The Cookie Cadets say "Gnome More Shipp"

Halloween, Relationships, and Cursed Eggs...

OR I may be scrambled.

*no authors were harmed in the making of this blog post*

For those of you unfamiliar with today's guest, Jeremy C. Shipp
1.    writes Bizarro, horror, dark fantasy, and magic realism that has been recognized by authors such as Piers Anthony and Jack Ketchum.
2.    has work that has been, or will be, included in over 50 publications, including various magazines and anthologies.
3.    lives in a moderately haunted Victorian farmhouse.
4.    loves his wife, Lisa, and their legion of yard gnomes.

His books include: Vacation, Sheep and Wolves, and Cursed. He has also tossed out a little eye candy with his first short film, "Egg".

Welcome, Jeremy!

Those who have already read Cursed may recognize my list as part of the trademark writing style in that Jeremy C. Shipp story.

Jeremy, having just finished reading Cursed, I'm curious. What do the gnomes think of such an interesting bit of story?

Jeremy: My yard gnomes are big fans of the novel. Gnomes are illiterate, of course, but every Thursday, they buy a new copy from me to sacrifice to the gnomic god of burning paper.

Ah, yes, the ritualistic book burning. There is nothing like the smell of book barbecue, that is, unless it’s an on-fire author (figuratively speaking of course *wink*).

Speaking of on fire…

Though I've had the opportunity to experience a few short stories on your website, a podcast, and the tidbits you toss out in your social networking places, Cursed is the first longer work of yours I've had the chance to read. I could give a quick take on that story, but you do have other stories out there too and my pimpage just wouldn't be fair to those. So, instead, I'll ask you.

Which of your stories is your personal recommended read, and why?

Jeremy: For fans of horror, I’d recommend Sheep and Wolves. For fans of quirky characters and mystery, I’d recommend Cursed. For fans of trippy sci-fi, I’d recommend Vacation. For fans of dark fantasy, I’d recommend Fungus of the Heart.

~For fans of a unique writing style, pick your genre and then pick up the Jeremy C Shipp book best suited for you. Still unsure? Stay tuned for links to free short stories that will give you an idea of what’s in store and wet you whistle so you read more…~

Jeremy, in addition to writing, you also have a short film out called “Egg”. In prepping these questions, I sat down and watched it. I'll have to admit, I was a little lost, but that could be in part to my obsolete video capabilities on this darned laptop of mine. “Chop chop chop”, says the machine.

Since I seem to be a little out of the technological loop, can you tell my readers a little about this project, and how it came into being?

Jeremy: Director/producer Jayson Densman read one of my novels, and contacted me about working on a project together. We discussed various possibilities, and eventually we decided to create a short film together. I wrote the screenplay, and acted as a creative consultant. “Egg” is about a man’s fractured psyche, and his attempt to free himself from his traumatic past. Luckily, only one mime was killed during the making of the film.

You can watch the entire film here.

Despite my earlier observations and technical difficulties, I must say it is an entertaining film, and well worth the short time it takes to watch, even on an obsolete piece of *BEEEEEP* where the audio works oh so much better than the video.

Beyond these things already mentioned, is there anything else available out there for Jeremy C. Shipp fans?

Jeremy: I’m always publishing new short stories. Here are some free reads.

And...What else do you have in the works at this time?

Jeremy: My newest book, Fungus of the Heart, is coming out on Halloween. This is a book about relationships—the good, the bad, and the weird. I’m currently working on a new novel, some short stories, a comic book series, a screenplay, and a few other projects. In addition to all this, I’m attempting to organize a yard gnome Civil War reenactment, which is harder than it sounds.

Ooh, a relationship book on Halloween. Awesome! Oh, and hopefully you’ll get video coverage on that yard gnome Civil War bit… Now that, that I’d go out and buy a new laptop for. Mwahahaha!

I'd like to give you a great big thanks, and offer up a sacrificial treat as a way of showing my appreciation for your time. Corporal Crumb has volunteered his regimen of cookie cadets to serve as treats for not only you, but also your entire gnome army. Of course, he did come to this agreement under threat of death...so he won't be on today's menu.

Is there anything else you'd like to add before we take our armies and go today?

Jeremy: Thank you for the cookie cadets! They seem a bit upset about being eaten, but I don’t mind. In fact, I prefer cookies with chips on their shoulders.

Mmm. Yum! Tender sweet morsels of triumph…

Again, thanks for hanging out with me today, Jeremy. I look forward to seeing where your talent takes you.

Jeremy C. Shipp can be found in these places:

At his Website.

At his Blog.

Tweet him on Twitter.

Friend him on Facebook.

Meet him on MySpace.

Greet him on Goodreads.

Now it's your turn, folks. All questions welcome; good, bad, and ugly. Fire away! As for me, I'm going on Vacation!

