Category Archives: The process

Failing Gravity by Jordan S. Keller

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A story of friendship and forgiveness in a world that knows neither.

Failing Gravity

by Jordan S. Keller

Genre: Dystopian Cyberpunk Science Fiction

Roman Koa knows that to survive, he must be ruthless.

The Slums beneath the floating city of Icaria were never meant to thrive—but they did. A gritty junkyard city of thieves and robot fighters, it’s everything Icaria isn’t. Roman has grown greedy after clawing his way to the top of the robot fighting hierarchy with his powerful electromagnet robot, taking from anyone who crosses his path. When Icarians come to the Slums for a night of risky entertainment, Roman takes twice as much.

But when he’s offered the chance to steal advanced tech from Icaria, the job is too tempting to resist—even with Oliver Flint offering it, his former best friend who sold their robotics code for a new life in Icaria. Without Roman.

The job is simple: Roman helps Oliver save Icaria’s failing gravity beams, and Roman gains access to technology to build powerful robots to secure his position as King of Ring and King of the Slums. Roman’s hatred for Icaria is hard to ignore, though and he is tempted to let the city Oliver betrayed him for crash back to Earth, but dooming Icaria means dooming everyone.

As Icaria’s gravity—and Roman’s fragile bond with Oliver—fails, Roman must choose: will he let Icaria crash, or is there a chance for forgiveness, for both his friend and the city?

Failing Gravity is a high-octane, cyberpunk-inspired adventure about friendship, betrayal, and the fight for forgiveness.

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Jordan S. Keller is the author of the Ashes Over Avalon superhero trilogy and Failing Gravity. She is a type-one diabetic, a serial dog walker, and is impatiently waiting for her favorite bands to visit. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and their critters. You can visit her online at JordanSKellerAuthor.com 

Jordan is one of the hosts for the Everyday Writing podcast and founder of the Queen City Fiction Writers Workshop.

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Would you like a chance to win a Signed copy of Failing Gravity or a $10 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner each! Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

What inspired you to write this book?

Failing Gravity was inspired by the Bad Omens’ album THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND. I became obsessed with the album, and every time I listened to it I could picture Roman, the main character, in the world of Icaria. I couldn’t get it out of my head so I started writing it all down. It felt like a fever dream, the writing happened so fast.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I can’t share too much, but there is another book coming soon. It’s a story of friendship and bravery and set in one of my favorite places. I’m really excited to share this upcoming book with the world.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Failing Gravity?

Roman Koa is the main character of Failing Gravity and he’s a bit of a mean guy. His world has shaped him into this rough-around-the-edges fighter who refuses to get close to anyone. He’s the meanest character I’ve ever written and it wasn’t until the book released that I realized why. While writing this book, my father passed away in a car accident and I shut down. Writing Failing Gravity I, through Roman, learned how to love and get close to people again.

Oliver Flint is the ex-best friend to Roman and he is everything that Roman isn’t: kind, compassionate, and willing to see the good in everyone. There’s a seen in the book where Roman looks at Oliver the same way he looks at the sun. I won’t spoil the ending, but these moments became some of my favorites in Failing Gravity.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Writing Failing Gravity let me find hope. It let me remember the goodness of the world, and that loving your friends and family is worth it even if they could be taken from you. I hope readers can find that light in Failing Gravity and if they are struggling with their own darkness then they can recapture hope.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

I had a pretty strong grip on the story while writing it. It felt like my characters and I were on the same page throughout the plot with the same end goal…. All except for a certain girl who had a crush on a certain boy. She highjacked a chapter so fast I didn’t realize what was happening until they both ended up at a cyberpunk coffee shop for a terrible awkward first date. The scene remained in the final draft. It became a pivotal moment so I’m greatful for the detour.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

Failing Gravity is a high-octane, cyberpunk adventure that will leave you breathless.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

I have written so many books that will never see the light of day. Some are full manuscripts and others are half drafts that feel like more ideas than actual books. Every book has taught me something though so I am glad I wrote them all. I follow my writing muse wherever it wants to go—it’s always a good time. 

