Blog Take Over by Y. Correa

Hey, y'all! Author Y. Correa here.

Hope you're all doing well.

Okay, okay. I'm gonna keep it real.

I procrastinated way too long to finish this chapter in the A.L.O.M. adventure. I know.

Considering that I wrote the very first story in 2014, I should be ashamed of myself for waiting 6 years to write the 3rd part. The worst of it all is that it's a short story! Shame on me! For shame, Y. Correa! For shame!

Okay, now that I have beaten myself with a stick for tarrying on this release ...

It was the year 2014, midsummer.

Lying in her bed was a lowly author who was binge watching Ancient Aliens on Hulu. This was one of her favorite things to do next to binge watching Doctor Who on Netflix.

There she was, munching on popcorn whilst the she lay; the popcorn bowl sitting on her chest. Periodically a kernel would fall in to unmentionable places. She cared not to fish it out. She could save those for later should she get a hankering for a treat.

Soon, her eyelids fluttered with drowsiness, the popcorn bowl teetering, threatening to fall over completely. As she dozed, she heard the prominent voice of the Ancient Aliens narrator as it proclaimed, "Ancient aliens theorists say yes ...!" In that instant her Muse simultaneously tapped her on the shoulders and whispered in her ear, "What if ancient aliens were actually time travelers from the future?"

Raptured with inspiration—and actually quite startled because the lowly author thought she was alone in the room—she jumped to a seated position, a single digit in the air as the epiphany came alive. The popcorn bowl went flying to who knows where.

"Yes!" she trumpeted, "Yes, yes and yessss! That's a phenomenal idea!"

Her parents who were in the other room yelled at her to keep it down.

Cowering, "Oops" she muttered. Shrugging it off she got up, turned on her computer and pecked away at the obnoxiously loud keyboard.

And so it was that "A.L.O.M." the short story saga began.

Blurb:

The year is 2130. Long gone are the days of high definition television and rock and roll. Mankind has entered the greatest age of technology. Vlad Kappel is a man of few words and even fewer desires, one of them being a dream to pilot the world's first time machine which he has helped to invent and build. A fan of the eons old television show Ancient Aliens, Vlad has always been intrigued by the ideas of time and space travel. When he is suddenly and unexpectedly given the opportunity to live out his secret dream the results are astounding ... and none too coincidental.

Blurb:

Vlad’s travel aspirations should have been a dream come true. Yet the reality of his scholars’ teachings concerning the ancients is quite sobering. A.L.O.M. is in need of dire repair and lack of technology, industrial science and language barrier prove hefty challenges for Vlad. Will he gain cooperation from the ancients to save him from this travesty or will the final destination remain Stranded?

And now, without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce you to "A.L.O.M. Episode 3: Underearth".

Blurb

At this point in his adventure Vlad wants nothing more than to get back home. However, with the advanced technology with which the A.L.O.M. was created, Vlad realizes that he is in a pickle. In order to make the A.L.O.M. run he needs fuel. Not just any fuel. Lava.

With the help of the princess Vlad endeavors to seek exactly that. It is this enterprise that leads him Underearth.

Today and everyday you can read the first three books of the ongoing A.L.O.M. collection for free by visiting the link below. Enjoy!

And ...

HAPPY SHORT STORY MONTH!

A Royal Read: "When Summer Lingers"

Good day everyone! I am Queen of Spades. My main genres are poetry and contemporary fiction. C. Desert Rose has been kind enough to allow me to talk about one of my short story freebies "When Summer Lingers".

Blurb:

Dahna is quite comfortable in her role as an outcast. Her favorite activities are painting her nails and hanging out on the beach. An observation by the quirky Carr leads to an endearing friendship between two unlikely people.

Overall, When Summer Lingers covers the tale of two individuals. Dahna is withdrawn and accustomed to being a loner. Carr is more extroverted and open to making new friends. During the summer, an important message is driven home: to treasure time and the experiences you have with others.

This free short story is available on my website as well as on the Freebies section of the All Authors Publishing House website.

A Royal Read: "Finding My Heart"

Hello everyone! It's fantastic that Author C.  Desert Rose has permitted me his platform to discuss my newest short story offering "Finding My Heart".

Blurb:

Leopold Hawkins Threadbare is revered for his scientific genius, which has blessed him with great fortune. When the lovely Katarina is less than impressed, their disagreement spirals him into unexpected circumstances. Time is of the essence. The treasure is Leopold’s heart. The reward is his life. Discover if Leopold achieves success in Finding My Heart.

Excerpt:

The crackling. It’s what I heard first. Followed by the humming of a tune I didn’t recognize.

Mixtures of colors: red, orange, and yellow. It was the first image I saw once I opened my eyes.

Fire. Fire atop wood. No other colors surrounded it, as if the scene was randomly thrown in.

“It was randomly thrown in,” a voice replied.

I twirled around with my fists raised. “Who said that? Where are you?”

“Technically, I have the ability to be everywhere, but in this particular case, I’m in front of you.”

I rubbed my eyes. Thrice. All remained black.

“I can’t see you. Show yourself!”

