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.<
Dream Walker is book 5 of The Council Of Twelve Series
Koyu thought she had done her duty, but deep inside she knows it will never be over. She is bound to her master forever and will have to execute his every command. But when he demands she’ll invade his sworn enemy’s dreams, she chooses to rebel.
Koyu risks her existence to help the ‘other side’ by purposely disobeying her master’s orders.
Koyu knows she’ll pay with her life for her impertinence. Is there, indeed, no hope for her?
The award-winning, YA fantasy ‘The Council of Twelve’ series currently contains four books, Soul Taker, Sundance, Demon Tracker, Bounty Hunter and the newly awaited Dream Walker. There are more books to come. Each book introduces you to additional characters whom you will fall in love with. Stay curious.
You can find the first 4 books in the series below:
A fascinating tale featuring filled with intriguing characters, mystery, and the promise of future installments that will leave the readers eager for more. – Kindle Customer
Angels and demons take center stage in this straightforward and dialogue-rich story about family, destiny, and the evil that surrounds us all. – L.Z. Marie
A. J. Alexander has created a wonderful world here. Her writing is soft and poetic fantasy personified. – JannyC
With Zepheira AJ Alexander has created an exceptional character I almost instantly fell in love with. She is self-confident, interesting, quick-witted, and holds a healthy amount of sarcasm as also humor. – Jasmin
I would suggest that this series be read in order just for your own enjoyment. – Linda
AUTHOR BIO
A.J. Alexander is a fantasy author working on a paranormal romance series, called ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series,
She has written short stories and poetry in the past. Some of her poems can be read on her blog ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest.
A.J. Alexander is also a talented classical musician who has won several music contests in her youth. She is an accomplished skier and loves to swim, amongst other sports.
She worked for a global corporation as a part of the management team and travels a lot, as well nationally as also internationally.
A.J. Alexander lives in Upstate New York with her beautiful active and demanding senior Maine Coon cat. In her rare free time, she loves to meet friends or go for long nature walks.
A. J. Alexander learned reading and writing at the age of four and realized quite early in her education that she loves painting pictures with words. During her school time, she won poetry as well as short story contests. Later on, she participated in writing and poetry workshops to learn the craft. During her time at university, her education as a writer turned toward creative as well as journalistic writing. A. J. published several poems and short stories under a pen name. Currently, she is working on ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series; her first book in the series, ‘Soul Taker’ was published on December 15, 2018, the second book, ‘Sundance’ has been on the market since August 2019, and the third book in the series, Demon Tracker was published in April 2020. Book four, Bounty Hunter was published in April 2021, and the latest book Dream Walker’s release date is November 25, 2022. Writing fantasy books has always been her dream, and she looks forward to sharing her work with her audience. The need to write a novel had been nesting in her head for quite some time.
To fulfill her dream of seeing many unique places in the world, Aurora Jean started traveling in her early twenties. She spent some time in Europe where she visited Paris, Rome, Madrid, Lisbon, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, London, Berne, Berlin, Athens, and Santorini. Also, she took an extended break a few years later and drove across the U.S. from Chicago to Santa Monica and across the South to Florida.
A.J. Alexander descends from an internationally extended, politically, and entrepreneurially active family and was privileged to enjoy an excellent international education. In her spare time, she volunteers for charity events, fights for animal rights, and, when needed, serves as an interpreter to help great causes.
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When Centriel roams the Earth in a dark mood and atypical despair, in a mountain
clearing, far from humankind, he unexpectedly discovers a runner, followed by a petite
hunter. The way the woman treats the giant fugitive amuses the Archangel, but he quickly
learns that neither of them are what they seem to be.
Simin Arnatt is an extraordinary woman. Her occupation as a Bounty Hunter takes
her all over the world, as she follows her prey to the most unusual places. She would
have never expected to meet the famous Centriel while on a hunt. When he offers to help
her, she feels the enormous attraction, but she knows, with the secret she holds, she
could never dare to hope for love.
Neither of them could guess that with her next assignment, Hell is breaking
loose…
It’s 2020 and ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’ is five years old.
I am very proud to have this blog up and its success and progress are significant. I thank all followers and readers for making this such a pleasurable experience and great adventure for me.
There is, however, one thing that I’d like to extend even more: The chance for many other writers to use “Writer’s Treasure Chest” as a promotional platform.
Do you feel like trying how it is to publish blog posts?
Do you have anything important to say?
Would you like to show up on this blog?
Do you have a book to promote?
Use “Writer’s Treasure Chest” and contact me for
a Blog Tour
a “Featured Author Interview”
a “Guest Post”
So many things are possible, and I’d like to give you a chance to introduce yourself and your work here!
For once I used the contact form within a blog post and hope you will use it!
Generally, ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’ does have a contact form on the right side, as a widget.
It is always there! Check it out and contact me, I’ll be delighted to work with you on your plans, your guest post, your blog tour or send you the sheet with the interview questions!
I will be proud to have you as a guest on ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’.
Demon Tracker’s second 5-star review was posted May 3, 2020. I’m so happy I’m actually dancing around my place. This is a great day!
REVIEWED BY LINDA TONIS
MEMBER OF THE PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD REVIEW TEAM
I want to begin this review by saying if you haven’t read the first two books, I strongly recommend doing so. Book two ended with questions about Sundance, and those questions are finally answered in this book.
Zepheira (Zye) is a fighter and messenger of the Divine Army hunting demons, but a call from The Big Seven”, legendary warrior angels, sets her on a new path. A demon has stolen the soul of an angel, and it is important that they find him and release the soul; otherwise, it will be lost in Hell forever. She has only two weeks to carry out this mission, but as the best tracker and her ability to use her sense of smell, they are confident she can succeed where they have failed.
She immediately knows by using her sense of smell that the demon they are after is Faramon, the same demon that was there the night her mother was killed. Zye is the daughter of a human and Pan who like Faramon was there when her mom died, since then she has never seen or heard from her father. She is a hybrid blood creature with the same horns as her father. She offers herself as bait with a promise from Uriel the Archangel to be there to protect her.
Her mission is a success except for the fact that she finds herself Lucifer’s prisoner. Some of the funniest parts of this story take place in Hell, where Zye pits herself against the evilest creature known to mankind. She never shows fear even when she is shaking in her boots, and Lucifer has found his match. What happens with the two of them I won’t reveal because it is too priceless to give away in this review.
Uriel and Zye have no doubt that their feelings for each other go way beyond what was initially intended; after a lifetime of searching for the perfect woman, he has finally found her, but does she feel the same?
Zye is an amazing character with the kind of strength that even stunned the Council of Twelve, except for the fact that they do try on many occasions to curb her use of foul language, not always successfully.
A wonderful addition to a wonderful series.
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.
I’m so very excited to report that Demon Tracker got its first 5-star review on May 1, 2020. It is such a wonderful feeling to find out that readers love my book! Thank you so very much for this great review!
In this third installment of the Council of Twelve series, the author throws us a curveball of sorts as she introduces not only a new character, but a whole new angle on the mythology of this series. It’s interesting to watch how the author is taking the over-arcing story of the series a step further with each new character introduced.
This time we get to meet a demon tracker, one of the best ever. However, her appearance could easily be mistaken for someone demonic herself, which is of course not the case. Besides those great horns on her head, what else is making her a target of the master of Hell. What is his connection to her and why is he so interested in asking questions about her parentage?
All our old friends are here such as the Council of Twelve, along with Sundance and Kate from the previous installments of the series. As well as some familiar foes and new dangers.
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.”
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.
Writer's Treasure Chest 
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