DASL Writer's Blog

Solstice has already died once. She’s not afraid to face death head-on, once again.

When girls’ night ends in a melee with a would-be parasitic killer, Solstice goes into action doing the right thing.

After awakening under the protective care of a deceptively intriguing man with the ability to “taste” her every thought. She discovers that the monsters that terrorized her nightmares as a kid are real.

Solstice’s best friend is taken hostage by a ravenous colony of brain-devouring parasites known as Mindstalkers. Fortunately for Solstice, she gets help from a tantalizing ally and a team of agents.

Alexander “AJ” Ward has devoured a brain or two in his past. However, the reformed brain-eater knows his overwhelming cravings for Solstice are more than just skin deep. He’s holding back secrets to protect her. But, their newly established Entangled Bond is making it difficult to keep her safe from his deranged ex-girlfriend and an onslaught of attacks from voracious predators and new enemies.

Solstice and AJ must survive their battles for their fellow agents, their humanity, and ultimately love.

Solstice wants someone who can help her erase the past, while AJ needs someone willing to trust him despite his tumultuous past and accept him as is.

Will Solstice & AJ succeed in keeping their relationship intact while protecting their friends from ravenous predators?

Or will they lose everything, including each other (and their humanity), in the process?

Start Reading Syphons The Prequel & The Novel at Wattpad Now!

Hey Fam,

I’ve been out of pocket since March of 2020. It was a rough year for a lot of individuals. But, hey, stay positive, you got through it! We’re thriving, and surviving that’s always is the goal.

Now, between Gamestop stocks, Bridgerton, and a SuperBowl in Tampa Bay (go Bucs), you’ve probably thought 2021 couldn’t become more fun!

Oh, wait, you haven’t met me yet. 

Allow me to introduce myself, before the pandemic I gave away lots of freebies, including gift cards for Starbucks and Amazon, as well as novels, short stories, and more. Here are just a few of the giveaways below:

I’m planning on doing another giveaway because who doesn’t love a freebie? (I do!)

Starting next week on Friday, February 5th, there will be a brand new giveaway announcement just in time for #SciFiFriday! (Yay!)

You can’t spell novel without l.o.v.e. So, whether you’re booed up or a singleton, you’ll have the opportunity to win, win, win, win, win.

Now, don’t forget to follow, comment, or share this post, either on social (Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter) or just word of mouth! 

Stay Happy, Safe, Healthy, and Awesome,

Ciao!

Solstice Bellatrix gets more than a rum and coke when she decides to meet her best friend out at the Skyline Lounge to catch up. Everything isn't as it seems when she meets a mysterious stranger and a dangerous new threat.

What the hell am I doing here? 

Ice watered down my rum and coke, and Carmen still hadn’t shown up at the Skyline Lounge. Plus, she’s not returning any of my text messages.

Okay, just chill. I thought to myself.

Carmen’s stuck in traffic. Driving in downtown Tampa was a headache during the day, why wouldn’t it be just as terrible at night? One would think God’s waiting room, Florida, would at least have a slow-paced attitude; but that wasn’t the case when it came to driving in the state.

I really needed to be heading home. I had a rough day at work. And Monday would be here before long. The whole bar scene wasn’t my thing. The Skyline rooftop was swanky; white lounge chairs, tall glass tabletop stands, modern décor, sharp angles, clean lines, and 360 views of downtown more than five stories above the street. Tons of young professionals networking or catching up with friends. All except me. I kept my eye on the entrance. Then, used my tiny damp cocktail napkin to dab at the sweat that collected along my throat and the swell of my chest. 

I should’ve stopped home to change into something cooler. I wore an already snug blouse that clung to my chest at this point, thanks to all my sweating, and uncomfortably stretched black work slacks that hugged my hips and thighs and were way too long for me.

It was close to ninety degrees outside around sunset when I first, arrived at the bar, and the temperature only dipped down to eighty-five or so with high humidity. Gotta love a good weather app. 

