Junior Inquisitor

Junior Inquisitor

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way. Update on The Vamipre of Rome and Red Sonya


I continue to work on and hone The Vampire of Rome. The final showdown is looming, Sebastian and crew have fought Scarecrows, Shades, elves, and undead clowns, but are they up to handling a Vampire Lord? On the home front Red Sonya will be here in about a week. Of course I am assuming that she will be a redhead and not say, Blonde Sonya, or Brunette Sonya, or even Bald Sonya. We shall see, sword lesson have been arranged and I'm still looking into a chain mail onsie.

There are those who use the term “pulp fiction,” as a way to dismiss writing that is not “literary.” Usually these are academics and/or authors who have sold very little and rather than admit they are the reason for low sales, bemoan the reading public, or the state of education, or what ever excuse they can come up with. Anything but admit the fault lies with themselves. What they are forgetting is that reading is entertainment. Sure, you can lecture people, you can make political observations, you can slip in your own ideas of “how things should be,” but what you can not do is bore people and expect them to give you money for it. Pulp fiction had been around for a century, and there is a reason for it; it's entertaining. Sometimes all you want to do is read about a kick-ass Mossad agent offing bad guys and being sexy while doing it. Russell Blake did that with his series Jet, and then he did something very interesting; he allowed his fans to publish fan fiction. He details why here -

 
Lynda Filler enjoyed the series and decided to expand on Russell's ideas and is here to talk about her third book in the exciting world of Jet, JET ULTIMATUM.

Author Lynda Filler once again sets the global stage for another in this third of her ‘JET’ series action thriller novellas with a high-anxiety plot which captivates the reader’s attention right out of the gate. 
 
 
 


 
 
BLURB:
 
JET ULTIMATUM is a roller coaster adventure of perilous circumstance and characters in the true spirit of this dynamic, high-stakes game of global hide and seek in a world of high-tech cyber hacking, intrigue, espionage and an insatiable thirst for power and wealth at any cost. 

AMAZON   http://goo.gl/p1mSw7

Prepare for an entanglement of counter economic cyber espionage in a race to put a stranglehold on dramatically escalating cyber crime which threatens to deflate the confidence of victim populations for the very security of their global economic and financial systems. Chinese government officials are engaged by their American counterparts in a relentless battle to thwart the criminal element’s unrelenting efforts to hack their way into the very systems designed to protect international financial institutions from crippling online attack of unprecedented magnitude. 

The Raven Group is once again called upon to unveil the destructive players in this deadly game with the highest level of urgency and authority. The beautiful, cunning and dynamic ‘JET’ is enticed to come out of a quasi retirement life of ‘normalcy’ with infant daughter Hannah to rejoin forces with Luke’s elite Raven Group as a key player to combat the deadly consortium suspected of plotting an unprecedented attack on targeted global monetary systems. 

Singapore sets the stage for this high-drama confrontation over fifty floors above bustling city streets, atop a prestigious hotel where fine dining mixes with deadly criminal intention and a consortium of three global crime lords execute financial piracy. This gripping action thriller has a tantalizing recipe wonderfully seasoned with brutal killer instinct, the sizzle of romance, human heartache, revenge, precision high-tech maneuvers and a race against the clock in the face of unstoppable human greed and an insatiable appetite for financial empire, deceit, control and the ultimate prize of $50 Billion at stake. 

Ultimatums of dire consequence force the hand of the hardcore criminal element and JET seeks to exact her revenge.

