The Discovery of Dragons and Parallels

May 4, 2016May 4, 2016 / WriterlySam / 21 Comments

Launching August 2016

A brittle map from 1859, found clutched in the bony grip of the long dead, sends three young boys on a dangerous adventure where an unsolved murder, modern crime, lost ancestors and ancient Chinese dragons reveal the true meaning of treasure.

Available for Pre-order!

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C. Lee McKenzie is a 4 & 5 star reviewed author. Her greatest passion is writing for young readers. Sign of the Green Dragon is her third Middle Grade novel. Alligators Overhead and the sequel, The Great Time Lock Disaster were her first two. She has traditionally published four young adult novels: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative and Sudden Secrets.

Parallels_IWSG Anthology

What if the government tried to create the perfect utopia? Could a society linked to a supercomputer survive on its own? Do our reflections control secret lives on the other side of the mirror? Can one moment split a person’s world forever?

Exploring the fantastic, ten authors offer incredible visions and captivating tales of diverse reality. Featuring the talents of L. G. Keltner, Crystal Collier, Hart Johnson, Cherie Reich, Sandra Cox, Yolanda Renee, Melanie Schulz, Sylvia Ney, Michael Abayomi, and Tamara Narayan.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will expand your imagination and twist the tropes of science fiction. Step through the portal and enter another dimension!

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – Ignite – Daniel Beijbom

Parallels_IWSG Anthology

Available NOW!

Print: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Ebook: Amazon, ITunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo

After wrapping up an ambitious AtoZ tour through my Solarpunk short story, EOS, I’m moving full throttle into edits for Architects of Illusion, a young adult fantasy novel series inspired by the land and legacy of Biltmore Estate, where Greek mythology meets Night at the Museum, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. A novel that’s evolved into a six book series and a daunting product to deliver. This will be my greatest challenge yet! I tend to juggle multiple media projects at once, but screaming deadlines will force me to focus on this ONE project. Here’s hoping I have enough discipline/kale in stock!!

EOS Review Contest

Post a REVIEW of EOS, a Solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99, by MAY 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Stay tuned for a groundbreaking music video for EOS this May and companion album from Really Slow Motion launching Summer 2016!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

IWSG, a community of brilliant writers led by Alex J. Cavanaugh, meets the first Wednesday of every month. Visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website and database! You’ll find everything from writing to marketing, along with encouragement and support!

The AtoZ of EOS_Zari Oadira

April 30, 2016May 2, 2016 / WriterlySam / 8 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

Fear takes us down an unexpected road in EOS, a revolutionary Solarpunk story from author Samantha Redstreake Geary, in collaboration with artist Jenny Vyas, featuring music by Really Slow Motion, and groundbreaking graphics via designer Koke Núñez Gómez! EOS tackles real-world issues concerning terrorism, prejudice, and diversity, to near-future technology surrounding sustainable energy that restores the balance between humanity and nature. This isn’t a defeatist tale. It is a look through the lens of positive futurism that showcases the courage, compassion and capabilities of humanity as equal partners in building a bridge to a better tomorrow.

Meet the Characters

Lupita Nyong’o as Zari

Arjun stares with wonder at the sea of suspended crystal panels. His fingers find their rhythm, and within minutes, he’s flying through the complex web of code with unbridled joy. Within an hour, he cracks the key to unlocking the mysterious file.

EOS060316

A holographic scene sparks to life. This was no recording.

This was a memory.

Struggling in the center of a smoke-filled room, fire licking at the walls, was a bruised and bleeding Zari Oadira. An unfamiliar man, untouched by the devastation surrounding him, gripped her head savagely.

Behind them, a beautiful dark-haired woman was slumped at an odd angle over a pile of debris, her glassy eyes unseeing.

Zari stared into the eyes of the memory holder, tears cutting through the dust caking her face. Though the words that spilled from her swollen lips fell on deaf ears, the meaning was clear.

She was saying goodbye to someone she loved.

In one brutally swift motion, Zari’s body crumpled to the floor.

EOS struggles to process what she has seen, to comprehend the gravity of what she now knows.

The answer to the final question.

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – The Last To Fall – Casey Edwards

Stay tuned for a groundbreaking music video for EOS launching this May!