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

I feel like the easy answer is trash since part of the world is a junk town, but that would make a terrible candle. One of the characters is related to daffodils so I would like to say that. Daffodils and motor oil.

What did you edit out of this book?

I’m an underwriter so I never have to worry about cutting things, only expanding. Failing Gravity is a short book, probably too short, but it told the story that needed to be told and I didn’t want to jeopardize the story for added fluff.

World Enough and Time by Chad Grayson

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What would you give up for love?

World Enough and Time

by Chad Grayson

Genre: LGBTQ M/M Sci-Fi Romance

When Dmitri meets Jay on a dating app, their connection is instant—intense, electric, and deeper than either expected. But Jay isn’t who he claims to be, and when his out-of-this-world secret comes to light, it shatters Dmitri’s understanding of reality.

For Jay’s people, love is considered a dangerous defect—a personality disorder to be cured. But he’s already fallen hard for Dmitri, and walking away isn’t so simple. As their lives entwine—through Dmitri’s career struggles and the shifting responsibilities of caring for his younger brother—Jay hides a devastating truth: his time on Earth is running out.

If he stays, he won’t survive for long. If he leaves, he’s gone forever. And if the extent of their relationship is discovered, they will lose everything, including their memories of each other and Jay’s entire sense of identity

As Jay faces a choice that could cost him his very life, Dmitri must decide whether to fight for a love that might not be allowed to exist. Can they hold on to each other in a world determined to erase them? Or will they be forced to forget everything they’ve built—each other, their love, even who they are.

World Enough and Time is a steamy contemporary sci-fi romance that asks: What would you sacrifice for love?

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Chad Grayson has worn many hats: tech support flunky, gas station philosopher, reluctant middle school wrangler, and, for one unforgettable night, cheese-mold removal specialist. These days he lives in far Northern California, where he writes hopeful, character-focused sci-fi and fantasy that will break your heart and duct tape it back together. He can usually be found painting tiny fantasy heroes and monsters, wandering the woods in deep narrative contemplation, or yelling at his plot outlines like they’ve personally betrayed him (they know what they did).

His superpowers include procrastination, dyscalculia, and making emotionally devastating story beats sound like a perfectly reasonable life choice.

Find him at chadgrayson.com (where you can sign up for his bimonthly newsletter full of exclusive posts, previews, book reviews, and updates).

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Reckless With The Cowboy by Elsa Winckler

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Becket Weston meets his match when he tries his bad boy skills on the wrong woman.

Reckless With the Cowboy

The Westons of Montana Book 2

by Elsa Winckler

Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Romance

Cowboy Becket Weston likes women, plural, and has a reputation for breaking hearts. His bad-boy behavior masks a deeper need to atone for past mistakes. His side-hustle—using a pseudonym and posting comic drawings of ranch life on social media—lets him explore life, love, and grief without being exposed. He even has a following! But no amount of introspection can explain his fascination with Eleanor Campbell—Main Street, Marietta’s newest shopkeeper. She’s definitely not his type, so why does she keep turning up in his drawings?

Ellie Campbell isn’t one for staying long in any one place, but when she inherits money from her grandmother and decides to open a yarn store in small-town Marietta, it feels like she’s putting down roots. She’s not looking for a relationship after one too many hard knocks, literally, but Becket Weston gets under her skin like no other, igniting passion that’s impossible to ignore.

He’s a bad boy playboy and everyone knows it, but there’s something about him that just doesn’t add up. Does Ellie have the courage to stick around and find a way into his heart?

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A Family With the Cowboy

The Westons of Montana Book 1

Widowed rancher Hayden Weston knows what it means to be responsible for his siblings, his eight-year-old son, and the running of the huge family cattle ranch. Some even call him a stern and grumpy taskmaster and they’re not exactly wrong. So when Hayden discovers his son reading a storybook instead of doing chores, he calls on Luke’s teacher to talk about priorities.

