In the year "Mountain Wild" begins, the American frontier was still in its infancy. The exploits of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett were fresh in the hearts and minds of Americans, for their legends were still relatively new. These famous frontiersmen led the way for a nation expanding ever westward, and those who followed in their footsteps were eager to prove themselves equal to the challenge.
What lies beneath the water? This is the question I ask in my latest release The Mers, which came out halloween night! Available on kindle, nook, smashwords. Would we find enlarged sea monsters? Mermaids? If our world ceased to be as it is now....and the land crumbled beneath the water....how would we survive?
I love teasing readers with dystopian questions about how our actions will affect our future. I like to make readers think. But I also want them to have fun. So, in most of my novels, The Mers included, I give the reader a plausible world, one plausible way our world could turn out and insert many heart-felt characters to tell a story that is relatable on a very human level.
I enjoy reading stories that are not just unpredictable, but also character driven. I love to fall-in-love with the characters. When I write I keep those two points alive. I want readers to sit at the seat of their pants, to cry, laugh, throw something when the characters does something they didn’t like. I want my readers to care, to FEEl. After all, that is half the fun of reading fiction. That and an amazing new world.
I hope I do that for all my readers with my array of novels: The Gate of Lake Forest (elf romance), Shifter Evolutions (books 1-6, shifter romance), The Day the Flowers Died (historical romance set in Munich, Germany 1930), and with my latest book The Mers.
I am building a variety of worlds for readers to explore: elf, shifter, mermaid...but also I will be writing about angels, psychic abilities, and vampires. So, look out for a plethora of intriguing worlds to enter in 2012!
Do we really ever know what we are stepping into whether in the water or in our life? What if everything you thought you knew turned out to be a lie?
Please check out my latest release The Mers and find out why my books are stories readers just can’t put down (I’m not kidding)
Please order the books from kindle, nook, amazon, BnN online and front desk, and on the author's website.
Book Trailer code:
Enclosed are images to include and a bio and synopsis.
SYNOPSIS:
Paranormal and SciFi Author Ami Blackwelder will have two new books out soon!
The Invasion of 2020, the first book in the Shifter Evolutions series is scheduled to be released Sept 1st 2011, (Books 1-5 are out now) The Invasion of 2020 is the prequel to Shifters of 2040. The Shifter Evolutions begins with the middle book, The Shifters of 2040, and gives the reader the choice for the past or future. This release of the first book in the series, The Invasion of 2020, will allow readers to engage the series chronologically also. Readers will enjoying finding out more about Uri Petrov and Dr. Samantha Croon as they discover what exactly brought the shifters to Earth and what sparked human fears. Who was the young Marn and young Raul and what molded them into who they became?
BIO:
Ami Blackwelder is a forbidden romance writer in the paranormal and historical romance genre. Growing up in Florida, she went to UCf and in 1997 received her BA in English and teaching credentials. She travelled overseas to teach in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China and Korea. Thailand is considered her second home now. She has always loved writing and wrote poems and short stores since childhood; however, her novels began when she was in Thailand.
Having won the Best Fiction Award from the University of Central Florida (Yes, The Blair Witch Project University;), her fiction From Joy We Come, Unto Joy We Return was published in the on campus literary magazine: Cypress Dome and remains to this day in University libraries around the country. Later, she achieved the Semi-Finals in a Laurel Hemingway contest and published a few poems in the Thailand’s Expat magazine, and an article in the Thailand’s People newspaper. Additionally, she has published poetry in the Korea’s AIM magazine, the American Poetic Monthly magazine and Twisted Dreams Magazine.
Straddling Lane, Frenier’s knees dug into the soft porch sofa and his arms braced on each side of her neck. He dangled a fresh strawberry above her wet lips and teased. The resolute glint in her eyes stayed fixed on the moist fruit as it oscillated.
“Let me have it!” she demanded, her long tongue showing.
“Come and get it,” he whispered, his breath blowing over her porcelain like face. With only his beige trousers on, the beads of water from the shower earlier slid over his defined muscles and dropped one by one over Lane’s naked leg. In only lace panties and a pink bra, her blonde hair sprawled over the sofa, under- neath and behind her. Like the indents in desert sand made by slithering snakes, her hair appeared soft and perfectly patterned.
