POINT OF NO RETURN

Coming Soon

2012-02-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Bad Mojo series continues with SERIAL QUILLER 3: Savannah, Georgia, a psychological thriller short story.

With a little help from BJ Donovan, Alma Lejeune exacts revenge on the descendants of the people who had willingly participated in the unjust conviction and public hanging of a young Irish woman in 1735.

Available February 2012

Free Event Ending

2012-02-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

My paranormal romance short story will no longer be free of charge after Valentine's Day.

STAY WITH ME – A senseless act of murder unites two lonelyhearts.

Following the untimely death of his parents, Daniel, a teenage outcast, reluctantly moves into his uncle's home in the country where he's left feeling even more friendless and isolated. He discovers a lonely girl is haunting the old mansion when he sees her standing at the outside entrance to the cellar. Her name is Lizze, she tells him, and this is where she stood the night she was murdered in 1897 on her seventeenth birthday. Daniel's great grandfather shot her because he had reason to believe his wife was about to find out he'd been having an affair with her servant. Lizze's body was hidden in the cellar and then forgotten. Daniel and Lizze become fast friends. By year's end they are deeply in love. When he turns eighteen, his uncle orders him to go out and seek his own fortune. Torn between two worlds, a foiled robbery attempt changes Daniel's life forever.

My Amazon KDP Select Experiment

2012-01-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

As more and more success stories about writers who had gotten thousands and even tens of thousands of downloads of a book they'd enrolled in Amazon's KDP Select program started popping up on writers forums and blogs my competitive spirit kicked into high gear. I love to win. Even more, I love the chase.

I submitted one of my books. The clock started ticking on January 25.

On the night of the 29th I viewed the results of my 5-day experiment. The total number of downloads wasn't what I had... expected? Honestly, I believe the only reason I didn't have better results is because I am still an unknown writer. Possibly, my expectations were set too high? Perhaps I should've submitted a novel instead of a short story? Maybe I should've just waited.

I know it sounds like it, but no, I am not bitter about the outcome. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I'll chalk it up to a lesson learned, and leave it at that.

On the plus side, because of this program a few more people know my name. Thank you, to everyone in the US and the UK who downloaded my book. I am very, very grateful.

It's a beautiful day. I think I'll go for a walk on the beach and concentrate on the things I can control such as my new work-in-progress.

Promoting Indie Authors

2012-01-22T07:28:00.000-08:00

Indie Writers Zone Indie Insider
Excuse Me, Miss Bargain Ebooks
Pixel of Ink Free & Bargain Ebooks
Go Indie Discover the Best in Indie Publishing
Ccebooks How to Make, Market & Sell Ebooks
Spalding's Racket Making a Noise About Indie Authors
The Indie Spotlight Where the Independent Author Shines
Week in Rewind, Nook Free & Bargain Books for the Nook
The Frugal eReader Frugal Finds Under Nine for the Kindle
The Tale's The Thing Sharing Work by Outstanding Authors
Week in Rewind, Kindle Free & Bargain Books for the Kindle

The Plot Thickens

2012-01-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

New Release

2012-01-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

My psychological thriller short story, SERIAL QUILLER 2, is available now on Smashwords and Amazon.

In SERIAL QUILLER 2, BJ Donovan embarks on a murderous rampage after someone at a writers retreat steals her handwritten manuscript of a new novel containing details of a true crime that were never made public.

Bad Mojo Series

Coming soon to Apple, Nook, Sony, Kobo, Diesel

SERIAL QUILLER 3 - Coming February 2012

New Look For The Hellfire Trilogy

2012-01-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

New E-Book Releases For January

2012-01-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

BAD WISDOM By Christine Cook
IN A FLASH By William Mangieri
SAINT MUDD By Steve Thayer
Il BERSAGLIO By Domenico Martusciello
DOUBLE DOWN By Vicky De Leo
DESERT VICTIM By Ron Hudson
SCOFFLAW BLUES By Marc Krulewitch
COASTAL EMPIRE By Rocky Leonard
SEA OF DARKNESS By Sarah D'Almeida
DIED ON THE VINE By Joyce Harmon

ROSE OF DIAMONDS By Salima Korri
...SORRY, WRONG NUMBER: Suzie B. Mystery #1 By Gene Grossman
ALREADY GONE (Young Adult Mystery Thriller) By Christopher Fulbright
TICK TOCK (A Detective Shakespeare Mystery Book #2) By J Robert Kennedy
CREEPING DAWN: THE RISE OF THE BLACK CENTIPEDE By Chuck Miller
SHERLOCK HOLMES INVESTIGATES: THE FREE TRADE CONSORTIUM By Philip van Wulven
DOCTOR WATSON INVESTIGATES: THE CASE OF THE SCARLET NECKERCHIEF By Andrew Hickey
LOST IN LONG COVE By Suzanne Ouimet ... A DEADLY AFFECTION By Cuyler Overholt
A GHOST OF A MURDER By Elizabeth Pulford ... FORBANNELSE AV GUDINNAN By Ratan Lal Basu
THE DEATH OF BRO. COSMONAUT By Julius Harlande ... HUGH MONN: PRIVATE DETECTIVE By Lee Houston Jr.

Coming Soon

2012-01-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

My psychological thriller short story, SERIAL QUILLER 2, will soon be available.

Initially, Florida was the setting of this story. I decided to use Corpus Christi, Texas instead. As usual, my Quiller goes wherever the hell she wants to go. Was it the haunted lighthouse? Or something far more sinister that drew her to the First Coast? She's there right now. BJ and six other newly published authors have descended on St. Augustine to spend two weeks at a popular resort and workshop where their manuscript will be critiqued and given the attention it deserves.

So. What could possibly happen in this beautiful and historic city to cause BJ to seek out a bokor and then go on a murderous rampage?

This:

In SERIAL QUILLER 2, someone at a Florida writers retreat steals BJ Donovan's manuscript, an unpolished first draft of a thriller novel, packed with unpublicized details leading up to the murder of Detective Lucas Cantin of New Orleans in Louisiana.

Writers Conferences 2012

2012-01-03T07:01:00.000-08:00

JANUARY:
Jan. 20-22 ... Writer's Digest Conference – Sheraton Hotel – New York City, New York
Jan. 20-24 ... The American Library Association Midwinter Meeting – Dallas Convention Center – Dallas, Texas
Jan. 27-29 ... San Diego State University Writers Conference – Doubletree Hotel – San Diego, California's Mission Valley

FEBRUARY:
Feb. 3-4 ... Cape Fear Crime Festival – Wilmington, NC
Feb. 4 ... Murder in the Magic City – The Homewood Library – Birmingham, Alabama
Feb. 3-5 ... Love Is Murder Mystery Conference – Chicago, Illinois
Feb. 15-19 ... Savannah Book Festival – Savannah, Georgia
Feb.16-19 ... San Francisco Writers Conference – San Francisco, California
Feb. 16-19 ... San Miguel Writers Conference – San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Feb. 17-20 ... The Southern California Writers Conference – San Diego, California
Feb. 22-26 ... Fisherman's Wharf Writers Conference – Algonkian Writers Conference – San Francisco, California

MARCH:
Mar. 1-4 ... Sleuthfest – Orlando, Florida
Mar. 3-4 ... Whidbey Island Writers Conference – Whidbey Island, Washington
Mar. 10-11 ... The Tucson Festival of Books – University of Arizona Campus – Tucson, Arizona
Mar. 16-17 ... The Write Stuff, Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group – Allentown, Pennsylvania
Mar. 30-31 ... Northern Colorado Writers Conference – Fort Collins Hilton
Mar. 29-Apr. 1 ... Left Coast Crime Mystery Convention – Sacramento, California
Mar. 29-Apr. 1 ... The Maine Festival of the Book – Portland, Maine

APRIL:
Apr. 11-15 ... Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention – Hyatt Regency O'Hare Hotel – Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois
Apr. 13-14 ... Houston Writers Guild Conference – Sugar Land, Texas
Apr. 14 ... TMCC Writers Conference – Truckee Meadows Community College – Reno, Nevada
Apr. 16-21 ... Philadelphia Book Festival – Pennsylvania
Apr. 19-21 ... Las Vegas Writers Conference – Sam's Town Hotel and Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada
Apr. 20-22 ... Missouri Writers Guild Conference – Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center of St. Louis
Apr. 20-21 ... Kentucky Writers Conference and Southern Kentucky Bookfest – Bowling Green
Apr. 21 ... Alabama Book Festival – Montgomery
Apr. 21-22 ... Pikes Peak Writers Conference – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Apr. 25-25 ... Mystery Writers of America Edgar Awards & Symposium – Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York
Apr. 26-28 ... American Society of Journalists and Authors 41st Annual Writers Conference for nonfiction writers – New York City, New York
Apr. 28 ... Unicorn Writers Conference – Portland, Connecticut

MAY:
May 3-5 ... The Oklahoma Writers Federation Story Weavers Conference – Oklahoma City
May 5 ... Ontario Writers Conference – Garden Hilton Hotel, Ajax, Ontario, Canada
May 4-6 ... Tallahassee Book Festival and Writers Conference – Florida
May 11-13 ... Algonkian Writers Conference – San Francisco, California
May 18-20 ... SC Book Festival – Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center – South Carolina
May 24-26 ... Backspace Writers Conference – New York City, New York
May 24-27 ... CrimeFest – Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel in Bristol, UK

JUNE:
June 1-3 ... Bloody Words XII, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
June 1-3 ... Wyoming Writers Conference – Casper, Wyoming
June 8-12 ... Kachemak Bay Writers Conference – Lands End Resort – Homer, Alaska
June 9-14 ... Santa Barbara Writers Conference – Santa Barbara, California
June 12-16 ... Western Writers of America Convention – Albuquerque, New Mexico
June 22-24 ... Writers League of Texas Agents Conference – Hyatt Regency – Austin, Texas
June 25- 28 ... Romance Writers of America Annual Conference – Anaheim, California
June 28-30 ... Jackson Hole Writers Conference – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Special Announcement

2012-01-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to jumpstart the new year with a sale to go with all of those new eReaders.

For a limited time, my short stories regularly priced at $1.99 will be on sale for only 99 cents. The ones I'm offering free of charge will remain that way.

Since I write in several genres, hopefully, you will find something of interest to read.

New Perspective, New Goals

2012-01-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

To be on the safe side, I'm having black-eyed peas, and later, a thin slice of chocolate cake today. Lucky Foods for the New Year :)

At the start of 2011, I said I would:
—have no less than six titles available by December.
—use CreateSpace to turn my ebooks into paperbacks.
—learn how to snorkel.
—pan for gold out West, just for fun.
—find something good to say about rainy days.
—reclaim the little things in life that used to make me smile [being awakened by songbirds, sunny days, starry nights, hiking, boating, the sound of waves lapping against the hull or the shore, the smell of fresh-baked bread, the smell of fresh-cut grass, wind rustling autumn leaves….]

By year's end:
I had more than six titles available by December.
Never got around to using CreateSpace.
Never learned how to snorkel (too many jellyfish!).
Didn't pan for gold out West.
Closed the blinds so I couldn't see rainy days.
Reclaimed all of the little things in life that used to make me smile.

2012
I've prepared a list of everything I'd like to accomplish this year. Instead of posting the whole thing now, then spending all year worrying whether or not I can meet my goals, I'll just post a few every month.

Mostly, I will:
—write.
—experiment (book prices, genres, sales venues).
—send books to reviewers.
—request to have a book listed on promotional sites.
—have bookmarks and business cards printed to hand out wherever I go.
—promote new releases of indie authors.
—try something different every month: outdoor adventure, food, etc.

Here's to better days and happier tomorrows. Cheers!

New Release

2011-12-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

My last title for 2011, A SIMPLE PLAN, has gone live on Smashwords.

And it's Free!

Prelude to KILLING SUMMER, a gritty tale where one partner in crime concocts a plan to extricate himself from murder. Inspired by a true story.
_______________

On a hot night in July a teenaged girl named Summer is murdered. She'll be found one month later by two roofers, her lifeless eyes staring at the moldy interior of a rundown tool shed. The men responsible for her being there are two unlikely partners in crime, each with something to prove. One is the cowardly son of a decorated police officer. The other is a bully with a violent history. High on drugs and alcohol, neither knows who dealt the deathblow. Fearing a confrontation, one of them agrees to pay the other for his vow of silence. But as time goes by, a hard life takes its toll on him. In order to put an end to the blackmail he'd have to take a risk. A risk that could easily backfire. Driven by hate and anger, he writes an anonymous letter to the sheriff recounting that killing summer. Ten years, two trials and numerous secrets ensue after both men are arrested and charged with murder.

