Sunday, April 13, 2025

The Revenge Game by Jax Calder Excerpt & Giveaway

The Revenge Game
Jax Calder
(The Revenge Club, #1)
Publication date: April 11th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Rule #1 of Revenge Club: Don’t fall for your target

Andrew
I’ve come a long way since being the gawky, geeky, gay kid who was constantly picked on growing up. Having just sold my tech start-up for so much money it broke my phone calculator, I’m now at a loose end wondering what to do next in my life.
Then I run into Justin. Justin, the golden boy from high school. Justin, the popular jock who turned my life into a living hell for four years.

And do you want to know the kicker? He doesn’t even recognize me.

Even worse, it looks like karma hasn’t done its thing because Justin definitely hasn’t been punished for his previous sins.

Maybe my next mission in life is to give karma a helping hand…

Justin
My life looks perfect from the outside – good job, good friends, no worries. Only I know it is all based on a lie. I’ve never been honest with anyone about my sexuality.

Then I meet the new IT guy at work who has just moved into my apartment building too. Given I seem to be having an extraordinary run of bad luck with technology at the moment—like having my email randomly decide to spam the entire company with images of trolls in intimate embraces —Drew’s been a lifesaver. And the more I get to know Drew, the more I want to confess my secret in the hope we can become something more.

But I can’t help the niggling feeling Drew is hiding something from me…

The Revenge Game is a laugh-out-loud journey through misadventures in revenge and the unexpected twists of fate. It’s where old grudges spark new attractions, where secrets unravel, and where two men learn all about redemption and love.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

He didn’t even recognize me.

My mind can’t let go of that fact. It lodges in my brain like a corrupted file that keeps trying to load. How is it possible that someone who starred in my nightmares for four years, who shaped every decision I made from which hallway to take to which college to choose, doesn’t even remember my face?

There was that time in gym class when we played volleyball, and Justin and his friends decided that instead of spiking the ball over the net, they would aim for me.

And one of them struck the ball so perfectly that it hit my stomach with a loud thunk, winding me.

I still recall that dizzy breathlessness, my panic when I couldn’t draw oxygen into my body, the struggle to make my lungs recover from fright and remember what their job actually was.

That’s exactly how I feel now.

How could he not recognize me? How? How?

Okay, due to my late growth spurt, I’m a few inches taller than I was in high school, rounding out to a decent five foot eleven. Back then, my dark hair was a floppy mess, whereas now, it’s been carefully cut in a style my barber assures me is the latest fashion. And my face has slimmed down since high school, along with my standard-issue nerd glasses being replaced by a trendier pair.

But I’m still recognizable. I haven’t changed that much.

In all the time I’ve spent thinking about this moment, I never considered the idea he might not recognize me.

How did I miss that possibility?

But then, why would he recognize me? I’m a tiny blip in his life.

Justin Morris is woven so intricately into the tapestry of my teenage years, one of the main antagonists in my story. Meanwhile, I was simply some mild entertainment to amuse him when he was bored.

My features are not etched into his consciousness. He has not spent years scripting our reunion. I’m nothing to him. A nobody.

The unevenness leaves me breathless.

But then the phrase repeats in my head in a different voice. Less defeated. More…intrigued.

He doesn’t recognize me.

According to technology sector analysts, I’m the guy who sees gaps in the market, problems that have yet to be solved. And while it makes me sound like a superhero coding ninja rather than simply a guy who spends countless hours hunched over my laptop muttering to myself, there is some truth to it.

While at MIT, I developed a system that revolutionized how computers share information, basically creating digital traffic lights to improve efficiency.

On the back of that, I started my tech company, which I sold a few months ago for the kind of money that sounds made up when you say it aloud.

Now, my brain is ticking faster than an atomic clock.

I take a large sip of my drink. The smooth tones of the red wine linger on my tongue after I swallow.

I’m a big believer in karma. What goes around, comes around. If you put enough good into the universe, some of it will return to you. I like to think I’ve always been a good person, and as the balance of my bank account testifies, a lot has made its way back to me.

But now, my faith in the all-encompassing might of karma has been shaken.

I study the restroom door with the same intensity a cat studies the red dot from a laser pointer.

Justin emerges after a few minutes. He weaves through the crowd effortlessly, sliding back into the fold of his friends, who greet his return with shoulder bumps and easy laughter carrying across the pub.

