Please welcome author Donna Steele, who shares some exciting news!
Thanks so much, Nancy for having me here today! I am so excited. The first book in my Melting series – The
Infection – is coming out June 3. This is a story very close to my
heart and I've loved writing it. The first book would be considered science
fiction but the story morphs into paranormal as the series progresses. I've
played with this idea for ages, years even and getting to share it finally is a
dream come true.
A little morbid maybe, but I've always loved those stories
of the end of the world and the day after – The
Hammer of God by Larry Niven, On the
Beach by Nevil Shute and of course The
Stand by Stephen King. I love the way the characters cope and move on (or
don't as the case may be). I also love to incorporate green and sustainability
into my stories, and I was able to do both here.
I'll be giving an ARC to one lucky commenter today.
David and Amanda feel like old friends now and I enjoy
visiting with them. Book two is completed and will be sent off shortly, and three
is well underway. Thought I'd share an excerpt with you today –
Book 1 -
Amanda was late again. She really needed
to work on her time management skills. She slipped her key into David's door to
let herself in. His car sat out front but he was often in the shower when she
arrived, which saved them both a lot of time in getting naked. She wanted to
laugh at the wicked grin she could feel on her face.
He was at the door before she could open
it fully and he did not look happy. In fact, he looked upset and could there be
a little fear? "David?"
"Could I meet you—" David began
but a female voice interrupted.
"You're not going to let your little
friend in?"
Amanda heard the uber-confident female
voice. Was this the famous Phyllis? It had to be for him to look this
uncomfortable. She and David had not talked about Phyllis after the first time
they'd been together. David had obviously not wanted to discuss her. Amanda
knew instinctively this was the woman she had not sent any thank you note.
David closed his eyes, but opened them at
the feel on her hand on his. "It's okay. I want to meet her."
He seemed to attempt to relax and took a
deep look into her eyes, then he stepped back.
Amanda moved forward before the other
woman could, her hand out. "Hello, I'm Amanda Sutton." Ah, it was the brunette from
the cocktail party.
"Phyllis Lawrence, an old friend of
David's." She shook Amanda's hand firmly, eyeing her. There seemed to be a
look of recognition in her eyes. She obviously noted when Amanda lay her purse
casually on the table in a familiar manner.
"Please, why don't we all sit
down?" Amanda moved to the couch, acting as hostess and saw David quickly
assume a bland expression, though his eyes were smiling. "Would you like
something to drink?" She offered to Phyllis.
The woman seemed unhappy with her. Amanda
was a little surprised herself at her chutzpah. But it felt good and right. She
and David were together, more together than anyone had ever been in her life.
David had her back and Phyllis seemed more than a little uncertain at the way
things were moving.
Reluctantly Phyllis took a seat in the
chair as David perched on the arm of the couch, beside and above Amanda.
Phyllis's eyes narrowed.
Amanda waited. One thing she had learned
from her father was the power of silence. Women didn't like it and tried to
fill it up. As his "son" she had done her best to emulate that kind
of thing. It seemed to be working.
Phyllis finally spoke, though her
annoyance at being the one to break the silence obviously bothered her.
"How long have you two been seeing each other? I haven't heard David
mention you."
"A little while. We met at some dull
function on campus and escaped together." She smiled up at him and his
hand lightly squeezed her shoulder.
"Have you known David long?" One
of those
conversations, so Amanda might as well jump on in. She already knew the answer.
"Yes. We've been friends for years. He
was only a lecturer when we met."
Amanda smiled. "A lot of things have
changed. Tenure and full professorship."
Phyllis's smile diminished, she'd heard
what had really been said. "Well, I guess I need to be on my way. I only
stopped by to see if David was free for an art show tonight."
David, already rising to get the door,
spoke. "Sorry. I'm sure it would have been fun, but we do have
plans," Amanda smiled and allowed the other woman to stand above her. The
looming didn't bother Amanda at all. She saw clearly when Phyllis noted her
easy confidence.
"Well, it was good seeing you."
Phyllis gave David's cheek a quick kiss and she left the apartment.
With what looked like disgust on his face,
David shut the door and joined her on the couch, his head hanging. Amanda wiped
the bright red lipstick from his cheek and he followed suit, to ensure every
bit of the color was totally obliterated.
Even though Donna's book isn't coming out until June, you can get a taste of her wonderful writing by downloading her other books. i just finished reading Wraith's Heart. I didn't think a ghost story could bring me to tears, but this was awesome!-Nancy Lee
More about Donna Steele
Women strong enough for love.
I write science fiction , paranormal and women’s fiction romance
eBooks about women coming into their
strength and having the courage to
find and accept love. As an empty nester with my beloved best friend and husband (who
actually encourages this mad passion of mine) I write all the time –
whether or not I have a pen or keyboard handy.
Ever since I learned to read—from Superman Comics, Dick,
Jane and Sally held no appeal—I’ve wanted to write. The possibilities of
science fiction have always drawn me and I’ve read them all. There
just needed to be a little more romance in them. I finally got up the
courage and I’m delighted that I’m able to share these stories with you.
You can find a listing of all my books HERE
Keep in touch with Donna:
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER:
BN100!
Leave your contact info, as well, so we can reach our winner!
