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© 2003 Gracie C. McKeever

In This Issue:

RT 2002 Award Nominees - "Flames Past"
Flashback Classic: "New Life Incognita"
Read an E-Book Week
Quasar 2003 – Update
The Pen Is Mightier
This Issue's Spotlight Site
New Century Writer Awards 2002
W.I.P. – Work-in-Progress
This Issue's Author in the Spotlight
What I'm Reading/Recommended Reads
Fun Site
This Issue's Novel Teaser – "Apology for the Devil"
Quick Tease
Contests
Giveaways/Good Deals/Shameless Promotions
Odds and Ends

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Finally broke down and caught Harry Potter: The Chamber of Secrets. Keep in mind I did not catch the first one (absolutely NO inclination), nor have I read any of the books (ditto). But it was a choice between "persuading" my nephews to see LOTR (prolly too much for their 5- and 6-yo sensibilities) and The Wild Thornberrys Movie -- which I wanted to see even less than HP – but which surprised me by being incredibly enjoyable (I laughed out loud and way more than my nephews did.) Hokay, so after the Thornberrys I decided to treat the youngins to a second flick (hey, it was the oldest one's birthday gift) and the only thing out (besides LOTR, which had already been discounted) remotely suitable was Mr. HP. I have to say this…and I'm already preparing myself for the backlash, but…I personally can't see what all the hoopla surrounding HP is about. There, I said it and I feel so much better! Not to say I didn't enjoy it at all…it was o-kay. But I've seen much better as far as children's fare goes (fine, I said it, I consider it a kid's flick). And I can certainly kick back with the best of the rugrats for some of the fare. I absolutely adored Toy Story, Lion King (at which I cried), Shrek (I danced in the aisles), haven't caught Monsters Inc. yet, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it just as much. But I just can't see what the big deal about HP is. I can, on the other hand (Aragon) see what all the hype (Aragon) is about in LOTR (Aragon). Okay, you get the idea, I love Viggo Mortensen, and have for a very long time, and to have him drooling-distance away on the big screen in an epic three-hour adventure wielding a sword and saving civilization as we know it (with a little help, from the Fellowship, of course) is enough to make even this not-that-big-a-fantasy-fan-but-I'm-coming-around-especially-since-catching-more-than-half-of-LOTR:The-Fellowship-of-the-Ring-on-Cable-recently into a Tolkein fan. Okay, another confession, I have never read any of J.R.R's books either. Don't have the inclination to but (Aragon)….Oh, and that Legolas ain't too shabby either… Anyway, it was a nice Christmas weekend, loved hanging with the munchkins, (they enjoyed the outing immensely), and I actually loved The Thornberrys.

Hope everyone is enjoying a healthy, prosperous and productive New Year so far (I know it's early yet)! And, most importantly, that you're still holding true to those resolutions you made on the 1st. What's that? You didn't make any resolutions? Well, you're not alone. I don't make those either, other than to be the best daughter/aunt/sister/friend/writer/human being I can be (and not necessarily, always in that order, but you get the gist) and hopefully the rest will take care of itself.

Welcome to my first bi-monthly newsletter! It's chock-full this month (especially with good news), so hope you don't enjoy it any less now that you know I am not a rabid fan of HP (and that's not Hewlett Packard )!

P.S. As of this writing (1/7/03) have run out to see LOTR: TTT (solitary, after work treat, could no longer wait to drag along some unsuspecting "victim" to go with me) and now I can't wait for the third installment. I am officially a (Aragon) LO (Legolas) TR fan!
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RT 2002 AWARD NOMINEES:
In case you didn't hear me in your area, screaming from the roof tops, or see me dancing on the ceiling, well take a look-hear now because that's exactly what I'm doing (in addition to chair-dancing, just stare real hard at your monitor to witness). Just found out this evening (1/13/03…lot of that going around in this newsletter) that FLAMES PAST, my Contemporary Paranormal Romance available from Awe-Struck E-books, is a Romantic Times Nominee in the Best Small Press Paranormal category. Following is a short-list of nominees:

Best Small Press Paranormal
Improbable Solution by Judith B. Glad
The Immaculate by Kate Hill
Captive Dreams by Angela Knight & Diane Whiteside
Irons in the Fire by Penelope Marzec
Flames Past by Gracie C. McKeever
Dream Snatcher by Shauna Michaels
Vlad by Melanie Romeo
Thief of Olympus by Elizabeth Rose

Congrats to my fellow nominees! I'm thrilled to be in such esteemed company (but crossing my fingers that I can take them in the final voting ).

