Ask The Author: Q & A's

 

These are questions from random people who have read some of my books.

Q: In your book, The Maze from Hell, can you give me more background info on Syra and Kyle? It doesn’t appear that you wrote about their life before the Backrooms.

A: You’re right. This is their background:

Kyle, a divorcee, is five years younger than Syra, and is a father to three kids—two daughters and a son. While working the night shift at Walmart, he accidentally found himself in the Backrooms. How it happened was, during a break, he stepped into the restroom, and when he emerged, he was met with a disorienting yellow maze instead of the familiar store.

Turning around, he realized the door he exited had vanished. Navigating through level 0 like many before him, he made his way to other levels until he encountered one of the colonies and decided to stay.

Syra was a married woman with a loving family. Her children were already adults when she mysteriously vanished. The details of how she found herself in the Backrooms are hazy, as her experiences there have clouded her memories of the events leading up to her arrival. Initially, she faced the same challenges as others in that non-Euclidean dimension, but eventually, she reached the Raiders colony and met Kyle. Accepting that returning home was no longer an option, Syra and Kyle formed a bond, navigating their new reality together while learning from the people around them.

Q: Was Mr. Smith, in your book, A Time Traveler’s Companion, have other companions not mentioned in your book?

A: Yes, but they were short lived. After Melanie left but before he met Remi, he had a brief encounter with a woman from the day spa where he first took Remi. Following that, there was Ella, whom I mentioned in the book, along with a few others. However, it was Remi who truly captured his heart and became his long-term companion until her passing. Later, during his fifth incarnation, he took Ryla as a companion, however she referred to him as uncle because of their history. No intimate encounters between them. When Ryla dies, years later, he continues his journeys with new companions.

Q: You mentioned that A Time Traveler’s Companion is loosely inspired by a fanfiction you wrote. Does it follow the original story?

A: Well, it’s a bit of both. While some elements from the fanfiction remain, many aspects have been altered. Given that it’s a Doctor Who fanfic, I made several changes during the writing process, which unexpectedly led to the novel exceeding 500 pages. I believe the story stands apart from the fanfiction, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my book.

 

Q: In your book Flare, you mentioned that Cher knows Jane’s parents. Can you elaborate?

A: They were quite close, as Cher often assisted the Hunters, the organization to which Jane’s parents belonged. Their friendship deepened over the years, and Cher was present when Jane was born. However, after Jane’s parents passed away, Cher couldn’t take her in due to her nature as an energy vampire.

Cher is an enigmatic individual and remains so throughout the Phoenix Files book series. She will appear in one of the volumes from the series, assisting Jane on one of the assignments.

Thank you for visiting this blog and if you have any questions regarding my books, please feel free to ask.

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CG Heandez

Cecile Garcia

KO-Fi

NEW ENTRY

Tired of the Whole AI Crusade

 

Lately, I've noticed a surge of comments about supposed authors using AI in various ways, and honestly, I'm tired of the ongoing crusade against indie and self-published writers. Many of those accusing indie authors of relying on AI seem more interested in stirring up drama and attracting views than in any genuine concern about the issue. Ironically, the same individuals who are now criticizing authors for potential AI use are the ones who dismissed indie authors over a decade ago. For instance, I received some pretty harsh reviews for my first book published in the 2000s, which just goes to show that this kind of negativity isn't new, it just has taken on a new face. If you can't see the image, please click on it.

Don’t think that this person would use the ai excuse to put down indie authors now? Well, guess again.

Other Author’s shaming & accusing other authors of using ai:

I saw a comment on Threads about an author who made a video accusing 67 other authors of using AI for their images, book covers, and writing. Apparently, she participated in a contest with them a year ago and might have lost, which could explain her need to vent and criticize the others. In her video, she named these authors and claimed they were using AI, but she provided no evidence to back up her accusations. That was uncalled for. What a bitch, right?

Below is the screenshot of the thread:

It hasn’t changed, it is the same behavior I’ve seen online and in real life toward indie authors. I’m not speaking for all authors, but I do know that most are not using ai for writing however if they used it for images or videos or a book cover, that’s their business, not the accuser’s. If you're judging an author's work based solely on the images or videos, they use to promote their books, it's best to just scroll past. If it triggers you, to a point of insanity, simply move on; it's really that easy. You don't have to purchase their book, especially when there are others that are buying their books. While it's true that AI has disrupted the industry and many innocent authors are caught in the crossfire, indie authors should toughen up and recognize that negativity often stems from jealousy among critics. The woman who accused 67 authors in her video, has taken it down now from YouTube, probably because of all the rage it invoked but maybe that’s what she wanted. Figures, right. A person like her is far from professional and instead of being supportive and actually giving the benefit of the doubt, she chose to be a--well you know what I mean.

Q & A

YouTube

Threads

Ko-Fi

 

Unpopular Opinion

 

Authors keep trying to justify that they wrote/write their own books and did not use ai, even though they weren’t ask to prove it. Just stop. If you’ve been writing for quite some time and have published several books throughout the years, you don’t have to justify yourself.

