Maxx Fragg, VPI - The ghost of crisis past

Hey all! Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday! It’s been a few weeks since I’ve participated but I wanted to make sure I snuck one more in before the end of the year. I’ve been busy working with a new comic book company, American Mythology, and we’re getting ready to launch some fantastic new titles coming this April starting out with Stargate: Atlantis  Season Six and brand new The Three Stooges adventures, some of which to be written by yours truly. Hopefully you’ll check them out. Enjoy this week’s contribution from my latest novel, Maxx Fragg, VPI, and before you’re done – stop over at the main site and enjoy all of this week’s offerings by clicking SCIFIFANSAT

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Two steps from the kitchen and a blue blur shot over Maxx, knocking him back into the living room. The creature floated above the frightened couple, holding a long silver butcher knife and wearing one of Debbie’s cooking aprons.

“Foooooddddd.”

Travis slipped Debbie’s hold and tumbled over the back of the sofa.  

Maxx focused on the knife. They never added props to their ghost because it only cheapened the effect and the cooking apron was way over the top.

Tane stumbled out of the kitchen and saw their wayward spirit.

“Why is our creature from beyond wearing a cooking-”

“Look out!”

Something hit Maxx from the side and he tumbled to the floor. He spun around, looking for Tane, but no one was there. Maxx noticed the knife handle sticking out of the wall, the blade embedded in the plaster.

“Jason?” Maxx asked.

Maxx knew that voice. It was Jason. But how? His brother died six months ago.

And there you have it. Thanks for reading and if you’d like to pick up your own copy of Maxx Fragg, VPI – you can find it on Amazon in eBook or print. We’re running a Kickstarter for the next couple days for the upcoming Stargate: Atlantis launch and there’s still time to contribute – here’s the link if you’re interested - Kickstarter - Stargate: Atlantis . I hope you enjoyed this week’s snippet and I’m hoping you and yours have a great holiday season! See you in 2016!

 

Stargate: Atlantis - American Mythology Kickstarter Campaign

So I've been working with American Mythology comics for some time now and the company is looking to launch the first of several major titles this spring with Stargate: Atlantis! Check out the Kickstarter campaign they just launched and come along for the ride!

 

And so starts the 12 Days of Stargate...just in time for the holidays. Check out this link for American Mythology and its Kickstarter campaign to bring new StarGate: Atlantis comics back to eager fans. They've already lined up an award winning list of artists and writers to make sure the books are top shelf. Don't believe me - just ask Greg LaRocque Mark Wheatley Jeffrey Vaughn Mark L. Haynes Ken Haeser Buz Hasson and more! Stop over and check it out, lock a chevron level if you'd like to participate! Everyone's participation is truly appreciated and will help to bring this awesome title back to comic book readers. Join the mission as American Mythology goes Back to Pegasus!

 

Click on the link below to check it out!

Stargate: Atlantis Kickstarter Campaign

 

Maxx Fragg Snippet #8 - Fear the Corn Flake

Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday! I’m glad you’re here. You’re just in time to share in another new set of great writing snippets from an equally great group of authors over at SciFiFanSat. Stop over and make sure you check them all out. This week, I’m still sharing from the opening chapter of my new novel, Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. Things are heating up for our two ghost hunters and not just because they’re chasing a ghost in the kitchen who apparently likes or strongly dislikes microwave popcorn.  I hope you enjoy this week’s snippet.

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                       Maxx whispered in his friend’s ear, “We’ve been through this a hundred times. Remember, it’s just a computer program. Think of it like a level on Planet of Punishment and kick some ghost butt.”

           Maxx reached for the handle just as a flaming microwave smashed through the door, shooting out between the two ghost hunters. The burning appliance rolled across the living room floor, sputtering and sparking its last breaths inches away from Travis and Debbie.

           Maxx grabbed Tane as he waved back to Debbie. “We were just coming up with a battle plan,” he said, pushing Tane into the kitchen.  

           Yanking the door shut behind his friend, Maxx heard glass shattering and wood breaking in the kitchen. He bent down to peek through the hole in the door as a tidal wave of corn flakes spewed out, covering him in crumbs.

           “I think it’s getting tired,” Maxx said, ducking down to avoid a burst of water. “What are you trying to do in there? Drown it?”

           “This isn’t easy, you know,” Tane shouted. “I could use some help in here. No! Do not squirt that.”

Oh, the condiments!  Maybe an otherworldly cook-off is in order.  There’s only one way to find out.  Come back next week to see what happens OR if you really have to know right now – you can always check out your own copy of the book by clicking Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. It’s okay, I won’t mind. Hope you had fun. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you in seven!