AMAZON   http://goo.gl/p1mSw7
EXCERPT:

Chapter 4
   Hong Kong

It was 2:15 in the afternoon and Billy was bored. He’d been up since the fiery Asian dawn. He’d taken meetings with his triad associates, concluded some nasty business, schemed, and called Shanghai. It was time to take a break.
Billy Yee Lam waited for his security man to open the obsidian Rolls Royce door. He adjusted his Armani leather jacket. His lean brutal hands tapped the revolver in the waistband of his Polo jeans.
He took a look at the ending of the video on his secure iPad and listened to his own commands through ear buds. He watched as his top enforcer took a chef’s knife and sliced through the pulsing artery in Mara’s neck. Her betrayal with rival Chinese mafia gangs was unforgiveable. She was once a favorite of his. It wasn’t even about setting an example for the other whores Billy ran. No, this was an attack against his power base in the Triads.
“Drop her in the deep water Port of Hong Kong. You know where.”
He felt nothing for the badly disfigured female body crumpled on the cement floor. There will be plenty more like that before this is over. He closed his tablet and exited the open door of his vehicle.
Along the black slate pathway Billy stopped to pick an ivory star shaped jasmine flower. Its sweet melancholy aroma took him back to his mother’s lap. She was long dead. Would she be proud of his power and fortune?
Miss Hong Kong posed against the black and gold door of his mansion on Hong Kong’s Peak Road. Her ruby lips pouted dramatically. A blood red kimono teased exposure as she seductively strode forward.
“Mi amor,” she licked his ear. “I have missed you. Come let me get you a drink.”
Billy grabbed her by the arm squeezing tightly. His onion breath overwhelmed her senses. Impassioned by the bloody photo, he whispered in her ear.
“Later woman. First, it is I who will show you how to relax me.”
      She pretended coolness to mask her hatred of the man who thought he owned her. She kissed Billy with a shiver he mistook for passion.
She only prayed that one day she would be the one to use a cold steel blade to cut off his balls.
      Unaware of her feelings, he crushed the forgotten flower under his feet.
 
AMAZON   http://goo.gl/p1mSw7
 
Now that reads like a fun pulpy adventure to me. Speaking of adventures and fun, what's better than some thrills and action?
Nothing.
I'm glad you agree, I'm so glad that Junior Inquisitor will continue to be just 99 cents until Friday, so if you want some dark action filled man versus monster stories and all the terror you can handle (okay really it's not that bad, I didn't write the Lincoln version of Hellraiser), get your copies today. And leave a review even if you think my book is an insult to the English language and I should be stripped of my University degrees and commission in the US Army.
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Inquisitor Series - http://goo.gl/5lCyaX
 

 
The Witch’s Lair Book Three
 
Smashwords - https://goo.gl/MokJnC 
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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Laurie Vincent, redhead, knows all about Crazy Ladies.


The Vampire of Rome continues to move along, the bar fight scene is complete, they are currently in the second graveyard, and things look dire. In family news, Little Girl will have a sister in 15 more days.

I'm gonna have a what?
Yes, the wife still has not deduced or been told how I came up with the name Sonya, and for that I'm glad you all kept quiet. As for bringing in another Farish girl into the world, all I can say is, “Hang on everyone it's gonna be interesting.”

Since I brought up the subject of redheaded women, Let me introduce Laurie Vincent, who happens to be a redhead, and writes hilarious women centered fiction. She had recently released her follow up to Crazy Ladies, titled appropriately, Crazy Ladies Part Two.

Take it away Laurie-

Crazy Ladies Part Two
 
CRAZY LADIES - PART TWO is the second half and conclusion of the sexy and hilarious mystery that pits three snarky women at a Minneapolis investment firm. A missing person, blackmail, kidnapping, revenge and even murder just might keep them apart from their frequent (but always entertaining) cat fights!

The story picks up six months after the end of CRAZY LADIES - PART ONE, where strange happenings began to occur after the arrival of Mike, the hot new manager. Things get even wilder as the crazy ladies take on a whole lot of BAD!
 
 
Crazy Ladies Part Two
 
Suzy is trying to locate her old boss, who suddenly disappeared after recognizing two new advisors he previously worked with at a firm that had been destroyed by scandal who do not want him to remember. If that weren't bad enough, she has to contend with separating some temperamental sales assistants from baring claws and fangs. Whip and chair, please!

Angie stumbles upon the dark secrets of a few people where the situation grows worse, and even deadly. If only she can turn on her filter and keep her wisecracking mouth shut!

