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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Flash Fiction The Room



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 “Sandy, come quick,” Andy yelled from our bedroom.
“What? I'm busy!” I yelled back. I'm always busy, I thought, cleaning up the last of a gallon of milk my youngest had been sure he was strong enough to pour.
“J--- me--- r,” he persisted.
“Be Quiet!” I yelled at the kids. Everyday the same fighting and crying from the three of them. It was enough to drive a person crazy, if this house didn't do the job first.
“Just come here,” Andy yelled again.
Just come here, I mimicked in my head. Wouldn't do to make fun out loud with three little sets of ears listening.
“Fine,” I yelled throwing the towel in the sink. Yes, this house had taken its toll on my patience. One year. One year of being mired in repairs, replacements, renovation, dust, noise, debt...
I'd wanted this house. I swear I did. In the beginning. It had potential, that was clear to both of us. But six months in, over budget, overwrought, three small children. What had we been thinking?
But, with no other choice, we kept going. And now, finally, we were at the end. The last room, our own bedroom.
Come quick. What had he found now? My heart sank at the thought of another unexpected disaster.
I climbed the stairs with legs of lead, the stairwell only echoing the sound of crying below, and headed to the bedroom where Andy was waiting.
“What!?” I said. “Oh.”
Andy had broken through the back wall of the bedroom. Something had always felt wrong about the hallway, but it wasn't until we started plans for remodeling the bedroom it became clear; the hallway was longer than our adjacent bedroom wall. It met up with the bathroom and the end of the hall, which was also smaller than it should have been. That's why it had been so hard to spot at first. That and the exhaustion of the whole moving/renovating process. I figured there was some sort of old storage space there, though why they would wall it up was beyond me.
Andy was standing with a sledgehammer hanging loosely from his hand. In front of him was a large opening in the wall, and just behind that, a small door. Big enough for one person to squeeze through, if they ducked.
“Well, open it,” I said. “What are you waiting for?”
“”It locks from the outside,” he said, pointing to the key sitting in the lock.
“And?” I said, walking towards him.
“So, it's supposed to keep someone in, not out.”
“Somone? What are you talking about?” I laughed. “It's to keep something in, everyone else out. What's wrong with you?”
“I just...have a bad feeling about this.”
“Well, not opening the door won't change that. Try a little optimism. Maybe the old owner was a miser and it's full of money,” I smiled.
He shrugged and set the sledgehammer down. Then turned the key and pushed open the door.
“It's too dark. I can't see anything.”
“Here,” I said, looking around the door, “there's a lightswitch.”
“Why is it outside the door?”
“Lots of closets have switches outside the door.”
“And a lock on the outside?”
“Let's just get this over with,” I said, flipping the switch.
“Holy hell.”
“What? What is it?” I asked peeking around him.
The room was small, as expected, but the ceiling was the same height as our room, which made the space seem bigger. The walls were padded and the floor linoleum. But what had Andy speechless, I'm sure, were the handcuffs hanging from a chain mounted at the top of the far wall. And the bucket. Yeah, probably the bucket sitting on the floor beneath the handcuffs had really done him in.
I stepped into the room and spun around slowly. Padded walls, no visible ventilation, thick foam filled door.
“”It's soundproof,” Andy said softly.
“And hidden. You could be in here for days and no one would know, if that wall was back up,” I said smiling.
“Why are you smiling. Do you know what this means?” Andy asked.
“Yes,” I said. “We finally have a place we can hide from the kids.”

Just a fun short story for you to enjoy.  Like it?  Check out my other books, The Devil's Game, Secrets, and The Hate.
Links are to Amazon but all are available at Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Devil's Game is Almost Here

As of 10:45 Mountain time, The Devil's Game is uploading on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords!!  I will let everyone know as soon as it's live.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

New Book Update and Lessons Learned

Well, everyone, my editor is back from her honeymoon and working hard on the final edit.  We are about 2/3rds done and will hopefully finish by tomorrow.  So, The Devils Game will be uploaded by the end of the month but probably won't be live until the first of the month.  I feel bad that I'm not meeting my goal of June but some things are out of our hands.  Plus, better to wait a few extra days and put out the very best book possible.  I'm sure you all will agree.
My co-writer and I have learned a lot about self-publishing through this experience also. The first time I self published, I did it alone, almost secretly (pardon the pun as my first book is titled Secrets).  I alone was responsible for meeting deadlines.  So this time we learned some important lessons about giving beta readers deadlines (most were great about getting back to us in a short time) and giving enough time for the unexpected.  Basically, to be more like a business and less like friends having fun.
My advice would be to prepare beta readers ahead of time of a date when the book will be delivered and how long you are giving them to read and return comments.  Have them let you know if that works with their schedule.  Same with an editor.  Simple things that make a difference in your own stress level:)
Feel free to post other tips!

