Dear Reader,

Another week further into the year, and another book is waiting for you to be highlighted. This time it is the first book of a trilogy.

Tree of Knowledge

by Robert A. Taylor

Ebook Short Description: ”I had a – vision, I guess you could say, of meeting your mom, of having you, and of your future. Then, when I actually met your mom, I knew that the vision was real, and I was going to have to go through with everything I saw in that vision, including leaving you until now.”
“Right.” Chelsea smirked at him. “What are you, some kind of wacko cultist?”
“Not quite.” He looked over at the waitress at the counter. “Chelsea, look at her.” Chelsea looked at the waitress. “She’s about to scratch behind her left ear.” The waitress’ hand reached up and scratched behind her left ear. “Now, a man’s going to come in the door and she’s going to hug him.” The ringing bell of a man walking through the diner’s door startled Chelsea, and the waitress ran over to hug the man who came through. “Now she’s going to sit him two booths from us.” The waitress led the man to the booth Chelsea’s father had indicated.
Chills were running up and down Chelsea’s spine.
“How did you know that?” She was whispering, but she felt like she had just shouted it out at the top of her lungs.
“The same way that I knew I had to marry your mother, that we had to have you, and that you had to grow up without me.” He leaned forward and his eyes were locked on hers. “The same way you knew about the cake, and about my tree. There are certain abilities that run in our family, Chelsea. It’s time for you to learn how to use them.”
Chelsea’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
“I’m sorry that I didn’t stick around to tell you about this, but your personality had to be formed outside of the world that I live in,” he said, almost conversationally. “It was important that you come back to us with a fresh perspective.”
“Come back?” Chelsea felt those chills down her spine again, and it wasn’t pleasant. That sounded a little permanent. “What are you talking about?”
“Chelsea, you need to start learning how to control your gifts. There’s something very important that you’re going to be doing with them, soon.”
He was gazing into her eyes, and she could swear that he was reading her mind. She forced herself to turn away from him and asked, “What’s the big important thing that I’m going to be doing?”
The corner of his lip turned up, just barely. It was not enough to really be a smile, but it was enough to make her think he had to be kidding when he said, “Kill me, for starters.”

Where to find: You can find this e-book on Amazon.com.

Please note that there will not be a From the Writer’s Desk for a few weeks as I am on vacation. No reason to despair, I’ll be back!

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. An interview with indie writer D.J. Lowbridge.
2. An endearing short story about two older people going on perhaps their last adventure: a Midsummer Night Adventure
3. Still wondering about e-reader or tablet? E-book Friendly can help.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.

Dear Reader,

The world of publishing is changing fast. Probably faster than the big publishers accept or can keep up with. Digital media, print on demand, independent writers bringing their own work into the world… Yes, that’s something big to swallow for ancient traditionalists. This week another independent writer who walks that path:  Alexandria Publishing Group authorLinda Hall and her book Critical Impact.

Ebook Short Description:

The bomb wasn’t supposed to be real. But the mock-disaster explosion to test emergency procedures killed two people in a small Maine town. And all evidence points to shy makeup artist Anna Barker as the prime suspect. When Deputy Sheriff Stu McCabe is assigned to investigate the case, Anna hopes he’ll prove her innocent. But with a harrowing past of his own, Stu seems to trust no one. Something that might save both their lives when the real killer plans to make critical impact—again.

Where to find: this e-book is available from Amazon.com.

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. Do you read while you travel by air? Then this might interest you: do planes suffer from e-readers?
2. The authors at the Alexandria Publishing Group have participated in an A-Z Blogging Challenge.
3. Bookselling has problems. Booksales are however booming.
4. Here is your chance to win a Kindle Fire! Play along with the IndieThon.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.

