HALLOWEEN NEW RELEASE! THE DARKER SIDE OF GOODNESS by CHERYL PIERSON

A generous demon is surprised when the human he tries to help on Halloween shows him The Darker Side of Goodness.


Join me in celebrating the release of my latest short story, a Halloween offering with all kinds of “twist” to it! Even better news? (What could be better than announcing a new release, you ask?) There may be a short film made of this story in the future!


I’m giving away a digital copy of this story to one lucky commenter today—so be sure to leave your contact information in your comment and I’ll draw a name tomorrow!


Blurb:
When Jack Daniels goes into the local bar for a drink on Halloween, he meets Christian Lightfoot, a demon who shows him the truth about his wife Ashley’s infidelity. Jack learns he’s about to become the recipient of a large inheritance, and his wife has plans for it—plans that don’t include him. Will he live in spite of her evil plot to murder him, or will he choose another path…and walk upon The Darker Side of Goodness?


EXCERPT from THE DARKER SIDE OF GOODNESS:


“Who are you?” The thought bounced between them, back and forth, like a ping pong ball. But Jack knew he’d thought of it first.


“Not ‘who,’ Jack. ‘What’ am I?” the smooth voice responded. Christian reached for his glass and took a sip of his drink. He let out a slow, deep sigh of satisfaction.


“It’s been a long time,” he murmured aloud. “Each year seems to grow longer and more tedious. But it’s worth the wait.”


Jack pushed his drink away. He’d had enough. Things were turning just a bit too weird. A sense of loss went through him. He’d been enjoying his time here at The Thirsty Traveler. Now, this odd stranger had invited a wave of unease into the bar. Jack looked around. He and Christian were alone. Everyone else had left. Even Dale was nowhere in sight.


“What does that mean?” Jack asked nervously. He could feel his palms getting clammy. He eased the stool back a couple of inches.


Christian shook his head. “No need to be afraid, Jack. You are my project this year. I wouldn’t dream of hurting you…not on this night, anyway.” He cocked his head. “Now, last night, perhaps you’d have had something to fear. Tomorrow, you’ll have to be on the lookout again. But tonight, you’re safe.”


Jack moistened his lips. “I am so out of here.”


“Oh, not yet.” Christian’s lips slanted upward as he watched Jack struggle to get down from the bar stool. He took another sip of his gin. “I have some things to say to you, my friend,” Christian went on, “when you’re ready to listen.”


Jack struggled to keep the dismay at his own helplessness from his expression. Panic edged his voice. “I just need to…to go home. Ashley will be wondering—”


“Ashley.” Christian spat her name as if it were something foul-tasting.


Jack looked at him in surprise. He stopped struggling.


“It should be clear to you, Jack. It should all be clear, by now. You need to cut your losses. Move on.” He gestured with his hands as he spoke, but didn’t raise his voice.


Panic filled Jack’s chest. Hadn’t he been thinking something very similar just a few minutes before Lightfoot had slid onto the stool beside him? And he hadn’t really ‘slid,’ had he? He had just appeared, with a glimmer and flash.


“Now, don’t be afraid, Jack. I know—I know what you’re thinking. ‘Who is this demon, and what does he want with me.’ Right?”


“Demon?”


Oh, dear God.



If you just can't wait to see if you've won, here is the Amazon link. It's also available at Smashwords and Barnes and Noble, as well as other digital outlets. Don't forget to leave your contact info in your comment!

http://www.amazon.com/Darker-Side-Goodness-Cheryl-Pierson-ebook/dp/B00NUGANR6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1411579230&sr=1-1&keywords=the+darker+side+of+goodness

Writing About Combat Veterans - Part 1: Coming Home

No two combat veterans are alike. However, there are some characteristics that set them apart from the general public and even from the people those veterans were before their wartime experiences. To create and write believable combat veteran characters, it is important to understand a few traits that may exist to one degree or another.

Bien Hoa, Vietnam-Personnel destined to return to the U.S.--NARA

First, I understand that there are five branches of military service in the United States: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. I do not wish to offend anyone who has served in any of the branches. I understand that marines, sailors, airmen and members of the Coast Guard may not consider themselves soldiers. However, for the sake of my blog series, I will use the generic term of soldier even when what I say also applies to members of all service branches.

We have heard a great deal about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. I will cover that in a future post. For today’s topic, what is important to understand is that not all combat veterans suffer from PTSD. But, even for those combat veterans who don’t, having been in a war zone almost always changes them.

From Steve Matthews Facebook page

As a rule, a combat veterans do not turn off their warrior mentality just because they have left a war zone. With few exceptions, war experiences change how soldiers view the world and the people around them. Most soldiers find that once they find themselves in combat situations, they have to make these changes in order to survive. The heat of a fire fight is not the time to carefully consider options, think things through and develop a detailed plan before taking action. Too often in the thick of battle, survival depends on an instant response. Those who are unable to adapt to a warfare mentality are often killed or wounded early on.