School teacher Laura Anderson is new to Marietta, Montana, and has never—until now—been reprimanded for encouraging a child to read. It doesn’t help that sweet Luke’s father is the handsome cowboy with the amber eyes that she met in Grey’s Saloon, or that she’s wildly attracted to him.

Sparks keep flying as their paths keep crossing, but Hayden is determined not to give in to his incomprehensible need to have, hold, and protect Laura from any type of harm. He’s the one who’ll hurt her if he lets her stray too close. He’s not ready to admit his feelings or commit to sharing his life with her.

Even if love comes tumbling in.

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I have been reading love stories for as long as I can remember and when I ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during my Honours studies, I was hooked for life. I married my college boyfriend and soul mate and after 47 years, 3 interesting and wonderful children and 4 beautiful grandchildren, he still makes me weak in the knees. We are fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa with the ocean a block away and a beautiful mountain right behind us. And although life so far has not always been an easy ride, it has always been an exciting and interesting one! I like the heroines in my stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous! My stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I did a teaching diploma after school, stayed at home for ten years while our kids were small before going back to work. While I was working as an administrator in the English Department of a nearby university, I was inspired to study again. I was forty. I got an Honors degree in English and also did a MPhil in Document Analyses and Design, thinking that it was something I could do when I retire. But then I entered a magazine competition looking for romance authors way back in 2008 and was fortunate enough to be the winner. The prize was the publication of my first book – I was hooked. Growing up, my mother was an avid romance reader and there were always stacks of love stories in the house, particularly stacks of Mills & Boons. I literally read thousands of them.

I met Jane Porter from Tule Publishing when she visited ROSA (The Romance Writers Organization of South Africa) in 2016. Afterwards I sent her a manuscript, she liked it and since then I’ve published seven books with Tule – an extraordinary team of women. I count myself extremely fortunate to be able work with them.

I’m married to my college boyfriend who is also my best friend and my soulmate. We have three grown-up kids who have long since left the house and are each doing their bit to make this world a better place. We are so proud of them and are blessed with four grandkids who are just growing up way too fast.

I mostly write in Afrikaans and have around seventy books published by various publishers in South Africa. I have also written two children’s stories.

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I’m an introvert, something I’ve only discovered when I was much older. I like people and I’m blessed with a a circle of close friends, but I need to be alone to re-charge. I can’t do late nights, for instance, by ten my battery is flat!

I’m no chef but I love to cook for the people I love and nothing gives me more pleasure than to have our whole family around a table.

Where were you born/grew up at?

I was born in a small town called Upington in South Africa. As kids we swam in the Orange River and went camping in the Kalahari Desert.

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

With my husband, our children and grandchildren, of course. Around a table, eating and telling stories.

What kind of world ruler would you be?

I’ll put women in charge of education, hospitals and the police. Start from the ground up, teach children respect before anything else and let kids play. A lot.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I read, go for long walks, knit or crochet. I’m fortunate enough to have a very special group of women I can call friends. Visiting them always makes my heart sing. We’ve known each other for such a long time. We have a Whatsapp group and during tough times, we rely on each other to help us carry whatever burden we have. During Covid, especially, it was a kind of lifeline. We shared recipes for bread, for food, books we’ve read and sometimes just something silly that has happened. It was a wonderful way to keep our spirits up,

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Disciplined, dedicated, passionate, impatient, a sucker for a story or movie with a happy ending.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After about twenty books J

Do you have a favorite movie?

Pretty woman

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

A family with the cowboy! Liam Hemsworth would make a very sexy Hayden Weston and Brie Larson would make a lovely Laura.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

A leopard. They are solitary animals and like to walk alone. As hopeless introvert, I can relate.

Mesmerized by Nevaeh Ryn

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For the longest time, I believed my grandma could do no wrong. But then, puberty hit, my body changed, and I started noticing new things.

Mesmerized

by Nevaeh Ryn

Genre: LGBTQ Paranormal Romance

Kamika Suzanna LeBlanc’s heart broke when her grandmother passed away at age 78. With a funeral looming over them, she and her mother travel from Miami to Gaville, the small Louisiana town her mother grew up in.