Dear Reader,

Dimestore Avenue Blues

by Padraig Hanratty

Ebook Short Description: Jesse believes that the future will be better. One day, he’ll make up for all his mistakes and achieve perfection.
That belief has sustained him for most of his sixty-five years. It helps him get through the bad times, those days when the brandy failed to drown the sorrow and shame. When sleep unleashed painful memories that refused to fade.
He still has some bad days as he lives out his autumn years in Dublin. But his worst days were in New York in 1976. After that city had nearly crushed him, he’d fled to Dublin, a broken man. But he was determined to rebuild himself, brick by brick, improving day by day.
Back in the 1970s, Jesse was a successful young ad man on Madison Avenue. He’d succeeded because he was willing, indeed eager, to do anything to advance his career. He’d endure countless dinner parties where cloaks and daggers dangled behind the wine and cheese. He’d sleep with anyone who could bring him closer to his goals. And he’d punch those who stood in his way. It all seemed like a good plan, right up until the day he brought a pistol to work.
For years in those offices and meeting rooms, they all thought they were kings, living it up in their high palaces of power. As it all fell apart for Jesse in 1976, he realised they were all just fumbling in the dimestore.
Throughout it all, his wife Clara stood by him. Until he finally pushed her away. She could see he was drowning and tried to reach him, but he just lashed out and ruined the one remaining good thing in his life. And then fled from the wreckage.
As the chaos whirled around him, Jesse found some solace in blues songs. He still listens to those songs now that he’s settled in Dublin. Some days, he hears Bob Dylan singing about a world that’s condemned, a world that needs Blind Willie McTell to sing at its funeral.
Other days, it’s Fingers Flaherty bawling about a life that’s crumbling in his hands. No matter how bad Jesse felt – and he often felt beyond terrible – he knew that at least his life wasn’t as fraught as Flaherty’s. And now that the storms have long passed, Jesse still often thinks that Flaherty is the only person who understands him.
Jesse’s life is less volcanic now. Instead of trying to shoot his work colleagues, he simply tries to avoid the domestic squabbles that clatter around him in the apartment building. He enjoys the company of his young neighbour Moses, a relentlessly unhappy cubicle rat lost in the maze of office politics. He learns to tolerate Bill and Tiffany, the volatile couple across the hall whose love for each other is so strong, it threatens to rip them apart.
Most important of all, he tries to build a meaningful relationship with Lucy, the widow in the next apartment. As they grow closer together and slowly reveal more of their memories to each other, Jesse feels the uncomfortable presence of the New York ghosts getting stronger.
Jesse knows he isn’t perfect. He’s made many mistakes and will probably make more in the future. Now, with the possibility of contentment finally within his grasp, will he be allowed one final chance to be happy? Or will the ghosts from his past once again refuse to lie down in their graves?

Where to find.
You can find this e-book on Amazon.com as well as on Amazon UK.

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. Donna Fitch talks about the magic of writing.
2. The future of bookshops, via the Indie Exchange.
3. An interview with author Karen Rodgers.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.

Dear Reader,

28 columns have already fleeted by, and 28 excellent books by indie authors have been in the spotlight. This week we’re looking at the next one, which is:

Ashes and Blood

by Alexandria Publishing Group author Terry C. Simpson.

Ebook Short Description:

Where to find: this e-book is available from Amazon.com.

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. How research works, by Mary-Ann
2. An interview with indie author Karen Rodgers.
3. Valerie Douglas explains why sometimes she doesn’t write like herself.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.

Dear Reader,

There is no end to the flow of books that comes from independent writers. This week we’re visiting a book by Nichelle Rae called “Only a glow”:

Ebook Short Description: What if the world was ending? What if you only had the power to save it? And what if your power wasn’t in your control? Welcome to Azrel’s dilemma. Only A Glow is the first book in an epic new series The White Warrior. Join Azrel, her brother Rabryn, and her best friend Ortheldo, as they try to save their world from another age of the Shadow Gods rule, and find out what’s wrong with Azrel’s magic.

Where to find.
You can find the e-book on Smashwords.com. Don’t hold back for the price – it’s free!

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. Something of interest for probably anyone: the pitfalls of copyright.
2. A little piece on a detective story.
3. A sneak peek from author Krista Tibbs’ new literary fiction title, Uncertainty Principles

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.

Dear Reader,

Do you like being scared? If so, this week’s focus on an independent writer’s book is very much for you:

Stryx, by Alexandria Publishing Group author Jeffrey Kosh

Ebook Short Description: Rome. 1503 AD.
Pope Alexander VI sits on the See of Peter. And inside a dreary tower, Cardinal Lodovico Strigidi, statesman of the Church and powerful necromancer, delves deep into arcane knowledge. He is keeper of obscure secrets, esoteric mysteries, and shadow lord of the Holy Seat. Nonetheless, for all his power, he is going to spend the night in fear, because a messenger of the netherworld will pay him a visit. Alone and terror-stricken, Cardinal Strigidi must face the only creature he dreads the most. The owl.
From Jeffrey Kosh’s twisted mind comes this visionary tale of literary horror.
It includes an extract from REVENANT.

Where to find: this e-book is available from Amazon.com as well as from Amazon.co UK.

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. See how ebooks have moved up in relevance at Ebookfriendly.
2. Something about cats. (Cats???)
3. K is for Killers.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.

Dear Reader,

The 26th issue of From the Writer’s Desk already. I am pleased that you are still with me, enjoying features and news from the world of Indie Writers. As you may know, I have many contacts in that world – being one myself – and I can tell you that the community as far as I know it is very happy to have an opportunity to be mentioned here on Podioracket!