US Army 51790- Broncos return home to Hawaii

Behaviors learned in a war zone, particularly those that increase a soldier’s chances of staying alive, return with the soldier. Combat veterans cannot easily turn off those instinctual reactions and the survival thinking they develop just because their airplane lands or ship docks safely back home. Those behaviors become ingrained and may remain with them the rest of their lives. Charles Hoge said it all in the title of his book about the challenges facing returning combat veterans:  Once a Warrior - Always a Warrior.

To prepare for writing about a combat veteran returning home from war, keep the following in mind:

1.  To one degree or another, combat veterans bring their warrior mentality home with them. It was what kept them alive while in the war zone. They cannot turn it on and off like a light switch. For many, it becomes ingrained.

2.  Research and know your war. Learn about the national attitude regarding combat veterans in your time period. How well combat veterans adapted when they came home often depended on the level of support and appreciation they received. For example, at the end of the American Civil War, people were tired of the war and wanted to put everything to do with war behind them. Many fled west to escape it. Veterans from World War II were perceived as “the greatest generation” and received ongoing support and appreciation. Veterans of the Vietnam War were often looked down upon and persecuted.

Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans have come home to joyful reunions full of praise and respect--much it televised in a positive, supportive light. However, one of the challenges Iraq and Afghanistan veterans often experience is reconciling the indifference of most of the American people outside of their military units and immediate family with the focused intensity of the war zone they left behind. For society as a whole, life continues here at home in the United States as if there is no war, no danger, no enemy bent on destroying our country.

3.  If possible, talk to combat veterans and ask them to share their experiences. This may be a challenge since many veterans are unwilling talk about the war or how it affected their lives. For those wars further back in time, seek out memoirs written by combat veterans.

4.  Research and know the traits combat veterans often may exhibit. Not everyone is alike, nor will they develop the same characteristics. But learn from those who have studied the issues combat veterans face.

My novel, Family Secrets, scheduled for publication on October 28th by Fire Star Press, is not a war novel. It is about three generations of a family, their challenges and their secrets. Grandpa Mike is a Vietnam War veteran (1967-68) who for forty years refused to talk about the war. Seeking to better understand her estranged husband serving in Afghanistan, his granddaughter, Jennie Howell, coaxes him into sharing his experiences. The following is an excerpt of some of what Mike says about what it was like for him after he returned home from Vietnam:

     Once I arrived home, I knew I could never operate equipment again without thinking of Nam. I decided to work at the Post Office. As another federal agency, I could apply my years in the Army towards my retirement and pay level.

     Even there, it was best not to say too much about being in the war. Too many non-veteran employees stereotyped all Vietnam vets as crazy. Sure, some of us had our problems. Some idiot at work would drop a plastic letter tray behind me and the sharp report sounded like gunfire. I would immediately drop to the floor or assume a fighting stance, ready to attack the enemy that was threatening me. Those who had never been in combat either thought it was funny or muttered in disgust. It was all I could do to keep from punching someone’s lights out when that happened. Didn’t those idiots understand kill or be killed?

     The guys who had served in Nam understood. We survived over there by reacting swiftly to defend ourselves and our buddies from any perceived threat.

     We vets tended to take our morning break at the same time. We all sat together in the swing room so we could support each other. It didn’t matter that we weren’t all from the same service or that we never knew each other in Nam. We were there. We knew you can’t turn off being combat-ready just because you made it back home. Even the old guys from the other wars understood that.

     This, of course, set us apart even more from the others. When I heard people at work bad-mouth vets, I’d get so angry it was all I could do to not give them a piece of my mind. But, I knew if I did that, it would just reinforce their opinion that because I had fought in Vietnam, I was nuts.

New Release: A HEART FOR A HEART by Cheryl Pierson -- Giveaway

Today Cheryl will be giving away a e-copy of her story A Heart for a Heart to one person who leaves a comment on this blog. Be sure and put your contact information if you want a chance to win.

BLURB
Kiera Leslie is all set to welcome Cory Tiger into her home as a foster child. Orphaned and with a learning disability, Cory is looking forward to living with his tutor. Until his uncle shows up...
Sam Tiger returns from military duty to find his deceased brother's son being taken in by a stranger. The boy needs his family and Sam is it. He never expects the tutor to stand up to him and want to keep Cory. Then the worst happens—he finds himself attracted to Kiera.


It’s Valentine’s Day, and Cupid’s got deadly aim!

EXCERPT

“Let's try it again, Cory.” Kiera Leslie pushed her hair back and straightened her shoulders. Nothing was more uncomfortable than these elementary school plastic chairs. They'd been working on the spelling words for the past twenty-five minutes, over half of their tutoring time gone for the day. “Look them over one more time.”

