Comedy is everywhere if you allow yourself to see it—to feel it. It can be subtle or overt, dark or joyous, adorable or cheeky. Such ageless versatility is beyond compare. Curated with that in mind, author R.A. Clarke proudly presents sixteen humorous stories to the world.
Between these covers, you’ll find short fiction in several genres. Each tale is infused with unique characters and comical situations, some rooted in reality, others certainly not. Flip the page and join a jewel heist executed by bumbling thieves at a gastronomy party, meet a lowly soul gifted the fantastical chance to redo an all-consuming moment of regret, or sweat alongside a father as he realizes his daughter is growing up too fast. Turn another page and you’ll enjoy clowning around while meeting Mr. Right, then zoom in on a perfectly focused meet cute, or feel Mother Nature’s wrath as a rebellious fishing excursion goes all kinds of wrong. There is something in this collection for everyone to enjoy, including eight never-before-seen stories.
Allow yourself to be entertained and whisked away. Let humour in all its glorious forms tempt your lips to move. Don’t fight the urge. Embrace it. Go ahead and let your lips twitch.
So, I know I just shared an excerpt… but I couldn’t resist sharing one more – a slightly bigger one that I’ve read myself for all to enjoy! This selection is taken from a fantastical tale called Mr. Regret, found within my book “Let Your Lips Twitch”. Enjoy! 😃
R.A. Clarke is a former police officer turned stay-at-home-mom living in Portage la Prairie, MB with two busy boys, a sport-aholic husband, and a couple of quirky dogs. She maintains her sanity by guzzling copious amounts of coffee and diving into fantastic worlds of her own creation.
Rachael loves fulfilling dreams and seeking new inspirations. As an artist, community theatre actor, and writer, her creativity never sleeps. She’s currently working on a little bit of a lot… which includes writing a YA fantasy novel, a sci-fi adventure novel, and writing/illustrating picture books (under the name Rachael Clarke). If you have kids, feel free to check out her children’s chapter book, The Big Ol’ Bike, just released in November, 2020.<
Today I’m participating in K. M. Jenkins’ Blog Tour for her book ‘Tales Of Ferres’. Please find below information about the book, the story, and in particular, an interview with the author. Enjoy!
Welcome!
Please introduce yourself.
Well lets start things off with my name since obviously I don’t go by K.M. in my everyday life. My name is Katie Jenkins and I’m an International Best selling Speculative Fiction author. I have published 10 short stories in my Tales of Ferrês series and now published them all together in their very own bundle book. I’m also a stay at home mom two twin boys. I also have a bachelors in graphic design and create all my own logos along with most of my covers. I do side jobs like being a PA for two awesome authors of two completely different genres. They do fantasy like myself so that is the common ground between us three. I live in a boring city in Iowa called Sioux City and I love every second of it. It means I get plenty of time to spend with my kids and live in my own imagination.
1. When did you start writing?
I started writing over five years ago. I started to publish a few short stories back then but quit. School got in the way then I moved to be near my boyfriend. Then life just kind of sucked all my time with work. After that I got back into my writing after the boys were born in 2017. I moved back with my fiancé to Sioux City due to health issues. I needed an outlet so I started to write again. Then in September of 2018 I published the first story in my Tales of Ferrês short story series. After that I tried to keep things going with a new release each month. I failed a few times but I did manage to finish in March of 2020. Now I am putting the closing doors on this series and working on my next.
2. What motivates you to write?
I love writing for my readers and myself. It is kind of like an easy way for me to express myself and keep my mind on other things. I have depression and anxiety which means I need coping skills to help me through stormy winds. Writing is an outlet I enjoy and helps me keep my head on straight. Also I love seeing reviews by readers that enjoyed the tale. Just makes me want to write even more.
3. What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?
I write both fantasy and paranormal romance. I tend to write towards the younger crowd so most of my works tend to be young adult or new adult in target audience. Since I write within the fantasy sub-genres too I brand myself as a speculative fiction author. It kind of covers all the basis at once.
Why did I choose this genre? Well I grew up reading the fantasy genre every chance I got. I pretty much devoured any book in the fantasy genre I could get my hands on. Paranormal Romance came along later when I started reading more of those books in my adult years. A lot of those books though are rated for 18+ years or older though.
4. What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?
My main goal in writing is to one day make a living on it like a day job. I would love to write for my career. I just have to keep the momentum going. My dream would be to publish a USA Today bestselling book. But I am probably years away from that. Another would making enough money to buy a house to live in. I am okay with making a steady living I don’t need the fame.
5. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?
I struggle with this a lot. Usually what gets me out of it is reading books. I will just sit down and read book after book until I get the urge to get up and write. Another thing I do is work on two projects. If I get stuck on one I go to the other until finally the day comes the next scene smacks me in the face for my prior project.
6. What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?
Strongly suggest to build your target audience and fan base as soon as possible. I started out writing a series of short stories to grow my fan base. It is still small but growing each day. Then when I get my longer books out I hope to have individuals interested enough in buying them.
7. Please, tell us about your work.
Right now I am bringing my Tales of Ferrês book to a close. This book features creatures from kyres (wolf-shifters), unicorns, spider monters, elves, dwarves and mages. I got a story for everyone to enjoy. The book features a different character for each tale but has the common element of the Forest of Ferrês. They get drawn inside its depths and have to find out why they are there in order to leave alive.
I do have another book in the works called Gargoyle Sighted. It features Cassie Armel and she is a cop thrown into the world of supernatural creatures. Little does she know she is one herself. I actually release a chapter a month in my newsletter to my subscribers. It is an on going project that I plan to offer to my subscribers free on release day of the book. If you would be interested in picking up this book to give it a try all you have to do is subscribe to my newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/y2i1x7.
Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!
About the book:
Tales of Ferrês Legendary Tales Book 1
Price: $2.99
Pre-Order: $1.99
Since the beginning of time, one kingdom in the world of Tarzinëa has remained a mystery. Very few have entered its depths and survived. Walk alongside our heroes and watch their tales unfold as they enter the Forest of Ferrês. Discover everything from wolves so large they look like full-grown ponies, to devil creatures that lurk in the night. Expect the unexpected as you venture into the magical land of Ferrês where not everything is as it seems.
K.M. Jenkins is a published international bestselling author that writes epic battles, forbidden romance, and tales of fantasy and adventure. She has a big love for the fantasy genre and loves dragons above all creatures.When she is not writing, you will find her chasing her twin boys around the house. Between the three she has epic battles throughout the day and nothing ever gets boring.
The crowning finale of the Demon Tracker Blog Tour will be shown on the website of the Paranormal Romance Guild. Thank you very much for such a wonderful final post of this blog tour! I really appreciate your support!
Title: Demon Tracker Series: The Council Of Twelve’ series Author: AJ Alexander Genre: Paranormal Romance Publisher: Indie Release Date: April 11, 2020
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her.
She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?
Don Massenzio is not only a gifted author, but he is also a very helpful and supportive friend – and he is the editor of ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series books. Who knows them better than he does? When I was looking for help, organizing this Blog Tour, Don Massenzio was immediately saying yes. Thank you so much for your ongoing support, Don! I don’t know what to do without you.
I’m pleased to host a blog tour stop for the book, Demon Tracker by A.J. Alexander.
A Bit about the Book:
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her.
She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?
Unfortunately, the author and blogger who had offered to publish the blog post for day 11 in the ‘Demon Tracker Blog Tour’ has not reacted anymore on any of my emails and attempts to chat. Therefore, I decided to fill the gap with my own blog post. Please, find here below the trailer, the excerpt, the links to the book and to connect with me on social media.
Book Excerpt
Less than twenty minutes later, I received a message from Michael. I was strictly ordered not to do anything but stay where I was. Andreas would pick me up a little later. In the meantime, I could work out in the gardens with some of the angels if I wanted to.
“I’m sorry, Zye. I must leave at once,” Uriel whispered. He kissed my cheek and was gone.
I worked out with Robbie and Daniel while Maria watched us carefully. All three of them were excellent sword fighters and we had a good time. After the workout, I rinsed the sweat off my body, dressed in black pants and a white t-shirt, and went outside again to sit down and just enjoy nature for a while.
I watched frogs climbing out the pond, sparrows and hummingbirds flying and hopping all over the place and butterflies filling the air with breathtaking colors.
After a while, Andreas sat down next to me on the white bench. “Hello, Zye.”
“Hi, Andreas. I was told you were supposed to take me somewhere?”
He smiled. “Not just somewhere, Zye. You will be meeting the ‘Council of Twelve’.”
I froze. “Are you joking?”
He shook his head. “No.”
I felt my blood drain from my face.
Andreas jumped up. “Holy Mary! You’re not going to pass out on me, are you?”
