Biography

    Races operating within their own planetary systems are to be left alone until they begin to develop the ability to travel at FTL (faster than light speeds). When the ability to travel at FTL becomes apparent, one of the members of the Federation is nominated to help ease the newcomer through the Galactic citizenship process. Unfortunately, not all the galaxies systems belong to the Federation, and some of those systems are much less than friendly. The last several decades have seen the development of war like societies that systematically loot developing planets. They take the water, and other precious resources, including slaves, leaving the remaining native inhabitants a barren planet. Without resources the population simply dies a slow death. The Egolari are here because we, meaning the people of Earth, happen to possess a skill set and an aptitude that is critical to the needs of the Federation. The major problem within the Federation is that virtually all the members have, for centuries been living in peace. They have developed a society that is not well suited to counter the growing violence presented by the nonaligned races. In short, they have no way to protect themselves, let alone protect the fledgling races just arriving on the galactic scene. Enter Earth. Of all the emerging races to become future galactic members, one has a superior potential to face the violence threatened by the nonaligned races. You guessed it, Humanity. The Federation realized that to continue to function as an organized galactic society, they would have to develop a military arm that could provide the Federation and emerging systems the protection of a fleet of space vessels and marines. Humanity was the race most capable of leading the development of that military organization because we had not progressed so far that our war like tendencies had begun to erode. Although we were not yet ready for galactic membership, we were a necessity that could fill the need, thus we were getting a crash course in how to travel the galaxy, protecting ourselves and the Federation with the full expectation that we would go where no human has gone before, and kick some alien ass.

    Her father, determined to improve the family’s lot, relocates to Georgia.Ezekiel Salter scrimps to buy a ticket in Georgia’s 1807 Land Lottery, wins, and he and his impoverished family head west to newly-created Murcheson County.Prominent since colonial times, the Underwoods foresee the growing demand for cotton and acquire extensive acreage in newly-opened lands in central Georgia. Dispatched by his father, Jacob Underwood begins construction of Poplar Grove plantation.And, the slave known as Gant, his wife and daughter, Lucey, have no say as to their destination…the highest bidder will decide for them…and if the family remains intact.Spanning over fifty years, Murcheson County chronicles the four families’ fortunes against the backdrop of the most turbulent time in American history.An epic saga of slavery, emancipation, war and hardship, Murcheson County will remain in your heart long after the winds of war have stopped blowing.

    She left Queensbay, determined to leave her past behind. Now, after a mysterious inheritance she's back in town. And she's determined to make a new home for herself. Jake Owen's never forgotten his time with Colleen. It might have been ten years ago, but no one - no woman - has ever quite measured up. But he was - and is - a small town guy. And he wasn't good enough for her then. But can he show her that small town doesn't mean small time? Will he convince her that a small town guy holds the key to her heart - and her happiness? Find out if Jake Owen can win over Colleen McShane in book 6 of Drea Stein's Queensbay series.

    It also inspired us to come out with a delightful article, the ‘Indian Masketeers’, exploring Indian culture through its various masks. We also have ‘Dotty and the Albino Dragon’, the First Prize winning story in the Tinkle Original Story Competition. Moving on, we have three popular characters this issue, Shikari Shambu, Kalia the Crow and the Defective Detectives. Shambu goes on a rollicking ‘Jumbo Adventure in Assam’ while the Defective Detectives have a spine-chilling experience in ‘The Horror’. As for Kalia, can you imagine him, Chamataka and Doob Doob playing together? If you can’t, you should check out ‘Let’s Play a Game’. Next, enjoy a fun story by a reader, ‘Show Business’ in our Fan Fiction segment along with ‘Pranav’s Dadi and the Karate Kid’, where Dadi tries her hand at karate! And to wrap it up we have two diverse stories about two brave men who refused to give up. So check out ‘A Mighty Will’ and ‘No Crazy Ideas’. Enjoy!

    He's at work and will have to trek through rough neighborhoods and rural areas, and do things he never dreamed of. Walking through Southern California will stretch his skills, knowledge, and preparation to the limits. Will he survive this catastrophe of biblical proportions? Will he make it home to his family? Will his family survive until he arrives home? What will he find if he does make it? This is the story about the worst type of natural disaster and a man who will do whatever it takes to make it home to the ones he loves. A story of despair and resilience, failure and triumph. If you like the book, and even if you don't, PLEASE take a moment to rate it and leave a review. I welcome all constructive feedback as I intend to write more books and the feedback will only help me become a better writer. Thank you for taking the time to consider, and hopefully read, my book.