“Yes, Miss Kiera,” Cory murmured, dutifully bending to his task again.

“Cory?”

The ten-year-old looked up at her with eyes as black as coal. His expression gave away nothing.

“Is...everything all right at the Landrums'?”

“I guess.” He scuffed his feet together under the table. “When can I come live with you, though?”

Kiera smiled. “Tomorrow, sweetie.” She put a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I know it's been a very hard month for you—losing your parents and having to go into foster care.” He nodded, and she sensed his hesitancy.

“I don't like Mr. Landrum. He says things—” Cory broke off.

“Like what?” Kiera figured she had a pretty good idea, and when Cory didn't answer, she knew she'd been right. “About you being Indian?” Cory nodded, and lowered his head.

Anger shot through her, and she steadied herself before she went on. “What does he say, Cory?”

“He calls me “Chief” and he says stupid stuff in front of people. The other day, one of the neighbors came over and Mr. Landrum tried to make me dance. I told him no, and he said I had to—to dance, or I couldn't have supper.”

“What?”

“I'm not lyin' Miss Kiera. I promise.”

“I know, honey,” she reassured him. “What happened next?”

Cory raised his head and looked at her directly. “I wouldn't do it. So I didn't get any supper. Mrs. Landrum came in later on and gave me a couple of cookies and a glass of milk.”

“Oh, Cory—”

“It didn't matter.” He shrugged. “And I've just got one more night—”

One more night in hell. Kiera's lips pressed together, her mind tumbling. If she called the case worker, maybe...

“Miss Kiera, when I come to stay with you, could we order pizza sometimes? The Landrums don't believe in pizza.”

Kiera smiled. “We'll have it tomorrow night, to celebrate.” Kiera had pulled some strings to get the courts to allow Cory to be placed in her home. She'd just completed her training and background check two weeks earlier, and a friend who worked for the Department of Human Services had arranged Cory's permanent placement with her, even though she was single. The system had need of good homes, and that didn't necessarily mean two-parent homes any more, with so many of them disappearing nowadays. Kiera had passed with flying colors, and she was looking forward to welcoming Cory Tiger into her life.

She'd been Cory's tutor for the past three years, ever since the middle of second grade. Somehow, despite all the problems he'd faced, he'd managed to pass. Since she'd become his tutor, Kiera had come to know Cory and he'd opened up to her after the first few weeks they'd met.

As time went by, Kiera could see that Cory was struggling to beat the odds stacked against him. An alcoholic mother, a drugged-out father, a baby sister who had already been given to distant relatives to raise, and on top of everything, a mild form of dyslexia.

Kiera had already begun the foster care training program, and nearly had it completed when Cory's parents were killed in a car wreck. The Landrum household was a stopgap measure until Cory could be placed somewhere permanently. Tomorrow, she hoped with everything in her, that transition would happen smoothly.

“I'm ready,” Cory muttered under his breath.

Kiera's throat tightened at the worried doubt in Cory's voice. He'd been through so much—it had to all work out, for his sake. She patted his arm. “It's going to be fine, Cory.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “You'll see.”

He nodded, still looking uncertain as he turned back to study his spelling words before they went over them again.

Kiera glanced toward the door of the library, catching a glimpse of movement. A tall serviceman stood just inside the doorway in camo pants, a nondescript gray t-shirt and combat boots. His skin was a shade darker than Cory's, but when he met her eyes, she knew there could be no doubt that he and the boy were related.

Her heart jumped. He looked at her without smiling, then started toward the table where she and Cory sat.

Cory looked up, startled at first, then a joyous smile lit his face. “Uncle Sam!” He pushed the chair back quickly and stood, just as the man reached him, engulfing him in a hug.

“Cory!” He went down to his haunches after a moment, looking at Cory, his hands rubbing Cory's arms and shoulders. “Look at you!”

“I'm ten now!”

Sam laughed and came to his feet, ruffling Cory's dark hair. “I know.”

Handsome. My God, the man was handsome. With eyes as penetrating and knowing as if he carried the wisdom of the ages, short cropped black hair, and an easy, killer smile.

BUY LINKS

Smashwords    Barnes and Noble Nook

Fire Star Press New Release Always and Forever by Cheryl Pierson -- Giveaway

Today Cheryl will be giving away a e-copy of her story Always and Forever to one person who leaves a comment on this blog. Be sure and put your contact information if you want a chance to win.

Blurb:

At a children's Halloween carnival, a Gypsy fortuneteller predicts a new love for both Cindy and Gage. When the two meet over a poorly carved pumpkin, love flickers to life and the stars begin to align.

But the odds of finding a new love later in life seem insurmountable, and the prophecy seems too good to be true. After all, Gage has been burned before and Cindy doesn't believe in fortunes or second chances.