Lord Likely and the Fountain of Fanton

Likely Doom for Sordid Scribes

Today I'm serving up a little vegetarian special, right alongside a meaty portion of saucy something. So, without further ado, let's dig right in!

My guests today are self-depreciating scribe, Andy Fanton, and ego-maniacal aristocrat, Lord Likely. First off, I'd like to focus a little on the man behind the pen, Mr. Andy Fanton.

*Note: All Lord Likely's favorite foods are being served by scantily clad clandestine women in order to distract the dear Lord so that Andy can get a word in edgewise.*

So, Fearsome Fanton...uh...Andy?

*snaps fingers in Fanton's face*

Over here, Andy!

*Tap. Tap. Tap. Heather waits patiently until she has his full attention*

Andy: Huh? What, sorry...my mind was...elsewhere!

Yeah, yeah...That's what they all say. *grin*

Now, dear sir, I know times are tough, but sometimes it seems writing the tales of Lord Likely would be tougher. Do you enjoy the lowly work of scribe? And if so, what are the blessings and the curses of such a role?

Andy: Yes, I do enjoy the work of a scribe. I love writing, I love creating stories and characters out of thin air (with the aid of his lordship's notes, of course!) and I love the fact that moments later, they can be enjoyed by people all across the globe. It's a wonderful, freeing process. Of course, I'd prefer less thrashings, and more monetary recompense, but otherwise I am as sound as the proverbial pound.

Aw, come on! The thrashings are all part of the fun. Mwahahaha! Oh, okay. We'll spare your back. But just for today...

You are not only a scribe, but an artist as well. I've noticed lately several mentions of playing with food, something about a “Carroty kid.” Can you tell us a little about this heroic vegetable and how we can add it to our palates of viewing pleasures?

Andy: The Carrotty Kid was a project I began before Likely had intruded upon my life. It was basically a comic strip about a kung-fu carrot, which I then decided to submit to Cosgrove Hall Films (the animation studio behind classics such as Danger Mouse and Count Duckula). To my delight they loved it, and I spent a couple of wonderful years working alongside them in trying to develop the idea for TV. Alas, things didn't pan out in the end (as is often the case in the difficult world of television), but it was still a fabulous experience and the culmination of a childhood dream. The Carrotty Kid is slowly returning as a webcomic once more at carrottykid.com, where you can also see the pilot episode for the animated series that almost was. And where you can also see a carrot battle a giant robot.

The Pilot episode looks like a page fresh out of my life. HAHAHA! Only with less priceless belongings, and more makeshift junk... *sigh*

I've noticed several times you've thrown out bits and pieces of various things you've worked on and are working on. What all is available out there for “Fanton Fans,” and how do we find them?

Andy: Primarily there's Likely's adventures, and The Carrotty Kid, but I've also got my own site, which has a few other bits and pieces on it, including some of my still-gestating ideas, like 'George vs Dragon', and 'Jet Pets'. Oh, and there's a very erratically-updated blog there too, as I don't often have thoughts that extend beyond 140 characters these days!

Ah, you have twitteritus...very contageous, very consuming, and very hard to purge. But, you know what they say... "It's not the length that matters, but the depth of those 140 characters that keep the ladies coming back for more..." (Okay, so I just made that up, but whatever.) Give it to 'em good!

Aside from the pride that comes with being an online icon, being a scribe and an artist is an awful lot of work for very little, if any, profit. You have an online store to help offset costs, and you also accept donations, is that right?

Andy: That is indeed correct! There's a donations page on Likely's site, which people have very kindly used to throw a few shillings my way. It's very gratifying when people do so, it's quite a tangible vote of confidence in your work, like they're saying it's worth something. Plus, donators get access to the 'Member's Lounge', an exclusive part of the site with exclusive stuff in it. EXCLUSIVELY!

Sweet! I'd ask what goes on in the "Member's Lounge" but that kind of information is privileged to only those who have made it past the bouncer. Want to know what lies within? Go grease a palm or two, and see what happens. *wink*

Aside from "buying a membership" to the "Lord Likely backdoor brothel," how else can people help support "Fanton's Follies"?

*Yes, the above quotes are Heatherisms, and have not been labeled such by the illustrious scribe, so don't expect handouts for using my magic words...*

Andy: Also, yes, I have a little RedBubble store through which you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, kids' tees, posters, prints, cards and stickers all bearing my designs upon them. People who like such things should visit RedBubble to check 'em out! And then buy them, because papa's gotta eat! Haha!

Wow! *raises eyebrow* You feed your dad too? *grin*

Seriously, though. My personal favorite shirt is the “Ewe love...”. Want to know the rest of it, readers? Click it to find out!

Thanks for all your insight, Andy! Please feel free to help yourself to the snacks.

