Month: December 2012

Sneak Peek: Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone

Today we have a sneak peek from author Pat Frayne’s young adult fantasy book, Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone (Book 2 of the Tales of Topaz the Yellow Conjure Cat):

Topaz and his raccoon friend, Dooley, face life-threatening dangers when they try to help an old friend. Circumstances beyond their control force them to travel to a forbidden land in search of a rare and precious stone. Terrifying events cause Topaz to wonder if his conjure powers will be enough to protect them as dark magical forces begin to close in.

Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone is available from Amazon.com, Amazon UK, and Barnes & Noble.com.

And now, an excerpt from Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone… Continue reading “Sneak Peek: Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone”

A Strong Finish

Today is December 1st, one month left in 2012!

Wow, it’s TIME to kick back and slide into cruise control, right?

Wrong.

You see, the rest of the world will be slowing down and paying less attention to their businesses. Holiday parties will be rolling through—you get up a little later, take a couple of days off from writing.

That doesn’t have to be you! First, let me suggest. I’m not Scrooge. I LOVE the holidays. Think about it though, while the rest of the world slows down— it’s a perfect opportunity for you to pick up the pace.

Now is the time of the year to reach out to people, and your platform, without selling them anything. Now is the time to revisit your plans and start planning for next year.

Continue reading “A Strong Finish”

Flash Fiction Challenge: Master of Disguise

Photo by K.S. Brooks

It’s not easy dealing with all this fame and adulation. What’s a dog to do? All I want is to steal away for a hamburger. Fortunately, I am also a master of disguise. These kids will never recognize me now…

In 250 words or less, tell us a story incorporating the elements in the picture. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level.

Use the comment section below to submit your entry. Entries will be accepted until 5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time on Tuesday, December 4th, 2012.

On Wednesday morning, we will open voting to the public with an online poll for the best writing entry accompanying the photo. Voting will be open until 5:00 PM Thursday.

On Friday morning, the winner will be recognized as we post the winning entry along with the picture as a feature. Best of luck to you all in your writing!

Entries only in the comment section. Other comments will be deleted.

A Message from Mariner Petrochemical

[Indies Unlimited is brought to you in part by the fine folks at Mariner Petrochemical.]

As you have no doubt noticed, energy prices are skyrocketing and the government is making it more and more difficult to explore and drill for new oil. Energy demands are at an all-time high and show no sign of declining.

As fate would have it, our seas are choked with whales, a source of clean, natural, organic, and renewable energy.

Let’s face it, whales are just too big for a crowded world. Sure, they’re neat when you see them swimming in the ocean, but that’s not all they do in there, you know. You really want to swim around in that?

And though whales have a reputation as gentle and intelligent creatures, we have it on good authority that they eat people and blame sharks for it.

If you’ve ever been on a whale-watching boat and gotten sprayed with about thirty gallons of whale snot, you might not feel so warm and fuzzy about them. That is not cool, man. Not cool at all. Seriously, what have whales done for you?

So, the next time you pull into a gas station to fill up, be sure to do the smart thing and say, “Make mine whale!”