“Give it to me, Frank!” She batted her lashes, her chin angling upward as her lips fought to secure the strawberry. Like getting a fish to charge at bait, Frenier had become an expert fisherman when it came to her, when it came to most women. Both players at love, they understood the game.
Hello you crazy reading fiends. And yes, I DO include myself in that. Though not so much reading time for myself these days, I have the heavily laden bookshelves to prove I am a permanent member of the reading-fiend fan club. But now I’m reading off my Kindle (and heavily craving a NOOK color in spite of the fact that I will have my library split in twain.) I have also recently discovered the joys of audiobooks! (The NIGHTWALKERS series is in audio at last! You can get them here and here!) Anyway, I’m happy to talk with you all.
Okay, let’s get the hawking of the wares out of the way. J
KANE has arrived! August 30th! Oh at last we get to glimpse into the past and find out…What happened that first Samhain night between Kane and Corrine? We get to be the proverbial fly on that wall and see just how things unfolded. After all, it was Samhain night, Kane and Corrine were Imprinted, and Kane was going to be driven to take his mate no matter what! No matter that she was comatose and near dead from being drained of energy. And knowing how noble the Demons are, how wholly offensive must this have been to Kane’s sensibilities?
What happened??
Well, you know what you have to do to find out. :P
The first man. Or, ironically enough for me he’s the last man. Last Demon standing, as it were. It took three years, but the next book in the NIGHTWALKERS series is here! Releasing Oct. 25th, 2011, ADAM: THE NIGHTWALKERS Book Six will arrive. I know, I know. It’s about time! Well, it’s the right time, really. The book was actually started right after I wrote NOAH, book five, as the dates in the story will reflect. However, at the time I was feeling pretty burned out on the NIGHTWALKER world, and the story never progressed past the first few chapters. I was in the process of being published for the first time, life was changing, and other stories were scratching at my brain begging to be free. I decided to take a little break.
Ahh. What a relief. Then I decided, you know what, I’m not going back there. Let NOAH be the end of it. I’m done. Finito! Kaput!
Enter a half a BILLION fan letters that went something like this:
PLEASE don’t let it be the end!!
What happens to Noah and Kestra? Tell me Gideon heals her and she can have a baby!
Well, I heard you! And while I don’t answer every last one of those questions, I take care of enough of them in ADAM to keep most of you all happy. I think. I hope. Well, if not, suck it up. :P I have plans for the future. Trust your author. Hehehe.
Haunted by magic, beset by evil, the Nightwalkers face
their darkest hour yet. And when they unthinkable
happens, only one legendary male has the power,
the will, to save them: Adam....
FOR 400 YEARS HE WAS LOST TO HER,
BUT HE IS HERS TONIGHT...
From their first tantalizing touch, Jasmine knows he is
different. What other lover could unlock her tight control,
flood Vampire senses jaded by a lifetime of decadent self
indulgence? Centuries ago, when he disappeared without a
trace, she had given up hope of ever fulfilling the promise of
incomparable passion. But here he is, against the very laws
of nature, ready to bring down their most vicious enemy,
ready to bring her blood to the boiling point....
If she will only let him.
I wanted to tell you that, yes, I do have plans for Tristan from the Shadowdwellers to get his HEA eventually. What form and time this takes shape in is a grey area at present, but there is an intention.
I also want to take the opportunity to give you all hugs cyber hugs and thank you SO much for your devotion to this series. That has allowed it to be translated into over five foreign languages and now the entire set is in the midst of being released in audio format by Tantor Media! (The fabulous Xe Sands does our gang of men and their ladies proud!) Anyway, I have wondrous things planned for you and this world in the future. Follow my on my website, Facebook, Twitter and blog and I’ll keep you up to date on me, my books, my life, my peeves, my cats, my kid…basically all the floatsam of my life. Oh, and on Facebook we have a neat roleplaying page you ought to join. You get to watch actors play your favorite NIGHTWALKER characters, get to oogle the Hump Day Hunks on Wednesdays and a variety of other things as well. Oh, and the person who plays Ruth (cough) is sick and twisted and does a FABULOUS job, if I do say so myself. Hehehe.