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FLASHBACK CLASSIC:
Of NEW LIFE INCOGNITA: "…If you're into wicca, the idea of reincarnation, astral projection, etcetera... or just possessed of an open mind, you will find this book quite entertaining. At the heart of it is the relationship between a man and a woman who had the potential for a great love, but came damaged into the relationship and pushed each other away. How many of us can relate to that?

Let go of your homophobia, suspend your disbelief, and join Kelly in discovering a new respect for the fairer sex, and a love that transcends cultural and spiritual differences.

But what of the love he left behind? Read and find out. This delightful, surprising romance is NOT for the conservative or closed minded, but a refreshing, well-written read for those of us looking for something a little different." Kristina Daron, Romance Novel Review, 10/98
Visit http://members.tripod.com/~KristinaDaron/reviews/Incognita.html for the full review

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NEW LIFE INCOGNITA by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (disk) 1-55316-061-4 (Rocket) 1-55316-939-5 — New Age Paranormal Urban Romance available and can be purchased from LTDBooks http://www.ltdbooks.com in download and diskette: Palmpilot, Rocket eBook, Gemstar REB 1100 and 1200 and Franklin eBookman. Price: $5.00 (download) $6.00 (disk). Also Available from Amazon and distributed internationally through other major online booksellers.
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READ AN E-BOOK WEEK:
Holy Palm Pilot and Rocket Reader, strap yourselves in! Beginning March 9th, 2003 it's going to be an exciting ride! For you adventurous, curious and open-minded souls, keep your eyes and ears open and check out 21st Century Publishing Updates for news of this National Event http://julieduffy.com/writing/ebook_week.htm. With a listing in the Chase's Calender of Events http://www.chases.com, it's guaranteed to be a blast. Stay tuned!
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QUASAR 2003 – UPDATE:
In last issue's newsletter, I reported that the cover art for FLAMES PAST was among Awe-Struck E-Books' short list of nominees for the Quasar. Unfortunately and due to uncontrollable circumstances, FP (along with a list of other Awe-Struck covers that made the publisher's cut) will not be represented at the Quasars. However, I am happy to announce that the cover art for DESERT DREAMS did make the final cut and will be representing NovelBooks, Inc. in the Quasar.

The Quasar Award recognizes outstanding achievement in (electronic publishing) cover art and is brought to us by EPIC (Electronically Published Internet Connection), the same organization that sponsors the EPPIE Awards, and which recognizes outstanding achievement in electronic publishing. The awards have been given out annually since the first EPIC conference in 1999
http://www.epicauthors.org/eppies/

Thanks and congratulations to Ariana Overton for a wonderful cover, and best of luck in the Quasar voting!

BREAKING NEWS! As of this writing have learned (1/13/03) that the cover art for DESERT DREAMS is a finalist in the Quasar! Wish Ariana luck in the final voting (I know I will be ).

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FLAMES PAST by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (e) 1-58749-121-4 (p) 1-58749-257-7 — Contemporary Paranormal Romance available and can be purchased from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers…Now Available in Trade Paperback! Visit Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com Awe-Struck's print subsidiary for titles in PRINT. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H), $13.95 (trade paperback) – RT 2002 Award Nominee – Best Small Press Paranormal
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THE PEN IS MIGHTIER:
http://members.aol.com/RitrsPulse/Pen.html
Has been on hiatus due to uncontrollable circumstances, but look for its return and new postings in the future! In the meantime, take this opportunity to catch up on reviews and short stories that you might have previously missed. Check out my review of Elaine Hopper's "Secrets" under COLUMNS. But don't stop here. There are other book reviews, movie reviews, short stories, novel excerpts, poetry and much more from the other talented authors and staff members at The Pen!