My chest constricts with an emotion I can’t quite name—something between rage and despair—watching him hold court. The carefully constructed walls I’ve built between my past and present suddenly feel paper-thin.

Because Justin’s still exactly who he was in high school. The golden guy surrounded by a circle of smiling admirers.

Yes, it definitely appears karma hasn’t caught up with Justin Morris.

Possibilities swirl in my mind. I’m currently footloose, with no set ties or projects lined up. I have almost unlimited funds at my disposal.

And there’s that one important, undeniable, inescapable fact.

He didn’t recognize me.

Maybe just this once, karma needs a helping hand.

Author Bio:

Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Newsletter


GIVEAWAY!



Saturday, April 12, 2025

Murder on the Steel Pier by Rosie Genova Giveaway & Interview

 

Murder on the Steel Pier: A Tess Mancini Time Travel Mystery 

by Rosie Genova

About Murder on the Steel Pier

Murder on the Steel Pier: A Tess Mancini Time Travel Mystery

Historical Mystery

1st in Series

Setting -1955 Atlantic City 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Two Roses Books

 (March 31, 2025)

Print length ‏ : ‎ 321 pages

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DS934RJL

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Greetings from the Nifty Fifties…

The morning after a blowout birthday celebration in Atlantic City, crime reporter and party girl Tess Mancini wakes up in an unfamiliar place—1955. Bread is eighteen cents a loaf, Ike occupies the White House, and the Boardwalk is crawling with vintage cars and vintage wise guys. A bewildered Tess is sure of only two things: One, she’s not crazy, and two, the clothes are fabulous. Somehow, she’s living the life of her Great-Aunt Theresa, who disappeared decades before Tess’s birth.

In her 1950s existence, Tess is a reporter at the local newspaper, living at a boarding house owned by her Zia Antonetta, an Italian immigrant with a big secret. It turns out Theresa has a kid brother, teenaged troublemaker Val Mancini—aka Tess’s paternal grandfather. Though determined to return to her own time, Tess’s curiosity takes over. What happened to the first Theresa Mancini? And is Tess’s trip through time connected to her aunt’s fate?

But when young Val is accused of murdering a boarding house guest, a Nazi in hiding, Tess ends up with two investigations on her hands—and is now stuck in time until she can prove Val’s innocence. As she searches for answers, she finds allies in a dishy police detective and a suspiciously charming fellow reporter. The clock is ticking for Tess to find a way home, but first, she has to keep her grandfather off Death Row.

Because before Tess can get back to the future … she needs to make sure she has one.

About Rosie Genova

Proud Jersey girl Rosie Genova is a multi-genre author. Her work includes a Jersey shore cozy series, The Italian Kitchen Mysteries, and The Tess Mancini Time Travel Mysteries, set in 1955 Atlantic City. She is also the author of standalone suspense and a couple of rom-coms that presently live in her computer files (but are longing to be released into the wild). A former teacher and journalist, Rosie’s non-fiction has appeared in a variety of publications, including Entrepreneur magazine and The New York Times. The mother of three sons, Rosie still lives in her favorite state with her husband, too many dusty antiques, and a charming mutt named Lucy.


INTERVIEW

1.   When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Since I was about eight years old. I used to write poetry on the yellow memo pads my mom kept by the phone.

2.   How long does it take you to write a book?

It generally takes me 8 to 9 months to write and revise a book. Then another month to copyedit and proof. I wish I were faster!

3.   What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I probably work about 4 hours per day when I’m in the middle of a project. (Six hours if I have a deadline!)

4.   What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know that it’s a quirk, but I’m a cross-genre writer—everything from cozy mystery to dark suspense to rom-coms.

5.   How do books get published?

Big question! But the short answer is either traditionally, with an agent who (hopefully) is able to place your book with a publisher. Or independently, through any number of services available for authors. I have published my work both traditionally and independently. 

6.   Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Often, my ideas for my books start with a question. For my first series, The Italian Kitchen Mysteries, it was: What if a mystery writer went home to research her family for a different kind of book, but ended up solving mysteries in real life? For Murder on the Steel Pier, the question was a little crazier: What if a Millennial partied a little too hard in Atlantic City and woke up in 1955? And then had to work to keep her own grandfather off Death Row? From there I was off and running.

 

7.   When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I was a journalist when my kids were young, so I really honed my craft that way. I had a few personal essays published after that, and started a blog. But I didn’t tackle my first novel until I went back to teaching in my forties. So I was on deadline to finish my first cozy mystery while teaching freshman English, journalism, and advising the school’s weekly newspaper. And uh, taking care of three kids.