KILLING SUMMER is a stand-alone mystery novel.

New Release

2011-12-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

I'm temporarily back from hiatus because...

BAD MOJO has gone live on Smashwords.

And it's Free!

Prelude to SERIAL QUILLER, a spooky tale of voodoo magic, murder, and make-believe.
________________

Moved by the success of her debut novel, twenty-six-year-old BJ Donovan of New Orleans, Louisiana, can't handle the thoughts of being a one-hit wonder and never feeling special ever again. Using her position as the executive chef and owner of a popular restaurant in the French Quarter to blend in with the community, she embarks on a killing spree, with the aid of voodoo magic, and uses details of the murders to help sustain her best-seller status with a planned thriller series. While the body count rises – from her brother's girlfriend, found mutilated at an abandoned farmhouse, to an undercover cop murdered in a dark alley on the riverside – BJ tries to remain above suspicion as she continues to write the wrongs in her world.
________________

I'll be back on January 2.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sail Away – On Hiatus

2011-12-19T15:39:00.001-08:00

Year End Review

2011-12-18T09:20:00.000-08:00

Looking Backward:

January: We tried to prepare the RV for travel, but one snowstorm after another hit the Midwest. I'm anxious to get on the road. Meet new people. Discover new places. Perhaps pitch my stories along the way, while soaking up inspiration for many more.

February: Packed and ready to go. A big storm moved in. Snowplows came through and blocked the end of the driveway with a three-foot high wall. Whiteout conditions.

March: (1) Finally on the road! Traveling all across the US, exploring the country one state at a time. It's going to be a great adventure. I'm especially enjoying not having to shovel the driveway anymore. (2) SMOKE ON THE WATER made the Ten Most Popular Frugal Finds list on The Frugal eReader.

April: (1) Completed and uploaded FIRE FLICKS. (2) I've been on the road for around six weeks. I really love this lifestyle. The ordinary life is not for me. (3) We spent Easter bike riding in the warm sunshine on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Peddled right on in to the next town. Stopped to rest on a bench along the shoreline. I found a rubber fishing lure with a deadly three-pronged hook. While looking for a safe place to put the lure a seagull spotted it. Nose-dived toward my hand. Seconds later, several gulls arrived. They must've thought it was a real fish. We tried to hide the lure in the tall grass but the gulls were watching. We ended up walking all over the area until we found a trashcan ... with a lid! I wish anglers would be more careful.

May: (1) Researched Corpus Christi, Texas for the sequel to SERIAL QUILLER. (2) I decided to use a couple of slices of bread to find out what kinds of fish are lurking beneath a nearby pier. I pitched a piece of bread to the water. A seagull swooped in so fast the bread never hit the water. I ignored him and tried to feed the fish. Within seconds, I heard the incessant yackhammer squawk of many seagulls. I went ahead and threw handfuls of bread up in the air for them to catch. A blue heron flew down to the pier. I was out of bread now. The gulls seemed to realize the party was over. They lined up across the railing on one side of the pier. Suddenly, the heron jumped down off the railing and landed in the middle of the walkway. He honked once at the gulls. No kiddin'. I'm sure it was some sort of a quack, but it came out like a honk. Some of the gulls took off. The heron strutted his stuff along the walkway toward the shoreline, looking back at me every once in a while. Eventually, he grew bored with his little game and flew away. I never did find out what kinds of fish are lurking below the pier. Maybe the heron was trying to warn me that I was better off not knowing.

June: On a particularly lazy, hazy day – the kind where you might find yourself whistling Linda Ronstadt's Blue Bayou while walking barefoot in the sand – we slowly peddled our Schwinns back to the RV after a nice outing. I happened to look at the side of the road in time to see a baby tarantula emerging from under a pile of leaves. It was on the move. I steered around it, rushed home (RV) to shut all of the windows. Tarantulas are carnivores, y'know. I didn't just shut them I locked them, as well. I was sure it was still out there. Close by. Lurking in the shadow of a fallen leaf or limb. Just waiting for me to kick off my sneakers before I go walking in the sand. Will I hear his little toes scratch the canvas when he climbs inside one of my shoes? If I peer over my shoulder will I find him burrowing underground like the Graboid in the movie, Tremors? Do I holler STAMPEDE? Send out a distress signal? Or kick back and enjoy a cocktail called The Blue Bayou, and let the spider go wherever it wants to find a new home?

July: (1) Finished and uploaded ASHES OF VENGEANCE, the last book in the Hellfire Trilogy. (2) A bad storm was headed our way. We decided to stroll across the pier while we still had the chance. Two dark fins broke the surface of the water. Sharks? We hurried across the wooden planks swinging our heads shoulder to shoulder, not sure which direction to focus our attention. Three others went under the pier and came out on the opposite side. We were finally close enough to see them. Dolphins! No more than forty feet from the shore. What a magnificent sight. I'd never seen them in the wild. I couldn't stop smiling for the longest time.

August: (1) Up until now, I've only had my titles for sale on Amazon. This month I also made them available on Smashwords, Apple, Diesel, Sony, Kobo and Nook. It's taking quite a while, though, for most of these eRetailers to upload them to their site. (2) An amazing thing happened one afternoon. I was able to rescue a bird, similar to a seagull, that had a three-pronged fishing lure stuck in its neck. I held the bird with both hands until someone from the Parks and Wildlife Service arrived. I've always been a champion of the underdog, which made it easy for me to fight for the life of the bird like I did. What surprises me, though, is how easily I wrapped my bare hands around it without being scared or squeamish, even after it bit my hand hard enough to make a bruise. Three hours later I sold two books. Thanks, little bird. :)

September: Wrote and uploaded three short stories to all venues: BONNIE PARKER SMILE, NIGHT OF THE DARK, and SHRINKING VIOLETTE.

October: Wrote and uploaded GAR, a short story.

November: Completed and uploaded KILLING SUMMER, a mystery novel that was "inspired by" a true crime. I researched this story a couple of years ago with the intention of writing a nonfiction story. (2) I wanted to have eleven titles for sale by the eleventh day of this eleventh month. I planned to finish four short stories, already works-in-progress, in order to reach my goal. This novel got in the way.

December: (1) I'm still on the road. Have met a lot of interesting people. I love being one of over a million RVer's rolling across America. (2) Wrote and uploaded STAY WITH ME and A BURNING DESIRE. (3) Made a rough draft of my RVing adventures. I'm either going to submit individual nonfiction short stories to travel magazines, or I'm making a collection and putting it online.

My thoughts on self-publishing:

December 2010 – After twelve long and miserable years of querying agents and small press publishers, I shut it all down. Put my first novel on Amazon in October, and the second one in November.
December 2011 – I put up nine titles this year. I am very happy I did what was best for me. I'll never regret choosing to become an indie author. It has changed my life. Instead of spending, er, wasting time sending out queries I've gotten quite a bit of writing done. I've also had a lot of fun making my own book covers. So. If I hadn't taken the initiative and moved forward I'd still be checking mail for a response to my query letters. Many of those responses were never even sent out. Had I ever found representation, though, I'd have to wait at least eighteen months just for ONE title to be released. I'm guessing it would take almost twenty years to put eleven titles out there. Why would I want to go through that? Other writers have found great success in ebooks. Who's to say I can't?

Thank you, to everyone who reads this blog. Thank you, to everyone who bought one or more of my stories. Thank you, to everyone who offered words of encouragement.

Looking Forward:

I have several new and exciting projects lined up for 2012. I'll tell you all about them in January. In the meantime, I am (finally) taking the rest of the month off. Going bike riding and sightseeing, and thoroughly enjoy not having to shovel the driveway. Cheers!

New Book Releases For December

2011-12-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

1222 by Anne Holt
EGYPT By Nick Drake
FREEZING by Clea Koff
DARK MEN by Derek Haas
MR. KILL by Martin Limón
D.C. DEAD by Stuart Woods
THE LEOPARD by Jo Nesbo
TRIPLE SHOT by Sandra Balzo
THE LONER by Quintin Jardine
RED MIST by Patricia Cornwell

SILENCE by Jan Costin Wagner, RAN AWAY by Barbara Hambly
GETTING LUCKY by D.C. Brod, THREADBARE by Monica Ferris, STORM DAMAGE by Ed Kovacs
DEATH BENEFIT by Robin Cook, SOFT TARGET by Stephen Hunter, EL GAVILAN by Craig McDonald
THE SILENCE by J. Sydney Jones, VIGILANTE by Stephen J. Cannell, MURDER SEASON by Robert Ellis
THE INNOCENT by Taylor Stevens, A FATAL THAW by Dana Stabenow, THE IMMORTALISTS by Kyle Mills
FOUL PLAY AT FOUR by Ann Purser, SLASH AND BURN by Colin Cotterill, FATHER UNKNOWN by Fay Sampson
THE COLD ROOM by Robert Knightly, 77 SHADOW STREET by Dean Koontz, DANGER IN THE WIND by Jane Finnis
THE VILLA OF DEATH by Joanna Challis, HURT MACHINE by Reed Farrel Coleman, A PERILOUS CONCEPTION by Larry Karp
THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR by Raymond Khoury, A BESPOKE MURDER by Edward Marston, DOWN THE DARKEST ROAD by Tami Hoag
MURDER IN ABBOT'S FOLLY by Amy Myers, COLLATERAL DAMAGE by H. Terrell Griffin, ASSUME NOTHING by Gar Anthony Haywood
MURDER IN MOUNT HOLLY by Paul Theroux, DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY by P.D. James, DEATH AT THE WEDDING FEAST by Deryn Lake
THE TALK SHOW MURDERS by Al Roker with Dick Lochte, DARK REVELATIONS by Anthony E. Zuiker/Duane Swierczynski, THE FORGOTTEN AFFAIRS OF YOUTH by Alexander McCall Smith

New Release

2011-12-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

A BURNING DESIRE has gone live on Smashwords.

And it's Free!

Prelude to the Hellfire Trilogy, three interwoven tales of love, murder, and lies.
________________

When the thriving 150-year-old sawmill owned by the ironfisted Rhone clan shuts down after the mysterious demise of the last male heir, the now unemployed residents of Point Jove, Missouri do not want to hear about it; they have problems of their own. Thirty-six years later, they regret that decision as old rumors about the Rhones resurface.

And so it begins.

The Hellfire Trilogy mystery novels:
Book One – SMOKE ON THE WATER – A sheriff tracks a psychopath targeting members of a retired mariner's family.
Book Two – FIRE FLICKS – A reporter furthers his budding career as a crime scene photographer by filming new construction being set ablaze by his older brother, who has a dark secret of his own.
Book Three – ASHES OF VENGEANCE – A deadly game of geocaching leads authorities on a wild goose chase that ends with a murdered kidnapper and a missing victim.

Coming Soon

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have decided not to offer SMOKE ON THE WATER free of charge. Too much time and effort went into writing the story that became the first book in the Hellfire Trilogy. Perceived value is very important to me.

As an alternative, I am writing A BURNING DESIRE: A prelude to the Hellfire Trilogy mystery novels.

I have also decided not to ring in the new year with something new but to end this year on a positive note.

Available by 12/15/11

What's Happening

2011-12-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

November was filled with more downs than ups. Happy to say, my life is back on track.

I am offering my new paranormal romance short story, STAY WITH ME, free of charge for a limited time on Smashwords to use it as a billboard of sorts to give readers a sample of my writing and to advertise my other titles. I am thrilled with the number of downloads it's gotten so far. I'm also excited to see there is an uptick of interest in my work (on other venues through Smashwords).

Hopefully, the Amazon and Barnes&Noble bots will discover this and make STAY WITH ME free on Kindle and Nook.

SMOKE ON THE WATER, Book One in the Hellfire Trilogy, is near and dear to my heart. I'm considering offering this novel free of charge for something special to ring in the new year. Smoke is not an unfinished story with a cliffhanger ending or a few loose ends. No one has to buy Books Two and Three to find out what happens next or how the story ends. Smoke is a stand-alone mystery novel.

On the other hand, if they want to know what happens next or how the Hellfire Trilogy ends, then yes, they'll have to buy FIRE FLICKS and ASHES OF VENGEANCE. These stories are not stand-alones; they are wholly dependent on Smoke.