I carefully stood up, testing whether my feet would still carry me.
My body trembled.
Andreas laughed. “Listen, Zye, there is no reason at all to freak out. Yes, they’re Archangels, but they won’t eat you. Don’t forget, Uriel will be there as well and he’s likely to protect you!”
I took a couple deep breaths. “Yes, he will. But what can he do when eleven others are voting against me?”
Andreas laughed. “What do you think they’d vote for? Killing you? Zye, they’re angels, standing on our side, fighting against evil. Just like what you do!”
His words made me think for a few moments before I finally replied, “I can’t help myself, Andreas. I’m still scared to death.”
He smiled mildly. “There is no reason to fear them. Of course, respect them. After all, they’re probably the most powerful individuals on Earth besides our one and only Creator. They’re not going to do anything bad or evil to you.”
I slowly tried to slow my heart rate and bring my trembles under control. “See? You’re getting better.” Andreas grinned. Then he opened his arms and offered to carry me to the assembly hall.
The so-called “assembly hall” was an enormous room, beautifully built, with polished marble of purest silver-gray, inlaid by some marble that looked like the veins of fire. The ground was covered with anthracite-colored stone and harmonized beautifully with the light gray walls and the beautifully painted fiery ceiling. The ceiling was so high, even the Archangels could fly within the hall.
The room was equipped with a small waiting area with black leather seats and a small glass table. It was quite modern, but comfortable. Andreas gave me a brief description before we started to prepare me for the impressive and pompous sight.
After our arrival, I stepped away from Andreas and in my head heard Uriel’s voice: “If you’re going to do this more often, girl, I will have problems with that.”
I grinned. “There is only one solution to this problem,” I replied.
“And this is?” Uriel’s buoyant voice asked back.
“Next time pick me up yourself, Mr. Taxi,” I snarled.
I enjoyed the mental clash and the growing closeness it showed between Uriel and me.
Andreas curiously examined my face. “You were just somewhere else with your thoughts,” he commented with amusement.
I blushed furiously which made him chuckle.
“I’ll wait here for you.”
I swallowed. “I… okay.”
Then I turned to the huge ornate white door that opened by itself to let me inside.
There I found two huge angel warriors in full armor and a beautiful winged woman gesturing for me to follow her. She led me through a light, nearly empty corridor to a smaller pair of wooden doors. She opened them to let me enter. I hesitantly entered and the door closed behind me.
There I stood in front of a simple long table with twelve tall, exceptionally beautiful Archangels, each of them unique Still, I had the impression that these individuals formed an enormously strong singular entity.
Of course, I saw their different manifestations, but what caught me off guard was the fact I could perceive them all so clearly. Their smells and aromas were much stronger than the ones of other individuals I had encountered.
I already memorized Uriel’s scent. To me, he was the purity of flames and heat, fire, and blaze. But to be truthful, he smelled deliciously like cinnamon. I hid a smile.
I interrupted my train of thought when Michael stood. “Please, Zye, come closer and meet the ‘Council of Twelve.’ From your left: Uriel, Myself, Anghariel, Zachariel, Centriel, Deonur, Raphael, Gabriel, Benadrel, Santanael, Tsechirel, and Simael.” He threw me a sharp look. “You seem to be totally in shock, Zye. Are you all right?”
I almost collapsed; my mouth was as dry as an Arabian desert. I had to swallow before finally I was able to reply. “Forgive me, Mylords. I just discovered that I apparently can catch your natural fragrance in a very strong and unique way. It hit me when I entered the hall.”
Gabriel rose, eyeing me curiously. “Wow, really? You’re not kidding?”
I only shook my head.
“Does that mean, even if you can’t see us, you’re still able to tell we’re here?” “Not only that,” I explained. “Each one of you smells unique.”
Gabriel seemed enthusiastic about this information. “You could tell us apart without even seeing us?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“No ‘Sir’ here, Zye,” he replied with the wink of an eye. “I’m Gabriel.” He turned to the others who had similar expressions on their faces. “Oh, please, can we take the time?”
Michael laughed. “We’re not in a hurry.” He scanned me quickly. “Are you up for a test?”
I swallowed dryly. “Yes.”
Uriel stood. “Fine with me, friends. But seriously: she looks like she’s going to pass out any minute. Would you mind being nice enough to offer her some water and let her relax for a couple of minutes?”
He walked around the table and handed me a glass of water. His hand was placed caringly onto my shoulder.