The voice scoffed. “Demanding bugger, aren’t you? I’m not revealing myself until you act like you have some manners!”

I lowered my fists. Relaxed my hands. “Mr. Invisible Man, will you do me the honor of revealing yourself?”

“Maybe, but only if you eliminate the sarcasm.”

“You’re being utterly ridiculous!” I yelled.

“You’re the one who’s pressed for time. Not me. I can do this game all day.” The voice resumed its humming.

"Finding My Heart" is available (1) on my website (in pdf form) or (2) via All Authors Publishing House (which also offers epub and mobi, along with pdf).

Thanks for your time,

♠

A Royal Read: "Taint on Religion"

Hello everyone! Queen of Spades here, dropping by Author C. Desert Rose's spot to talk about my earliest short story freebie "Taint on Religion".

Blurb:

Natasha was taught three things: to love God, to love herself, and to always go to church. When a sea of tragedy strikes in her youth, she strays from the path of God. Realizing the error of her ways, she seeks redemption in her adult years. Reverend Jamison and his church looks to be the answer to her prayers. Yet when things in the dark come to the light, Natasha is faced with a tough decision. Does she stay silent with her discovery or does she dare put a taint on religion?

***

With "Taint on Religion" I tackle quite a few subjects. How one processes tragedy and going down an improper path. If a church can truly be forgiving. If a person's intentions are actually pure or have an ulterior motive. The reader goes through all the motions with Natasha but that doesn't mean that each reader will have the same feelings once the story is over.

"Taint on Religion" is available on my website or the Freebies section of All Authors Publishing House.

Thanks for having me.

Kona: Where Coffee Meets Desire

Hello Awesome Visitors! This is Synful Desire, author of contemporary romance, drama, and erotica. I've been on the move during National Short Story month with some freebies I hope turn a frown into a smile.

Let's face it. We all need some feelgood in the neighborhood. One of the substances that provides some joy, especially in the mornings, is coffee. Coffee sends the signal that it's "go time" to get through the day. Or it can sweep you into the arms of a daydream, which was the direction I opted to take with Kona. 

Therefore, take about fifteen minutes (maybe even less), to savor the micro short known as Kona. It's absolutely free and available via All Authors Publishing House.

If you enjoy Kona, then check out my website as well to see what other works suit your fancy. 

Until next time,

Brielle: Where Scheduling in Activities is a Struggle

Hello Awesome Visitors! I hope you have had fun thus far during National Short Story Month. So far, a few folks have stopped by to discuss and share information on how to get their freebies.

Guess whose turn it is?

Today I would like to discuss my newest freebie, entitled "Brielle". Although I played around with a few other titles, I decided to settle on my working title, which is rare for me.

Think of Brielle as a bit of a modern-day woman. She is laser-focused on her career goals. Brielle isn't relationship oriented but recognizes that she has needs. Brielle has an interesting way to fulfill said needs. I will let your imagination fill in the rest.

"Brielle" is a mix of relationship reflection, light erotic situations, and comedy. If you remember the vibe of "Handy", then you will get the gist of "Brielle".

"Brielle" is available in my Freebie section of the All Authors Publishing House website.

Until next time,

Rising Speak on Apocawhat?

Hmm ... she taped it on the inside of the mailbox this time. That's a little more secure. Wow, looks like somebody went grocery shopping.

I. SEE. MOVIE. BUTTER. POPCORN!!!

Okay, while that is underway, let me once again introduce myself. I'm lousy at this Intro stuff. I tend to just walk in and start yapping.

It's Da'Kharta Rising, getting my invasion to discuss a freebie that is hot off the presses, called "Apocawhat?"

"Apocawhat?" is a play on the word apocalypse but with a twist. The questioning of "What's going on, really?"

Brother Urvin and Sister Lizzie are preparing for what they believe will be a quiet routine day of stocking up on groceries. When they see the neighborhood grocery store crowded during a day and time when it's usually quiet, they must fight through their insecurities and anxieties to maneuver through the crowd. 

👉For those who struggle with not being accepted in society, you'll be able to relate.

👉For those who get triggered when they are around large groups of people, you will definitely be able to relate.

"Apocawhat?" is not my usual brand of heaviness, but when you read the story, you'll discover it's typical Rising Speak when you least expected.

Well, the popcorn is all done. Make sure to check out "Apocawhat?" on my website or on the Freebies segment of All Authors Publishing House.

Rising Speak on Vocal Remedy

Wow … people still put keys under rocks and wonder why their stuff is missing. Luckily for Rosie, I don't steal, although I do find movie butter popcorn and pop it from time to time, usually forgetting to wash the bowl when done.

Also, luckily, I'm not really a burglar. Just some writer that wanted a small space to talk about something free for National Short Story Month.

Wait, still haven't introduced myself properly. I am Da'Kharta Rising. If that's too hard to pronounce, you can call me S.A.S.S., the Slightly Antisocial Socialite. I know how people are too lazy to do full consonants and vowels, so they'd rather abbreviate.

Today, I'm speaking on one of two freebies I have available for National Short Story Month. Perhaps this whole project will have me putting down freebies more often, since I can go years without putting out a full length anything.