Just put your books out there, let the readers enjoy your books. Another thing: Yes, AI paranoia runs rampant but just because a publisher or indie author uses a video that may seem like ai generated to advertise an author’s book, doesn’t mean the book itself is ai generated! 

Trolls and haters will always cause online drama to deter readers away from author’s books because that’s what they do. Believing their lies will only mean you’re missing out on a potentially good novel. By the way, authors shouldn’t have to pay an influencer to promote their book. If the influencer likes your book then they should mention it in their podcast or stream, for free. Indie authors shouldn't pay someone to review their books either. Reviews/rates will come when the readers posts them. I made a short video of this blog entry, not all of what I have written here made it into the video, though. if you have your own opinion about this entry, please I encourage people to post their comments.

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CG Heandez

Updates on my Books 2026

I am sharing a link to my blog under CG Heandez where I post updates on books I've written under that pseudonym. Please visit and comment on any entry you wish. Thank you. 

CG Heandez

Cecile Garcia

Leaving Reviews Help

Pseudonyms:Why Authors Use Them 

End of the Year Updates: 2025

 

This past year has been incredibly challenging for my family and me, especially after losing my husband in September. May he rest in peace. Despite the difficulties, I’ve managed to make some strides with my writing, particularly with my books. This year, I released three books: two are low-content titles, and one is an eBook featuring a short story I originally shared on Wattpad and AO3. For the eBook, I went with my pseudonym, CG Heandez, so if you're interested in checking it out, make sure to search for it under that name. 

I recently discovered that a book sharing the same title as one of my own (Chandra’s Quest) is available at Walmart and Target. I was flabbergasted, as I had assumed that major retailers typically avoid stocking books with few or no ratings/reviews. I found out that the author used a certain website to push her book out there and I’ll be doing the same for one of my other books that I have not yet published into a paperback book yet. It’s worth mentioning that while both books (Chandra's Quest) share the same title, their content is quite different.

My Chandra’s Quest has been around for 23 years, its first edition published in 2003. The second edition published in 2013, which brought together all four books of the series into a single volume. This comprehensive edition spans 567 pages, eBook & paperback version.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge that "Lost in the Backrooms: The Phoenix Files vol. 1" has achieved the highest number of downloads this year and last. This outcome has taken me by surprise, yet I am pleased with the success it has garnered. Though it may not have as many rates/reviews as I'd hope but I'm still pleased with what it has. Next, The Secret Diary of a Gypsy Heart is now available in paperback, and I've made some updates to it as well. 

Which of my books do I want to see at major retail stores? 

Chandra’s Quest and A Time Traveler’s Companion, both titles have a page count that exceeds over 400. However, I believe that there's no way I can make Chandra's Quest available on IngramSpark, but I will publish A Time Traveler's Companion as a paperback there.

*Currently I'm in the process of editing A Time Traveler’s Companion, giving it the last look over before releasing it as an eBook on Amazon. Page count for this book is 564. 

 Books under my pseudonym Cecile Garcia

Books currently available under the pseudonym CG Heandez

Have a Happy New Year!

CG Heandez

Lost in the Backrooms: Excerpt from Chapter 4

 

(An excerpt from Lost in the Backrooms: The Phoenix Files vol. 1, Chapter 4)

An energy burst swooped through Jane and MK as they fell onto the dingy yellow carpeted floor. Jane quickly jumped up onto her feet, grabbed her crossbow from the backpack and held it tightly in her hands as she looked around vigilantly. MK stood up, “Damn that was a drop,” she said, feeling a bit dizzy. “Shh, keep your voice to a whisper, remember that even though it seems like this place is empty, it’s not.”

 “Okay,” MK mouthed. The sound of the florescent lights sounded above like bees in a hive.

 “They are kinda loud but not that bad,” MK pointed at them, Jane nodded.

  “Father Patrick gave me these,” Jane handed MK earplugs.

 “This will muffle out the buzzing a bit. They are comfy but useful and they are also ear-coms,” said Jane. They both put earplugs in their ears. “I don’t hear the buzzing as much now, though I’m sure it will get louder as we move onward.” MK tested the ear-coms by tapping on the bud of the device.

 “Can you hear me?” Jane nodded then took out the tracker that Father Patrick gave her. The tracker is the size of a flip-phone from the 2000’s. It has a silver cross embedded at the center. “Nothing,” Jane whispered. “The girl would’ve popped up on the tracker if she was close, but nothing yet.”

A worried look shadowed her face. “Don’t worry Jane, we’ll find her and maybe some of the others that may have disappeared.” 

“Maybe but our first priority is Talia, that’s who we are here for.” They proceeded onward, stopping to look around, taking in the sights. MK gulped, “So, I wonder if they can see us through the bodycam?” asked MK.

 “I think, but not sure. They can see what we can see but he didn’t say anything about the bodycams receiving sound. I believe that it does but for how long the devices will work, I don’t know,” said Jane as she looked around at the grotesque yellow wallpaper, dingy carpet and the florescent lights that flicker above.

 “There’s a smell here,” MK noted.

 “Yeah, I noticed it too,” Jane responded. They walked on for what seemed like hours.