THIS ISSUE'S SPOTLIGHT SITE:
http://www.divasofromance.com – Appearances, Booksellers, Diva Chat, Contests, Diva Happenings, Diva Workshops, Reviews… "Escape the ordinary – Add a little romance to your life"

NEW CENTURY WRITER AWARDS 2002:
http://www.newcenturywriter.org/NoelNovellaWinners2002.htm -- In 2000 I made the quarterfinals of this sought-after award with a work you may recognize as my paranormal djinni romance DESERT DREAMS. I didn't think I had a chance at making any of the lists this year with my last work-in-progress, ETERNAL DESIGNS. However, I made the finals with the now completed, but yet-to-be-published paranormal romance! Finishing this manuscript (late in July 2002 after hacking away at it for more than two years – initial premise to end) was tougher and took longer than any of my other works in recent memory, and had me doubting my abilities to put out any more "quality" work. Placing in the NCWA 2002 has inspired and re-validated me.

To date, ETERNAL DESIGNS has been submitted to a handful of agents and a partial is currently with an editor at Tor Books… I'm crossing my fingers as I write, hope you do too .

"Death is only the beginning when a psychotherapist is reincarnated as a client's estranged and murdered husband…ETERNAL DESIGNS is the result".

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DESERT DREAMS by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (e) 1-931696-10-1 (p) 1-931696-89-6 — Paranormal Djinni Romance available in download (pdf or html) and print (trade paperback), and can be purchased direct from NovelBooks, Inc. at http://www.novelbooksinc.com for $2 off the Retail Price at $15.95 (paperback); $5.50 (download). Also Available from Amazon, B&N (brick-and-mortar stores by "special order" through Bowkers, just give the ISBN), Books-A-Million, and distributed internationally through other major online booksellers.
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THIS ISSUE'S AUTHOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
http://www.karenweisner.com – Homepage of prolific, eclectic, and award-winning author of the popular "Electronic Publishing: The Definitive Guide". Karen is also the best-selling author of three on-going romance series—Gypsy Road Series, Angelfire Trilogy and Dare to Love Series — from Hard Shell Word Factory http://www.hardshell.com.

W.I.P. – WORK-IN-PROGRESS:

Took a little break after finishing ETERNAL DESIGNS, but just started work on my lasted paranormal romance (this one dealing with near-death-experience or NDE, and psychic visions, working title BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT) earlier this month, and I'm bursting with plot twists and character backgrounds. I'm looking forward to finishing and circulating this one no later than the end of this year (yep, I'm giving myself a deadline…have you ever heard of such a thing?). Will keep you posted on how it's going (and if you're all good little boys and girls, maybe even share a sample or two).

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DANCING IN THE DARK by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN –1-928670-76-8 — Contemporary Romance available from Awe-Struck's Ennoble Line and can be purchased from http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H)
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WHAT I'M READING/RECOMMENDED READS:
Lest you think, despite my own paranormal leanings (and considering my previous down-with-HP rant) that I: a) don't have any imagination, b) am not in touch with my inner child, or c) am incapable of appreciating the fantastical side of fiction, here are a few selections to prove otherwise (hey, I liked them anyway):

SHIFTERS: Four writers (Jennifer Dunne, Jane Toombs, Robin Bayne, and Myra Nour) contributed to this imaginative anthology. I enjoyed all four offerings but my favorite (hey, it's a fantasy with fairies and demons no less!) was DEMON KILLER by Myra Nour. Excellent pathos and characterization, the relationship between mother and son was at once awe-inspiring and bittersweet. If you enjoy shapeshifters, time travel, sf/f/p romance…there all in here. You can check it out in electronic and paperback versions at http://www.newconceptspublishing.com

BRAKOS@TWILIGHT.COM by Linda Bleser: Despite it's brevity (100 pages) this vampire romance was full of colorful characterization and trademark Bleser whimsy and ironic humor (good to the last page, or should I say drop, in this instance ?). This one's available at http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/