8.   What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Reading! Exciting, I know. But I also like to cook and bake, and I love to spend time in the Catskills, where I mostly…read.

9.   What does your family think of your writing?

My biggest fan is my husband, who reads everything I write. That spot was shared with my late mom, who I’m happy to say lived long enough to see my first book published. 

10.               What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Honestly, how critical revision is to the process. And have other eyes on your work to see the things you miss because you’re just too close to the story.

11.               How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Murder on the Steel Pier is my tenth book; I’ve written four cozy mysteries which are also published. The other five include two rom-coms, two suspense novels, and one women’s fiction story. I’m planning to publish one of the suspense novels this summer. My favorite book is probably my first novel, a romantic comedy inspired by the Shakespeare play, Much Ado about Nothing. I just loved writing it and I adore the two main characters. Maybe they’ll come out to play one of these days…

12.               Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Learn everything you can about your craft. Learn everything you can about the publishing world, from how to query agents to the process of publishing and marketing. No one can do that for you; you really have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and go to work.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I do hear from readers, often on Facebook in the comments, but sometimes through my contact page on my website. Lots of people seem to relate to the Italian families in my books!

13.               Do you like to create books for adults?

Yes—I don’t think I’m cut out to write for kids!

14.               What do you think makes a good story?

Well developed, believable characters who talk like real people. High stakes to keep the reader involved in the story. And a satisfying ending, even if it’s not a traditionally happy one.

15.               As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I’m doing it! I always joke that other kids wanted toys—I wanted an ISBN. (Identifying number of a published book that appears on the copyright page.)

16.               What would you like my readers to know?

That without them, we authors are playing to an empty house!

Author Links 

Purchase Links

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
April 7 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 7 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
April 8 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
April 9 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
April 9 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 10 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW
April 10 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT
April 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
April 11 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 11 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
April 11 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
April 12 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 13 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT



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Friday, April 11, 2025

Trespassing Series by P.W. Creighton Excerpt & Interview


Trespassing Series
Trespassing 1 - 9
P.W. Creighton

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, Detectives, YA Romance
Date of Publication: 2013 - 2025
Cover Artist: For The Muse Design

Tagline: When the elite own everything and are immune to consequences, trespassing may be the only way to survive…

Series Description:

Cape Cod is a community divided between wealthy socialites who established the town and the working class responsible for running it. Every year it is getting harder for residents to even make a living.

Logan Harrison is an average student attending Nauset High School, he just wants his life to be something more, to mean something. As his sophomore year comes to a close, his world is shattered by a tragic suicide that fractures his friends. In an attempt to understand what happened and deal with the guilt, Logan uncovers a twisted secret that is subtly tearing the community apart with a deadly cost.

When the elite own everything and are immune to consequences, trespassing may be the only way to survive…



Bad Reputation

Trespassing

Book One

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication: 12-6-2013

ISBN: 978-1492727859

ASIN: B00F0SM1YK

 

Book Description:

 

It's the last day of sophomore year for Logan, just one more day until summer vacation, and the whole school is buzzing. Someone called into the local radio show with an alarming confession, and at Nauset High School it’s all anyone can talk about.

 

Logan is more focused on just making it through the day. He has developed a reputation, and it comes back to haunt him at the worst times, even for those who supposedly know him. He just wants to make it to the end of the year party to kick off summer and ensure his girlfriend, Hailey, doesn't break-up with him. Or his car doesn't breakdown.

 

As the night progresses, Logan learns that secrets will always be exposed, and the cost of those secrets can have a deadly price. Who was responsible for the confession, and will they make it through the night?

 

 

Amazon


 

 

Sunglasses At Night

Trespassing

Book Two

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication: 2-28-2014

ISBN: 978-1495408649

ASIN: B00IQFF9NO

 

Book Description:

 

A Senator's daughter is dead, Nauset High School and the Sheriff's Department are under fire. They knew something was going to happen and failed to prevent it.

 

Logan is struggling with his loss, and the guilt that he now has to hide from his friends, along with the new secrets that turned the night into horror. As the funeral approaches, more questions are raised that put him in the Senator’s crosshairs. Kayla, the dream girl he met by chance, believes that there is something more going on, and pulls Logan into her world where privilege and entitlement are the norm.

