Ciao, amici. The random word generator gave me a difficult choice this week. I settled on the word SHAME.
I haven’t released the title and cover of book 2 yet, so I can’t tell you anything more than this excerpt is from the second Astral Conspiracy Series book in the Invasion Universe.
Without further ado, here’s a snippet from the novel.
SHAME
Jordan’s leg was already saturated and his coloring was gray. He wasn’t going to make it out of the cemetery, let alone to the jet. But (name redacted) wasn’t about to tell them that.
Shame to lose the knife, though.
Norton hooked his hands under his buddy’s armpits then started dragging him away on his ass.
I know—I’ve been choosing such small excerpts, they’re more like teasers. It’s just really difficult to select a longer passage and not give away anything important. And, if you decide to read book two, I don’t want to spoil any surprises.
Book two is already done, so technically it’s not a work-in progress so much as a work-you-haven’t-seen-yet. But of the ten words I was given, it was easier to find a passage from book two than from book three.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one. And to know what you’re currently working on. Let’s talk about it.
Note to self: beware Staci’s WIP Wednesdays. She puts up teasers and I can’t even preorder the book yet 😀 😀 Great teaser, BTW 😀
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I love that note! Thanks so much!
And these will be available before you know it. (My head’s already spinning thinking about it.)
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Ugh, talk about teasing! I’m almost finished a massive book series I’ve been reading, so I’ll finally be freed up to get into my TBR list….. including the Astral Conspiracy series!!
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It’s always bittersweet to end a favorite series. But I’m excited to be on your TBR list when you’re done!
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I love this idea, Staci. Short sharp and succinct. It’s a great way to lure in potential readers. As for me, I’ve just completed the final draft of my new Psychological Thriller. ‘The Reckoning Squad’.I’m about ready to send it out to those great folks that grant me the privilege of being my beta-readers.😊
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Beta readers are the best. Congratulations on finishing! Looking forward to your release.
Thanks, Soooz.
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Don’t you just love the feeling of completing a new book! I currently resemble a frantic Meerkat on steroids. Not a good look. 😂
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I do love that feeling. I also look like that frazzled meerkat pretty much every day!
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Poor Jordan, doesn’t sound like he’s in good shape. Curious what they planned to do with the knife, though!
Great teaser!
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Thanks, Jacquie. I’m having fun letting a random word decide which passage to post. Glad this one sparked some curiosity. 🙂
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In my crazy busy world, short snippets that are well-written and tight are much more appealing than wordiness that doesn’t tell much in the end. Your snippet was perfect! It didn’t go the direction I thought it would when I saw the word prompt. I expected something that showed a person feeling shameful for some action. I love this! What am I working on? I’m treading water trying to catch up, but soon I am going back to working on my non-fiction book, “The Next Chapter,” written specifically to help women who have lost their spouses move forward with a busy and satisfying life.
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Well, my embarrassment “shame” was yesterday, so I thought I’d go a different way today. Glad it took you by surprise.
It does seem shorter is preferential to longer (especially when longer is rambling). I think I’ll continue to do teasers rather than excerpts.
I know all about that treading water feeling. Your nonfiction sounds like both a passion project and a work the world needs. Wishing you easy writing with it. Hugs!
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This is like getting handed one potato chip. Gimme the bag and no one gets hurt. Seriously this sounds terrific. Me? I’m just plugging away at my historical, paranormal, sci-fi, thriller, romance adventure. Currently at 45,000+ words and no clarity as to primary genre yet. Might have to call it Speculative Fiction and let it go at that
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That is such a delightful compliment! Thank you!
I love that you have work spanning genres. Maybe you can create your own custom mashup. Do you think HisParaSciThrillRomVenture is catchy? Or AdRomThrillSciParaTorical? 🤔
You might need to go speculative with lots of sub-categories.
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Both are great. Thanks, Staci.
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Well now I need to read the rest!
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Yay! Thanks, Jacqui.