“Maybe we should rest,” MK suggested. Jane saw a dirty brown couch and a table, just sitting there in the middle of a room. “What the Hell?” she mouthed. She pointed at the couch; MK looked.

They walked over to it and Jane inspected the room. “It seems okay, other than the couch being dirty and smelly,” she said as her nose wrinkled in disgust. She sat down, resting her backpack next to her feet and setting the crossbow down on the table. MK set her backpack down too. They sat in silence for a moment, listening. They are not sure if they will come across any of the infamous creatures of the Backrooms, but they have remained conscientious of their surroundings. Jane opened her backpack and took out a water bottle, MK did the same. They took out energy bars and started eating.

“They could’ve given us sandwiches, but they chose energy bars. Guess they are trying to get us used to them. I wonder how long we’ve been here. It doesn’t seem like we’ve been here long,” said MK and took a sip from her water bottle.

“I don’t know, time moves differently in this place, and we might’ve been in here for a week or more now.” At a distance they can hear indiscernible sounds that are hard to interpret. Jane stopped chewing, took out one of her earplugs and listened. Their eyes shot open. Jane gulped, “I get that whatever it is might seem distant right now, but I truly believe our paths are meant to intersect eventually,” she said and continued eating the bar. MK noticed a medium-sized clock hanging on the wall. It showed 10:10. “I wonder what time of the day it was,” she asked.

“What time of the day was what?” Jane stared at the clock. 

“I wonder what time of the day it was when the dimensions merged, and everything stopped unbeknownst to many who were working and living in the Backrooms. According to what I’ve read, the first victims of the creatures that began to filter through were the ones that were in a cafeteria,” MK said. Jane glanced at MK and took out the map from her backpack. 

“Where did you get that?” MK asked.

 “Father Patrick put it into the backpack. He wasn’t sure if it would be helpful because the map is going by the first model of the Backrooms,” she unfolded the map. “According to this, the cafeteria is another three miles away from here and in that direction is the library. However, the Backrooms tend to change.” Jane marked the spot with a marker. 

 "This place is like a maze," MK said, taking a moment to look around. "But seriously, these people seem to have had it all. I’m curious if they have showers and bathrooms too, because I haven’t spotted any yet," she remarked while sipping from her water bottle.

 "I get what you mean, but once those creatures got in, it was game over. The people in charge tried to seal off big parts of the Backrooms, but by then, it was already too late." Jane glanced at MK and asked, "Do you need to use the bathroom?"

MK replied, "Yes, but it can wait." Jane smirked and scoffed, saying, "I need to go as well." 

She then turned her attention to the map, looking for restrooms. “Hmm, it looks like there might be restrooms in that direction. We’ll head that way in a bit, but if they don’t have any, well I guess we’ll just have to

do our business at some corner. The carpet is messed up anyways and it smells like people have been urinating throughout the Backrooms,” said Jane, referring to that moldy, dreadful smell. She put the map back into her backpack.

 “This place already smells like feces,” said MK, rubbing her nose in disgust.

Jane chuckled, “I guess so. When I read the file back in the office, there was something in there about killing a creature and if you kill one, others will come, so let’s try to avoid killing anything yet, if possible.”

 MK nodded and said, “I wonder if it’s because they are connected.” Jane thought about that for a moment and said, “Maybe but nevertheless, we will have to be as quiet and vigilant as possible.” They finished eating their energy bars and saved the rest.

 “Well, we better head onward.” They picked up their backpacks and continued walking. Suddenly Jane stopped, “I think it picked up something,” she said, looking at the tracker. A red dot appeared faintly on the screen.

 “Could it be her?” asked MK, looking around, her eyes scanning the endless void of rooms, hallways, and corridors. She senses something else too. “There’s something out there and it’s not human, but I feel that it once was human.” Jane looked at her and they proceeded onward. They came across a wooden crate. “Should we attempt to look inside? Father Patrick said almond water is vital in this place,” MK mentioned. Jane nodded and they headed toward the crate, looking around cautiously. They tried to pry it open, but the lid didn’t budge. Jane opened her backpack and took out a screwdriver. 

“Guess they thought of everything,” she said, referring to the items in the backpack. The nails began to loosen. The lid fell to the carpet. They froze, afraid that the noise might attract unwanted attention. Jane looked around. MK searched through the crate.

“Oh look,” she pulled out several energy bars. “Well, I was hoping for beef jerkies or something else, but we need everything we can get,” said Jane. They packed a few Almond waters and more energy bars. “You know, our backpacks are getting a little chunky, I hope we’ll be able to move if we are attacked,” MK made a good point. 

“We can toss them on the floor if that happens. I’m not expecting to get attacked soon but I hear you.”

“I was wondering, how can one child survive in this place. If those creatures are around, wouldn’t she have already been dead?” 

Jane pondered, and replied, “True, Father Patrick did not specify how long she has been here, maybe she found a hidden room or something where she might be safe, I really don’t know. But I am sure that whatever way we find her, we must bring her home dead or alive.” MK nodded, “Let’s hope it’s not the latter.” Jane agreed. 

