September Update
Free Story of the Month - Cassidy Daniels Pt. 2
After It’s Over Out in Hard Cover!
My first novel, After It’s Over, was released on September 16th, almost two weeks ago. Sales have been consistent, with new readers almost every day. If you haven’t picked it up, I hope you’ll get your copy today. Speaking of which, the Hard Cover edition just came out this week. It is a special edition with some of the original art used to promote the story included in the chapters. There’s a sample below, isn’t it lovely? :)
The Force of Magic Wide Release Update
My second novel, and the first book in my fantasy trilogy, is still scheduled for release before the end of 2022. The goal is to finish writing the complete trilogy by the end of 2023. The Force of Magic follows the lives of our heroes, Perin and Trace, as they try to join with others to fight back against the Dominion. Season One ended with a dramatic finish and we’re already 6 Episodes deep into Season Two on Kindle Vella. The book version is in editing now and we should have a cover reveal and a firm release date by the next time you hear from me.
Note, due to the request of several readers of the Vella edition, there will be a special hard cover edition available with full color versions of the promotional art that has been used to promote the story since the episodes first started coming out in February. Here is a sample of some of the art.
Vella Recommendation: Inn Too Deep by DaKiara
Inn Too Deep is a compelling mystery that has had me hooked since the beginning. This story isn’t complete yet and it is one that I always look for in my Vella update notifications. Part murder mystery and part thriller, you will enjoy joining Cherie as she tries to figure out what is going on and who is responsible. I’m hoping for the author to tie everything together soon…
September Stats Update
As of 9/28/22
After It’s Over
269 People follow this story
4901 episodes read
#1 Post-apocalyptic story
#6 Alternate History story
#1 Pandemic story
#10 Survival story
#25 Dystopian story
#41 Action story
#75 Adventure story
#80 Thriller story
The Force of Magic
241 People following this story
4182 Episodes read
#1 Super Powers story
#4 Epic Fantasy story
#29 Coming of Age story
#19 Young Adult story
#17 Female Protagonist story
#49 Magic story
#59 Adventure story
The Agency - DDD Inc.
My baby Vella is starting to get a few readers. :)
40 People following this story
866 Episodes Read
#3 Conspiracy story
#5 Business story
#18 Life story
#23 Betrayal story
Free Story of the Month - After It’s Over - Cassidy Daniels Pt. 2
Note: This free story covers events from Chapter 2 & 3 of After It’s Over.
"Are you sure you want to stay there now that your grant has dried up?" Reece asked.
Cassidy was tired of this conversation. Every time she talked to her baby brother he asked her when she was moving back to the US.
"And what exactly would I do there? What are you doing now? It doesn't sound like you have much of a plan for dealing with what's going on either?" Cassidy asked, bombarding him with questions.
"I don't, but at least we could be together. You're all I have left Cassidy. If money is a problem, I could help you buy a ticket. I know the prices have been going up."
"The prices of everything keep going up. I can't believe that inflation has kept growing for over three years. It's not the money Reece, though I never made as much as you did."
"What is it then?"
Cassidy hesitated, knowing she'd held the truth to herself for far too long.
"I've met someone. That's why I can't leave."
"You mean like a boyfriend? You're dating someone Cassidy? That's great!"
"Not just dating, we're actually married…"
Cassidy waited for a response, but after almost a minute there was still only silence.
"Reece, did you hear me?"
"What do you mean you're married? When did that happen?"
"We started dating during the lockdowns, but you know how things just kept getting more and more restrictive? Well, it got so bad that you couldn't even see people who weren't in your immediate family without facing a fine. Ian and I talked about it and it seemed like the easiest way around the problem was just to get married."
"How long ago was that?"
This time it was Cassidy's turn to fall silent.
I know I should have told him before, but we weren't really talking at the time and when he finally decided to call…It just never seemed right.
"It was four months ago."
"Four months! We've talked several times since then and you waited until now to tell me."
"I'm sorry Reece, I really am. When you finally called me back, you'd just lost your job and there was so much going on with you, I just let you talk. It just never seemed like the right time to tell you. I'm sorry I waited so long."
"You said Ian, right? Tell me about him."
"He's Australian. He was the boat captain of the first boat we hired when we came here. We both love the water and we're very happy together."
"Cassidy, I don't know what to say. I wish you'd told me. I wish I could have been there for the wedding. There are so many things that I wish had ended up differently. I'm happy for you. I really am. Maybe someday I'll get to meet him. Though I'm guessing that gets less likely all the time."
"You can't think like that Reece. Things can't go on like this forever, right?"
"I don't know. I have friends all over the world and it doesn't sound like things are improving anywhere. What's it like there?"
"We're keeping away from the cities. The ocean provides most of what we need. Ian's an excellent fisherman and I know a lot about which coastal plants we can and can't eat. The last time we were in the city, there was almost no food in any of the markets."
"It's getting that way here, though maybe not quite so bad. Definitely better since I got out of Chicago."
"Where exactly did you end up?"
"I rented a cabin in a little lake community in rural Indiana. The people are nice, but a little too friendly. It makes me wonder what they want from me."
"They're probably just curious. You've led an unusual life."
"I guess so. We should do a video call with Ian sometime. I would like to meet him."
"I would as well little brother. How about next week at this same time?"
"Sounds good sis. I love you, you know that right? I'm not mad about this, not really. I just wish I could have been there."
"Thank you Reecey, that means a lot to me. I love you too. Talk to you next week."
"Bye!"
Well, that didn't go as bad as I imagined. I wish I had done that three phone calls ago.
The next week Cassidy woke up excited to connect with Reece again. This time, he would get to meet Ian. The boat was docked close to a small house Ian kept by the coast. It was the only place they could connect to the internet.
"Is today the day we're supposed to talk to your brother?" Ian asked.
"Yes, I'm so excited for you to finally meet him!"
"It might be a problem, the internet was out when I woke up. I called over to Rory's in town and he said it's out everywhere over there as well."
"Oh no! Maybe it will be on by the time we're supposed to call."
But it didn't come back on, and by the time the next week rolled around all the phones were dead as well. Cassidy and Ian went in to the town one last time to check on some supplies, but everything was already looted. They barely made it out and back to Ian's place with the gas they had left.
"I guess we're on our own from now on," Ian said, as they pulled back under the carport and got out of the car.
It'll be okay. We're both survivors and I never really cared for most people anyway. At least I'm not alone. Poor Reece, I hope he finds someone.