Monday, June 27, 2011

What does coffee have to do with books?

Well, I just love sitting down with a nice iced coffee and a great book (I just finished the third Game of Thrones) and wanted to share this great recipe for iced coffee.  Why?  Because it's not easy to find a good recipe.  I know.  I've tried for two years.  I have a great coffee maker - one of those one's that you just add beans and water to once in a while, then push a button and viola, cup of coffee.  Anyway, I tried a lot of different ways to make an iced coffee and finally found one.  I take the Starbucks lightly sweetened instant packet, mix it up, and leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours.  Then, when I want a cup, I add some to a cup of ice and then add that flavored liquid creamer.  They are delicious!  There is nothing better, for me, other than having the kids napping at the same time.  But, since that never happens anymore, I'll take the iced coffee.
Please share any other recipes you've found.  Especially for an iced mocha - still haven't perfected that one.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Flash Fiction Never, Ever Bring This Up Again

Never, Ever Bring This Up Again

I always knew someday I would kill somebody. I knew it like I knew I wouldn’t like peas or broccoli before I ever tasted them. I’m not a bad person, just felt I had it in me.
So, like a dumb ass, I let it slip to my buddy, Bob, one night when we were drunk. Well, maybe drunk isn’t a strong enough word. We were wasted off our asses. At least I was. I didn’t even remember telling him ‘till he brought it up a few days later.
We were just sitting in The Bar (The Bar not requiring a name since it was the only one in town). We were sitting at what may as well have been our table since we were here so frequently. And he just throws it out there. I’m talking about getting ready for football to start and he just blurts it out.
So, when you gonna kill somebody?” he asked.
What? What the hell are you talking about?”
You told me you were sure someday you’d kill somebody.”
When did I say that?”
When we were drinking the other night.”
I laughed. “What night? We’re here every night.”
Saturday. Don’t you remember?”
As a matter of fact I don’t remember. I do remember wishing I was dead for the first half of Sunday though.”
Well, you said it.”
A few flashes of that night came back but I wanted to stop this now. “Whatever man,” I said and went to get another round.
But he wouldn’t let it go. He bought it up at least once every time we were drinking. He just kept asking me when I was gonna do it. Finally, one night, I’d had enough.
Why can’t you let this go? I was drunk. I don’t even remember saying it.”
He glanced around the bar without moving his head. “Do you really think you could do it? Kill someone, I mean?”
I don’t know?” But I knew. “Why?”
We’ve been friends a long time, right?”
Right,” I said, wondering where this was going.
There’s someone I want killed.”
What?”
There’s this guy. He’s sleeping with my wife. I want you to kill him.”
Is this your idea of a joke?”
I’m serious man.”
I took a long drink of my beer. Then I leaned close and looked him right in the eye. “You listen to me and you listen good. I am not a killer,” I emphasized each word with a poke to his chest, “I know we’ve been friends a long time but enough is enough.” I threw a twenty on the table and gave him my best tough guy look, “Never, ever bring this up again.”
The truth is, I was tempted. That’s why I had to end this right now. Cold blooded murder just isn’t the way I thought it would go. It had to be someone who deserved it. And no one could ever find out it was me.
But he just wouldn’t let it go. I guess my best tough guy was more John Denver than John Wayne. And it got worse.
Okay,” he said one night, “it’s not just some guy sleeping with my wife.”
What’s not?” I was distracted by the half naked woman playing pool at the far end of the bar.
The guy I want you to kill.”
I reluctantly looked at Bob. “Oh my God! I told you-“
He leaned in, “I know what you told me,” he whispered, “but this is serious.” Again he looked around the bar, “I didn’t want to give you the real reason cause I thought you wanted to do it, but since you won’t I gotta tell you the truth.”
Does this truth have anything to do with why you’re acting like this?”
“Acting like what?”
Your leg is bouncing like it’s on hot coals and every time someone walks in here you jump.”
Huh?”
Never mind,” I leaned back and shrugged like I didn’t care, “So, what’s the truth?”
They’re plotting to kill me.”
Who?”
My wife and Tommy.”
What makes you think that?”
I don’t know. I just feel it,” he said.
You’re being ridiculous.”
No man. They really are.”
Then get a divorce,” I said.
That’ll just speed them up. They want me gone and they want the insurance money.”
Then cancel your insurance. Now quit asking me before I kill you instead.” I returned to watching the pool game.
He sat back resigned. For the night anyway. I have to admit my curiosity was piqued. I knew the guy he was talking about. Tommy Hinks, kind of a low life, new in town, and seriously lacking in personal hygiene. I couldn’t picture Bob’s wife sleeping with him. Sue was beautiful, in a small town kind of way. Blond, blue eyed, soft in all the right places, but a little naïve and self absorbed. In a big city she would be pretty, but in this small town well, let’s just say, if she wanted to cheat, there was a line of men a lot better than Tommy that would jump at the chance.
So no, I didn’t believe Bob’s story. But just to be sure, I followed Tommy for about a week. I figured people having an affair would meet at least once a week. Bob thought I was avoiding him. Following Tommy was pretty easy since worked the same hours as me. Plus, Tommy’s not the brightest bulb on the tree. Bob was excited when I finally met him at the bar, but for the wrong reason.