 

Can Logan trust her? Is she who she seems to be? Logan is starting to learn that he isn't the only person who has secrets that he doesn't want revealed.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Cruel Summer

Trespassing

Book Three

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication: 12-17-2015

ISBN: 978-1519207333

ASIN: B019I12EJ6

 

Book Description:

 

A scandalous party at the County Club has left Logan isolated and alone. His friends, old and new, have fallen victim to the gossip that is now swirling about him.

 

A chance encounter at the beach helps him to realize that he's not quite as alone as he thought, and his new accomplice, Devin, shows him that not everyone wealthy is untrustworthy. She has her own secrets and is willing to confide in Logan in exchange for his help. But trust does not come easy when former friends are involved.

 

When another shocking confession hits the airwaves, Logan begins to suspect that the spiral of death and tragedy is only just beginning. And Logan and Devin may have their own role to play.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

View from a Bridge

Trespassing

Book Four

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication: 8-2-2024

ISBN: 979-8334551107

ASIN: B0CWMW5592

 

Book Description:

 

Summer is over, it's the start of Junior year but Logan and Devin can't easily move on. Someone else is dead, and they were involved.

 

Logan is trying to protect his new accomplice, Devin, unfortunately, she is also being blackmailed. Not only did someone assault her - they took pictures, and are distributing them through the school. And she isn't the only one. What first seemed like an isolated incident that caused their friend to commit suicide, is now turning into a disturbing trend.

 

A search for answers leads Logan and his friends only to more questions and yet another death. One that they may have caused. Summer may be over, but Logan's problems are just starting.

 

 

Amazon



Everything You Want

Trespassing

Book Five

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication:  8-24-2024

ISBN: 979-8334900066

ASIN: B0DCSS7HT2

 

Book Description:

 

Logan and Devin have confronted the classmate who drugged, assaulted, and humiliated her. Unfortunately, he was murdered in front of them before Devin could get any answers or satisfaction.

 

Now, the Sheriff's Department is investigating the death of a Nauset High School star athlete, and Devin is their only suspect. This puts Logan in a race to prove Devin's innocence, before she is locked up and he becomes an accomplice to murder.

 

When a suspicious video surfaces that misrepresents the night of the murder, Logan and Devin realize that they are up against something more sinister than they ever suspected. Logan is determined to clear Devin's name, but his quest for answers may put his own family at risk.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Here’s to the Night

Trespassing

Book Six

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication: 9-7-2024

ISBN: 979-8335536738

ASIN: B0DFTQRZ2R

 

Book Description:

 

Someone has confessed to the murder of Nausett High School's star athlete, but a seemingly random accident has left the shooter critically injured, leaving Logan and Devin cleared of suspicion, but without answers.

 

When they start to realize that other individuals involved with the murder and assaults have started to go missing, Logan and Devin feel compelled to dig deeper, pulling their new friends and allies along with them. As they discover more connections, they start to learn that there is a mysterious figure coordinating things behind the scenes.

 

Logan, Devin, and their closest friends are starting to learn that the deeper you go, the higher the extremes someone will take to protect themselves. The deaths at Nauset High haven't stopped just yet and the worst is yet to come.

 

 

Amazon

 

 


Never Let You Go

Trespassing

Book Seven

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication: 11-26-2024

ISBN: 979-8337933115

ASIN: B0DP5G6F2F

 

Book Description:

 

Logan is now starting to realize what he is up against. He is facing some very powerful and wealthy opponents, and even the Sheriff's Department is complicit. When you can't rely on the people hired to keep you safe, who can you rely on?

 

After the drive-by shooting deaths of his friends Logan and his allies have decided to take matters into their own hands. They don't want justice for their lost friends, they want payback. The Sheriff's Department refuses to investigate, but consumed by guilt and anger, Logan will not stop looking for answers.

 

As Logan continues to uncover the secrets of the Cape's elite, he begins to realize the depth of corruption in the community. Exposing secrets to the light can bring answers, but it can also lead to more deaths.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

If You’re Gone

Trespassing

Book Eight

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication: 12-11-2024

ISBN: 979-8342060714

ASIN: B0DQ6MHCHL

 

Book Description:

 

Logan and Devin finally are starting to feel like they have answers to some of their questions, but corruption in the Sheriff's Department continues to block them from truly understanding what is happening.