FREE SPIRIT by JennaKay Francis: This one had been on my tbr pile for a couple of years now and I finally got to it. Actually re-purchased it in trade paperback from its new publisher http://www.amberquill.com when the previous electronic copy I initially bought got corrupted. Let me say right now, the repurchase was worth the price. Romantic Fantasy -- fast-paced story of loyalty and redemption where platonic love plays as pivotal a role in the story as romantic love. Complete with a strong and spirited heroine, a magical elf prince who is her match in every way, and a villain as evil and revolting as the h/h are meant to be together. Rich, sympathetic characters (both supporting and leads). There are a few instances of rape, but they are integral and don't detract from the story or enjoyment of same (at least not for me). Neither does the bisexual/homosexual sub-plot/characters, which add realism and are handled with compassion and sensitivity. First book in a while I've stayed up passed my bedtime to read, and a definite keeper. (As of this writing, am currently into JennaKay's vampire romance, A GIFT OF BLOOD, also available from AQP. Needless to say, she is a must-buy for me.)

THE MAN WHO ATE THE 747 by Ben Sherwood: If the title doesn't grab you (and it says it all) then this fanciful and enjoyable novel of the extreme lengths a man will go to when he loves a woman will. John Smith (affectionately known as "JJ" Smith) is Keeper of The Records for The Book of Records and in search of the next record that will save his job. In the process, he finds something greater than world records -- love where he least expected it -- in a small town. Unique premise, excellent execution, colorful well-drawn characters galore. Check this out at Amazon.com or your local bookstore.

Recommended for the science fiction fans among us: Nancy Kress's BEGGARS IN SPAIN. Based on her Nebula-award winning novella of the same name. Picture a world where people don't sleep. Imagine the possibilities, ramifications and strife. Imagine segregation and racism gone inter-galactic! What-if sci-fi at its finest. Check it out at Amazon.com or your local bookstore.

More interesting titles for you next issue!

FUN SITE:
http://www.auracolors.com – Didn't surprise me one bit to discover my color is crystal. Take the test and see how YOU fare.

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MILES TO GO by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN 1-58749-025-0 — a Byte^Me teen novel available from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H)
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THIS ISSUE'S NOVEL TEASER: "APOLOGY FOR THE DEVIL" by Stewart Thomas
The house was dark as they drove through the gates. Garrick looked around slowly. “Perhaps your mother went out?”

“She never leaves the house after dark.” Lia parked alongside the garage, killed the lights.

“Don’t they leave an outside light on?”

Lia stared up at the house. “Usually.”

Garrick reached over, switched off the ignition. “You know the grounds better than I do. You check them, I’ll take the house.”

“All right.” Lia took the SIG from her purse, picked up the flashlight.

Garrick stepped out of the car, moved soundlessly up the steps. He had a bad feeling about what might be waiting for them. Drawing the Smith and Wesson from his belt, he glanced over his shoulder. He couldn’t shake the disquieting feeling someone was watching them.

Lia switched on the flashlight, stepped around the side of the house. When she was out of his sight, Garrick approached the front door. It stood ajar. With his left hand he slowly pushed the door open and reaching for the light switches. He found them, flicked them up, ducked back as light swept through the foyer.

Garrick peered into the empty hallway. He took a step inside. No TV. No radio. No voices. He padded across to the foot of the stairs and listened. Nothing. The five doors off the hallway were closed. He began with the kitchen.

Garrick opened the kitchen door, immediately stopped as he heard the hissing noise. He sniffed deeply. No gas.

Something burned or burning. He opened the door wider. A pan had boiled over on the stovetop. The hissing was the final dregs of burned butter. Butter cookies. He stepped inside.

The bodies lay side by side on the floor behind the cooking island. Edwina Blaine’s face retained a look of surprise. She had been shot twice in the back, her body left to lie on its side, her blood-soaked clothes staining the ivory tiles beneath.

Garrick reached across and turned off the stove.

Carlotta had seemed more prepared. A long kitchen knife lay near her outstretched hand. Garrick turned her face so the half-open eyes looked in his direction. Perhaps she’d tried to resist. It didn’t matter. The bullet fired through the center of her forehead left her just as dead as her mistress.

He moved back to Edwina Blaine, traced his fingertips along her cheek. The skin was still warm. He guessed they’d been dead for an hour at the most. No sign of a struggle. It was as if the killer had entered by invitation. Garrick exhaled slowly. This wasn’t how it should have been.