So you’ve thought about it and-” he started.
I held up my hands, cutting him off. “Let’s just cut the bullshit, Okay. I followed your friend Tommy all week. He never got near your wife.”
Why’d ya follow him?”
Uh, because you’re a lying piece of shit,” I laughed. “Just tell me what the hell is going on.”
All right,” he took a big swig of beer, “he’s blackmailing me.”
Blackmailing you?” I replied. “With what? What did you do?”
I don’t want to talk about it.”
You want me to kill a man but you don’t want to tell me why? Be serious.”
He took another swallow, “I hit someone with my car. I was drunk and Tommy was with me. I hardly even remember it.” He finished off the beer and signaled for another one.
When did this happen?”
About a month ago.”
Tell me everything, exactly how you remember.”
Why?”
Just tell me.”
Okay. It was about ten and I’d been drinking for a while already. Tommy came in and we were just talking and drinking. Tommy kept ordering shots and,” he shrugged, “well, you know how it goes.”
Why’d you drive?”
I don’t remember. I just have flashes of the car hitting something and Tommy freaking out. Them I’m at home in bed. The next morning Tommy was there on my couch. He told me what happened – he told me I hit some kid and that he moved the body into the woods, but now I owed him.”
I started laughing. Laughing hard.
What the fuck’s so funny?” He’d gone from ashamed to angry in a flash.
Relax, I’m not the one you’re mad at. Anyway, you didn’t hit anyone.”
Whadya mean I didn’t hit anyone? I sure as hell did.”
I paused and took a drink of my beer, drawing out the moment.
He set you up. He’s scamming you.”
Whatdya mean? How do you know?”
I leaned in. “Look, have you read about any hit and run accidents in the paper or heard it on the news?”
He hesitated, “No, but Tommy said he hid the body. The front of my car was damaged.”
Heard any missing person reports?”
No.”
In this small town, you think someone goes missing and you don’t hear anything about it?”
He didn’t answer. I tried another approach.
How drunk were you and who was buying the drinks?”
Really drunk and Tommy was buying…” He stopped and turned red. I wasn’t sure if he was mad or embarrassed.
He set you up and you fell, hook, line and sinker.”
I’m gonna kill that son of a bitch myself!” He started to get up.
Wait,” I grabbed his arm, “I’ve got a better idea.”
********************************************************************************************
Bob better get here soon, Tommy thought. He’s already ten minutes late and I’m freezing my ass off.
He saw the headlights coming toward him and was relieved. He didn’t know what he would do if this didn’t work. He really needed the money. Well, he really needed a fix.
Bob parked, but left the car running. He got out and scanned the area behind Tommy. They were at a deserted warehouse about a mile outside of town.
“It’s about time,” Tommy said.
“Sorry, I had trouble getting the car to start. That’s why I gotta leave it running.”
“Whatever. Did you bring it?”
Bob reached into his inside jacket pocket and took out a plain white envelope. He threw it at Tommy’s feet.
Just as Tommy bent down to pick it up, I stepped out of the shadows with a gun.
“Hold it,” I yelled, aiming the gun at Tommy.
Tommy fell back in surprise.
“Get your fucking hands up now,” I said.
Tommy got up slow and raised his hands, his eyes darting back and forth between the two men. I guess my John Wayne was getting better. Or it was the gun. Probably the gun.
“What is this?” Tommy said.
Bob was smiling. He walked over and punched Tommy hard enough to double him over.
“Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” he said as he punched him again.
“All right,” Tommy coughed, holding his stomach and shaking his head, “I’m sorry. I just really needed the money.”
“And ruining my life was the way to do that?”
“I wasn’t trying to ruin your life.”
“What did you think making me believe I killed someone would do?”
“I guess I never really thought about it,” Tommy said, still bent over.
“You never thought about it!” Bob said. He shoved Tommy so hard he fell to the ground. He started kicking him in the back and legs.
“That’s enough Bob,” I said.
“The hell it is,” Bob said raising his leg for the next kick.
I grabbed his arm and pulled him away, “I said that’s enough.”
“Get your hands off me,” he said yanking his arm from my grip. “You don’t get to decide that.”
“I have the gun so yes, I do,” I said.
“What are you going to do, shoot me?” He started laughing. “You said you wouldn’t kill this prick for me but you’ll shoot me?” He laughed even harder.
“C’mon Bob,” I said, “this wasn’t the plan. We were just going to scare him.”
He stopped laughing, “Plans change.”
“No they don’t. I’m not going to let you beat him to death.”
Bob let out a deep breath. “Okay, okay. You’re right. Seeing him just got me so angry. I don’t know what got into me.” Then he lunged for the gun.
We struggled and the gun went off. Bob went down.
“Shit,” I said, “Shit, shit, shit.” I dropped down next to Bob and felt for a pulse. “Oh God,” I gasped. “He’s dead.”
I heard a noise to my right and looked over. “Tommy,” I said, “this is your fault.” I stood up and started walking toward him.
“I can’t let you leave now, you understand.”
“No, no,” he said waving his hands, scurrying back, “I won’t tell. I swear.”
“I can hardly trust you now, can I?”
Tommy kept scooting backwards, “Please, I won’t tell.”
“Sorry Tommy, I can’t take that chance.” I raised the gun. Tommy backed into Bob’s car and relief flooded his face when he realized it was still running. He jumped inside and took off weaving all over the road. I shot a couple of times near the car.
“That was fun,” said a voice behind me. I turned to see Bob standing up, brushing the dirt off his shirt.
I started laughing. “Yeah, he shouldn’t be a problem anymore.”

