Getting What You Want

Have you ever done something that seemed silly but you really hoped it worked?

I have, and I’m here to tell you all about it. It’s a little embarrassing— admitting that I actually did this and believed in it.

The month before I published my debut novel, The Card, I created a manifestation board. You know, one of those collage type of things that have a bunch of pictures of what you want to accomplish or acquire. You’ve probably heard about them in books or movies like The Secret.

Well, I did it. I cut out a bunch of pictures and words that related to life and my new writing career. The picture is proof. Continue reading “Getting What You Want”

Flash Fiction Challenge: The Posse

Marshall Briggs signaled for the posse to halt. Truth is, most of us were done in after two days’ hard ride.

This is where it was likely to get bloody. The Cheyenne Kid and the Black Rock gang had made it to the Wall.

From there, they’d be able to pick the posse apart on this open ground. But the Marshall wasn’t the kind of fella to give up quite so easy as that. He called for the men to dismount and gather around. It was then he revealed his bold plan.

In 250 words or less, tell us a story incorporating the elements in the picture. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced. Continue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge: The Posse”

Book Brief: Pascal’s Wager

Pascal’s Wager
by Mark Jacobs
Genre: Detective Mystery
60,000 Words

Destined for a brilliant career in academia, Pascal Silver instead decides to be a risk taker. Packing up his unfinished philosophy dissertation, he moves to Las Vegas to pursue his dual goals of winning the World Series of Poker and the only slightly less daunting task of finding the meaning to existence.

Low on cash, Pascal is forced to take part-time work at a private detective agency. Now, with his boss out of town, into his life walks the gorgeous Allegra LaPierre wanting to know who murdered her father, casino owner “Houston Phil” LaPierre.

Employing his uncanny poker skills, Pascal can tell everyone involved has something to hide including Phil’s ex-stripper widow; his knucklehead son, Bruce; and his partner, Fat Johnny, who’s in debt to a local gangster. Complicating matters, Bruce LaPierre is suddenly found murdered and suspect number one is Allegra. Though all evidence points to her guilt, Pascal falls back on the famous wager of faith put forth by his illustrious namesake. He chooses to have faith in Allegra, not just because he’s fallen for her, but because it’s a good bet.

But when representatives of the Chicago mob show up telling him to drop the case, Pascal has to take his greatest gamble yet. With Allegra’s life hanging in the balance, he’ll need to pull off the biggest bluff he’s ever attempted to save her. Even if he does, he’s still left with the question “Who killed Phil?” a question only he is shrewd enough to answer.

Pascal’s Wager is available from Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble. Continue reading “Book Brief: Pascal’s Wager”

Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest

WOW! (Women on Writing) announces their Fall 2012 Flash Fiction Contest. Open to all ages, all topics, any genre, but entries must be in English. Word count between 250-750 words. Guest judge is looking for creativity and originality. And yes, men can enter, too.

Prizes:
First place: $350 plus other prizes, including Amazon gift card and publication on website. Second place:  $250 plus other prizes, including Amazon gift card and publication on website.

Entry fee:
$10 per story.

Deadline for fall contest is November 30, 2012. For more information, please visit their website.

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Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this contest information for the convenience of our readers. We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition. Entrants should always research a competition prior to entering.