Garrick heard the step behind him, twisted toward the sound as he rose. Lia stood there, staring down at the bodies. The flashlight fell from her left hand. “No,” she said, her voice rising quickly. “Please, dear God. No.”

As Lia moved forward Garrick caught her in his arms. She continued to stare past his shoulder to the bodies, her eyes open wide, unable to comprehend what they were seeing.

Garrick steered her backward into the hall, pulled the kitchen door closed with his foot. He held her tightly by the shoulders as she went limp.

Her pistol slipped from her other hand, clattered on the polished floor. “Why?” she moaned.

He stared into her eyes, spoke in an urgent whisper. “Lia, this is tough, but I need you to keep it together.”

She stared back at him. He wasn’t sure if she understood him or not.

“Your mother and Lottie weren’t the targets. Whoever did this came here to kill us. Do you understand?” He looked into her face, saw the accusing look.

“They came here looking for you, Garrick.” She tore free of his grip, staggered back. “You told me they wouldn’t hurt them.”

He had no ready answers, but he had to get her moving. Fast. “I don’t know why this happened, Lia, but whoever did this is probably still around. We have to search the rest of the house. I’ll take the upstairs, you check out the rest of the downstairs. You’ve got to keep it together.”

He released her, turned toward the staircase. Pausing on the lower step, he glanced back at her. “If you see anyone, don’t ask questions. Shoot first.”

Lia tried to knot her thoughts together. It was all so unreal. How could this bastard be so unfeeling? This was her mother, for Chrissake, and Lottie. Dear, sweet Lottie who’d never harmed anyone. This was so crazy.

Slowly she approached the kitchen door, wondered if the nightmare would be gone if she opened it again. Her hand shook as she reached for the handle. She took a deep breath. As she moved her hand away she exhaled.

Garrick was right. She had to remain in control. Dammit, where was her gun? She glanced around. The butt of the SIG protruded from beneath the lace cover of the circular hall telephone table. She knelt down, reached for the weapon.

“Don’t move.”

Lia froze. It wasn’t Garrick’s voice.

“Turn around slowly and show me your hands.”

Lia did as she was told. She knelt across the automatic, concealing it beneath her skirt. Her hands were in front of her. Open. Empty.

A cop stood in the open doorway of the house, his pistol pointed at her. She stared at the uniform. For a quick moment she felt relief. She swallowed, preparing to tell him what was in the kitchen.

“The bitch is in here,” he called out.

Lia felt a bitter chill as she suddenly understood why her mother had opened the door to her killer. He was a cop.

“Okay.” The answer came from outside.

The cop stared at her. “Where is it?”

Lia forced herself to answer. “Where’s what?”

“Don’t screw with me, lady. I want the disk.”

A second officer appeared. Tall, skinny, with an automatic in his right hand. He gazed around the hallway.

“Where’s the English guy?”

“There’s no one else here.”

“Don’t lie, lady. We watched you come in.” He glanced at his colleague. “Has she got it?”

The first cop shook his head. “Why don’t you make this easy,” he said to Lia. “Just tell us what we want to know.”

Lia glowered at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The tall one moved across the hall onto the staircase. “Shoot a knee out,” he said. “That usually persuades them.”

“Let’s see if that works,” said Garrick from the first landing. The Smith and Wesson in his right hand fired once. The tall man screamed as he toppled back, his left leg twisting beneath him as the bullet shattered the kneecap inside the limb. The semi automatic spun out of his hand and crashed onto the bottom stair.

In the instant that the first cop’s head turned toward the scream Lia snatched the SIG from beneath her skirt. She raised it as he turned back, her mouth suddenly dry.

He grinned at her shaking hands. “I don’t think you’ve got it in you to shoot me.”

Lia fired three rounds into his broad chest. His body twisted, fell back onto the floor, landing alongside that of his moaning colleague.

Garrick moved down the stairs slowly. His attention didn’t leave the wounded cop as he spoke. “Are you all right, Agent Blaine?”

“Yes.” Her voice sounded stronger, even to her. Suddenly she realized she was still kneeling. Pressing one hand against the table for support, she got to her feet. Her legs felt like rubber and she leaned against the wall.

