Character Confessions: Langston's vent session with his author Morgan Sterling + excerpt

Langston’s Vent Session with Morgan

Langston: Hey, Morgan. We need to talk.
Morgan: Oh no, what did I do now?

Langston: You know exactly what you did. You made me an astrophysics professor—cool, I can handle that. But did you have to make me so awkward around women?
Morgan: (laughs) Well, Langston, you needed some flaws to be relatable. No one likes a perfect character.

Langston: Relatable? Is that why you had me nearly choke on my words every time I tried to talk to Aurora in the beginning?
Morgan: Hey, it's called building tension. Besides, you turned out pretty smooth once you got comfortable. Remember that lecture scene?

Langston: (rolls eyes) Oh, you mean the one where I was so nervous I almost dropped my laser pointer? Real smooth.
Morgan: You did great! Aurora was totally into it.

Langston: Speaking of Aurora, why did you have to make her so perfect? She's talented, gorgeous, and confident. I felt like an awkward teenager all over again!
Morgan: Perfect? Aurora has her own insecurities and issues. She's just good at hiding them, unlike someone who fumbles with his glasses during a serious conversation.

Langston: (sighs) You just had to bring that up, didn't you? Anyway, there are a few backstory details you left out. Like the time I almost set the lab on fire trying to impress a girl in college.
Morgan: Oh really? Do tell!

Langston: Well, I was trying to show off my skills with a Bunsen burner and some fancy chemical reactions. Let's just say it ended with the fire alarm going off and me spending a week cleaning the lab.
Morgan: (laughs) See, these are the kinds of stories that make you relatable. Besides, look at how far you’ve come.

Langston: True, true. But you could have given me a break. Like that time you had me debating whether to call Aurora after ---our first date. I had a full-on meltdown!
Morgan: (smirking) It was endearing. And it showed your vulnerable side.

Langston: Vulnerable, huh? What about when you made me spill coffee on myself right before a big presentation?
Morgan: Okay, that was just funny. Even heroes need to have bad days.

Langston: Yeah, yeah. Speaking of bad days, did you really have to make my mom so meddling? I love her, but the way she pushes me towards Aurora...
Morgan: She just wants you to be happy. Plus, it adds some comic relief.

Langston: Fine, I’ll give you that one. But you owe me a few more wins in the next book. Maybe a scene where I’m not a total klutz?
Morgan: Deal. But you know, Langston, it’s your imperfections that make readers fall in love with you.

Langston: (smiles) I guess so. But next time, could you at least let me keep my dignity intact during romantic moments?
Morgan: I’ll see what I can do. But no promises!

Langston: Figures. Alright, I’ve had my rant. Just remember, a little more finesse next time, please?
Morgan: Noted. Now go win over Aurora again.

Langston: (grinning) With pleasure.

Stellar Harmony (A Nerdy Love Affair Book 1)
by Morgan Sterling
May 31, 2024
Genre: Urban Romance
ISBN: 9798883229052
ASIN: B0CW1BH188
Number of pages: 211
Word Count: 59,926
Cover Artist: Morgan Sterling
An Urban Romance Written In The Stars

In the vibrant streets of Chicago, Langston, an astrophysics professor, and Aurora, a gifted musician, find solace in each other's embrace. But as their love blossoms, they must confront societal pressures and personal demons. Will they find harmony in the chaos of their lives? Dive into this captivating urban romance filled with passion, self-discovery, and the wonders of the cosmos.

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Excerpt:
We reached across the table to clink our glasses together.

"No one understands me either," we said in unison.

I blushed. His scent of fresh soap and spiced cologne intoxicated me as if I could taste it on my tongue.

The server asked if we needed another round, but we both declined. Langston waved him off kindly and said we should get some air.

Outside, the cool night air felt good against my skin. The stars twinkled above us, and Langston pointed out constellations like reading a book. Orion, Cassiopeia, and others. I let out a small gasp when he told me there was one that resembled a man with a star for a crown.

"Wow. That's the first time anyone's ever shown me that," I whispered, goosebumps prickling my arms.

He smiled. "Imagine how people used to look up at stars, see images, paint pictures." He blew out a breath in a cloud in the cold air. His nose was starting to turn red. He looked adorable. But he didn't seem to notice the cold as he looked up. "Fantasies in the sky."

He looked down at me but said nothing as he wrapped his arms around himself to stay warm.

"So, tell me about your fantasies," he murmured into the silence.

"Huh?" I blinked, caught off guard by his directness.

He chuckled. "You know, what do you like to dream about when the stars come out? What turns you on?" His voice was deep and husky, sending shivers down my spine.

"I don't know," my eyes lowered nervously. "I've never really thought about it." My cheeks flushed as I realized how naive that sounded.

"I don't think that's true," he began, taking my hand into both of his. He blew onto them, his hot breath hitting my cold skin. And his lips, so soft, brushed against the palm of my hand.

A moment later Langston pulled me in for a warm kiss. When our lips met, a fire ignited, spreading like wildfire through my veins. Langston's mouth moved against mine with a fervor that matched the intensity of the kiss. His lips were soft and pliant, molding perfectly to mine.

I tasted the remnants of the wine on his lips, an intoxicating blend mingling with the sweetness of his breath. His heat enveloped me, seeping into my skin. Gathering my hair peeking from under my hat, he tangled it in his fingers, willing my head back, my lips parted. His other hand slipped past my bomber jacket, onto my butt, pulling me closer.

A moan escaped me instinctually. It was all he needed to pull me in further, his tongue exploring my mouth.

My pulse pulsed, feeling him press against me.

"God damn it," he said, pulling away, searching my eyes as I searched his back for answers to unasked questions.

"I think- I think I should head home." I took wobbly steps back, cold air rushing between us. I did not come to Chicago for this - the last thing I needed.

I waved briefly and left him confused on the cold Chicago street. And if he felt only a pinch of what I did, I also left him horny as hell.