( Images are for the readers entertainment)

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Chapter 9 Excerpt

Chapter 3 Excerpt

Other Books with Similar Titles

 

It was recently pointed out to me that there are a few books with titles similar to mine. After doing some research, I found only two that stand out: Chandra’s Quest and In the Company of Elves.

It seems that authors with titles similar to mine have emerged only in recent years. In contrast, my book, Chandra’s Quest, was actually written in the late 90s and published in the early 2000s. In the Company of Elves was written in the 2000s, the first edition published in 2009. I revised both of my books in the 2010s, and the only one that shares a somewhat similar storyline is In the Company of Elves. 

Chandra’s Quest, authored by Barbara A Miller, is a modern romance set in a rural backdrop, focusing on themes of love and connection. In contrast, my own work, which shares a similar title, delves into the realms of sci-fi fantasy, exploring imaginative worlds and futuristic concepts. While both genres offer unique narratives, they cater to different tastes and interests in storytelling. 

It's worth noting that titles can't be copyrighted unless they're exceptionally unique, so there's no basis for copyright infringement claims in that regard. The same goes for names and ideas. As the original author of Chandra’s Quest and In the Company of Elves, I can only speak for my own works. However, I might just buy Chandra’s Quest by Barbara Miller, let’s just say, I’m curious. 

My Website

Where Does Remi Live?

Chandra's Quest Excerpt Chapter 23 Waking Up

 

(An excerpt from Chandra's Quest Chapter 23)

   It’s been almost three weeks since Xenos and Dukar were taken to the moon Dyna. Their bodies were found inside the ship as they lay on the floor. The maintenance crew discovered them and quickly notified the guards. They were then transported to the nearby urgent care facility in the city of Xyra on the moon Dyna.  “Damn it!” Xenos let out an exasperated sigh, as he lay in the infirmary. Dukar is in the bed next to him, and both have suffered temporary amnesia and a case of paralysis of the legs, however, they are recovering. Anger is seething inside Xenos’ heart as memories of what had transpired on that faithful day start to emerge, the day he lost Chandra. He let out a heavy sigh.

  “She must have been in cahoots with that Valurin!” he said out loud. Dukar stirred, he turned his head to face Xenos.

“I do not think so. Calm yourself friend, we will find him, and he will pay for stealing what is rightfully ours. In the meantime, enjoy your stay here,” he joked dryly.

 The food is divine,” he added with a touch of sarcasm. “Where do you think he took her?” asked Xenos, his nostrils flared.

 “I do not know,” Dukar responded.

Xenos rubbed his eyes with one hand and groaned. “Well, my friend I guess we’ll have to head back to

Crea and do our research and find out what happened,” Dukar paused, “Someone must know something,” he exhaled.

“Of course, someone knows, they probably helped him escape!” Xenos raged.

 Dukar grimaced, “You’re right but we must ameliorate. When we are better, we’ll tear some throats out. Deal?” The nurse stepped in.

  “Do either of you need anything?” she kindly asked. Her raven-colored hair is elegantly styled in a bun, while her striking blue, feline-like eyes sparkle with a playful grin. The fitted white top, with its zipper, accentuates her curves beautifully, and her matching miniskirt highlights her alluring figure. The nurse's outfit she wears is undeniably provocative. Dukar can't help but notice the hint of cleavage peeking through.

 “No, fool! When can we leave this place?” Xenos said. She jumps at his sudden outburst, her blue eyes widening in surprise. Flustered, she lets out a nervous laugh, narrowing her gaze.

 “Uh, you’ll need to discuss that with the doctor.” In her hand, she holds a nine by seven glass tablet, scrolling through their medical records. Xenos pays no mind, he is worried that they will find out who he is and inform the authorities.

So far, Xenos’ identity has not turned up, only the medical file that was started at the urgent care hospital when both Dukar and him were admitted.

 As far as the staff is concerned, Xenos and Dukar are new patients, nothing more. The nurse cleared her throat. “At the Oasis Clinic on Xyra, we do not pry into our patient’s past, the doctors are here to assist and help with any aliments you may have,” she informed them of their policy rights and continues, “It seems your legs remain unresponsive. Can you sense anything at all?” she asked, her eyes still scanning their file.  “Sadly, no,” Xenos replied with a heavy heart. 

 “I can feel something in my left leg,” Dukar interjected. 

 “Oh, let’s check that out.” She pulled back the bed sheet and retrieved a reflex tester, which sent out a small electrical charge to assess the patients' reflexes. As she moved it along his leg, Dukar's leg gave a slight twitch. A smile spread across her face.

  “Good, it looks like...,” Dukar grabs her arm abruptly.

“Listen sweetie, I can give you a sturdy number of credits if you let us leave here,” his grip tightened, and his nails dig into her skin.

 “Let me go!” she shouted and gave him a swift shock with a pen size taser.

  “Argh!” Dukar jerked his hand away.  

 “Your reflexes on the upper part of your body are doing well,” she responded, with a touch of sarcasm.

