There's A Wave Coming...

In one week, the Mer-Nor Gang and I will reveal the cover and blurb for the Final Wave of the Merworld Water Wars series. 

After over a decade with my family of characters and living in their world, it's almost surreal that the last chapter in this series is complete. The characters and I have had some rather intense reactions: Polly's eyes went black, Meikle stirred the contents of her bag, Airi rocked back and forth on the edge of the couch, Jex flexed his wings, Ophelia went into cleaning mode, Camille baked, and Marina and I gagged. Good times. 

The Christmas Season is Here & Long Overdue Anthology News!

It's Christmas! With the world the way it is today, it just feels like we need the magic of Christmas and miracles and joy more than ever. 'Tis the season of tree-trimming (which was done before Thanksgiving...yeah, I know. I can't help it), decorating (yep, also done before Turkey Day), Christmas carols (been singing them since Halloween), Christmas movies (bet you can guess how long I've been watching these), present hunting (in total elf mode), present wrapping (starting soon), cookie eating (on it), and just an endless amount of wonder, whimsy, family, friends, love, and jolliness. Even though I've tried in the past to temper the Obsessive Christmas Disorder, it's pretty much impossible to hide my elf self. Mom says I should work for Santa. Maybe someday...

Computer: Well, I'm still relying on borrowing a computer  (although, hopefully, I will soon be able to borrow one a bit more often). Mine is still acting ridiculous. I just have to kind of tiptoe through my computer's drama until I can get a new computer.

Anthology News: I'm embarrassingly behind on blogging about another amazing anthology I was fortunate enough to be a part of with a truly wonderful group of authors.

Spectral Tales: A Ghost Story Anthology. From Amazon: Whether they are spirits of the departed or figments of an overactive imagination, ghosts are a staple in fiction. Storytellers have portrayed ghosts as scary, friendly, or annoying across many genres. Now, eight authors offer their own interpretations of ghosts through a collection of short stories that will appeal to fans of horror, fantasy, or young adult fiction.

Here are the stories and storytellers featured in this year's anthology:

“Deathwatch” by Katie French

“Tides” by Sarah Dalton

“Shadowspirit” by M.A. George

“The Little Girl” by Jamie Campbell

“The Ghost Below” by Ariele Sieling

“Slave Runner” by H.S. Stone

“Farewell Ohana (A Ghostly Mini-Wave)” by Sutton Shields

“Ghost Girl” by Susan Fodor

For my part, I decided to reveal a little backstory on Maile, Gus, and Gully from The Merworld Water series. Here's the blurb for my crazy little short story: Farewell Ohana (A Ghostly Mini-Wave): Maile Lahela is under attack by someone in the Kauai Camp for the Curiously Creepy. When she awakens one morning unable to see, her peculiar, yet loyal friends decide it’s time to escape the institution—something that’s never been done. But before they can leave, Maile has a mission of her own…one that could cost them their lives. 

Farewell Ohana is a short, fun-filled, emotional prequel to the events occurring in Overfalls, Wave Two of The Merworld Water Wars series by Sutton Shields.

You can pick up a copy of fun, scary, & emotional goodness here (Psst: It's FREE!): 

AMAZON

I should have some Wave Five updates & spin-off updates very soon! In the meantime, maybe put on a Santa hat and get your jolly on! :) Happy Holidays!!! 

Somewhere South of Sane Anthology is HERE!

Okay, really quick update before we get to new anthology news: I'm in the middle of all sorts of computer drama (more to come on this, along with an update on Wave Five). Please forgive any delays in e-mails, messages, and/or comments on here, FB, and/or Twitter. I don't use my phone for things like that... I know, I know, I'm pathetic.  

***** Now for the exciting news...just in time for Halloween...

The island of False Key is back with a whole new set of stories featuring more magic, grittiness, danger, fun, sexiness, and all things, well, not-quite-normal.

I’m so incredibly excited for you to read this one! The stories are epic, and we have an extra treat for you this time: Illustrations! One of our authors, Corina Pelloni, brought elements of each of our stories to life through illustration, and the results are stunning. They add so much magic to an already magical island.