Carmen blew my phone up earlier that day, hyping me up with promises of catching up after her overseas modeling gig wrapped up. She was my girl. I couldn’t say no to girls’ night. And now I was being stood up. 

She knew I’d do anything for her. Even stand in heels alone at a bar, melting, while drinking overpriced watered-down alcohol.

Just go home. My inner voice told me. You don’t belong here.

Couples leaned in close at tall tables, whispering secrets while gazing at the cityscape. Groups of friends were celebrating loudly near the VIP booths as drinks were poured and downed just as quickly. And I stuck out, but not in a good way.

She gets fifteen more minutes. If Carm’s a no-show; I’m out.

Music livened up my dull, steamy, late evening. 

I wanted to freshen up my drink. Just needed to grab the bartender’s attention. He was on one side of the bar serving a group of guys in business casual work clothes. When the bartender, finally, turned in my direction, I reached out my hand to wave him over but was rudely interrupted.

“Rum and coke, light ice.” A firm male’s voice yelled from beside me. He blatantly stole my bartender’s attention. I glanced over at him, considering whether to confront this guy about his lack of common decency. Assertive was not my middle name. Hiding in a crowd of people to avoid being noticed was more my speed. I gnawed on the inside of my cheeks. Timidity won. I’m as spineless as they came. 

Finish Reading At My Wattpad Story.

My official debut novel, Syphons.

Yes!

The prequel to Syphons is here, honey. And, no worries, it’s free…, (for now)!

If you didn’t know. I self-published my first novel, Syphons almost two years ago.

My sci-fi follows the life of a curvy, not so confident, twenty-something whose past comes back to haunt her in the form of an alien threat that plans on destroying everything she cares about.

If you’re one of my many readers that already grabbed their copy of Syphons, then you’re going to absolutely love this new edition to the Mindstalkers’ family of stories. And, if you have no clue what a Syphon is, then find out by checking out The Prequel and whet your appetite.

I will be posting the Prequel in three separate posts in the next couple of days. Here’s the first installment so far.

Follow my Twitter and Instagram or join my email list to stay up to date for more surprises coming soon.

As always, I appreciate you reading. Stay healthy, happy, and have a great start to 2021!

Photo by lucas law on Unsplash

Syphons is the title of my debut sci-fi novel published in 2019. The story below is a prequel to the events leading up to my novel’s exciting official story. If you’d like to read an excerpt of the novel just click here.

Chapter 1 – Trouble In Da Club

What the hell am I doing here? 

Ice watered down my rum and coke, and Carmen still hadn’t shown up at the Skyline Lounge. Plus, she’s not returning any of my text messages.

Okay, just chill. I thought to myself.

Carmen’s stuck in traffic. Driving in downtown Tampa was a headache during the day, why wouldn’t it be just as terrible at night? One would think God’s waiting room, Florida, would at least have a slow-paced attitude; but that wasn’t the case when it came to driving in the state.

I really needed to be heading home. I had work in the morning. The whole bar scene wasn’t my thing. The Skyline rooftop was swanky; white lounge chairs, tall glass table top stands, modern décor, sharp angles, clean lines, and 360 views of downtown more than five stories above the street. Tons of young professionals networking or catching up with friends. All except me. I kept my eye on the entrance. Then, used my tiny damp cocktail napkin to dab at the sweat that collected along my throat and the swell of my chest. 

I should’ve stopped home to change into something cooler. I wore an already snug blouse that clung to my chest at this point, thanks to all my sweating, and uncomfortably stretched black work slacks that hugged my hips and thighs and were a little to long for me.

It was close to ninety degrees outside around sunset when I first, arrived at the bar, and the temperature only dipped down to eighty-five or so with high humidity. Gotta love a good weather app. 

Carmen blew my phone up earlier that day, hyping me up with promises of catching up after her overseas modeling gig wrapped up. She was my girl. I couldn’t say no to girls’ night. And now I was being stood up. 