Author’s Note

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who joined this special AtoZ journey. Infused with positive futurism and universal compassion, EOS is a daring departure from the dystopian path we’ve been told to travel. It was created to INSPIRE you. This story is yours. The underlying truths and powerful messages are meant for you to interpret. It is a story that reflects what WE, as artists, need to take an active role in changing. My greatest hope is that you will join us in building a bridge to a better tomorrow. Every voice can make a difference, no matter how small. Every voice is valuable, now most of all…

EOS Commenting Contest

During AtoZ, I revealed sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi Solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Commenting Window Open Until May 8th. Winners Announced May 9th!

EOS Review Contest

EOS, a Solarpunk short story (9.3K words) is available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and a signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

The AtoZ of EOS_YORI Technologies

April 30, 2016April 30, 2016 / WriterlySam / Leave a comment

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

YORI Technologies

“Masako was just giving us the scoop on YORI,” Nellie tells Vanisa. “They make robots that can sew better than the both of us,” she whispers

“We started out with textiles, yes, but we’ve branched out into artificial intelligence,” Masako clarifies. “In fact, my father intended to present his initial inventions at the global summit ten years ago.”

“Really? I don’t recall YORI attending that summit,” Vanisa asks, sipping her wine.

Masako bristles. “His request to attend was denied.”

“Oh…” Vanisa shrinks down in her chair.

“More wine?” Nellie tips a bottle of white wine into Masako’s glass.

“Information regarding YORI’s summit submission and denial is not on file,” EOS announces.

“Cue moment of uncomfortable silence,” Vanisa mumbles.

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – The Ancient One – Henri Vartio

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

The AtoZ of EOS_X

April 28, 2016 / WriterlySam / 2 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

X = 10 Year Anniversary of Summit Attack

R I S E by Jenny Vyas

EOS takes place in the near-future, ten years after a devastating terrorist attack targeted the International Green Summit. Innocent lives were lost. Hopes and dreams shattered. Their spirits bear the indelible marks of pain and fury. Their once-optimistic vision of the future crumbled beneath the weight of Fear.

But Fear is not the enemy.

Our enemy is the lover of death, who delivers it savagely without remorse. They wear many faces, but beneath their skin they carry the same plague that’s infected our past and threatens our future. They wield Fear as a weapon. They use it to clip our wings. Face Fear and take back what is rightfully yours. Find your wings. Rise. Fly until no one can stop you.

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – The Last Battle – Harry Lightfoot

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

The AtoZ of EOS_Wounded

April 27, 2016 / WriterlySam / 6 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

Wounded

S U T U R E S by Jenny Vyas

“Over the next several weeks, we invite you to experience the future. It’s my pleasure to introduce your host for the journey, the heart of Viridis.” Rafael steps back, lending the figure beside him the limelight. “EOS”.

The girl who’s not a girl smiles at the audience.

Vanisa gasps with recognition. The last time she laid eyes on the girl, she lay broken on a bed of smoke and blood in the ruins of the summit building ten years ago…

After addressing the summit, Rafael slips away to catch his breath, leaving EOS to meet with her new inquisitive fan club.

“Rafael!” Vanisa calls, embracing him. “It’s been too long, my friend,” she chides.

“Only ten years,” Rafael smiles sadly. “Lo siento, Vanisa. I couldn’t bear to face anyone from our past. It was too hard. The wounds, too deep.”

“We’re all wounded,” Vanisa says, “Some of us choose a prescription of coffee and companionship over isolation.”

Vanisa glances over at Arjun, who appears enamored with EOS. “She’s the spitting image of Esperanza. Is that part of the healing? Living with a ghost?” she asks gently.

Rafael winces. “We all have ghosts,” he whispers. “Some of us choose to walk beside them.”

“Well that,” Vanisa nods towards EOS, “is a spectacular way to do it.”

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – Your God Is Dead – Daniel Beijbom

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

The AtoZ of EOS_Vanisa Kirti

April 26, 2016 / WriterlySam / 3 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

Meet the Characters

Tabu as Dr. Vanisa Kirti

A shade before dusk, another car, slightly ahead of the first, arrives at an iron fence swallowed by vines as thick as a man’s wrist. The driver gingerly slips his arm outside the window, where it’s gently prodded by a curious creeper. Much like a dog sniffing out a threat, the vines find the man agreeable, and unlock their grip upon the gate.

In the back of the car, a wise woman wrapped in wonder watches the scene unfold. Having dedicated the better part of 20 years to the study of plants, Dr. Vanisa Kirti struggles to reconcile what she’s seeing with what she knows is probable.