About the Author:
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Explore the captivating narratives of Morgan Sterling, a seasoned wordsmith whose storytelling prowess transcends boundaries. Spanning various genres, from contemporary to paranormal and urban romance, Morgan's narratives challenge conventional norms, spotlighting the allure of imperfection. Within Morgan's literary universe, characters are intricately layered, diverging from traditional romantic archetypes. Here, protagonists may embody antiheroic traits, and heroines navigate their journeys with authenticity and fortitude, illustrating the boundless nature of true love.

As a minority woman blerd (black nerd) with a penchant for romance and an imaginative flair, Morgan draws from personal encounters to craft authentic and diverse tales. Motivated by a quest for representation in literature, Morgan embarked on a creative odyssey to fill a void, merging romance with the fantastical realms of science fiction and fantasy.

Beyond her literary endeavors, Morgan is a polymath of varied interests. From indulging in cosplay to immersing herself in anime, comic books, and lingerie, she draws inspiration from her eclectic passions, infusing her creative process with vivacious energy. Influenced by literary luminaries like Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, and Rebecca Roanhorse, Morgan's narratives transport readers to both familiar and fantastical worlds, captivating them until the last page.

Morgan lives in the Southern United States, but fully embraces her 1st generation status as a Caribbean-American. Though her pen allows her to live many lives, she lives real life with her husband, children, and pets.

Embark on a journey through Morgan Sterling's enchanting realm, where love transcends conventions, and imperfections are celebrated with reverence.

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Embark on a cosmic journey of love and discovery in #StellarHarmony Dive into this #UrbanRomance and follow Langston and Aurora as they navigate the complexities of love, passion, and self-discovery. #RomanceReaders #BookRecommendation #Spicyread https://amzn.to/3Usdiqi

 

Character Confessions: Alex McKenna has something to say to his author + Giveaway

Thanks for having me on I Smell Sheep! I brought along a friend, well, more like an annoying little brother, Alex McKenna. We’ve been having the same argument for four books and I thought maybe we could finally settle it.

Alex: Vicki-Ann, first I want to say that I think the way you write me and Margaret is cool! I mean, she’s all in and supportive of who I am. Seeing the dead and talking to them can be scary for others but not Margaret, she’s right by my side. But what gets me the most is her reaction to me being transgender. Margaret understands that this is who I am and this is my journey, and she chooses to walk it with me.
 

Vicki-Ann: Thank you! You know how I feel, you are who you are. Being transgender is another side to the many things that make up Alex McKenna, just as it is with each and every person.
 

Alex: Okay, now that I’ve said that there’s something that’s been bugging me since book one.
 

Vicki-Ann: (Eye Roll) I know where you’re going with this.
 

Alex: See. If you know, then why not change it?
 

Vicki-Ann: Because I’ve told you a thousands times, I don’t write like that. I’m like 50 Shades of Disney. My romance is more sweet and less steamy. It just doesn’t flow for me.
 

Alex: But think about it. If Margaret and me could get a little closer, maybe even a lot closer, it might expand your audience and we’d get a lot more attention.
 

Vicki-Ann: Listen bud, I wish I could. I’ve tried. It comes out sounding like a tutorial to fix a busted water pipe. A lot of blah, blah, blah, and then an epic fail with a water fountain flooding
underneath the kitchen sink. Disaster.
 

Alex: (sighs) I guess I get it. But, I do have a favor.
 

Vicki-Ann: Sure. What?
 

Alex: Next time you write about us, could you give me a car? I’d like to drive sometimes too.
 

Vicki-Ann: Deal.

Alex McKenna and the Geranium Deaths (Alex McKenna Series Book One)
by Vicki-Ann Bush
Genre: YA Paranormal
October 17, 2023

Publisher: Creative James Media
ISBN: 978-1-956183-42-9
Number of pages: 316
Word Count: 87837
Cover Artist: Dark Angel Graphic Design
The dead need him.

Seventeen-year-old Alex McKenna is a transgender boy who comes from a rich history of Strega witches. Possessing the ability to communicate with the dead, he uses his talents and understanding of what it means to be different to bridge the gap between the living and the beyond. With his girlfriend Margaret and his spirited great-grandmother by his side, Alex helps lost souls resolve their earthly connections and move on.

When a series of murders plagues his neighborhood, Alex discovers the gruesome truth behind a sixty-year span of deaths and the sinister being responsible.

Will Alex save the next victim and stop the murderer for good? Or will this be his final case?

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Excerpt: 

The shadow slowly turned its attention to Alex. He stood tall, not showing the fear that was ravaging his body.
“Alex, be careful,” warned his mom.
“It’s okay.” Alex stood firm.
The dark figure let out an ear-piercing screech, and Alex buried his head in his jacket. Again, it changed its focus and twisted toward the back seat of the car—Wilby. It held the statue down toward the earth, and the car started to rock back and forth.
“Wilby!” his mom screamed as she struggled to break free.
Alex’s heart pounded; the death freeze of the dark spirit was coming, and it was very close.
“Ma, that thing is summoning the beast!” Alex’s voice dripped with fear.
“Alex, I don’t know what to do. I can’t move. Is Wilby still sleeping?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” She wiped her upper lip with her sleeve. “What if he wakes up?”
The vibration in his front pocket distracted him. Alex slipped out his phone; his gram’s picture lit up like a beacon.
“Gram, we’re in trouble,” Alex whispered.
“I know. Listen carefully, Bonzetta. Tell your mother we are going to use the prayer of light. I will do what I need from here.”
“What do I do?” Alex’s palms dripped with sweat from anxiety, and he nearly dropped the phone.
“Just repeat what we say, okay?”
“Okay.”
He didn’t want to shout their plan, so he texted it to his mom. “Ma, look at your phone.”
She slipped it out of her purse and read the message. Then, nodding in agreement, she waited.

About the Author:

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Originally from New York, Vicki-Ann currently resides in Nevada. Writing Young Adult paranormal, she finds inspiration from events that have been in her life for as long as she can remember. Inheriting the sensitivity to the supernatural from her family, they continue to be an endless source of vision.