Today’s feature for you: Darkin: A Journey East

by Joseph A. Turkot

Ebook Short Description: The greatest dark wizard, long thought dead, has risen anew; in his wake marches the vast army of the Feral Brood. None could have foreseen the total evil set to descend upon Darkin.

A long age of peace has left the land devoid of heroes. Slavery has taken hold of the world’s commerce. All hope rests in the rebellious spirit of one slave.

Alien bloodlust besieges Adacon late one night—an impulse drives him to murder his guards and set out to find and kill his oppressers. Escaping into wilds unknown, he realizes the great peril awaiting him.

A strange hermit appears from under a sand dune, claiming to know “magic.” He believes that if they work together, they can build a band of warriors powerful enough to change the fate of the world. Can they find any still harboring valor and chivalry in their hearts?—or will their quest be for nought, ending in the ruin of the world?

Where to find. You can find the e-book on Amazon.com.

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. I proudly present a very nice review of my book Bactine, which I found on the Apple Ibook store.
2. Indies Unlimited feature an interview with Joni Parker.
3. Renée Barratt is the APG cover artist. Here is an article she wrote about the importance of a book cover.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.

Dear Reader,

No sickness is holding me back any more, so here we are once again with a new edition of the column that brings you news and new books from the world of independent writers. This time:

Nike’s Wings.

by Alexandria Publishing Group author Valerie Douglas

Ebook Short Description: With all she’d been through, her skills at parkour and freerunning, for the top secret group within the CIA she was the perfect candidate. She would be trained to be the assassin’s assassin. Until she began to question. Questions were dangerous.
All Nike wanted was to be ‘real’ again, whatever real was…
Ty Connor, ex-CIA, has just been named to head a new branch of Homeland Security. A fast-response group called the NIO.
For the first time Nike has a chance at redemption, and more… If she dares to take it.

Where to find: this e-book is available from Amazon.com and Amazon UK.

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. Have you ever read about the first book written with a word processor? You might be surprised!
2. Writers are murder. Thoughts on killing a character, by Sophie Schiller on IndiesUnlimited.
3. A little bit about doing research.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.

He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.
His latest release is “Green Haven”,
a science fiction book in which a
group of RPG players try to take on
a deranged superhero.

Dear Reader,

Being sick prevented me from posting an edition of the Writer’s Desk last week. I hope you were not too disappointed. However, time is not holding back; yet another week has flown by and so there is another issue of From the Writer’s Desk, to inform you about books and news from the world of Independent Writers. Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to  One Small Touch

by Alexandria Publishing Group author Denise McGee

Ebook Short Description: Sometimes one small touch can change your life…

The last thing Lt. Aaron March expected when he stumbled onto the scene of a fatal car accident was to be entangled in a mystery featuring his favorite author.

The last thing Laurel Wentworth expected when she opened her door to the handsome officer was to fall in love.

Laurel’s faithless husband – and her best friend! – were killed in unusual circumstances. Conflicting evidence at the scene whirl Aaron and Laurel into a world of danger as violence and fear turn their lives upside down.

Can Laurel and Aaron use their unique abilities to solve the mystery of her husband’s death – and find a future together – or will the killer have two more victims?

Where to find: this e-book is available from Amazon.com.

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. Over on IndiesUnlimited you can read about a new mystery by Sarah Ettritch.
2. A few APG authors speak openly about the times their life was hard. Posts from Paul and Denise.
3. Valerie Douglas describes how it is to be a writer.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.

Dear Reader,

How time rushes. This is the twenty-third edition of this column already and I thank you for your attention. Today’s feature is a book by Donna K. Fitch, a name that’s been featured here before.

The Color of Darkness and Other Stories

by Alexandria Publishing Group author Donna K. Fitch

Ebook Short Description: The Color of Darkness will change the way you look at your morning commute.  Sienna Shelby insists she can divine the future by observing the patterns of vehicle colors. Courier Brendan Mitchell, who drives the interstate every day, is skeptical. But will their relationship succeed when her powerful employer warns him to stay away from her, and when Sienna herself warns Brendan that fate has something dangerous in store for all of them?

Detour: A peaceful walk with your grandfather may evoke memories you’d rather not experience firsthand.
Quantum Critique: Does criticism of a painting literally destroy it?

Where to find: this e-book is available from Amazon.com.

And other news from the world of books this week:

1. Yvonne Hertzberger from Indies Unlimited asks you to dream with her.
2. The Other Stephen King talks about Romance vs. Fantasy.
3. As a teaser, the first chapter of the Science Fiction book “Green Haven” is now online.

Paul Kater is an indie writer.
He is the author of the successful
“Hilda the Wicked Witch” series.