 “Bitch!” Dukar growled, “Your bedside manner leaves much to be desired!” he remarked with a hint of sarcasm. She retreated to the wall, hit the button beside the door, triggering the alarm, and made her exit.

"Dukar, you seemed a bit threatening to her. And don't forget, we need to remain here until we've completely recovered," Xenos pointed out.

 “I was just simply flirting with the girl,” Dukar laughed. He grinned and closed his eyes. A few minutes later two security guards, the nurse, and the doctor walked in. 

The Comigaen doctor approached them, his white fitted jumpsuit and matching boots giving him a sleek appearance. "Ah, I see you're awake," he remarked, a hint of professionalism in his tone. The gold-threaded medical emblem on the right side of his upper chest gleamed, proudly displaying the name of the city, Xyra, beneath it. He pulled out his tablet, deftly scrolling through the screen to assess their condition.  “Yes, we are,” responded Xenos, acerbically.

“They want to be released doctor,” the nurse said, eyeing them with disdain.

 “Hmm, you still have another day or two here. I cannot release you yet or I wouldn’t be a good doctor if I did,” he chuckled. Both Javarins bare their teeth, in a threatening manner. The nurse shook her head disapprovingly.

 “Oh, come now, your stay here will be pleasant and relaxing, think of it as a mini vacation,” the doctor said with a casual chuckle. The nurse scoffed, her eyes narrowing in disdain as she glanced at them.

With a haughty tone, she remarked, “They’re not even worth the effort to save.” They ignored her disparaging remark. “What happened to our ship? How did we end up here?” asked Xenos, curiously. “Well, the report states, that the person who flew the cargo ship to Xyra, left it at the docking port and never returned.

The maintenance workers found both of you unresponsive, so the authorities were called in and you were brought here.”  Xenos gasped, “Oh no, the authorities got involved,” he mused.

 “Did they find the person who piloted the cargo ship?” asked Dukar, eager to hear some good news.

 “You can find the information you want when you are released. The cargo ship is held at the same docking port it was left at,” the doctor paused, “I take it that the cargo ship is not yours?”

 “No!” Dukar responded harshly.

  "Oh, I see, well then, I recommend you take some time to rest, and in a few days, you should be able to leave. By then, the gas should have cleared from your system, and you’ll feel significantly better."

 "Great," Xenos grumbled quietly, barely audible. As the doctor and nurse exited, two security officers remained stationed outside the door.

  "I’m curious why they have security here if we can’t even get up," Dukar pondered aloud.

  “Because we are Javarins, and they fear us. They may also know about the NyKarin’s battle with our home world and thus, they may hold us until the NyKarins arrive,” Xenos stated.

“Yes, of course. We might as well rest up, we got some hunting to do after we leave here, and we

will leave, I assure you. We must find the pilot. We need some answers.”

 “Agreed,” responded Xenos.

 “I guess we can board a passenger ship to take us back to the planet Eurleau,” he added. The nurse left the holovision control pad next to Xenos’ hand. He turned it on. The screen materialized a few feet in front of them. “I am going to watch something on this thing for a while. Would you like to watch?” Dukar waved his hand dismissively.

“No,” he said. Xenos channeled the news on Eurleau. On the screen a female Valurin reporter spoke.

“It has been over three weeks since two Atlantean citizens were found dead in the Trinket Shop in the city Aurora. Authorities have found footage from the shop’s security camera and still do not have leads to the whereabouts of the humans who committed such an atrocity. The male is considered armed and dangerous.” 

 The picture on the security footage flashed in front of them. Dukar’s eyes opened wide, and he stared at the screen in dismay. Xenos recognized Carlos, and there was no mistake that the female next to him is Chandra. She looked back for a few seconds as her eyes met the camera.

  “It is them!” said Xenos out loud, “No!” he hollered.

  “She somehow got away! How can that be?” said Dukar. He eyed the footage with disdain and snarled. “That foolish Valurin lost her! Inconceivable!” said Dukar, with a hiss.

“Or perhaps she killed him,” Xenos hinted.

“She must not have known that there was a camera in the building. Why else would she look back and reveal her face?” thought Xenos.

 “Did she know I would see this footage?”  he said aloud.

“Don’t over think it,” Dukar remarked. The other female that was with Chandra never looked back. He could not see her face but there was no mistake, he knew who she was.

Chandra's Quest eBook

Chandra's Quest Audiobook

 Chapter 29 excerpt

Images of The Main Character from A Time Traveler's Companion

 

Updates on images related to character in A Time Traveler's Companion.

This post is related to a book I am currently working on and I have updated the images of the main character, Remi. I don't' always share anything related to this book on this blog, I prefer to share excerpts on my other blog under my pen name CG Heandez.

Remi (18) & Mr. Smith's first incarnation

Remi (20) & Mr. Smith's second incarnation

Remi (28) & Mr. Smith's 3rd incarnation

Remi (45) & Mr. Smith's 4th incarnation

The four incarnations of Mr. Smith

Please do visit my other blog, I share excerpts from this book and others written under CG Heandez. Link below.