When not writing, she enjoys watching movies with her husband, their loveable great Dane, Cuba and their baby girl, Curie, a little Chua Chua/Yorkie mix. Other past time faves include, dinner with family and friends, going out to breakfast, and sipping wine on the patio of a lovely Italian restaurant.

In 2022 Vicki-Ann signed a two book publishing deal with CJM Publishing. Coming in 2024, the YA paranormal romance, The Darkest Light, and a New Adult sci-fi, Liminal Space.

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Character Confessions with a Matchmaking Ghost Grandmother by Beck Erixson + giveaway

Beck: Thank you so much for including “Just a Fika” on I Smell Sheep!

As usual, when contemplating what to share about Ingrid and her story, my dear Mormor made her presence known. This time, it led to an unexpected incident involving spilled hot tea all over my drafting table. Her unique ability to pop in and out of different realms without warning is a never-ending source of amusement for her. Today, I'm indulging her and letting her have her say before she attempts to rewrite the entire book. She's still a bit perturbed that I didn't include more chapters about her, but she adores her granddaughter and understands why Ingrid is the central character.

Mormor: You could improve your posture while typing; it would save me from constantly prodding your shoulder to sit up straight. Honestly, are you trying to develop a hunch? Tall women should carry themselves proudly. A true shield-maiden never lowers her chin as you do.

Beck: I'm not a shield-maiden, and this isn't exactly a confession. What did you want to discuss about the book or yourself?

Mormor: Very well. You may not know what you are, but I do. You'll discover it eventually. Back to the book—I should have been featured more prominently. Ingrid should have invited me out personally rather than me having to pop in and out. If she were more upfront instead of letting me guess where she was going, I’d have left her alone more.

Beck: You weren't exactly forthcoming about your own background either. Besides, I'm fairly certain a deceased grandmother showing up on a date would be a mood-killer.

Mormor: For the umpteenth time, I'm not deceased. I'm in-between—neither alive nor dead.

Beck: A zombie?

Mormor: You know very well I'm not a zombie.

Beck: Fine. What's one thing you'd like to clarify for the readers that may have been unclear in the story?

Mormor: Well, you blabbed about my library encounter with Loki in the book, but you omitted some details. That wasn't our only meeting when I was younger. AND it’s the same spot Ingrid's grandfather and I used to visit to gaze out at the water. I never saw that peculiar man after Poppop came home. Not until he showed his true self in the book. I know those eyes anywhere.

Beck: Are you upset because you and Loki didn't get more page time?

Mormor: Life is intricate. There's a reason Ingrid should avoid dating him and why he's so involved in her love life. I'm conflicted about how much you revealed in the book. You did an excellent job covering the other identities like Heimdal, Baldr, Freya, and Thor... but you dropped hints too. This isn't how you protect Aegir Haven from outsiders who might come to gawk at the gods and disrupt our quiet little seaside town.

Beck: You do realize the book is fiction, right? Norse gods won't be found strolling around, and Bifröst isn't accessible from the Jersey shore. Thor's ego would never fit in here, and the town would inevitably become a tourist trap.

Mormor: You're absolutely right. The entire story is a work of fiction, except for me, Ingrid, and the others. And let's not anger Aegir; he's already flooded the area enough times.

Beck: I can't do this right now. Fine. There's a massive gathering of Norse gods not using their powers, and you and Loki used to flirt. It's preposterous.

Mormor: Next time, you should start with my story. I'm telling you, a prequel.

Beck: I... um... have already begun writing another book in this world, one for Saga...

Mormor: Saga isn’t even in Just a Fika! This conversation is taking a turn for the worse. Why am I always last?

Beck: ...I didn't think...

Beck: Damn it. She's vanished again. We'll sort this out later. She might be a tad irked because her husband's short story is appearing in an anthology in 2024. She's a remarkable woman, fiercely spirited, and truly wonderful once you get to know her. As for the Loki part, well, I'd take that with a grain of salt. Some days she can be a bit dramatic.

Just a Fika: Coffee, Connection, and a Matchmaking Ghost Grandmothers
by Beck Erixson
October 3, 2023
Genre: Speculative Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction with Romance
Publisher: Aegir Haven, LLC
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 979-8-9875998-0-8 (paperback)
ISBN” 979-8-9875998-2-2 (ebook)
Number of pages: 308
Word Count: 83,000
Cover Artist: Melody Jeffries
Family. They’re always meddling in your love life… Even after they’re dead.

Brooklynite-and genealogist-Ingrid Ekstrom accepts a surprise request from her typically estranged family: to become the live-in caretaker of their shared historic house in the sleepy Jersey Shore town of Aegir Haven. A fun-loving cousin is quick to introduce Ingrid to the local handyman and bluegrass musician. As he fixes up the place, Ingrid digs into the house's past and learns about the family she barely knows.

And then Mormor-her long-dead grandmother-shows up, acting as though not being in the spirit realm is perfectly normal.

Ingrid's always yearned for stronger family connections, and it's nice having Mormor around. Mormor tries to set her up with a young real estate attorney who's closer to her more thunderous, god-like personal standards than the musician with keen senses Ingrid is falling for. As lore and legends mingle with real life, she's torn. Mormor's fantastical family sagas can't actually be true, right?

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Excerpt:
“Show yourself, you meddling woman,” I say, probably too stern for a granddaughter. She did this to herself.

“Oh, relax. You had fun, didn’t you?” Mormor’s voice projects from the living room.

“You had no business showing up tonight. My social life is mine.” I kick off my shoes in the entry and cut across to the warmth of the lit fireplace. She’s kept herself busy.

“Oh, sit down,” she scolds me from the purple wingback chair, like the child she believes I still am.

Hard to say no to your grandmother, even if you don’t really know her. For civility’s sake, I take my place in the leather chair on the other side of the fireplace, garnering an unobstructed view of her. The heat and flames of the fireplace illuminate the bridge etched into the back of the black stone, only visible when the temperature hits high enough. She’s been waiting.