Maxx Fragg - Snippet #7 Kitchen Apparition

Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday - a place where fans of their respective genres can stop by and get a quick fix of some quality writing by some fine authors. Oh yeah, I post on here too sometimes. This week, I’m still posting from my new novel, Maxx Fragg, V.P.I.  Maxx and Tane just came face to face with the spectral intruder in Travis and Debbie’s apartment and they’re in full ghost-hunting mode – kinda. In case you missed any of the previous posts, I put links to each of them at the bottom of the page. I hope you enjoy. Make sure you stop over at the main site SciFiFanSat and read all of the great contributions this week.

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“Get ready,” Maxx said as he dropped to one knee and took aim.

Tane mimicked his friend’s lead and answered, “Eady and rable.”

Maxx sneered as he fired. A stream of blue energy spewed from the nozzle, splattering against the wall next to the ghost. Tane fired the same pressurized current and watched as it exploded against the ceiling. The rampaging wraith darted between the beams and soared over the terrified couple, disappearing through a door leading into the kitchen.  

Maxx raised a finger to his lips.  

He pushed Tane towards the door. Cabinets slammed and an alarm chimed as something exploded. Smoke billowed out into the living room and Maxx swore he smelled burned popcorn. The ghost shrieked as something white poured from beneath the door, soaking the carpet. 

“This is bad, folks,” Maxx said. “It’s hungry, and I don’t think it’s looking for a pot pie.” He nudged Tane’s shoulder. “What are you waiting for? Get in there.”

Tane ain’t afraid of no ghost. It only gets worse from here. Wait until they break out…the condiments. I hoped you like it.  If you did, leave me a comment on the way out. I’m doing a book giveaway for Maxx Fragg over at Goodreads – stop over on my author’s page and check it out - Goodreads / SACheck.  If you like what you’ve been reading, pick up a copy of the book by clicking here - Amazon / S.A.Check.  Have a great weekend and see you in seven!

 

Maxx Fragg - Snippet #1

Maxx Fragg - Snippet #2

Maxx Fragg - Snippet #3

Maxx Fragg - Snippet #4

Maxx Fragg - Snippet #5

Maxx Fragg - Snippet #6

 

Maxx Fragg Snippet #6 Bump in the Nite Lite

We’re well into October, which means Halloween is fast approaching, bringing with it all of the ghosts and ghouls and things that go bump in the night. What better time to be sharing from my latest sci-fi / horror novel Maxx Fragg, V.P.I.? The ghost’s out of the bag and Maxx and Tane have their hands full dealing with this glowing horror for my contribution to this week’s Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. I jumped ahead a bit to get into the ghost-hunting action. Don’t forget to stop over at the main site SciFiFanSat and check out all the work from some amazing authors. Enjoy.

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A rush of blue light exploded from the chimney, flooding into the living room.

Travis’ voice jumped two octaves. “Keep it away!”

Clawing over his girlfriend, Travis scrambled to the edge of the couch and pulled his way to the floor.

Maxx shouted, “Debbie, keep him there and don’t move. It reacts to sudden movements…and screaming like a girl.”

She grabbed Travis’ collar and twisted him back to the couch. Gripping him around the waist, she pulled him down and locked him in place with a full nelson. His face forcibly stuffed into the back of the couch, she called back to Maxx, “Okay, I got him, just get rid of that thing.”

Maxx’s eyes adjusted to the light burst. Hovering above the fireplace, a billowing green wraith snarled at them. Its unhinged jaw dropped down to its chest as it wailed out a blistering scream, wisps of jade fog flowing from its mouth. A viridian glow oozed from its skin as gossamer hair stretched out, like tendrils feeling for prey. Blackened eye sockets slowly scanned the room as its arms stretched and lengthened along the walls, each ending in razor sharp claws.

Maxx hinted a small nod of approval. What Tane lacked in the performing arts category, he made up for in the detail he crafted into their targets.

Well, looks like the boys have their hands full. Let’s hope they’re up to the task. If you enjoyed the snippet, check out the entire first chapter over on Goodreads or get even more adventurous and pick up your very own copy of Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. by checking it out here - Amazon / S.A. Check. To find out more about the book, stop over at the Facebook / Maxx Fragg page – any and all likes are appreciated. Hope you enjoyed it. See you in seven!

Maxx Fragg, Snippet #5 - Tears on my Poltergeist

Hi! Welcome back to another round of Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday! There’s a chill in the air and the rays of summer are all but forgotten but what better way to warm your thoughts than with a sturdy dose of Sci-Fi / Fantasy writing. If you haven’t already checked out all of the engaging contributions from this week’s authors, just shoot on over to the main site at SciFiFanSat. This week, I’m still sharing snippets from the opening chapter of my latest novel, Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. Things are about to go down and Maxx’s terrified clients are having second thoughts.