CG Heandez blog

Where Does Remi Live

Updates: FLARE A New Book & Audiobooks

 

Updates on my books: I have recently published a new book called, FLARE. It is available on Amazon and GooglePlay. I will be working on the audiobook version and in a couple of months, a link to the audiobook will be available on this blog and the website.

I am currently editing a book titled A Time Traveler's Companion, which spans more than 400 pages. Once it is published on Amazon, a link will be provided on the website and this blog. In the meantime, it will be available on Google Play starting this month, where I have chosen to release it in segments. Those eager for an early preview can download or listen to the audiobook version on Google Play. The complete book will also be published on Amazon.

Saints and Sinners: Affairs of the Heart has been revised and is available on GogglePlay. I will upload the revised version on KDP over the weekend. The same goes for The Stranger Things: Paranormal, Supernatural and Unusual Phenomenon, (revised)

FLARE GogglePlay

FLARE Amazon

Saints and Sinners GogglePlay

Excerpt from a Twist in Time

 

(This is a short excerpt from, A Twist in Time: Something’s in the Sky chapter 2)

In the heart of February, Alyssa enrolled in a class situated in Riverside County to acquire the art of handling firearms. While her husband was the one with a passion for guns, she was curious to explore the allure herself. Surprising both her coach and herself, Alyssa proved to be a quick study. Although her husband frequented the local shooting range with his friends on weekends, she never accompanied them. Her motive for learning how to use a weapon was simple yet unsettling... Summer Lynn. Alyssa had no intention of using her newfound skill to harm innocent creatures, but lately, her thoughts had taken a darker turn. To keep her activities hidden from her husband, Alyssa provided a fake name at the shooting range and even shared her mother's address with the instructor. As she honed her abilities, it provided her with a twisted solace, allowing her to reflect on the state of her marriage. Her best friend Lynda once said, “Don’t worry about it, just divorce him already. He’s nothing but a waste of space." Alyssa dryly chuckled as she recalled that conversation.

The well-being of her kids weighed heavily on Alyssa's mind as she contemplated the impact of divorcing her husband; their youth made her fear the lasting emotional wounds it could inflict upon them. If only I can fulfill my fantasy in killing that bitch who is ruining my marriage,” she thought as she shot another round straight into the bullseye, dead center. Alyssa's group erupted in applause and cheers. Her instructor, beaming with pride, commended her for her improved skills and gave her a warm hug. Another student chimed in, praising her for mastering the task. Alyssa smiled and nodded, basking in the support.

 As her class concluded, she made her way home to find her children happily playing outside while her husband tended to the barbecue. Despite her suspicions of his infidelity, she chose to keep them hidden, preferring that he believed she was oblivious to the situation. "Darling, I was thinking, would you be open to hiring a babysitter?" he asked, catching her off guard.

 “Why?” she responded.

"I was thinking we could go on a trip like we used to before the kids came along," he said, flipping the burger patties on the grill.

"My mom can watch the kids for free, so we can go whenever you want," she replied, grabbing a coke from the icebox.

"I know a coworker, Summer Lynn, who could babysit for us. She could use the extra money," he suggested. Alyssa looked at him suspiciously, taking a sip of her coke.

 “That fucking bitch?” She placed her coke on the wooden picnic table near the homemade brick barbecue grill that her husband and his friend had built.

 "Why don't you invite her over? I'd love to meet her," Alyssa suggested. 

"Sure, I will. I'm so lucky to have married such a wonderful and kind woman like you," he replied, oblivious to Alyssa's cold expression and the sarcastic tone in her voice. Alyssa's mind raced with anticipation, thinking, I can't wait to meet her. 

She called out to the kids, "Come on, let's eat," as their pet cat tried to join them on the table. Alyssa quickly intervened, picking up the cat and placing her on the grass, saying, "Not you, Kitty. Go on now." One week later, Summer Lynn, a 28-year-old woman, was invited by her husband to join them for a barbecue party. With her light brown hair, coffee colored eyes, and a playful smile, she arrived wearing old jean shorts, a pink tee shirt, and mauve colored Nike shoes.

Every month, the Castros host a barbecue for their family and friends, as long as the weather permits. However, the only family members who attend these gatherings are Alyssa's immediate family and her mother. Alyssa rarely gets to see her brother, and their estrangement dates back to a disagreement over politics. Despite Alyssa's disinterest in politics, her brother and parents took offense when she voted for a president they did not support, causing a rift in their relationship. While her mother insists that Alyssa should apologize, she fails to recognize that the divide was caused by her brother's stubborn political beliefs. Alyssa's father is no different, holding strong and irritating convictions of his own. Alyssa vividly remembers her mother siding with her father on issues she strongly disagreed with, pretending that their marriage was perfect when she knew it wasn't. Alyssa, on the other hand, refuses to deceive herself about the state of her own marriage. She sees it as it is, imperfect. In addition to her family, Alyssa invites her two friends, Lynda and Maggie, who happen to be their next-door neighbors, to join them at the barbecue. Maggie knows nothing about her husband’s infidelity, but Lynda does. “Your mother didn’t come?” asked Lynda. Alyssa shook her head, “No she was busy today.”

