Sample from The Life of Ants, The Hybrid

Sample from The Life of Ants, the Hybrid, by Ernie Howard

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“It is time to go Dear One. The future of this planet depends on you and some others just like you. It is time to learn new things, but things you need to learn cannot happen on this planet.” The Orb’s voice inside Emma’s head sounded excited and almost happy. “You must go where we took your father.” A picture of an old train car popped into Emma’s head. She knew instantly how to get to it. “You have to leave tonight. There is no time to waste. You must find your protector. You must help save this planet.” The Orb winked out and was gone like it had never been there in the first place.

Emma got up from her bed and went to her desk. She would have to leave as soon as possible. Her dad would no doubt try to bring up some food for her, and if that happened all would be lost. She had to remember that her parents didn’t know what was best for them. For her as well. She started to write a letter. It would be dark soon.

When she was done with the letter, she grabbed her school backpack and emptied the contents of the bag onto her bed. She wouldn’t need paper and pencils where she was going. She threw in some clothes, and a bottle of water that had been sitting on her nightstand for a week. Emma checked her pockets to see that her three dollars that her mom had given her for lunch this morning were still there. She had faith that she wouldn’t need it. The Orb had told her about her protector.

Read the life of ants, the hybrid here

Sample of Nurse Doe, A Night portals Short Story

Sample from Nurse Doe, A Night Portals Short Story

“They won’t be back for…” She stopped and looked at her wrist. A digital clock appeared on her skin, making Jeff intake a sharp breath. He’d never seen anything like it before. It pulsed the time just under her skin. “Exactly one hour and twelve minutes and nineteen seconds from now.” The nurse looked up at Jeff and smiled making him feel soft all over his body.

“Who are you? What did you do to Steven?”

The nurse put her hand up as if she were warding off bad spells. “I’m Madison.” She said.

The woman had stopped Jeff in his tracks, and it made him fall even more madly in love with her. “My names…”

“Jeff Proctor. You are thirty-seven years old. You used to be a carpenter, but you got sick. You enjoy good books and your dog, and both of your parents passed away two years ago. Your mom two months after your dad. Your sister is your best friend, and if you don’t close your mouth right now your tongue is going to get really dry.” Madison laughed.

Jeff closed his mouth and smiled. “Wow. How do you know all of that?” Normally he would have been creeped out, but he liked that she knew all those things about him.

“I know many more things about you, Jeff. The other thing I know is that you have Pancreatic Cancer. And that it is basically uncurable in this time and place. That’s why the next thing I’m going to tell you is going to hurt so much.” Madison looked sad and she averted her eyes from Jeff’s. “I mean if you were on the list…” She patted the bed next to Jeff’s knee.

Read the rest of Nurse Doe Here

Read all the Night Portals Stories here

The First Paragraph

This is the first paragraph of my latest. Have a look at Melody 8. Remember that this is unedited.

My mother used to sing to me when I was scared at night. When shadows, in corners turned into drooling creatures who wanted to eat me. When the wind wasn’t just benign air, but a drooling demon bent on eating my soul, and my body, bit by sweet bit. I’d lay my head on her chest to feel the vibration of her singing. The song would come out in low tones and hurried breaths, and just slightly off-key. I always thought my mother’s inability to hold a perfect tune made the song better. It was as if mom had put her own touch on the song she’d chosen to sing. Her voice made pleasing chills go down my spine, and make my skin turn to goose pimples. I’d burrow deeper into the blankets smiling into my pillow. Mama would end the song and ask if I wanted to hear another one. If I was asleep she would plant a kiss on my head. The moisture and the soft smack of my mother’s lips would wake me up just enough to see her walking out of my room. Most times I wasn’t asleep, and I’d answer with a muffled yes that came deep from my pillows and blankets. Mama would answer with the same response every time. “Okay smart one.” I never knew why she called me this, and it’s funny to look back now and realize, I’d never asked her why she called me smart one.

I loved the sound of my mother’s voice. All the way up to the day she was put to death because of it.

Get Melody 8

If I had my way…

My over blown Christmas list.

If I had my way, my holiday wish list would consist of books, and book related things. I would also have a huge dusty library complete with moving wall ladder, and leather club chairs. I don’t think old St. Nick is going to be able to fit that one in his sleigh. So… It’s back to fantasy for me. I have narrowed it down to my five top book related picks for Christmas. These happen to be mine so if you disagree that’s fine, diversity in taste is key for a more rounded human experience.

Number one: Leonardo Da Vinci, by Walter Isaacson

This is one that I can actually scratch off this list. I purchased this book the other day, and I am enjoying it so much I wanted to share it with you. Walter Isaacson is a master Biographer. In the years prior he’s written about Steve Jobs to Benjamin Franklin and many others. Isaacson delivers a story in this one, not just a history lesson. I recommend it to people who want to be inspired.

Number two:

The entire catalog of Tales from the Canyons of the Damned, by Daniel Arthur Smith and Various Authors

These books contain some of the best stories written by some of the best indies today. If you are looking for quick bite-sized thrills and chills go no further than these books.

Number three:

The New Kindle oasis E-reader

I said at the start of this post that it would be book related things as well. This new Kindle looks amazing, and it’s waterproof. But I do have to say that when your kindle is six years old, any newer Kindle looks amazing.

Number Four:

A Glass doored bookshelf

Atlantic Glass Door Cab Espresso

This is the start of that library I talked about at the beginning of this post. I would have to say the biggest problem for any book lover is space, whether you’re talking electronically or wood space.

Number Five:

A comfortable reading chair

Abbyson Beverly Hand Rubbed Leather Armchair

One of the most overlooked reading items. A good chair can enhance your reading experience in monumental ways. And it looks nice and supports your bum.

There is my list. Hey! A boy can dream, right? Hope your reading Sonja, I mean Santa. Happy Holidays!

Find my books on Amazon

Free Books for 08/24/17

Hello there my friends, tis I, your faithful author and free book finder Ernie Howard. I trust that you have been well dear reader, and you have not gone without a good book. If so, I am here to replenish your bibliophile delights. So I will shut my mouth, and open the door to a free book extravaganza!

A little Crime Fiction

A Journal of Sin, by Darryl Donaghue

Find more books by this author HERE

An Epic fantasy romance

A Soul For Trouble, by Crista Mchugh

Find more books by the author HERE

A Metaphysical Science Fiction Boxed Set

Contamination Boxed Set, by T.W. Piperbrook

Find more books by the author HERE

Zombies!!!

Origins, by Kristen Middleton

Find more books by the author HERE

And a fellow author Friends Paranormal masterpiece

Dissension, by Katie Salidas

Find more books by the author HERE

So that should tied you over for a day or two. Feel free to join my newsletter, or friend me on Facebook, and we can talk books. As always you can find my books on Amazon. Happy Reading my friends!

99cent to $1.99 books for 08/04/17

Book deals for 08/04/17

Here are five 99 cent, and 1.99 deals I have seen on my wanderings around Amazon. They are genres, and books I would read. I you have any genres you would like for me to post about, let me know. Get a hold of me through my newsletter here. Without further ado here are my book deal picks for August 4th, 2017.