This years challenge is going to be a little different. You have to read 20 adult paranormal romance novels and add a small review or long if you like LOL and these 20 books have to be read in the year of 2012.
I will allow erotic paranormal romance but again they have to be novels.
novellas will not be allow nor will urban fantasy or YA. If you want to make sure it's not UF please ask or you can visit these post below to find out how to tell the difference for yourself.
As of paranormal it can be any, witch, warlock, time travel, vampire, shapeshifters, steampunk, Sci-fi etc.. I include anything that is not normal in paranormal but if you have a question about a certain book please don't hesitate to ask.
The other change will be I am only giving away autographed books to the people who finishes their 20 book challenge.
Blogger
You can make one post on your blog for your reviews and once your done with all 20 books come back here to link you post or you can email me you post.
To sign up add your blogs name and the link to your blog below. You dont have to worry about making a review post at this time.
Note: on your challenge post you can either add your reviews on one post or you can do a link post like this one
This was very easy for me to do and didn't take up much time. As we bloggers knows we need any extra time we can get LOL.
Non Blogger
If you don't have a blog you can still enter. Just email me your reviews once your done or if you have a goodreads, shelfari etc account you can make a shelf just for your 2012 paranormal romance challenge. Once your done email me your challenge shelf and I will look them over. To sign up all you have to do is add your name below and put your goodreads, shelfari etc.. link in the next line.
Once you read 20 books your done you can not enter for another turn.
At this time I have 12 autographs books but I can always get more if needed.
Once your finished and I look over your books or post I will tell you to pick out which book you want. So the first that finishes is the first served LOL.
I have two hunky buttons to chose from so please if you would pick one hunk and take him to your blog;) You'll find the code on my left side bar.
If you need any help or I didn't make something clear please let me know.
You can sign up now but the count wont start until Jan 1, 2012.
I will have the post with all the autographed book up on Jan 1, 2012
I think that's everything but I am sure I missed something if so give me a yell.
Does love really conquer Evil? It was the question my protagonist, Jessie, had to answer in the 4th book of the Soul Catcher series.
The third book in the series, Fighting Evil, ends with the question "What happens next?" I jumped right into writing book 4. Drake and Jessie are on the run from the VETOV (Vampires for the Ethical Treatment of Other Vampires). In writing the book, I had to think of a place they could hide. Vampires are cold-blooded creatures. The logical place they'd want to go is somewhere warm. They hate the cold whereas demons, being hot-blooded creatures, love the cold. So, what place did I come up with for Drake and Jessie to hide? Alaska. Yes, it's not a good place for Drake, but he knows they are safer there.
Upon their arrival, they stumble across a murder. The dynamic duo asks questions and soon discovers there is a serial killer on the loose, and it's a demon stealing good souls. Jessie wants to stop the evil murderer, so she mingles with the local demon community. Well, a werewolf from the past appears and more trouble arises. She doesn't want to tell Drake just yet because she doesn't want to alarm him. Needless-to-say, things spin out of control fast. She has several "evils" that she faces while her heart yearns for one man who wants to spend eternity with her. Can she conquer the evil? Should she give up life for eternity with her vampire lover? It's not so simple since she's half-demon, but Drake works hard to persuade her, real hard. To find out the answers, I encourage you to read the book.