“Did you have fun?” The chair creaks as she adjusts her legs. “You two were adorable together.”

“So you said at the restaurant. Directly to him.” The energy it takes to argue isn’t worth the effort right now. Opting for a tone of juvenile annoyance takes less energy. “Can you please stay out of my personal life? Can this be something we agree to?”

“Absolutely not. You’ll blow it. Look at your track record. You need me.” She waves off my request. “Besides, it was one date, and of course that boy ended up there too.”
Ah, so she didn’t send him. Sweet. “Thatboy?“ I ask.

“Yes, the one with the instrument and the curls in his hair. The one who’s been fixing things here.” Mormorisn’t holding back niceties.

“Kurt?” I grin. “What do you have against Kurt?” Reveling in this is wrong, but so right.

“You need someone with their feet on the ground. Someone like Yale.” She sits high like a queen in her court.

“What do you know about him?” I’m not arguing. Who knows how long she’s been popping in and out of my life?

“I know what I need to.” She lengthens her neck. “Why even bother with him?”

“Ah, so you know nothing.” Makes two of us, really. Other than being kind, talented, and someone to joke around with, he’s a mystery. A mystery who’s comfortable to be around, but sometimes makes butterflies flutter in my chest. Yale makes me awkward and nervous. Ugh,I’m overanalyzing again. Inside me there’s a constant nag when I’m around Yale that he’s not a good idea. Not that Kurt’s a good idea.

“Let’s clarify something. I’m not going back until I know you are okay.” Mormor stares off at the fire. A gentle breeze whistles through the windows and flutters the edges of her hair.

“Is this a promise or a threat?” Please stay, for at least a while longer. I like getting to know her when she’s not meddling. Half the reason I agreed to move out here was to learn more about my family.

I suppose I should thank her. Dinner ended when the menu she was holding too close to the wall sconce caught fire and we had to run outside. Serves her right for spying and not paying attention. There’s nothing quite like the smell of melting plastic to inflict headaches and end a date quickly.

He was kind enough to walk me home after I made the first turn in the wrong direction. I’d have made it eventually. His gentlemanly self was fantastic. It was the long periods of not talking and staring at the candle that made me want to bolt.

“You know I love you.” I open my arms for a hug.

She turns non-corporeal and laughs as my arms slice through her.

Mormor! “What are the rules here? When are you—you? And when are you a ghost?” I stamp my voice like a toddler mid-tantrum, adding extra emphasis at the beginning of each sentence.

“You were going to squeeze me too hard.” She’s right. “When I’m tired, I fade a bit. I don’t like where I go when I fade.”

A tiny over-the-top squeeze to make her feel as uncomfortable as I felt with Yale is deserved, tight enough so she knows I’m squeezing love and the want of a direct connection with her.

“Where you go?” Legitimate question.

“I have to go somewhere? What? You think I’m like a fading light?”

I shrug. “Sorry, I don’t have experience with—ghosts?”

“We’ve been over this.” She rolls her eyes. “The rules are murky.” She pulls at the low braid on the back of her head.

“Oh, is that all?” This woman is off her rocker.

“It’s complicated.” She crosses her arms and huffs. “Haven’t you bothered doing your research?”

“This isn’t something I can research.” Hello, librarian, I keep seeing my dead grandmother. Do you have any books on this?

My jaw drops—this was an intentional diversion. “You’re trying to get sympathy and distract me from the fact you interrupted in the most inappropriate way on a date.”

She wrinkles her nose. “Caught me. You still need to think about dating a proper choice. I’m holding my ground on this.”

“Proper?” Again, with that word. “I don’t need to date anyone. I’m here to watch the house.”

She comes over and envelopes me in a too-hard hug.

I wheeze. “Besides it wasn’t a date, it was two people going to dinner.”

The unsuccessful wiggle of my arms proves Mormor’s ghost form is stronger than she lets on.

“Dating doesn’t mean a relationship.” I peck her cheek. “Having dinner once or twice is getting to know someone.”

She releases her arms and slinks back in her chair. “Don’t end up alone, Ingrid.” A tremble crosses her tone.

“I’ve got you. How can I be alone?”

“You know very well what I mean. You’ve squandered your twenties, and now—”

“I got an education and lived life.” There it is. Clear disappointment I’ve caused her in my life choices. “I traveled and dated. Not everyone finds themselves in their early twenties.”

“Will you consider dating while you are here? He’s really a nice boy.”

“I’m here to maintain the house. Not to date.” I’m over dating.

“Being here doesn’t mean you can’t date.”

I shake my head. She’s relentless.

Mormor waves her hand in front of the fire, and the flames dance higher. “Yale is…” She wags her eyebrows. “Kurt is…” A hovered eye roll punctuates the end of her sentence.

“A friend.” Sort of—he’s working here because Svea paid him.

Mormor grumbles something inaudible from my seat. “I have a list of projects for you. Promise me you’ll stay till you finish some?” She pulls her arm back to the chair and rests her hands on her lap.

“I’m a fill-in. The only person available with no ties to kids or an office.” Story of my life. The living family members call when they remember my existence. Supposedly they love me, but…eh, baggage to think about another day, right? “Promise me you won’t mess up Kurt’s projects on the house?” He works hard regardless of her impression of him.

“As long as he sticks to the house as a project and not you.” She wags her finger and heaves a sigh.

A halfhearted nod is the only option to end this conversation. “Tea?”

I’m not a project.

About the Author:
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Beck Erixson writes about the beautifully awkward world of navigating the journey to true happiness through friendships, love, and family—be it blood, found, or chosen. Her stories enhance the importance of positive interconnection, even when we feel lonely. She lives on the Jersey Shore, and can often be found either writing by the river, or in it in some way. Her short stories have appeared in Many Nice Donkeys, and Full Mood Mag.

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Character Confessions: Or that time when horror author Ezekiel Kincaid Flocked around and found out!