I am taking a short break from writing to get out and enjoy the scenery. It's been a while since I've gone bike riding. It's been even longer since I sang in the sunshine and laughed every day.

The Plot Thickens

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

New Release

2011-12-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

My paranormal romance short story, STAY WITH ME, is now available. And it's free on Smashwords and Apple for a limited time.

In STAY WITH ME, a senseless act of murder unites two lonelyhearts.

Following the untimely death of his parents, Daniel, a teenage outcast, reluctantly moves into his uncle's home in the country where he's left feeling even more friendless and isolated. He discovers a lonely girl is haunting the old mansion when he sees her standing at the outside entrance to the cellar. Her name is Lizze, she tells him, and this is where she stood the night she was murdered in 1897 on her seventeenth birthday. Daniel's great grandfather shot her because he had reason to believe his wife was about to find out he'd been having an affair with her servant. Lizze's body was hidden in the cellar and then forgotten. Daniel and Lizze become fast friends. By year's end they are deeply in love. When he turns eighteen, his uncle orders him to go out and seek his own fortune. Torn between two worlds, a foiled robbery attempt changes Daniel's life forever.

Coming Soon

2011-12-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

My new paranormal romance short story will soon be available.

STAY WITH ME: A senseless act of murder unites two lonelyhearts.

This story has a little bit of everything.

Ghost. Mystery. 1897. Arson. Robbery. Sad Boy. Strict Relatives. Four Generations. Smokehouse. Mansion. Murder. Present Day. Romance. Lonely Girl. Death. Cedar Glades. Happy Ending.

Available around 12/20/11

An Apple A Day :)

2011-11-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that all of my stories have gone live on Apple iTunes.

Short Stories:
GAR (horror) Payback Bites
NIGHT OF THE DARK (horror) It Waits
SHRINKING VIOLETTE (sci-fi horror) Plotting To Murder
BONNIE PARKER SMILE (supernatural crime) Living Out A Fantasy

Novels:
KILLING SUMMER (mystery) Money To Quiet Informer
SERIAL QUILLER (psychological thriller) Sex and Voodoo

The Hellfire Trilogy (mystery):
SMOKE ON THE WATER -- Abandonment Leads To Captivity
FIRE FLICKS -- Trust Leads To Betrayal
ASHES OF VENGEANCE -- Double-cross Leads To Payback

New Book Releases For November

2011-11-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

DIE HAPPY by J.M. Gregson
COFFIN MAN by James D. Doss
FACING JUSTICE by Nick Oldham
FEVER DREAM by Dennis Palumbo
DEAD MAN'S GRIP by Peter James
A BURIAL AT SEA by Charles Finch
DEED OF MURDER by Cora Harrison
HERALD OF DEATH by Kate Kingsbury
THE BETRAYAL OF TRUST by Susan Hill
THE CUCKOO'S CHILD by Marjorie Eccles

DEAD LAST by James W. Hall .. ZERO DAY by David Baldacci
A DARK AND LONELY PLACE by Edna Buchanan .. HELL by Hilary Norman
SWIFT EDGE by Laura DiSilverio .. OUR MAN IN THE DARK by Rashad Harrison
THE BARBARY DOGS by Cynthia Robinson .. SCOTCH MIST by Elizabeth Darrell
THE HOUSE OF SILK by Anthony Horowitz .. BLINK OF AN EYE by William S. Cohen
A CORPSE'S NIGHTMARE by Phillip DePoy .. THE HOUR OF THE JACKAL by Bernhard Jaumann
THE TEMPLE MOUNT CODE by Charles Brokaw .. THE CEMETERY OF PRAGUE by Umberto Eco

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Books To Nook

2011-11-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that all of my stories have gone live on the Barnes & Noble Nook.

Short Stories:
GAR [horror] Payback Bites
NIGHT OF THE DARK [horror] It Waits
SHRINKING VIOLETTE [sci-fi horror] Plotting To Murder
BONNIE PARKER SMILE [supernatural crime] Living Out A Fantasy

Novels:
KILLING SUMMER [mystery] Money To Quiet Informer
SERIAL QUILLER [psychological thriller] Sex and Voodoo

The Hellfire Trilogy [mystery]:
SMOKE ON THE WATER -- Abandonment Leads To Captivity
FIRE FLICKS -- Trust Leads To Betrayal
ASHES OF VENGEANCE -- Double-cross Leads To Payback

Back To Work

2011-11-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

I awoke this morning with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and determination.

I have three short stories to complete. I'll take a break now and then for blog posts. Other than that, I'm spending the holidays writing. I believe the more titles I put up the more attention I'll bring to my earlier work.

Also, I've decided to give Twitter and Facebook a chance. :)

What's Happening

2011-11-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

I uploaded all of my stories to Barnes and Noble. They should be available in a couple of days. I used to have them available on Nook through Smashwords. But I noticed that if I made any changes to the cover, text, or price it took quite a while for it to be re-uploaded. I opted out of distribution on Smashwords, and went directly to B&N simply because I wanted more control over my content.

I have three short stories I'd like to finish before the end of the year. Not sure if I'll get them done, though. Other areas of my life are taking priority over my book stuff.

Everyone says I need to sign up for Facebook. It's kind of hard for me to do that, though. I'm a people-person. The meet, greet, and seat type. I prefer to talk with someone face-to-face, not on a screen. I've also been advised I should become more active on Twitter. Why? It's like being the only one in a chat room. Until someone responds. And some of the people responding are more than a bit strange.

Since I live on the road, talking with people face-to-face isn't as easy as it sounds. Or I should say, talking with potential readers isn't that easy. Many of the travelers I meet don't have eReaders. For those of you who don't know, my home is an RV. I'm traveling across America, exploring the country one state at a time.

By the end of December, I hope to have a better handle on my writing career. I'm no longer a member of any major organizations such as Mystery Writers of America, so advice, support, and even camaraderie are out of reach.

I joined Goodreads, but I'm still trying to find my way around in there. The setup is a bit confusing. I'm hoping to connect with the readers and other writers in there. Sometimes, the writing world can be a lonely place.

Serial Quiller

2011-11-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

My psychological thriller novel has a new look.

In SERIAL QUILLER, a crime writer embarks on a killing spree to help sustain her best-seller status.

Synopsis:
Moved by the success of her debut novel, twenty-six-year-old BJ Donovan of New Orleans, Louisiana, can't handle the thoughts of being a one-hit wonder and never feeling special ever again. Using her position as the executive chef and owner of a popular restaurant in the French Quarter to blend in with the community, she embarks on a killing spree, with the aid of voodoo magic, and uses details of the murders to help sustain her best-seller status with a planned thriller series. While the body count rises—from her brother's girlfriend, found mutilated at an abandoned farmhouse, to an undercover cop murdered in a dark alley on the riverside—BJ tries to remain above suspicion as she continues to write the wrongs in her world.

Serial Quiller, she'll put a spell on you.

Taking Time Off

2011-11-17T06:42:00.001-08:00

The Plot Thickens

2011-11-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

November Coffee Break

2011-11-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to have eleven titles for sale by the eleventh day of this eleventh month. I'd already written the first draft of four short stories. In order to reach my goal, I planned to set aside the mystery novel I was working on and finish the shorts. I finished one of them. GAR. Made it available. Afterward, I couldn't get interested in the other three stories because I couldn't stop thinking about the novel, KILLING SUMMER.

KILLING SUMMER was inspired by a true crime. In 2004 I was in the city where the crime took place. I decided to write about it, my first attempt at nonfiction. While researching the facts I learned some of the family members lived in the area. I learned I might have to intrude on their privacy and ask permission to write the story. I set it aside. Six or seven months later, I changed all of the pertinent details, and rewrote the story as a work of fiction.

I'm finishing those three short stories. In January, I'm trying something completely different.

Thank You. For Everything.

2011-11-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

Killing Summer Now Available

2011-11-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

My mystery novel, KILLING SUMMER, is now available.

Blackmailed for murder, unable to prove his innocence, a man involves a rural sheriff in his plan for revenge.

Synopsis:
On a hot night in July a teenaged girl named Summer is murdered. She'll be found one month later by two roofers, her lifeless eyes staring at the moldy interior of a rundown tool shed. The men responsible for her being there are two unlikely partners in crime, each with something to prove. One is the cowardly son of a decorated police officer. The other is a bully with a violent history.

High on drugs and alcohol, neither knows who dealt the deathblow. Fearing a confrontation, one of them agrees to pay the other for his vow of silence. But as time goes by, a hard life takes its toll on him. In order to put an end to the blackmail he'd have to take a risk. A risk that could easily backfire. Driven by hate and anger, he writes an anonymous letter to the sheriff recounting that killing summer.

Ten years, two trials and numerous secrets ensue after both men are arrested and charged with kidnapping, rape, and murder.
_________________
Featuring Sheriff Josh Wolfe of the Hellfire Trilogy
READ CHAPTER ONE

New Cover For Shrinking Violette

2011-10-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

My short story has a fresh new look. I'm really happy with it. It's easy to imagine Leland standing before this window admiring his Garden of Evil, er, Eden.

SHRINKING VIOLETTE: Leland Gardner literally puts heart and soul into his flower garden.

SciFi Horror for only 99 cents

New Book Releases for October

2011-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

DARKNESS ALL AROUND by Doug Magee
WITH MY LITTLE EYE by Gerald Hammond
THE NIGHT STRANGERS by Chris Bohjalian
THE NIGHT ETERNAL by Guillermo Del Toro
THE CHALICE OF BLOOD by Peter Tremayne
THE GRAVEDIGGER'S BALL by Solomon Jones
THE SANDBURG CONNECTION by Mark de Castrique
The STRANGE DEATH OF FATHER CANDY by Les Roberts
BURNED by Thomas Enger .. HEADSTONE by Ken Bruen
BALLISTIC by Mark Greaney .. CELL 8 by Roslund-Hellstrom

A NICE PLACE TO DIE by Jane McLoughlin .. THE DARK AT THE END by F. Paul Wilson
COVENANT by Dean Crawford .. DEEP COVER by Peter Turnbull .. STOLEN SOULS by Stuart Neville
DOUBLE DEXTER by Jeff Lindsay .. LONDON CALLING by James Craig .. A KILLER'S ESSENCE by Dave Zeltserman

Gar Now Available

2011-10-16T11:27:00.001-07:00

My short story, GAR, has gone live on Smashwords and Amazon.

A small group of amateur anglers learn payback bites when they try to get rid of a very large alligator gar before the start of a major fishing competition.

Horror – 99 cents

Change Of Plans

2011-10-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

I would like to have 11 titles for sale by 11/11/11. Writing a novel takes longer than short stories. To meet my goal, I'm setting aside my new mystery novel, KILLING SUMMER, to complete four shorts that are already works-in-progress. Two are horror stories, one is a paranormal romance, and one is science fiction. I get a kick out of Halloween. I'll put the horror stories on Smashwords and Amazon first.

There was a time when I only thought of myself as a mystery writer. Back in the day when I queried every agent under the sun I thought I had to make up my mind which genre I wanted to write in, then stick with it. I realized today, being an Independent Author has changed all of that. I now have the freedom to be whatever a story needs me to be.

Novel-In-Progress

2011-10-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mystery – Coming December 2011

I changed the setting for BACKLASH [working title] from Wichita, Kansas to my fictitious town of Point Jove, Missouri in order to feature Sheriff Josh Wolfe of the Hellfire Trilogy.

First Draft/Opening Scene:
Stripped down to their underwear and socks, the two men walked into the chilly, snake infested waters of White River swatting mosquitoes every step of the way. Moving slowly through a shallow, rocky area with only their head and shoulders above the surface, they stayed close to the bank using their hands to feel around under submerged boulders. A half a mile or so upstream from where they had slung the rest of their clothing over a tree branch, the man in the lead, twenty-four-year-old Kevin Rayland, took a deep breath, and dove under the water.

More than happy to play the role of spotter, Jasper Monroe kept a watchful eye out for game wardens.

Kevin shot up out of the water, gasping for air. Swiped a hand down his face. "Found one."

"Take it easy. Don't be stirring up any damn leeches." Jasper broke off a sturdy twig full of stiff brown leaves, stabbed the end in the ground above the hole to mark the spot. Piled rocks around the base for added support. "Let's get this over with."