Rebecca yearns for a future with one of the advisors, but is confused and then frightened by the strange relationship he has with his clients. She doesn't get along well with other women, but fortunately has her outrageous gay best friend Travis and his equally vocal partner Lionel to turn to for advice.
Crazy Ladies Part Two
Skeletons that were supposed to remain buried come back to haunt. When managing the wealth of people in high places is at risk, you learn that Silence is Golden or become a Dead Man Walking!

Filled with quirky characters, bitchy retorts and plenty of spice as the suspense unravels -- along with some harrowing moments -- CRAZY LADIES - PART TWO wraps up the sexy mystery with humor!
 

Crazy Ladies Part Two
 


Author Interview

Twitter - @mnnovelette


Can you tell us a little about your new book, CRAZY LADIES – PART TWO, and what inspired you to write it?

CRAZY LADIES – PART TWO wraps up a book that I have actually been writing for many years, and is based on personalities I’ve known in the investment advisory world. Even before the huge scandal years ago about Bernie Madoff and the scam he lured investors into, I had seen many instances where con artists in my industry have gotten creative in deceiving their unwitting victims. That has always intrigued me. Of course, the mystery is merely the background and is the “glue” that holds the story together about three female sales assistants with different (not to mention zany) personalities who work in the same office and frequently clash with each other. There is a definite audience out there of people who enjoy a good cat fight between two highly-spirited women (think “The Real Housewives” TV iterations or even other reality TV “unscripted” programs). A lot of the humor in my two books (Parts One and Two) are from the zingers that fly back and forth. I counter the dark and devious activities of greedy, cutthroat characters with the levity of some pretty far-out ones. I mix up the drama with some over-the-top situations, too. So there you have it: a blend of skeletons in the closet, blackmail and murder with female rivalry and wacky behavior.

Tell us a little about your three main characters, as well as their strengths and weaknesses?

All three women – Suzy, Angie and Rebecca – are actually parts of me. Suzy is the hard-working, “can-do” girl, but also a bit of a “softie” who wants to help others; Angie is the feisty one who can toss out the bitchy retorts, but that just hides her fragile soul; and Rebecca is the eternal romantic who is enchanted with older men, but who is also drawn to eccentric personalities and feels quite comfortable around them. Of course, I had to add other things to make them stand apart, but overall, these are strong women who are determined to uncover the truth, even at the risk of putting themselves in peril.

What inspires you to write?

I think all writers need a colorful imagination and the ability to see story possibilities in things they come across, whether they are real-life events, things they read about in the media or see in movies and television. The best stories told are based on personal experience, because that author has some valuable insight to share and therefore can add his or her own spice to the formula. I drew upon real people for CRAZY LADIES, including some of the hilarious things I’ve heard spoken over the years (I am a fanatic about jotting down the best ones). For other stories, I can get an idea from watching an old movie and taking just a simple concept from it and spin it into its own story. All writers feel compelled, to a large degree, to channel those creative energies into a story – it’s the way we are wired.

You have also written some erotica. Which genre to you prefer?

I think all stories have elements of different genres. I don’t believe mine falls in one category. I enjoy writing about the connection between the main characters, whether it be emotional or physical. Even when I wrote SINFULLY GOOD, I needed to blend suspense into the background so I could take a series of mysterious events and tie them together before the end of the book. I did that as well with CRAZY LADIES, though it has more comedy and mystery and less sex. So my preference is suspense first, and a combination of other elements second.

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

I am a project manager working for a large financial institution that is based in the Pacific Northwest, so I do travel quite a bit from my home city of Minneapolis. I work on large-scale projects for my company that range from implementing a new business application, working on a regulatory initiative or converting the business of another company we’ve acquired onto our system. I typically work on two or three large projects at a time, so I keep plenty busy, and as a result, have to really organize my schedule so I have time to write. I work with many older alpha males, and have come to love them. Some can come across as harsh and tough, but honestly, once you get to know one, you find a “softie” is in there with a fierce desire to protect and support you. I think they’ve also helped me develop a thicker skin at times. LOL.

What are you writing next and when might it be available?

