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Why Perseverance Matters
It’s a new year. While the topic of this blog may have the feel of a resolution, I believe we can choose to start a new habit anytime. But really, what better time to speak about perseverance? The gym is packed with people who will fade away before the month is over. I will still…
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Excerpt from Mile Marker 139 (WIP) – Chapter 9
Chapter Nine: Russ Jacobs “You know I ain’t gonna be surprised,” Russ grumbles as Brandy drives. “Can you at least pretend?” his sister asks. Russ casts a glance in her direction. Her wavy brown hair is pulled up in a high ponytail, and she’s dressed up for her, which means her nice jeans and a…
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Excerpt from Mile Marker 139 (WIP) – Chapters 7-8
Chapter Seven: Mike Popkins “What are you doing here, Mike?” Janice asks as she fills the cappuccino machine with fresh espresso beans. Mike steps up to the counter. “Can I order something?” “You know it’s on the house, Mike,” says Walt at the register. The rest area is almost empty. Somehow, the cheap decorations hanging…
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Excerpt from Mile Marker 139 (WIP) – Chapter Six
Chapter Six: Russ Jacobs It never fails. The drive from New York City to Cleveland should take about nine hours at most, not counting breaks. Russ doesn’t usually have a load to drop off in Cleveland, but with traffic delays that inevitably happen, he’s forced to stop for the night somewhere near the Midwest city.…
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Excerpt from A Laughing Matter of Pain – Chapter 15
There’s little joy around here. It’s not like the guards put up greenery along the hallways and wind garland around the bars. There aren’t any Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling. It’s just the same dull, dim overhead lights, the kind that make a guy look even more like death than he already does in…
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Excerpt from A Laughing Matter of Pain – Chapter 8
The living room is filled to the brim, so it’s with relief that I take Kat upstairs. I hadn’t realized what I was doing until we find ourselves standing at the top of the stairs. The short hallway with its five doors — the three bedrooms, the bathroom, and the stairway to the attic —…
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Excerpt from A Laughing Matter of Pain – Chapter 6
We wave goodbye as we step out the door. The beams from the headlights of the jalopy pulling into our driveway are the only light we have to see by. The car screeches to a halt, and something bangs under the hood. The driver’s side door opens and a man steps out, followed by the…
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Review of NEST: Retribution: An Alivia Morgan Story by David Antocci
While I am not normally one to pick up a thriller, this novel turned out to be one of those pleasant surprises. From the very first word of this page-turner, I couldn’t stop reading. I was reminded of watching a fast-paced action movie. The scenes in this well-written novel certainly kept me wanting to know…
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Excerpt from Arianna – Chapter 28
“Maybe we can go bug my big brother now. He’s always good for a laugh.” I gave his shoulder a little shove. “You’re downright awful.” “I’m the younger sibling. It’s my job to instigate, no matter how old I get.” We walked farther down the hall and stopped at the door at the end. Marc…
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Excerpt from WIP Arianna – Part of Chapter 4
When I walked into Nana’s house that day, she turned, elbow-deep in flour as she made bread, and said, “You’re home early.” “I quit.” I took a seat at the table, placed my interlocked hands on its surface, and stared at my peeling nail polish. “You what?” “I quit my job.” “Why would you do…