“So that’s the whore, huh,” Lynda whispered to Alyssa, as she watched Summer Lynn walk toward the barbecue. Alyssa nodded. “She looks like a dumb blonde to me,” added Lynda, they both giggled. Maggie was initially clueless, but she soon figured out the situation. She was unaware of Victor's infidelity towards Alyssa, but it became evident to her quite quickly. Summer Lynn joined the group, taking a seat beside Alyssa on a lawn chair. The women engaged in a conversation while the men chatted and drank beer. Alyssa's sons were playing badminton outside, away from the group. Alyssa's home was a typical family setup, with a spacious backyard, a small front yard, and a desert landscape suitable for their region. “Will you ladies excuse me, I’m going to get another beer,” said Summer. She stood up and walked on over to the ice box that was next to the barbecue.

Alyssa's gaze fixated on her husband and Summer. Their eyes locked, revealing a magnetic pull between them. Burning with anger, Alyssa's glare pierced through them, her irritation intensifying. "So, is she going to be the babysitter?" Maggie questioned, giving Summer Lynn a skeptical look. Alyssa quickly responded, "No way, she's definitely not going to be babysitting for me," she snapped. Maggie and Lynda exchanged worried looks. 

"Why not," Maggie asked, curiously. Lynda shot Alyssa a quick look.

 "My mom lives close by, so she helps out with the kids when my husband and I want some time alone," Alyssa explained. Summer came back and took a seat beside Alyssa.

"Hey Summer, do you have any kids?" Alyssa inquired, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Summer brushed it off.

"Nope, not for me. I'm too busy for kids, and I prefer being single and living life to the fullest," Summer replied. 

“Yeah, enjoying yourself with another woman’s man,” thought Alyssa, as she took a sip from her coke, her nose flared, and she sighed. 

“Mom, can we go inside and play with our Xbox 360? It’s kinda boring out here,” Alyssa’s older son Richard, asked.

“Sure, go ahead.” She smiled and kissed her son on the forehead. Richard, David, and Josh went into the house. She turned to Summer. “I know my husband wanted you to babysit for us, but my mother lives nearby, and she loves taking care of my kids so, no offense but I don’t need a babysitter at the moment,” stated Alyssa, firmly. Lynda gave Alyssa a clandestine wink.

If only you knew how much I want to kill you, bitch, thought Alyssa, her gaze bore into Summer, hidden behind her sunglasses, with a desire for vengeance that ran deep within her. The darkness lurking in Alyssa's thoughts was a chilling revelation, a side of her that remained unseen by those around her.

"Ah, well, that's alright then," Summer Lynn replied, deciding not to continue the conversation any further. Victor quietly entered the house without Alyssa noticing. 

"Excuse me, ladies, I need to use the restroom," Summer announced before heading towards the house. Once inside, she made her way to the bedroom where Victor was waiting. To avoid any interruptions, he closed the door.

 "So, what's the situation?" Summer shrugged. "I think she suspects something," she confessed. 

"No way, she's too self-absorbed to notice anything. Don't worry, she won't figure it out," Victor reassured her. He pulled her close, giving her a kiss and playfully patting her behind. "She makes me feel uneasy," Summer admitted. He reassured her, "She's harmless, just naive. You're safe." Feeling uneasy, she decided to leave because of  Alyssa.

"Alright, see you tomorrow at the usual spot," he said, stealing a final kiss before joining his friends. Alyssa noticed Summer following him outside. Summer bid them farewell, sensing the tension ease once she left. The evening proceeded smoothly without Summer, bringing a sense of calm. Later, Lynda spoke to Alyssa on the phone. "When will you confront him about what you know?" she inquired.

Alyssa replied, "My cancer is in remission, health is good. I'll do it soon, but not yet."

"Why wait? You should get rid of him, he'll only bring more trouble," Lynda advised. Alyssa agreed.

"Soon," that's all Alyssa said. 

A few days later Alyssa was talking to her mother on the phone. Her husband's out and her kids are watching television in the den.

"So, will you talk to him about his affair?" her mother asked her. 

"I prioritize my children above everything else in my life. Victor may claim to be spending more time with his friends at the shooting range, but I know the truth. He's actually upset about my decision to reject Summer as a babysitter. However, I couldn't care less about his feelings. I would much rather spend quality time with my children than with him. I am fully invested in their lives, attending their school plays and conferences, always being there for them. Victor seems like a mere ghost, just a presence in name only. It's disheartening to realize that he's having an affair, especially considering that he stood by me during my battle with cancer. I guess his support back then was merely out of obligation. Now that my cancer is in remission, he wants to be free to have sex with whomever he wishes,” Alyssa told her mother. A concerning look shadowed her mother's face. It has been several days since the unsettling conversation Alyssa had with her mother, and as she lay in bed, her husband snoring beside her and her children peacefully asleep, an eerie stillness filled the room. Downstairs, the cat was curled up on the couch, completely unaware of the intruder that was silently making its way to the master bedroom where Alyssa and her husband lay. The figure slowly revealed itself, standing ominously over Alyssa as she slept, its presence sending chills down her spine. With a gentle touch on her cheek, Alyssa's eyes fluttered open to a horrifying sight - a monstrous being with dark, hungry eyes staring back at her. Despite her piercing scream, the creature swiftly used its device to plunge her back into a deep slumber. Dark and twisted dreams consumed Alyssa's mind as she slept. She found herself surrounded by a sea of blood, lifeless bodies scattered around her, and a deep sense of anger and fear gripping her heart. The night was far from over, and Alyssa was trapped in a nightmare that seemed all too real.