Excerpt: "You still have not told me what is on your mind," Drake said. I stopped pacing, and stood near the door. "I'm thinking about the kind of demons who steal souls." "You know what I am talking about," he said, smiling. "Our agreement from earlier. You owe me an answer, and I intend to get it." Get it? Oh, I could give it to him, but why not make him work for it? Grinning, I uncrossed my arms. "And I seem to recall telling you to give me what I want, and then I would tell you. Well, Mr. Dark Eyes, you still owe me." "Mr. Dark Eyes?" Drake slowly rose from the chair. "I owe you?" I took a step back, placing myself in the doorway. Any closer and I'd run. Let him catch me, and work for the answer. "I fulfilled my obligation," he said, his head slightly tilted to the side. His pupils enlarged. I licked my lips. "Only to an extent. We were interrupted." "You are teasing me," he said, as he took a step toward me. Giggling, I darted down the hall, and raced down the stairs. Footsteps came fast behind me. I had no hope of escaping him, but that was all part of the fun. And he knew it. Drake caught me two steps past the stairs. He picked me up, and my legs flew up in front of me. He carried me into the bedroom, all while I laughed, screamed a little, and wriggled in his arms. Reaching the bed, he let go, and I fell onto the soft mattress. I quickly twisted around to face him. He gazed into my eyes, and below his curled upper lip, two sharp teeth said hello. Amusement played on his face. He grabbed my legs, and yanked me toward him. "Do you refuse to tell me after we agreed—?" "Refuse is such a strong word. I don't refuse. I simply want something in return." I grinned. He lowered his body over mine, and rubbed his solid cock against me. Oh God, I loved the feel of him. "I intend to get my answer," he said before he pressed his lips to mine, kissing me gently, tenderly. I raked my fingers through his soft hair, brushing it away from his face. "Show me how badly you want it." After a quick tug, he had my shorts off, and then he showed me how much he wanted my answer, repeatedly, until my body was sore, throbbing with ecstasy, and totally exhausted.
Bio: By day, Mary is a government employee. At night, she’s a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Author. Her interest in dark, mysterious, and dangerous creatures started in her youth. Sci-fi and horror shows were her favorite. During her teenage years, she read every Anne Rice book available, had a plethora of pen-pals she wrote to, and enjoyed 80’s new wave music. In her early twenties, she dabbled with writing, but never pursued it as a career. Fifteen years later, she decided to write again. After writing a few full-length novels, she came to the realization that she couldn’t stop. What started as an interest grew into love, and is now an addiction.
Giveaway will be for one book in this series at winners choice. This is for an ebook so international is welcome. Fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter under please hit "Read More" to do that.
This year I'm giving away three prizes to three winners. Fill out the Raffelcoper below and if there is a problem in filling it out let me know. This is only the second time I am using it so knowing me I messed something up LOL.
Chose which number giveaway you want below and click on it in the Raffelcoper
Giveaway ends Dec 1st so I can get the prizes out.
This will be in all three giveaways
Number 1
Nina Bangs Eternal Craving
Book mark and small candle from Slatkin & co S'mores
Number 2
Mary Burton's Senseless
EARRINGS are gold tone with freshwater pearls.
Number 3
Bath and body set Twilight
Sophie Renwick Velvet Haven
Giveaway rules are here and since this is my giveaway you have to be a follower to enter.
Please add your reviews below in the Linky. Instructions 1. On the top box add the book name you read and your blogs name in ( ) Example Demon Unbound ( your blogs name) 2. Place that ULR of your review in the next box.
Now remember if you dont have a blog to post your reviews you email them to me and you can find my email under contact.
Giveaway will be a paperback of Susan Sizemore Master of Darkness
Octobers winner is Julianne at Vixen Reviews. Would you please email me I cant seem to find your email!!
Instructions 1. On the top box add the book name you read and your blogs name in ( ) Example Demon Unbound ( your blogs name) 2. Place that ULR of your review in the next box. Now remember if you don't have a blog to post your reviews you email them to me and you can find my email under contact
Title: White Dawn Author: Susan Edwards Source: Requested Review Genre: Historical Romance Format: e-book; 90,000 words Release date: Mass Market original release- May 2002; e-book re-release- November 21, 2011
Broken-hearted and abandoned in the wilds of America's untamed West, sixteen-year-old Emily Ambrose is rescued from certain death by solitary trapper John Cartier. Though she's learned the hard way not to trust any man, she can't help but feel safe with the kind stranger.
John can't imagine anyone willingly letting Emily go. Her strength and beauty call to him, but it is clear her wounded heart needs time to heal, and he won't settle for just her body. He vows to return Emily to civilization—and to resist the desire growing between them, unless she turns to him out of love.