Copyright Sharon A. Austin All Rights Reserved

Horror E-Books For Halloween

2011-10-09T06:11:00.001-07:00

RIPTIDE by Paul Levine
COLD FEET by Jess Butcher
THE WORDS by Douglas Clegg
VERMIN by Armand Rosamilia
RIVERWATCH by Joesph Nassise
A HAUNTING PAST by Heather Beck
SECOND COMING by Vincent Bivona
THE FINAL WINTER by Iain Rob Wright
A BOOK OF HORRORS by Stephen Jones
CEMETERY PSALMS by Danielle Bourdon
THE NIGHT KILLERS by Rebecca M. Senese

Spooky Movies For Halloween

2011-10-08T12:25:00.001-07:00

2000 ** THE CELL – RICKY 6 – BATTLE ROYALE – GINGER SNAPS
2001 ** JEEPERS CREEPERS – THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE – SESSION 9 – FRAILTY
2002 ** THE GRUDGE – THE RING – 28 DAYS LATER – DOG SOLDIERS
2003 ** OPEN WATER – DEAD END – WRONG TURN – JEEPERS CREEPERS 2
2004 ** SAW – THE ORDEAL – SHUTTER – DEAD BIRDS
2005 ** THE DESCENT – THE DEVIL'S REJECTS – BOO – WOLF CREEK
2006 ** TAXIDERMIA – THE HILLS HAVE EYES – THE HOST – SILENT HILL
2007 ** THE MIST – PARANORMAL ACTIVITY – VACANCY – TRICK 'R TREAT
2008 ** EDEN LAKE – LET THE RIGHT ONE IN – MARTYRS – SPLINTER
2009 ** DRAG ME TO HELL – THIRST – ZOMBIELAND – THE COLLECTOR
2010 ** THE CRAZIES – PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 – LET ME IN – MY SOUL TAKE
2011 ** THE RITE – INSIDIOUS – PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 – 11-11-11

Halloween Horror

2011-09-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Now Available!

My short story, NIGHT OF THE DARK, has gone live on Smashwords and Amazon.

On Halloween night, in the midst of a blackout, a subterranean creature wreaks havoc on a small Texas town.

A Night of Horror for Only 99 cents

New Book Releases For September

2011-09-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

TAG MAN by Archer Mayor http://archermayor.com/
PLUGGED by Eoin Colfer http://www.eoincolfer.com/
SANCTUS by Simon Toyne http://www.simontoyne.net/
FORBIDDEN by Ted Dekker http://www.teddekker.com/
TRACKERS by Deon Meyer http://www.deonmeyer.com/
THE QUEEN by Steven James http://www.stevenjames.net/
SON OF STONE by Stuart Woods
http://www.stuartwoods.com/
GOOD GRACES by Lesley Kagen
http://www.lesleykagen.com/

A MORTAL TERROR by James R. Benn http://www.jamesrbenn.com/
TRICK OF THE DARK by Val McDermid http://www.valmcdermid.com/
CHILDREN OF PARANOIA by Trevor Shane http://www.trevor-shane.com/
A KILLER'S ESSENCE by Dave Zeltserman http://www.davezeltserman.com/
THE BURNING SOUL by John Connolly http://www.johnconnollybooks.com/
THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR by Raymond Khoury http://www.raymondkhoury.com/home/
THE RACE by Clive Cussler & Justin Scott http://www.cusslermen.com/Wrecker.htm
GETTING OFF by Lawrence Block http://www.lawrenceblock.com/index_frameset.htm
TEMPORARY PERFECTIONS by Gianrico Carofiglio http://www.gianricocarofiglio.com/
THE VAULT by Ruth Rendell http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10890.Ruth_Rendell
HEAT RISES by Richard Castle http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1953433.Richard_Castle
L.A. MENTAL by Neil McMahon http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/256773.Neil_McMahon
THE STONEHENGE LEGACY by Sam Christer http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4288270.Sam_Christer
OPERATION NAPOLEON by Arnaldur Indridason
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47397.Arnaldur_Indri_ason

Novels Now Available On Nook

2011-09-17T06:07:00.001-07:00

I'm very pleased to announce that my novels — SMOKE ON THE WATER, FIRE FLICKS, ASHES OF VENGEANCE, and SERIAL QUILLER — are now available on Barnes & Noble Nook.

Click a book cover in the right column to read an excerpt or to visit my pages on the Barnes & Noble website.

My short stories — BONNIE PARKER SMILE, and SHRINKING VIOLETTE — will soon be available on Nook. Cheers!

New Cover For Serial Quiller

2011-09-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

The old cover is the home of my Quiller. I liked the look of a long-standing mansion and approaching storm just fine...until I saw the buildings on the new cover. With a little imagination there are a number of ways to make a rundown building, outhouse, and an overgrown yard much scarier than a well-maintained mansion with a manicured lawn. The new cover also goes a lot further in telling what this story is all about. And a big part of what the story is about is Wentzel farm. [excerpt in right column]

Quite a bit of research went into the making of SERIAL QUILLER to ensure that the novel was accurate. The title came to me out of nowhere. About to join a writers forum, I wanted a clever opening line to introduce myself. The first thing that popped into my head was: "Hi, my name is Sharon, I am a serial quiller." [I was writing the Hellfire series.] I skipped the forum. Did an online search for books titled 'Serial Quiller'. To my delight there were none. Minutes later, I had a story idea. The rest you know.

This story has everything. New Orleans. Swampland. Mystery. Madness. Murder. Voodoo. Kidnapping. Detectives. Chefs. Restaurants. Suspense. Horror. Sadness. Anger. Humor. A little Romance. Love and Hate. Locusts and Honey. If you haven't read it, I hope you will. If you have read it, I hope you were entertained.

Remembering September 11, 2001

2011-09-10T16:35:00.001-07:00

Shrinking Violette Now Available

2011-09-09T05:42:00.000-07:00

My short story, SHRINKING VIOLETTE, has gone live on Amazon and Smashwords.

SciFi Horror - Only 99 cents

Synopsis:
Leland Gardner desperately wants to break the ties that bind him to a desk chair in an accounting firm where his ideas are stolen and unrewarded hard work added to the stress. While writing his own how-to book on gardening he learned there are many superstitions and omens associated with plants. In addition, he learned good fortune would smile on him if he heeds these warnings and only grows and sells certain plants. To ensure prosperity while setting himself apart from other florists he invents a machine that turns natural ingredients into an extraordinary green liquid fertilizer. He intends to apply for a patent, and sell this fertilizer in his newly purchased flower shop. When a mouse falls into the machine the formula is dramatically transformed. In order to recreate this magical product that guarantees maximum growth potential along with brilliant flowers he'd have to add two more ingredients. Blood and bones. But, how and where would he get them? His nosy neighbor and tormenter, Violette Breen, gives him a few ideas.

Copyright 2011 Sharon A. Austin All Rights Reserved

Bonnie Parker Smile Now Available

2011-09-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

My short story, BONNIE PARKER SMILE, has gone live on Amazon and Smashwords.

Supernatural Crime - Only 99 cents

Synopsis:
After getting fired for stealing the cash box, Martin Gibber, a lazy hand at a dairy farm, turns to highway robbery. He starts by targeting vacationers traveling in recreational vehicles on Route 66 in Missouri. Accosting tourists parked alongside the highway, he discovers grand larceny is far more rewarding than petty theft. Making believe he is Clyde Barrow he envisions Miss Bonnie Parker, her blonde hair caressing her cheek in soft arcs from the open windows of his imaginary 1934 Ford sedan. In order to take her heart and smile away from Clyde, Martin must hone his skills to prove he's a better gangster and loverboy. Little does he know, while he's living out a fantasy while eking out a living, someone else has begun stalking the historic highway.

Copyright 2011 Sharon A. Austin All Rights Reserved

August Coffee Break

2011-08-30T22:29:00.001-07:00

I've decided to put two novels on the back burner for a while. The first draft of the untitled Wichita story is completed, and SERIAL QUILLER 2 has a basic outline. I'm setting them aside to concentrate on some of the projects I had planned to do next year.

The first is a couple of short stories I'd like to release before Halloween. Next, I'm writing a YA paranormal romance novella that has a colorful cast of characters.

New Fall Look For Trilogy

2011-08-26T17:58:00.001-07:00

It may still be hotter'n forty hells out there but fall is just around the corner. So I've given the Hellfire Trilogy a new look. SMOKE ON THE WATER begins in the fall. The photo was taken in the fall. I think the covers represent the trilogy better than the previous ones. The new covers also look a little "hellfireish". Don't you think?

Of course, if you haven't seen the old covers, this is a moot point. [smile]

The trilogy is one story. You can read sample chapters for free. Click a book cover, then go to Amazon or Smashwords. The books will soon be available on Nook, Sony, Kobo, and Apple. I love this story. I hope you will, too.

On The Road!

2011-08-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

New Book Releases For August

2011-08-17T16:37:00.001-07:00

LIQUID SMOKE by Jeff Shelby
http://jeffshelby.com/
WYATT by Garry Disher
http://www.garrydisher.com/
THE SIXES by Kate White
http://katewhite.com/content/
DARK TANGOS by Lewis Shiner
http://www.lewisshiner.com/
LOUISE'S WAR by Sarah R. Shaber
http://www.sarahrshaber.com/

THE KILLER IS DYING by James Sallis http://www.jamessallis.com/
THE LANTERN by Deborah Lawrenson http://www.deborah-lawrenson.co.uk/
ICE STATION by Peter Tonkin http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/peter-tonkin/
RIP TIDE by Stella Rimington http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/stella-rimington/
SEASON OF DARKNESS by Maureen Jennings http://www.maureenjennings.com/
DON'T CRY TAI LAKE by Qiu Xiaolong http://www.qiuxiaolong.com/index2.html
THE DEATH FACTORY by Joe Domenici http://www.texaswriterjoe.com/about.html
NORTHWEST ANGLE by William Kent Krueger http://www.williamkentkrueger.com/
THE BRINK OF FAME by Irene Fleming http://www.historicalnovels.info/Irene-Fleming.html
WHERE THE SHADOWS LIE by Michael Ridpath http://www.michaelridpath.com/index.html
MURDER, MAJORCAN STYLE by Roderic Jeffries http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/roderic-jeffries/
THE MAGDALENA CURSE by F.G. Cottam http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/974195.F_G_Cottam

Happy Birthday To Me

2011-08-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

Novel Distribution Announcement

2011-08-13T05:57:00.001-07:00

My novels are available worldwide now on Smashwords. [linked in right column]

Through Smashwords the novels will soon be available on Nook, Sony, Kobo, Apple, Diesel, and Scrollmotion.

I'll post when the books go live on these eReaders.

Cheers

The Making Of The Hellfire Trilogy

2011-08-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

* The trilogy is one continuous story with several subplots. About 440 single-spaced pages. About 200,000 words.
* Smoke on the Water was intended to be a stand-alone mystery novel that was inspired by actual events.
* I loved the characters so much I planned to write six to eight more books, and call it the Point Jove series.
* The first book was originally titled The Cabin. A quick search at the local library revealed 26 titles containing the word Cabin.
* I went through a dozen titles before going with Smoke on the Water.
* A TV docudrama about an arsonist inspired Fire Flicks. The title spawned the trilogy, ending the idea of an ongoing series.
* The title Ashes of Vengeance came from a 1920's movie.
* SOTW is a stand-alone. FF and AOV are not.
* Point Jove, Missouri is a fictitious place.
* Point Jove, Talon Ridge, Eagle Daze: Bird of Jove. Bird of prey. My antagonist.
* I can't say who the antagonist was modeled after without revealing the identity of the antagonist.
* Preston and Julie Terrace were named after the characters portrayed by Henry Fonda and Bette Davis in the movie Jezebel.
* Sheriff Joshua Wolfe could be the actor Sam Elliot at age 53.
* Paige Cole-Denham is someone close to me [but not me].
* Realtor Willard Wiley is a lot like the character Deputy Barney Fife.
* When I worked in retail I met a creepy, unsmiling, elderly couple named Drama and Dru [their names were on the personal check used to pay for their merchandise].
* The church in the movie Jeepers Creepers inspired the description of the church in Ashes of Vengeance.
* Degotoga is a Cherokee word that means, "standing together".
* The colors Gray, Red, and Black [smoke, fire, ash?] were accidentally used throughout the trilogy. I didn't catch it until the final readings.
* I am one of the characters in the trilogy. I'll never say which one.
* Peridot Past: Peridot is my birthstone.
* I used to have an English springer spaniel. Someone poisoned him. His memory lives on with this trilogy.

An Amazing Thing Happened Today

2011-08-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

I was able to rescue a large bird with a three-pronged fishing lure stuck in its neck.