She knew I’d do anything for her. Even stand in heels alone at a bar, melting, while drinking overpriced watered-down alcohol.

Just go home. My inner voice told me. You don’t belong here.

Couples leaned in close at tall tables, whispering secrets while gazing at the cityscape. Groups of friends were celebrating loudly near the VIP booths as drinks were poured and downed just as quickly. And I stuck out, but not in a good way.

She gets fifteen more minutes. If Carm’s a no show; I’m out.

Music livened up my dull, steamy, late evening. 

I wanted to freshen up my drink. Just needed to grab the bartender’s attention. He was on one side of the bar serving a group of guys in business casual work clothes. When the bartender, finally, turned in my direction, I reached out my hand to wave him over but was rudely interrupted.

“Rum and coke, light ice.” A firm male’s voice yelled from beside me. He blatantly stole my bartender’s attention. I glanced over at him, considering whether to confront this guy about his lack of common decency. Assertive was not my middle name. Hiding in a crowd of people to avoid being noticed was more my speed. I gnawed on the inside of my cheeks. Timidity won. I’m as spineless as they came. 

“Here’s your drink, sir,” The bartender said. 

I parted my lips to place my order next.

“It’s hers.” The barfly said without looking in my general direction. Then, he set a crumbled fifty on the bar for the bartender as he served me the drink. “Keep the difference.”

I was speechless. 

“Your drink, Miss,” The bartender set the cup down and grinned at the patron as he snatched up the generous tip.

“Um, thanks,” I managed to say once I realized what was happening.

“You didn’t have to…” I started.

“I don’t drink much. Especially when, I’m on the clock.” The guy was dressed in all black. A tight black tee that stretched across toned arms, muscular chests, and tucked into a pair of dark jeans that cinched his flat waist. I raised my eyes briefly to meet his piercing golden gaze. 

“Still, it’s appreciated,” I said in a soft tone. “Not really sure how you knew what I was drinking, however.”

“Lucky guess,” He said and shrugged. 

For some odd reason, a vision of my grandmother popped into my head, like a forewarning telling me not to accept the kind gesture. I hesitated before taking a sip. 

“It’s not going to bite you.” The man said. His deep golden gaze lingered on me thoughtfully. He frowned for a moment. 

I took a brief sip before lowering the cup. 

“You should call it a night. Let your friend know you’re leaving, now.” He said a matter-of-factly before glancing over his shoulder and then he pushed away from the bar. “I don’t want you caught up in a frenzy, later.”

He brushed past me; his arm just barely grazed against my elbow. The act sent chills running down my spine.

I hesitated briefly, before turning to ask him, “What do you mean by a frenzy?” 

As soon as I asked the question, he was ghost. Odd, there wasn’t a place to lurk anywhere near me and I didn’t even grab his name. Who buys a drink for a random stranger, warns them to leave, and then vanish in thin air?

That guy’s right, though.

Carmen was so on her own tonight. She ditched me plain and simple. This is not how friends treat their long-time besties since high school.

I clutched the strap of my purse and tightened the grip on my drink. Releasing any hope she might show up.

As soon as I get to my car, I’m going to start spazzing out wondering why she made me go through all of this. I planned to sulk while blasting a Panic at the Disco ballad or maybe a classic My Chemical Romance tune.

No, that person wasn’t me anymore. I’m not the faceless outcast that hid from her own shadow. I’m a grown woman. My stubborn curves proved it to me at least. Still, I hated being discarded by someone I cared about.

Then again, I’m used to being rejected, all on my own. I’ve lived on my own ever since I can high school ended. We’re born alone and we die alone, I reminded myself. That’s me. I’m dying alone.

I raised my drink to my lips. A new, oddball of a stranger snuck up out of the corner of my line of vision. He seemed shifty, not really making eye contact with me, but I felt his presence. He was following me.