Just when I took a sip, Anghariel drawled, “Sheesh, Uriel. You sound as worried as Grandma Walton.”
I spit my mouthful of water across the floor, laughing. This unexpected little mishap made the Archangels stare at me in wonder before they smiled as well. I apologized, but it took a couple of minutes until we all calmed down. By that time, I was visibly relaxed and Michael called his friends to order.
“What do you need for us to do, Zye?” he asked politely.
I smiled. “Not too much. I need to separate each one of you. I would say, at about the distance from here to the furthest corner over there. Then your natural perfumes won’t get mixed altogether.”
“Who do you want to start with? Uriel?” Michael asked curiously.
Anghariel chuckled. “I don’t think so, brother. I’ll bet my socks she knows his stench quite well by now.”
I blushed, Uriel grinned and eleven Archangels apparently had tons of fun. I bowed my head politely to Anghariel. “Would you mind if I start with you?”
He laughed. “Nope. It would be my pleasure.”
Jo Hawk The Writer is an author I did not yet have the pleasure to meet. Still I got the opportunity to be a guest within the Demon Tracker blog tour, which I’m very grateful for. Thank you!
A. J. Alexander’s ‘Demon Tracker’ Blog Tour
Book Blurb Demon Tracker
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her.
She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?
Excerpt from Book 3 of ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series – Demon Tracker
Nicholas C. Rossis is a very talented author I know mostly from his blogs. He’s an excellent blogger too and educates young writers on his blogs on how the business works. Thank you so very much for featuring Demon Tracker and me on your blogs today, Nicholas. I’m honored!
Aurora J. Alexander is launching Demon Tracker, the third book in her Council of Twelve series.
Demon Tracker
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her.
She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?
Book Excerpt
Less than twenty minutes later, I received a message from Michael. I was strictly ordered not to do anything but stay where I was. Andreas would pick me up a little later. In the meantime, I could work out in the gardens with some of the angels if I wanted to.
I’m very proud to be a guest on Jayne Marie and Anita Dawes’ blog today with my Demon Tracker Blog Tour. I really appreciate your help, thank you so much! Also, this Blog Tour post contains a review for Demon Tracker. I’m sooo flattered and honored! THANK YOU!
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her.
She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?
Our Review
Zepheira, or Zye as we come to know her, jumps straight into the action in Demon Tracker, 3rd book in ‘The Council of Twelve series.
No slow build-up here as she battles to save something close to my heart.
This story is full of amazing characters and the dialogue between them all left me breathless.
A fascinating chess game with Lucifer one minute, and a sexy kiss with an archangel the next, this girl gets around!
The writing is powerfully descriptive, and I love the way Zye can recognise each angel. Great attention to detail!
I think you can tell that I loved this delightful, beautifully written story, and really looking forward to the next in the series!
Raymond Walker is a long year author friend of mine who was immediately there when I called for help for this Blog Tour. He’s a talented writer and great to work with. Thank you for your amazing Blog Tour post for the Demon Tracker Tour! I value your friendship!
I do not often participate in such things as “blog tours” but on occasion a writer will catch my attention for all the right reasons. One such is A.J. Alexander. A.J. Is a Fantasy author from across the pond, you can easily find her blog “Writers treasure chest” and she has a new novel out, so I decided to host her here on my blog tonight. I think that many of you will enjoy her works.
A.J. Is a very different writer from me even if we often share a genre, her style straightforward clean and easy to follow. I think you would find her books a pleasant change from my arty Dickensian monstrosities.
Today I’m featured on Laura Sansom’s blog in the ‘What’s on your reading wish list’ section. Thank you so very much for your cute blog post. I appreciate your help very much!
What’s on your reading wish list?
Let’s escape from the Covid19 doldrums and be somewhere else……
So one of my many things on my to-do list, wish list, bucket list or whatever time management guru you abide by is to have more time to read. Right now in this current climate most of us have a lot more time on our clean and sanitized hands. So have you read any good books yet?
Recently I had the chance to speak to A.J Alexander about her book.
The blurb for Demon Tracker
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her
She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?
K.M. Jenkins is a published international bestselling author that writes epic battles, forbidden romance, and tales of fantasy and adventure. She has a big love for the fantasy genre and loves dragons above all creatures.When she is not writing, you will find her chasing her twin boys around the house. Between the three she has epic battles throughout the day and nothing ever gets boring.
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her.
Writer's Treasure Chest 
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