“At least one of those scenarios might end with your life in danger,” Jofi replied.
Lyssa laughed. “Probably not the one you think.”
Southwest Truths
The story continues with book three, Southwest Truths, coming April 9, 2021 to Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Grab your copy today at Amazon!
Author Notes - Kal Arron
March 2, 2021
Arizona is typically referred to as the Grand Canyon State, but we have another nickname, the Copper State. The name speaks to Arizona’s mining past, as do the many, many ghost towns and their accompanying abandoned mines.
Years ago when visiting a local mining-themed restaurant, I found myself pondering all the old mines in the state, including the most likely apocryphal Lost Dutchman’s Mine, and how they’d make great story hooks. When I started writing this series and realized I was going to use Arizona as the main character’s home base, I revisited some of those old ideas. The question turned to what sort of adventure a pistol-wielding, motorcycle-driving sorceress would have in an old mine.
Mines have always fascinated me as they are a rich source of both ore and legends. Every culture with a history of mining has stories about dangerous creatures in them. Medieval Welsh miners feared the knocker fairies collapsing tunnels on them. Their Russian counterparts worried about the dangerous shubin spirit. Put a man in a hole and take the sun away from him, and deep, primal fears begin to rise. Those old tales can provide a lot of fodder to an author working in fantasy.
That said, I had concerns over how I wanted to approach monsters in the series. This would be the first official “introduction” of such creatures other than off-hand references in the previous book, and I knew it’d help constrain what we did with them going forward. With that in mind, I decided to steer away from the heavy use of existing legends and monsters.
Yes, this means Lyssa will never have a battle with an out-of-control Bigfoot or Chupacabra and Jofi won’t be advising her to use a showstopper on the Loch Ness Monster.
That worried me a little, because I know how much old legends and tales resonate with people, but I think we can have a good time exploring what sort of twisted creatures the bad guys might come up with and the creative ways Illuminated could take them out.
Thanks again for reading!
Kal
Please note you can contact me at [email protected]. If you want to be added to my new releases mailing list, please go to https://kalaaron.com and fill out the form on the bottom of the page.
Author Notes - Michael Anderle
March 17, 2021
Thank you for not only reading this story but taking the time to read these author notes, as well.
While Kal is discussing mines, I'm going to surprise nobody and steer clear of the subject. I have only been into a reasonably safe cavern complete with walking paths and lights set up to highlight the stalactites and stalagmites.
In short, nothing whatsoever unsafe.
…Unless a meteor crashed into earth, closing the mine forever with me in it. I admit that would be an unlikely event, but my author's mind is ALWAYS creating unlikely events.
It's a curse.
I have a theory that all people on Earth have a location on our planet that resonates with them. This supposed location provides them with peace, tranquility, and comfort. For me, that place is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
During the last five-plus years, as I grew the publishing company, I've been blessed to travel to many fantastic countries and take in the vibes, so to speak. So far, this is the little city that brings me the most joy and contentment.
It has the peaceful feeling of Moulton, the little town in central Texas where I remember the most peaceful times of my youth… Just with a LOT more water.
In Cabo, I can rest on a chair and look out over the Sea of Cortez to the left, with the Pacific Ocean off to my right.
The people here exhibit a lot of energy since this is a major tourist location, but at the same time, show the calm demeanor for which Mexico is famous. This "tomorrow" attitude helps offset the go-go-go stress I inflame in myself as I strive to build LMBPN Publishing larger.
In short, stress, meet the equalizer.
It doesn't hurt that my favorite food is Mexican, and surprise! They sell Mexican food on every corner and often between the corners as well.
Oh darn… Whatever shall I eat?
I think I'll have Mexican tacos.
I have no idea if this book is going to release near Father's Day or not, but I'd like to take a second and admit that I find Kal to be one of the most impressive fathers I know. He has an amazing level of patience and tenacity to overcome his family challenges, and I admire him.
I'm proud to be working with him.
If you like this story, take a minute and join his email list. He's worth it.
Ad Aeternitatem,
Michael Anderle
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About Kal Aaron
Kal Aaron loves a good challenge, whether it’s intelligence analysis, programming, or research science. After years of bouncing around the academic and corporate worlds, he was blessed with a family and the rare opportunity to make a living telling entertaining lies.
When not imagining dangerous fantasy worlds, he spends his time in the deserts of the American Southwest with his feisty wife, children, and pet bird.
Books By Kal Aaron
Semiautomatic Sorceress
Southwest Nights (Book one)
Southwest Days (Book two)
Southwest Truths (coming soon)
Books By Michael Anderle
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