As Kamika grieves and reflects on her complex relationship with her grandmother, she meets up with her ex and first romantic partner, Larissa Harris, and discovers that she has changed in… unforeseeable ways.


As if grieving her grandmother’s death wasn’t already a challenge, her situation becomes more complicated when she meets Delaney, Larissa’s charming older cousin, and a mysterious man known as Beau. Soon, Kamika’s world gets turned upside down when she unearths the secrets Gaville and her family have been harboring.

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Since she was young, twenty-one-year-old Nevaeh Ryn has had a passion for storytelling. Writing is Nevaeh’s escape and platform for underrepresented literary voices.

Nevaeh’s storytelling shapes her, and she hopes to have a positive impact. In 2025, she obtained a BFA in Creative Writing at Full Sail University to hone her craft and intends to pursue further education. When she isn’t lost in her own world, Nevaeh spends her free time gaming on her  PC, cooking up new recipes, and of course, reading and writing. She’s an avid Sims player and expresses herself through an ever-growing collection of tattoos.

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Books You May Have Missed (Including One From Yours Truly)

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Hey there, book lovers! Today, I’m sharing a special list of hidden indie gems — books that have captured the heart of readers and deserve way more hype. These stories have fantastic characters, compelling plots, and unique worlds that indie authors have poured their souls into. Plus, I’m including one from my own paranormal series because it seems I sneak under the radar with readers!

Hidden Indie Gems You’ll Love

1. The Garden of the Golden Children by Ashley Hutchison

A hauntingly beautiful novel filled with lyrical prose and emotional depth. Ashley’s storytelling weaves mystery and family secrets into a tapestry you won’t want to put down.

2. His Ragged Company: A Testimony of Elias Faust by Rance D. Denton

If you love gritty fantasy mixed with Western vibes, this one’s for you. It blends genre lines in a way that feels fresh and original.

3. By a Silver Thread by Rachel Aaron

Rachel brings magic to modern urban fantasy in a way that’s both thrilling and heartfelt. This first book in the DFZ Changeling series is a fantastic start to a captivating world.

4. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Dive into dark fantasy romance with rich world-building and unforgettable characters. Carissa’s writing pulls you into a beautifully dangerous world.

5. Shredded by Karen Avivi

A YA novel that combines BMX biking and self-discovery, perfect for readers who enjoy stories about passion and personal growth.

And Now… A Little Something From Me

Blood Angel Series by Nina Soden

My Blood Angel series is a paranormal urban fantasy journey into a world where vampires, witches, and supernatural forces clash in shadowy battles. With intense action, complex characters, and a twist on vampire lore, it’s a series close to my heart. If you love paranormal stories with a fresh voice and a bit of grit, this one might just surprise you!

Thanks for stopping by and exploring these underrated indie reads with me. If you pick any up, I’d love to hear what you think! And if you have any hidden gems of your own, please share — I’m always on the lookout for my next favorite book.

Happy reading!

— Nina

Legends of The Vale by Leslie A. Lee

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Fate weaves their paths; legend binds their names.

Child of Dawn

Legends of the Vale Book 1

by Leslie Anne Lee

Genre: Epic Dark Fantasy

Her anger enveloped her, Witch, So that was what she was to them.

Dagsbrún knew he was a monster… He had been called that since birth. And yet, as he raged against his immortality, he dared to dream of finding peace.

Enter the world of the Vale, ruled by elves and vampires. A world destined for destruction unless a prophecy can be fulfilled, and two individuals who are entirely opposite can find something in common.

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Silken Waters

Legends of the Vale Book 2

“War is hard. Sometimes, peace is even harder.”

Silken Waters transports readers back to the Vale, a realm governed by magic and ruled by the ancient and powerful races of elves and vampires. These two races have been at odds for thousands of years, forbidden to associate, much less fall in love.

In the sequel to Child of Dawn, Rennault, the leader of the bradach a faction Of vampire pirates- must face the changes brought by the newfound peace in the Vale. When his and other bradach’s way of life is threatened, he seeks to save his right to rule the waters, little does he know that this endeavor will take him on an adventure that will change not only his life but also the lives of everyone living in the Vale. He will be challenged in love, brotherhood, and choosing between what is right and what is easy.