I'm not telling you this story to brag. I'm simply sharing a side of me I never knew existed.

While bike riding this morning, I passed by a bird standing still in the parking lot of a convenience store across from the beach. It was the size of a seagull. Brown, not white and black. I noticed it didn't fly off even when I was less than four feet away. Near its beak something bright yellow glinted in the sunlight. I thought the bird was eating an odd type of fish. The bird squatted so low to the ground I couldn't see the yellow thing anymore. It hit me that the bird was in trouble. I parked the bike. Dashed into the store, and told the first person I saw. The man stopped what he was doing and followed me outside. There was a short section of fishing line attached to a lure and one of the hooks was attached to the bird. The man surmised someone caught the bird while casting out, merely cut the line and left it to fend for itself.

The bird inched its way toward the highway. The man stepped on the line to keep it from darting out into the traffic or from trying to fly off. He told me to cover its eyes with my hand. I did. He examined the hook. Said he couldn't find a way to remove it without further injuring the bird. He hurried inside to ask someone else to help me, then got in his car and sped away, leaving me kneeling on the ground holding the bird with both hands. Other people came and went. They couldn't miss seeing me. Some turned away. Others flashed a sympathetic smile. "I need help, dammit!" I shouted, angrily. An employee came out and told me The Parks and Wildlife Service had been called.

Minutes later, a woman and a man pulled up in a van. She said she's a bird rescuer. They examined the bird while I continued holding onto it. The man tried to cut the barbed tip off the hook. Broke the handle of the tinsnips instead. The woman said it would be easier if they took the bird home with them. I didn't trust her. I had a sudden flashback to the time when I was forced to take my dog to a shelter because we were moving to an apartment complex that didn't allow pets. Heartbroken, I tried to come up with a plan to smuggle my dog into the apartment. I returned to the shelter a couple of hours later to find they had euthanized him not long after I'd taken him there. I couldn't help but think the same fate awaited the defenseless bird. She said they would remove the hook and return the bird to the wild. Reluctantly, I placed it in her care.

Two things amazed me. One: The bird stopped trying to get away from me, as if it finally understood I wasn't there to harm it. Two: My role in all of this. I love birds and animals. So I wasn't surprised that I didn't look the other way or find a way to quickly put the creature out of its misery. I was surprised, however, that I wrapped my bare hands around it without being scared or squeamish, even after it bit my hand hard enough to make a bruise. It's true when they say you'll never know how you'll act in a situation until you're confronted with it. I've always been a champion of the underdog, which made it easy for me to fight for the life of the bird like I did. It's also why it's easy for me to curse the person for hurting the bird in the first place, and for not taking responsibility for their actions. Cutting the line and leaving the bird to die shows a blatant disregard for life.

I didn't think to ask the woman what kind of bird it is. The photo is a close likeness. I also didn't ask her when and where she would return it to the wild. Hard as it is, I need to have a little faith.

The Hellfire Trilogy

2011-08-05T12:20:00.001-07:00

My mystery series has gone live on Smashwords. The novels are available globally on most eReaders. [Linked in Read An Excerpt]

In SMOKE ON THE WATER, a sheriff tracks a psychopath targeting members of a retired mariner's family.

In FIRE FLICKS, a reporter furthers his budding career as a crime scene photographer by filming new construction being set ablaze by his older brother, who has a dark secret of his own.

In ASHES OF VENGEANCE, a deadly game of geocaching goes awry when hidden clues to the whereabouts of a kidnapped victim are swept away in a flash flood.

Serial Quiller

2011-08-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

It's official--

SERIAL QUILLER has gone live on Smashwords, and is available globally on most eReaders. [Linked in Read An Excerpt]

Cheers!

In SERIAL QUILLER, a crime writer embarks on a killing spree to help sustain her best-seller status.

Psychological Thriller

Tropical Storm Dud

2011-07-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

Don fizzled out as soon as it clashed with the hot dry air here in Texas. This was good for the cotton crop, and for me. I'm researching Corpus Christi for SERIAL QUILLER 2. A while back I planned to use St. Augustine, Florida for my setting, in particular, the haunted lighthouse. I haven't made it there, yet. And Corpus is every bit as interesting.

While the storm was still offshore, I walked out on a pier in a neighboring town and watched the oddest procession of jellyfish I'd ever seen. Dozens upon dozens of them were making a slow trek away from the shoreline and into deeper water. Each and everyone seemed to have their own separate destination in mind. I don't know the name of this type of jellyfish. They're milky white, the size and shape of a grapefruit, and have very short tentacles. A man shoved his kayak into the water, and climbed in. Four-foot waves continuously smacked him back to the shore foiling every attempt to move farther into the bay. He appeared to enjoy the mini thrill ride. A dorsal fin broke the surface of the water. At first I thought it was a shark sent off course because of the approaching storm. Then figured it was most likely a dolphin. About thirty feet from the kayaker it disappeared. I wondered if I was wrong. I wondered if it was a great white. I watched the man, ready to call out to him if necessary. The fin broke the surface again, but in the opposite direction. I got a better look. It was definitely a dolphin. Water splashed on my feet startling me. I leaned over the edge of the railing to see why, half expecting Jaws to lunge at me. I noticed a back wall with flat wooden rungs forming a ladder. The wind had shifted causing the waves to crash against the wall. I suddenly had an overwhelming urge to write a horror story. I imagined a man tied up beneath the pier taking in mouthfuls of seawater with each wave. Maybe he's the kayaker. He's surrounded by hundreds of jellyfish. And a hungry great white shark. Hmm....

July Coffee Break

2011-07-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

I'm very pleased to announce the Hellfire Trilogy is complete.

To everyone who bought one or more of my novels, thank you very much. I hope you weren't disappointed. If you liked a story well enough to finish it, I'd appreciate it if you would write a brief, honest review on Amazon. Feel free to send me an email and introduce yourself.

I discovered Blogger gives ten extra pages. I used four to conveniently post excerpts of my novels for everyone interested in sampling my work. You'll find them in the right column under Read An Excerpt.

I have six new projects lined up for 2012. Only one of them is a novel. That's all I can say.

Character Building

2011-07-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

A new source of inspiration for my novels comes from being on the road. The things I've seen and the people I've met are quite remarkable. Some of the people are downright fun and funny. Some are a little bizarre. Some are kind of creepy. Some are best avoided.

All make interesting story characters.

On the humorous side, I met a woman who sat at the end of the pier every morning with her legs dangling over the edge and a fishing pole in her hands. She wore a flowery floppy hat, nearly two sizes too big, and carried her lunch in a brown paper sack. She spent her time catching small fish just to toss to a blue heron that arrived on cue. He'd stand on the pier a few feet away from her, and eat until his belly bulged. Too full to fly off, he hopped up on the rail and, I think, took a midmorning nap.

On the bizarre side, I watched a petite woman wearing a short sundress and no shoes stretch her arms high above her head and sort of dive into a small storage compartment on her RV. Her husband [assumed] held a flashlight, and continually looked around as if to see if anyone was watching. As soon as her feet cleared the entrance he closed the door. Walked around to the other side of their unit and went inside. I looked a couple more times, and never saw the woman again. Returning from a bike ride on the beach the next morning I saw him and her standing beside their RV. Wearing the same sundress, she raked her fingers through her hair, then accepted a pair of flip-flops from the man. Did she spend the night in the storage compartment? Did they lock themselves out thereby making it necessary for her to enter through a floor hatch where she could unlock the door from the inside? The writer in me said she'd been kidnapped, and he wasn't sure what to do with her. Or, she was his mistress. His wife showed up, and he didn't have anywhere else to hide this 'other' woman. Your guess is as good as mine.

An interesting group of RVer's is the Puzzle People. Also called Winter Texans. Every year, they trickle down from the north in September. Usually stay until March. During the long winter months they gather in the recreation building nearly every single day to drink coffee and work on jigsaw puzzles.

The dangerous type of RVer is the fighter. People who've been on the road so long, they've reached the point where they're getting on each other's nerves now. So they sit around under their awning and holler at one another. All. Day. Long. I go out of my way to avoid them. Especially when push comes to shove.

There are many other types of RVer's. The Trashy People [litterbugs], Quiet People, Noisy People [after a couple of beers], Permanent Residents [they find a nice location, park, and stay for a few years or, they leave their RV behind in storage mode and come back to it six months later], Overnighters, Full-timers, Part-timers, Two-day Weekenders, and the Once-a-year Vacationers.

The camaraderie amongst RVer's is like no other. Don't own a car? These folks are quick to offer to drive you anywhere you need to go. Looking for interesting conversation? Full-timers could spend all day regaling you with stories of their adventures on the road. You'd be surprised what you didn't know about this country.

Need another example of RV life? Visit the Quartzsite, Arizona RV Show: http://www.quartzsitervshow.com/

Adventure

2011-07-22T19:06:00.001-07:00

New Book Releases For July

2011-07-20T06:26:00.001-07:00

ADRENALINE by Jeff Abbott
http://jeffabbott.com/
BLOODLINE by Mark Billingham
http://www.markbillingham.com/
A KILLING FROST by Patricia Wynn
http://www.patriciawynn.com/
COLLECTING COOPER by Paul Cleave
http://www.paulcleave.co.nz/
THE REAL MACAW by Donna Andrews
http://www.donnaandrews.com/

THE DEVIL HIMSELF by Eric Dezenhall http://www.dezbooks.net/
THE NIGHTMARE THIEF by Meg Gardiner http://www.meggardiner.com/
REQUIEM FOR A GYPSY by Michael Genelin http://www.michaelgenelin.com/
A QUESTION OF DESPAIR by Maureen Carter http://www.maureencarter.co.uk/
THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME by Donald Ray Pollock http://donaldraypollock.com/
A BALI CONSPIRACY MOST FOUL by Shamini Flint http://www.shaminiflint.com/
ANGEL FACE by Stephen Solomita http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/stephen-solomita/
PORTRAIT OF A SPY by Daniel Silva http://www.danielsilvabooks.com/content/index.asp
THE TRAITOR'S EMBLEM by Juan Gómez-Jurado http://www.juangomezjurado.com/home.html
THE ROSE OF THE WORLD by Alys Clare http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/37137.Alys_Clare

I didn't post new book releases for June because I was busy with finishing my mystery novel, ASHES OF VENGEANCE.

Novel-In-Progress

2011-07-19T15:39:00.001-07:00

Coming This Fall – SILHOUETTE [working title] – mystery – Inspired by a True Crime

Excerpt~
"Now, tell me about the girl," said Sheriff Morgan.

God, here we go again. The words were at the back of Kevin's mind, but he was terrified to bring them forward. This is the part they'd all been waiting to hear. The part where they would decide exactly what his role in all of this had been. Like dogs in heat they all want a piece of me. His throat closed. He counted three dead flies on the narrow windowsill. A fourth lay on its back fitfully flailing its legs in some sort of macabre death dance.

Morgan leaned closer. "Talk to me, Kevin."

Kevin fixed his gaze on the drab gray wall farthest away from the door of the interrogation room. "She was lying on her left side...." There ain't no stoppin' us now, girlie, he recalled Jasper telling the redhead the night the three of them went to the abandoned meat packing plant to have a little fun. He scratched his forehead, hiding his expression. Or was it the blonde he'd said that to?

Copyright 2011 Sharon Austin All Rights Reserved

Ashes Of Vengeance Now Available

2011-07-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

It's official!

ASHES OF VENGEANCE, the smoldering finale of the Hellfire Trilogy, has gone live on Amazon.com. [linked in right column]

* * *

In ASHES OF VENGEANCE, a deadly game of geocaching goes awry when hidden clues to the whereabouts of a kidnapped victim are swept away in a flash flood.

After his brother is murdered, Kyle Barstow comes up with a new get-rich-quick scheme so he can leave Missouri forever. He starts by convincing Shelby Adair to help him extort one million dollars from her wealthy parents. The plan is simple. Make believe she's been buried alive. Send the first set of GPS coordinates and a ransom note to the Point Jove Sheriff's Department. Instead of risking capture from collecting the money, they would break into the Adair's safe that Shelby assured Kyle contained more than a million dollars. While the authorities are busy stumbling around in the dark searching for a kidnapped victim that does not exist, he and Shelby would quietly disappear.

Their plan begins to unravel when a severe thunderstorm rips through Rhone County causing major damage and confusion. The capped PVC pipe containing the final clue is swept away in rising floodwaters. Rusty Nichols grows suspicious when there's no further contact from the kidnapper. He then learns that not only is his girlfriend, Shelby, missing but also her ex-boyfriend, Kyle Barstow.