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Debbie raised her hand and asked, “Would it be okay if I just darted to the lady’s room first?”

“It’s too late for that,” Maxx said.

“But…” Debbie persisted.

Maxx secured the detecting rod back in his bag and withdrew a long barreled shotgun with a plastic cylinder attached to each side. “You can put your hand down now.”

Pumping the stock, a neon gel flowed through the tubing running the length of the barrel. Maxx hit a button and the liquid energized, bubbling as it flowed the course of the weapon. The couple simultaneously pulled their feet up off the floor.

It was time for Maxx to set up the final act.

“You wouldn’t want to miss the show, would you?” Maxx asked. 

“They’re professionals, Debbie,” Travis said, trying to reassure her with a half-hearted smile.

Debbie dug her nails into the couch. “I guess.”

Maxx knew they needed to get through the rest of this job without any more problems. Debbie appeared on the verge of crying and Maxx knew Tane’s concentration shattered at the sight of a girl’s tears.

Let’s hope Tane can keep it together long enough to see some action. I promise some ghost thumping action in the coming snippets – just in time for the merry month of Halloween! If you want to check out more from Maxx Fragg, you can check out the first chapter over at Goodreads or even better, you can get your very own copy of the book, print or eVersion, by clicking HERE. I’m running a giveaway over at Goodreads where you can enter to win a free signed copy of the book by clicking Goodreads Giveaway.  I hope you enjoyed the snippet. Leave a comment and let me know what you thought. Stay warm and dry and I’ll see you in seven!

Maxx Fragg Snippet #4 - Operation Oops

And…we’re back. After taking a week off to attend the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention last weekend, I’m here and ready for my weekly dose of science fiction and fantasy writing. I had a great time at the convention and Maxx Fragg, VPI got a lot of great exposure. I’ll be sharing again this week from Maxx Fragg’s opening chapter. I hope you enjoy. Make sure you stop over at the main page and check out the contributions from all of this week’s authors by clicking HERE. _________________________________________________________________

“You’re lucky you called us when you did,” Maxx said. “Have you ever seen anything like this, Tane?”

Taking his cue, Maxx’s teammate finished unloading some equipment and crossed the room. His six foot eight inch frame exerted considerably more effort to move around the furniture as size fourteen  army boots left hefty impressions in the plush red carpet.

“We need to evacuate the whole building,” he said, reading the device.

Maxx elbowed him in the side and whispered, “Over doing it a little there, partner.”

“I mean, yeah, those are some numbers. Maybe we should call in our other group, you know, the Black Oops Guys?”

“You mean our Black Ops Special Detention Squad?” Maxx turned his back to the couple, pulling Tane around with him. “I think we can handle this one on our own.”

He gave his partner a quick jab in the ribs. “I can’t believe you.”

“Ow,” Tane said, rubbing his side. “Quit hitting me, Maxx.”

“You’re going to blow this whole thing,” Maxx said.

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And the plot thickens. I hope you’re enjoying some of the book so far. If you’d like to read more, you can download and read the entire first chapter over at Goodreads. You can pick up your own copy of the book over at AMAZON or at my book publisher Ink Smith Publishing. Please leave a comment on your way out. They’re always appreciated. Have a great weekend and see you in seven!

Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. - Paranormal Pottery 101

Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday – a place where authors from their respective fields share snippets of their published or current works. Make sure you stop over and check out all of the great contributions this week by clicking the main site Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. This week I’m sharing another section from the opening of my new novel, Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. It’s been an exciting week as the book launched a week ago and has been getting some great media attention from Scoop to Nerdspan to American Mythology to some familiar faces like Dragons and Triplanes (Peter Vialls), T.K. Toppin, JC Cassels, and many others. Thank you to everyone who has supported the book from posts to retweets to mentions. I really do appreciate it. This is a great site and hosts not only some fantastic authors but people also! Okay….here’s my snippet. Enjoy.

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             Everyone had their own pre-conceived notions of how to get rid of a ghost. Maxx heard them all, séances, sprinkle salt along the door, burn sage, hire a bunch of meddling kids, craft some pottery together. He’d probably find it all funnier if he actually believed in any of it.

             Maxx pulled a long metal rod from his bag. Standing next to the couple, he pushed a switch on the base, holding it over his head. The staff hummed and vibrated like a radioactive tuning fork sending palpable energy out into the air around the room. Maxx swung it over their heads as they both instinctively ducked. They were like two kids watching their first fireworks display and Maxx was the guy lighting the wicks. He read the digital display on the club’s handle.

