Give Up the Light

I finally did it. I've been saying for years that I am going to put together a collection of the poetry I've written about vampires and the like, and I finally did it, just in time for Halloween.

If you like creepy, spine-chilling verse, this is the book for you. There are tales here of love that reaches beyond the grave; there are terrifying, twisted, and even comical poems that are perfect for reading on a dark and stormy night with the lights out.

Add it to your Goodreads.

Purchase it on Smashwords.

Purchase it on Amazon: US | Canada | UK

See my other books on Goodreads.

Book Release - A Light That Burns

When I clicked "publish" on A Light That Obscures, my hands were shaking and I found it difficult to breathe normally. Even though it is only a short short story and it's free to download (and always will be), it is the first ebook I've ever published.

I thought that my second ebook would be different, but I was just as nervous/terrified when I clicked "publish" on A Light That Burns yesterday. This one is over 4,000 words, so I decided to set the price at $0.99; this also allowed me to publish it on Amazon as well as Smashwords.

If you've read the free one, and enjoyed it, you will love this book. It is the same characters, the same story, but more "fleshed out." If you wanted to know what came before and after, now you can.

If you haven't downloaded A Light That Obscures yet, what are you waiting for? It's free, and it will be free forever.

Add to Goodreads here: A Light That Obscures - A Light That Burns.

Lightning Flashed Blogfest

Rules:
"1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed.
2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose. I'm not versed enough in poetry verse to judge it properly.
3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23."
See more here.

I'm getting my entry in under the wire for this one. I was on vacation last week, and I forgot when the deadline was, so I wrote it today. It's less than 100 words (I tend to do that: write very concisely).

Lightning flashed, blinding Peter for a moment. That was all the opportunity the other needed but, instead of disappearing into the night, he attacked. Peter’s supernatural senses detected the incoming blow just in time and he ducked, then came up fast and hard, driving his silver-bladed sword into the other vampire’s heart.

The other’s eyes fastened on Peter’s face and his lips moved. “Why?” he demanded. “You are one of us.”

Peter didn’t respond, his pitiless grey eyes cold. Thunder rumbled across the sky, and the clouds burst. The powdered remains of the dead vampire vanished in the downpour.

The Hunt

She walked boldly through the nightdark city streets, unafraid, certain that nothing would dare to threaten her. Impatiently, she brushed her long black hair from her eyes, cursing the breeze that had blown it across her face. Blue eyes looked at the world out of a face that in the light would appear unnaturally pale and bloodless.
He followed, slipping from shadow to shadow, keeping her just in sight. It appeared that she was unaware of his presence, but he couldn’t be sure. Surprise would be to his advantage tonight, but he was confident of the outcome even without it.
Sliding his hand into the pocket of his dark grey hoodie, he gripped the leather-wrapped handle of his knife. He wished he could have brought his sword, as he was more comfortable with the longer blade, but it was much harder to conceal it, even at night.
She entered a forested park, still moving carelessly, certain of her own invulnerability. He smiled. The young ones always thought they were untouchable. They were always shocked when he showed them how wrong they were.

As the trees closed in, he quickened his steps, no longer caring if she heard him. She did, and she stopped and turned, smiling as she saw him coming.

He waited until he was close enough to touch her before drawing the knife and slipping the leather sheath from its blade. She caught the movement and looked down, a small frown creasing her brow at sight of the blade shimmering in the moonlight that filtered through the branches above. As she raised her eyes in question, still not considering that he might be a danger to her, he stepped forward and plunged the silver blade into her heart.
Her eyes widened and she grabbed at his hand—too late. As her blue eyes faded to grey she whispered, “Why?” But he gave no answer, yanking his knife free and stepping back as she fell to her knees, her strength leaving her. He pulled a rag from another pocket and wiped the blade, careful not to touch it.
She toppled sideways into the litter of leaves and twigs, her hands futilely trying to find something to hold onto, something to save her. Disbelief and betrayal shone from her eyes. He watched impassively and waited until she stilled and her body dissolved into dust, disappearing into the detritus, leaving no trace of her existence.
He sheathed his knife and returned it to his pocket. Tilting his wristwatch, he caught a beam of moonlight. It was still early. There was time for another hunt tonight.