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Leslie Anne Lee has been writing since she was six years old, crafting tales on newsprint paper with crayons before graduating to pen and journal. Her passion for writing was evident from a young age, winning recognition in school for her short stories and poetry. By high school, Leslie had published her first novel, and as a college freshman, her poetry garnered recognition from her state senator.

Leslie’s writing journey has been marked by determination and resilience. Even as a new mother, she penned her second book while bedridden with a fever. Her dedication to the craft has resulted in the publication of six books across various genres, and her poetry has been featured in several anthologies.

Leslie credits her success to the encouragement and inspiration she received from her high school English and Drama teacher, Greg Stobbe, as well as the unwavering support of her family and friends. Her mother, who instilled in her a love of reading; her children, whom she wants to inspire and teach that anything is possible; and her friends, who have inspired, pushed, and motivated her to believe that she can and will be a successful author. When she’s not writing, Leslie enjoys contributing to local film non-profits, participating in red carpet premieres, and nurturing her creative spirit through gardening, dancing, and helping her children make movies.

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Protopia by John Calia

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A dystopian thriller set in the very near future.

Which side are YOU on?

Protopia

by John Calia

Genre: Dystopian Thriller

In a world ravaged by ideological war,  can two lifelong friends, torn apart, find their way back to each other, or will conflicting visions of a perfect society destroy their relationship or, worse yet, prove fatal?

Olivia and Alexandra, inseparable since childhood, stumble into the brutal conflict between Cygnus, a bastion of ultra-libertarian ideals, and Elyria, a socialist commune that promises equality and justice. As tensions escalate, the women are forced to make a choice: which community to join.

Olivia, haunted by anxiety and self-doubt, is drawn to the promise of security and equality in Elyria. Alexandra, ever the adventurer, chooses the independence and freedom of Cygnus. As they settle into their respective communities, Olivia and Alexandra encounter rigid ideologies and corruption at the highest levels of government. They challenge the leaders of their respective communities and realize their lives are under threat.

Olivia must confront her own demons and the limitations they’ve imposed on her life. Growing in confidence and self-awareness, she starts to envision a different future—one that balances individual freedom with collective well-being. As the conflict between Cygnus and Elyria reaches a boiling point, Olivia and Alexandra must navigate the treacherous landscape of their own divided loyalties. Can they turn the obstacles into opportunities, or will the divide between them prove insurmountable—even deadly?

Protopia is a heart-pumping, thought-provoking tale of politics, adventure, and loyalty set in a dystopian world that eerily echoes our own.

Fans of Emily St. John Mandel and Matt Haig will love this new adventure from the author of Parallel Lies and the best-seller The Awakening of Artemis.

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John Calia is a multifaceted author, born in Brooklyn and formerly a naval officer, banker, entrepreneur, and consultant. His debut business fable, The Reluctant CEO: Succeeding Without Losing Your Soul, earned a five-star rating and sparked a passion for writing. Calia’s fascination with artificial intelligence and its societal implications led him to craft The Awakening of Artemis, a near-future speculative fiction novel that soared to #6 on the Amazon Science Fiction Adventure bestseller list. His latest release, Parallel Lies (2023), is the highly anticipated sequel to his bestseller.

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I, The Sun by Janet Morris

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He conquered more than forty nations and brought fear and war to the very doorstep of Eighteenth Dynasty Egypt, but he could not conquer the one woman he truly loved.

I, The Sun

by Janet Morris

Genre: Ancient Egyptian Hittite Historical Fiction

“I, the Sun is a masterpiece of historical fiction.  It tells a great story while accurately creating the world of the Hittites and their best known emperor,” — Dr. Jerry Pournelle.

Suppiluliumas I and the Amarna pharaohs:

Biographical novel of the greatest Hittite king.