 

Finally, fully recovered from their injuries, Logan and Devin decide to dedicate time to their growing relationship but find themselves in the right place and the right time to prevent a deadly car accident. When they learn the identities of the victims, they realize that they are closer than ever to uncovering some of the secrets that led to Scarlett's death and started them on this path of tragedy and murder.

 

Scarlett's secrets take them to the elite and foreboding Nausett Academy - former school to Scarlett, Devin, and Hailey - and the home of their elusive opponent. What Logan finds will give their opponent a name - but will show who can be trusted, who has ulterior motives and what that cost will be.

 

 

Amazon

 

 


Good Girls Go Bad

Trespassing

Book Nine

P.W. Creighton

 

Genre: YA, YA Mystery, YA Romance

Date of Publication: 2-13-2025

ISBN: 979-8307541609

ASIN: B0DX55J69L

 

Book Description:

 

After the traumatic events at Nausett Academy and discovering that evidence went missing after it reached the Sheriff's Department, Logan and Devin have decided to go on an extended Spring Break. What's the point in having your own boat if you can't just take off? They are done with dealing with murder, lies, and corruption. They are ready to start a new life, one where no one knows who they are, or their history.

 

When they discover that their friends are being investigated for murdering the no-longer elusive mastermind behind the drugging and blackmail of their peers, they realize that you can't outrun your problems. Logan and Devin are confident that their friends are being framed for murder and are determined to catch the true killer.

 

Logan and Devin may have a name and a face for their opponent, but they are learning that they are always steps ahead of them, and not even death can stop their devious plans.

 

Amazon


Excerpt Good Girls Go Bad – Trespassing 9

The thirty-minute drive from Ocean View down to the gallery had taken less than half the time. It was surprising that no one had complained to send the Sheriff’s Department our way. We had jumped curbs, cut across lawns, and even taken an insane drive through the park to shave off as much time as possible but it still felt like an eternity. Orange streetlights flickered past us as I was able to put my foot down on the straightaway.

Every minute Hailey was flipping between calling and texting without a single response. Even Liz wasn’t responding to her. I completely understood her paranoia. I had felt the same thing when Hailey texted me out of nowhere to apologize. I would’ve ignored it entirely if Scar hadn’t changed my thinking. If things were large enough for us to notice, then there was infinitely more that was hidden.

Last year Jen was just a princess, pretty and bitchy with too much attitude. Everything was beneath her. No matter who she was hanging out with, the attitude never changed. She was miserable and I just kept out of the way. After Scarlett, she had changed, like all of us. She actually was nice and funny. The world was different. I actually cared about her. She wasn’t the closest of friends, but she was a friend now.

The headlights swept over a large gray clapboard building on the corner. The black shingle roof and white trim kept with the Cape-aesthetic, but it was a strange design split between a Cape home and a large boathouse. Serenity Sea Gallery was Jennifer’s burden. Her mom’s gallery was dedicated to local artists and seascape style art, she had opened it ages ago, but it never really was her priority. Much like Jen, it was just an after-thought for her mother.

I took my foot off the gas.

“No!” Hailey snapped at me. “Around back. She uses the backdoor.”

“Right.” I put my foot down again making the engine growl.

The tires screeched as I cranked the wheel to turn us around the corner of the gallery. We swerved through the narrow space between the building and a privacy fence. Standing on the brakes, I cranked the wheel again to spin the Bronco around and face the back cinder-block wall of the gallery. We slid to a stop with a pair of black steel fire-doors directly in the headlights.

Hailey didn’t even wait for us to come to a full stop. She had the door open and was out and moving by the time I took my foot off the parking brake. I didn’t bother shutting it off, instead I copied her and jumping out to sprint for the door.

“Jen?” She called out as she reached the doors trying one side without luck. “Jen?” Hailey called out again as she pulled the second door open. She ducked inside and I was a half-step behind.

“Jennifer?” I called for her.

We entered a darkened area of the gallery filled with metal shelving and wooden crates. Once the door closed to shut out the headlights it took a moment for our eyes to adjust to the room. Somewhere off to one side, the darkness wasn’t nearly as bad.

“Jen?” Hailey tried to hurry through the space but kept bumping into things as she made her way down the aisle. “Jen? Ow. Jen?” I jabbed my hand out in front of her to keep her from banging her head on a crate that was sticking out.

“Jennifer?”

