Thursday, May 24, 2012

77 Days in September Excerpt




Excerpt 77 days in September

High above the sun-baked prairies of Lawrence, Kansas, the missile reached its target.  No one on the ground even noticed the blast.  Perhaps had someone been looking at precisely the right location, at precisely the right time, they might have noticed a tiny, momentary spark in the bright afternoon sky.  Had they seen the flash, it likely would have been attributed to the glint of sunlight reflecting off a passing airplane.  From every vantage point below the detonation, there was no sense of the destructive capacity contained in that tiny speck of light.  More than 300 miles above the earth, a nuclear explosion impacts nothing with the force of its blast.  It is merely a large bomb going off in a vacuum, creating no shockwaves, no fireballs, no radiation, not even any sound. 
Despite the lack of explosive destruction, this was now the most lethal weapon to be unleashed in the history of the world, but it was a weapon that would have had absolutely no discernable affect on mankind 200 years ago, other than creating a more colorful aurora.  Upon detonation, the bomb expelled an intense wave of gamma radiation in every direction.  The gamma rays traveling earthward interacted with the upper levels of the atmosphere and created a chain reaction of displaced electrons that rushed towards the surface of the earth at the speed of light.  Most of the these displaced electrons passed rapidly through the atmosphere and grounded themselves harmlessly in the earth. 
A small percentage, however, encountered conductive materials:  metal, antennas, copper wiring, and silicon chips.  As these conductors absorbed untold billions of free electrons, they experienced sudden surges in both voltage and current.  In simple items, like a garden rake, this surge was manifested as a harmless static electricity-like spark.  But in larger networks and sensitive objects, the consequences of the electron overload were devastating. 
******

They sat in silence, lost in their thoughts and watching the pandemonium.  Ed spoke after a long period of silence.  “I don’t think we’ll be flying out of here today, even if we want to.  I don’t think anyone is.  This is completely different from anything I’ve ever seen or heard of.  With all those crashed airplanes, there should be hundreds of emergency vehicles from all over the city out there, but I didn’t see a single one.  There should have been enough help for us, even with the other planes down.  I bet we’d still be waiting out by that airplane if we hadn’t come in on our own.  Something is wrong at a level I can’t fathom.”
Kyle nodded.  “I’ve been thinking the same thing.  I think everyone is.  You can see it in their faces; there’s a fear and helplessness that I’ve never seen.  Of course, how are you supposed to act when you’ve seen an airplane fall from the sky?”
“It’s not just one plane wreck, Kyle.  It’s multiple wrecks.  It’s no emergency assistance to our flight, and no response for those other planes.  It’s no power in the terminal.  It’s total confusion with the airport employees.  You saw them.  They had no idea what they should be doing.  Some of the smart ones are faking it, but most of them look like they want to cry.  And the passengers…they’re freaked out bad.  There’s a deeper fear there than just the power being out, more than a plane crash.  Have you noticed that no one is using their cell phone?  We tried mine, but it’s dead.  They’re all dead.  In a situation like this, everyone would be on their phone.  It’s like…I know this doesn’t make any sense, but it’s like we’ve been attacked.”  Ed paused a moment before continuing.  “You remember 9/11?”
Kyle nodded.  “Who doesn’t?  I’ll always remember it.  I was listening on my car radio 2,000 miles away from New York when it happened, but I’ll always remember it.”
“It feels like that, but ten times worse.  Remember how unreal everything felt that day?  How you couldn’t believe it was happening, even as you watched it on TV?  This feels the same way.  I don’t know why, but it does.”




77 Days in September 

By Ray Gorham 

Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Post Apocalyptic 

On a Friday afternoon before Labor Day, Americans are getting ready for the holiday weekend, completely unaware of a long-planned terrorist plot about to be launched against the country. Kyle Tait is settling in for his flight home to Montana when a single nuclear bomb is detonated 300 miles above the heart of America. The blast, an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP), destroys every electrical device in the country, and results in the crippling of the power grid, the shutting down of modern communications, and bringing to a halt most forms of transportation. 

