Dot and Misty - snippet from Gargoyle Hunt for #WeWriWa #UF

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors. Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories.

This week, I’ll continue the scene from Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 in my Secret Supers series. Gargoyle Hunt is set in England and has scenes in some of my favorite places.

Blurb

Danger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts from the archives and shadowy figures on the ancient walls propel her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. Under pressure from his family to succeed, Toby is trapped in a web of deceit. The two supers have less than two weeks to catch the crooks and salvage his reputation. 

Setting for snippet: Estelle (aka Super Starrella) is visiting West Kennet Long Barrow near Avebury stone circle as part of her summer abroad at Oxenford University. The mound and chambered tomb of the Long Barrow are popular with new age visitors. Estelle’s winged horse, Rockette, is with her in her pigeon disguise. Italics indicate their telepathic communications. When Estelle climbs on top of the mound, she sees two middle aged women with four small dogs.

Note: Farleons are aliens with superpowers who live in secret among us.

You can read last week’s snippet here:

https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2017/07/meeting-on-burial-mound-snippet-from.html

(Apologies for slightly irregular punctuation to fit 8-10 sentences.)

If the mare could hear the dogs, Estelle guessed they must be Farleon animals. She sat on the grass and the dogs lay down and licked her bare legs, “Thanks, I’m visiting Oxenford for a summer course.”

Nudging her companion with an elbow, the plump woman said, “I’m Misty Tibbit and my partner is Dot Farthingale.”

“Estelle Wright; I’m from Atalanta in the United States.”

The pigeon waddled closer.

“And who is the bird that isn’t?” Dot asked in her astute fashion.

“Are you British Farleons?” Estelle breathed.

Misty nodded, “I am on my father’s side. Dot is something else.” The dark haired woman blinked and stared across the fields into the distance.

Gargoyle Hunt is 99c until Monday!

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/

International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

(FREE with Kindle Unlimited)

You can see some photos from my trip to Avebury and Kennet Long Barrow early in July at https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2017/07/avebury-and-associated-neolithic-sites.html

Super Starrella, Book 1, is 99c

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/

International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d

Starrella Falls, Book 2, is 99c until 31st

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/

International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d

As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.

Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.

99c and FREE #eBooks - This week's Deals in Multiple Genres

Secret Supers series on Special this week -

http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2017/07/secret-supers-series-5-days-of-special.html

July 24-28: Show Me the Muscle - 99c Books - erinbedford.com/promo

July 10-31: Kickass Female Leads! Multiple Genre - FREE eBooks http://www.lincolncole.net/freebies

July 24-30: Lose Yourself in Free Books - http://www.andreadomanski.com/promo 

July 1- 31^st: IF Fantasy Preview - FREEbies at https://dechapmanauthor.wordpress.com/giveaways/

Secret Supers Series – 5 Days of Special Prices #Superhero #YA

Praise for the Secret Supers

“Super girls and flying horses. What more do you need?”
“the world building is fabulous, the characters well-rounded, and this plot is just FUN!”

“interesting, intriguing, and fast moving action.”

July 24-28^th

Super Starrella – Free 

The quiet summer before her freshman year turns frighteningly weird after Estelle Wright trespasses onto an Army base. Blown into the air and knocked unconscious, she wakes with a nascent superpower. Not to mention a winged horse with a snarky attitude and a mind of her own.

Back home in Atalanta, a serial killer is targeting the students at Goldman University. Before long she must juggle college classes with sneaking out of the house after dark to battle alien monsters. Estelle’s life is in danger, but who can she trust: handsome Mark Copper from military intelligence, or hunky Toby, the tough gangster with a motorbike? Both men have secret agendas, but falling in love is not in their plans.

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/

International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d

Starrella Falls - only 99c 

College freshman Estelle Wright has it all: a superpower, a flying horse, and a hunky boyfriend. All is threatened when her old enemy swears revenge, ruthless killers target Atalanta, and Toby is under pressure to dump her. But, Estelle’s knack of finding trouble scuttles his plans. Their lives are at stake and they face agonizing decisions where the wrong choice will lead to disaster. 

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/

International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d

Gargoyle Hunt – only 99c 

Danger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts from the archives and shadowy figures on the ancient walls propel her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. Under pressure to succeed, Toby is trapped in a web of deceit. The two supers have a week to catch the crooks and salvage his reputation.  

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/

International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

Meeting on a burial mound - snippet from Gargoyle Hunt for #WeWriWa #superheroes

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors. Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories.

This week for a change, I’ll give you a snippet from Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 in my Secret Supers series. The whole series is discounted though July 28^th. Gargoyle Hunt is set in England and has scenes in some of my favorite places.

Blurb

Danger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts from the archives and shadowy figures on the ancient walls propel her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. Under pressure from his family to succeed, Toby is trapped in a web of deceit. The two supers have less than two weeks to catch the crooks and salvage his reputation. 