“Next time don’t give them time to talk.” Garrick turned to the injured officer. “Who sent you?”

“Fuck you.”

Garrick nodded and lowered the pistol. “Maybe I tried the wrong knee.” He fired into the cop’s right kneecap.

Lia watched in horror as the man’s knee exploded in a bloody mess of material and flesh. The cop let out another scream, more agonizing than the first, stared in wide-eyed disbelief as Garrick knelt alongside him and jammed the muzzle of the 9mm into the soft flesh beneath his jaw.

“You’re fresh out of kneecaps, pal. Let’s try that question one last time.”

Lia was startled when the other cop suddenly sat up. Supporting himself with one hand, he lifted his pistol up to Garrick. “You’re dead, you English bastard.”

Garrick swung the 9mm toward the round head and fired. The side of the cop’s head erupted, showered the hall floor with bloodied bone and brain fragments.

“Not in your lifetime, pal,” Garrick said softly.

“Jesus Christ, who the hell are you?” the surviving cop hissed.

From across the hall, Lia saw the terror in his eyes as he looked up into Garrick’s impassive features.

Garrick jammed the automatic beneath the cop’s chin again. “I’m someone you don’t want to fuck with. We know you’re NSCB agents. The questions are, who sent you and why?”

The cop gasped quickly several times. His eyes rolled back into his head as his body slumped back onto the floor.

Garrick looked under the shattered right leg and scowled.

Lia moved forward. “What’s happened?”

Garrick pointed to the blood that had soaked into the wooden floor beneath the body. “The first bullet must have ricocheted off a bone and cut through the femoral artery. The bastard bled to death while we were talking.”

Lia was trembling uncontrollably. She slipped the SIG into her holster, continuing to stare in horror at Garrick. “What kind of man are you?”

“Some people need killing. Besides, they weren’t cops.” Garrick explained matter of factly. He stood up, holstered his weapon. “Who do you think killed your mother and Lottie? And just what do you think they were going to do with us?”

Lia wiped a hand across her forehead. She felt so hot, yet she wasn’t sweating. At least she had stopped shaking.

Garrick moved toward her. He reached out a hand, gently stroked her cheek with his knuckles. “Are you going to be all right, Agent Blaine?”

She swallowed hard, her lips suddenly dry. “I’ll be okay.” She glanced toward the kitchen door. God, was any of this nightmare real? Her mother and Lottie were dead, and Garrick had just brutally killed two cops, or at least two guys dressed as cops. She staggered forward. Garrick was there in an instant, one arm wrapped around her.

“What’s going on, Garrick?” she whispered.

“I don’t know, but the upstairs had been turned over.”

“What?”

“Searched. Every room by the look of it.”

She regained her balance and Garrick released her. “I can’t leave my mother and Lottie. Not like that.”

Garrick cupped her face in his hands. “They’re dead, Agent Blaine; if we stay here so might we be. Greene will come looking for his men soon.”

She shook her head. Garrick’s hold tightened just enough to stop the shaking motion. Her face contorted beneath his fingers.

“I need you to drive,” he said firmly. “You’re going to have to go upstairs and get some clothes and anything else you might need. No more than you can carry in a bag.”

She stared at him as if she’d just awoken from a deep sleep. He released her, and she wiped the back of her hand over her eyes. “Do you seriously believe we can do this?”

Garrick gently captured a tear from the corner of her right eye. “I don’t know, Agent Blaine. But someone does, or they wouldn’t be so desperate to stop us.”

“Greene will cover this up completely.”

Garrick looked away. “Probably.”

“It’ll be as if they never existed.” Lia glanced to the telephone. “Unless we uncover it first.”

“They’re bound to be able to get local police to co-operate.”

“Yeah.” Lia set her mouth in determination. “But maybe not the San Francisco FBI office. With luck they might not have covered that base.”

Garrick nodded. “That might force their hand.”

Lia glanced at the kitchen door. “They deserve better than this, Garrick. Lottie’s a Catholic, at least she was. Mom believed in God in her own way.”

“We have to leave them.”