Emily is drawn to her rugged but gentle rescuer, and begins to feel the passion that a woman can feel for a man. But she can't embrace a future with John as long as she's haunted by secrets of the past...
Rating-
Sexual-
My review-
I admit that I have a soft spot for historical romances, particularly those set during the more “Wild West” times of American history. This is book one of a series of twelve all together, but this book stands well on its own.
You are immediately drawn into the struggle of Emily facing a missionary father who seems to have a grudge against women. Your heart aches for the things he says to her and you feel as if you are there with her as her journey begins, bringing her into John’s life. From there, you are entranced as a friendship grows between them and soon blossoms into love. One particular plot point was easily predictable from the get go, but it didn’t detract from the overall story. The love scenes in the book are very well written and give you just enough of a visual to feel the characters’ emotions without being too much at the same time.
If you are interested in a nice, leisurely read, I highly recommend “White Dawn”. I’m looking forward to reading the next three in the first set of four books in the series.
Characterfest is a month long event where you’ll find a different character interviews written by the author each day. Each interview has a giveaway(s) make sure the giveaway is open to you and if so add a comment or question along with your email. I will close all giveaways at the end of the week and add the winners to the winners post on that Tuesday. Odds are if you won you’ll be hearing from me.
One thing I will ask is if you could please twitter or hit the facebook likes button on the post so that others can see the interview. I want to get these authors out to as much as I can and you’re my go between in this event.
I hope you enjoy each interview and please try to make it here each day to find out whom or what’s next. If this goes as planned I will be hosting this next year.
Dionysus, God of Wine and Ecstasy
Tina: “Today I’m interviewing a god, and frankly, I’m a little nervous. I mean, how do you address a god? Would it be something like “Oh, God!” or maybe “Dear God!”? It’s not every day I speak to a god. Maybe I’ll just play it saf, and address him the way his servants do. *clears her throat* Oh, mighty God Dionysus, it’s a pleasure having you here today.”
Dionysus *unleashed a devastating grin*: “You can call me Dio, sweetie.”
Tina *blushes down to the roots of her hair*: “Mmm, Dio, I now understand why you have such a reputation with women.”
Dio: “Call it what you want, sweetie, but I simply love women, no matter what shape or form they come in. There’s nothing more enticing than a woman’s body: curves, hair, scent, skin … hmm, just thinking about it makes me—”
Tina *interrupts hastily*: “Yes, yes, I understand. So, I hear that the goddess Hera played a little trick on you recently. Can you tell us a little about that?”
Dio: “Hera, that fu… excuse my Greek … my friendly stepmother. She’s not very fond of me. Guess I can’t really blame her. I’m a constant reminder of Zeus’ infidelity. Not that I’m the only one, but for some reason I’m always on her darn radar.”
Tina: “I feel for you.”
Dio: “Hera robbed me of my memory. I mean, what woman would do such a thing? You be the judge. But what she did to me was downright nasty.”
Tina: “I hear a lot of interesting things happened as a result of it.”
Dio: “Interesting? Make that humiliating. I had to work as a waiter. Can you imagine that? Me as a waiter? And of course all the other gods came to gloat and made me wait on them. Bastards!”
Tina: “But I understand that not everything was bad. There’s rumor that you’ve met someone special.”
Dio *smiles off into the distance*: “You should meet Ari. She’s lovely. So strong, so beautiful, with such a pure heart. Who could resist her? I didn’t want to see it at first, and I’m the first to admit that I treated her badly. I was such a jerk, but for Hades’ sake, I was scared shitless. I wanted her so much, I thought something was wrong with me.”
Tina: “But you came around and made it work.”
Dio: “We both did. She helped me see what’s important. It’s not chasing skirts for the rest of eternity, but it’s finding that one person who really gets you.”
Tina: “So what are your plans for the future?”
Dio: “Ari and I are gonna have a few heroes and—”
Tina *interrupts*: “Heroes? What are heroes?”
Dio: “Those are the children of a god and a mortal. We call them heroes. And *winks* we’re busy making heroes …”
Tina: “Well, in that case, I’d better not keep you any longer.”