From palace coups in the lost city of Hattusas to treachery in the Egyptian court of Tutankhamun, I, the Sun, the saga of the Hittite King Suppiluliumas, rings with authenticity and the passion of a world that existed fourteen hundred years before the birth of Christ.

They called him Great King, Favorite of the Storm God, the Valiant. He conquered more than forty nations and brought fear and war to the very doorstep of Eighteenth Dynasty Egypt, but he could not conquer the one woman he truly loved.

**On Sale Now!!**

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Best selling author Janet Morris began writing in 1976 and published more than 30 novels, many co-authored with her husband Chris Morris or others. She contributed short fiction to the shared universe fantasy series Thieves World, in which she created the Sacred Band of Stepsons, a mythical unit of ancient fighters modeled on the Sacred Band of Thebes. She created, orchestrated, and edited the Bangsian fantasy series Heroes in Hell, writing stories for the series as well as co-writing the related novel, The Little Helliad, with Chris Morris. She wrote the bestselling Silistra Quartet in the 1970s, including High Couch of Silistra, The Golden Sword, Wind from the Abyss, and The Carnelian Throne. This quartet had more than four million copies in Bantam print alone, and was translated into German, French, Italian, Russian and other languages. In the 1980s, Baen Books released a second edition of this landmark series. The third edition is the Author’s Cut edition, newly revised by the author for Perseid Press. Most of her fiction work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written historical and other novels. Morris has written, contributed to, or edited several book-length works of non-fiction, as well as papers and articles on nonlethal weapons, developmental military technology and other defense and national security topics.

Janet said: ‘People often ask what book to read first. I recommend “I, the Sun” if you like ancient history; “The Sacred Band,” a novel, if you like heroic fantasy; “Lawyers in Hell” if you like historical fantasy set in hell; “Outpassage” if you like hard science fiction; “High Couch of Silistra” if you like far-future dystopian or philosophical novels. I am most enthusiastic about the definitive Perseid Press Author’s Cut editions, which I revised and expanded.’

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What is something unique/quirky about you?

Together we breed Morgan horses. We consult with Morgan breeders to help them choose crosses to their stock to achieve a desired result.

We are also musicians; Janet plays bass guitar, Chris sings and plays guitar. We have an album on MCA records. Look for Christopher Crosby Morris on Soundcloud or N1M.com

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

Janet wrote her first novel, High Couch of Silistrain 1975; a friend sent it to an agent who chose to represent her; she had already written the second book in the Silistra Quartet and her agent told her not to disclose that until they finalized the contract for the first one. When the publisher learned of the others, Bantam Books bought the succeeding three. When the fourth book was published, the series already had four million copies in print. Suddenly Janet was a novelist specializing in environmental, gender, historical and political subjects. In the process, Chris started as her editor and ultimately a co-writer. Since then, she and Chris have co-authored many books.

Who is your hero and why?

Heraclitus of Ephesus, a pre-socratic philosopher, whose Cosmic Fragments foreshadow our knowledge of reality and how to perceive it. Among his precepts is the statement that change alone is unchanging. We’ve worked Heraclitus’ fragments in here and there throughout our books.

Which of your novels can you imagine being made into a movie?

I, the Sun. Writing is very cinematic for me, very visual, so all my stories seem suited to the screen. The make or break in movies is the screenplay, what to include and more importantly what to leave out, because it’s impossible to fit an entire novel into a 2 ½ hour feature. Screen writers welcome.

What inspired you to write I, the Sun?

Years ago, I took a course in self-hypnosis and one of the exercises was to go to a deeper level and imagine meeting a person who would serve as your helper and guide. At a deep level I watched as a door like that of an elevator slowly opened to reveal someone inside. As he stepped out I couldn’t help but notice a large conical crown he wore and immediately asked him who and what he was. He replied, “I am a Hittite.” Then I asked, “What’s a Hittite?” To which he responded, “You’ll find out.” The rest as they say is history.

Convince us why you feel I, the Sun is a must read.

Only recently have archaeological efforts yielded enough biographical information in the form of writings on tablets, usually transcriptions of treaties between powers. Taking time to read these texts tells a story of an evolving empire which I find irresistible to explore. My job then becomes to share with you what made it so exciting.