Next, I'd like to turn my attention to...Uh, Giselle? Where are you going with...Giselle!

Well, folks, it looks like the Lord Likely portion shall be postponed until a later time...

*shakes head* That girl is so fired! This is the third time she's run off with a guest this month!

Well, whatever. Anyway...

Thank you so much, Andy, for being such a considerate guest *grumble, grumble...unlike some people*.

Do you have any thing to add that may not have been addressed here and you feel needs to be made public?

Andy: Yes: if anyone can get to the Likely Estate armed with a hacksaw and/or a file, that'd be great. I've been chained to a desk in the cellar for over three years now, and feel I should maybe stretch my legs. Also, to all creatives: keep plugging away at whatever it is you do, because only you can do it. But mostly the hacksaw thing.

Tell you what, you pay the airfare, I'll buy the hacksaw. *evil grin* Or...perhaps I'll just volunteer Giselle as a diversionary tool to whosoever happens to have the guts to play hero.

Again, thank you for agreeing to indulge a silly scribbler's whims. I've had a smashing good time!


To find out more about Andy Fanton/Lord Likely, check out these links.
 

Andy Fanton's corner of the dungeon.

From the Scribe.

Lord Likely's lair.

Play with vegetables, Carroty style.

RedBubble, support creative genius.

Reach out and Tweet him.

Friend him on Facebook.

Alright folks. I open the comments to you. Want to know anything person, place, or vegetable about today's delightful guest? Ask away! As for me, I'm gonna go cuddle with a carrot...

Creating Christa~Steampunk, to start, then move on to art...

...then munch a bunch, and design more after.

*all artwork done by Christa and will take you to a piece of her world*

Christa St. Jean first came onto my radar back in my avid twitter days. Brett Williams was pimping his book Family Business and was very proud of the cover that Christa designed for him. And, because the cover was beautiful, I had to check out the rest of her work. Let me tell you folks out there: There is much more to Christa than just images.

Christa St. Jean is a sort of visual Jill-of-all-trades. From her home page/blog, you can find links to her art portfolio, steampunk store, recipes, and a design business geared toward your online needs.

Christa is here today on short notice. Thank you so much for stepping up and opting to be my victim...er...my guest, Christa!

Christa: Hi Heather and thank you for this opportunity :) 

First off, being a lover of all things art and still a baby in that world, I'm curious about “steampunk.”

For those of us who only recently became aware of that brand of style, can you give us a little background on what it means in general, and also what it means to you?

Christa: When it comes to Steampunk I can only tell you what it is to me since it is a design style that is changing depending on who you ask. But to me it's a mix of Victorian and Industrial design, like mixing lace with cogs. To me it means that I can recycle things that most people would throw away. It's environmentally friendly, it's unique and it's a challenge to put together a pendant or a ring from bits and pieces that already have their solid shape.

Hmmm...I have no idea why I didn't know much about this before. That defines my personality to a tee.

I know you create these designs and sell them on your site. But, do you do custom work as well? And if so, how does one go about acquiring your services?

Christa: Yes, I do custom work too. To contact me for a commission the easiest way is to get in touch with me via Steampunk Box, let me know what kind of object you want. I've kept pretty much everything I've made in the gallery at Steampunk Box since most people have a difficult time describing what they want, so I suggest you start there before getting in touch. I can't make the same thing twice, but if you want something similar to what I've already done, it's easier for me to know what style you're after.

Highly recommended, folks. But, if you aren't into steampunk, there's more!

I, personally, love finger painting, the way the paint coats and cools my hands, heats my emotions, and draws all kinds of craziness out of me, through my fingers, and onto a blank paper. I can't for the life of me make anything other than abstract gunk, but I love doing it!

Christa, in browsing your art, I can tell you put a lot more time and effort into your final product than I do. The different facets are well defined and detailed, and you also have quite the variety in not only images but in style.

How long does it take for you to do an individual painting?

Christa: Let me tell you a secret - I'm rubbish when it comes to abstract art :p Just can't do it. Guess I need the details and the reality in my paintings. The time it takes to complete a painting depends very much on what I'm painting, how detailed it is and how big it is too. If I paint for a print the area to fill is so much bigger than if I paint one of my portraits of someone famous for example...or anything else I can't sell. But it can be from 12 hours up to 2 months. The book cover I did for Brett Williams took nearly 2 months to complete since it was so complex with so many characters involved.

Wow! That sure says a lot about the quality of your work.

Is all your current art digital, or do you still do the good old-fashioned hands on style of art as well?

Christa: I do some regular sketches the old fashion way still, but unfortunately I don't have the space to paint in oil any more. The last painting I did was in 2007 and because oil paint requires a couple of weeks to dry, the canvas was living a very dangerous life on the easel in the living room :p So I've decided to put that on hold until we find a bigger place. Then I might claim a room as all mine and make it into a studio :D

Oh, yes! You should definitely commandeer a room for your art!