I am framing up a story that is definitely in the erotic suspense category. I haven’t completely worked it out, so I’d say it would be too premature to discuss it. Suffice it to say it will probably be more like SINFULLY GOOD and less like CRAZY LADIES.

Not only is Laurie a real sweetheart, so no creepy posts guys, that shit's just not cool, but she can tell a great story. Give her books a gander, it'll be worth it.
Twitter - @mnnovelette

 

You know what else is worth it?
My books, and I have a growing family to support.
In anticipation of the newest Farish, Junior Inquisitor is just 99 cents. But not for much longer. Click and enjoy my friends,
click and enjoy.
 
Junior Inquisitor Book One
  
 
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 Smashwords - https://goo.gl/NXw3Gr
Inquisitor Series - http://goo.gl/5lCyaX

The Witch’s Lair Book Three
 
 
Smashwords - https://goo.gl/MokJnC 
 Inquisitor Series - http://goo.gl/mJtTf8
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Ken Lange, making great writing look easy


Every now and the one reads a book that resonates. The MC is spot on, the story just flows, you are drawn into another world for a brief time; regretful when you hit “The End.” While I was not expecting it, that is what happened to me when I read Accession of the Stone Born: The Vigiles Urbani Chronicles, by Ken Lange. The closest comparison, and unfair to both authors, I can come up with is Gavin Randall is an older, more mature Harry Dresden. There are some very broad similarities, man with an epic destiny on a mission to protect his city. Beyond that it the comparison falls apart, the monsters are different, Gavin's job, past, powers, and motivations are all different. And yet, there is some connection between these stories. Like the best of Jim Butcher, Ken Lange delivers, and he makes it look easy.

 

Step into the strange and unusual world of the Archive with Gavin Randall, meet Lazarus and learn about the Stone Born. A necromancer is on the move and thousands of souls hang in the balance.


I heard the quiet thud of soft-soled shoes rapidly pounding the sidewalk behind us. My body tensing, I grabbed Heather in my far arm, swinging her around me and holding her at arm's length, which allowed me to spin around and face the runner. The small yet handsome Asian man barreling our away was barely five feet tall. The officer reached out for him, but the runner ducked and planted a palm into the man’s chest, sending him sprawling through the open gate where he landed hard on his back, slapping his head against the black stone walkway with a sickening crack.

The Asian man seemed at odds with himself, moving like a young man but appearing to be in his mid to late thirties. His bald head gleamed in the moonlight and his focus was on Heather. Increasing his speed, he pulled out a long silver dagger. He was fast, muscular, and most importantly, a threat.

Our attacker hadn’t anticipated Heather being spun around, several feet out of reach, and his blade pierced my coat and shirt, allowing its razor sharp edge to leave a long shallow gash across my ribs. It wasn’t life threatening, yet the warm blood trickling down my side was annoying and a little itchy. He pulled the blade back and flicked his wrist, and slamming the ridge of my hand against the man’s throat, I lifted him off the ground, propelling him several feet back.

He was unarmed now, the dagger seemingly vanishing from sight, and it registered in my mind that I hadn’t heard it hit the ground. Discovering the weapon’s whereabouts was secondary to handling the man who wielded it.

He fell back gracefully, pulling his knees up, rolling over his shoulders and neck back to his feet, prepared for a fight. He was dazed and slow, which was bad news for him. I sped towards him in a low footballer’s stance and he kicked out a foot, landing hard against my shoulder.

He wasn’t heavy enough to slow me down, and I grabbed the leg. Catching sight of the fence, I changed tactics. Forcing myself upright and pulling his leg along with me in a nasty twist, I heard it snap at the ankle and knee before I felt it give way as I pulled it from the socket. He lurched back as I swept a leg underneath him, forcing him around and allowing his face to plow into the wrought iron fence, which was forced downward with all his body weight and a good shove from me. A long black iron fleur de lis erupted from the back of the man’s head, causing him to convulse in an oddly rhythmic fashion for several seconds. Finally, the twitching stopped and he slumped against the fence with his knees on the sidewalk, resembling some sort of gruesome prayer to an uncaring god.
 