Not Exactly Flash Fiction Part 2

Here is the rest of Never Bring This Up Again.  If you didn't read the first part yesterday, click on the link below.
http://slpiercebooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/not-exactly-flash-fiction-part-1.html


 “Why’d ya follow him?”
Uh, because you’re a lying piece of shit,” I laughed. “Just tell me what the hell is going on.”
All right,” he took a big swig of beer, “he’s blackmailing me.”
Blackmailing you?” I replied. “With what? What did you do?”
I don’t want to talk about it.”
You want me to kill a man but you don’t want to tell me why? Be serious.”
He took another swallow, “I hit someone with my car. I was drunk and Tommy was with me. I hardly even remember it.” He finished off the beer and signaled for another one.
When did this happen?”
About a month ago.”
Tell me everything, exactly how you remember.”
Why?”
Just tell me.”
Okay. It was about ten and I’d been drinking for a while already. Tommy came in and we were just talking and drinking. Tommy kept ordering shots and,” he shrugged, “well, you know how it goes.”
Why’d you drive?”
I don’t remember. I just have flashes of the car hitting something and Tommy freaking out. Them I’m at home in bed. The next morning Tommy was there on my couch. He told me what happened – he told me I hit some kid and that he moved the body into the woods, but now I owed him.”
I started laughing. Laughing hard.
What the fuck’s so funny?” He’d gone from ashamed to angry in a flash.
Relax, I’m not the one you’re mad at. Anyway, you didn’t hit anyone.”
Whadya mean I didn’t hit anyone? I sure as hell did.”
I paused and took a drink of my beer, drawing out the moment.
He set you up. He’s scamming you.”
Whatdya mean? How do you know?”
I leaned in. “Look, have you read about any hit and run accidents in the paper or heard it on the news?”
He hesitated, “No, but Tommy said he hid the body. The front of my car was damaged.”
Heard any missing person reports?”
No.”
In this small town, you think someone goes missing and you don’t hear anything about it?”
He didn’t answer. I tried another approach.
How drunk were you and who was buying the drinks?”
Really drunk and Tommy was buying…” He stopped and turned red. I wasn’t sure if he was mad or embarrassed.
He set you up and you fell, hook, line and sinker.”
I’m gonna kill that son of a bitch myself!” He started to get up.
Wait,” I grabbed his arm, “I’ve got a better idea.”
********************************************************************************************
Bob better get here soon, Tommy thought. He’s already ten minutes late and I’m freezing my ass off.
He saw the headlights coming toward him and was relieved. He didn’t know what he would do if this didn’t work. He really needed the money. Well, he really needed a fix.
Bob parked, but left the car running. He got out and scanned the area behind Tommy. They were at a deserted warehouse about a mile outside of town.
“It’s about time,” Tommy said.
“Sorry, I had trouble getting the car to start. That’s why I gotta leave it running.”
“Whatever. Did you bring it?”
Bob reached into his inside jacket pocket and took out a plain white envelope. He threw it at Tommy’s feet.
Just as Tommy bent down to pick it up, I stepped out of the shadows with a gun.
“Hold it,” I yelled, aiming the gun at Tommy.
Tommy fell back in surprise.
“Get your fucking hands up now,” I said.
Tommy got up slow and raised his hands, his eyes darting back and forth between the two men. I guess my John Wayne was getting better. Or it was the gun. Probably the gun.
“What is this?” Tommy said.
Bob was smiling. He walked over and punched Tommy hard enough to double him over.
“Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” he said as he punched him again.
“All right,” Tommy coughed, holding his stomach and shaking his head, “I’m sorry. I just really needed the money.”
“And ruining my life was the way to do that?”
“I wasn’t trying to ruin your life.”
“What did you think making me believe I killed someone would do?”
“I guess I never really thought about it,” Tommy said, still bent over.
“You never thought about it!” Bob said. He shoved Tommy so hard he fell to the ground. He started kicking him in the back and legs.
“That’s enough Bob,” I said.
“The hell it is,” Bob said raising his leg for the next kick.
I grabbed his arm and pulled him away, “I said that’s enough.”
“Get your hands off me,” he said yanking his arm from my grip. “You don’t get to decide that.”
“I have the gun so yes, I do,” I said.
“What are you going to do, shoot me?” He started laughing. “You said you wouldn’t kill this prick for me but you’ll shoot me?” He laughed even harder.
“C’mon Bob,” I said, “this wasn’t the plan. We were just going to scare him.”
He stopped laughing, “Plans change.”
“No they don’t. I’m not going to let you beat him to death.”
Bob let out a deep breath. “Okay, okay. You’re right. Seeing him just got me so angry. I don’t know what got into me.” Then he lunged for the gun.
We struggled and the gun went off. Bob went down.
“Shit,” I said, “Shit, shit, shit.” I dropped down next to Bob and felt for a pulse. “Oh God,” I gasped. “He’s dead.”
I heard a noise to my right and looked over. “Tommy,” I said, “this is your fault.” I stood up and started walking toward him.
“I can’t let you leave now, you understand.”
“No, no,” he said waving his hands, scurrying back, “I won’t tell. I swear.”
“I can hardly trust you now, can I?”
Tommy kept scooting backwards, “Please, I won’t tell.”
“Sorry Tommy, I can’t take that chance.” I raised the gun. Tommy backed into Bob’s car and relief flooded his face when he realized it was still running. He jumped inside and took off weaving all over the road. I shot a couple of times near the car.
“That was fun,” said a voice behind me. I turned to see Bob standing up, brushing the dirt off his shirt.
I started laughing. “Yeah, he shouldn’t be a problem anymore.”