Kyle narrowly escapes when his airplane crashes on take-off, only to find himself stranded 2,000 miles from home in a country that has been forced, from a technological standpoint, back to the 19th Century. Confused, hurt, scared, and alone, Kyle must make his way across a hostile continent to a family he’s not even sure has survived the effects of the attack. As Kyle forges his way home, his frightened family faces their own struggles for survival in a community trying to halt its slow spiral into chaos and anarchy. 

77 Days in September follows Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, as they are stretched past their breaking point, but find in their devotion to each other the strength to persevere. 

Amazon 



About the Author

Ray Gorham was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1966.  Prior to settling in the United States in 1991, Ray had the good fortune to live in a variety of locations around the world.  Years in Australia, England, Lebanon, Japan, Canada, and the United States all helped shape his background, worldview, and appreciation for other people and cultures.

Upon graduating from college with a degree in Accounting, Ray decided he couldn’t foresee spending a future studying tax law and sitting in front of a computer all day, so he took a management position with Wal-Mart and spent the next 10 years in retail management where he had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of employees and thousands of customers on a weekly basis.  After growing tired of working for large corporations, Ray next opened and tried running a restaurant but decided after a year that the restaurant business wasn’t for him either.  From there, he found a small, log home business for sale in Montana in 2006 and settled in for what he hoped would be a long-term career.

When the construction industry slowed down in 2008, Ray knew he was going to have a lot of time on his hands, so he determined to cross off one of the items on his bucket list—writing a novel.  After thousands of hours of writing and editing, he had the final draft of his first novel, a 108,000-word story of a husband struggling to return to his family after a major terrorist attack incapacitates the country.  While agents and publishers have passed on his efforts to this point, Ray has found significant success in digital format, selling over 10,000 copies of his work.




Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Destiny Soundtrack and Giveaway


The Destiny Soundtrack
When I was writing Destiny and Destiny Unveiled, I was working at an insurance company with my good friend and unofficial editor, Erin Coffey.  Erin and I used to proof read a chapter together each day after hours. After spending a day dealing with a bunch of angry and obnoxious clients (some of which became characters in Destiny), making fun of my typographical errors was therapeutic for us. I still laugh at her side comments on my original manuscripts. Things like, “Um, are you sure you want Darron toying his hoagie? That sounds a little dirty.” LOL

As we were reading, another thing that we did was create a soundtrack for the Destiny series, in the hopes that the books might someday be made into a movie. There were a few songs I already had in mind, but Erin was an essential part of picking out the full soundtrack.  So I had to give her some credit, especially since we spent literally hours proof reading together.  Now, this soundtrack is probably going to show our age. Erin and I, in addition to being co-workers for years, are also proud alumni of the Wildwood Catholic graduating class of 1994. Most of the songs we picked are ones that were popular in our high school and college years.  So without further ado, here is the soundtrack for the Destiny Series.  

Disc  One - Destiny

Do You Believe In Magic - The Lovin' Spoonful   - Yes, this song is almost too cliché, but it just fits so well because the very first question posed to my heroine is whether or not she believes in magick. I can see the opening credits rolling as this song plays, leading up to Gabby and her friends at their lockers.


So She Dances – Josh Groban – It may be true that Josh Groban is the only man alive I would actually consider having an affair with, but that’s not the only reason he’s on my soundtrack. This song would work wonderfully in Chapter 6 when Darron meets Gabriella’s mother for the first time.

I Can’t Get Next to You – Annie Lennox  This song was destined to be in the coffee house scene in Chapter 12, a scene where Gabrielle and Darron get into a heated argument.  It has a nice beatnik beat that would fit a coffee house theme, and the lyrics are perfect for this pair of star crossed witches.

“I can turn the grey sky blue
And I can make it rain whenever I want it to
And I can build a castle from a single grain of sand
And I can make a ship sail on dry land
But my life is incomplete and I'm so blue
'Cause I can't get next to you”

My Destiny – Kathleen McPee   This is my favorite song in the whole soundtrack. It would play in the background during the dance scene. I can see the circles of light swirling as Gabby and Darron gaze into each other’s eyes   Just listen to the video below, and if you read the book, you’ll know why I love it so much. It’s more than just a track on the soundtrack. It’s the official Destiny theme song.


Lullaby - Josh Groban   Yes, Josh is back again. I admit it. I’m a Gronbanite. But can you think of a better man to sing at a funeral? Yes, someone is going to die, but you’ll need to read the book to see who doesn’t make it to the sequel.