Will doubt overshadow their attraction or has love already been set in motion? Can the star-crossed pair put their faith in the love that was foretold? Can they believe in each other?

Sample:

“I'm sorry, Jack.” Cindy Taylor looked down at her six-year-old grandson, then glanced again at the sad excuse for a jack-o-lantern they were trying to carve together. Winning the school carnival pumpkin judging competition was going to be out of their reach tonight, Cindy thought ruefully. “I guess I'm out of practice. It's been a lot of years since I did this last.”

Jack patted her arm seriously. “It's all right, Nana. It's been a long time since you had a kid. You'll do better next year.” But Cindy could see the disappointment in her grandson's features—the deep brown eyes and square chin that reminded her so much of his father it hurt.

The school gymnasium had been transformed with colored lanterns and Halloween decorations in orange, black, and purple hues. Crepe paper streamers hung across the rafters and cutouts of witches, spiders, and black cats were attached at different heights.

The school principal, Mr. Jameson, and several of the teachers were in costume around the room, distributing candy, and hosting the activities and games. Cindy had even brought herself to enter the gypsy fortune teller's booth earlier, pushing aside the feeling of unreasoning trepidation. Thankfully, her “fortune” proved so ludicrous she'd barely managed to keep from laughing before she exited the small enclosure. Finding a second chance at love at her age was a miracle not even a real gypsy could arrange.

“Really,” Jack said, fidgeting beside her now. “It looks...all right.”

Jack's attempt at comforting her brought a lump to her throat. As much as she'd lost this past year, he had lost more. Her son and daughter-in-law had been killed in a car accident. Jack had lost his entire world. And now, he was trying to console her over the tacky job she'd done of pumpkin carving.

This was supposed to be fun. An alternative to going door-to-door for treats. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she remembered past Halloween holidays. Her son, Brian, had always loved this holiday above all others. But for her, the noise of the crowded room suddenly seemed overwhelming. She wanted it to be over, and she wanted to be someplace soothing. Someplace quiet.

“Nana? Is it all right if I go over there?”

A group of boys stood waiting their turn to go into the inflatable castle. Cindy smiled. “Sure. You go ahead, sweetie. I'll see if I can't make ol' Snaggletooth, here, a bit more presentable.”

“Jack!”

He turned at the excited voice, a smile lighting his face. “Star!” He ran forward and grabbed his classmate by the hand. Jack pulled the girl toward her, and Cindy bent low as he introduced them.

“Nana, this is my very best friend, Star Ross. She's the one I told you about that can play the wooden flute, and she makes up her own music, too!”

Cindy looked into the girl's face. Her Indian heritage was evident in the high cheekbones, dark eyes, and her coal black hair.

“And she can dance!”

Cindy couldn't help but laugh at Jack's enthusiasm. “Hello, Star. I'm Jack's grandmother.”

“Wow. You don't seem like a grandmother!” The smile never left Star's face. “You're too young. And pretty!”

Before Cindy could reply, a male voice interrupted. “Hey, where's my girl gotten off to?” Cindy looked up to see a tall, muscular man coming toward them. There was no doubt he was related to Star. His black eyes flashed with the same mischievous glint, his skin the same gorgeous olive color as Star's.

“Hey, Jack!” He reached to shake Jack's hand as he joined them.

“I'm Star's dad, Gage Ross.” He gave Cindy a slow smile, extending his hand to her. She took it, mesmerized, barely remembering her manners at the last second.

“Cindy Taylor. I'm...uh, Jack's—” She broke off, suddenly hating the word ‘grandmother'. There was only one word worse in her book, and Jack chose that particular time to use it.

“This is my granny, Mr. Ross. I just call her Nana, though.”

Cindy couldn't remember ever wanting a roll of duct tape as badly as she did right at the moment. She felt the flush burning her neck and face in record time.

Gage seemed to understand. He regarded her gravely, not glancing at Jack. “You have a lovely Nana, Jack. Thank you for the introduction.”

“Can we go now?” Jack asked. “I see Derek over there.”

“Sure,” Cindy answered softly. She glanced down to give Jack a reminder to be careful, only to find that he and Star were already halfway across the gym floor.

“I've been waiting a long time to meet you,” Gage said. “Seems like forever.”

Links:

Smashwords      B&N  

Bio:

Cheryl was born in Duncan, OK, and grew up in Seminole, OK. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma, and holds a B.A. in English. Cheryl lives with her husband in Oklahoma City, OK, where she has been for the past 29 years. 

Writing is so much a part of her life that recently, she and long-time friend Livia Reasoner, opened a publishing house for western and historical stories.

For adult contemporary/futuristic stories and novels, check out their imprint FIRE STAR PRESS http://firestarpress.com.