Who designed your book covers?

Most of our covers, including I, the Sun, are realized by Roy Mauritsen, a gifted graphic artist.

Advice to writers?

As for advice to writers, here is all we know: write the story you want to read. Start at the beginning, go to the end, and stop. Seriously. From start to finish, you must inhabit the construct in a manner that makes the reader choose to continue; if we as writers can’t feel what it’s like being there, our readers can’t either. Close your eyes, look at your feet where they are standing on the story’s ground; tell us what you see. Tell us what you hear. Ask at the end of each paragraph, ‘What happens next?’. If you lose touch with it, wait until you’re back inside it. Tell the story that comes to you, and from you, to us.

The Keys to the Riad by CD Damitio

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Will the keys to the riad be the key to her happiness? Or will they open up the door to ruin?

The Keys to the Riad

by C.D. Damitio

Genre: Metaphysical, Magical Realism, Romance

Colette, the quintessential New York ‘it-girl,’ has a life many envy. But as her 40th birthday nears, she feels an undeniable void. Seeking a unique gift, she discovers a set of ancient North African keys—but what she doesn’t know is that the keys come with ownership of an ancient mansion steeped in magic, historical intrigue, and family feuds.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of modern Africa, Colette embarks on an unexpected journey that takes her far from the familiar streets of New York. As she unlocks each door of the riad mansion, she delves deeper into its hidden passages and whispered legends, revealing stories of love, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. Each room holds a puzzle that Colette must piece together, not only to understand the riad’s mysterious past but to find her true self.

The riad is not without its dangers. As Colette unravels the mysteries that lie within, she encounters a tapestry of characters—some seeking to help, others intent on keeping the riad’s secrets hidden at any cost.

Will the keys to the riad be the key to her happiness? Or will they open up the door to ruin?

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Tapping into his eclectic adventures exploring the physical world, mystical philosophy, and other planes of experience, CD Damitio weaves tales spanning the spectrum of life. Like the storytellers of old, his narratives transport readers into diverse landscapes of the imagination.

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Morgan’s Landing by Linda Griffin

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Where is Julie Morgan?

Morgan’s Landing

by Linda Griffin

Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural

In the small Maryland town of Morgan’s Landing, fourteen-year-old Julie Morgan is living in comfort with her wealthy family. She disappears on her way to school after a spat with her twin sister.

Detective Jim Brady, married and the father of two, has been on the Morgan’s Landing police force for twelve years. He identifies a few suspects in the girl’s disappearance—Is it the fired school janitor, a paroled sex offender, Julie’s computer teacher…or his own teenage son? Jim can’t believe his son could be involved, but his wife is convinced the boy is hiding something.

He needs to find Julie before the worst happens—and keep the peace at home.

“Morgan’s Landing is a fast-paced, unpredictable mystery you’ll devour in a single sitting.”

 ~ Indies Today

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I was born and raised in San Diego, California and earned a BA in English from San Diego State University and an MLS from UCLA. I began my career as a reference and collection development librarian in the Art and Music Section of the San Diego Public Library and then transferred to the Literature and Languages Section, where I had the pleasure of managing the Central Library’s Fiction collection. Although I also enjoy reading biography, memoir, and history, fiction remains my first love. In addition to the three R’s—reading, writing, and research—I enjoy Scrabble, movies, and travel.

My earliest ambition was to be a “book maker” and I wrote my first story, “Judy and the Fairies,” with a plot stolen from a comic book, at the age of six. I broke into print in college with a story in the San Diego State University literary journal, The Phoenix, but most of my magazine publications came after I left the library to spend more time on my writing.

My stories have been published in numerous journals, including Eclectica, Thema Literary Journal, Avalon Literary Review, The Nassau Review, and Orbis, and in the anthologies Short Story America, Vol. 2, The Captive and the Dead, Australia Burns, 2023 in a Flash, and Apocalypse.

Member of the Authors Guild and Sisters in Crime

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