Hi,

My name is Theodosia Whitfield. But that’s not my real name. It’s just the name Zeke came up with for my story. I let him keep it because I thought it sounded pretty. The name is much more elegant than my real one, Sarah Jane Kinsey. I told Zeke what my real name was later in one of the many dreams I would appear to him in while he slept.

I’m dead. I died in Zeke’s story in 1824 when I was thirteen years old. That’s not the year I really died but I told him to keep it because it was the year I was born. I didn’t tell Zeke that until later, either. I really died in 1836 but I was still thirteen. Zeke got that right even before I revealed myself to him.

As I write, you might notice that my style will fluctuate. This is because I go back and forth between how I manifest myself. Sometimes, I’m only seven years old. Other times, I’m ten, and still others, thirteen. Zeke tracks my metamorphosis throughout the story. Also, sometimes I’m really sweet. Then other times? The darkness fully takes over. This happened when I would reveal myself to Zeke, too. The worst is when I can’t control it. Oftentimes during the same visitation, I would go back and forth to my sweet, childlike skin to my demonic skin.

What am I? I don’t even know. I just know I’m not normal. Even my desires ebb and flow. Sometimes I would want Zeke to help me escape the darkness. Other times I would want to torment him. This would even take place during the same visitations.

I’ve roamed the Ethereal Plane since I died, seeking both rest and deliverance. I had been watching Zeke for a while and took interest in the story he started writing about a little girl. But I didn’t want him to write her story. I wanted him to write mine.

So I visited him in a dream.

I lied to him and told him I was Theodosia Whitfiled and that the story didn’t happen the way he wrote it. I made him start all the way over, showing him all the ghastly details of my descent into evil. Every time he would sit down to write the book, I would appear to him, dictating, scene by scene, what happened to me.

I liked to play with Zeke. We had all sorts of fun together writing my story. He would take awful good care of me, making sure each section was like I wanted it. Sometimes he would get mad at me because I would wake him up in the middle of the night to make him write more. But I was lonely and scared and talking to him made me feel safe. I never wanted to leave Zeke. My mommy and daddy were dead, and they weren’t in the Ethereal Plane like me. I wanted to stay with my new friend forever.

Then Zeke bought the doll. I really liked her. She looked a lot like me when I would take my scary form. He even named her after me. Well, not really me, but Theo me. That’s when I knew Zeke wanted me around forever, so I attached myself to the doll.

The only problem?

Something else attached to it along with me.

Then one night, Zeke made a video. Someone asked him to make it to promote his books. He hadn’t found a publisher for my story yet, but he did put our doll in the video. He talked about that Johnny book he has out and mentioned me as well. I was really happy he mentioned me and was excited about me. That was, until he found out the takes of the videos he did were too long.

Then he made me mad. Since my book wasn’t out yet, and to cut back on the time, he did a take without mentioning me. He just talked about that funny Johnny book. When I realized he wasn’t going to talk about me, I made my presence known by shooting light orbs from the doll.

When Zeke saw the video, he knew. He knew I had attached to the doll and he knew I was upset about him not talking about me. Zeke decided to do a recording. I heard him talking about it to his friends one day. I think he said it was called an EVP? I’m not sure. All I know is that he set the doll on a table with some sort of device.

Zeke asked me all sorts of questions. When he asked, “Is this Theo attached to the doll?” I gave some knocks, spelling out “Hi” in Morse Code. Zeke was even on a paranormal investigation show where they examined the video and the recording.

Click to listen

I don’t know what I ever did to Zeke to make him not like me but he cast me out of the doll. This made me really sad. I had liked being around in my new body, always around Zeke and not having to be back in the Ethereal Place.

My sadness turned to anger and I went after Zeke. I brought a bunch of evil spirits with me. We really tried to hurt him and torment him but that Jesus person stopped us. Jesus bound me and I can’t ever go near Zeke again.

I guess this makes me sad but not because I miss him. I’m sad because I wanted to hurt him more. I try not to feel this way since he did write my story for me. It’s a warning to all of you out there about what the darkness can do. For now, I guess I’ll keep wandering the wastelands, looking for someone else to attach to who reads Zeke’s story about me.

You can read the beginning of Theo’s story in The Dawning, book 1 of The Dreadful Death series out now by Raven Tale Publishing.

The Dawning: A Horror Novel (The Dreadful Death)

by Ezekiel Kincaid 

April 6, 2022

On a cold November night in 1817, a seven-year-old girl named Theodosia Whitefield finds a door leading to another world. She feels a pull towards a dark, celestial being who beckons her, and senses his presence growing each day. In an old rocking chair by her bed, a seeming friend appears and helps her navigate through this new world.

Little by little, Theo's innocence changes as the dark creature edges closer to her reality. The little girl begins to grow into something sinister and evil. Shedding her youth and innocence, her demon friend paves the way for Theodosia to meet the entity named Tetromet, The two meet and the horror and madness blossom in Theo, leading to unprecedented depths of terror.

The charming countryside of North Carolina makes the backdrop for the insanity and evil emanating from this child. She wreaks havoc on her family and friends as her power grows. It all comes to an insidious, nightmarish end, with questions of faith, sanity and above all, God and evil.

Amazon

About the Author:

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Ezekiel Kincaid was a pastor for twenty years and uses his experiences with the supernatural and human condition to influence his horror stories. He has been published by numerous horror presses and writes for the House of Stitched Magazine. He also has a sarcastic side and enjoys writing comedic horror. He will fight anyone who says they don't like Bruce Campbell.

Character Confessions: Maia Delacroix from Kim Mullican's UF Blood and Fire (Alpha and Omega Book One) + excerpt

UF author Kim Mullican's character Maia Delacroix isn't happy with the recent turn of events in her life...

Kim: First, Sharon, let me thank you so very much for having Maia and Me on I Smell Sheep. It’s an honor to be here.
Maia: Honor to be here? You’re supposed to be finishing the next book. You made a plot hole. Remember? You still need to fix that. And the end... I mean really, you had to...you know?