             Satisfied, Maxx brushed his hand through his spiked hair, trying to express some fake concern. “You’ve definitely got a presence here. Readings are off the charts.”

             Pulling a notepad from his tactical vest, he scribbled down some notes. Maxx drew a smiley face with a frown and tears streaming down both cheeks. Underneath his sketch he wrote Travis.

What do you think so far? Hopefully you’re enjoying the read. If you want to check out more, you can read the book blurb over at my website SACheck.com or check out the first chapter over at Goodreads or even better pick up your very own copy of the book by clicking Maxx Fragg,VPI. Thanks for reading and all of the support! Have a great weekend and see you in seven!

Maxx Fragg,VPI - Pillow fights and Poltergeists

Putting a little friction in your science fiction every weekend – that’s what we’re all about here at Science Fiction and Fantasy Saturday. We’re trying to make the weekend a little brighter with some great writing snippets from a great group of authors and writers who love the genres just as much as you do. Stop over at the main site for all of this week’s picking and you’ll see what I mean by clicking HERE. This week’s already been an exciting one for me with the fresh off the press release of my new novel – Maxx Fragg, V.P.I., so I’ve decided to share another excerpt from the beginning of the book. If you haven’t already – stop over at my website SACheck.com to check out the book! Read on!

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“I think I’d rather see what’s coming,” Travis said as he pulled a cushion on his lap.

“You expecting a pillow fight?” Maxx asked, dropping the equipment bag slung over his shoulder.

Debbie jumped. “What are you going to do with that?”

“What I’m being paid to do.” Maxx nodded across the room to his partner, who shook his head in disapproval. Bending next to the couch, Maxx slowly unzipped the bag. He was close enough to see the goose bumps on Debbie’s arm rise with each click.

“I don’t care what it takes, just get that thing out of my house,” Travis said.

“You’ll be ghost free in no time.” Maxx knew his clients needed to believe he could make it better, take away their fears. If only it was that simple. Everyone wanted to name the night, put a label on their personal horrors. He wished someone could shut the door to the monsters in his own closet.

Ahhhhh….the old monster in the closet syndrome. So is Maxx part hero – part conman – a bit of both? Check back next week for another exciting excerpt from the novel’s opening. If you want to jump ahead, you can check out the entire first chapter posted over on GOODREADS and if you REALLY want to jump ahead (I’m okay with it, really), you can pick up your own copy of the book by clicking over to my publisher INK SMITH PUBLISHING or at AMAZON where it’s available in both eBook and print. Thanks for reading along – see you in seven!

Maxx Fragg, VPI Blog Tour

 

The Maxx Fragg, VPI Blog Tour is officially underway and coming to a blog near you!!!

Follow along as the tour moves along to some truly awesome blogs leading up to the book's release date and beyond!

Here's a peek at the schedule:

Blame It on the Books                                - Sept 1
T.K. Toppin                                                - Sept 2
Gotta Name My Blog   (Book Release!)    - Sept 3
Dragons and Triplanes                               - Sept 4
Lyndi Alexander and Worlds of Wonder  - Sept 5

Here's a link to today's stop:

Blame It on the Books 

I hope you check out the book!

Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. - The Other Syde is Waiting

Guess what time it is? Yes, it's the end of summer. Yes, it's also back to school time. Okay, it's NFL pre-season. I know, Labor Day is next weekend. But more importantly, it's a new Science Fiction and Fantasy Saturday! That special time of the week to kick back and enjoy some of your favorite authors and their writing snippets. Don't believe me? Just head on over to the main site by clicking HERE and find out for yourself. This week, I decided to share the opening from my upcoming novel Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. since it's releasing this coming Thursday through my publisher Ink Smith Publishing. Enjoy!

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Tucked between the shadows and the night, standing in a darkened corner of the room, Maxx Fragg watched the young couple huddled on the couch. They had no idea what he had in store for them. He almost felt sorry. Almost. He watched as Travis stroked Debbie’s hand and whispered something in her ear. Maxx locked eyes with her as he moved across the apartment. He saw the desperation mixed with fear in her eyes and he grinned. He liked it that way. Pulling a pair of gloves from his belt, Maxx cinched them around his wrists. The rush of adrenaline rose up from his chest. This was far from his first job but he still got a thrill each time. He clicked off the lamp and the room went black.

Debbie gasped. “Can’t we leave a few lights on?”