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Not Exactly Flash Fiction Part 1

I was going to post this on my blog this week but other promoting took precedence.  So then I realized there is something called Flash Friday where you post flash fiction and I thought Great, I'll post it Friday.  Then I discovered Flash Fiction is supposed to be less that 1000 words (though I never got a confirmation on that).  So I am going to post half the story Friday and the other half Saturday.  Then cheat and use the whole think for Sample Sunday.  You can let me know in the comments if you like this way or would rather have the whole story all at once.  I'm experimenting here so really let me know.  Here is the first half of 

Never Bring This Up Again:

I always knew someday I would kill somebody. I knew it like I knew I wouldn’t like peas or broccoli before I ever tasted them. I’m not a bad person, just felt I had it in me.
So, like a dumb ass, I let it slip to my buddy, Bob, one night when we were drunk. Well, maybe drunk isn’t a strong enough word. We were wasted off our asses. At least I was. I didn’t even remember telling him ‘till he brought it up a few days later.
We were just sitting in The Bar (The Bar not requiring a name since it was the only one in town). We were sitting at what may as well have been our table since we were here so frequently. And he just throws it out there. I’m talking about getting ready for football to start and he just blurts it out.
So, when you gonna kill somebody?” he asked.
What? What the hell are you talking about?”
You told me you were sure someday you’d kill somebody.”
When did I say that?”
When we were drinking the other night.”
I laughed. “What night? We’re here every night.”
Saturday. Don’t you remember?”
As a matter of fact I don’t remember. I do remember wishing I was dead for the first half of Sunday though.”
Well, you said it.”
A few flashes of that night came back but I wanted to stop this now. “Whatever man,” I said and went to get another round.
But he wouldn’t let it go. He bought it up at least once every time we were drinking. He just kept asking me when I was gonna do it. Finally, one night, I’d had enough.
Why can’t you let this go? I was drunk. I don’t even remember saying it.”
He glanced around the bar without moving his head. “Do you really think you could do it? Kill someone, I mean?”
I don’t know?” But I knew. “Why?”
We’ve been friends a long time, right?”
Right,” I said, wondering where this was going.
There’s someone I want killed.”
What?”
There’s this guy. He’s sleeping with my wife. I want you to kill him.”
Is this your idea of a joke?”
I’m serious man.”
I took a long drink of my beer. Then I leaned close and looked him right in the eye. “You listen to me and you listen good. I am not a killer,” I emphasized each word with a poke to his chest, “I know we’ve been friends a long time but enough is enough.” I threw a twenty on the table and gave him my best tough guy look, “Never, ever bring this up again.”
The truth is, I was tempted. That’s why I had to end this right now. Cold blooded murder just isn’t the way I thought it would go. It had to be someone who deserved it. And no one could ever find out it was me.
But he just wouldn’t let it go. I guess my best tough guy was more John Denver than John Wayne. And it got worse.
Okay,” he said one night, “it’s not just some guy sleeping with my wife.”
What’s not?” I was distracted by the half naked woman playing pool at the far end of the bar.
The guy I want you to kill.”
I reluctantly looked at Bob. “Oh my God! I told you-“
He leaned in, “I know what you told me,” he whispered, “but this is serious.” Again he looked around the bar, “I didn’t want to give you the real reason cause I thought you wanted to do it, but since you won’t I gotta tell you the truth.”
Does this truth have anything to do with why you’re acting like this?”