As for my typically wacky contribution… Over It follows the events of my equally crazy short stories, Oversplash and Overbite-Me, from the first volume of False Key happenings, Somewhere South of Normal. In one final showdown, Jex, Ash, Moraine, and Cole race against the clock to resurrect an island landmark before a group of sketchy False Key politicos make them pay…with their lives. Did I mention Jex and Ash share a moment? Things are about to get complicated…

Somewhere South of Sane, More Stories from False Key is now available on Amazon:  

And if you haven’t yet visited False Key, plan your trip by grabbing a copy of the first volume, Somewhere South of Normal: 

Somewhere South of Normal Release Day!

Happy release day to the Somewhere South of Normal anthology!

Scroll down to enter the giveaway.

Blurb:

Shed the humdrum mainland routine, and escape into our adult fantasy. You can raise a glass with locals masquerading as humans, or slip into extravagant costume for our parade. Until we find you appetizing. We do love our visitors.

Somewhere South of Normal is a anthology of fantasy stories and poetry from False Key—island of dreams and nightmares, shifters and mermaids. Come and disappear. We’ll neither judge you nor promise your safety. Check your ego at the bridge. False Key is the premier tourist destination for shape-shifting mammals, predatory marine life, and the humans they snack on. Enjoy stories from authors such as Amber Garr, Sutton Shields, and many more. 

Buy now!

 Amazon 

Book Website:

Watch the trailer. Visit False Key. Read an excerpt. 

Find out more about the authors. And come take a swim in our dangerous waters.

www.falsekey.com

Authors:

Amber Garr, A.P. Kelly, Mark V. McDonnell, Corina Pelloni, Serena Schreiber, 

Sutton Shields, Kathleen Spalding, Sterling Stone, Kathryn A. Thomas

Genre:

Fantasy, horror, supernatural romance and poetry.

Age Group:

New Adult and Adult (sex and language)

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Cover Reveal: RIFTED, Wave 3 in The Merworld Water Wars series!

It's finally here! The cover reveal for Wave 3!!! I've been SO anxious to share it with you!!! Okay, here we go! I hope you like it as much as I do! <3 Notice Marina has her glowing gel shield power activated and ready to throw!

Someone wicked walks among them.

Heartbreak usually requires time to heal. For Marina Valentine, however, time has other plans: like sticking her with a shiny, stubborn accessory, sending her on a surprising date with someone other than Troy Tombolo, and introducing her lips to kisses that could save or destroy everything and everyone.

Marina and the rest of the Mer-Nor gang must find a way to push through the grief caused by The Dealer, for their next mission will take them on a dangerous, scandal-filled journey that may very well be the most significant to date: hunt down the evidence they need to prove once and for all that the tyrannical King Zale breached the water pact.

But with the shocking identity of The Dealer and overwhelming guilt weighing heavily on her, Marina struggles with frightening emotional urges and begins to question whether she is truly strong enough to succeed as the all-important Siren Savior.

Marina is in more danger than ever before—even inside the familiar study with her trusted friends—because unbeknownst to her, someone has been lurking about, waiting for the chance to undo everything the Mer-Nor gang has achieved…and with the Siren Savior’s doubt growing, that person’s chance has finally arrived.

Coming May 27th, 2014.

The Merworld Water Wars: Trey Campbell Answers Mer-Questions, Part II

Welcome back, my lovely little magazine-dwelling noses. I do apologize for the ridiculous delay in getting you the highly anticipated answers from resident hottie Normal, Trey Cambell. It seems our Sandblastwriter technician failed to show up for, oh, weeks.

Anyway, we’re back with Trey. Are you ready?

Trey: Let’s do it.

[Don’t get your hopes up, Clarissa. You’re far too plain] And I see the technician still hasn’t fixed our Sandblastwriter’s cheeky side. [Clarissa turns on the fake laugh. Heh, she thinks by giving me the evil eye that I’ll somehow shut up. I won’t.] Son of a sandbar. Oh, uh, sorry…question time!

Okay, this one comes from Mathilda in downtown Fairla. You alluded to a happy relationship between a Fairhair and Ravenflame. Did you mean Katrina and Troy, once upon a time?

Trey, smirking [he’s not buying Clarissa’s lame attempts to get the scoop]: Nope, sure didn’t. Really? You’ve had all this time to come up with a scheme to coax the info out of me and that’s all you came up with? Did you think I wouldn't do a little digging of my own? Mathilda’s your middle name.

[Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha] SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU PIECE OF…er, yes, well…ya got me! [Insert fake laughing, which isn't fooling anyone because her seriously reddening cheeks are totally calling her out as a pissed off little reporter. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!] I hate you and fully intend to petition for a removal of all Sandblastwriters. [Yeah, good luck with that]. Trey, will you at least tell us a little about the couple you speak of?

Trey: They’re in love and happy. What more do you need?

Names.

Trey: Not gonna happen.

Fine. We’ll turn to the mailbag...the legitimate mailbag. We have a question from Leah in Diagonal North Fairla: Trey, boxers or briefs? My, my! [Clarissa pretends to be embarrassed. Truth is, she’s dying to know the answer].

Trey, smiling slyly: Boxers…and, on occasion, commando. I don’t like to feel restricted.

Well, no, I mean, why would you, right? [Idiotic laughing from Clarissa] And today you’d be rocking which look?

Trey: Commando.

OH MY POSEIDON! Are you really? Oh…that’s…just…YEAH. [The drooling is getting worse. She needs a bucket. Oh, dear. Clarissa has officially zoned out—she’s staring dreamily at Trey, probably daydreaming about his brief-less self. Brilliant, top-notch journalist, here, folks.]

Trey: Uh, do you have any more questions?

Huh? What? OH! Ahem, yes, of course. Gertie from downtown Fairla wants to know if you’re afraid of the Ravenflames.

Trey, clenching his jaw: Fear is your ultimate enemy, not the physical adversary.

But, do you worry about the strength of, say, King and Queen Zale?

Trey: They’re not the only ones with strength. Might serve them well to remember that.

Our next question comes from Cordy on the outskirts of Fairla. Trey, what is your favorite holiday and why?

Trey: Easy. Halloween. I like the hint of fear in the air. It makes me stronger.

Rumor has it, Christmas is Marina’s favorite time of year.

Trey: It is. She has a cynical side, but she loves the jolliest, happiest time of year better than anything else. What does that tell you? She’s a softy at heart.

Will she be mad at you for calling her a softy?

Trey: She’ll pretend to be. [laughing]

I honestly can’t wait to interview her!

Trey: Little tip…don’t try to outwit her. It won’t work.

                          

Noted! Okay, next question comes from Vin, another Ravenflame! Oh…this is, uh, more of a statement than a question: Hope you know you and the Normals are going down. That Savior isn’t worth BLEEP. She couldn’t hold up to our King and Queen. Soon, all of you will be dying a slow, painful death. Hope you’re ready. Know I am.

Trey, smirking: Classy, dude.

Do you have a specific reply for Vin?

Trey, shrugging: I’m glad he’s ready. [smiling…wouldn’t want to test him]

Ooh, good answer. [Sigh] Anyway…next question comes from Janie. She lives near the Gulf Super Zoomway. Janie asks: Trey, do you like racing in your world? Do the other Normals like racing and who do they pull for? Who’s your favorite human driver, and would you ever race a mermobile?

Trey, grinning: Oh, I’m a big NASCAR fan, yeah. Never miss a race. Marina, Meikle, Polly, and my buddy Earl like racing.

And Earl is one of the Normals that left Saxet Shores, right?

Trey: So to speak, yeah. As far as who we pull for…Meikle is a Kasey Kahne fan—she has a crush on him. Earl was a die-hard Tony Stewart fan. And Polly is in love with Kyle Busch, no joke. If she ever got near the guy…he better jump in the car and drive faster than he ever has before, I swear.

My favorite driver is Dale Earnhardt Jr., same as Marina. And, yeah, I’d kill to race a mermobile, are you kidding?! [laughs]

Do you think you could beat Troy Tombolo or Kyle Zale? They’re our top drivers.

Trey, laughing: Hell, I don’t know. I’d give it my best.

Shall we move to our last question? [Trey nods. Duh, Clarissa…just ask the question] Ass.

Trey: Sandblastwriter again?

[Clarissa rolls her eyes and nods] Okay, our last question comes from—oh—Katrina Zale!

Trey: Oh mother[EXPLETIVE]! Let’s have it.

Katrina asks…would you swim with me? [Clarissa’s wide eyes alarm me, not gonna lie]

Trey: That’s her question?

That’s it.

Trey, eyebrows raised: I don’t think ‘no’ is a strong enough word. 

Trey, it's been a pleasure. 

Next up on our interview list is Ophelia Fountains! Let's hope she doesn't faint during our interview!

OVERFALLS is here!!!