Okay, now I'm rambling. It's time to remedy this situation. See what I did there? It's a lead-in to the very freebie I speak of, entitled "Vocal Remedy". 

So ... why Vocal Remedy as the title? For one, I liked the sound of it. Two, the "vocal" represents the profession of the teacher Mr. Choice. Three, the "remedy" bit is driven by the actions of Vaser. Seriously, don't you just hate it when a title has nothing to do with the content? Maybe it's just me.

I know you see the cross but trust me, this has nothing to do with religion or any such taint on it. However, the cross has meaning too, but I'm not going to give away that tidbit.

You'll just have to R.A.S. (Read and See).

Check out this freebie on my website or in the Freebies section of the All Authors Publishing House store.

I'll be back to talk about my other one, or whenever Rose replenishes her popcorn supply.

Signing out this mofo,

A Look Into Fate ...

Hello, one and all. As always, thanks for stopping by.

For us, the lovers of the paranormal, fate is preferably manifested supernaturally. That's because for us, fate being embodied in an otherworldly way brings a sense of excitement, mystery and importance to life.

However, those who believe that fate is real also trust that it takes place in even those things we consider mundane.

Like what?

Every day life.

In celebration of short story month I would like to bring you something old and something new. In both we will find an exhibition of fate as experienced by the characters in the interpersonal enigma that is life. Join me?

First: The Old

Blurb:

Martina Foxworthy only knew one thing for sure in her life ... the Log Cabin.
It was her family's tradition to visit the Log Cabin every year, and every new year was a repeat of the last. Nothing ever changed at the Cabin, Martina's family liked it that way.
But Martina, not so much.
One day, when a fly ball comes out of nowhere and crashes through her bedroom window Martina realizes that there is a lot more to life; the Log Cabin was just the thread that kept it together.

Years pass far too fast. This is something that Martina Foxworthy knows all too well. Sitting in her favorite chair, in her favorite place, Martina recollects her life's journey.

Excerpt

"The spring of her eighteenth birthday, Martina felt like a misfit just as she had her entire life. She’d been told that said feeling would change when she got older. Well, she was older now and nothing had changed. She was, for all intended purposes, now an adult. Eighteen; she could vote, smoke, buy alcohol—although not consume it—even go into a bar if she so desired. And yet, that profuse and innate sensation of not fitting in had become such an all-consuming part of her life that Martina didn’t know how not to feel it. Ever spring, during the Easter Holiday, Martina and her kin took a two-week hiatus in the family log cabin, purchased an umpteenth million years ago by her great grandfather Martin Foxworthy the Second.

If anyone ever wondered how she’d gotten her name, all they had to do was look at the family tree. Her father was Martin Foxworthy who was the fifth in his bloodline. And, since he’d not spawned a son first but a daughter, Martin added an A to the end of the name and blessed their female child with a name that no one would ever want."

I love this story though I don't speak of it much. "Martina's Memories" embodies fate in a relatable way. I feel like most of us could relate to her life trajectory, to her ups and downs and to her ultimate destiny.
Here, in this "old" story, we can see kismet at work through a seemingly banal existence. That is until the bigger picture is revealed.

Lastly, The New

Blurb:

In the famous words of Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” For Angelo, life is like a slice of pizza; juicy, delicious and worth the wait. For Sandalphon, life is an unending cycle of sameness. That is, until she meets Angelo. From staircase to stairway to heaven, Sandalphon has an Angelic Epiphany.

Excerpt

"Angelo Esposito sat on the right hand side of the front porch steps, fourth step up, people watching. On an overcast day, the clouds created a particular shadowy pattern across the passersby faces making them look mechanical. Things like this always entertained Angelo, he never seemed to get enough. Most of the people who strode through the streets were enthralled in their respective cell phones. The rest looked angry at life; emotionless and half-alive. Except maybe for the bum at the street corner who on any given day would assume the job of heralding government conspiracies, or dance for dollars. It all depended on the day.

Sitting on the old and tattered, historically profound New York porch step, Angelo was perfectly comfortable. Entertained and amused; a people watcher at his core. He couldn’t help but think how the persons that walked past were missing out on the knowledge of the rich culture of the avenues which they treaded. Every inch of the firmament, replete with history, depth, despair, glee and the essence of lives now gone.

Being brainwashed by technology has that effect on people. They miss the enriching simplicities of life. The little things that made life worth living like the kids jumping rope, the hum of a busy city street, the scent of pizza in the air. There was nothing like it. Angelo always felt like life was best enjoyed when appreciating small wonders."

This story has become my newest favorite for two reasons. First, it is connected to my Fate's Endeavor Series. Second, it's heart warming, relatable and supernatural. An "All-In-One Punch" if you will.

In this story, serendipity meets destiny. It feels as though the Universe has planned something accidentally-on-purpose and at the end of the day the one who learns the lesson is not the human but the angel.

It is my pleasure to be able to offer these to everyone for free. You can get them in PDF, ePub or Mobi by clicking the link below. No strings attached! Go grab your copies and enjoy the manifestation of providence. 😊