Kim: I’m sorry, there were a lot of distractions.
Maia: Like your husband singing about his sausage?

Kim: That, and the Mother-in-Law...I really wish she’d take her meds.
Maia: You’d be better off if she’d just wear clothes.

Kim: That too. But we’re here to talk about your story, Maia. Blood and Fire comes out on the 17th of January.
Maia: You’re a cruel bitch. You know that?

Kim: Excuse me?
Maia: You give me this badass life, a twenty-five-year-old body, a killer job...then you stick me with an emotional-teen-witch-orphan. Seriously? I can’t keep a house plant alive. What chances does Elaina have? That’s just cruel.

Kim: Well, you’re her only living relative. It was that or foster care.
Maia: Where’s the Jameson?

Kim: Interview first, booze second. This is your confession and your story.
Maia: My confession? How about you sticking a hot half-demon next to me for the whole story and I’m not allowed to take him for a spin.

Kim: You have a lot on your plate, Maia. He’s a half-demon, he’ll be around for a spin later on.
Maia: My happy place hasn’t had any visitors in a long time, Kim. Maybe write that into my next book? How about a shower scene?

Kim: Because this is an Urban Fantasy, not a romance. Romance readers are very particular about their romances and if I screw that up well...
Maia: Well don’t screw it up. Get me screwed.

Kim: Moving along, how are things going with your ward, Elaina?
Maia: Well, she’s no witch. The Mageri lied to me about that shit. She has fire leaking out of her. Fire! This house is all I have, you know. On the plus side, the kid can cook. She’s pretty cool, actually. I’m just afraid I’ll screw her up.

Kim: I won’t let that happen.
Maia: You let her steal my truck.

Kim: Well...
Maia: And we have a demon problem now too.

Kim: There’s that.
Maia: Oh, and the coven. Jesus, I just realized how much shit you threw at me. You need some therapy. Where is that Jameson?

Kim: Okay, okay. I’ve been hard on you. Here, I hid it behind the chair. I’ll pour you a drink while you tell our friends where to find Blood and Fire.
Maia: Don’t forget the ice. Hey friends, you can read about me and my foster-kid, Elaina by visiting Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NN4GLTZ

You can find the Book Trailer here:

https://youtu.be/AypmYJC27Fs

Blood and Fire (Alpha and Omega Book One)

by Kim Mullican
01/17/2022
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Syn Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-942632-39-9
ASIN: B09NN4GLTZ
Number of pages: 160
Word Count: 62k
Cover Artist: Get Covers
I am Maia Delacroix and I hunt people and relics. My life does not lack excitement or danger. I have it in spades.

Then the Mageri surprised me with an orphan...yes, an orphan. I can’t even keep a house plant alive, let alone a kid. It turns out that I’m her only living relative, and even though we’ve never met, I’m her only hope. Great. Can I feed her after midnight? What does she eat? I have no idea what I’m doing.

They tell me this little witchling will need care for a few years until she comes of age. The bizarre fire leaking out of Elaina’s hands is a pretty good indicator that she is no witch.

Then the coven comes—they want her back. Necromancers show up, turning my vampire friends into enemies. If that isn’t bad enough, I have a demon problem now too.

Join me, and see if we can make it out alive!

Amazon

Excerpt:
She leaned into me and sobbed.

I didn’t know her but damn if I didn’t suddenly feel responsible for her. How in the hell had that happened? Because I lost my mother too? Because this poor kid had big blue eyes and pleaded for me to help her? Damned if I knew.

She wiped her face on her shirt. “We should probably get some groceries.”

And we did. While she did buy some junk food, I was a little surprised at how much healthy stuff she put in the cart. She even claimed she knew what to do with it.

When she grabbed a box of Earl Grey tea, I laughed. “You liar!”

She looked slightly embarrassed. “My mom drinks it,” she looked down at the box, “she drank it.”

I snatched it out of her hand and threw it in the cart. “If nothing else, we’ll brew it just to sniff.”

She blinked back tears before grabbing a bag of coffee. “Sounds good.”

The bill at checkout nearly gave me hives. Did teenagers eat this much every week? The paperwork the attorney left did show a nice monthly allowance for necessities, but if the grocery bill was this much each week, I’m not sure how much would be left.

I tried to hide the shock from Elaina. My poker face must not be as good as I thought, however.

“Don’t worry, we had to get a lot of staple items this week. We won’t need this much each time.”

Smiling, I started piling bags in my truck. “You noticed my mini-stroke?”

She laughed. “I’ve never seen a mage turn white like that. It was like a vampire had sucked you dry.”

After returning home, she helped me put all the groceries away then volunteered to start making dinner. I poured a glass of wine and leaned against the counter, watching her. Something was niggling at the back of my head.

“I wanted to ask you about that awesome fireball you made earlier.”

I noticed the pause in her movements before she went back to work. That spoke volumes.

“Cool, huh,” she said, keeping her back to me.

“What kind of magic is that?” I asked. “I’ve never seen a witch make a fireball.” I studied her movements while she worked. Her hands started to shake a little. The topic made her nervous. Interesting.

Her shoulders rose and fell as she took a deep breath. “As it turns out, I’m not a witch. I turned twelve and mom put me through all of the usual tests. Nothing.” She shook spices on the meat in the pan.

“Wow, that must have sucked.” I was trying to stay on her level to keep her comfortable.

“Not really. She didn’t make a big deal out of it. I helped her with her projects, learned about ingredients, spells, and relics. Last year, I felt something.”

She turned and looked at me. “I don’t know how to explain it. It was like a switch flipped and I could feel something here,” she said pointing just below her sternum.

“Warm and kind of moving?” I asked.

She nodded. “Exactly, except sometimes it feels icy too.”

Warm and cold? Was this kid defective?

“Anyway, I told my mom. We were close and she was just, awesome. I always knew I could tell her anything. She said it was excellent. So, we went into the woods and tried several things.

Nothing I tried worked. Then she said to do what felt naturally. That’s when I cupped my hands and made a tiny light ball. It was the size of a marble.”