“Acting like what?”
Your leg is bouncing like it’s on hot coals and every time someone walks in here you jump.”
Huh?”
Never mind,” I leaned back and shrugged like I didn’t care, “So, what’s the truth?”
They’re plotting to kill me.”
Who?”
My wife and Tommy.”
What makes you think that?”
I don’t know. I just feel it,” he said.
You’re being ridiculous.”
No man. They really are.”
Then get a divorce,” I said.
That’ll just speed them up. They want me gone and they want the insurance money.”
Then cancel your insurance. Now quit asking me before I kill you instead.” I returned to watching the pool game.
He sat back resigned. For the night anyway. I have to admit my curiosity was piqued. I knew the guy he was talking about. Tommy Hinks, kind of a low life, new in town, and seriously lacking in personal hygiene. I couldn’t picture Bob’s wife sleeping with him. Sue was beautiful, in a small town kind of way. Blond, blue eyed, soft in all the right places, but a little naïve and self absorbed. In a big city she would be pretty, but in this small town well, let’s just say, if she wanted to cheat, there was a line of men a lot better than Tommy that would jump at the chance.
So no, I didn’t believe Bob’s story. But just to be sure, I followed Tommy for about a week. I figured people having an affair would meet at least once a week. Bob thought I was avoiding him. Following Tommy was pretty easy since worked the same hours as me. Plus, Tommy’s not the brightest bulb on the tree. Bob was excited when I finally met him at the bar, but for the wrong reason.
So you’ve thought about it and-” he started.
I held up my hands, cutting him off. “Let’s just cut the bullshit, Okay. I followed your friend Tommy all week. He never got near your wife.”

Return Tomorrow for the rest of the story.

I'm terrible at promoting!

How can a writer forget to promote an interview?!  This was up yesterday and I knew it would be up and still I forgot to post.  I think I was so excited that I had finally thought of something fun to blog about (see yesterdays post) it just sipped my mind.  I apologize to BookHimDanno because I think this interview is really fun and the questions are unique.  So please stop by and check it out.
And there is still a giveaway going on at this site.  Click the giveaway link.

Book Him Danno!: Author interview with S.L. Pierce - Secrets: " Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about your book, Secrets. Which by the way I really enjoyed reading. 1. Where did you come..."

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Am I That Desperate for Twitter Followers?

I have been trying to increase my twitter followers and have been going through lots and lots of users.  I try to choose readers and writers (since writers are also readers).  But once in a while I get someone following me who is obviously just selling something.  I mean we are all 'selling' something but these are the ones who are only selling. You know what I mean.  I don't follow back but twice now I've given in.  I mean one had over 25,000 followers and one had over 100,000 followers.  And they are following me. How can I resist that?  And it doesn't seen like they are dropping people.  They follow almost as many as are following them.  I mean, if they retweet me even once, that's a lot of publicity.
So what's your opinion on these twitterers.  Am I desperate or smart?  What do you do?

And can anyone explain how you are following 900 people, have a couple following you and have just 1 tweet?

Book Him Danno!:Book Giveaway

Book Him Danno is doing a book giveaway of Secrets. Check out the site to enter.
Book Him Danno!: Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Blog Hop June 21-24 - 2 ...: " For this Blog Hop I have a copy of Switched by Amanda Hocking and signed by her as well. I picked this copy up at a local book signing..."

