth! The novel I started on. The one that started all this!

Wow!

Bite of Story Thursday

It's Preview Day on Bite of Story Thursday. Today we're looking at what I'm currently working on.

Lately I'm editing Annabelle's "Book Two" or as it's currently called: DARK CHANGES (formally called Dark Trials).
Remember, this is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Anyway, sit back and enjoy...

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Chapter Ten, Shanghaied At Sea

An old sensation stirred inside him.  It was a familiar.  Vampires were near.  Several approached from somewhere within the thick mist.  He looked back at Reginald.

“Yes,” Reginald replied with a smile, “Now you’re beginning to understand.” 

“Bloody hell.  What’s going on?” one of the crewmen asked, his gruff voice laced with fear .  He looked around to examine the strange fog as it surrounded the ship.  He ran to alert the other crewmembers.

Roland was alarmed, “Should we let him?  He’ll expose--”

“My friends’ arrival was never meant to be a secret.” 

The ship suddenly rocked back.  Loud voices called through the night air.  The heavy mist started to break away. 

With no noise to announce it’s arrival, a large ship sat on the south side.  It was painted black and reminded Roland of the carriage Eliza used back home.  The striking difference was the dark red that seemed to be stained all over the ship.  A closer look revealed that the stains seemed to be scratched into the wood.  It was clear by the inviting smell that it was blood.

Several strange figures dressed in buccaneer clothes jumped onto the ship.  The crew on deck was instantly killed as the oncoming pirates showed off their pointy fangs.  The men down below deck charged up, only to be assaulted by these fearsome creatures.

“They’re pirate vampires,” Roland couldn’t help state the obvious.

“We prefer the term Bloody-Buccaneers.  It has a sort of nice ring to it.”  Reginald grabbed a crewman who was running by and swiftly sank his teeth into the man’s neck.  He drained the man and dropped him to the ground in one swift motion.

I'm in the paper... again!

Today I did an interview for the local paper! I'm so excited! I'll post the article as soon as I get it.

For now, here is another ad for Friday's book signing at Starry Night Books.

Friday's Book Signing At Starry Night Books!

Hey there readers! Any of you live in Northern Utah? Any of you live in Tooele Utah? I will be at Starry Night Books, located in the shopping plaza far west of Panda's (the shopping Center East of Wal-Mart).

I'll be there from 5 to 7 on Friday night (the 29th), signing copies of Dark Threats and Dark Birth.

Come on over and meet me!

Special Repost: Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Dominic Pratchet

DOMINIC PRATCHET

This is the closest I have to a pic of Dominic
"Vampire: The Masquerade" developer: Nihilistic Software publisher Activision
artist:(if you know the artist, please let me know so I can credit him or her).


Other names:
Domi (original name), Vlad Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, Domhnall (Gaelic), Dominicus (Latin), Dominick (Old English), Dominik (Czech and Polish), Dominique (French), Domonkos (Hungarian)

Name origin:
DOMINIC: "Belongs to the lord." English name derived from Latin Dominicus. This is a name traditionally given to a child born on Sunday. His mother Lilith named him this as an insult.

DOMHNALL "World ruler." Gaelic name composed of the elements dubno "world" and val "rule."

Physical characteristics:
Tall, commanding presence, night-black hair, red eyes, and sharp white fangs, pale and radiant. Usually wears black suits, sometimes with a cape.

Abilities:
Dominic possesses the abilities of all vampires, only perfected with thousands of years of experience. This means he’s faster and stronger than humans, his senses are extremely acute as are his reflexes. He can fly, turn into a bat, wolf, rat and mist at the very least and has complete control of others through mesmerization, perfecting it at a lever beyond any other vampire.

Known History:
The vampire known as Domi seems to be as old as history itself. He has been behind all the terrible events of history and an advisor to various rulers through the ages. Throughout many cultures and eras there has been rumors of a powerful lord of the night who commands dark armies. His grim goal has always been to rule the world, turning a portion the population into food stock for those creatures he has deemed fit to survive. He has had many names, some lost through history.

Much of his personal history is shrouded in mystery. The vampire Annabelle has told me that she knows more and at the proper time she’ll reveal it to me. As the chronicler of her stories I’m extremely intrigued.

I have so many questions; if he’s so old, how come he hasn’t taken over yet? What is this Exodus War he was tied up in? How can he be the famous Romanian ruler Vlad the Impaler if we know Vlad wasn’t as old as Domi is supposed to be? What is his relationship with the Falabranwyn because every time he shows up, they do as well. Why does he have so many wives and who are the Three Queens? Who are the Seven Tyrant Lords? Why did he speak of future events as if he knew them?

I suspect we’ll find out together as Annabelle’s story continues.

Special Repost: Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Roland Foresight

ROLAND FORESIGHT

artist: Adam Diller

Other names:
Night Child, annoying brother, Bloody-Buccaneer

Name Origin:

Old German name meaning "renowned land."

Physical characteristics:
Straight red hair. Red eyes. Small white fangs. Wears a variety of clothing but likes to wear combinations of red and black.

Age Chart:
He was turned at age 13. Every hundred years he ages one year. He actually experiences his years longer than normal humans. Vampire children remain that age emotionally and mentally, perhaps for self preservation so they do not go insane living as an adult trapped in a child body.

How he handles immortality remains to be seen.

Advancement Chart:
b. October 13th 1679 d. 1692

born a vampire 1692-
Age 13= 1692-1792
Age 14 = 1792-1892
Age 15 = 1892-1992
Age 16 = 1992-Present Day

No other ages available at the moment.