Her teenage son, however, pays no mind to the unusual occurrence outside his window. He cradles a holopad in his awkward hands, a prototype of his own design, and finds its contents far more interesting than a sentient weed. But Arjun has never shared his mother’s love of botany. Computers were the companions of a boy who thinks too much and feels too little.

“A moment, please, Sir,” she calls out to the driver, determined hands gripping the door handle.

“I’m sorry, Dr. Kirti, you must remain in the vehicle,” the driver squeaks, his voice raising an octave. The last time a passenger was overly inquisitive, it didn’t end well.

“It will only take a minute. I just want to get a closer look at—”

Before she can step from the car, the trailing plant nudges her door closed, raps at her window as if delivering a proper scolding, and crawls back from whence it came.

The driver swipes at the sweat beading his brow and speeds through the open gate.

Just ahead, a rounded tower of gleaming glass and silver steel rises from the forest floor to kiss the sky, vegetation climbing its skin as if it were once swallowed by the surrounding mountains and spat out.

Vanisa stumbles from the car, barely registering the driver’s instructions as he hastily pulls their luggage from the trunk.

Panic replaces awe when she sees the driver carrying Arjun’s bags.

“NO! Please, leave them,” she urges him. “My son, he….he doesn’t like anyone touching his things.”

But, for the first time in months, Arjun isn’t hovering over his belongings, nor are his eyes glued to the tiny glowing screen in his palm. His gaze is drawn to the marvel before them and the magic waiting within.

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – Releasing The Kraken – Henri vartio

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

The AtoZ of EOS_Unlikely Islands

April 25, 2016April 25, 2016 / WriterlySam / 14 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

A Bridge Between Unlikely Islands

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“It should work properly now,” she says, offering the device to the boy, who stops his pacing and stares at the screen with wonder. “It’s quite impressive. Did you create it?”

The boy nods. He gently plucks the screen from Selene’s fingers and lovingly cradles it in his palm. A small puppy materializes above the screen, its translucent tail wagging eagerly. A tiny bark springs from its muzzle, bringing a smile to the boy’s face.

The boy’s compassion for a computer-generated character surprises her.

“Thank you,” the boy rushes, startling Selene. “I couldn’t find…I didn’t know…how to save….,” he mumbles nervously, his eyes begging to understand. “How did you…?”

“It was a bug,” Selene explains, going into great detail about how she discovered it and the best way to avoid such debacles in the future.

The boy, realizing that she speaks his language, relaxes into the conversation and shares his plans to improve the design.

After hours of effortless discourse, the longest interaction of the boy’s entire life, Selene rises to her feet and wishes him a good night.

“Arjun,” he calls to her, shyly. “My name is Arjun.”

“Selene,” she replies over her shoulder.

“Will you…can I…talk…tomorrow?” He stumbles, biting his lower lip.

A small smile tugs at her lips. “See you tomorrow.”

And just like that, under the watchful gaze of the constellations, amidst the warm glow of luminous leaves, a bridge is built between two unlikely islands.

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – Supremacy – Blake Robinson

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

The AtoZ of EOS_Terrorism

April 24, 2016 / WriterlySam / 3 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

Terrorism

H O R I Z O N by Jenny Vyas

“What is all this shouting about?” Vanisa demands from her bedroom.

“I need to find Arjun.”

“You’re too late,” Vanisa cries. “They’ve taken him away. And I…I can’t find his holopad anywhere,” she mutters with dismay. “He’ll be lost without it.”

“Away?” Selene sees the luggage tossed onto the bed. “Where? Why?”

Vanisa’s face is swollen and red with grief. “They have evidence that he tampered with Viridis’ system,” she sobs. “The security bastards accused my boy of being a cyber terrorist!” Vanisa roars. “They look at him and they see the enemy. They don’t see who he is. They don’t know him. My boy…he would never…he couldn’t hurt…anyone.”

“I…I’m so sorry,” Selene whispers, her eyes landing on a large black and white canvas leaning against the wall. Selene follows the flowing lines of the painted girl, her arms outstretched, a flock of birds bursting from the fabric of her being.

“The fault is not yours to claim, Selene,” Vanisa sighs, crumpling to the floor beside her. “You’ve been good to Arjun. Patient. Kind. You’ve given him the greatest of treasures.”

Vanisa gazes at the painting she created years ago, after violence tried to steal her wings. She brings it wherever they go. It is a powerful reminder. No one, not a handsome husband with an ugly heart, nor a blinded barbarian with a love of death, can keep you from flying.