    The Sopwith Camels are holding their own against the German war machine and then they meet the Fokker Triplane and the pilots of the RFC began to fall. As the war drifts into 1918 the Germans have one last throw of the dice and come within a whisker of the sea. It is up to Bill, Gordy and Ted to lead their young pilots in a last desperate attempt to halt the grey wall of steel. With a dramatic climax during bloody September in 1918 the final book set in the Great War shows how the squadron emerges from four bloody years of war.

    But when the murder weapon shows up in his closet, he's forced to run. Strange phone calls from the true killer lead him to Seattle WA in order to find him and ask him why.

    

    Feisty heroines. Sweet, swoon-worthy stories.5 full-length standalones in one complete set.Everything I NeedCharley Meadows has lost nearly everything she loves. Needing to calm her mind and get away from the heartache, Charley abandons the place she’s always called home. 

But she never expected to have her newfound peace disrupted by Wes Blackman. 

Snowboarder extraordinaire turned business owner, Wes has been putting in hours to keep his company as the industry leader in snowboard production. With a board launch on the horizon, Wes finds himself back on the mountain. 

What he hadn't expected to find was a mysterious girl with a battered heart. 

Charley is afraid to take a risk and open her heart, knowing tragedy may strike again. 

Wes wants the opportunity to prove that no matter what happens, he'll always be there to pick up the pieces.Everything I HaveEmme James lives in darkness. 



Ever since her abusive relationship ended in heartbreaking tragedy, she's kept herself secluded to protect herself and those she loves. Unfortunately, Emme's plans to remain unattached fall apart the moment Zane Cunningham sets his sights on her. 

A professional snowboarder at the top of his game, Zane does not need a distraction. But when Emme walks into his life, he can't fight the pull he feels toward her and will take her any way he can get her. 

Emme struggles to resist Zane's persistent efforts to turn their friendship into something more and finally gives into the attraction between them. 

But just as Zane brings light and laughter into Emme's life, her trouble finally catches up to her. Zane promises he'll keep her safe, no matter the cost. 

Because he knows that if he can't, Emme may be lost in darkness forever.Everything I WantWhen starry-eyed dancer, Monroe Archer, met professional snowboarder Xander Stone, she believed she'd found the man of her dreams. Searching for her fairytale romance since she was a little girl, Monroe goes after what she wants. 



Stone is a grief-stricken man. At a young age, he learned that forever doesn't exist. Ever since, he's been a tortured soul just going through the motions. 


Monroe is devastated to learn that Stone wants nothing more than friendship. But just as she tries to move on, he realizes his attraction to her isn’t so easily denied. Powerless to resist her any longer, Stone starts something with Monroe knowing he is incapable of giving her forever. 



With her sweet and charming disposition, Monroe sets out to heal the wounds left on the heart of the man she loves. But it isn't long before Monroe realizes that sometimes those that love you most are the ones that hurt you the worst. Everything I LoveNikki Drake was just a little girl when she experienced her first heartbreak. Many years and several betrayals later, she's learned that life is what you make of it. Though she’s been resilient in the face of her past, it has affected one small part of her. 

Nikki refuses to give her heart to anyone ever again. 



Luke Townsend is a man most women dream about. Underneath his tall, handsome exterior, he's charming, compassionate, sensitive, and loyal. A dedicated snowboarder, Luke knows what it means to work hard for what he wants. And what Luke wants is Nikki. 


After sharing his feelings and being rejected, Luke walks away, vowing to find a way to win her heart. 

But once Nikki finally hands her heart over to him, Luke shatters her world with the truth.Everything I GiveTis the season…Life over the last ten years for the Blackman Boards crew has been better than any of the couples could have imagined. But with the holidays approaching, the women are struggling to get through the madness of Christmas plays, cookie baking, wish lists, tree shopping, and decorating while the men are desperate to soak up every ounce of affection they can get from their wives before the kids are officially on winter break.To top it off, everyone needs to do a little Christmas shopping. It’s anyone’s guess who’s going to win the award for the best gift this year. But when the big day arrives, it’s clear to see that the bonds of friendship and family are what matter the most and have given everyone a Christmas to remember.

    Rather than enjoy some drinks in front of a warm fire with her friends, contracted Slayer Clementine Johanssen has her horse saddled and weapons packed to head out into the hills and hunt down some deadly scallywags—alone. When her friends catch wind of her intentions, they set out to waylay her long enough to change her way of thinking … in spite of her mule-headedness.Reminiscent of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this catawampus tale will add a heartening dose of fun and camaraderie to your holiday!Note: This is book 3.5 of the Deadwood Undertaker Series*(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

    The Foot Soldier brings you to the hell of jungle combat. Close your eyes and this novella takes you there. It conveys the terror and brutality of jungle warfare and their effect on the American riflemen--those who bore the greatest burden. It's every bit as compelling as The Things They Carried.