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I hadn’t even thought about micro excerpts, but I can see the potential. I’m going to start a few teasers tomorrow. You’ll have to let me know if I’m out of my mind, or not. Shame is a great thing. It can be such a great character motivation and lead to justification for all kinds of things.
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I was worried about doing micros, but people seem to be responding favorably. I think I’ll stick with them.
I can’t wait to see your teasers. And I already know you’re not out of your mind.
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Hold that thought until tomorrow. Micro excerpts might be a good way to pull off mutual promo, or include in my inevitable blog tour. I need to halt writing and focus on some of this now.
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I love the idea as micros for a group promo.
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I don’t mind the short teasers at all. Things aren’t looking good for Jordan – if he’s in the first book, I haven’t met him yet. You know I’m working on final edits and will have them finished come hell or high water before leaving for vacation next Friday.
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You’ve been working so hard! You deserve a restful vacation.
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I actually like the short snippets over longer sections. They really do act as teasers and make me eager to get my hands on the book so I can see what’s going on.
I’ve been so neglectful of my own writing this summer. I’m hoping once I put a few obligations behind me, I’ll be able to focus better. Autumn is always an excellent writing time for me.
Looking forward to Astral Conspiracy Book 2!
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I find it difficult to write in the summer, too. I don’t think heat is conducive to productivity.
I’m glad to know the shorter excerpts are working. Maybe I’ll stick with those for a while. Thanks!
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Hmm, now I’m curious. They’re in a cemetery? A crappy place to die, but it doesn’t sound good for Jordan. Now I’m trying to remember the name of the poor agent who’s working with Nadia. I liked him. She’d throw Jordan under the bus, though. Can’t wait to read book 2!
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The partner you’re referring to is Dev Chandra. (Not telling if he’s there or not!) He’s a pretty good guy.
You’re right about Nadia, though. She’d throw anybody under the bus to get what she wants. 🙂
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Super teaser. I like this new feature, too. And like everyone who’s read The Gate, I’m eagerly awaiting book two!! “Shame” on you for teasing us like this! 😀 Okay, it’s not a shame at all. It’s a great way to make me eager to get my hands on this book. Congratulations on your approaching release. 🙂 ❤
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Eager is good. That’s what I was going for. So glad you’re enjoying this new Wednesday theme. Thanks, Marcia. ❤
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I can’t wait for the next release either. The phase does leave you wanting more. Good one.
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Music to my ears, Michele. Thanks.
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I’m looking forward to Book two (and three thereafter). I’m working on a group of short stories that I hope to publish later this year.
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Thanks, Joan. I’m looking forward to your collection.
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Great teaser! Looking forward to reading the prequel soon.
My WIP: still working on fleshing out some scenes that I wrote too fast during NaNoWriMo last November. Been side-tracked by my “kid in a candy store” introduction to NetGalley and the resulting promise of book reviews by publication. Thinking about doing some short stories based on my WIP to help me conceptualize the back story more fully – my long and windy process.
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Short stories tied to a novel or series are great marketing tools.
I know just what you mean about the kid-in-a-candy-store feeling at NetGalley.
Wishing you much success with your NaNo revisions!
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You mentioned to me before about short stories. That’s what gave me the idea! Thank you for that:)
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Oh, I’m so glad to have helped! ❤
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Awesome teaser!
My WIP: I’m working on the bazillionth (okay, maybe just the 4th) draft of my first novel, a ghost story set in Virginia.
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I love ghost stories! (And revisions can feel like you’ve done them a bazillion times, can’t they?) Looking forward to your release.
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Nice teaser, Staci. So looking forward to books 2 and 3! I’m currently working on Exodus, book 1 of The Colony Series. One of my characters just developed something totally unexpected, lol. Sometimes, I wonder what my Muse is on!?!? The way she’s panning out, Shame would be a good word for her. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Knowing the unexpected turn to which you’re referring, I’m inclined to agree. LOL
It sounds like your WIP is coming along, though. Kudos!
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Of course I wonder why they are there and if they make it. Nice teaser.
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That was actually a difficult scene to write. I’m glad it piqued your interest. Thanks, Denise.
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