In a senseless act of backwoods justice someone is shot, then set on fire. Betrayal and revenge become an obsession. A shooting in a motel room leaves one person bleeding to death on the floor, and another fleeing to Mexico with stolen money.

Copyright 2011 Sharon Austin All Rights Reserved

Interesting Writers Blogs

2011-07-18T11:38:00.001-07:00

SEA MINOR Nigel Bird
http://nigelpbird.blogspot.com/
THE CAP'N'S BLOG Robert S. Napier
http://capnbob.blogspot.com/
NOIR FICTION AUTHOR Mike Dennis
http://mikedennisnoir.com/
SUSPENSE NOVELIST Peg Brantley
http://suspensenovelist.blogspot.com/
CRIME ALWAYS PAYS Declan Burke
http://crimealwayspays.blogspot.com/

BLOGPOCALYPSE Victor Gischler http://victorgischler.blogspot.com/
OFF ON A TANGENT Sarah Weinman http://offonatangent.tumblr.com/
SUSPENSE NOVELIST James Scott Bell http://www.jamesscottbell.com/
AT THE VILLA ROSE Xavier Lechard http://atthevillarose.blogspot.com/
WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS? JD Rhoades http://jdrhoades.blogspot.com/
MY LIFE ON THE MID-LIST Debbi Mack http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/
SECRET DEAD BLOG Duane Swierczynski http://secretdead.blogspot.com/
NOVELIST AND SCREENWRITER Keith Snyder http://keithsnyder.wordpress.com/
DOT DEAD DIARY Keith Raffel http://keithraffel.typepad.com/dot_dead_diary/
WRITING THOUGHTS Sandra Scoppettone http://sandrascoppettone.blogspot.com/
A NEWBIE'S GUIDE TO PUBLISHING J.A. Konrath http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/
GUNS, GAMS, AND GUMSHOES The Writing PIs http://writingpis.wordpress.com/
SMALL CRIMES Dave Zeltserman http://smallcrimes-novel.blogspot.com/index.html
THE EDUCATION OF A PULP WRITER David Cranmer http://davidcranmer.blogspot.com/
HERMAN'S GREASY SPOON Anthony Neil Smith http://anthonyneilsmith.typepad.com/hermansgreasyspoon/
CRACKED REARVIEW MIRROR Ed Lynskey http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/692283.Ed_Lynskey/blog
DO YOU WRITE UNDER YOUR OWN NAME? Martin Edwards http://doyouwriteunderyourownname.blogspot.com/

Update On Current Project

2011-07-03T11:35:00.001-07:00

My new novel, ASHES [working title], is nearing completion.

I will put it on Amazon.com around July 12.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

Cheers

Fascinating Filmmaker's Blogs

2011-06-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

SynapticLight http://synapticlight.com/
Pulp 2.0 http://www.d2dvd.blogspot.com/
Sheri Chandler http://www.shericandler.com/
Directors Notes http://www.directorsnotes.com/
Edgar Wright http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/
IndieWIRE Blogs http://www.indiewire.com/blogs/
Deb Patz's F.I.L.M Blog http://debpatz.wordpress.com/
Lights Film School http://www.lightsfilmschool.com/blog/
The Art Of The Title http://www.artofthetitle.com/

Ricky Gervais http://www.rickygervais.com/thissideofthetruth.php
1001 True Stories Of A Writer/Director http://www.angelobell.com/
The Adventures of Mr. Stephen Fry http://www.stephenfry.com/blog/
Independent Lens http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/insideindies/index.html
Blogs At Filmmaking Central http://filmmakingcentral.com/fmc2/category/blogs/
The Filmmaker Magazine Blog http://filmmakermagazine.net/news/category/news/

Determination

2011-06-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

Informative Screenwriting Blogs

2011-06-03T08:00:00.001-07:00

Chip Street ... http://chipstreet.com/
Zac Sandford ... http://zacsanford.com/
Mystery Man ... http://www.mysteryman.org/
Dom's World ... http://doms-world.blogspot.com/
Screamwriter ... http://screamwriter.blogspot.com/
Script Shadow ... http://scriptshadow.blogspot.com/
Strange Musings ... http://www.jamielivingston.net/
Go Into The Story ... http://www.gointothestory.com/
Scriptwriting in the UK ... http://dannystack.blogspot.com/
Indie Screenwriting ... http://www.indiescreenwriting.com/

David Spies, Screenwriter ... http://davidspies.wordpress.com/
Gideon's Screenwriting Tips ... http://gideonsway.wordpress.com/
Screenwriting Tips, You Hack ... http://screenwritingtips.tumblr.com/
The Bitter Script Reader ... http://thebitterscriptreader.blogspot.com/
Script Magazine, A Final Draft Inc. Publication ... http://www.scriptmag.com/
Screenwriters Corner with Syd Field ... http://www.screenwriterscorner.com/

What About Bob?

2011-06-01T06:22:00.001-07:00

We have been RVing for three months now. We've stayed at RV Parks, truck stops, a shopping center parking lot, and a couple of rest areas. One weekend was spent outside a closed tire store after we got a flat.

We don't often have an opportunity to find out our neighbor's names at the RV Parks. Someone might pull in beside you at dinnertime, but be gone before breakfast. Then again, while some folks are very sociable others like to keep to themselves. We've come to refer to some of our neighbors by the name of the state on their license tag: "Colorado left this morning." Or the brand name of their recreational vehicle: "The Winnebago left." Or the unit they were parked in: "Unit 12...." You get the idea.

The place where we're at is pretty nice. All of our restaurant, shopping and entertainment needs are just a short bike ride away. The ocean is even closer. One of the many things I enjoy doing is watching people. And one of the people I've been observing lately is an interesting character with Montana tags. Caucasian, middle-aged, short, heavyset, and bald, he lives alone in a small travel trailer that he pulls behind a dark blue minivan. Every few days he goes somewhere in his van, and returns a day or two later.

Montana mentioned to the park owner that he wanted to buy a cooler. The owner knew we intended to get rid of ours. It ran off a 12-volt battery, and didn't keep our food cold enough, so we bought an apartment-sized refrigerator that runs off 110 volts. The owner introduced Bob [Montana] to us. Bob said the cooler would serve his purpose well. He explained he wanted it for water, pop and beer. He made an offer. Since we didn't have a use for the cooler or a place to store it we gave it to him for nothing.

Seeing him set the cooler on the floor at the back of his van caused my writer's imagination to kick into high gear. Is Montana a serial killer? Will he dismember his victims at night, and stuff their body parts in the cooler for transportation and disposal? Or will he use the cooler to save the heads for trophies?

These and other questions were on my mind this morning while I was bike riding on the beach road. I stopped at the store, and bought a loaf of pumpernickel bread. Upon my return to the RV, I saw Montana pull out of the park, and drive straight to the nearby marina. I, um, followed him...at a safe distance. Holding the cooler by the handles he went aboard a medium-sized boat with dark red sails. I've seen many a sailboat in my life but none with sails the color of blood. He set sail. I watched until the vessel disappeared from view.

A couple of hours later, I saw him park his van beside his RV. He usually parks in front of it. The cooler dangled loosely from his right hand signifying to me that it was empty. I couldn't see what he was doing, but I heard the distinct squeak of the outside spigot being turned on. Did he dump body parts in the ocean? Was he washing blood out of the cooler? I don't know. And I have enough sense not to ask. I probably could have, though. He seems like a nice guy. The kind that wouldn't hurt a fly.

Coffee Break

2011-05-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

~May~

I'm making progress on my new novel, ASHES [working title], part three of the Hellfire mystery series.

My next story is one I've blogged about. NOTCH, a standalone mystery.

I plan to write one more novel this year [SERIAL QUILLER 2] then take a much-needed break. When I'm not writing, I'm promoting. When I'm not promoting, I'm exploring new places with our RV. When I'm not exploring, I'm researching material for a new novel. When I'm not researching, I'm writing.

Plans are in the works for six exciting new projects coming in 2012. That's all I can say.

Fire Featured On Spalding's Racket

2011-05-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

My mystery novel, FIRE FLICKS, the intense sequel to SMOKE ON THE WATER, is today's feature on Spalding's Racket.

Nick Spalding does an outstanding job of promoting independent authors through his blog. Stop in and have a look. Discover a new writer [like me!] or revisit an old favorite.

Check out Nick's books: LIFE WITH NO BREAKS, LIFE ON A HIGH

http://spaldings-racket.blogspot.com/

Cheers

Interesting Group Of Writers

2011-05-21T15:08:00.001-07:00

KILLER HOBBIES
http://killerhobbies.blogspot.com/
WOMEN OF MYSTERY
http://www.womenofmystery.net/
MURDERATI Mysteries, Murder and Marketing
http://www.murderati.com/
JUNGLE RED Writing well is the best revenge
http://www.jungleredwriters.com/
THE COZY CHICKS Cozy Up To Our Killer Books
http://www.cozychicksblog.com/

CRIMINAL BRIEF: The Mystery Short Story Weblog Project http://criminalbrief.com/
FEMMES FATALES Ferociously talented women http://femmesfatales.typepad.com/my_weblog/
THE OUTFIT: A Collective of Chicago Crime Writers http://www.theoutfitcollective.blogspot.com/
HEY, THERE'S A DEAD GUY IN THE LIVING ROOM http://heydeadguy.typepad.com/heydeadguy/
THE BIG THRILL The monthly webzine of the International Thriller Writers http://www.thebigthrill.org/
POE'S DEADLY DAUGHTERS A blog for mystery lovers http://poesdeadlydaughters.blogspot.com/index.html
THE LITTLE BLOG OF MURDER The Mystery Genre: an Ohio Perspective http://www.thelittleblogofmurder.com/
KILL ZONE Perspectives from today's hottest thriller and mystery writers http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com/
THE LADYKILLERS For readers and writers of crime fiction http://theladykillers.typepad.com/the_lady_killers/
THE LIPSTICK CHRONICLES Just keep reading and nobody gets hurt. http://thelipstickchronicles.typepad.com/the_lipstick_chronicles/

Special Announcement

2011-05-18T07:26:00.001-07:00

All of my novels are on sale for only 99 cents. Beat the heat with three cool stories on Amazon Kindle. [linked in right column]

SERIAL QUILLER – Moved by the success of her debut novel, twenty-six-year-old BJ Donovan of New Orleans, Louisiana, can't handle the thoughts of being a one-hit wonder and never feeling special ever again. Using her position as the executive chef and owner of a popular restaurant in the French Quarter to blend in with the community, she embarks on a killing spree, with the aid of voodoo magic, and uses details of the murders to help sustain her best-seller status with a planned thriller series.

While the body count rises - from her brother's girlfriend, found mutilated at an abandoned farmhouse, to an undercover cop murdered in a dark alley on the riverside - BJ tries to remain above suspicion as she continues to write the wrongs in her world.

SMOKE ON THE WATER – The gruesome discovery of a woman's corpse in the small tourist resort of Point Jove, Missouri draws Sheriff Josh Wolfe, a widower who enjoys tinkering with his award winning hot rod, into the most perilous case of his career. Hounded by the townsfolk and media, Wolfe exhausts every conventional method for solving the crime. The investigation comes to a standstill. Then, four more residents disappear. Everyone is convinced Rhone County is harboring a serial kidnapper who chooses his victims by chance. Wolfe believes the people are not only related to one another but are somehow tied to the last surviving member of the county's namesake. Time is not only running out for Sheriff Wolfe but for his lover, dissatisfied wife of a homebuilder, held against her will at the Rhone family's abandoned sawmill where spilled gasoline awaits a lighted match.

FIRE FLICKS [Sequel to SMOKE] – Determined to protect the natural beauty of Eagle Rock Lake from homebuilders, while also protecting his lucrative meth lab and pot farm, Stan Barstow sets fire to newly built lakeview homes to scare away prospective buyers. To gain fortune and fame, he films the wanton destruction with the intention of making a docudrama to sell to Hollywood.

Kyle Barstow very much wants to relocate to Chicago, and become a part of a forensics task force as a crime scene photographer. He offers to make a recording of the burning buildings in order to hone his skills in film and digital photography. To finance the expensive move to Illinois, he becomes involved in Stan's drug business, without his knowledge or consent.

When one of the brothers is shot and killed, the other moves quickly to think up a new get-rich-quick scheme, unaware that someone knows his secrets.