I took self-defense classes in a past life and learned the best way to stop a potential creep was to do one of two things: 1) act crazy or 2) call them out on their crap.

“What do you want? You lost or something?” I said, incredulously.

I wondered if this guy was friends with the one who bought me a drink at the bar, was I being set-up? Felt like it.

“I see you’ve got a drink, there. Looks weak. Want something a little stronger?” The guy moved aggressively fast. Long legs, brisk strides, and his slender snake-like body slithered towards me. He got so close to my face, I felt his hot breath on me, and immediately, I doubled back.

“Get lost!” I growled.

“You’re the one all alone here, piglet.” His voice was acidic as he spoke and prowled ever closer. “The only lost one I see here is you, Solstice Bellatrix.”

My face fell and I grasped my drink.

“Screw you, dude. Get out of my face!” I made my voice as sharp and harsh as possible. Hopefully, someone, anyone could see what was going on right now. Unless they were oblivious. I remembered the guy’s warning from earlier. My stomach tied into knots.

A smirk quirked on the corner of his lips. He lunged at me. I doubled back again and threw my drink in his face, then threw the cup down.

“Back off!” I fumed.

Clutching my purse tighter, I raced away from him. Mr. Stalker grasped my arm tightly, and a blow to the side of my face sent piercing white heat scorching my skin. 

The only problem about the strike, I never saw him lift a fist. And, the agony lingered, but I couldn’t move. My breathing caught as he grasped my throat with spindly claw-like fingers.

A menacing inhuman glow illuminated his irises, and they seemed to swallow me whole. 

“You taste even better than you look.” His voice didn’t belong to a human at all. “Fear never tasted so good!”

Chapter 2 Coming Soon…

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Photo by Kate Kalvach on Unsplash

I did not share my Covid-19 story with the masses on my blog last year. For one thing, I expected that the media did more than enough. I only come forward to share my truth as a form of therapy.

For over a year and a half, I was in an abusive relationship. I kept it to myself and wore a fake face. As long as I was abused, but brought home a paycheck. It didn’t matter.

So, I decided to share it with my favorite leaders.

Don’t worry though it wasn’t a man (or woman) abusing me in the safety of my home. But, I did have moments when my abusive father came to the forefront of my memories. And I remembered his evil tactics; gaslighting, verbal threats, unsafe masculine behavior. I had more of that behavior last year. And, so my writing, my blogging became neglected.

There were moments when I considered running away never to be heard from again. But, family obligations and the Pandemic thwarted my escape.

As someone who loves recent, it took me around late December to start writing again. I am not sure where to publish my new novels, about six of them a series. But, it felt good letting go of the past by writing.

How do you deal with negativity in life to continue your writing career? 

Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash

I am about to be more honest than individuals running for the White Office.

I haven’t written a single thing since Covid-19. Unlike most Americans, I worked in an office face-to-face surrounded by co-workers who did not believe it was a big deal. So, I just remained quiet and kept working despite the circumstances.

Instead I channeled all my energy in writing. I delve deep into personal trauma. Every year I plan to move out of Florida. But, every year something comes up. It’s almost as if this state is a vortex and my body is trapped here with metal shackles.

Anyway, for the last month I ‘ve been looking for work elsewhere and trying to keep my mental health in check.

As a single female, I have tons of distractions: Such as anime, reading, and studying for IT classes which I have yet to pass.

I don’t see the virus coming to an end anytime soon. I think it’s going to continue to spread and wreak havoc until the end of 2021.

This introvert is okay with working from home for now. I plan to get back into writing and books too. I think that’s the only thing that his kept me sane during the pandemic.

Well, enough about me, I hope you and your families are healthy. I want you to know you are cared about tremendously and do not let the crazies of this world ruin your joy.

Chao!

Picnic Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

Main characters gotta eat, just like you and me. So, I thought it would be awesome to share some of my main characters’ favorite meals even if they’re not mentioned in the novel, they would be definitely something my characters would love to partake in.