Lia nodded. “I know. I just hope they’ll forgive me.” She forced a weak smile. “God isn’t one to bear a grudge, so they tell me.”

She looked up, saw the coldness fill his eyes.

“Maybe not,” said Garrick, “but I am.”

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APOLOGY FOR THE DEVIL by Stewart Thomas — ISBN 1-59105-006-5 eBook, ISBN 1-59105-031-6 paperback — is available in download (pdf or html) and print (trade paperback), and can be purchased direct from NovelBooks, Inc. at http://www.novelbooksinc.com for $2 off the Retail Price at $16.95 (paperback); $5.50 (download). Also Available from Amazon, B&N (brick-and-mortar stores by "special order" through Bowkers, just give the title, author and ISBN), Books-A-Million, and distributed internationally through other major online booksellers. Visit Stu at http://www.stuwriter.com
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QUICK TEASE
Gargoyle Tears
by JV Harlee
http://www.tarbuttonpress.com

CHAPTER FIVE
Voiceless Woman

Ethan had to keep himself from screaming when the smell of death surrounded him.

The boy was dead. For some unexplained reason, he knew that the ghostly figure of the boy would not harm him. He waited for the boy to speak, but nothing happened. A powerful feeling urged Ethan to turn around and look behind him toward the doors. The bell rang and he saw a girl get up from one of the tables. The boy pointed at the girl. Her mouth turned downward. The girl's raven hair bounced as she walked.

"What?" Ethan whispered to the boy.

The boy walked through the wall as Jane approached Ethan.

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GARGOYLE TEARS, Available from www.tarbuttonpress.com in a variety of formats – in electronic and paper versions.
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Bio for Valerie Hardin: Valerie is a children's fiction writer, gothic poet, artist, young adult writer, and genre writer. She is half the writing team that makes up YA writer JV Harlee. It's Like MiracleGrow for Your Kid's Brain My Grandmother's Wedding by Valerie Hardin Eppie Finalist 2003 http://www.store.yahoo.com/streetsaint/ Star Babies: A Story of Adoption http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/ Gargoyle's Tears by JV Harlee http://www.tarbuttonpress.com/synopsis%20gargoyle.html

Bio For Jennifer L. B. Leese: Jennifer writes, romance, children's, and YA fiction. She has penned the Paranormal Romance NOTES ON THE WINDOWSILL http://www.zumayapublications.com/item.php3?id=67 As half of JV Harlee, Jennifer writes gothic, horror novels for teenagers with published author Valerie Hardin. Their first book is titled, "Gargoyle Tears". Read more here: http://www.geocities.com/ladyjiraff/jvharlee.html As well as being a Mom, and a Writer, Mrs. Leese is also a book reviewer, reviewing books for her web page: ASTORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews, http://www.geocities.com/ladyjiraff/aswbr.html

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AD: NovelBooks Inc. features one of its authors every week, and that author provides a short story or novel excerpt which is then offered free to readers. Check out the site EVERY WEEK for a new story (and a different featured author) http://www.novelbooksinc.com NBI – "Surprisingly New – Always Unique"
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CONTESTS:
November 2002's Winner of my Heat Up Those Cool Fall Nights Contest at Road to Romance http://www.roadtoromance.ca/contestpage4.htm was Stephanie Geter, of Stamford, CT. Stephanie received an autographed copy of FLAMES PAST.

Congrats Stephanie, and hope you enjoy your book!

THIS ISSUE'S NEWSLETTER CONTEST:
Under the Good News, Bad News file… Good news: I won a contest and received Lauren Bach's latest romantic suspense "Slow Hands". Bad news: After I had purchased it. Good news: I'm sharing the wealth and offering, mint condition, the extra copy in this issue's newsletter contest. You know the drill, but just in case you don’t (and since I'm trying something a little different this time)… To enter for your chance to win, just send an e-mail with your name, address and e-mail to g_mac10@yahoo.com with "Slow Hands Contest" in the subject line. Contest runs until February 20, 2003. One entry per e-mail address, and per person. Refer a friend, however, (who e-mails me with his/her request to subscribe and naming you as their referral) to the newsletter before the deadline, and you get an additional entry. The more friends you refer, the more times you're entered. (Referred friend will automatically be entered in the current newsletter contest). Winner will be notified by e-mail, and mailing address will be confirmed. In the event chosen contestant does not respond within seven (7) days, another name will be drawn. I reserve the right to publish winner's name on my webpage(s) and in my newsletter.