    It only hits the news in times of mishap but behind the scenes of this hugely popular and vibrant city are hundreds of ex-pats living the dream of a life in the sun.John Kean’s hilarious book, ‘Lost Wife, Saw Barracuda – True Stories from a Sharm el Sheikh Scuba Diving Instructor’ is an inside fly-on-the-wall look at the ups and downs of swapping the rat race for a life in Sharm el Sheikh. It is frank, honest and gripping in sometimes epic proportions, but the humor and magnetic appeal of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt shines through every time in this beautifully written true story.Over a decade, this mild-mannered, ex-stockbroker has been chased by aggressive sharks, had a 737 airliner drop from the sky into the sea, broken four bones, been arrested three times and finally, blown up by terrorists. On the plus side, Sharm el Sheikh’s outstanding natural appeal, year round sun and amazingly talented and friendly community of Egyptian and ex-pat residents has made it a home from home, free of the stresses of everyday life in Europe.Unlike other fly on the wall or ‘inside’ books, John actually takes you along with him for the ride. His accounts are genuine, highly informative and very funny. Turning tragedy and mishap into humor is the book’s strength and you’ll find a laugh on nearly every page.The story is heavily upstaged by the comical antics of five, highly entertaining characters coming to terms with neutral buoyancy, hangovers and Egyptian taxi drivers. The legendary exploits of the latter are awarded an entire chapter where we’re introduced to, Airbag, Sharm el Sheikh’s worst driver and in contrast, Joseph, who takes up the offer of a job swap, gives John his taxi and becomes a scuba diver for the day!The most dramatic chapter of Lost Wife, Saw Barracuda is the vivid, minute-by-minute account of dive staff involvement during the Sharm bombings in July 2005. This rare civilian insight of a grand scale terrorist attack shows the human cost of those caught up and the tremendous resolve of unlikely rescuers in preventing further loss of life.Despite occasional tragedy, Lost Wife, Saw Barracuda is a positive book that will thrill and entertain, portray scuba diving as an engaging and enjoyable sport and show readers the brighter side of Sharm el Sheikh and Egyptian life. Anyone can read and enjoy this wonderfully funny story.

    Even more than a century on, Poe dwells in the dark corner of our literary consciousness. Reading Edgar Allan Poe’s works still feels like walking a razor’s edge between grim amusement and irrevocable madness. Introducing “Edgar Allan Poe: 10 Creepiest Stories” Our aim was to prepare a perfectly-formatted collection of Edgar Allan Poe's books that was designed specifically for your e-reader device at a fantastic price. We are pleased to offer you the result of our work! This tremendous "Edgar Allan Poe: 10 Creepiest Stories" series comes with the following great features: • The complete original text of over 10 short stories by Edgar Allan Poe; • Free audiobook access to full-length recordings of Edgar Allan Poe's works; • A beautifully illustrated version of Poe's most famous work - "The Raven"; • Clean formatting designed to fit any screen size; • An easy-to-use active table of contents; • BONUS - Poe's Influence - Film and Television Adaptations, Poe in Music, Literature and Comics! • BONUS - Most Famous Quotes from Edgar Allan Poe! The following stories are included in this wonderful collection: • The Raven • The Pit and the Pendulum • The Tell-Tale Heart • The Fall of the House of Usher • The Masque of the Red Death • The Cask of the Amontillado • The Murders in the Rue Morgue • The Black Cat • The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar • Hop-Frog The readers are raving about Edgar Allan Poe’s works: “Finding this incredible compendium, leaves me in total disbelief. I am thrilled. Yes, this is indeed Edgar Allan Poe: Ultimate Collection, incredibly well presented, well formatted and incredibly easy to use. What a gift to Edgar Allan Poe devotees. Highly Recommended!” “The book covers everything from his influence: film and tv adaptations, to his music, comics, and more. Beautifully written. Whether you are a Poe fan, or simply looking for a comprehensive resource - you will find everything you are looking for here - and maybe even a few surprises.” “From the beautiful and classical looking cover to the well-woven story of his life into the book, the quality of this work is top notch and SO easy to navigate. For anyone who has an affinity for literature, I highly recommend this book.” “The tales are full of Poe’s specialty - suspense - in a way that often leaves you breathless. Their length is perfect for their content - any longer and you'd be going out of your mind.” “Poe is, to my taste, the MASTER of the eerie setting and creepy story. Yes, he gets graphic on the gore, sometimes overtly to the point of overkill, but he manages to raise the hair on the back of your neck when you read his work and sometimes you need that frisson of terror to tickle across your senses.