Lots of Free Fiction // Covid Travel Ordeals
Jul 03, 2021 2:44 am
Hello from London,
You'd think, having received both doses of vaccine, having actually had Covid-19, and having observed every single rule foisted upon us by our allegedly enlightened leaders, that I'd be more or less able to travel at this point.
It turns out that a quick return trip to France for business is actually much more complicated and expensive than at first it appears.
The flights are few, and therefore fully booked and expensive. Somewhere between three and four times as expensive as before the pandemic. In addition to this, you have to (in the UK) pay for tests. A test before you travel, A test two days after you travel. A test eight days after you travel. A test five days after you travel if you want to cut short your 10-day quarantine. Total cost of testing: in the region of 400 pounds.
All I can say is... "Wow. I'm glad that was on someone else's dime."
And the paperwork. Oh my goodness the paperwork I had to carry around with me! Don't get me started...
Unfortunately, the five days of isolation upon my return are mine to bear. The cost of continuing to earn a living.
Let's take refuge in imaginary worlds...
Some Free Fiction, From Me.
Here's are some short stories of mine that are available to download for free. Perhaps they will offer you a few moments of respite from the surreal reality we're all trapped in.
In-Flight Magic
My first story is a bit of fun. A quick little idea that appeared in a moment when I had enough time to give it a couple of hours to put it in decent English. Don't take it too seriously or you'll sprain something, but if you're in the mood for a light-hearted story that might have been the beginning of something, but wasn't you can click the link below and read about how my protagonist gets lucky with his seat assignment.
Only the Wicked
I've always found it interesting to consider how we'd treat people with special and unusual powers if they were to appear in our midst. My guess is that our collective reaction would be shameful; replete with prejudice and judgement, and invested with all our fears. I wrote a few short stories in this vein a while back, and continue occasionally to add to them through my Patreon. The first story is free, and you can read it by clicking here.
Author Spotlight
A ton of authors to promote this week. No idea how it turned into such a bumper crop. With collections like this, there's no need for me to provide group giveaways, my newsletter becomes a collective promotion all on its own!
First the book promotions, the free stories are at the bottom...
Wings of Death by Stephanie Mirro
Book two of an urban fantasy romance series. Strong ratings on Amazon, available for £0.99, or for free on Amazon Unlimited.
Warlocks, werewolves and girls with monsters in their shadow. this is is pure urban fantasy with an Amazon five-star rating.
Book one of a series involving soul-stealing demons and the fight of good against evil. Contemporary urban fantasy for your enjoyment, priced at £2.99 or free on Kindle Unlimited.
Tin by Candace Robinson
Tin is a dark fantasy romance that borrows from the world of the Wizard of Oz. With assassins, fae, magic and an older Dorothy facing the ridicule that comes from being the only one to know an unaccepted truth.
Angel of Fire by Lorna Michael's
The second in a series based around the saints and angels of the Catholic religion, Angels of Fire follows Bronwen as she prepares to fight on behalf of the forces of good.
Rupture by H.W.Taylor
A collection of nine short stories from H.W. Taylor that seek to explore the wonder of Science Fiction and the emotions and lessons contained therein.
Bishop's Crossing by Don Mewha
An urban fantasy set in New Orleans, with a bartending protagonist whose past catches up to him in unpredictable ways.
The Crimson Legacies by Missy De Graff
A story of prophecy and the downfall of the kingdom of Eden, as the protagonist comes to terms with his role in a future that appears foretold.
Nite Fire: Flash Point by C.L.Schneider
With 100 reviews and a 4.6 rating, this book has certainly gathers plaudits. A shape shifter, condemned to death, hides in our world and in secret payment for her safety, protects humans from what hides in the shadows. But the shadows are getting crowded, and it won't be possible hide what's in them, or her own existence, indefinitely.
And now for the freebies. The following books are free to download in return for a subscription to an author's reading list.
A Twist of Night and Day by Aubrey Winters
Nice cover! This is a preview copy of a longer novel, set in the world of the fae, covering assassination, revenge and relationships that start out bad and look like they're going to evolve...
Core Blake: Arcane Agent by D.C.Ferguson
A prelude to a longer novel, this is the first mission of a newly-almost-trained arcane agent.
The Great War of the Kins by Rae Knightly
Set in another world (or worlds, since there are two of them), a group of individuals stumble across a hidden bunker at the end of a great war, when total annihilation appears likely. How will the secrets of the bunker affect their options, and their choices?
A secret group of agents are charged with keeping the secret that the fae are among us from the general population. One special agent finds herself in a difficult situation as supporting her partner comes into conflict with her job and objectives.
The First Warrior by Shiulie Ghosh
Asian mythology meets paranormal fantasy. An ancient warrior meets the demon she is born and trained to fight, and finds a kindred soul. A retelling of mythology. This story is a prequel.
If you cannot find a single thing that tempts you in that huge list of books, then there's not going to be much I can do to help you. So while you consider the stories above, I'm going to get back to typing my own fiction into my computer.
Thanks for your attention, and have a great morning/evening/day !
All the best,
Nick.
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