Dio: “Appreciate it, sweetie. Hey, and if there’s ever anything you want me to do for you, just ask. After all, you wrote me the way I am, and I’m pretty darn happy.”
Dio is the star of A Scent of Greek, the second book in Tina Folsom’s Out of Olympus series. It is available for sale at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBookstore, Kobo, Google, and other online retailers.
1 person will win a paperback copy of A Scent of Greek – open internationally. To be eligible for the draw you need to a current or new facebook friend of Tina: www.facebook.com/AuthorTinaFolsom
It’s summertime in Phoenix, Arizona, meaning it’s hotter than hell. So when Ruby Prince walks into the Private Investigator Nicholas Masters’ offices bundled up like she’s in Nome, Alaska, Nick thinks she’s crazy. But what Ruby wants is to find someplace truly hotter than Hell, and what Nick discovers changes his life…forever.
Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:
This is a cute, quickly read, seventeen page short story with an amusing plot.
Ruby Prince is always freezing and has to find someplace hotter. She is “old enough to do whatever [she wants], and young enough to not always do the right thing" and is from a place “far, far away.” She thinks Nick is good looking and implies he looks like her father when she says, "I like men with widow’s peaks, a moustache, and a Van Dyke beard. You’re handsome in a rather old-fashioned way, which I find quite appealing."
Nicholas Masters, private investigator in Phoenix, really didn't want to take the case from the lady sitting across from him. She seemed like a nutcase. She wants him to find a place literally hotter than hell. In talking with her more, he begins to find her fascinating. She invites him to her hotel because she is just too cold in his office and although he knows he shouldn't, he does.
When she laughs, he feels it deep in his body and begins to want her badly. So badly he feels like it is possible he might rape her and he is not like that at all. Ruby notices his discomfort, apologizes, tells him it will be better soon and leads him to the bed to make love to him for hours.
There is a lot of foreshadowing in the story so the end isn't a surprise but it is fun getting there.
Title: Lone Wolf Author: Elinor Carson Source: Requested Review Format: ebook - Werewolves Release Date: October 2011 Author's Website
In a world where werewolves are being hunted to extinction, Jordana Brown has escaped such a fate by doing the unthinkable: living as a human. Though her life is built on lies and concealment, she’s convinced that she’s content.
That is, until another werewolf comes to town. Marcos Delgado stumbles upon Rocky Mount by chance after years of traveling. And as soon as he sees the beautiful Jordana, he knows he must have her. Unfortunately, they’ll both need to figure out a solution—fast—when the humans get closer and closer to their true identities.
Rating -
Sexual -
My Review -
Lone Wolf is a short novella that deals with a female werewolf trying to make it on her own in the human world, always cautious not to get discovered for what she is until a chance meeting with another lone wolf turns her world upside down.
Jordana left her family and her pack because she couldn't allow herself to follow her controlling father whom she felt was leading her family to doom. She vowed never to be controlled by another again and years later she has managed to have a life of her own where she is content amidst humans, that is until one day she runs into a lone wolf passing through town.
Marcos is a stranger just passing through town until he catches the scent of an female werewolf. It catches him off guard as he has been alone for so long and seeing how beautiful and captivating Jordana is he can't resist her. He is set on making her his.
Jordana tries to resist Marcos but how can she when Marcos is so damn sexy and wakes every cell in her body. Unfortunately they find themselves in the middle of human paranoia over werewolves as a hunting group is on the hunt for werewolves and if they are not careful their world can come crashing down on them and tear them apart.
This is a short, sweet read about two outsiders, loners finding each other and trying to see if they can make a life together among humans or a on the run and free.
Characterfest is a month long event where you’ll find a different character interviews written by the author each day. Each interview has a giveaway(s) make sure the giveaway is open to you and if so add a comment or question along with your email. I will close all giveaways at the end of the week and add the winners to the winners post on that Tuesday. Odds are if you won you’ll be hearing from me.
One thing I will ask is if you could please twitter or hit the facebook likes button on the post so that others can see the interview. I want to get these authors out to as much as I can and you’re my go between in this event.