 

Fall Over the OVERFALLS here!

OVERFALLS, the second Wave in The Merworld Water Wars series is finally here!!! 

And for anyone looking to meet some quirky, crazy, loveable characters in a wild world full of adventure and fun, FINNED, the first Wave in The Merworld Water Wars series, is now only .99 at Amazon! 

Many hugs and loads of love to anyone who has given my quirky characters (and their goofy author) a chance. <3

Character Interviews: Trey Campbell Answers Mer-questions!

Today, we’re going to dig through our mail and ask Trey all those burning questions I just know my precious readers are flipping fins to know the answers to! So let’s get started.

Pearl from the West Wave of Fairla wants to know how you feel about the ‘Normals’ label placed on you and your friends by the Merpeople.

Trey [shrugs]: I don’t like labels of any kind. You know, all creatures struggle with the same [EXPLETIVE], so what the hell is the point of slapping labels, apart from wanting to be jackasses? It’s a bully thing in my book. But—yep, I have a but [Clarissa giggles like an 8^th grade idiot]—now that I’ve railed on it [laughs with Clarissa], I will say it has grown on me because we are different…and why not celebrate it? We’re special. So, if the merfolk want to highlight our uniqueness with a label, go right ahead. We’re always willing to make it work in our favor. [smiles sexily…Clarissa fans herself]

Tommy, also from the West Wave of Fairla, asks: Did you ever believe in mermaids before learning the truth in Saxet Shores?

Trey: Yeah, I think I did, in a really broad sense. I’ve always felt there was a lot more to the world that we can’t see. When human kids started developing talents, I pretty much figured mythological creatures existed on some plane. Plus, my instinct literally screamed it from the earliest days I can remember of my life.

Ooh, Tay from the Atlantic ocean wants to know if you would ever date a mermaid.

                                                         

Trey, winking: You interested? [laughs…while Clarissa, once again, makes an ass of herself by nearly falling off her chair. She could do with a drool towel as well] Let’s just say I’m not close-minded. [another wink]

Well, that was most enlightening…phew…um…okay…Birdie from the North Wave of Fairla has to know if you would ever consider living underwater.

Trey: If the right girl has a fin I can’t resist, you can bet I’ll make the move…down.

[Good Poseidon. Clarissa unleashed a laugh so wild, even the Normal raised an eyebrow] What a great answer! That was just…what do you want?! [Clarissa notices blue puffs from her editor] It seems my editor wishes to ask you a question, Trey.

Trey: Go for it.

Editor, in the form of blue puff lips: What is the significance of the owl pendant you always wear?

Trey: It’s my luck charm. I’ve had it since I was an infant. For some reason, I’ve always felt it kept me safe. That’s about it, I guess. Meikle thinks it holds some kind of magic. I don’t sense anything magical about it, but maybe I wouldn’t, since it’s an inanimate object.

Editor, in the form of blue puff lips: Thank you, Trey. And, Clarissa…kindly keep it together. [Clarissa blushes madly and stares at me—the Sandblastwriter—murderously]

Next question, then… Oh, this is a good one. From Jack in Diagonal South Fairla: Trey, who would win in a fight, you or Troy Tombolo?

Trey [laughing]: Whoa! Good question. Man, if I don’t say me, then I’ve got no balls, you know? So, yeah…me! Yeah, it’d be one helluva battle, I can tell you that. Troy’s a lurker. I mean, his anger, his strength, kinda bubbles right below the surface. When and if he chooses to unleash it…it could be scary. BUT, I’d still beat him, okay?! [lots of laughs]

Harmony from the heart of Fairla wants to know what you look for in a girlfriend.

Trey: Well, this is going to make me sound like a lying tool, but…eyes, personality, and inner beauty mean everything. I’m not screwing around or trying to say what you want to hear, or bull[EXPLETIVE] like that—I genuinely mean it. My ability to read a person makes it damn near impossible for me not to look at the inner beauty of someone before anything else. And, let me tell you, that’s where guys should be looking—that’s where they’ll separate the real from the fake. Uh, Clarissa? Clarissa? You okay?

[Clarissa, gazing at Trey like a lovesick guppy, is in her world of Trey + Clarissa sitting in a wave, k-i-s-s-i-n-g; first comes lov—] Oh, shut it you enormous piece of whale dung! [Trey is studying Clarissa with a ‘have you been smoking too much seaweed’ look. And, if you ask me, she probably has] I literally hate you, you damn snark-spewing contraption.