Abilities:
Roland tends to have dreams of the far future, although he isn't aware of this at the beginning of the series. When he learns of this talent remains to be seen. He has the standard vampire abilities. This means he’s faster and stronger than humans, his senses are extremely acute as are his reflexes. He can fly and turn into a bat. In later years He has shown the ability to transform into a wolf, rat and mist but how he learned these things has yet to be told. He can control humans through mesmerization and communicate with lesser beasts.
He became an expert sword fighter thanks to his years as a Bloody Buccaneer.

Known History:
In 1692 Roland Foresight moved with his family to the wilds of Massachusetts. The Vampire Lord Dominic Pratchet killed his parents and left him and his sister Annabelle for dead. Dominic's wife Eliza turned them into vampires, taught them the things they needed to know and became a surrogate mother to them.

As the centuries have passed, Roland became a hero to many, constantly fighting Dominic's forces as a member of the Order of Righteous Vampires. He prefers to drink the blood of animals instead of humans. Roland is possessed with an overwhelming desire to finish Dominic off once and for all.

He's rebellious, acts before thinking, hot-headed and gets overly excited about new things without thinking about the consequences. He isn't afraid of much in life and is filled with a wanderlust for adventure and travel.

He learned to sword fight when he became a Bloody Buccaneer. Those years were both some of the best and worst of his life. Two men have filled him with a passion for revenge; the vampire hunter Hawke and Dominic, the monster lord who killed his parents. He has also had a few loves in his long life.

Any more information would be spoilers at this time.

Special Repost: Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Annabelle Foresight

ANNABELLE FORESIGHT

By Adam Diller

Other names:

Ann, Night Child, bossy sister

Name Origin:

ANNABEL: "Beautiful grace." A compound name consisting of English Ann, "grace," and French Belle, "beautiful." Variants include Anabel, Anabella, Anabelle, Annabal, Annabelinda, Annabell, Annabella and Annabelle.

Physical characteristics:

Short in height. Red bushy hair. Red eyes. Small white fangs. Wears a variety of clothing but likes to wear combinations of red and black.

Age Chart:

She was turned at age 11. Every hundred years she ages one year. She actually experiences her years longer than normal humans. Vampire children remain that age emotionally and mentally, perhaps for self preservation so they do not go insane living as an adult trapped in a child body.

Annabelle, however, is more mature for her age. How she handles immortality remains to be seen.

Advancement Chart:

b. October 13th 1681 d. 1692

born a vampire 1692-

Age 11 1692-1792

Age 12 = 1792-1892

Age 13 = 1892-1992

Age 14 = 1992-Present Day

No other ages available at the moment.

Abilities:

She gets dreams that show the near future (but presently in the books she is unaware of this. When she learned of this ability remains unknown). She has the standard vampire abilities. This means she’s faster and stronger than humans, her senses are extremely acute as are her reflexes. She can fly and turn into a bat. In later years she has shown the ability to transform into a wolf, rat and mist but how she learn these things has yet to be told. She can control humans through mesmerization and communicate with lesser beasts.

Known History:

In 1692 Annabelle Foresight moved with her family to the wilds of Massachusetts. The Vampire Lord Dominic Pratchet killed her parents and left her and her brother Roland for dead. Dominic's wife Eliza turned them into vampires, taught them the things they needed to know and became a surrogate mother to them.

As the centuries have passed, Annabelle has become a hero to many, constantly fighting Dominic's forces as a member of the Order of Righteous Vampires. She prefers to drink the blood of animals instead of humans. Annabelle is deeply concerned about the safety of mortal children.

She is determined, loyal to family, feels love for others and angry if someone hurts her family. Annabelle is outward friendly,book smart, a quick learner and sometimes acts too serious to make up for her reckless older brother. She tends to pretend to be brave and mock the bad guys.

She takes life too seriously and can be bossy. She takes over when she should sit back. She can often make decisions before consulting others. She's afraid deep inside if she doesn’t just make things happen, they will fall apart right away.

Before vampirism she loved animals and winced when they got hurt. After becoming a vampire she now sees them as something to eat. In some ways she has lost touch with who she was. She has a deep fear of two men, Hawke the vampire hunter and Dominic, the vampire who killed her parents.

Signing Week!

This is the week of my first book signing! I can't wait! I've never had a book signing so I hope all goes well. I'll be at the local bookstore here in Tooele, Starry Night Books, this Friday (the 28th) from 6-8 pm. If you're a local follower, I hope to see you there.

Also on Friday I will be speaking to Tooele Jr. High all day. Each period I will be speaking to English classes, doing 45 minute speaking engagements every hour. It's a record I've never done before. I'm scared and excited all at the same time.

So with me luck and I'll post pictures and let you know how it went later next weekend.

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Birth


Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Battle

Roland burst out of the scratchy foliage and leapt at his foe.  Before he could bite, Dominic kicked him back.  Instantly changing into bat, Roland flew up, spun in a circle and then zoomed at Dominic’s head.  The man slapped Roland away. 

Roland caught his bearings in mid-air and flew around a tree, past a group of crows that seemed to watch him intently.

Roland landed on Dominic’s head and began to claw him.  Dominic grabbed his neck and began to squeeze. 

“Mastering an ability doesn’t make you a master.  There is nothing you can do to stop me.”  Dominic started to shake him.

Fighting to break free, Roland switched back to his human shape.  Dominic simply moved his hand around Roland’s neck and crushed down.  Panic rushed through, followed by dizziness.  He struggled against his foe’s iron grip as the sky seemed to fill with black shapes. 

 

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For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.