 

What is your main character’s motivation?


Gavin needs a purpose in his life, someone to serve, the fact that he loses that in the opening sends him into uncharted territory, expanding his viewpoint. It isn’t enough just to serve a new master anymore, he wants to make a difference and change the status quo into something better, if not brighter for the disenfranchised.

What is his secret strength/weakness?

Gavin’s greatest strength is his will to survive no matter the odds or the cost. He is determined to stay free and breathing. That is apparent in the fact that he survived capture and torture for several months. I could copout here and say that this is his greatest weakness as well and in a way it is. In my opinion his greatest weakness is leaping into the fire, only to remember afterwards that it burns. This is demonstrated by the fact that he keeps taking ‘jobs’ without actually knowing that much about them.

Any philosophical issues in this story?


        I think that the world at large, especially here in the south, tend to hang a label on someone at first glance; instead of accepting they’re just another human being trying to make it the best way they know how.

I like to think that I see those around me as people, and not as a race, religion or gender. Considering where I live there is a lot of every type of ‘ism’ you can think of, and It irks me to no end! Why is it so hard to see an actual person instead of a preconceived notion of who someone is?

When did you start to write this one and why?

I’ve had the idea for Lazarus for about six years, but I couldn’t find a way to fit him into a story, until the idea of Gavin came along. It was the vehicle I’d been looking for to get both of their stories out.

As far as this book specifically, I probably started putting ideas down on paper about two years ago and got serious about it in May of 2015. It took me a bit to get my feet under me with the story.

When will it be available?
May 16th

What’s next in this series or in your next book?

The next book in this series is an untitled project that will have Gavin hitting the road and heading into the Great Southwest, New Mexico in particular.

As for the next book, that’s going to be a science fiction/ urban fantasy tome tentatively called The Witch’s Heart. I’m in the process of a major rewrite for it and hope to have it to the editor in June.

Once that happens I’ll start back to work on The Vigiles Urbani Chronicles. I needed to take a step back from Gavin, and give his story time to come together before rushing into a second book.

Where do you get your ideas?
Reading, art, and music. The reading gets me out of my own head and expands my viewpoint, not to mention the fact that I love it. The artwork can be almost anything, a photo, painting, even a well done font can trigger an idea. At other times it’s music that gives me that spark. Once it’s there it doesn’t go away and rattles around in my head until I do something about it.

When did you start writing?
I started writing in high school, it carried over into college and after Katrina I started ghostwriting. Several years ago I created a series of stories for friends which I’m now reworking into the aforementioned Witch’s Heart.

Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always been fascinated by a great story; it was my escape from reality into the magical realms of the written word. It has always intrigued me how scratches made on clay, stone, wood or paper can touch people so deeply. I’m truly an introvert and this is my way of sharing the worlds spinning in my head with others.

For me writing heals the heart, rebuilds a broken soul and gives hope to a failing body. It allows me to walk amongst the stars and go places that otherwise I couldn't, and it gives me the humanity that I've lost along the way. In essence writing breaths hope into the embers of whatever life I yet possess and it allows my soul to be whole once more.

What is the hardest part about being a writer?    
         Trying not to ‘good idea’ myself into oblivion. Sometimes I’m plagued by what I think are fantastic ideas, then I write them down and run with it, only to realize that maybe it wasn’t as good as I’d thought. Well at least not yet. That’s the thing about idea’s, they can be used at a later date.


https://goo.gl/xgMuyK
 
So there you go folks, In case you hadn't figured it out
 
Speaking of 5 star reads, did you know that The Inquisitor Series has over sixty 5 stars reviews. I think you should check them out.
Junior Inquisitor Book One
  
 
Inquisitor Series - http://goo.gl/mJtTf8

 
Soulless Monk Book Two
  
 
 Smashwords - https://goo.gl/NXw3Gr
Inquisitor Series - http://goo.gl/5lCyaX

The Witch’s Lair Book Three
 
 
Smashwords - https://goo.gl/MokJnC 
 Inquisitor Series - http://goo.gl/mJtTf8
 
 






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