For those more interested in the art side than the steampunk, are you also available for custom art projects? If so, what types, styles, and how can those interested find you for a consultation?

Christa: I do book covers, CD covers and pretty much anything else a graphic designer does since that's my "real" profession. The style is anything you need and can think of. To get a consultation I'm available for questions or quote through Paperbag Designs contact form.

Yes, folks, besides the artistic stylings already mentioned, Christa is also a partner in a business called Paperbag Designs.

Christa, what services are provided by this company, and what do you have to offer that others don't?

Christa: We have a very cost effective alternative to the more expensive type of e-commerce platforms you can find today and we do a lot of work for customers who simply can't afford to pay for expensive updates. I've seen this becoming more and more common, but we have done this for the past couple of years now since we got Paperbag Designs up and running just as the recession started, and it's given a lot of small business the opportunity to either get their store online and pick up on a customer base, or to transform their already existing e-commerce into something that actually gives them a profit in the end. So it's been a win-win situation for everyone :)

Win-win is always a good thing. *grin*

But there is more to it than just e-commerce, am I correct? 

Christa: Other than that we also offer web hosting, programming, installation services and graphic design as I mentioned above.

See, I warned you all that Christa was a Jill-of-all-trades. Want to know a little about other sides of Christa? Me too!

*smacks lips* It must be getting close to snack time or something, my tummy's growling at me. But that might just be from looking at all the yummy recipes and images on the “My Swedish Kitchen” link on Christa's page.

Now, Christa, is this just a hobby of yours, or is cooking as much an art to you as steampunk, painting, and graphic design?

Christa: How about obsession? LOL No...maybe not obsession, but I enjoy cooking. It's fun and maybe it can be creative if you want it to. Baking is probably one of my big problems really since I've got a sweet tooth that is all but good for me...too many pies and cookies and cakes together with not enough exercise makes you look and feel like a mammoth in the end.

And that is what friends were invented for. *smirk* So we can all be in that condition together. *wink* Hmm...I'll have to try some of those recipes. *yoink* I'll probably butcher them, I can't cook to save my life... well, I guess in a way that's not true. I do eat my own cooking. *grin*

I'm going to whip up a few morsels. Anyone else out there want to join me as a member of the mammoth club?

Christa, thank you again for stopping by today on such short notice. Is there anything else you'd like to add that I forgot to mention? Any parting tidbits, shameless plugs or promotions, or random facts of useless knowledge that may not be so useless at a time we least expect it?

Christa: I think we should keep my skeletons in the closet for now ;) The only thing I'd like to add is that if you are interested in the progress of digital painting, I do post almost daily at Paperbag Designs blog. Usually it is progress images from the current painting I'm working on together with a description. I also sell my prints at http://prints.paperbagdesigns.net and most of them have their own progress post in that blog at Paperbag Designs. But that should be it :)

Steampunk, e-commerce, art, and food. Yeah, I think we covered all the basics. The skeletons can stay in hiding. :P

Let's have a great big round of applause for our impromptu guest today. It takes one heck of a person to run my gauntlet on such short notice, and Christa did fantastic! Better yet, go check out her sites and show a bit of love by supporting a hard working creative soul!

You can find Christa at these places:

Keep up with her at her Blog.

Work your way through her Website.

Friend her on Facebook.

Tweet with her on Twitter.

Purchase a print at her Print Store.

Stock up on jewelry at Steampunk Box.

Make mmm mmm memories at My Swedish Kitchen.

Ladies and gentlemen, and lovers of all things art, I open the comments to your creative questions and honorable mentions. Feel free to leave your mark below!

A Fistful of Frisky with Amazon Goddess Saranna DeWylde

 Bar Brawls with Babes in Bras

*looking for surprise bonus material? Try clicking the links and images*

Saranna DeWylde, self-proclaimed Amazon Goddess, is in the house today. Okay, not in the house, at the Blahg, whatever *pthhhthb*.

A slave to her muse and social creature by nature—not to mention a former corrections officer—Saranna started writing horror stories at the ripe old age of eight, then moved into the Happily Ever After genre (yes, capitals included). Being a woman who managed to capture her very own Prince Charming, she is living proof that HEA really does exist.

Saranna's debut novel How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days will hit shelves November 2010 from Dorchester Publishing.

Alright, boys and girls. Grab your caramel apples—be sure to offer one to the wonder woman of curves… (No, no, not me! I meant Saranna!)—and enjoy a little foul mouthed banter between yours truly and the Amazon Goddess of Doom.

Hi, Saranna, and welcome to my Blahg.