This made no sense. It didn’t sound like any magic I knew.

About the Author:
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Kim Mullican is a cross-genre author with over 20 novels under her belt. She enjoys the farm life in Northwest Indiana with her husband. Between chasing chickens and herding cats, she and her husband enjoy gardening and old episodes of Top Chef.

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A bounty hunter inherits a kid...and that isn’t the demon she’s worried about.

https://amzn.to/3FtlpKx #urbanfantasy #fantasybooks #kindle #amazon

Character Confession: Afterlife (Vampire Witch Book Two) by Jessica Samuels + excerpt

My character from Afterlife Lilly has a lot of stuff thrown on her at once and this is her time to talk.

Lilly: Thank you for letting me vent here my life hasn’t exactly been good. I lost my mom, my relationship and my home in a very short time and I’m trying to build my life back up.

Jessica: I understand that my life has been rough since I lost my mom too and I have to live with my grandma while I write. Life can be a lot.
Lilly: Hell yes, it can since life is just testing me, and this chick Agatha that took over married some loser and he lets her walk all over him and treat the coven like shit. She was so horrible and didn’t even stop one of the coven members from bullying me over my car. Of which I had to sell since I needed to move out and away from her. Also witches don’t get sick so they thought my mom passed due to cancer and it might be something else so I want to find the person who did it!

Jessica: A lot is resting on your shoulders right now and it isn’t easy dealing with someone who says you are the toxic one repeating habits when it is really them trying to start stuff in the first place. The Agatha person sounds so controlling too and she thinks she can walk all over you just because she is the leader and she can’t. Like just because someone is the oldest doesn’t make them the boss, and if you are both the oldest then you have one trying to control the other and god forbid you disagree with them.
Lilly: Right? Like just because they are a leader or family and have that title doesn’t mean they can use it as a free pass to bully. I love how they say they don’t bully, but really they do and they try to play victim and turn it on you to make it seem like it is you when it is really them. But luckily I moved and blocked her so I don’t have to deal with her anyway. All she ever texts is drama and acts like she cares when it is a way to bully me when I JUST LOST MY MOM….She still has hers and doesn’t understand what it is like to lose a parent. She has no heart, is insensitive and expects me to be nice when she treated me like shit. Nope…

Jessica: Gotta love people like that. At least with the cutie around it will be better. I mean you are a powerful vampire witch that can raise the dead. I mean you can now get away from the coven and their drama and start over in peace. No one deserves to treat you that bad. She sounds like an awful manipulative bitch. And unlike her you have more power than she does. I hope finding your mom's killer will give you peace.
Lilly: I can’t rest until I do and I have a bad feeling I know who it is…

Afterlife (Vampire Witch Book Two)
by Jessica Samuels
June 6th, 2021
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance, NA PNR
ISBN: 979-8516421037
ASIN: B096TH65ZF
Number of pages: 116
Word Count: 34,057
Cover Artist: Rebecacovers
A Witch goes after the person who made her mom sick.

What would you do when the fate of a realm lies on your shoulders?

Lilly finds herself in pure chaos while the realm gets corrupted by evil. Only a few months ago her mother passed away and on top of that Agatha, the new leader of the coven made it her goal to harass her for her ancestry.

Unable to stand up to these challenges, she lets herself get consumed by her grief till the day her father gives her a new purpose - to retrieve the magic stones so she can save the realm of the ever consuming evil. Her vampire soulmate Malachi stands by her side while she learns the shocking truth about her mother’s death.

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Excerpt
“Hi, Lilly,” Dad said interrupting me from my thoughts and a tall figured followed close behind him. Oh my God was he cute! His reddish brown hair, hanging loose down his shoulders, made the red in his eyes seem even more intense, I could see it even from this far away.

He was so sexy no one else even compared to him, and the moment he smiled my heart melted.

The tense set of my dad’s wide shoulders told me he was frustrated. He sat down swiped a hand though his slicked back hair and pinned me there with a flash of his blue eyes.

He wore the family uniform we all wear for meetings which is his black shirt and black jeans in combat boots. He sat down across from me and the sexy dude sat next to him.

“Hey Lilly.” He turned to the sexy dude and swiped a hand towards me. “Malachi Drake this is my daughter.”

“Hi,” I swiped my hand on my pants and extend it. Malachi shaked it.

“It is nice to meet the beautiful Lilly Ravenson,” he said.

I loved him already, he was polite.

“He is here to be your bodyguard.” Dad said shocking me.

“What? Why?”

Dad looked at me, "So some stuff has happened in the coven. And one of the leaders are trying to take over all the Vampire covens. Things are so strained they are going after hybrids and anyone not pure Vampire. We need to keep you safe and the person next to me to do it is Malachi Drake. He is your Protector anyway and the one who is supposed to keep watch. He will be by your side always and with time all yours."

“Wow,” I said.

“He came to me recently since he has been trying to find you to keep you safe, and there is a lot of stuff happening behind the scenes everywhere. Even when you moved away from the coven you were in danger. Especially the moment Agatha and the dumb warlock ghosted you. Agatha bullied you to break you and turn you evil or worse kill you. I’m glad you got away from that. You don’t deserve the shit she put you through. I was talking to other Vampire covens and Witch ones. The evil is spreading so fast that it is overtaking the good ones.”

“I knew there was something going on there I mean someone was stealing from my blood stash and there were tints of black in people’s magic. It was starting to take over mine,” I said.

Dad looked at the menu, “There is something I want you to drink only exclusive to here, and it will help control the alcohol stuff and get rid of the remnants of the black magic.”

He scanned the menu, “Found it. Waitress.”

The waitress zoomed here instantly and looked at my dad. “Do you need something, sir?”
He smiled, “Get my daughter the purifying blood drink. We need it stat.”

She smiled, “Coming right up.” And she went to get it and came back a few minutes later and put down blood drink in a black wine glass. I drank it down and it was healing everything, and the remnants of the black went away.