Copyright 2011 Sharon Austin All Rights Reserved

New Book Releases For May

2011-05-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

THE FUND by H.T. Narea
http://htnarea.com/
THE CLEVELAND CREEP by Les Roberts
http://lesroberts.com/
TRADER OF SECRETS by Steve Martini
http://www.stevemartini.com/
AMONG THE DEPARTED by Vicki Delany
http://www.vickidelany.com/
THE DEVIL SHE KNOWS by Bill Loehfelm
http://www.billloehfelm.com/

HOTBED by Bill James http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8591502-hotbed
SECRET OF THE WHITE ROSE by Stefanie Pintoff http://www.stefaniepintoff.com/
PROPHECY by S.J. Parris http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4780234.S_J_Parris
HARDCASTLE'S OBSESSION by Graham Ison http://www.grahamison.co.uk/Welcome.html
THE DEVIL'S LIGHT by Richard North Patterson http://www.richardnorthpattersonbooks.com/
FELICITY'S GATE by Julian Cole http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2127327.Julian_Cole
FROZEN CHARLOTTE by Priscilla Masters http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/priscilla-masters/
BLOOD TRUST by Eric Van Lustbader http://www.ericvanlustbader.com/thriller/content/index.asp
DUE DILIGENCE by Jonathan Rush http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2939907.Jonathan_Rush
THE DURHAM DECEPTION by Philip Gooden http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/37775.Philip_Gooden

New Novel

2011-05-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is a preview of the cover for ASHES [working title], part three of my Hellfire mystery series.

I hope to have the novel available on Amazon Kindle by July.

I've stopped frequenting writers forums and Twitter in order to stay focused on my work-in-progress.

Still spending the same amount of time outdoors, though.

I'll post an excerpt later.

What Lies Beneath

2011-05-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we learned a severe thunderstorm was headed our way. Moving out of San Antonio, Texas at 40 mph where golf ball-sized hail littered the city. On the other end of the jagged line of thunderstorms, lightning strikes caused power outages in Dallas. The track of the storms was ESE. We were directly in the path. We thought about packing up the RV and heading…? East? Nothing there but the ocean. North? That's the path of the top end of the storm. West? The tail end of the storm hadn't cleared the area yet. South? Mexico. Hmm….

We decided to take a stroll on the pier. Why not? The storm was at least two hours away. Something cool might be happening out on the water. The sky had grown considerably darker. White caps smacked the small boulders lining the shore, sloshing sea green foam onto the narrow sandy strip between the rocks and the beach road. On the far end of the pier two fishermen cast their lines into the water. The bait shop near the entrance of the pier was open for business and making money. No one seemed the least bit concerned a tornado-producing storm was bearing down on us. Before we put one foot on the walkway we saw two dark fins break the surface of the water. Sharks? We hurried across the damp wooden planks swinging our heads shoulder to shoulder, not sure which direction to focus our attention. Three others went under the pier and came out on the opposite side. We were finally close enough to see them. Dolphins! No more than forty feet from the shore. What a magnificent sight. I'd never seen them in the wild. I couldn't stop smiling for the longest time.

The storm arrived minutes after we returned home. It's times like these when you find out if there's anything wrong with your recreational vehicle. We found out ours has a leaky window above the built-in dinette table. Raindrops had made a thin sopping wet trail down the backside of one of the cushioned seats before we noticed. Sheesh.

Today is sunny and clear. The storm continued on a southeasterly path and moved out over the ocean. We opened all the windows. Set the cushion on a lounge chair under a shade tree to dry. Then we went to the store to buy caulk. Later on, we were ready to get out and have fun after being cooped up indoors for the rest of the day, yesterday. We returned to the pier. Mostly to see how different the ocean looked compared to yesterday. The water was fairly calm. I say fairly because there's a marina here, and boats, mainly commercial fishing boats, come and go all day long, so waves are common. We saw the first jellyfish since we've been here. It wasn't the huge Portuguese Man-O-War. This one was small, hemispherical in shape, white or milky in color. The short tentacles are fused in a tight bundle and contain a poison that'll cause a stinging sensation.

I found out what else lies beneath the pier: Sea lice, stingrays, gafftop and hardhead catfish, and sharks. And I know what that ole blue heron would say about it. "Stay out of the water, and you'll be fine. Either that, or get a bigger boat."

Smoke Featured On TBucketPlans.com

2011-05-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce that my hot rod related mystery novel, SMOKE ON THE WATER, is today's feature on TBucketPlans.com.

A crime novel with some cool T-Bucket intrigue woven in — sounds just like the kind of reading material to load on the Kindle to take to the beach this summer. --John Morehead, TbucketPlans.com

http://www.tbucketplans.com/2011/05/11/ready-for-some-t-bucket-content-in-your-summer-mystery-reading/

Cheers

Mayday

2011-05-08T11:17:00.001-07:00

Today's one of those lazy, hazy days where you might find yourself whistling Linda Ronstadt's Blue Bayou while walking barefoot in the sand.

We attended an event simply called May Festival. Festivities included a sack race, three-legged race, pie-eating contest, decorated hat parade, cake walk, and beanbag toss. Music provided by a local country western band. Only thing missing was Andy, Barney and Aunt Bea. [grin]

Just kiddin'. We had a lot of fun. Until we toured the gardens there. The first thing I noticed was four dirty birdbaths; each filled to the brim with dark green water. The second thing I noticed was the mosquito on my arm. Then the one on my leg. Then the one on my other arm. Jeezelpete! They were the biggest frickin' skeeters I've ever seen. I managed to maintain a semblance of calm, cool, collectiveness until I was out of earshot of the crowd. Soon as I was, I…. Never mind. I'll leave the rest to your imagination.

We fast-peddled our Schwinns back to the RV hoping to outrun them. I happened to look at the side of the road in time to see a baby tarantula emerging from under a pile of leaves. [shudder] It was the size of a quarter, shiny black legs partially covered with gray fur. And it was on the move. Tarantulas are carnivores, y'know. Our RV was directly in its path. It's bad mojo to kill creatures just for the sake of killing them. I steered around it, rushed home to shut all of the windows. I didn't just shut them I locked them, as well.

I'm sure it's still out there. Close by. Lurking in the shadow of a fallen leaf or limb. Just waiting for me to kick off my sneakers before I go walking in the sand. Will I hear his little toes scratch the canvas when he climbs inside one of my shoes? Will he just fly in on the wings of two big ole hulkin' skeeters, and bombard me with the carcasses of bugs, toads, and frogs? If I peer over my shoulder will I find him burrowing underground like the Graboid in the movie, Tremors? Do I holler "stampede!"? Send out a distress signal? Or kick back and enjoy a cocktail called The Blue Bayou, and let the spider go wherever it wants to find a new home?

Curiosity

2011-05-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Writers Conferences

2011-05-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

MAY
CrimeFest http://www.crimefest.com/ May 19-22 / Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel / Bristol UK
JUNE
Bloody Words http://www.bloodywords2011.com/ June 3-5 / Hotel Grand Pacific / Victoria B.C.
American Library Association http://www.alaannual.org/ June 23-28 / Ernest N. Morial Convention Center / New Orleans LA
Poisoned Pen http://poisonedfiction.blogspot.com/p/pen-con-2011.html June 24-26 / The Biltmore / Phoenix AZ
JULY
ThrillerFest http://www.thrillerfest.com/ July 6-9 / Grand Hyatt / New York NY
Harrogate Crime Festival http://www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/ July 21-24 / Old Swan Hotel / Harrogate North Yorkshire
Book Passage http://bookpassage.com/mystery-writers-conference July 21-24 / 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard / Corte Madera CA
PulpFest http://www.pulpfest.com/ July 29-31 / Ramada Plaza Hotel / Columbus Ohio
AUGUST
Deadly Ink http://www.deadlyink.com conference.html August 5-7 / The Sheraton Parsippany Hotel / Parsippany NJ
Scene Of The Crime http://sceneofthecrime.ca/festival/ August 13 / Wolfe Island ON
Edinburgh International Book Festival http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/ August 13-29 / Charlotte Square Gardens / Edinburgh Scotland
Killer Nashville http://www.killernashville.com/index.html August 26-28 / Hutton Hotel / Nashville TN
SEPTEMBER
Bouchercon http://www.bouchercon2011.com/ September 15-18 / The Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel / St. Louis MO
Agatha Christie Festival http://www.agathachristie.com/christie-week/ September 11-18 / Torquay England
Writer's Police Academy http://www.writerspoliceacademy.com/ September 23-25 / Embassy Suites / Greensboro NC
National Book Festival http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/ September 24-25 / National Mall / Washington D.C.
OCTOBER
International Festival Of Authors http://www.readings.org/?q=ifoa October 19-29 / Harbourfront Centre / Ontario Canada
Magna cum Murder http://www.magnacummurder.com/ October 28-30 / Horizon Convention Center / Muncie IN
NOVEMBER
Reading Festival Of Crime Writing http://www.readingfestivalofcrimewriting.org.uk/ November 10-13 / Reading Museum and Town Hall / Berkshire England
New England Crime Bake http://www.crimebake.org/index.htm November 11-13 / Hilton Hotel / Dedham MA
DECEMBER
The Wolfe Pack http://www.nerowolfe.org/htm/events/bookdisc.htm December 2-4 / Black Orchid Weekend / Manhattan NY

Serial Quiller

2011-05-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

Chapter 1

Virgil awoke late at night to find his wife gone. He kicked off cold and clammy bedcovers, box springs screeched when he got up. A steady breeze, weighed down with humidity, carried the vanilla-like fragrance of Joe-Pye weed and the barely audible sound of laughter through an open window.

He stood behind fluttering white sheers and watched Marie trot across the back yard, her long black curls bouncing with each footfall. The opaque security light above the barn doors cast an eerie pallor through the limbs of an old elm draped with Spanish moss. He noticed her belly, in the narrow space between her shirt and shorts, seemed rounder than normal. He lazily scratched his ass, wondered what the hell she's doing. A man stepped out of the shadows, and drew her into an embrace. They kissed for a moment, then entered the barn.

Copyright 2011 Sharon Austin All Rights Reserved [linked in right column]

Tagged: writer, chef, mystery, murder, psychological suspense, voodoo, new orleans, swampland

Coming this fall: Serial Quiller 2 - set in Corpus Christi, Texas

BJ Donovan, Louisiana serial killer.
She'll Put A Spell On You

New Novel-In-Progress

2011-04-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from the hot, hazy, humid weather here on the gulf coast.

Putting on my writer hat. Working on a new novel.

Four chapters already completed.

Title and details will be announced later.

Our Heartfelt Condolences

2011-04-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

April 2011 Tornadoes

To the devastated cities and states in the South where deadly tornadoes and thunderstorms ripped through killing more than 300 people and leaving thousands of people homeless, we are deeply sorry for your loss.

The Mysterious Boo Heron

2011-04-27T12:17:00.001-07:00

After lunch today, I had three slices of bread leftover. Wasn't sure what to do with them. The humidity is too high here for them to last long in the bread bin. I couldn't make two sandwiches, and one and a half isn't very filling for two people. So…I decided to use the bread to find out what kinds of fish are lurking beneath the nearby pier.

The last time I took leftover bread to the seagulls I made the mistake of not shredding the slices beforehand. Some of the gulls got too close and caused me to drop a few. They snatched them up and flew off. Whole slices of bread dangling from their beaks and flapping in the wind. This time I shredded the bread into small chunks, then stuffed them back in the bag. Ever wonder how difficult it is to slide your hand into a narrow plastic bag after having slathered on suntan lotion...only moments before heading outside? The temperature was in the upper eighties. Heat and humidity made the lotion on the back of my hands a little sticky. Not the best time to mess around with bread when you have to get it out of the bag fast.

I hid the bread bag in my ballcap and carried it in my arms. Seagulls have eagle eyes, y'know. I strolled to the end of the pier, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. White caps smacked the pilings. I looked around. Nary a gull in sight. I leaned over the railing and pitched a piece of bread to the water. A gull swooped in so fast the bread never hit the water. I ignored him and tried to feed the fish. Within seconds, I heard the incessant yackhammer squawk of the seagulls. Dozens of them. A moment later, a pelican arrived on the scene to see what all the fuss was about. He kept missing the pieces I tossed to him while he was in the air. As if he understood, he landed on the water. I threw a small handful to the far side of the pelican to lure the gulls away, then tossed him a large chunk. What an ingrate. He spit it out! Well, he didn't actually spit it out since pelicans don't have lips, but you know what I mean. Soon as the chunk hit the water, a gull snatched it from him.

