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Earth’s Fate Hangs in the Balance: Scorpion (T3) Launches

Earth’s Fate Hangs in the Balance: Scorpion (T3) Launches

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“Great suspense and action. Wonderful world-building.”

“Get comfortable—with plenty of drinks and snacks—as you enjoy this page-turning, thrill-a-minute story.”

“Kane keeps you guessing. A satisfying conclusion!”

Abstract (aka “Back Cover Blurb”)

The countdown has begun. Amos Morgan, Aubrey Carter, and the Runners have only days—or less—before the Enclave’s rulers unleash an army of Trackers.

Life inside the Enclave is fast deteriorating, manipulated by the shadowy Givers and their power-hungry Hoarder accomplices.

The Dissidents—Mateo and Megan—may be the key. But whose side are they on?

One last, desperate option remains: dance with the Scorpion.

Scorpion (Tracker Book 3)

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Scorpion’s Sting

Scorpion’s Sting

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Scorpion Flash Fiction #3

“How long will that hold if the Trackers find us?”

Aubrey Carter cast a dubious eye on the trapdoor at the top of the stairs, dreading the answer.

Sheila and Garr exchanged glances. The Colonel gave Aubrey a rueful grin. “How long does it take to unwrap a Christmas present?”

“It’s only meant to be camouflage,” Sheila said. “It was never intended as a barricade.”

Aubrey drew a shaky breath. She’d expected their response, but having her suspicions confirmed was still unsettling. “Thanks for a straight answer.”

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Tracker Ambush

Tracker Ambush

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Scorpion Flash Fiction #1

Amos Morgan stumbled, almost losing his footing on the sidewalk’s cracked and uneven surface. His shoulder connected with bruising force against the brick wall of an abandoned tenement, wringing an involuntary gasp from his lungs.

He regained his balance and leaned against the rough bricks, hands on his knees, catching his breath.

The full moon painted the City’s deserted streets with an eerie phosphorescence. Amos strained to listen above his heavy panting. He held his breath, reducing the noise to a pounding heartbeat in his ears.

Nothing. If Trackers were closing in, they were in stealth mode.

…

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Unwilling Assassin

Unwilling Assassin

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Scorpion Flash Fiction #2

“Conversion” refers to the complex surgical procedure by which a human being is transformed into a Tracker. The surgery is exceptionally risky — the melding of flesh and alien technology is fraught with complications.

The physiological changes are extensive and cannot be reversed. Statistically, this rarely results in a botched conversion.

Few doctors are qualified (or willing) to attempt the surgery. Fewer still are willing to go “on the record” when questioned by the Infomedia. Rumors of failed Tracker surgeries continue to cast a shadow over the Enclave’s elite medical facility. The ruling Council, citing Enclave Security, routinely labels these reports “unsubstantiated,” “classified,” and subject to vigorous Non-Disclosure Agreements.

Which leads to the proverbial “elephant in the room” question:

When a Tracker conversion fails, what becomes of the patient?

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the Silent Dagger (Scorpion Flash Fiction)

the Silent Dagger (Scorpion Flash Fiction)

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Councilor Harlan Sterne gazed out the conference room window, admiring his panoramic view of the Enclave’s prosperous city center.

He lounged in his high-backed leather chair, a satisfied half-smile playing across his lips. Here, in the Citadel—the seat of all power inside the Enclave—the anticipation of his imminent triumph was heady, intoxicating.

Everything was unfolding just as he’d anticipated. No, more than anticipated—planned, orchestrated, set in motion with the strategic cunning of a chess master.

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Plotting vs. Pantsing: Co-Existing in an Alternate Reality

Plotting vs. Pantsing: Co-Existing in an Alternate Reality

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A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away …

Plotters and Pantsers enjoyed a peaceful and harmonious coexistence. The intergalactic blood feud between the two species had been miraculously averted.

(Science fiction writers call this an “alternate timeline.”)

In this timeline, however, Plotters and Pantsers (on their best behavior) try to coexist peacefully in public, while privately wishing the other would change their ways. Both species have solid reasons for writing as they do. They also collect comedic “zingers” aimed at those on the other side of the fence.

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Writing to Market (rethinking stuff they told us)

Writing to Market (rethinking stuff they told us)

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Authors are passionate.

About their art. Their creative muse. Their genre and its many permutations.

And the question of whether or not we should be ”writing to market” is not exempt from fiery brawling warlike spirited debate.

Writing to Market: a Definition

In a nutshell, “writing to market” simply means:

  1. Invest time researching what’s “hot” (selling lots) in the current market (e.g., vampires, werewolves, and/or zombies).
  2. If you value your career, write your next novel about vampires, werewolves, and/or zombies.
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Café Espresso Attack

Café Espresso Attack

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Dissident Flash Fiction #2

In Dissident, we are introduced to a new POV (point-of-view) character: Connor Sinclair.

Connor is typical in many ways: a history major in his first-year of university, just shy of his eighteenth birthday, with a tight-knit circle of friends and a favorite café hangout.

He’s also a Hoarder (one of the bad guys).

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