Underneath My Clothes – Shakira   I think the title of this song speaks for itself. I picked this ballad for a love scene because I like that it’s told from the point of view of the woman getting all that she knows she deserves.

Oh, Ho Ho, Its Magic – Pilot   This is the closing song for book number one. But don’t think that just because it’s a little upbeat, that everything turns out okay. Obviously, there are still going to be issues to resolve or we wouldn’t have…

Disc Two -  Destiny Unveiled

Graduation (Friends Forever) – Vitamin C  Okay, so I told you I’m a dork from the nineties. But you have to admit, this is the perfect opening song for a high school graduation scene. Although Erin did threaten to kick my butt if I ever played this tune anywhere near her.
Miami – Will Smith   I am nothing if not diverse, so we have to throw a little Will Smith into the mix. When the gang’s plane arrives in Miami, I can imagine this song playing as scenes from all the Miami hot spots flash by.

Magic – Colby Caillat  This would be the beach scene, and these lyrics totally sum up Gabriella’s feeling for Darron. 

“You've got magic inside your finger tips
Its leaking out all over my skin
Every time that I get close to you
your makin’ me weak with the way you
look through those eyes”

Brain Stew – Green Day  There is one scene in Destiny Unveiled where Darron really loses control, and this song comes as close as possible to describing his emotions at that time. Of course since this is a YA book, we would have to bleep out a few curse words... 

I Feel the Magic – Belinda Carisle – This one Erin hand picked out for me, mostly because she got really sick of me singing Yo Ho, Ho Its Magic all day.   I had never heard it before, but I knew it was perfect. It really helps tie things up in the final chapters.

It’s the End of the World – R.E.M. – This would be the closing credits, and I definitely think it hints that there is more to come…and guess what they’re will be….

Destiny’s Path (tentative title), the third book is the Destiny series is well underway, and will be dedicated to Erin to thank her for all her hard work.  Time for us to start planning the next soundtrack! In the meantime, I still have these soundtracks in my car. Yes, I actually made CDS and listened to them every single day at work the whole time I was writing the books, much to Erin’s displeasure. I know. I’m such a dork… In closing, I just want to thank my friend Erin Coffey one more time, for her help in the soundtrack selections, for her unwavering support, and of course, for not killing me the 66th time I belted out “Miami” while she was trying to work.  I’m really not very good at rapping…Love you Erin!!






Destiny Unveiled 

Book Two 

Blurb 

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella’s help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. 

Gabriella’s coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. 

When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands. 

Excerpt of Destiny Unveiled 


About the Author 

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. 

In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. 






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 21, 2012

Dancing Naked in Dixie Excerpt and Giveaway



DNID - EXCERPT # 2

“But, I have plans. Every night next week. Tickets to the Met, a fundraiser, a gallery opening, and I have book club on Monday.” I don’t mention the Filene’s trip I’d planned. Or the romantic date I’ve been promising Andrew, my neglected boyfriend of four years.
David waves a hand to dismiss it all. “Marietta can handle the magazine-related responsibilities.” From the top drawer of his desk he produces an airline ticket and a manila folder with my name on it. He sets them on the edge of his desk. Something I can’t decipher plays on his lips.
I keep my voice even. “What about Bali?” I had planned to leave for the South Pacific a week from Friday. “It’s on my calendar. It’s been on there…”    
David shakes his head. “Not anymore.”
The words wound me like a thousand bee stings.
“Alabama,” David repeats.
My face grows hot. He’s plucked me off a plum assignment without a thought to my ability and my schedule. My new boss is sending me to God knows where and he looks perfectly content.
“If that’s my next assignment,” I sputter, “I’d rather…I’d rather dance naked!”
The announcement comes out much louder than I intend and reverberates through the room. Dolores probably has her ear pressed to the door, but the phrase bounces off my boss like a cotton ball.
David smothers a chuckle. “Suit yourself.”




Dancing Naked in Dixie 
By Lauren Clark 
Genre: Southern Fiction/Chick Lit/Light Romance 

Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. 

But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired. With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. 

Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage. 

 Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. 

Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?


About the Author 

Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets. 

 A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. 

Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. 

Check out her website at





a Rafflecopter giveaway