A blue heron flew down to the pier. I was out of bread now. The gulls seemed to realize the party was over. They lined up on the railing on one side of the pier. Most of them stared right at me. I swear, I thought they were sizing me up. Not sure if I was about to become dinner. *grin* Suddenly, the heron jumped down off the railing and landed in the middle of the walkway. He honked once at the gulls. No kiddin'. I'm sure it was some sort of a quack, but it came out like a honk. Some of the gulls took off. So did the pelican. The heron strutted his stuff along the walkway toward the shoreline, looking back at me ever once in a while. Eventually, he grew bored with his little game and flew away. I never did find out what kinds of fish are lurking below the pier. Maybe the heron was trying to warn me that I was better off not knowing.

New Book Releases For April

2011-04-26T15:54:00.001-07:00

THE SIXTH MAN by David Baldacci
http://davidbaldacci.com/
JERICHO CAY by Kathryn R. Wall
http://www.kathrynwall.com/
AN EVIL EYE by Jason Goodwin
http://www.jasongoodwin.net/
MOBBED by Carol Higgins Clark
http://www.carolhigginsclark.com/
LEECHES by David Albahari
http://www.davidalbahari.com/index_eng.htm

THE FIFTH WITNESS by Michael Connelly http://www.michaelconnelly.com/
THE MEDUSA AMULET by Robert Masello http://www.robertmasello.com/
KNOCKDOWN by Sarah Graves http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/graves/
THE GODS OF GREENWICH by Norb Vonnegut http://norbvonnegut.com/
A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT by Jeanne M. Dams http://www.jeannedams.com/
I'LL WALK ALONE by Mary Higgins Clark http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Mary-Higgins-Clark/6230
THE PHILOSOPHER'S KISS by Peter Prange http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Peter-Prange/65884460/widget

Interesting Blogs

2011-04-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

CRIMINAL-E Allan Guthrie
http://criminal-e.blogspot.com/
THE RAP SHEET J. Kingston Pierce, editor
http://therapsheet.blogspot.com/
ROUGH EDGES James Reasoner
http://jamesreasoner.blogspot.com/
SECRET DEAD BLOG Duane Swierczynski
http://secretdead.blogspot.com/
DO SOME DAMAGE Eight Crime Writers
http://dosomedamage.blogspot.com/

MULHOLLAND BOOKS Little, Brown and Company http://www.mulhollandbooks.com/
POETIC JUSTICE PRESS Gerald So http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/
THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT Lee Lofland http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/
THE TRAP OF SOLID GOLD Steve Scott http://thetrapofsolidgold.blogspot.com/
A NEWBIE'S GUIDE TO PUBLISHING Joe Konrath http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/
MURDER IS EVERYWHERE Seven Crime Writers http://murderiseverywhere.blogspot.com/
IT'S A CRIME! Crime Fiction http://itsacrime.typepad.com/its_a_crime_or_a_mystery/

Our Easter Adventure

2011-04-25T07:08:00.001-07:00

We spent Easter bike riding. Peddled right on in to the next town. Stopped to rest on a bench along the shoreline. About to sit on the bench, I saw a rubber fishing lure with a deadly 3-pronged hook.

While looking for a safe place to put the lure a seagull spotted it. The gull nose-dived toward us. Seconds later, several other gulls arrived. They must've thought it was a real fish, and they all wanted a bite. We tried to hide the lure in the tall grass, but the gulls were watching. Closely.

We tried to hide it in a rope hole drilled through a wooden post. A gull swooped down and tried to get it. We tried hanging it on one of our bike baskets. It wouldn't stay put. The hooks were too sharp to hold onto while steering the bike. We worried it might bounce off the basket and flatten a tire. *smile* We ended up walking all around the area until we found a trashcan...with a lid.

I can't believe how careless some people are. It was probably on accident that it was left behind, but I'll never know. I do know the harm the hook could've caused if a seagull had tried to swallow it. That's as bad as people not cutting up the plastic ring holders around six packs of beer and soda before discarding them. Sometimes those holders end up in lakes, streams, rivers and the ocean. Ducks, for instance, get their neck caught in the rings. Litter is a bad thing, no matter how you look at it.

Otherwise, it was a very nice day. We found several quaint restaurants and sidewalk cafés. Did I mention we're in south Texas?

Driving to a new location today. Will have new places to explore with the bikes.

Coffee Break

2011-04-20T23:01:00.001-07:00

~April~

Well, I've been on the road for a month and a half now. I really love this lifestyle. The ordinary life is not for me. Whatever time I have left in this world I don't want to spend it staring at the same four walls.

I've been thoroughly enjoying the warm weather. We left the Midwest as soon as our twenty-two inches of snow melted.

While on the road, I managed to finish Fire Flicks. I was a week or so late putting it on Amazon, though. At some of the places where we stayed we didn't have hookups for electricity. Other places, we either didn't have WiFi or the signal was too weak to stay online long enough to upload everything to Amazon.

I'm two chapters into a new story. This time, I'm not going to make a big announcement about when I intend to be finished. I gave myself a deadline with Fire Flicks mostly just to see if I could meet it. The story was written by March 31 as promised, but not uploaded [for reasons already stated].

I'm Twittering now. I signed up last fall but at the time I was trying to get Serial Quiller and Smoke on the Water ready to put them on Amazon Kindle, so I didn't have a lot of free time to tweet. After a while, I forgot all about it. There are a few things I haven't learned about the service. I'm sure I'll figure it out.

Top Blogs In Screenwriting

2011-04-16T13:53:00.001-07:00

SCENAS DE GUION
http://scenas.wordpress.com/
BREAKING IN Gregor Schmidinger
http://www.gregorschmidinger.com/
BLOGGERY-POKERY Jason Arnopp
http://jasonarnopp.blogspot.com/
FILMMAKING STUFF Jason Brubaker
http://www.filmmakingstuff.com/
DAVIDMELKEVIK.COM David Melkevik
http://davidmelkevik.wordpress.com/

SOFLUID Confessions of a screenwriter http://www.michellegoode.blogspot.com/
WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW Lucy V. Hay http://www.lucyvee.blogspot.com/
ANDY CONWAY UK writer and filmmaker http://www.andyconway.net/
SHEIKSPEAR Scriptwriter Gareth Michael Turpie http://sheikspear.blogspot.com/
UNINFLECTED IMAGES JUXTAPOSED Will Dixon http://www.uninflectedimages.blogspot.com/
T.R. LOCKE ONLINE Life behind the Hollywood sign. http://www.trlocke.com/
LAURA ANNE ANDERSON A girl who lived in stories http://missread.blogspot.com/
SCEENWRITING FROM IOWA -and Other Unlikely Places http://screenwritingfromiowa.wordpress.com/
ECHOES OF DUSK Reflections and reverie by C.D. Bennett http://echoesofdusk.blogspot.com/
SHOUTING INTO THE WIND Saying my piece in a windy world http://shoutingintothewind.com/
THIS SAVAGE ART A steady diet of obsessive cinema and screenwriting in the dark http://www.thissavageart.com/
FLYING WRESTLER Thoughts on the screenwriting life from Erik Bork http://www.flyingwrestler.com/
GO INTO THE STORY The craft of screenwriting, movies, Hollywood, and the creative life http://www.gointothestory.com/
NOTES FROM UNDERDDOG On writing, screenwriting, films, music, and the political landscape http://underdog.typepad.com/
HOLLIEWOOD When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it http://www.holliedoeshollywood.blogspot.com/
MATTHEW 13 BLOG One man's journey to go from being an aspiring, to a real live, honest to goodness, filmmaker http://matthew13blog.blogspot.com/

Fire Flicks Now Available

2011-04-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

It's official!

Fire Flicks has gone live on Amazon Kindle. [linked in right column]

In Fire Flicks, the intense sequel to Smoke on the Water, Reddfield news reporter Kyle Barstow furthers his budding career as a crime scene photographer by filming new construction being set ablaze by his older brother, Stan, who has a dark secret of his own.

Determined to protect the natural beauty of Eagle Rock Lake from homebuilders, while also protecting his lucrative meth lab and pot farm, Stan Barstow sets fire to newly built lakeview homes to scare away prospective buyers. To gain fortune and fame, he films the wanton destruction with the intention of making a docudrama to sell to Hollywood.

Kyle very much wants to relocate to Chicago, and become a part of a forensics task force as a crime scene photographer. He offers to make a recording of the burning buildings in order to hone his skills in film and digital photography. To finance the expensive move to Illinois, he becomes involved in Stan's drug business, without his knowledge or consent.

When one of the brothers is shot and killed, the other moves quickly to think up a new get-rich-quick scheme, unaware that someone knows his secrets.

Copyright 2011 Sharon Austin All Rights Reserved

Risk

2011-03-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hello From The Gulf Coast

2011-03-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

This is the first stop on our tour across the country. We plan to stay here for a couple of weeks. Soak up the sun. Enjoy good food and great Southern hospitality. Learn to zumba dance. Do a little fishing and boating. Lounge around on the beach, close my eyes and listen to waves gently lapping the shore. Feel warm sand between my toes and balmy breezes on my face.... So much better than the chilly and dreary weather we left behind.

Fire Flicks will be available later this month.

New Book Releases For March

2011-03-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

COLD WIND by C.J. Box http://www.cjbox.net/
AS THE CROW FLIES by Maris Soule http://marissoule.com/
EXCAVATION by James Rollins http://www.jamesrollins.com/
COME AND FIND ME by Hallie Ephron http://hallieephron.com/
THE WIND KNOT by John Galligan http://www.johngalligan.com/
SILENT MERCY by Linda Fairstein http://www.lindafairstein.com
PUBLIC ANATOMY by A. Scott Pearson http://ascottpearson.com/
WICKED WORDS by J.G. Goodhind http://www.jggoodhind.co.uk/
THE SCHOOL OF NIGHT by Louis Bayard http://louisbayard.com/
THE BONE YARD by Jefferson Bass http://www.jeffersonbass.com/
THE NIGHT SEASON by Chelsea Cain http://www.chelseacain.com/
AN EMPTY DEATH by Laura Wilson http://www.laura-wilson.co.uk/
THE RINGER by Jenny Shank http://www.jennyshank.com/the-ringer
ON THE NICKEL by Maggie Toussaint http://www.maggietoussaint.com/
GARDEN OF THE DEAD by Andrew Neiderman http://www.neiderman.com/
LIVE WIRE by Harlan Coben http://www.harlancoben.com/static/novels/lw.htm
PAST TENSE by Catherine Aird http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/a/catherine-aird/
A PACT OF SILENCE by David Armstrong http://www.davidarmstrongauthor.com/
A DEAD MAN'S SECRET by Simon Beaufort http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/simon-beaufort/
THE SATURDAY BIG TEN WEDDING PARTY by Alexander McCall Smith http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/

New Cover For Serial Quiller

2011-03-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

New cover art. [on the right]

Set in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Same good story. Same low price.

Try it. You just might like it.

Book 2 coming this fall.

Serial Quiller. She'll put a spell on you.

On The Road

2011-03-02T03:44:00.000-08:00

As of today, March 2, I am on the road and can only be reached through email: sharon. austin43 @ gmail .com. See post titled Special Announcement.

For the next few months, I will be traveling all across America. Exploring new places, meeting new people, and perhaps even pitching my novels. Overall, just having a great adventure. While I'm away, I plan to blog about my journey, plus complete two novels and make them available on Amazon.

Smoke On Top Ten List

2011-03-01T17:13:00.001-08:00

How exciting!

My novel, Smoke on the Water, made the Ten Most Popular Frugal Finds list on The Frugal eReader.

Congratulations to all of the authors.

Drop in and have a look. There are many great books to discover for less than nine dollars.

The Frugal eReader http://www.thefrugalereader.com/

Cheers!

Special Announcement

2011-02-28T07:06:00.000-08:00

February—

Instead of my usual monthly Coffee Break, I have a special announcement to make.

On March 2, I will begin traveling all across America. The only way to get in touch with me is through email: sharon.austin43 @ gmail .com [no spaces]

One of the many places I intend to visit is Corpus Christi, Texas, where I will research this fascinating city by the ocean for Serial Quiller 2.

I lived in New Orleans, Louisiana a few years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed using this mysterious city as the setting for Serial Quiller 1.

Feel free to send me an email. I'll have Internet access at some of the places I visit.