Some Book Promos and Minor Updates

Random miscellany and a promo redo

Sep 16, 2024

I wasn’t happy with how I included coop promos in last Monday’s newsletter. I buried them deep in the end of the newsletter after a long short story, so I doubt many people saw them. This time, they’re waiting for you just below. So I am redoing one of them and will redo two more next week. I’ve also added two new ones.

Check them out if you like exploring fiction from Indie writers. This is part of a cooperative promotional campaign by authors. No affiliate links. I make zero cents if you click a link or purchase a book.

Coming soon: A tutorial or two or three on how to self-publish. I’ve been surprised by how many writers don’t know how to do this. I think the reason for my surprise is that I overlook my background in graphic design and communication arts. I assume everyone can just do it! Very silly of me, of course.

As for the status of my writing, I’ve been “working” on a sequel to MagicLand, but I must admit to it being a bit stalled right now. My main characters have not yet come to life. Sometimes, this takes time. My characters usually take over, and when they do, it’s off to the races. In MagicLand, the main character took over to such an extent that I said to myself at one point, “Did she really just do that?”

I know the characters well enough that this problem should disappear organically as soon as I have a few more paragraphs in my Word doc. I wouldn’t call it writer’s block. More like character block. I certainly remember the plot points. I have a general outline (which I rarely do for fiction) I’m happy with, so I’m eager to move forward on it.

When I’m finally done with the first chapter, it will be available to subscribers on a paid tier.

Restive Souls is in the hands of two publishers. Statistics say they’ll both reject it! Such is the life of a writer. I’m sending out a batch of new queries this week.

That’s my current sitch for fiction.

Meanwhile, in the political world, which I someday hope to stop writing about so much, you-know-who is keeping us all busy with assassination attempts and cat-eating contests (or something like that).

I have a small request for potential assassins: Please, stop. It’s an unhealthy way to run your life, and it just gives him something else to complain about.

Perhaps more importantly, I’d like the satisfaction of seeing him in a jumpsuit that matches the color of his hair. Thanks in advance.

This month’s promos

Free download: "Blade of the Ghost: A Tale from the Red Tomorrow"

by Joseph Cruz

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In the dark corners of Mars, war, deception, and survival are daily battles for those left behind on this forgotten planet. Blade of the Ghost, a novella in the The Red Tomorrow series, dives into the heart of this gritty, action-packed world. Set between The Red Frontier and The Red Destiny, this gripping interquel explores the story of Ghost as he grapples with his new reality as an invisible assassin serving the Cyborg Corsairs.
Two years after the crash of a mysterious spaceship that transformed the Red Frontier into a war zone, Ghost is now armed with the power to disappear at will and augmented with deadly cybernetic enhancements, Ghost has been sent to eliminate high-value targets under the Corsairs' control. As he comes face to face with his target, Ghost is forced to confront the truth about his past, his purpose, and the shadowy forces pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Ghost's katana is sharp, but his resolve wavers. With every kill, he slips further away, leaving only the deadly, invisible assassin. Yet, amid the chaos and danger, Ghost begins to question his own existence. Is he merely a tool for the Corsairs, or does he have a choice? Can he ever escape the chains of his cybernetic masters, or is he doomed to be a weapon for as long as he lives?
Blade of the Ghost is a heart-pounding tale of espionage, action, and internal conflict. Fans of The Red Tomorrow series will be captivated as they follow Ghost's perilous journey through the mechanical heart of the Zeltan Kingdom.
In this novella, Joseph Cruz explores the gray areas of morality, loyalty, and identity in a world where everyone is a monster—or fighting to survive. Perfect for readers of military sci-fi, cyberpunk, and space operas, this novella is a thrilling, character-driven story that will leave you questioning what it means to be human when you've become more machine than man.

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"The Emerald Lady"

by James Hill

A fantasy Pirate/Mermaid love story set in the golden age of Pirates of the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

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Jeremy Simmons is a midshipman on the commercial vessel, Rummy Gale. An honorable young man, he believes in the science of the day not age-old superstitions of the sea. But a hurricane will do more than sink his ship; it will forever change his world.
Shera, a mermaid, rescues him; they fall in love and in her attempt to return him to his world, she approaches her sisters at Usea Maya for assistance. The Maiden Queen forbids her from giving any further aid, condemning the man to a watery tomb. But Shera, a free spirit, defies the orders, goes it alone and inadvertently causes a tragedy.
Infuriated by Shera’s defiance and Jeremy’s steadfast defense and willingness to take the punishment meted out to her, the Queen curses them both. She locks Shera in human form and binds Jeremy’s life to hers. A fate so cruel it will cause a split in the realm of Mermaids and turn good men into Pirates.

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