Monday, June 20, 2011

Book Him Danno!: Book Review

This week there is a new review of Secrets followed by the beginning of a mid-summer blog hop and giveaway on the Book Him Danno Site and my interview on Wednesday. Keep checking for updates and please check out the review!

Book Him Danno!: Book Review - Secrets - S. L. Pierce: "Title: Secrets Author: S.L Pierce Review : Do you have a secret that no one knows, not even your spouse? Well the main charact..."

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Sample Sunday June 19

The Warning
I had just settled into my office when I saw the new hire, Jon, working his way toward me.
Morning Gwen,” he said, leaning on the doorjamb.
What is it?” I asked.
Can’t I just be saying good morning?”
No. What do you want?” The words were harsh but the tone was joking.
You know I got my first case yesterday.”
Yes Jon,” I said as I booted up my computer.
Well, I thought you might find it interesting.”
Did you?” I smiled.
Yeah, a robbery at a jewelry store. Cops haven’t gotten anywhere so the store owner hired us. The police experts say the security tapes weren't tampered with. They're one hundred percent sure. But one minute the jewelry is there. Next minute it’s gone.”
I work for a company that investigates crimes companies don't want to report. Things that wouldn't look good if they went public. Once in a while, though, we were asked to figure out how a crime was committed when the police couldn't.
Jon, if you need help just ask,” I said.
Jon blushed. “I’m just not sure what to do.”
Alright. So the jewelry is there and then gone?”
Yes.”
Then the answer is right in front of you.”
I don't..”
Jon, do you believe in magic?”
What?” he laughed. “No.”
Then answer is right in front of you,” I said. “Sorry, I can't help you anymore.”
He left, sulking a little, I think. The truth was I could have told him. But this was a test. A very important test for new hires. The point was to see who could think for themselves. It should have taken about two seconds to dismiss what the 'experts' said and investigate the tapes himself. Obviously they had been tampered with. But Jon wasn't doing that. He was trying to make what they said fit the crime. He couldn't question authority.
It didn't look good for Jon's future at the company.

Ms. Roberts is here,” my boss Allen informed me at ten.
Be right there,” I said.
I had a feeling this meeting was not going to go well. Ms. Abigail Roberts had hired us to find out who was stealing from her storeroom. It was obvious she already knew or she would have called the police. But she didn't want her grandson going to jail, nor did she want her other employees to know he was stealing. She just wanted a little proof to make him stop.
But I had followed him, gotten to know him in his hidden moments, and this was not going to work. He wouldn't scare because he knew she would never turn him in. He knew and I knew. Ms. Roberts didn't know though. I'm sure she thought she could be strong enough to turn him in, but when it came right down to it, the picture of him behind bars would be too much and she'd cave.
They were all waiting in the conference room. Allen, Ms. Roberts, and her grandson Patrick, who looked bored.
Good morning Ms. Roberts,” I said, ignoring Patrick.
Good morning Gwen,” she smiled warmly. “How are you today?”
I'm well Ms. Roberts. How are you?” I asked. Typically, I like to skip the pleasantries, but not with Ms. Roberts. There was something about her that just didn't allow it. And, though I hated to admit it, she made me feel happy. Which made this all the harder.
Let's get right to it.”
I sat down and pressed play on the remote control.
The screen at the front of the room lit up. For three minutes we all sat in silence as images of Patrick stealing from his grandmother's store and her house filled the screen. There were also a few of him deliberately dinging her car as he walked by.
Ms. Roberts looked quite shaken but quickly composed herself. She was prepared for the store thefts, but not her house. And damaging her car must have felt like an especially personal attack.
Patrick, how could you?”
Patrick looked at me, then at his grandmother. “How could I? How could you Gram? How could you hire them to spy on me?”
Outraged. What a surprise.
Patrick, it was for your own good.”
My own good! How is this for my own good? You made me do this. You won't give me the money for my business. It's just fifty thousand dollars. It's nothing to you.”
I told you. You're not ready to run a business. You need to finish college, get some experience...”
You just don't believe in me. You think I'm stupid and worthless. I can't believe you would do this to me.”
Patrick, I'm trying to help...”
Fine then,” he said getting up from his chair so quick it fell over. “Call the police. Turn in your own grandson. See what your friends think then.” He gave me a look of pure hatred and ran out of the room.
Poor Patrick,” Ms. Roberts said. “He's had it so hard. You know his father passed when he was just fourteen. I should have known this was the wrong approach.” She stood and gathered her things. “Thank you Ms. Michaels, for your time, but I want you to destroy that tape and any copies. I won't be needing them.”
Yes Ma’am,” I answered.
Once she left Allen looked at me. “That's it? Yes Ma’am? That's not like you Gwen.”
I know, but anything else would be a waste of time. She'll never turn him in and he won't change.”
But maybe you could have convinced her some time in jail would help him.”
Sometimes you just have to let things go.”
He raised his eyebrows, surprised at this attitude from me. “Are you feeling alright?”
I laughed. “I'm fine. Trust me. There's nothing else we can do.”
If you say so,” he said as we both left the conference room.
At five o’clock exactly, I shut down my computer and locked up my office. I said goodbye to some coworkers, ignoring their smiles. I always left at five, on the dot. Always. And I know they wondered why. The truth was, I was good at my job and enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my life, not anymore. It's dangerous to be all consumed with work. I know.
Jack, my husband, and I had some Chinese take out and watched Star Trek on Netflix Watch Now. We went to bed at ten and Jack was asleep by ten fifteen.
Lucky for me he's the world's heaviest sleeper.