“Jen?” Hailey let out a shriek when she reached the end of the shelves. “Jen!” She darted forward and I kept pace with her. We had reached a prep area with a couple of long counters, tools, and a small office just beyond. There was just enough light from the office to reveal a long shape near the center of the space. “NO!” Jennifer was hanging from the exposed metal rafters. Her bare feet lightly brushed against a work stool that had been knocked over.

I couldn’t manage a sound as the world slowed. Hailey screamed. I lunged forward, wrapping my arms around Jennifer’s legs. Lifting with all my strength had her roughly sitting on my shoulder.

“Get something to cut her down!” I commanded, but Hailey wasn’t moving. “Hailey! Get something! NOW!”

Hailey darted around and came up with some form of wire-cutters. She frantically circled around us before she scrambled up onto the closer workbench. Teetering overhead, she stretched out to cut at the cord above Jen’s head. There were a few seconds of her trying to cut it before Jen fell into my arms.

Jennifer Maack was a Pack girl, pristine, flawless, and small. Not quite as small as Devin but as soon as she fell into my arms, she felt heavier than any of the girls. She was a ragdoll, limp, and hard to balance. I shifted her around until I could carry her in my arms to a clear spot away from anything. As gently as I could, I set her on the cold concrete floor.

“Call 9-1-1,” I said and leaned in to check her. Glancing up, I saw Hailey was a complete wreck crying but still not moving. “HAILEY!” I shouted to get her attention. She finally looked at me. “CALL 9-1-1!”  She gave a quick nod and pulled out her phone.

Leaning in close, I couldn’t see Jennifer’s chest moving and I couldn’t hear her breathing. I untangled the noose to give her more space before I placed my hand on her neck. She was still warm. I fumbled around and thought I felt a pulse, but it was hard to tell.

 



About the Author:

Born in California, P.W. has spent most of his life traveling throughout the US. P.W. draws inspiration from many adventures, turning his strange reality into fiction.

Over the years, P.W. has found himself in many unusual situations, ranging from hanging off an 80 foot cliff-face in New York, to sailing off the coast of Salem, Massachusetts. P.W. has hosted archaeological excavations, and have even reported from the middle of a police stand-off.

When a teacher asked in the second grade what he wanted to be when he grew up, he didn't have an answer. He lets the characters make that decision for him.







Interview:

1.      What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

One of my first was actually exploring Lovecraft Country, visiting the real places that inspired some of the works of H.P. Lovecraft. It was really interesting to see the New England locations that still held some of the more haunting vibes. Newburyport, Massachusetts was an amazing experience.

2.      What is the first book that made you cry?

I Have The Right To by Chessy Prout

3.      Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Energizes. I love getting caught up in the worlds I craft.

4.      What is your writing Kryptonite?

The terrible moments where the antagonists win and one of the cast is lost.

5.      Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

Heh. Already do. P.W. Creighton. When I was in media my pen name was Phil Nye The Web Guy thanks to my co-workers.

6.      What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I have a number of authors that I’m acquainted with from Elaina Lee, to Bri Clark, to Bob Mayer, Cheri Revai and others. Just bouncing ideas, chatting, and hearing others input helps provide additional perspective.

7.      Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

The Trespassing Series can be read individually but I treat them like episodes in a TV series. You can dive in anywhere but you get the most out of it if you know what brought the characters to that moment. Think Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, One of Us is Lying, or a show like Elite.

8.      What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?

Karen M. McManus.  Her writing style kind of threw me off at first jumping between so many characters in first person POV.

9.      What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?

Dare Me by Megan Abbot.

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

Sandpiper. Tiny little bird spending all of its time on the beach.

11.  How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

After I got my rights back from my publisher for my debut novel/series they are no longer in print. Those include the two published (now un-published) and the third partially written. I started the Trespassing YA series and another series called Passing Strange that MG. I’ve been lost in the Trespassing series for the time being. Struggling with the wealthy and entitled feels very poignant right now.

12.  What did you edit out of this book?

There was another relationship in the story that needed to be shifted to keep some of the antagonists and their motivations tucked away for a bit more mystery.

13.  If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

I’ve been a bit of wanderer. I’ve been an archaeologist, a professional photographer and videographer, cameraman, stringer reporter, college professor, and I’m currently an Earth Science teacher.

14.  Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Oh, certainly. If you find your way deeper into the series then go back and re-read you will see a lot of connections through character behaviors and commentary that suddenly take on a whole new dimension.

15.  What is your favorite childhood book?

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. It was always such an engrossing story and quite dark.