Setting for snippet: Estelle (aka Super Starrella) is visiting West Kennet Long Barrow (See entrance to rock tomb in photo above) near Avebury stone circle as part of her summer abroad at Oxenford University. The mound and chambered tomb of the Long Barrow are popular with new age visitors. Estelle’s winged horse, Rockette, is with her in her pigeon disguise. Italics indicate their telepathic communications. When Estelle climbs on top of the mound, she sees two middle aged women with four small dogs.

Apologies for irregular punctuation to fit 8-10 sentences.

The two women made an incongruous couple; the thin one had a severe black dress and long black hair framing a pale face, while the other woman had short gray curls, round pink cheeks and wore a flowery frock. Two of the dogs, miniature greyhounds, scampered over and sniffed at Estelle’s knees; she bent down to pet them.

The plump woman said, “I see you like dogs.”

“I love animals,” Estelle said, smiling at the friendly woman. 

The thin woman stared at Estelle, sharp black eyes contrasting with her pale complexion. Lidding her eyes, she whispered, “I see white feathers;” she opened her eyes and asked, “Do you have a pet bird?”

With a flutter of wings, the speckled white pigeon landed on the mound nearby, “I’m not a pet,” Rockette squawked indignantly.

“Not a pet and not a bird,” the dark haired woman said, glancing at the pigeon.

Her pink cheeked friend smiled at Estelle, “Would you like to sit down and chat for a few minutes, dearie?”

“The dogs have yappy thoughts, better find out who they are,” Rockette advised.

Gargoyle Hunt is 99c for the first time this year!

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/

International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

(FREE with Kindle Unlimited)

You can see some photos from my trip to Avebury and Kennet Long Barrow early in July at https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2017/07/avebury-and-associated-neolithic-sites.html

The first two books in the Secret Supers series are discounted. 

Read about the Secret Supers here: http://www.auroraspringer.org/p/secret-supers.html

Super Starrella is FREE July 24-28^th

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/

International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d

Starrella Falls is 99c through July 28th

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/

International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d

As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.

Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers. 

Avebury and Associated Neolithic Sites in my Stories #amwriting

This summer, I visited the Neolithic sites in and around Avebury in Wiltshire, UK. The henge and stone circles were built about 4,500 years ago, and now surround the small village of Avebury. You can walk right up to the stones at any time unlike at Stonehenge where access is controlled and limited. The megaliths are more irregular in shape than those in the main circle of Stonehenge. The main stone circle of Avebury lies within an earth bank and ditch. 

Read about the history of Avebury at the English Heritage site http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/avebury/history/

You often find sheep grazing in the field with the megaliths. 

The Red Lion pub across the road from the stone circle is a popular place for lunch or drinks.   

Nearby Neolithic sites include Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow, and a number of smaller mounds in the fields. You can walk to all the sites from Avebury. 

Here is a view of Kennet Long Barrow. A chambered tomb built of rocks lies under the mound. It has two pairs of side chambers and a larger chamber at the end. This barrow is popular among new age druids who leave offerings of flowers and corn dollies in the tomb.  

In my story, Gargoyle Hunt, Estelle visits Avebury and Kennet Long Barrow during her summer abroad in Oxenford University, UK. She meets Dot and Misty with their dogs on top of Kennet Long Barrow. The witch and Farleon couple help Estelle and Toby capture the villain.

Gargoyle Hunt is only 99c for July 24-28^th.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/

http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

Six Typical Buildings in Exmoor Villages #British #Architecture

I spent a week in Exmoor, UK, at the end of June. Here are some examples of the local architecture of old churches, farmhouses and cottages.

Tower of church in village of Wootton Courtenay

House in Wootton Courtenay

Farmhouse near Wootton Courtenay.

Inn in Porlock Weir

Fifteenth century church at Selworthy. Inside, it was divided into three sections and the ceilings came from different centuries. 

Periwinkle Cottage and Tea House at Selworthy. We enjoyed cream tea - scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. 

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When Grand Master Griffin investigates a wrecked spacecraft, his efforts to rescue the survivors lead to feline disruptions of his plans.

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Flatipus helps - snippet from Cosmic Rift for #WeWriWa #SciFi

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors. Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories.

I’m posting snippets from my latest release, Cosmic Rift, Book 4 in the Grand Masters’ Galaxy.

Note, I’m visiting the UK and may be late reading your snippets. 

Blurb

Empath Violet embarks on a new and desperate mission to find her missing lover.

Violet’s happy family is shattered when Athanor Griffin vanishes. The formidable Grand Master might have teleported anywhere in the galaxy. Violet strives to find her psychic partner, while looking after their baby and fulfilling his duties on the Council. Her frantic search uncovers a new threat to galactic civilization along with resurgence of the infamous Ixioth slavers. The Council dithers in response to her call for action, and even her former allies believe the Griffin is dead. She must risk her son, her psi-powers, and her life to rescue her beloved mate in the hope they can unite to fight the menace.

Informal Tag line: Even galaxy-trotting heroines need a babysitter.