           “I prefer to work in the dark,” Maxx said.
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What exactly is Maxx doing there? Is he a guest...or something else? Check out the blurb for the book over on my web page SACheck.com .Here's a link for the video book preview MaxxFraggTrailer. You can pre-order the book now by clicking HERE. Stop by and "like" the Maxx Fragg Facebook Page. Thanks for following along. Oh yeah - check me out on the first wave of my world wide web blog tour for the book running from September 1rst through the 5th. You may see some familiar faces along the way.  I'll be posting updates and links to the sites. I think I'm all linked out - this was longer than my snippet. I hope you check out the book. See you in seven!

Last Zombie Standing #12

Saturday? It’s already Saturday? Where does a week go? The good news is that means it’s time for another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Summer is sadly winding down and so is my story – Last Zombie Standing. This will be my last snippet from the short. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and please leave a comment on the way out and let me know what you think. I’ve attached links for all the other snippets along the way in case you missed one. Make sure you check out all of the great writing contributions this week by clicking over to the main site HERE. Enjoy!________________________________________________________________
 

          “But why?” the general asked.

          “It’s not working, sir. Maybe our friends from beyond are trying to tell us something, maybe we’ve already lost more than we can get back.”

          “Don’t do it, son. We’ll find another way.”

          “I think any way we go is a dead end, sir.”

          An electrical surge shot through Zulu-2’s body, causing it to convulse.  The near-skeletal corpse slowly fell forward, its chest collapsing against the plunger, pushing both down against the base.

          The energy rippling across the dome stopped. Tiny bursts of light erupted across the blue and green sphere in the distance. They expanded and convulsed into each other until a white circle glared against the backdrop of blackened space. Waves of light and debris spiraled away from the former planet as Zulu-2 watched from his belly along the moon’s surface. A faint wind gusted across the lunar landscape, gently blowing the flags of the nearby space modules. As the light dimmed, the world’s last necronaut crawled away, clawing the loose sod in clumsy handfuls, pulling its way up the next hill, searching for…something. 
 

Well…who saw that coming? Who was your favorite character – the General? The quiet but formidable Kingston? The ever-irrepressible Zulu-2? Let me know. Thanks for reading along. Tune in next week when I share from my upcoming novel Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. – releasing September 3^rd from Ink Smith Publishing, and already being reviewed as “Beetlejuice meets Tron”. If you want to check out more, you can click HERE to read a blurb and even pre-order a copy. As always, been a blast – pun intended. See you in seven!              

 Last Zombie Standing #1
 Last Zombie Standing #2
 Last Zombie Standing #3
 Last Zombie Standing #4
 Last Zombie Standing #5
 Last Zombie Standing #6
 Last Zombie Standing #7
 Last Zombie Standing #8
 Last Zombie Standing #9
 Last Zombie Standing #10
 Last Zombie Standing #11

Last Zombie Standing #11

It’s that time of the week again. Kick back, grab a tasty beverage, and enjoy some sci-fi and fantasy writing from a great group of authors. Oh, yeah, I contributed too. This week we’re at the very cusp of finishing my short story Last Zombie Standing. I either had to try to cram it all in here or spread it out a bit more. I hope you’ve enjoyed the story so far and stick with me one more week to finish it up. Make sure you stop over at the main site to check out all of this week’s shorts by clicking HERE. You’ll be glad you did. Enjoy!

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          “Those dirty alien bastards were trying to kill us all,” the general snarled. “We’ll nuke them next, after we finish off these damn zombies.”

          Zulu-2 caught the fading scent of the dead cat sprawled against the ground beside it. Hollow eye sockets searched in vain as it groped for one last meal. Its skeletal fingers wrapped around the bomb’s handle.

          The camera on Zulu-2’s shoulder turned, focusing on the plunger.  

          “Sweet liberty, that was close,” the general said. “Sorry, soldier, but your mission is over.”

          A small light activated at the base of Zulu-2’s skull, steadily blinking faster and faster until it glowed steady red. Time in the dome seemed to slow and then pause. Finally the general’s voice crackled from the necronaut’s suit mike.

          “Why didn’t it explode? Zulu-2 should be nothing but zombie nuggets. I don’t under-”

          “I blocked it,” Kingston said, his voice soft and eerily calm.

          And I find myself ending on another one-liner from everyone’s favorite lunar scientist, the silver-tongued Kingston. Tune in next week for the exciting conclusion (didn’t I say that last week?) of Last Zombie Standing! While you’re browsing around – make sure to check out the blurb from my upcoming novel Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. – releasing September 3^rd from Ink Smith Publishing. You can pre-order it now over at the INK SMITH PUBLISHING Check out my Facebook page for Maxx Fragg VPI and visit my website at SACheck.com. Whew! That was enough plugs to keep the Titanic afloat.