The subject line was taken from the chosen submission for the second paragraph of our collaborative story.

Here is the link to our collaborative story, showing two paragraphs so far.

The submissions for the proposed 2nd paragraph were fabulous, and I enjoyed reading them. I had a difficult time choosing one from among the gems. I finally selected Michael B.'s paragraph because it carried on with the spirit of the first and ended on a note that prods the reader to press on with anticipation. Here's our second paragraph:

Across the plain, a warm breeze carried the lingering scent of suppers long-eaten and the murmur of people and livestock settling down for the night. Only a few windows still flickered with candlelight, and no sentries were posted. The villagers drifted toward slumber, unaware of the storm rolling toward them on horseback. By the time the seven reached the village, every hearth was cold and every window was dark, save one.

I'm anxious to see your submissions for the 3rd paragraph. When you submit, let me know if you would like your full name used if your paragraph is selected.

I was away at a conference last week and got no writing done -- but I did edit a short story and got it submitted over the weekend. It was a fun one with a couple cowboy characters that I can see as the protagonists in a number of short stories for which I have some ideas in mind.

Speaking of "protagonists," I finished DJ Butler's Between Princesses and Other Jobs and enjoyed it tremendously. I did like it better than the first book. This one is a series of short stories featuring the two characters--and a new addition to the team. I preferred the short format over the single book-length tale.

I also finished O'Reilly's Killing Crazy Horse. The book delivers a not-too-detailed description of several events and incidents from the Indian Wars from about 1800 to the death of Crazy Horse in 1877. Although it was a interesting read, I was hoping for more.

"Lion of the West" is a short play by James Kirk Paulding published in 1831. I understand one of the characters was based on Davy Crockett. All I can say is that there's good reason this play has not been performed much in recent years. Perhaps it would be better if it were expanded to be performed as a musical.

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Don't forget to check out these books of Brave New Worlds

Fantasy Giveaways are here

Protect the kingdom with books about Defense of the Realm

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I'm looking for more reviews for Power to Hurt, book 2 in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. It's only 99 cents now. Book 1, Threading the Rude Eye is also only 99 cents. This is a great time to get them both.

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I used the two quotes below in a talk about the need for smart friends, which I gave a few years ago to some youth being honored by the Elks. They're timeless, and one is from my favorite person to quote:

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly made by the friends we choose.” -- Tennessee Williams

And my own quote, “Good friends (meaning smart and persuasive) do not let you end up in a youtube video where we all laugh while you’re trying to gather your teeth up off the pavement.”

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Honor Roll with special thanks to these subscribers:

Lois for her stunning review and heroic defense of The Shrinking Zone.

JBudd for reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, In Death Bedrenched, Power to Hurt, The Shrinking Zone, Clamorous Harbingers, Promise of Carnage and Flame, and Truth in Flames

Colleen for leaving ratings for several of my books on Amazon

Rob for leaving a review of Threading the Rude Eye

Michael for leaving reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, and The Shrinking Zone

Mayra for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

Gloria for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

ShannonC for a review of In Death Bedrenched

Jan for reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, Power to Hurt, Clamorous Harbingers, Promise of Carnage and Flame, In Death Bedrenched, The Shrinking Zone, Truth in Flames, Justice in Season, and Justice Resurgent.

Bonnie for a review of In Death Bedrenched.

PAR for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

-There are many other reviews of my books, of course, but I don't know whether those reviewers are also subscribers to this newsletter.