First off, I’m curious. What’s with the title, “Amazon Goddess” and “Amazon Goddess of Doom”? And, oh mighty mistress, how does one become a minion? Er…that is, if you have minions…

Saranna: Of course I have minions. I have an ass thug army. You've been granted the title of Commander of the Western Legions, should you choose to accept it. *g* In actuality, there's not much involved. My minions have an embarrassing amount of free will.

Awesome! Just so you know, I’m also Commander in chief of the Assorted Cookie Army (or ACA), and we are hatching secret plans against a certain someone’s army of gnomes. I hope I get to play fun games like that in my CWL role in ass thugdom!

But enough foreplay, what about the title?

Saranna: The Amazon Goddess moniker came about after I was told I was a scary chick, that I was a bit too much for most men to handle, like an Amazon. I was used to the cracks about my height, I'm 6ft even. But I decided to own it. I'm outgoing, loud, kind of obnoxious and I make my own rules. Very goddess-y, in my opinion. It stuck.

I’d have to say that make your own rule thing is one of my favorite Saranna features. That rolls over into your writing too, I’ve noticed. I know you write primarily Happily Ever After stories. However, I’ve read a few of your darker stories that didn’t allow certain characters quite such a happy ending.

Is there a special set of Saranna criteria that dictates which characters get HEA and which just get…well…uh…just get got?

Saranna: I don't decide what they get. The characters tell me their stories and I choose whether to write them down or not. If something is particularly horrible to me, I won't write it down. I believe that you give ideas and essences a kind of life and immortality when you write about them.

I think that’s a smart move. Some things are best left in limbo. But, new stories are born every day, and no matter how bad things may get there are bound to be bright spots, both in stories and in life.

One bright spot in your life is the fact that you are one of the lucky few who found your fairy tale relationship. But, even fairy tale relationships have their ups and downs, I'm sure. I’ve heard many people say they love their other half, but s/he just doesn’t understand the nature of the writing beast. How about you?

Does being a full-time writer ever cause problems in the relationship you have with your Prince Charming?

Saranna: It's hard for a non-writer to understand what a harsh mistress our muses can be. It took me a long time to realize that it's okay if they don't. In fact, I'd never survive married to another writer. I'm a little bit selfish and I expect to be indulged when I need to write. No, Jonathan doesn't always understand, but he always supports me. He works two jobs so I can write full time and be with the kids, he's sensitive to when I need to write and helps out around the house when I'm on a deadline. Further, he puts out for inspiration. *wink* 

Ooh, I’m sure I speak for all women when I say a little bonus inspiration is always welcome. Mwahahaha! But it wasn’t always easy, right?

Can you share a little about what you two have gone through, what you have learned through time, and how you guys cope now?

Saranna: There was a time when my writing was a source of contention, but it was more of a case of miscommunication than anything. A story I would share, but it would take pages and pages. So, to sum up, we're both more considerate of the other's needs and our relationship is bright with his shining armor. He's my rock and my very own romance novel anti-hero. Reformed rakes really do make the very best husbands. 

*grin* So the trick with relationships is the same as in writing: Using the right words and phrases to get the point across in a way that captures the audience. *wink*

Having such a wonderful partner has given you the time you need to capture the Saranna Magic in words, such as your story being released through Dorchester Publishing.

How to Lose a Demon in 10 days will be out in November, but you are also working on other “10 day” stories. Did this series start out as a plan, or did your muse just tell you how it was going to be?

Saranna: Oh, she pretty much just kicked me in the taco and told me how it was going to be. The first book started out as a short smutty bit that I had considered deleting. The whole series was a complete surprise.

Wow. Your muse has salsa! No wonder she goes for the taco…

Can you tell us a little more about these stories? Perhaps share a little snippet?

Saranna: Here's an excerpt from How To Lose A Demon in 10 Days:

Caspian was technically a Crown Prince of Hell. Technically. And technically, he was royally fucked. Or was about to be.

How did he get himself into these things?

He felt the pull and Caspian knew there was no use in fighting it. The Big Boss had seen to that. It would just make it harder. Caspian gave a dramatic sigh and followed the call up into the mortal world.

Which he hated.

He materialized in the middle of a chalk-like circle, drawn with finely ground bone.

Correction, not ground up. It was old. It smelled like rot. It had turned to dust on its own. What was this happy crappy? Another weekend warrior? How come they always got the freaks? No one sensible ever tried to summon a demon.

Perhaps that should have been his first clue when he’d been considering careers…

She wasn’t bad to look at though, aside from the sneer on her face. In fact, she was almost a bit scary. This thrilled him. On the other hoof, she didn’t look at all impressed at his entrance. And Caspian was a showman.

“Why hast thou summoned me?” he began in a large, thunderous voice that rattled the windows and made various books and knick-knacks fall off of the shelves.