Trey: Did we have any more questions?

Oh, yes! One more for today. This one comes from Rella, a Ravenflame! Wow! We don’t have too many from them.

Trey, smirking: Can’t imagine why.

Rella wants to know if you…oh my…would ever date a Ravenflame?!

Trey, eyes wide: Wow. Didn’t expect that one! Well…given some people I now know, things I’ve now seen…I would have to say…yes, IF she’s the right kind of girl.

Ooh, what do you mean by, ‘given some people I now know?’ What people? You mean a Ravenflame and a Fairhair?! Voluntarily together?! Happy?

Trey: Yeah, I’m not going into specifics, sorry.

[Clarissa, biting her lip, suddenly has an idea] How would you like to come back for another round of mailbag fun?

Trey: Sure, yeah, sounds good. But you won’t trip me up.

Oh, of course not. I wouldn’t even try. [And she will try…she has a whole week to plan]

Merworld Water Wars: Trey Campbell Talks About His Intuitive Power!

                                                         

Describe your main power for our readers, if you will.

Trey: Yeah, basically, I can sniff out lies, dig up truths…that kind of thing. It’s kinda hard to define because it all happens in my gut. I just know where there’s a lie. Might not know what the truth is, but you can damn well bet I’m gonna find out.

                                                                                                   

So, how can your friends get away with keeping things from you?

Trey (grinning): Some lies are harmless. I mean, I know what ones are major and what ones aren’t. The major ones rattle my core…it forces me to hunt until I uncover the truth. Minor lies might give me a twinge, but I know not to turn them into a big expedition, you know? And then there are the fun ones, like when someone wants to surprise you with a present or something—those are cool.

I guess no one has ever been able to surprise you, then?

Trey (chuckles): Not at all. They get it, I think. They just ignore it. [laughs] I’ll try to, you know, forget I know something’s coming, so I can act surprised for them and stuff. I mean, anytime someone wants to do something nice, and then actually follows through, it’s a big effing surprise, so… [laughs from Trey and Clarissa].

Biggest drawback with having this talent?

                                 

Trey: Finding out someone you trust, maybe even love, can’t be trusted.

Has this happened to you?

Trey: Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that. [Trey notices Clarissa’s rather big mouth opening] It’s not a can of worms you want to open.

Well, then, what’s the biggest plus side to this talent?

                   

Trey: Sort of the same answer, in a way. It’s good to know who your allies are, but it’s sometimes sad to know who they aren’t.

In order for your power to work, do you have to be in close proximity to the person, or is it in the voice, a look, what?

Trey: I think it’s mostly a proximity thing, but there have been times where it’s just a general feeling coming from a group of people, no one specific. It varies, I guess. Either I get the vibe, or I don’t. Pretty much that simple.

Let’s talk secrets! What are some juicy morsels you’ve uncovered using your power?

Trey [laughing]: Ah, well…did you know Benji once spiked Irving’s fin cream during gym?

He did not!

Trey: Yep. Used something called a shedding cream?

Oh no! Shedding creams are used for overly dry fins—it basically sloughs away the top layer of fin. If Irving didn’t need it, trust me when I say the process was terribly itchy.

Trey [hysterical]: Awesome. Oh, sorry.

                           

No, no, it’s fine, it’s fine! This is good scoop! What else do you have for us?

Trey: Madame Helena sneaks loads of liquor to her room, usually vodka, despite lecturing kids on the evils of alcohol; Vice Principal Anderson fudges his height and wears a toupee [Clarissa gasps and giggles]; some of the Fairhair students aren’t natural blonds.

[Clarissa nearly falls off her chair] That’s not possible.

Trey: Why not? There are some non-blonds, right? There are a couple of well-known mermaids that come to mind.

Uh, yes, I suppose that’s true. They’re exceedingly rare, though…and it could mean—who are the Fairhair students with dyed hair?

Trey [eyebrow raised]: Forgot. New topic?

Of course. Next on my list is, uh…[Clarissa shuffling through her notes. She’s pissy she didn’t get what she wanted] Oh, shut up, you stupid Sandblastwriter…piece of seahorsesh—[Trey gazes at her like she has lost her crap…and, truth be told, she has] Here we go—next up, we have some special questions from our loyal readers!

Tune in next week when Trey answers your questions!