Selene tilts her head to look at Vanisa. “I don’t understand. What have I possibly given him?”

Vanisa turns to Selene and smiles through silent tears. “A connection to another human being.”

Vanisa could not know how that simple statement shook Selene to her core.

Arjun had given her something precious. He saw something in her of value, something she didn’t see herself. The birds of her being.

She sees them now.

In that moment, Selene decides to defy the laws that govern her. She will learn to fly on her own. And she will pay a terrible price…

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – The Last To Fall – Casey Edwards

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

The AtoZ of EOS_Selene

April 22, 2016 / WriterlySam / 3 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

Meet the Characters

Chloe Moretz as Selene

In the heart of the North Carolina mountains, in the space between ideas and audacity, lies an unremarkable road to an extraordinary place.

Traveling down this path are two young women. One has grown in my shadow. The other escapes my grasp. She and I shall meet soon enough.

The girl with copper curls and sea green eyes stares through the glass, hungry for the rich colors and glaring sun that beckon on the other side. A tempting tapestry of towering trees and sapphire sky pass in a blur. It is Selene’s first venture beyond the stifling walls of the institute that prepared her to meet the world, but not to know her place in it.

She yearns to stop, to step into the foreign land pulsing with life and study its roots. But the mountains were to remain a mystery, for her destination is not the woods themselves. It is the dawn.

A subtle shift in the surroundings pulls Selene closer to the window. The tangled limbs of the wild woods morph into something manageable, their pattern purposeful. A wave of soft blues and emeralds wink along the sides of the road as they pass.

“The lights. Are they…alive?” Selene asks, her eyes widening.

Masako leans into the window, her gaze trained on the glimmering foliage. “They appear to be bioluminescent plants.”

Selene lowers the glass control and stretches her neck out of the window. “Bioluminescent vegetation is not possible in nature,” she calls into the wind.

Masako grins at her reflection in the glass, flickering lights dancing in her dark eyes. “Where we’re headed, anything is possible.”

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – Dominus – Blake Robinson

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

The AtoZ of EOS_Rafael Soñador

April 21, 2016April 21, 2016 / WriterlySam / 4 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

Meet the Characters

Gael García Bernal as Rafael Soñador

“We all have a story that brings us here. Mine began in Mexico, where I lived until I was old enough to attend a university in the US. Here, they taught me how to design and create the structures that crowded my head,” Rafael touches a hand to his temple. “And I taught them how to better wield a guitar.”

Rafael grinned. “I was certain that my greatest accomplishment in life would be these soaring legacies that would long outlive me. But then, I met this woman, this South African queen, who shook my foundation so spectacularly, within a week I promised her the sun and the moon and a better apartment.”

Snickers trickle through the audience.

“We were young, overly optimistic, and driven to make a difference, until we juggled a new bebé. At that point, either of us would’ve traded world peace for a full night’s sleep,” Rafael laughs with the crowd. “We cherished every moment in orbit around our little sun. And, as promised, I built us something much better than an apartment. I have to say, building a home, a familia—that was my greatest joy, my truest legacy.”

Rafael’s smile fades. “But, unlike my architecture, my sun and moon no longer kiss the sky.” He looks into the eyes of those around him, his breath hitched to the sadness buried in his chest, fists balled at his sides. “Ten years ago today, terrorists stormed into our summit and stole the lives of our loved ones, and with them, our hope.”

A hush falls over the audience as they remember the pain and fear that closed their doors and minds for far too long.

Rafael swallows the lump of loss and steps down from the platform to walk into the crowd. “We shared a vision once, you and I. We imagined an optimistic future for our life here on earth.”

Rafael meets the gaze of those near him. “I challenge all of you to conquer the fears that have plagued your past, discard the prejudice that poisons your heart, and turn away from the defeatist apocalyptic force that’s driving us towards oblivion.”

He sees a spark light in the eyes of his fellow dreamers. “We are the architects of tomorrow!” he shouts, shaking his fist. “We must reclaim our right to live in a better world. We must restore the balance between humanity and nature and rebuild respect for one another.”

Rafael waits for the applause to settle and steps back onto the platform to face the crowd. “The structure surrounding you is a tribute to mi amor’s genius, my mija’s vision, and a mad architect’s dream.” He reaches out his hands, palms raised in offering. “Welcome to Viridis.”

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – Sunder – Dylan Jones (feat. William Arnold & Léa Verlin)

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!