Solstice Bellatrix (Lead Character)

Pad Thai or (Anything that can be microwaved.) Solstice had to grow up fast and fend for herself and that meant making a lot of TV Dinners.

When she became an adult and discovered that there’s something that tastes even better than boxed mac & cheese. She fell in love with Pad Thai. And, the best thing is she can eat it at lunch and then take home the leftovers for dinner.

Alexander Ward

He’s a telepath who enjoys the finer things in life. And, he has a thing for cooking. But, he has a secret sweet tooth side even though he tries to be sophisticated with his choice of food.

AJ’s favorite thing to indulge in is a molten lava chocolate cake and he enjoys pairing said cake with a cup of espresso.

Bailey Mateo

He’s a big guy who knows how to clean his plate. He doesn’t have time for finger sandwiches. He prefers a big juicy burger or his all-time favorite a true Italian Meatball sub and not the franchised stuff.

Dalton Crest

When he isn’t devouring human brains. He’d prefer to drink his meals with a green shake with a healthy helping of protein.

Carmen Rodriguez

Before her relationship with Solstice became muddled. The girls would go out for sushi. And, Carmen loves sashimi of various varieties.

Geniva Marx

This villain of a Queen is going to go straight for the kill and enjoys grilled orange-glazed salmon with a side salad. But, for dessert, she might help herself to one of the brains of her minions.

Free preview here.

[image error]Picnic Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

Main characters gotta eat, just like you and me. So, I thought it would be awesome to share some of my main characters’ favorite meals even if they’re not mentioned in the novel, they would be definitely something my characters would love to partake in.

Solstice Bellatrix (Lead Character)

Pad Thai or (Anything that can be microwaved.) Solstice had to grow up fast and fend for herself and that meant making a lot of TV Dinners.

When she became an adult and discovered that there’s something that tastes even better than boxed mac & cheese. She fell in love with Pad Thai. And, the best thing is she can eat it at lunch and then take home the leftovers for dinner.

Alexander Ward

He’s a telepath who enjoys the finer things in life. And, he has a thing for cooking. But, he has a secret sweet tooth side even though he tries to be sophisticated with his choice of food.

AJ’s favorite thing to indulge in is a molten lava chocolate cake and he enjoys pairing said cake with a cup of espresso.

Bailey Mateo

He’s a big guy who knows how to clean his plate. He doesn’t have time for finger sandwiches. He prefers a big juicy burger or his all-time favorite a true Italian Meatball sub and not the franchised stuff.

Dalton Crest

When he isn’t devouring human brains. He’d prefer to drink his meals with a green shake with a healthy helping of protein.

Carmen Rodriguez

Before her relationship with Solstice became muddled. The girls would go out for sushi. And, Carmen loves sashimi of various varieties.

Geniva Marx

This villain of a Queen is going to go straight for the kill and enjoys grilled orange-glazed salmon with a side salad. But, for dessert, she might help herself to one of the brains of her minions.

[image error]Free preview here.

Guy reading by lake Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

I thought writing all of my thoughts down every single day either in a journal or a Medium.com article would be therapeutic.

And, it is when I really need to vent.

But, some days I need a break from writing, otherwise, it stresses me out and I burn out.

I still have a full-time job.

Health-issues that are kicking my butt.

And, unfortunately, I haven’t quite sold a million Amazon e-books (Don’t worry, I’m only 999,990 books short of my goal XD).

So, what do I do instead of worry about writing, not writing, or doing something to promote my writing?

Here are a few things I enjoy:

Driving to the beach, sitting in my car, staring at the sunset.Watch a really sick anime (usually to give me inspiration for future plot ideas).Learn how to code and design my own websites from scratch.Catch-up on sleep. I’m a night owl who works in the day. So, I’m almost always tired.Take showers and spray lavender on my bed before bedtime, and then crack open a good non-fiction story.

What are some things you enjoy doing when you’re trying not to worry about writing?