“I hope you know you’re cleaning that up.” The voluptuous woman put her fist on her hip and tossed her long, dark hair over her shoulder.

“What?” Caspian would have clapped a hand over his mouth had she not been staring at him so intently with those large, chocolate eyes. Who was she to tell him that he was going to do anything of the sort?

Chocolate eyes? Where the hell had that come from? Did he care what her eyes looked like? No.

“I know you don’t have to bellow like that. It’s not cute. I am not impressed.”

“Look, lady. You summoned me. You take what you get.”

Ooh, nice excerpt! Come November, I expect my copy to be signed! Yes, that DOES mean I plan on buying one. Mwahahaha!

But what if I don’t want to wait? Is there anywhere we can find other Saranna DeWylde stories we can enjoy right now?

Saranna: You can actually read the first few chapters of HTLD at How To Lose A Demon in 10 Days.

Did you see that guys? Another sampling. Go on. Go read it. We can wait.

*Cue theme music from Jaws*
 ***

*Heather taps foot impatiently, then looks at watch*
 ***

*Cue Jeopardy theme music*

Ah, there you are! Good, wasn’t it? Wonder what else is in store from the Amazon Goddess? I know, let’s ask her!

So, Saranna, how about future projects? Is there anything else in the works, or any other random Saranna tidbits you’d like to share with the world?

Saranna: I'm always working on something. I have a few more 10 Days novels in the works, a YA and horror novel. I'm lucky that my muse chooses to speak to me loudly and often. 

Your luck is your readers good fortune. I can’t wait to see what else you have to share with us in the future!

Thanks again, Saranna, for taking time to sneak away from your muse to indulge my curiosity. Ooh, looks like Mistress Muse has the whip out. You better get back to writing.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now open the floor to you. However, be warned. If Saranna sees the words “conversate” or “anyways” or any combination of the two, you will not only be promptly ignored, but swiftly throttled and hung from the rafters as a lesson to others.

For more information on Saranna, you can find her at these places:

Saranna's Website.
Livejournal Love. 

Tweet her up on Twitter.

 Friend her on Facebook.

Become a MySpace minion!

   Now...

Who has questions?

Hannah on TOP~Chapter 3

And Thus it Begins

“Welcome to TOP orientation.”

A well-groomed gentleman resembling Santa in face and build, and wearing a crisp blue business suit, repeated the blaring statement scrawled across the top of the white board at the far end of the meeting room.

Hannah squirmed in the oversized office chair. For a brief moment, she wished the chair would swallow her whole, hiding her from this whole ordeal, but curiosity warred with the flight response and got the better of her.

Three others who shared the table looked just as uneasy, but the burly dark-skinned man at the far end of the table leaned back in his chair, stretched his legs out in front of him, and folded his arms across his chest. Tia—seated at the far end of the table—had greeted him as “Ace” when she ushered Hannah into the room.

The heavy man who’d welcomed them stepped close and slid a folder across the table to each of the newcomers, a young brunette with a Goth air about her, a nerdy-looking redhead with large thick glasses, a tall skinny boy with dark-brown hair and long lashes who appeared to be about Hannah’s age, and finally to Hannah herself.

Hannah fiddled with the corner of her folder, a deep purple one with the words “T.O.P. pre-enrollment paperwork” meticulously inked in thick black sharpie.

The booming voice of the speaker jerked her back to attention.

“Inside these folders you will find all the necessary T.O.P. pre-enrollment paperwork needed to continue your orientation.

He quieted and paced the room. Hannah stifled a nervous giggle. Just how long was this jolly-looking man going to state the obvious before explaining why they were here?

As though reading her mind, he halted and whirled to face the group. “Before we continue I’d like you all to turn to the first form in the stack.”

Papers shuffled, and the group flipped back the covers.

“Please read this page carefully and sign the agreement form. You will not be allowed to leave this facility without doing so. Also, if any of you wish to leave before we have to sign any further non-disclosure forms the time to do so is now.”

Hannah didn’t move. Nervous tension mounted in the air and the other three squirmed in their seats. Hannah turned her attention to the form before her.

The paper was a standard non-disclosure agreement. Nothing seen or heard in their time here would leave the building. Since there really hadn’t been much to see, and she’d liked what little she’d heard, Hannah scrawled her name across the signature line, printed the same, and filled in the date. She sat her pen down and looked up.

The boy of the group stared at her and tapped his pen anxiously on the table. You could leave, Hannah thought, but at that moment he scrawled his name as well.

The red head finished reading and looked up. “If we have to sign a non-disclosure form just for seeing an office, I don’t think this is anything I’m interested in.”

The heavy man nodded. “Sign the form and I’ll have Ace escort you out.”

She signed and stood, and as the burly muscled man walked her out of the room, the speaker asked, “Does anyone else wish to leave before we get started?”