I smiled, “That helped greatly. I feel way better now and mentally better, too.”
He smiled, “Good, and it means you finally have your Protector by your side. There is something we can do to stop the evil.”

I've only heard of Protectors in legends. They are for the VampireWitches. Guardians. And they are also their soulmates too their perfect half who will never leave. And he is really sexy, too. There is definitely something there.

About the Author:
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Jessica Samuels is an author who writes young adult and new adult paranormal romance. When she isn't writing about vampires, werewolves, witches and angels she is watching stream, reading and playing video games with friends to pass the time.

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What would you do when the fate of a realm lies on your shoulders? Lilly finds herself in pure chaos while the realm gets corrupted by evil. https://amzn.to/3x2X7CX

#paranormalromance #newadult #vampires #witches #necromancers #PNR #NA #NAPNR

Character Confessions: DjinnShay Court from JR White's PNR Reckless Dreams + excerpt

Hi and thanks for having us on the blog! When DjinnShay Court found out I was promoting my new book, Reckless Dreams, and that he might have a chance to help he refused not to do it. Without further ado, here’s Dream Realm native and Watcher extraordinaire, Court.

Court: Thanks for the introduction, but you left a few things out. J.R. might be working to promote Reckless Dreams now, but three months ago she was driving me crazy with all the edits and rewrites.

J.R.: We’re here to talk about the book, Court.

Court: Nope. It’s a character confessions. Says so in the title. So I’m going to confess I miss my vine tattoo that was on my forearm all the way until that last editing round. Why don’t I still have that?

J.R. : It didn’t work out in the story.

Court: Didn’t work out in the story? I got that tattoo the night Karlee awoke as our Dreamweaver. So, here’s a little backstory for all the readers. I was back in the Dream Realm celebrating with other Watchers because a new Watcher had joined our ranks. We were all drinking and having a good time and then an explosion of awareness washed over the entire clan. That’s how we knew the new Dreamweaver was finally ready join us. In our lively state several of us decided to get tattoos before racing off to the Waking Realm to look for Karlee. I thought my vines were an excellent way to ring in this new era for the Djinn Clan and they got edited out.

J.R.: I’m sorry, but we really are here to promote Reckless Dreams.

Court: Yeah. Yeah. You can find Reckless Dreams on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X2XMNJ7 ) or through your choice of books stores linked through Books2Read ( https://books2read.com/u/4NXK7G ).

J.R.: Thank you.

Court: I still miss my vines and you’re lucky Karlee didn’t come along to talk about all the craziness you threw at her.

J.R.: I said I was sorry. Sharon, thanks again for having us!

Reckless Dreams (Stories from the Dream Realm Book One)
by J.R. White
March 15th, 2021
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
ASIN: B08X2XMNJ7
Number of pages: 265
Word Count: 54,000
Cover Artist: J.R. White
Embrace Your Destiny in the Dream Realm

The only thing Karlee Bolt has on her mind is her upcoming beach vacation, but her plans are derailed by dark shadows and a knight with a brilliant, bright light. Karlee is suddenly thrown into another realm and into a battle she has no way of fighting.

A Watcher by right, DjinnShay Court is a warrior that protects the balance between the realms. When the Dreamweaver is suddenly dropped into his lap, Court must change tactics. No longer a warrior that stands between the realms, he must now lead Karlee through the Dream Realm and show her there’s more to dreams than fantasy.

Amazon-Books2Read

Excerpt:
Before Karlee could get the next book on the shelf, a loud thunk made her jump. Spinning around to face the disturbance, she took a slow step forward. “Hello?” At first only silence answered her and then a distant click followed by another and then the sound echoed through the disorganized mess. She took another step, but it wasn’t until the lights illuminated the hallway clicked off that she realized what the sound was.

Backing away from the approaching darkness, Karlee turned to run. The clicking of the lights going out behind her grew louder. On the other side of the basement was the door that led outside and onto the street. She ran faster as her heart started to race. As the clicking grew louder and closer, she heard heavy feet hurrying along with it.

The lights directly above Karlee started to shatter. Sparks cascaded down on her and bounced across the floor. Making a quick turn, she could see the door just a few yards away, but just as she was closing the distance, she felt something tug at her hair. Letting out a shriek, she dashed towards the steps that led away from her tormentor. As one foot touched down on the stair, the other was yanked out from under her. She crashed into the wooden steps and felt a cold solid mass wrap itself around her ankle. It began to slither up her leg and she kicked out, desperately trying to clamber away.

There was nothing but darkness behind Karlee. Even the thing that held onto her and was scratching at her skin seemed to be made of shadows. She screamed as she felt the first hard tug. Reaching up, she grabbed the edge of the top step and held on. Another hard tug jerked her, nearly ripping her away from the relative safety of the stairs. Just when she thought her leg would be torn off, the door above her burst open and she was blinded by a brilliant flash of light shooting through the darkness.

“Be gone, shadow spawn!” a deep voice boomed, and Karlee felt the thick shadows jerk franticly away. Scrambling up the steps, she saw the shining man who had saved her and ran straight into his arms. A strong arm wrapped around her and she found herself tucked against the man’s side.

From beside the stranger, Karlee could see the source of the brilliant light. It radiated from a small stone he held in the palm of his hand. Beyond him, she could also see the illuminated darkness left in the library basement. The light allowed her to see the collection of books and the wreathing shadows that had chased her. Misshapen human shadows were wriggling in the light as if it was burning them. Staring at it, she felt fear rake over her, violently sending her heart into her throat and blocking the scream she couldn’t seem to conjure.

The man slammed the door, hiding the horrid sight from Karlee and in one smooth motion, took her hand and turned towards the road. “I have to get you out of here,” he said as he started to pull her away from the library and down the sidewalk.

About the Author:
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J. R. White has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. After her marriage in 2008 she found the freedom to dive headfirst into her personal world of fiction. Currently, she lives in the Upstate of South Carolina with her family, where she fills her daughter’s head with fairy tales.