I hope you enjoy each interview and please try to make it here each day to find out whom or what’s next. If this goes as planned I will be hosting this next year.
Interviewing Foster Nash is a little intimidating. He’s not only tall, but muscular, and his eyes are the most riveting blue I’ve ever seen. He’s allowed me to interview him on his ship, the Damn You. We’re in the cargo bay, which is rather small, since his ship is used for transporting prisoners. Foster is wearing faded jeans and a blue T-shirt that cling to his body like a second skin. As he shows me around, I find it difficult to keep my eyes off his fanny, especially when his equipment belt is thick, black leather and slung low.
So, it’s said you call yourself a ruthless bastard.
Yeah.
And you go out of your way to prove it.
Yeah.
This interview isn’t going to work if you—
Why don’t you try asking open-ended questions.
(I really don’t like being reminded how to do my job and it also reminds me that Foster Nash isn’t all muscle—he’s got a brain, too.) Tell me about your career as a Runner.
A Runner is a bounty hunter. I’m now rated as a triple-platinum Runner. I’m one of only six Runners classified that high. What that means is every contract I’ve signed, I’ve delivered on.
Every single one?
Yep. When a Runner starts out he’s silver. After 100 contracts—that’s in a row, not just 100 contracts in total—that are completed he moves up to double silver.
And if he fails to deliver on a contract?
He or she starts all over.
Sounds difficult.
It is and it continues. After another 100 completed contracts he or she moves up to double silver. 100 more and he’s triple silver. Then he goes through the same with gold and finally the same with platinum. Any blown contract and the whole thing starts all over again.
All over back at silver?
Yep.
Wow. I see. But how do you know that a Runner is telling the truth? (Foster stares at me with those scary blue eyes of his for so long I almost withdraw the question.)
Because word gets around. If you lie about your rating even once, someone is going to know, and they are going to tell. Your name will be mud so fast it isn’t funny. The whole job is based on reputation.
And that’s why you have to be a ruthless bastard.
You don’t get into this line of work unless you can walk the walk. Sometimes—hell, most times—I have to be ruthless just to get the job done.
I’ve also heard you don’t apprehend women.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
I’m just repeating what I’ve heard. (I take this moment to back up toward the exit. Foster notes me doing this as nothing gets past him.)
I don’t take women because they can be trouble. Kinda like you’re being right now. (Foster’s eyes go from where I’m standing to the exit and back, like he’s judging the distance. I realize he can beat me to the door.) Calm down. (He winks) I don’t have a contract on you. Basically, I don’t contract on women because they are manipulative creatures.
So you’re easily manipulated? (As soon as the question leaves my mouth I realize I’ve basically poked the grumpy bear with a very pointed stick.)
(Foster’s eyes narrow.) I am not easily manipulated but I don’t like to listen to crying and I’m sick of women thinking they can seduce me.
(I decide to get away from this line of questioning since Foster is looking at me like he wants to cage me up just to see if I’ll cry.) What’s the most you’ve ever made on a contract?
Couple Mil or so.
Are you paid in cash or credits?
Both. It’s not an illegal job. All Runners work within the limits of the law. And most officers, be they IWOG or WAG, don’t bother to steal our packages since they can’t get the reward.
They can’t?
No. If they could it would be total chaos out here. Rather than getting the money they get a nice little medal to pin on their uniform.
Not much incentive.
Yep. It keeps things clear for Runners to deliver their packages.
You don’t call them prisoners?
No, they are called packages. I’m not sure when that tradition started but it helps to keep them in perspective.
Right, because you don’t get attached to a package whereas with a prisoner—(I stop talking when his glare goes nova.) I imagine most of your time is spent by yourself out here. What do you do while you’re transporting a package?
I read a lot. I also practice languages. I know about 20 right now. I exercise, I paint. I make sure that my mind and body are well taken care of.
Sounds kind of lonely.
I’m not lonely. I’ve also got to go. (He points at the exit and before I know it I’m on the tarmac.)
If you’d like to ask Foster Nash a question, post it here in the comments and I’ll do my best to get him to answer. Runner is the third book in the Fringe series and will release January 10, 2012.