Hannah shook her head, ignoring the other two remaining in the room with her.

“Good.” He moved to the white board and picked up a short wooden dowel, tapping it in his palm and watching them until Ace returned a few moments later. Then, he flipped the white board over on its hinges.

The faces of three girls stared at the group from a backdrop of black felt.

“These three girls are the reason TOP was founded.” He slapped his dowel against the board beneath the first girl, a smiling blonde with dark roots and pretty hazel eyes. “Sandra, born into a wealthy family, kidnapped at the age of sixteen. Her body was found eight days later by the Minnesota Police. The perpetrator was never apprehended.”

He paused, lowered his dowel, and looked at the group, making eye contact with Hannah. “But he didn’t stop there.” His dowel whacked the board under the second image, hitting where he aimed without as much as a glance. “Erika, daughter of a factory worker; decent man, single father, hard worker. She was home alone while he worked a mandatory overtime shift. The predator broke into the house and raped, brutalized, then finally murdered her.”

The young brunette, Erika, smiled happily at the group from her senior picture, probably the last picture ever taken of her in life.

“Erika was three months shy of her eighteenth birthday. Her father found her that evening.”

Hannah’s heart lurched in her chest. She knew how it felt to see a friend murdered, it must have been horrible for Erika’s father to find her that way.

“The authorities apprehended Leonard Maynard two miles shy of the state line. A solid case had been built against him. He went to trial but his crooked lawyer got him off on a technicality.”

His eyes teared up, and he swallowed hard.

“Vicki Danners.” His dowel thumped hard beneath the third image, a young girl with beautiful blue eyes, curly blonde hair, dimpled cheeks, and a striking likeness to the man standing before the group. “Fourteen year old daughter of a Vietnam vet, straight-A student, well-mannered and well-liked by everyone. Final victim of Leonard Maynard and a flawed justice system.”

He slammed his dowel down on the table before the three recruits.

“That predator once again went to trial. Once again, he managed to get off on a technicality. Maynard’s three victims were raped once more, this time of their justice.”

He stood tall, and proud, and then continued. “TOP is a privately funded and Government ignored organization. We are very selective with our targets and make one hundred percent sure we get the right person.” He paused and took a few deep breaths. “My name is Terry Danners, co-founder of TOP, a private agency set up for the sole purpose of Taking Out Predators. And you…”
 

He looked at each of them in turn. “You, my dear, young survivors, are the future last line of defense for the innocent.”

Amy's face appeared in Hannah's mind. Her heart stopped, her body froze. Hannah's pen hit the floor.

Running with Scissors~ the Ray Garton way

Scissors by Ray Garton

Stuart has been seeing Dr. Ferguson everywhere, and yet he can't prove it. The snik-snik-snik of his scissors haunts Stuart no matter what he's doing. Is the demented doctor merely a figment of Stuart's overactive imagination, or is he really out to perform the same insidious procedure on Stuart's son?

This has to be my favorite Ray Garton story so far. And yes, that is an opinion. I love character driven stories, and though I had a little trouble at first trying to figure out which direction the story was headed, that is what made the meaty parts so wonderful.

Ray paints a detailed picture of each of his main characters. Just like Stuart and his art, Ray brings his characters to life, shows the players in their natural settings, builds on the relationships, and then...

Ray throws out the good ol' Ray-style curve-ball. I'm not going to elaborate on that, because I don't want to ruin the story for the readers, but he does a great job at taking his character set-up and development and turning it into the meat and potatoes of the story. The reader feels just enough for the characters that they worry with them, hurt for them, feel relief with them, and mourn for them throughout each step of the Scissors journey.

I definitely recommend this read, and not just for the horror fans. If you are a lover of psychological thrillers, or just like a good character driven plot, this book is for you.

Yep. Short. Sweet. No spoilers.

If you want more in depth reviews, all you need to do is google "Scissors by Ray Garton" and you'll find a whole long list of places to get information. You can also click on the image of the book, which will take you to the buy page where you can read reviews on Amazon. Then, while you're there, just click buy now. Yep, I'm all about saving you busy folks a step or two.

Or maybe not. *wink*

But at least I have fun trying!

Have a great week all! I'll see you Friday for Chapter 3 of my serial flash story "Hannah on TOP."

Hannah on TOP~Chapter 2

Bait and Switch

The office into which the TOP representative led Hannah left her with a homey and welcoming feel. Rows of shelves lined two full walls, and on these, volumes of books begged to be touched. Alongside a shelf of collector edition classics, were encyclopedia styled volumes and a few shelves of instruction manuals.

Hannah should have known something like this awaited her when she followed the mysterious stranger out onto the school football field to a sleek black unmarked helicopter.