Violet and Grand Master Ravaleen have discovered the Ixioths are kidnapping the inhabitants of Ravaleen’s planet. I’m introducing another character in this snippet: Flatipus. Violet befriended the huge sea creature with tremendous psychic powers in Grand Master’s Mate. Flatipus has lived alone on the bottom of the ocean and is happy when Violet visits because she can understand its telepathic conversation. I named it Flatipus because it reminded me of the Cheshire cat – nothing but a vast smile and ambiguous remarks.

You can read the snippet from last week here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2017/07/steel-cold-minds-snippet-from-cosmic.html

The final sentence was: Nearby, two Ixioths were intent on stoking the drive. Italics indicate telepathic communications. 

“Flatipus,” Violet called, “I need your help to smash the foe.”

The huge sea creature offered, “Flatipus can rock the island.” 

“No, you will hurt the innocent as well as the guilty. I wish to harness your power for a delicate operation.”

“What?”

“Funnel your psi energy to me. I’ll focus our combined beam on the ship’s drive.” The tremendous power of the gigantic creature surged into her. Engorged with psi energy, Violet staggered a step backward. Gathering her amplified power into a psi weapon, she speared into the drive.

Cosmic Rift, Book 4 in the Grand Masters’ Galaxy is $2.99 until July 12th at: Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&N

You can read how Violet discovered Flatipus in the Grand Master’s Mate, Book 3

Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&N

As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.

Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.

Exmoor – 7 Landscapes from a week’s worth of walks #Travel #Nature

Exmoor in the southwest of England has public footpaths and bridleways across a variety of landscapes. We spent a week in a house in Wootton Courtenay and hiked every day. Here are some pictures of the scenery from those walks. These places and animals might inspire scenes in my stories. 

View from Dunkery Beacon. You can see the North Atlantic Ocean with the coast of Wales in the distance. Dunkery Beacon is the highest peak in Exmoor.

A walk through the woods after climbing Dunkery Beacon.

Sailboats moored at Porlock Weir at low tide:

Porlock Weir – memento of WWII. Soldiers used these pillboxes to watch for enemy ships. 

Porlock Marsh. We saw two egrets in the distance.

View of the Sea from the Valley of the Rocks. A magnificent view near the coastal footpath. 

Goats in the Valley of the Rocks. These goats seemed to be posing for the visitors. 

Steel cold minds - Snippet from Cosmic Rift for #WeWriWa #SciFi

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors. Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories.

I’m posting snippets from my latest release, Cosmic Rift, Book 4 in the Grand Masters’ Galaxy.

Note, I’m visiting the UK and may be late reading your snippets. 

Blurb

Empath Violet embarks on a new and desperate mission to find her missing lover.

Violet’s happy family is shattered when Athanor Griffin vanishes. The formidable Grand Master might have teleported anywhere in the galaxy. Violet strives to find her psychic partner, while looking after their baby and fulfilling his duties on the Council. Her frantic search uncovers a new threat to galactic civilization along with resurgence of the infamous Ixioth slavers. The Council dithers in response to her call for action, and even her former allies believe the Griffin is dead. She must risk her son, her psi-powers, and her life to rescue her beloved mate in the hope they can unite to fight the menace.

Informal Tag line: Even galaxy-trotting heroines need a babysitter.

Violet and Grand Master Ravaleen discovered the Ixioths are stealing the inhabitants of Ravaleen’s planet.

You can read the snippet from two weeks’ ago here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2017/06/kill-them-snippet-from-cosmic-rift-for.html

The final sentence was: Her tone rising in fury, Ravaleen hissed, “Kill them!”

(Apologies for creative punctuation to fit into 10 sentences.)

“Wait,” Violet urged, “we must stop the spaceship. The holds are full of miserable slaves; your people snatched from your domain. If we kill the slavers, the ship’s crew will take alarm and lift off with their wretched cargo.”

“You cripple the ship; my power is inadequate for such a task.”

“I’ll try; you stall those guards.” Shutting her eyes, Violet probed inside the ship. She veered away from the steel cold minds of the Ixioths and searched for the ship’s propulsion system. If only she had Athanor’s skill at detecting metals, sensing inanimate objects was not her forte. Swinging her mental probe from the raised prow to the base of the ship, she located a pulsing source of energy. Nearby, two Ixioths were intent on stoking the drive.

Cosmic Rift, Book 4 in the Grand Masters’ Galaxy is $2.99 for the next two weeks at: Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&N

This weekend, I’m promoting two books from my backlist, both published in 2014. In fact, I wrote the stories some decades earlier.

FREE through July 3^rd

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K1N951Q

International: http://authl.it/B00K1N951Q?d

Discounted to 99c until July 5^th

Available at Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&N

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MFY8A5Q

This weekend - Stupendous 99c Deal >150 SciFi & Fantasy eBooks http://www.pattyjansen.com/promo

Check my post for a list of early July deals:

http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2017/06/bargain-and-free-stories-scifi-fantasy.html

As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments. 

Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.