Wake up sunshine,” I whispered, my lips close to Patrick's face.

What?” he said, trying to roll over. His eyes popped open when he realized he couldn't move his arms or legs.
What the hell?” he said twisting hard.
I cleared my throat and he turned his head toward me, startled. “You? How'd you get in here?”
Little boy, I can get in anywhere, anytime. It's really important for you to remember that.”

Want to read the rest of this short story?  It's free on Smashwords and on my website

Tour Over But Here Are the Reviews

Reviews By Molly

My Book Addiction and More

Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

Lisa's World of Books

Laurie Here

Tessa Dick Presents

Thoughts in Progress

Friday, June 17, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Rejected Book Covers

First, the new tour stop today is Lauriehere.  Please stop by and leave a comment.  One commentor will win a copy of Secrets.
Next, my own tour post:
I think I have posted about the importance of a book cover before (as have many).  So I thought I would post a couple of the other possible covers I was considering for Secrets.  You will see they are almost identical to what I did end up using.  What I can't show you are the sixty photos I took just to get this one that worked for me.  Yes, sixty photos.  I went close up, far away, different angles, different lighting, a larger circuit board, no flashlight, etc.  I am so glad for my next book (The Devil's Game coming this month) I have a cowriter who is also an awesome artist and photographer, who did our cover!
So are a couple of covers I didn't use:

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

More Tour Stops and Giveaway

More Reviews for Secrets.  Again, leave a comment and you could win a copy of Secrets.

NUTURE Book Tour Post with Sneak Peak of The Devil's Game.

Lisa's World of Books: Blog Tour: Secrets by S.L. Pierce: "Synopsis: If you like strong women with a slice of attitude and a side order of kick a$$... Try Secrets...we all have them A woman with a ..."

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Ever Wanted to Know All About Me?

Today there are two great interviews and Reviews of Secrets with a Giveaway.  Check out both sites and double your chances to Win!

My Book Addiction and More: Guest Post and Giveaway Here

Lauire's Thoughts and Reviews: Interview and Giveaway Here

Monday, June 13, 2011

Reviews by Molly: Nurture VBTz Blog Tour&Review: Secrets by S.L. Pie...

Secrets Book Tour Starts Today. Stop by and leave a comment, you could win a free copy of Secrets.

Reviews by Molly: Nurture VBTz Blog Tour&Review: Secrets by S.L. Pie...: "About the Book: If you like strong women with a slice of attitude and a side order of kick a$... Try Secrets...we all have them A woman..."

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Secrets is going on tour

Secrets is on tour Monday thru Friday. Come by each day for the link to each tour stop!
First up is Reviews by Molly  I really love the quote she has under her blog title - check it out.
I am going to choose one commenter at each stop with a free ecopy of Secrets (randomly chosen from comments each day) so stop by!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

aobibliosphere™: review: the hate by S.L. Pierce

aobibliosphere™: review: the hate by S.L. Pierce: "“Revenge is sweet and not fattening” - Alfred Hitchcock The Hate Lisa Mills lost her daughter Amy to Ray Smutres, a registered sex off..."

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Cover for New Book

Here is the cover and title of my new book, co-written with a fantastic writer, Carmen Courtney.  Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we should be releasing in two weeks.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Easy way to give to Charity

A while ago I received a wonderful review of my book Secrets from Michael Phillips on Goodmention.org.  At the bottom of the review it mentioned if you buy Secrets through their link, 5% of the purchase price would go to  a charity of the reviewers choice.  I have been emailing Michael to find out about this great site.
Here is the idea.
You go to Goodmention, choose a charity, choose a book to recommend, then share with your friends via facebook or email.  If your friends buy the book through your link, 5% goes to your charity.  Could it be any easier?  I would really recommend everyone give this a try.  It's a fantastic and easy way to donate, especially if you are going to buy a book anyway.  I believe it works for any product on Amazon, not just books.  So give it a try and leave a comment with your opinion!