The woman who’d yanked her out of classes held out a hand. “I’m Tia, TOP intake and head of the HR department.” Hannah shook briefly. Tia released her grip, walked around the large cherry wood desk, and took a seat in a high-backed black-leather office chair. She gestured at the svelte maroon wing-back chairs across from her.

“Have a seat, Hannah.”

Hannah eased herself into the closest chair, balancing on the edge, still a little over-awed at the whole situation. Tia had said two words to her during the flight, and “Hold on.” did nothing to answer Hannah’s many questions. She slid her foot back and forth across the maroon throw rug protecting the dark-chocolate hardwoods from the abrasive legs of the desk and chairs.

“So,” she said, staring at her nails. “What’s this TOP thing?”

The leather of Tia’s chair creaked in protest, and Hannah looked up. Tia leaned forward, hands folded, her forearms resting on the desk.

“What I tell you must never leave this facility,” she caught and held Hannah’s gaze. “Only those with proper clearance can know of what we do.” She leaned forward even further. “Speak only to those you know and trust, and trust no one.”

Hannah swallowed, but didn’t look away.

“I need you to give me your word on this,” Tia continued. “Do I have your word on this, Hannah?”

Hannah nodded.

“No, Hannah,” Tia said and slapped her arms down on the desk. “I need you to swear yourself to secrecy. Swear on something you hold dear.” She trailed her fingers gently over the desk, looked down at them, then back up at Hannah.

“Swear to me on the memory of your murdered friend.”

Hannah caught the arms of her chair in a death grip and squeezed until the bones threatened to burst from the back of her hand. “Leave her out of this!” The words echoed flat and deadly in the once warm room now gone cold.

But Tia didn’t stop. “Swear on the power you felt when you put a bullet in the bastard who killed her.”

“Stop it!” Hannah lurched from the chair. “I didn’t want to kill. I didn’t want her dead.”

Tia flashed a predatory smile. “No, but you wanted him dead.”

“No!” Hannah shook her head savagely. “I’m not like him.”

Tia leaned forward, poised like a serpent ready to strike. “You wanted him to pay.”

Hannah dove across the desk and lunged for the woman’s throat. In an instant she found herself facing the opposite direction, arms pinned behind her.

“That’s it, Hannah.” Tia’s breath rushed hot against her cheek. “Remember that pain, that anger. Let it out. Let it flow.”

“Shut up!” Hannah screamed, struggling against Tia’s grip. “Shut up, shut up, shut up!”

“Oh, Hannah. Poor, broken Hannah. I’m going to teach you how to harness that rage. I’m going to show you how to use that pain for good.”

Hannah felt pressure on her head, and then a gentle caress as Tia stroked her hair.

“I’ve been there. I’ve felt your pain.” The grip on Hannah’s wrists eased, and she was pulled into an embrace.

“And someday I’ll tell you all about it. About my beautiful sister, and the monster that took her from me.”

Tia’s voice cracked slightly. “I want to help you, Hannah. I want to help you heal.”

Tears flooded Hannah’s eyes and flowed onto her cheeks. She sobbed against Tia’s chest, wordlessly enjoying the tenderness of the arms around her. She cried as Amy’s face surfaced in her mind and smiled. She curled against Tia when the predator turned to her with his panicked look. She cringed as the hole appeared on his forehead, and the light in his eyes died. She shook in Tia’s arms, bawling until her body went limp and there were no more tears to shed.

Tia’s hand cradled her head, and Hannah relaxed against the woman’s chest. “Let me help you, Hannah.” came the whisper of words. “Let me help you, guide you.” The gentle touch smoothed over Hannah’s hair and came to rest on her shoulders. “Let me give you the greatest gift a victim could ever hope to receive.”

Hannah pulled her head back and looked up into the deep dark eyes of the woman who offered salvation. Tia gripped her shoulders and held her at arms length. “Will you let me help you, Hannah? Will you take that chance and help us too?”

Hannah reached up and wiped her tears on her sleeve. She sniffled, and asked, “What is TOP?”

Tia gave her a smile, this time one that spoke of understanding. “TOP is a program that renders justice when the law can’t.”

The confused Hannah chewed her lower lip a moment. Then she asked, “How do you do that?”

Tia shook her head. That is something you’ll learn tomorrow in orientation if you choose to trust me and agree to stay. Tonight, I’d just like to get you settled.”

She moved from behind the desk and came to Hannah’s side. “Are you ready?” she asked, and held out her hand. Hannah didn’t hesitate.

The two women moved through the building and ascended a flight of stairs.  As they reached the landing, a tall dark-haired boy about her age caught her eye. A flicker of a memory haunted her. She knew him from somewhere, but everything had become a blur since Amy’s death.

Hannah heard nothing else Tia said that evening. But it didn’t matter.

Hannah had already decided to stay.