November/December's contest winner : Eva Minaskanian of Richmond, VA received a 3.5 diskette, original DU version, of "The Guardian" by Lee Boschen. Congrats Eva and hope you enjoy the read!

GIVEAWAYS/GOOD DEALS/SHAMELESS PROMOTIONS:
"Read SHROUDED HEARTS by Cass Andre at no charge!
Bestselling, award-winning author, Cass Andre, has just released SHROUDED HEARTS, the sequel to VEILED HEARTS. If you thought Luke had woman troubles, wait until you see what Reed has put up with! Download SHROUDED HEARTS at www.booksbycass.com/shrouded.html
(formats available: doc, rtf, lit, html, kml, rb, pdf and a printable file)"

Do you like to read a chapter of a book before you buy it? Stop by Readers Read™ http://www.readersread.com/excerpts/ to read excerpts and first chapters from the newest books. Check back frequently.

Visit NovelBooks, Inc. Cyber Shops at http://www.cafepress.com/nbi where you'll find your favorite NBI cover (yes, Virginia, even Desert Dreams!) on a slew of different products—from tees and totes, to mousepads and mugs. You can also choose to purchase official NBI gear perfect for showing off to your friends or wearing out and about. Keep an eye out for new products and specials. And if you haven't so far been lucky enough to win one of the "Desert Dreams" prizes up for grabs in my previous contests, well then you might have to break down and BUY the gear. Did I mention, affordable gifts, just in time for…ANY time?

If you haven't checked it out yet, zip on over to Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com, your source of fine books in print. EP is an imprint of Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. and brings to you the same great stories—and great giveaways and sales—from your favorite Awe-Struck Awe-thors…only in print! "Earthling Press—books from your home planet."

Stay informed about lots of your favorite writers in one monthly newsletter, and consider subscribing to Writerspace-News, where you'll be kept up-to-date on Janelle Denison, Jayne Ann Krentz, Elizabeth Lowell, Stella Cameron, Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Geralyn Dawson, Susan Wiggs, Diana Palmer, Marilyn Pappano and more. To subscribe, visit http://www.writerspace.com/news.html

Want to find out: What Science Fiction Romance is, anyway, and why does Science Fiction Romance deserve its own newsletter and website? Wellllll…you guessed it, another newsletter. But, if you're really into the genre and want to keep abreast of what's coming out and going on with your favorite sfr authors, then this newsletter IS a must (I know, that's what they all say).

The newsletter, which hosts the yearly SAPPHIRE AWARDS for the best works in the genre, has been in publication since 1993/1994 and has had an active website since 1996. They publish monthly in both email and paper formats. For subscriptions to the email newsletter, simply visit the site http://www.sfronline.com/
enter your email address where indicated. For subscriptions by mail, SASEs are required, so contact the editor, Jody Wallace, at editor@sfronline.com.

And along the same lines, try THE DREAM WEAVER – "For those who believe in the magic of dreams".
It's easier than ever to read the Dream Weaver online! www.earthlycharms.com/dreamweaver.htm
Or send a blank email: DreamWeaverNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe and be automatically entered in the bi-monthly drawings.

ODDS AND ENDS:
Visit Gracie's Gallery http://hometown.aol.com/gwiz10/myhomepage/index.html and learn a little more about Gracie C. McKeever and her books. Peruse the links of interest for writers and readers. Enjoy the available articles, poems, short stories, novelettes and free book excerpts, and…Happy Reading!

Please feel free to share this newsletter with a friend or two...or a hundred! Encourage them to sign up. Or they can just drop me an e-mail expressing their wish to subscribe to the newsletter and I'll sign them up.
Want to preview the newsletter and see if it's to your liking? Check out past issues of Gracie's Gazette at
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnewsletter.asp?AuthorID=623

Thanks for reading and see you next issue!

GCM--
Two rules for life:
1) Don’t' tell people everything you know
2)