Over the course of the next two months, Alyssa found herself in a terrifying situation as she was forcefully abducted and taken aboard a Ny'Karin ship for evaluation. The strange thing was, she had absolutely no recollection of the abduction itself. It was just another ordinary evening when she sat alone in her bed, engrossed in a book while her children peacefully slept in their rooms. Her husband was out with his friends, or so she believed. As the night wore on, fatigue began to take its toll on Alyssa, causing her eyes to grow heavy. She reluctantly set the book aside and rested her head on the soft pillow. However, instead of finding solace in sleep, her mind was plagued by horrifying nightmares filled with blood and anguish. She woke up multiple times throughout the night, drenched in sweat and trembling with fear. 

It is now June and the tranquil sound of crickets chirping outside filled the air, accompanied by a gentle summer breeze that gracefully entered the room through the open window, lightly caressing Alyssa's exposed leg. Just as she began to feel a sense of calm, a haunting voice echoed in her dream, urging her to take action against a woman who had caused her nothing but sorrow. Startled, Alyssa abruptly woke up and hastily rubbed her tired eyes, trying to make sense of the unsettling experience she had just encountered.

Surprisingly, her husband had already returned home and she quickly checked the time on the clock. 

"It's 3:45 am," she muttered before falling back asleep. It was the weekend, she took her children to the market where they selected their desired food items. As they walked back to the car in the parking lot, Alyssa's youngest son, Josh, suddenly pointed out something in the sky. 

"Look, there's something up there!" he exclaimed. Alyssa smiled and brushed it off, thinking he was just seeing shapes in the clouds. Her older son playfully teased Josh and messed up his hair, causing Josh to retaliate with a playful punch. "Cut it out, you two," she warned, David her other son laughed at his brothers. After getting her kids into the car and putting the groceries in the trunk, Alyssa took a moment to gaze up at the dark clouds looming above.

 As she looked up, she couldn't shake the feeling that there is something observing from above. "There's something in the sky, watching," she muttered. Upon arriving home, her husband's absence didn't come as a shock, although she had anticipated him being there. She knew he would fabricate a story about being at work, but she had reached a point where she no longer cared. Dealing with Summer Lynn is something she is anticipating and will enjoy.

One Month Before the Invasion

Despite her husband's betrayal, Alyssa remains committed to her talents. 

"Are you going out with your friends tonight?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. 

"Yeah, we're just going to Caleb's Man Cave at his place. You should go out with your friends too. Take the kids to your mom's," he suggested, nonchalantly grabbing his Dodger blue windbreaker. Alyssa's eyes narrowed, a cold silence enveloping the room. 

I know you're meeting her somewhere, she thought to herself. With a heavy sigh, she replied, "I think I'll just stay home with the kids, since my friends are all busy." He shrugged, making his way towards the garage door, which slammed shut behind him. In a swift motion, Lyssa retreated to her chamber, leaving her children engrossed in the television, her mind consumed by thoughts of betrayal and deceit. She went upstairs and from the depths of the wardrobe in her room, she retrieved a wooden suitcase, its size unassuming. With utmost care, she extracted it from her private safe, hidden away from prying eyes. The contents concealed within held a secret, an item obtained through her personal credit card. Placing it gently on her bed, she took precautions to secure her sanctuary, ensuring her children remained oblivious to her possession of the deadly weapon. A wicked smile crept across her face as she unveiled a sleek, black pistol adorned with a silencer.

"I ought to track the breadcrumbs he carelessly leaves behind," she whispered to herself. She called her mother to come by and look after the children so she could step out for a brief moment. Her mother showed up thirty minutes later.

"So, that worthless husband of yours isn't around?" her mother inquired as she walked into Alyssa's house.

"No, he's not here, but don't fret, I won't be gone for too long. And even if I am, trust me, I'll ensure everything is sorted out soon," Alyssa declared firmly, her voice filled with determination. Her mother's throat constricted as she nervously swallowed, sensing the seriousness of the situation. "Alright, just be careful. Confronting him could lead to a messy situation," her mother cautioned, her voice tinged with concern. Alyssa nodded, understanding the risks involved. "Kids, behave yourselves for your grandma," she instructed, forcing a smile to mask her own apprehension. Alyssa suspected that her husband and Summer Lynn might meet up on the far side of Elsie Lake. This area was well-known for fishing and picnicking, although swimming was discouraged because of the high bacteria levels in the summer. She was aware that this secluded spot would offer them the privacy they desired, far from any curious onlookers.

Thank you for visiting and please post your comment in the comment box. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

(A Twist in Time: Something’s in the Sky will be published in the future-2027-2028)

Chandra's Quest